Bankruptcy law is complex. People who file their own bankruptcy cases often realize too late that they should have retained a bankruptcy attorney to protect their rights. An experienced bankruptcy attorney knows the bankruptcy laws including the many changes that took effect when the Bankruptcy Code was modified in 2005. Having an experienced bankruptcy attorney on your side ensures the most favorable outcome for you. Your attorney may also be able to suggest several bankruptcy options so … [Read more...]
Borrowers’ student loan accounts in default when co-borrower dies or files bankruptcy
April 23, 2014 by
If you have a student loan, you need to take notice of this alarming trend. Some student loan borrowers are finding that their accounts are being placed in default status when the co-borrower dies or files for bankruptcy - - even when the accounts are current. By placing the loans in default, the companies are demanding payment in full. This is placing some student loan borrowers in a financial crisis as they try to deal with large student loan balances. For more read, “Grads hit with … [Read more...]
Do you know what tax documents you should keep?
April 22, 2014 by
Whew! For most of us, tax time is finally over. We have made it through the massive stack of receipts and documents that we needed to file our tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service advices keeping copies of your returns and supporting tax documentation for at least three years from the date the return is filed. While it may seem like a pain to keep up with all of this paper, you can find some helpful tips and suggestions by reading, “What Tax Documents Should You Keep?” to make keeping up … [Read more...]
Bad mortgage advice that could cost you
April 21, 2014 by
If you are considering buying a new home or refinancing your current mortgage, you may have gotten lots of advice from friends, family, mortgage lenders and the internet about how to find the best mortgage. However, not all mortgage advice is good advice. There are some mortgage myths and rumors floating around that could potentially cost you thousands of dollars if you listen to bad advice. For example, some people will tell you that a fixed mortgage is the best mortgage; however, there are … [Read more...]
Is your mortgage costing you too much?
April 18, 2014 by
If you are shopping for a mortgage, you are probably paying close attention to the interest rate and the closing costs. However, if you are failing to compare the annual percentage rate (APR) of the various loans, you may be deceived into believing you are getting a lower-priced loan when in reality, the loan is costing you more when it is amortized over the full term of the loan. The APR is a way to look at each loan offer equally to determine the real cost of the mortgage. For more read, … [Read more...]
Your chances of an IRS audit are lower than ever before
April 17, 2014 by
Most taxpayers fear an IRS audit more than they do their mother-in-law moving in with them for a year. However, there is good news that may reduce the stress and anxiety for those taxpayers. The chances of being audited by the IRS are the lowest they have been in years. Budget cuts and new policies have made it more difficult for the IRS to police tax returns. This is good news for taxpayers with those nagging “red flags” as the IRS may pass right over them this year. For the full article … [Read more...]
What are the biggest turnoffs for potential homebuyers?
April 16, 2014 by
Today’s real estate market remains tough and if you are a seller, you need to make sure your home is prepped for a quick sale. You do not want your home to linger on the market for too long because interest may begin to dwindle and your sales price will soon follow. In order to avoid offending potential homebuyers, you should review the top seven turnoffs for homebuyers. At the top of the list, toys and baby supplies followed by strong cooking smells (think onions and peppers instead of fresh … [Read more...]
Who complains the most about paying taxes?
April 15, 2014 by
Doesn’t everyone complain about paying taxes? According to a Gallup poll, 50% of taxpayers across the country complain that their taxes are too high. However, taxpayers in some states complain more about taxes than taxpayers from other states. Residents in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are more likely to complain about their taxes than taxpayers in the Northern Plains, the Rockies and the South. Local and state taxes vary widely from state to state and region to region with some … [Read more...]
Coldwater Creek files bankruptcy – closing stores
April 14, 2014 by
Coldwater Creek is another huge retailer that is being forced to file bankruptcy as sales continue to decline. Coldwater had hoped to enter bankruptcy with a stalking horse bidder ready to purchase the retail chain. However, it failed to find a buyer in time so the chain filed for Chapter 11 relief and anticipates closing its stores by early summer. Coldwater Creek has several stores in the Chicago area that will affect the livelihood of those employees once the stores close. If you have gift … [Read more...]
Impressing potential homebuyers on a budget
April 11, 2014 by
If you are in the market to sell your home, you already have heard that you must “stage” your home in order to entice potential buyers. Light candles, fresh baked bread and flowers have all been used as part of staging homes to sell. However, in today’s competitive housing market, it takes more than just bread and candles to sell a home but how can you do this if you are on a tight budget. Read “10 Keys to Home Staging on a Budget” to find out how you can get the edge on your competition to … [Read more...]
