As a consumer, you have a number of rights that may help you retain control and confidence in the face of considerable debt. Among these are the protections you enjoy under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which seeks to promote fair and accurate practices within credit bureaus. If you find that some party or another violates your rights, you…
For millions of Americans, the skyrocketing costs of medical care make the prospect of recovering from a serious illness or significant injury devastating to a patient’s finances, even if the medical care itself is effective. The sad facts of the matter are that many Americans now must weigh whether they can afford the treatment that is available, no matter how…
Few things may be as intimidating as dealing with overwhelming financial concerns. Along with the monetary ramifications of similar issues, the burdens of debt could also have an impact on your health, as high levels of stress could prove physically and emotionally harmful. With the importance you likely place on both your health and financial future, you may have decided…
When a debtor files for debt reorganization under Chapter 13, he or she hopes to create a repayment plan that a court approves in order to pay off debt and get back on track financially. Once the court approves the plan, however, it is absolutely essential for the debtor to follow the plan if at all possible. If the debtor…
As a consumer, it is always wise to understand the rights you have under the law, especially when it comes to carrying consumer debt. As a consumer accrues debt, he or she may find that creditors and debt collectors are surprisingly willing to violate a consumer’s rights in order to collect repayment. Many instances of this type of behavior are…
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) exists to help ensure that consumer debtors do not suffer unfair treatment at the hands of debt collectors. Under the FDCPA, a person contacting a debtor to collect a debt must follow certain guidelines and avoid certain debt collection tactics. It is important to note that the FDCPA applies primarily to third party…
Regardless of whether you live in Ohio or some other state, the ebb and flow of the nation’s economy likely impacts your personal financial situation. Many other factors also play into your current financial status, which may change as quickly as the weather if unforeseen circumstances arise. For instance, you might change jobs and incur a reduction of income. You…
When a debtor qualifies for a Chapter 13 debt reorganization, they may enjoy many protections through the bankruptcy. These include shelter from collections tactics. Unlike a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which requires a debtor to forfeit their property to obtain a debt discharge, Chapter 13 allows debtors with sufficient income to repay all or a portion of their debt without forfeiting…
Millions of Americans currently live paycheck to paycheck. They may be one small disaster away from living on the streets. If you are one of the many Ohio residents who is struggling financially, you have likely looked into the various debt relief options available to you. You might even be confused about some of them — particularly bankruptcy. There is…
When a person faces foreclosure, it is very easy to make a serious financial blunder because of the enormous personal and financial pressures that accompany the foreclosure process. In desperation, many individuals find hope in the offerings of disreputable businesses that scam homeowners already in a dire situation. It is important to know the warning signs of a foreclosure scam…