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Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Former Billionaire Files Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

We’ve all heard stories about lottery winners ending up in bankruptcy court, so it’s interesting to hear a twist on the usual saga. According to Time magazine, Patricia Kluge (once called "the richest divorcée in history") has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

This, after her 1990 divorce left her with a reported $1 billion settlement. Astonishing as it is, it teaches some important lessons about money, debt and bankruptcy.

Why the Very Rich Go Bankrupt

It’s easy to imagine that if we won the lottery, all our money problems would go away. But as Ms. Kluge shows us, it’s not about how much money you have, it’s about how you manage it. This lesson is valuable whether we’re billionaires or recent bankruptcy filers.

So how can you make sure you’re managing your money well?

  • Know what you make: Seriously. Look at your income and know exactly how many dollars flow into your bank account each month.
  • Know what you spend: With digital banking and tracking tools, this is easier than ever. But a surprising number of people don’t bother keeping track of where their money goes. Until you actually figure out how you’re spending your money, you won’t be able to make meaningful financial decisions.
  • Make a plan: Some people would call this a “budget.” But lots of us don’t like that word. So instead, plan where you want your money to go. Plan for some to go to savings, some to go to bills, and some to go to treats.
  • Look ahead: We’re often blindsided by expenses that we “didn’t see coming.” But if you haven’t taken your car in for a checkup in years (or haven’t seen the dentist in ages), you’re playing a risky game. Small maintenance costs are usually cheaper than major repairs or replacements, so keep track of the state of your health and appliances.
  • Look behind: One way to plan for future emergencies is to review your expenses of the last few months and years. First kid needed braces? Better start saving for the second. Air conditioning on the fritz? Put some money away for next summer. It’s natural to ignore problems we don’t want to deal with, but that can lead to long-term turmoil in your finances.

Most of us won’t have the chance to squander a billion dollars, but anyone who files for bankruptcy is eligible for a shiny new financial start at the end of the case. It’s important for all of us to remember that bankruptcy is the beginning of a process – careful financial management in the post-bankruptcy period can make the difference between financial floundering and financial success.

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Posted in Bankruptcy News and Events | 1 Comment »

Monday, February 21st, 2011

The Changing Face of Mortgage Loans

Since the start of the mortgage foreclosure crisis in 2007, the mortgage industry in the U.S. has changed significantly. And, according to a recent piece in the Wall Street Journal, one of the latest changes being noted is a push by banks for larger down payments on mortgage loans.

Here’s a look at what that might mean for potential homeowners, the housing market and the recovery of the U.S. economy.

More Money Down = Fewer People Buying Homes?

The WSJ reports on how the home-buying landscape has changed in recent years:

  • Down payments at all-time high: One online real estate information base, Zillow.com, has apparently been keeping track of median down payments required by lenders since 1997, and this year’s median (22 percent of the home’s value) is the highest that number has been since the tracking began.
  • Steep rise in required down payments: What’s more, sources report, that 22 percent figure marks a doubling of the median down payment required just three years ago! In other words, banks have reacted swiftly and decisively to the turmoil in the housing market.
  • Higher stakes for homeowners: It seems that the push for higher down payments has been largely driven by lenders, as a reaction to findings that homeowners with more of their money on the line (i.e. those who make larger down payments up front) are less likely to default on payments or go into foreclosure than those with less money at stake.
  • Alternative lending assistance sought: The Journal notes that, because many potential homebuyers cannot afford a 22 percent down payment, there’s been an uptick in applications for mortgage assistance programs designed to help select groups of people (including veterans).

A More Realistic Picture of Homeownership?

While owning a home has long been considered part of the “American Dream,” the real estate bubble’s devastating effects on the housing market has left some people questioning whether homeownership is in fact for everyone.

Considered from a broad perspective, tightened mortgage regulations could well be a good thing for the U.S. economy as a whole: with lending practices that require more fiscally conservative borrowing and spending, the housing market will have less of a chance to spiral out of control and create another boom-and-bust cycle like the one we’re currently digging out of.

Worried about Your Mortgage?

If you’re currently saddled with an unaffordable mortgage (or one that’s gotten out of your reach because of job loss or reduction), you may be able to benefit from the foreclosure-prevention power of Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which may allow you to catch up on your mortgage payments or sort out your living arrangements without the pressure of creditors breathing down your neck.

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Posted in Economic News: How Are We Doing?, Home Foreclosure | No Comments »

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Keep Your Debt Elimination Motivation High

Whether you’ve committed to a Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan or you're paying off debt without help from the bankruptcy court, it's essential that you stay with your plan over the long term – otherwise, you may never get to the payoff of being debt free.

But, because eliminating debt and rebuilding credit can take several years (a Chapter 13 bankruptcy takes three to five years), staying motivated to pay down your debt can be a challenge all its own.

Here are some tips for keeping yourself excited for your mission, adapted from NotMadeofMoney.com.

Stay Pumped to Pay Debt: Break the Whole into Sections

  • Work piece by piece: Rather than thinking of your debt in terms of its overwhelming total number, break it into pieces of debt (whether by account, type of debt or some other groups) and focus on eliminating one type at a time. This should keep you from feeling helpless in the face of a large debt total.
  • Take time to celebrate small victories: When you meet one of your small financial goals (which can be anything from paying off a certain debt to avoiding some type of costly, detrimental financial behavior) for a set time period, reward yourself and enjoy the reward. Obviously, it's important not to go overboard on this (and risk undoing all the good you've done), but treating yourself to, say, one fancy latte per month will likely help you enjoy that drink much more than if you gulp one every morning.
  • Think debt by debt: Most insiders suggest paying the minimum balance on all but one debt (either the one with the highest interest rate, for maximum efficiency, or with the lowest balance, for speedy elimination) and funneling the rest of your spare change into that debt. This way, you'll pick off debts one by one as your work your way down to a debt-free life.
  • Remember your long-term goal: Eliminating debt can provide you with financial freedom that you might use in a number of ways – remember to keep in mind what you plan to do once you're unyoked from your debts. Whether you want to travel, give more, work less or do something else, remember that your journey toward debt elimination will help you get there.
  • Enlist a helper: Whether you're working toward financial freedom with a spouse or on your own, having an outside source of motivation can be helpful to keeping you on track. We tend to feel more responsible for our actions when someone is holding us accountable for them, for one thing; for another, it's nice to hear how well we're doing from someone else's mouth once in a while. So if you don't already have a debt-elimination buddy, start thinking about who might best motivate you to stay on track.

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Posted in Finance 101: Secure Your Future | No Comments »

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Protect Your Money & Car with Auto Warranty Tips

The Federal Trade Commission recently published tips to help Americans get the most out of their vehicle warranties. The guidelines are fairly simple, but could make a huge difference to your car (and your wallet) should your car need repairs.

And for anyone recovering from bankruptcy or otherwise trying to maintain healthy finances and eliminate debt, these tips should be welcome.

Know What the Warranty Protects

Here’s something that many consumers don’t know about auto warranties:

  • Federal law protects consumers: In fact, it’s illegal for an auto dealer to deny service outlined in a warranty simply because a you had your car serviced by an independent mechanic.
  • The dealer has to offer proof: In order to deny warranty-covered services, a dealer must be able to prove that specific work done on the car caused the damage that you want repaired. And then, only the part damaged by the independent mechanic can be denied warranty services – the rest of the car is still protected.

Make the Most of Your Car’s Warranty

The FTC recommends taking the following steps to make sure your car can get the service and attention it needs and is legally granted by its warranty.

  • Read your warranty or your car’s owner’s manual: In order to take advantage of the terms of service, you have to know what they are, right? So make sure to take the time to look over what is guaranteed in your vehicle – you may even be pleasantly surprised.
  • Keep a note of the end of the warranty period: It’s not “cheating” to have any problems or issues looked at by your dealer right before the end of your warranty. In fact, that’s a smart move: why not get any updates or repairs done for free while you still can?
  • Take regular care of your car: Make sure to follow the guidelines listed in the owner’s manual for maintaining your car. This means changing the oil and air filters, having tires rotated, and getting any strange noises checked out as they occur. This may cost more in the short term than ignoring your car or letting things slide, but better maintenance will mean better longevity (which means you won’t have to pay for a whole new car for longer).
  • Keep your receipts: It’s a good idea to have a file (whether digital or hard) of all the maintenance and repair work you get done. That way, you can use the receipts as evidence that you maintained your car properly if and when you need to take it in to the dealer to have it repaired under warranty.
  • Make some noise: If a dealer refuses warranty-guaranteed service on your car, speak to a manager or another dealership. Consider filing a complaint with your state’s attorney general. The federal government outlines certain rights for consumers regarding their cars and auto warranties, so why not take advantage of those?

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Posted in Finance 101: Secure Your Future | 1 Comment »

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

Your Life after Foreclosure

If you, like millions of other Americans, are currently in some stage of the foreclosure process, you’re probably wondering what you can expect from life after foreclosure. The bad news is that losing a home to the bank will almost certainly have a negative impact on your credit – the good news, though, is that the current foreclosure glut means that mortgage foreclosure might not be quite as bad as it used to be.

What to Expect from Credit, Jobs, Cars and More

So which areas of your life might be affected by foreclosure action? According to a recent studies, a lot.

  • Your credit: As with a bankruptcy filing, a mortgage foreclosure will remain on your credit report for seven years – but the overall impact it has on your score and the way creditors view you should decrease with time. Because you likely won’t be able to open any new credit cards in the months and years directly following your foreclosure, it’s a good idea to keep up with payments on whatever cards you have now. Credit cards can play a central role in helping you rebuild your credit and thus qualifying for loans in the future.
  • Your career: Though some states have outlawed pre-hiring credit checks, many states still permit it, and plenty of employers take a peek at applicants’ credit histories as part of the screening process. If you’re looking for work, it’s important to be realistic and understand that your foreclosure might prevent you from getting jobs in economic fields.
  • Future purchases and loans: As mentioned above, a mortgage foreclosure will ding your credit rating in a pretty serious way, so you shouldn’t expect to qualify for a car loan or a new mortgage for a while. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be stranded on an island without any options for moving forward. The WalletPop.com post mentions one option called a “lease purchase,” wherein a person can agree to make regular rental payments to a landlord and decide, at some future point, to put those payments toward the purchase of the house.

On the Bright Side: Greater Understanding

The bright spot in all this foreclosure gloom is that, because so many Americans are currently struggling with foreclosure-related problems, more people are aware of the sorts of extenuating circumstances (like death, divorce, serious illness or injury, job loss, etc.) that can lead otherwise responsible financially individuals into mortgage foreclosure.

So, suggests the post mentioned above, don’t underestimate the power of explaining your situation to potential lenders or sellers. And, of course, don’t ever give up on rebuilding and maintaining your credit to demonstrate that you’re a good credit risk.

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Posted in Home Foreclosure | No Comments »

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

Students & Parents Need Financial Literacy Lessons

Hard economic times (like the ones we’re in) tend to remind us of how important understanding financial matters can be. After all, everyday transactions and financial decisions are what pave the way to larger financial events like being able to purchase a home or requiring the debt help offered by bankruptcy.

But, according to a recent report from Credit.com, fewer than half of the nation’s high school students were able to earn passing grades on a test of the basic tenets of financial literacy. And, according to another Credit.com story, many American parents are similarly befuddled by money matters.

What Your Kids Need to Know about Money

According to Credit.com, financial literacy lessons are best given and demonstrated in the home. Here are some finance basics to consider:

  • Debt starts early: Sources note that the average college student leaves school with about $4,000 in credit card debt and $20,000 in student loans – that’s a pretty big hole to be in, especially in this economy, when jobs are difficult to find. Further, reports indicate that bankruptcy filings are increasing most rapidly among citizens aged 18 and 25.
  • Money affects the whole family: It seems that as many as half of all college graduates are now moving in with their parents after leaving school because of an inability to find work or afford alternate housing. This can put a financial strain on parents, especially those who are already having difficulty making ends meet.
  • Talking is important: It’s unfortunate that money is often a taboo subject in this country, because discussing finance issues in an open, frank manner may be the best way to make sure everyone is on the same page financially. Credit.com reports that 85 percent of teenagers are worried about money – in many cases, speaking with teens about a household’s finances might relieve some of their stress.
  • It’s okay to be confused…if you seek help: One study suggests that a mere five percent of American parents were able to name the main factors that affect a person’s credit score, which means that if you’re not sure where to begin teaching your kids about money, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are plenty of educational resources available for free online, which means you and your family don’t have to be in the dark much longer.

Start Your Kids on a Path to Financial Success

If you don’t talk with your kids about money, now might be the time to start. Consider addressing some of the following:

  • How much things cost: If you’re paying all your kids’ expenses, they probably don’t understand the dollar value attached to each item.
  • How much people make: While you may not be comfortable revealing your salary to your children, you can discuss minimum wage, typical salaries for various professions, and how much time a person must spend working.
  • How credit cards work: Kids probably don’t ever see a credit card bill – only the magic of using plastic in a store. So teach them about interest rates and monthly payments.
  • Allowance: If you don’t already give your kids an allowance, it might be a good tool to teach them how to handle money.

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Posted in Economic News: How Are We Doing?, Finance 101: Secure Your Future | No Comments »

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Personal Finance: What Troubles Us the Most?

A recent study by a consortium of advocacy groups reveals interesting data on what aspects of personal finance cause American consumers the most frustration. According to reports, a large number of consumer complaints were related to problems with car sales, credit issues, and debt, reports the Wall Street Journal.

To tap into the mind of the average consumer, the study polled a variety of state consumer agencies, which are facing record-breaking numbers of complaints while struggling under the weight of lowered budgets. A majority of the agencies polled reported a higher volume of complaints in 2009 than they received in 2008.

The list of the five areas that received the most consumer complaints reads like a “Who’s Who” of American economic ills. They are listed below:

1. Car Sales: Auto dealers earned the dubious distinction of being the focus of the most consumer complaints in 2009. Car buyers complained about misleading advertising tactics, poor repairs, towing disputes, and used cars that turn out to be lemons.
2. Credit and Debt: A large number of consumers experienced problems with predatory lending, harsh debt-collection practices, billing and fee disputes, and fraud related to home mortgages.
3. Home Construction: This represented the second largest source of consumer complaints in 2008, but fell to third last year as the overall amount of home sales plummeted. With so little construction, there was less to complain about, though contractors would likely welcome more complaints if it meant more business was on the horizon.
4. Utilities: The country’s utility services likely rank so high due to their necessity in most American homes. Still, consumers alleged service problems in a wide range of utilities, from phone and cable services to electric and gas.
5. Retail sales: Here, consumers typically complained about deceptive practices in the retail industry, like misleading newspaper advertisements, problems with coupons and gift card, and complications with the delivery of products.

Rounding out the top ten of most frequently cited areas of consumer complaints were general services, Internet sales, common household goods, disputes with landlords, and problems with health-related goods and services.

The Hottest Topic

The fastest growing complaint in 2009 centered on the increasingly popular scams offering to save homeowners from foreclosures. Susan Grant, a leading advocate with the Consumer Federation of America, observes that most consumers "are desperately trying to fend off foreclosure and in many of these offers to help them, [scammers] take their money, and in some cases, their homes, and run."

Additional Resources

To learn more about how to resolve your own consumer complaint, check out this handy guide issued by consumerfed.org.

If you are beyond the complaint stage and are experiencing severe financial distress, personal bankruptcy may prove to be a financial lifesaver.

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Posted in Finance 101: Secure Your Future | No Comments »

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

Long-Term Savings Might Mean Short-Term Spending

Did you know that a common contributing factor to bankruptcy filings is serious illness or injury? In fact, many Americans who file for bankruptcy to escape overwhelming debt do so because of medical bills they can’t afford and didn’t see coming.

It makes sense, then, to review some key ways to spend a little money now to avoid greater expenses in the future. Here’s a look at how you can protect yourself and your family, according to a recent article from U.S. News & World Report.

When to Buy New

  • Cribs and children’s furniture: Even items that seem to be in good shape can be a health risk, as safety recalls on baby items are fairly common. Rather than scrambling for an item’s history, opt for a new crib with a proven safety record.
  • Car seats: While nobody likes to think about getting in a serious car accident, they do happen and can be devastating if you and your loved ones aren’t prepared. Because safety standards are improved and changed commonly, opt for a new seat for your child. Also: consider that some damaged seats may look okay. Better not to find out the hard way.
  • Bike helmets: Did you know that bike helmets are built to protect the head for only one crash? A used helmet may not provide the protection you think you're getting.
  • Car tires: Like many of the items on this list, tires don’t come with an accident history and might not show visible signs of serious damage. But remember: the cost of new tires is probably less than the cost of the damage that could be caused by a serious accident. An ounce of prevention here is well worth the price.
  • Computer software: While buying secondhand may seem like the cheapest way to go, it could end up being a total waste of money. Many kinds of software come with serial numbers that are registered with the company – after one registration, they can’t be used again and so would be worthless. Better to buy new software for yourself and avoid the risk of throwing away money.
  • Mattresses and bedding: The cost (in dollars, hours, health and frustration) of dealing with bed bugs, mold, mites, bacteria or anything else that might linger on a secondhand mattress is rarely worth the savings. And don’t think these concerns are memories of a distant past, either: even mainstream retailers have had trouble with mattress-loving critters in recent weeks.
  • Shoes: If you aren’t repelled by the idea of wearing someone else’s shoes, they may seem like an intriguing bargain. But be careful: used shoes tend to be molded to someone’s feet other than your own, and their support structures can be worn out. If you plan to be on your feet a lot, you may avoid serious back problems by buying new.

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Posted in Finance 101: Secure Your Future | No Comments »

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

Take Time for a Financial Tune-Up

Many people know that it's important to maintain healthy credit, particularly in a bad economy. But “maintaining good credit” is a vague concept at best. Here’s a look at some concrete steps you can take to improve your finances—even if you only have a few minutes to spare.

Fifteen-Minute Finance Boosters

Here’s a look at a few ways you can bolster your financial situation in a mere quarter hour.

  • Set up an emergency fund: Most experts advise having some money set aside for unexpected expenses (like car repair, illness or even job loss). This can be as easy as figuring out how much money you’d like to have in your fund (experts generally recommend anywhere from three months’ to one year’s expenses), setting up a high-interest savings account and starting regular contributions.
  • Look at your credit report: One essential part of maintaining healthy finances is keeping current with how the authorities view you as a credit risk. And, thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, doing so is as easy as visiting www.annualcreditreport.com and following the prompts. All Americans are entitled to one report per year from each of the big three reporting bureaus. If you space them out, you could check up on your credit once every four months.
  • Review your bills: Take a look at the goods and services you pay for each month (utilities, cable, phone, insurance, etc.). Then do a little research online or by calling your providers and see if you can get a better deal somewhere else (or from your current provider). Bonus: the money you save each month can be funneled into your emergency fund.
  • Draw a map: In order to stay on top of your finances, you should be able to understand them fairly easily. Take out a sheet of paper and outline your accounts, debts and credit cards. Making a visual representation of your finances should help you see any unnecessary duplications and help you determine what you can eliminate to streamline things.
  • Think about retirement: Even if you already have a retirement account through your job, you can start a Roth IRA, which would grow tax-free. The government has instituted contribution limits, though, so do a little research before you commit.

One of the most important things to remember about improving and maintaining your finances is that you don’t have to do everything at once. A little work at a time can make a big difference in the long run.

Additional Resources

For more tips on maintaining strong financial skills, check out The Debtress blog.

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Posted in Finance 101: Secure Your Future | No Comments »

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

Cash for Cutting Greenhouse Gases

CNNMoney.com reports that a new proposal before the Senate could mean big news for how energy is bought and sold in the U.S. – and for how much average consumers pay.

Proposed Money Saving Measures

Currently, Congress has made little headway toward passing legislation that would limit production of greenhouse gases, despite various attempts. The new bill offers an alternative to the now familiar cap-and-trade model that could potentially lower energy costs for average Americans.

If successful, the measure would work like this:

  • Permits required: Each month, coal, oil and natural gas companies would be required to buy permits to sell their greenhouse gas-emitting products to Americans.
  • Money comes back: Naturally, higher costs for energy distributors would mean higher prices for consumers, but the proposed measure would return 75 percent of the companies’ fees to consumers. The remaining 25 percent would apparently go to development of sustainable energy sources.

Supporters have reportedly claimed that this cap-and-dividend program, as it’s called, would provide a much simpler way for energy providers to meet new emissions standards than the oft-discussed cap-and-trade proposals would.

Opponents, on the other hand, fear that removing Wall Street investors from the equation would dry up a significant source of revenue that could otherwise be invested in explorations of new technologies.

One of the most easily understandable explanations of the differences between cap-and-trade and cap-and-dividend reportedly comes from an analyst of the energy sector, who noted that this proposed bill would essentially shift money around within the U.S. economy, whereas cap-and-trade could potentially inject new capital.

How Your Energy Bill Could Change

Sources indicate that the rebate part of the bill would likely translate to about $1,100 returned to each household annually. Of course, some of that money would be funneled directly into covering higher energy costs.

But, it seems, as much as 80 percent of the U.S. population would either save money from this proposal or see no change in their expenditures. The other 20 percent, according to CNNMoney.com, would be wealthier consumers who use more energy (in the form of multiple residences, frequent air travel, etc.) and essentially pay for that privilege.

While energy costs are a big part of any budget, these changes shouldn't cause anyone to file bankruptcy.

Because the effects of the bill would vary in each state, you may want to contact your local congressional office for details.

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Posted in Bankruptcy News and Events, Finance 101: Secure Your Future | No Comments »

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