In debt and don't see a way out? Maybe change your thinking…

Many people who are in debt don't think clearly about it. How do I know that? (more…)

Thinking of filing bankruptcy? Don't do these 7 things.

If you're thinking of filing bankruptcy, here are some things you might be tempted to do that might turn out to be a very bad idea.

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I paid back my mother money I owed her, and now I need to file bankruptcy.

I've been running up a lot of debt and can't pay it back. I wanted to make sure I paid my mother the money she loaned me, so I paid her back. Now I want to file bankruptcy to get rid of my other debts.

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Debt settlement for you? Be very afraid.

Are you struggling with debt and considering a "debt settlement" company? (more…)

Are you paying off credit cards with your retirement funds or home equity?

If you're paying off credit card balances using money you've taken from your retirement account or received from a home equity loan, you're entering dangerous (financial) territory. Let's take a look at this. (more…)

Considering bankruptcy? Here be Dragons…

"Here be Dragons" is a phrase that was supposedly placed on old maps at the edges of the known world. In fact, that may not have happened but let's not let reality get in the way of a good phrase.

What does "Here be Dragons" have to do with bankruptcy? (more…)

Can you afford to keep paying on your credit cards?

If you're paying the minimum payments on your credit cards each month and have no money left over, barely scraping by, you may be short-changing yourself and your family. See if the money you spend each month paying on your credit cards causes you to be in one or more of the following situations. (more…)

Are you too proud to consider bankruptcy?

For many people, filing bankruptcy would be embarrassing. I know because I've heard that many times. After all, most of us were taught that good people pay their debts and bad people don't, or something similar. So what are we supposed to do when our debt gets to the point that making debt payments prevents us from providing for ourselves and our families? (more…)

Can I pay my mother what I owe her before I file bankruptcy?

I've borrowed money from my mother. I want to make sure she gets paid back before I file bankruptcy. (more…)

Think the trustee in your bankruptcy won't find that boat?

Do you have a thought that you might not report something you own in your bankruptcy filing? After all, how is the trustee going to find out? Before you actually do something like that, let me count the ways the trustee might find out. (more…)

Think the trustee in your bankruptcy won't find that boat?

Be careful! Don't have money where you owe money.

If you have money deposited where you also owe money, you might find that your deposited money is gone. (more…)

You just negotiated a $10,000 debt down to $2,000!

You just negotiated a $10,000 debt down to $2,000. Isn't that great? (more…)

Can't I just transfer the title of my car to my sister?

I've heard that question, or one like it, many times. (more…)

Save your assets! Don't wait too long.

Most bankruptcy attorneys will tell you that the most frequent mistake clients make is to wait too long to file bankruptcy. There's a natural reluctance to consider and file bankruptcy, and in that "delay" period people in serious financial trouble often do some of the following things. (more…)

I just filed bankruptcy. Where's my money???

If you're considering filing bankruptcy, there is a series of traps that may be ready to spring and catch you; actually, catch your money. (more…)