Category: Georgia - page 16

Are Americans addicted to debt? A recent story in USA Today suggests that the answer is unequivocally yes. More than one in three U.S. consumers currently has a debt in collections, according to the article. As of 2013, the average American carried $38,000 in mortgage debt and almost $16,000 in non-mortgage debts such as credit…

One of the greatest advantages of filing for Atlanta bankruptcy is the power of bankruptcy to stop creditor harassment. From the moment you file, bankruptcy protects you from creditors and bill collectors with a legal action called the automatic stay. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, creditors are legally required to cease all collection…

Listing all of your liabilities on the creditor mailing list is one of the most important requirements when filing for an Atlanta Georgia bankruptcy. Failing to disclose a creditor can cause major problems with your bankruptcy case. But accidents happen, and the good news is that it’s possible to correct a simple oversight, provided that…

You know your ability to buy and keep a home is influenced by financial factors like income, equity and credit history. But a recent study suggests that there’s another element at work. According to a new study by Zillow and the National Urban League, ethnicity may play a significant role in one’s success – or…

Most New Year’s resolutions revolve around self-improvement, whether it’s bettering our bodies, our minds or our finances. But if forced to choose a priority, would you pick wealth or health? If you’re anything like most Americans, it’s all about the money. At least, that’s what a recent poll by American Consumer Credit Counseling indicates. Nearly…

Worried that bankruptcy will ruin your credit score forever? It’s a widespread myth that bankruptcy does permanent damage. In reality, the most damaging decision you make may be to not file bankruptcy. While it’s true that bankruptcy will leave a mark on your credit report, rebuilding credit after a bankruptcy case is definitely possible. In…

What started as a tidal wave of foreclosures is slowing to a steady stream. But that doesn’t mean the foreclosure crisis is over. Just because fewer homes are being foreclosed upon doesn’t mean more people are paying the mortgage. It simply means that more people have already lost their homes to foreclosure – and now…

What do you think of when you hear that a debt has been charged off? If you’re like most folks, you may think it means the debt is gone for good. And it is gone – just not from you. Charged-off debt is really just a tricky accounting term. When debts or assets are “charged…

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA)’s new “Back to Work” lending plan shortens the waiting time required to secure a mortgage after bankruptcy or foreclosure to 12 months. FHA mortgages have always been a great option for first-time or lower-income borrowers because they require only a 3.5 percent down payment. In the past, borrowers had to…

There are advantages and disadvantages to filing jointly with your spouse. A skilled Atlanta, GA bankruptcy attorney can help you which path best suits your financial circumstances. In a joint bankruptcy, both spouses file one set of papers providing information on all of the property, debt, income and expenses that you share in common as well…