Latest on the Bankruptcy Blog

It is ultimately the consumer’s responsibility to know their rights and obligations when using any banking product or service. Everyone knows to “read the fine print,” yet that’s exactly what people fail to do, blindly walking the path of financial ruin. Foreclosures, credit card negotiations and short sales are often the result of years of  … Read more

You know that the prime-lending rate, at the moment, is at a historical low. People are calling you everyday with outstanding refinancing options. Why shouldn’t you refinance? Refinancing means more money, right? Right. Sort of. Refinancing to pay off revolving debt If you are looking at refinancing to pay off revolving debt, refinancing is an  … Read more

For homeowners that are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payment, refinancing has provided some much needed financial relief. Applying for a new loan with a lower interest rate through a refinancing option can lower the interest rate on the loan. A lower interest rate reduces the overall monthly mortgage payment, freeing up some  … Read more

An all too familiar scenario for many Americans is having credit card debt that becomes increasingly unwieldy. Negotiation for lower rates with credit card companies is possible, but which route should one take? On the one hand, the borrower can play good cop. Good cop, Bad Cop If you elect to sweet talk your creditor  … Read more

The all-important credit score is a record of your borrower past and determines your credit future. It tells your lending institution that you make your payments on time and how you borrowed and spent in the past. For many people, the credit scoring process is inscrutable and they are surprised when they are turned down  … Read more

The record breaking temperatures and continued drought conditions are increasing the heat in our pockets as well as the outdoors. Triple digit temperatures have begun to put pressure on regional farmers and ranch owners. With virtually no rain for nearly three months, land owners are beginning to feel the financial pressure. Lost Profits During already  … Read more

The first banks did something fairly novel and simple: they provided loans. If you were a startup merchant and you wanted to make your fortune, you would go to a lending house for the money to supply your ships with the provisions needed to get to Africa, Italy or India. Of course, you would have  … Read more

When overburdened by debt, it is easy to begin to feel hopeless and stuck. Many money savvy people take on too much debt and may even get behind in their payments.  It is not uncommon for even the most financially sound individual to fall on hard times in this economy, leaving them without the ability  … Read more

It’s one of the most recognizable quotes in pop culture: “help control the pet population, have your pet spayed or neutered”, as requested by former TV game show host Bob Barker. It comes as no surprise that Barker loves animals and is a long-time supporter of animal rights groups. He also has donated a substantial  … Read more

Don’t expect miracles from the credit card industry this year. For those borrowers looking to enter into credit card negotiations, creditors are racked with misgiving about consumer spending and revolving debt behavior. Furthermore, a confluence of factors in the financial world– new federal regulations, checked consumer spending and an inconsistent but improved economy–have credit card  … Read more