Archive for the ‘Client Help’ Category

How To Use Credit Cards Properly When Bankruptcy Is On Your Mind

Sunday, June 24th, 2012

Anyone who has considered filing for personal bankruptcy in can attest to the uncertainty and fear the very idea of the process can cause. This does not need to be the case, however, because by gaining a bit of knowledge about bankruptcy, it is possible to sort through the worry and see the truth. By applying these tips to your own financial situation, you can determine whether bankruptcy represents a smart way to get a fresh start. Finding qualified Santa Ana bankruptcy lawyers can be a critical first step.

Credit Cards

As tempting as it may be, do not run up credit cards right before filing for bankruptcy. Many times, people purchase expensive items, like jewelry, appliances and furniture right before they know they are going to file for bankruptcy. Most of the time, they are still going to be responsible for paying back this debt.

Make sure you have a solid understanding of which debts can be eliminated by bankruptcy, and which ones cannot. Debts like student loans, child support or alimony payments, and taxes, are generally not discharged through bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can help if your wages are being garnished or if you have large unsecured debts, like, credit cards and utility bills. Contact a qualified Riverside bankruptcy attorney today.

If you are trying to rebuild credit after filing for bankruptcy, you should apply for secured credit cards. These can help you establish credit, but you have to make sure that they are one of the companies that report to the major credit bureaus, since all of them do not.

Do not assume that you must cancel all your credit cards when filing bankruptcy. In fact, many card companies will contact you to discuss keeping the account active. In these cases, you would be asked to resign an agreement. This agreement means that any debt is kept outside of the bankruptcy filings. Make sure your balance is not a large enough amount to cause you continued financial trouble post-bankruptcy.

Don’t charge up your credit cards knowing you are going to file bankruptcy, if you have already started the process or made recent purchases for luxury items. While this type of purchasing is still part of your “˜debt,’ it is likely that you’ll still be responsible for repaying the money for those items. In most cases, what you are attempting to do is obvious.

Bankruptcy filing is a topic shrouded in mystery and embarrassment for many. This is an unfortunate thing because the fact is that the process can be extremely helpful for those facing serious financial distress. Take the guidance and information in this piece to heart. It is possible to learn if bankruptcy might be the right financial solution for you.

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Get A Credit Card Based On Your Needs

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Many people say that selecting the right credit card is a difficult and laborious endeavor. However, it is much easier to pick the right credit card if you are equipped with the right advice and information. This article provides several tips to help you make the right credit card decision. If it’s too late and you are in too deep, our Riverside bankruptcy attorney can help.

Shop around for different credit cards. Interest rates and other terms tend to vary greatly. There are also various types of cards, such as cards that are secured which require a deposit to cover charges that are made. Make sure you know what kind of card you are signing up for, and what you’re being offered.

It is good practice to check your credit card transactions with your online account to make sure they match up correctly. You do not want to be charged for something you didn’t buy. This is also a great way to check for identity theft or if your card is being used without your knowledge.

If your credit history is bad, or you have no credit history, consider applying for a secured credit card account. These accounts have limits, and are often linked to the person’s bank account to guarantee card payments. Prompt payments on your balance look excellent on your credit record and will improve or establish credit.

Always pay your credit card bill on time. Paying credit card bills late, can result in additional charges on your next bill, such as late fees and interest charges. In addition to this, late payments can adversely affect your credit score. This can negatively affect your ability to make purchases, and receive loans in the future.

To make the best decision regarding the best credit card for you, compare what the interest rate is amongst several credit card options. If a card has a high interest rate, it means that you will pay a higher interest expense on your card’s unpaid balance, which can be a real burden on your wallet.

When it is time to make monthly payments on your credit cards, be sure that you pay more than the minimum amount that you are required to pay. If you only pay the small amount required, it will take you longer to pay your debts off and the interest will be steadily increasing.

As was discussed earlier in this article, many people complain that it is difficult for them to select a suitable credit card based on their needs and interests. If you know what information to look for and how to compare cards, picking the right one is a lot easier than it seems. Use this article’s advice and you will choose a great credit card, based on your needs.

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Credit Card Tips And Tricks To Stay Safe

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

One of the most useful forms of payment available is the credit card. A credit card can get you out of some pretty sticky situations, but it can also get you into some, as well, if not used correctly. If you need the help of a qualified Santa Ana bankruptcy attorney, be sure to contact us today. Learn how to avoid the bad situations with the following tips.

A lot of banks no longer issue secured credit cards, but it is common to find them being offered through credit unions. If you would like to sign up for a secured credit card, you can open an account with a credit union and take advantage of whatever cards they offer.

Be dubious of zero percent teaser rates. The grace periods where these take place can lead you into the trap of being overly confident and spending too much. Know what the go-to rate is going to be and when it kicks in. Have some idea what your likely balance will be at that date.

Learn how to manage your credit card online. Most credit card companies now have online resources where you can oversee your daily credit actions. These resources give you more power than you have ever had before over your credit, including, knowing very quickly, whether your identity has been compromised.

An important thing to remember when using credit cards is to do whatever is necessary to avoid going over your specified credit limit. By making certain that you always remain within your allowable credit, you can avoid costly fees that card issuers frequently assess and guarantee that your account always remains in good standing.

Keep track of how much money you are spending when using a credit card. Small, incidental purchases can add up quickly, and it is important to know how much you have spend on them, so you can understand how much you owe. You can keep track with a check register, spreadsheet program, or even with an online option offered by many credit card companies.

It is good practice to check your credit card transactions with your online account to make sure they match up correctly. You do not want to be charged for something you didn’t buy. This is also a great way to check for identity theft or if your card is being used without your knowledge.

Double-check the terms of a 0% APR offer before using it. It is common to transfer balances from higher-interest cards onto these new cards, in order to minimize interest. However, the 0% rate does not always apply to balance transfers. If you overlook this fact, transferring your debt will be a waste of time.

When you are making a purchase with your credit card you, make sure that you check the receipt amount. Refuse to sign it if it is incorrect. Many people sign things too quickly, and then they realize that the charges are incorrect. It causes a lot of hassle.

It may seem unnecessary to many people, but be sure to save receipts for the purchases that you make on your credit card. Take the time each month to be sure that the receipts match up to your credit card statement. It will help you manage your charges, as well as, help you catch unjust charges.

Be extremely careful when using a credit card to get cash advances. Cash advances usually carry a higher interest rate and the interest starts accruing the day you get the cash. That means you won’t have the interest-free grace period you get on your normal balances before they are due each month.

Bankruptcy

If you have gotten in over your head with credit, and have no idea how you will pay back your debt, don’t give up just yet. Many companies now have hardship programs which you can enter, that will lower your interest, set you up on a payment plan you can afford, and save you the damage of bankruptcy or litigation. But for many, bankruptcy is the best option. Contacting a Santa Ana bankruptcy lawyer right away will help you get back on track.

Surprisingly, if you file for bankruptcy, many credit companies will offer you cards within six months of filing. The reason is simple. They know that you cannot file for bankruptcy for another 4-8 years, which makes you a pretty low risk for default. To repair your credit, you may take one of these offers, but you must pay these on time. If you do not trust yourself, avoid these offers.

Cease all credit card use immediately when it becomes apparent that you are having difficulty paying the bills. You will soon find yourself in serious financial difficulty if you do not put the credit cards away. They begin by using a credit card for necessities, and the interest begins building up. A credit card is no substitute for a regular paycheck!

As stated before in the introduction above, credit cards are a useful payment option. They can be used to alleviate financial situations, but under the wrong circumstances, they can cause financial situations, as well. With the tips from the above article, you should be able to avoid the bad situations and use your credit card wisely.

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Bankruptcy and Exemptions

Sunday, February 19th, 2012

“One of the most common types of bankruptcy is chapter 7 bankruptcy”, says Bert Briones, an Irvine bankruptcy attorney.  “In this, a person’s assets are sold off in order to cover their debts.”  The property to be sold is surrendered to a bankruptcy trustee, who then goes about the process of liquidating the assets to get the money needed to pay off debts. Not all property is eligible for liquidation, and filers can claim exemptions for certain assets that will prevent them from being surrendered and sold.

Federal and state laws list certain types of property that a person can claim as exempt. In some cases, your home state may choose to allow you to decide whether you want to abide by state or federal regulations regarding exemptions. In general, it’s a good idea to go with whatever set of regulations allows you to claim more of your property as exempt.

As a rule, you are allowed to keep the tools of your trade, clothing, and everyday household goods. Household goods include things like appliances, books, furniture, and pets. Under federal regulations, you can also claim unlimited exemptions for healthcare goods like wheelchairs, breathing machines, and at-home care equipment. If you are filing for bankruptcy jointly with your spouse, many exemptions can be doubled.

Property isn’t the only area where exemptions can be claimed. You can claim exemptions for things like alimony, wrongful death trusts, unemployment, veteran’s benefits, public assistance, and social security. Disability insurance, immature life insurance policies, and life insurance proceeds can also be exempt.

Be aware that creditors can attempt to contest your exemptions. When you meet with your bankruptcy trustee about a month after filing, your creditors may attend, too. At this point, they can try to argue against the property you’ve claimed as exempt, to make it eligible for sale.

Regulations for bankruptcy exemptions and the filer’s ability to choose federal regulations over state regulations varies from state to state. Before you file for bankruptcy, discuss your options with a good bankruptcy attorney, so you can begin to decide which pieces of your personal property you wish to claim as exempt.

If you have questions regarding Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, wage garnishment, cram down, foreclosure, asset protection, or related issues, please call Red Hill Law Group PC, to schedule a no-charge face-to-face or phone consultation with an experienced Orange County bankruptcy lawyer.

We can be reached at 877-343-3289, or please use our contact form and you will be contacted within the next business day.

Download our Free E-Book, “Seven Bankruptcy Mistakes That Will Keep You Chained to Your Debt” here:

http://bankruptcyattorneyirvinesite.com

View our educational video series:

http://www.redhilllawgroup.com/orangecountybankruptcyattorney/

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When Bankruptcy Is Not an Option

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

“It’s a common misconception that all debts can be erased with chapter 7 bankruptcy, but this isn’t the case,” says Bert Briones, an Irvine bankruptcy attorney .  “Some debts are “non-dischargeable debts,” and cannot be eliminated by filing for chapter 7, regardless of the circumstance.”

These debts include criminal fines (like court fees or penalties), and back taxes. You may also not attempt to discharge any debts incurred as a result of criminal activity. For example, if you were charged with negligent homicide, you cannot attempt to use chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge any debts related to the victim’s death, even if they are not court fees or fines.

Debts incurred due to fraud or false information will not be considered dischargeable.  Fraudulent debts are those that you rang up knowingly before filing for bankruptcy. For example, if you obtained a new credit card, charged it to the limit purchasing items subject to bankruptcy exemption, and then filed for bankruptcy less than ninety days later, that debt will not be discharged.  Similarly, if you lied on a credit card application in order to obtain the card, any debt incurred on it won’t be eligible for chapter 7.

Any debts that weren’t listed on your original bankruptcy filing also will not be discharged.  When you file for bankruptcy, it is your responsibility to list all of your dischargeable debt. Any that you neglect to mention will not be considered at that time.

Alimony or child support is also not dischargeable, however divorce settlements may be if it is mutually agreed upon by your former spouse.

Lastly, you also cannot use chapter 7 to discharge debts that you racked up paying for non-dischargeable debts. If you took out a loan or cash advance in order to pay for a fine relating to a criminal charge, for example, you are not eligible to claim that loan in your bankruptcy filing.

If your debts fall under these criteria, don’t worry. Even if chapter 7 isn’t an option for you, you might still be eligible to file for chapter 13 bankruptcy, instead, since it operates a little bit differently. Contact a good bankruptcy attorney in order to go over your complete list of debts, so you can determine whether or not you are a candidate for chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy.

If you have questions regarding Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, wage garnishment, cram down, foreclosure, asset protection, or related issues, please call Red Hill Law Group PC, to schedule a no-charge face-to-face or phone consultation with an experienced Orange County bankruptcy lawyer.

We can be reached at 877-343-3289, or please use our contact form and you will be contacted within the next business day.

Download our Free E-Book, “Seven Bankruptcy Mistakes That Will Keep You Chained to Your Debt” here:

http://bankruptcyattorneyirvinesite.com

View our educational video series:

http://www.redhilllawgroup.com/orangecountybankruptcyattorney/

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Should I File Bankruptcy?

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

“Bankruptcy is useful when someone’s financial obligations exceed their assets. Filing for bankruptcy has some negative connotations for a lot of people, but it’s really just a legitimate way for a person with a poor credit history to get a new chance to improve it,”says Bert Briones, an Irvine bankruptcy attorney . “Bankruptcy allows these people to eliminate or repay their debts, by restructuring their debts and allowing them to go on honoring their financial obligations under the protection of bankruptcy law.”

Though declaring bankruptcy is extremely useful for people who have wound up in over their heads when it comes to overdue bills and loan balances, it isn’t always suitable for every situation, and the decision of whether or not to declare bankruptcy isn’t an easy one. In general, it’s a good idea for a person to file for bankruptcy when they have assets that creditors  can attempt to seize. This includes things like real estate, a car that’s worth over a certain value, or a job where employees’ wages can be garnished.

It is not usually necessary for someone to file for bankruptcy when they don’t meet these criteria, since the worst most creditors will be able to do is keep calling and sending letters. People very rarely end up in jail just for owing money, and creditors can’t attempt to seize your household goods, furniture, or other owned items that don’t count as assets.

Filing for bankruptcy prevents creditors from continuing to harass you, and restructures your debts so you can pay them off. Certain kinds of debts may be eliminated entirely. This will negatively impact your credit score, usually for five or ten years before the bankruptcy filing is removed from your credit history. Fortunately, most people who need to file for bankruptcy have credit scores that can’t really get much worse, and being able to reduce or eliminate their debts can actually end up making their credit better than it was before the declaration of bankruptcy.

Though bankruptcy has a long-term, negative overall impact on your credit score, it can still be a good decision for you if you have things creditors can take from you. Bankruptcy will keep them from hounding you, and give you some legal protection while you repay your remaining debts.  By declaring bankruptcy, you’ll enable yourself to get a fresh start financially, and go on to build a stronger credit history for yourself.

If you have questions regarding Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, wage garnishment, cram down, foreclosure, asset protection, or related issues, please call Red Hill Law Group PC, to schedule a no-charge face-to-face or phone consultation with an experienced Orange County bankruptcy lawyer.

We can be reached at 877-343-3289, or please use our contact form and you will be contacted within the next business day.

Download our Free E-Book, “Seven Bankruptcy Mistakes That Will Keep You Chained to Your Debt” here:

http://bankruptcyattorneyirvinesite.com

View our educational video series:

http://www.redhilllawgroup.com/orangecountybankruptcyattorney/

 

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Poor Credit Scores and Bankruptcy

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

“A credit score is a shorthand reflection of the information on your credit report, sort of a “grade” you earn for doing things that impact your credit history. Paying bills on time, and doing other things that build your credit will give you a good credit score, while late payments and unpaid balances will give you a poor one,” says Bert Briones, an Irvine bankruptcy attorney .

In most situations, a credit score of less than 400 is considered poor, but some institutions will even consider a score of 500-600 less than desirable.

With a poor credit score, you are less likely to be approved for things like lines of credit and loans. You may even have trouble getting things like phone lines, cable, or other utilities. Some businesses may require customers with poor credit scores to pay a large initial deposit before giving them service. Others may refuse service entirely. You will have a very hard time purchasing a home, car, or anything else that requires a loan.

People who owe more money than they have in assets may wish to declare bankruptcy. This raises questions about how bankruptcy will impact their credit scores. Fortunately, in most cases, the news isn’t bad for them-by the time someone declares bankruptcy, there’s usually nowhere their credit score can go but up. In addition to that, the most widely used credit score, the FICO score, is calculated based on how someone matches up to other people in their demographic.

One of these demographics is reserved for bankruptcy filers, so people who have declared bankruptcy won’t be compared to people with good credit histories, only those who have also declared bankruptcy. As a result, filing bankruptcy may actually end up being a viable way to help improve your credit score, though it will still be virtually impossible to get a perfect score as long as bankruptcy is still present on your credit report.

After filing bankruptcy, there are other ways to help improve your credit score even more. The biggest one is to avoid the mistakes that caused you to declare bankruptcy in the first place. Obtain a credit card designed for people with poor credit, maintain a balance on it, and make more than the minimum payment each month. Pay all of your utility bills and mortgage payments on time. Over time, you’ll be able to rebuild your credit, and achieve a decent credit score.

If you have questions regarding Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, wage garnishment, cram down, foreclosure, asset protection, or related issues, please call Red Hill Law Group PC, to schedule a no-charge face-to-face or phone consultation with an experienced Orange County bankruptcy lawyer.

We can be reached at 877-343-3289, or please use our contact form and you will be contacted within the next business day.

Download our Free E-Book, “Seven Bankruptcy Mistakes That Will Keep You Chained to Your Debt” here:

http://bankruptcyattorneyirvinesite.com

View our educational video series:

http://www.redhilllawgroup.com/orangecountybankruptcyattorney/

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What Are Some Major Causes of Excessive Debt?

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

“Many people are not aware of the many causes of debt that need to be avoided in the future,” says Bert Briones, a bankruptcy attorney with Red Hill Law Group PC, an Irvine, CA bankruptcy law firm.

Here are some major causes of debt that people are facing:

Poor Money Management

A monthly spending plan is very important. Without one you have no idea where your money is going. You may be spending hundreds of dollars unnecessarily each month and end up having to charge purchases on which you should have spent that money.

You will be surprised at how powerful you will feel when you are making thoughtful decisions about where and when to spend your money.

Underemployment

Are you underemployed and you have the mindset that it is only temporary?  Do not give yourself a false sense of relief.  Take your income and align your expenses with it.  Later, you can think about spending a bit more after some stability and longevity with your income.

Medical Expenses

High deductibles, coinsurance, coverage gaps, etc., can cause a major hit to your savings.  If your doctor accepts credit cards, it is not for your convenience.  They want to get paid immediately.  This becomes less risky for your medical provider, but can also create a huge problem with your financial situation.

Family Communication

Keep communication open between you and your spouse or significant other, as well as your children.  Ensure that your financial situation and spending goals are agreed upon.  Both of you need to be aware of all open credit accounts and keep each other informed about spending.  Some folks find out about accounts that they never knew existed.  Don’t let this happen to you.

If you have questions regarding Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, wage garnishment, cram down, foreclosure, asset protection, or related issues, please call Red Hill Law Group PC, to schedule a no-charge face-to-face or phone consultation with an experienced personal finance/bankruptcy attorney.

We can be reached at 877-343-3289, or please use our contact form and you will be contacted within the next business day.

Download our Free E-Book, “Seven Bankruptcy Mistakes That Will Keep You Chained to Your Debt” here:

http://bankruptcyattorneyirvinesite.com

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How to Build, Maintain, and Protect Your Credit

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

“There are several ways to build, maintain, and protect your credit and it is crucial for managing your financial situation,” says Bert Briones, Principal Attorney for Red Hill Law Group, PC, an Irvine, CA bankruptcy law firm.

A low FICO score and/or a subpar credit history could result in a loan denial and higher interest rates on credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages.

Your first action should be to obtain a copy of your credit report and check it for accuracy.  One free credit report per year is allowed from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, by going to www.annualcreditreport.com.

Thoroughly check your report to ensure the correctness, including verification of each creditor and disputing any errors quickly. 

How Can I Build Strong Credit?

  • Pay your bills on time.  Use an “autopay” system if that would help you
  • Do not open lines of credit that you do not need
  • Keep credit card accounts open that you have had for a long time
  • Pay off debt rather than transfer balances to lower-rate credit cards
  • Keep revolving credit balances as low as possible

How Can I Protect My Credit?

  • Protect your personal information at all times
  • Do not carry your Social Security card with you
  • Shred your mail before discarding it
  • Avoid using a credit card for identification

How Can I Improve or Repair My Credit?

  • Pay your bills on time.  Your credit score will be affected positively when your bills are paid in a timely manner, long-term
  • Monitor your credit report a few times a year to ensure the accuracy of the information
  • Get current on accounts where you are behind.  Collection accounts will affect your credit report negatively

If you have questions regarding Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, wage garnishment, cram down, foreclosure, asset protection, or related issues, please call Red Hill Law Group PC, to schedule a no-charge face-to-face or phone consultation with an experienced personal finance/bankruptcy attorney.

We can be reached at 877-343-3289, or please use our contact form and you will be contacted within the next business day.

Download our Free E-Book, “Seven Bankruptcy Mistakes That Will Keep You Chained to Your Debt” here:

http://bankruptcyattorneyirvinesite.com

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What You Need to Know About Debt Collectors

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

“If you’re behind in paying your bills, a debt collector may be contacting you,” says Bert Briones, an Irvine, CA bankruptcy attorney with Red Hill Law Group, PC.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission to help protect consumers from collector abuse. This includes unfair and deceptive practices by a debt collector, who is someone who regularly collects debts owed to others. This may include attorneys, collection agencies, and companies that buy old debts then try to collect on them.

The FDCPA covers personal, not business debt, and includes such things as credit cards, medical, auto, and your mortgage.  A debt collector cannot call you before 8:00 in the morning or after 9:00 at night, and they are not allowed to contact you at your place of business if they are told not to do so, verbally, or in writing.

Harassment, false statements, and other various activities are also off-limits for debt collectors.  These include using threats of violence, using profanity, or falsely claiming to be who they are not, among others. 

If you suspect that a debt collector has violated a rule under the FDCPA, contact the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov), or your state’s Attorney General’s Office.

If you have questions regarding Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, wage garnishment, cram down, foreclosure, asset protection, or related issues, please call Red Hill Law Group PC, to schedule a no-charge face-to-face or phone consultation with an experienced personal finance/bankruptcy attorney.

We can be reached at 877-343-3289, or please use our contact form and you will be contacted within the next business day.

Download our Free E-Book, “Seven Bankruptcy Mistakes That Will Keep You Chained to Your Debt” here:

http://bankruptcyattorneyirvinesite.com/

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