When is it time to hire a tax professional?
Keith Rucinski, Chapter 13 Trustee, Akron, OH
Many people prepare their own taxes each year. The Internal Revenue Service website has computer programs to assist taxpayers to file online. For people with only W-2 income, using computer programs are a quick and easy way to file taxes. However, life is not always easy. Experienced tax professionals (Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents) can be helpful to address changes in your life that impact your finances.
Tax Deadline Extended to April 18 - Later for Filers in Disaster Areas
BFine.org Administrator
Most Americans consider April 15 an unofficial “holiday” with the final rush to file federal income tax at midnight. The Internal Revenue Service has given taxpayers a little more time in 2023.
Urban Legend #4 : Creditors Never Seek Collection From Co-Signers
Keith Rucinski, Chapter 13 Trustee, Akron, OH
Every year, there are people who never went to college, but are required to pay on a student loan.
Every year, there are people who are required to pay for a car they do not own or drive.
Every year, there are people who have to pay on credit card debt for charges they never made.
Who are these people? They are co-signers.
21 Steps To Landing A Higher Paying Job
Moneyunder30.com
In a competitive job market, it can be hard to make a strong impression, but it is important if you want to land the job. Here's how!
Credit Reports to Stop Reporting Billions of Dollars in Medical Debt
Keith Rucinski, Chapter 13 Trustee, Akron, OH
One of the largest delinquent accounts on credit reports is unpaid medical debt. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, credit reports reflect unpaid medical debt of nearly $88 billion. Credit reports play a large role in everyone’s life and its important that your credit report is as positive as possible.
When it Comes to Personal Finance, Budgeting is an Essential First Step
Melinda Opperman,
President, credit.org
Anyone hoping to take control of their personal finances must start with budgeting.
Simply put, a budget is a plan. People need to plan for how much they’ll earn, how much they’ll spend, and what their long-term financial goals will be.
There are many reasons we urge everyone to take the time to create a budget:
10 financial New Year’s resolutions to set now and achieve in the new year
New year, new financial goals: If you’re starting off the new year with a list of resolutions, consider adding some financial to-dos, such as improving your credit score and making a plan to pay off your credit card debt once and for all. Nearly half (49%) of Americans want to save more money, a third (33%) want to improve their credit score and another third (31%) plan on creating a personal budget, according to an Experian poll on the top financial resolutions for the new year.
VA Debt Collection, Attorneys Talk Strategy
Veteran law attorneys talk strategy for veterans hit by VA Debt Collection when pursing degrees using the GI Bill or Veteran Readiness and Employment. Here are top three tips veterans can use from Attorney Peter Cianchetta.
What to do if you are sued on an old credit card debt?
Are you being sued in Smalls Claims Court for an old credit card debt by a company you do not recognize? You are not alone. In Massachusetts, 17% of people have a debt in collection, and that number nearly doubles to 31% in communities of color.
What should you do if you are sued? Show up to court. If you do not show up, the court will enter default judgment against you, and you may have to pay 12% interest on it. Judgments are good for 20 years and may negatively affect your credit, making it difficult for you to get housing, a loan or even a job.
Money Anxiety: Navigating Financial Uncertainty Today
After battling pandemic-related hardships over the last two years, many Americans expected some level of normalcy in 2022. Except now they're facing a volatile stock market, rising interest rates and stagnating wages that aren't keeping up with sky-high prices. And as macroeconomic tailwinds point toward a recession (whether it's already here is up for debate), concerns over finances are taking an even heftier toll.
Utility Bill Deferments Are Ending. Here’s a State-by-State List of Programs That Can Help
More than 80 million Americans are having difficulty paying their bills during the COVID-19 recession, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey.
This financial insecurity extends to necessary household expenses like utility bills. As a result, many local governments and public utility companies have passed moratoriums on utility shutoffs, so that people can still have running water, electricity, and heat even if they fall behind on payments.
Medical debt ruined her credit. 'It's like you're being punished for being sick'
After a year of chemotherapy and radiation, doctors told Penelope Wingard in 2014 that her breast cancer was in remission. She'd been praying for this good news. But it also meant she no longer qualified for a program in North Carolina that offers temporary Medicaid coverage to patients undergoing active breast cancer treatment. Wingard became uninsured. She'd survived the medical toll, but the financial toll was ongoing. Bills for follow-up appointments, blood tests and scans quickly piled up. Soon, her oncologist said he wouldn't see her until she paid down the debt.
As U.S. Interest Rates Soar, Four Ways To Manage Credit Cards Now
Try holding your credit card up to your ear, real close. You might hear the soft tick, tick, tick of your interest rate going up. Back on May 4, average U.S. credit card interest rates clocked in at 16.41%, according to financial information site Bankrate. By July 6, 17.01%. By August 17, 17.67%.
In fact, such rates are at a record high since CreditCards.com started compiling data 15 years ago. And more Federal Reserve rate hikes are expected down the pike, in an ongoing effort to rein in inflation, putting upward pressure on lending rates across the board.
How to Stay Informed about Your Student Loan Payment
BFine Administrator
If you are one of the millions of Americans who have student loan debt you have probably been following the multitude of news reports about loan forbearance, repayment, forgiveness, and settlements over the past two years. You need to know what is going on with student loans, but keeping track of the news reports can be exhausting.
Co Signers Put Themselves in Creditor’s Spotlight
Cathy Moran, Esq., (Redwood City, CA)
The responsibility of a co-signer is one of the single most common misunderstandings about law.
Put bluntly, a co-signer is just as responsible for the debt as the primary borrower.
Co sign someone else’s loan and you put yourself in the creditor’s spotlight.
That should make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
People Facing Debt Have Many Options
Author: Melinda Opperman
President, credit.org
When people are struggling with their debts, they have a lot more options than they might realize. There are professionals, non-profit organizations, and free online resources available to help no matter how one’s personal finances look.
BFine Resources: Terms You Need to Know
BFine Administrator
Managing your financial future is easier when you understand what is being said. Below are some of the key terms that are used with finance and bankruptcy.
For more definitions visit:
The Caregiver's Lament: How to handle the costs of care
You might know P.J. Byrne from the movies, most likely as one of the fast-living brokers alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in "The Wolf of Wall Street." But these days Byrne's most important role is closer to home: that of son and caregiver. His 79-year-old father has suffered from dementia for about 10 years, which currently requires 24/7 home care from not just one but often two health aides. It adds up to about $200,000 a year in costs for the family.
How to manage subscription overload
For Michael Whitty, it all started with one question: "I wonder how much this is all adding up to?" That is what the Chicago estate planning attorney asked when he kept getting email notifications about subscription renewals. For a few apps, some magazines, wine sites and software charges, "I was spending something like $150 a month on subscriptions," he said.
The High Cost of Rising Rents
The Rev. Rose Thompson has lived in her home for 25 years, in an apartment building in Laurel, Maryland. Suddenly last December, she was in danger of losing it. Thompson and her neighbors received notice that the building had been sold and that the new landlord was instituting a steep rent hike. “My rent was $875 a month, and the letter said the new rent would be $1,600,” says Thompson, 65. “It said we had 60 days to move out if we didn’t sign the lease for the new rent.”
3 WOMEN ON THEIR BIGGEST FINANCIAL WINS
Do you have a budget? There’s no shame if you don’t — only 32% of U.S. households do. But that’s a problem. For example, 65% of us have no idea how much money we spent last month, and that “not knowing” can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety and dread at what might be on the horizon. No one wants to be afraid to take a peek at their finances — far from it!
What is a budget?
One of the building blocks of personal finance is budgeting. But the word budget can be confusing or feel restrictive. Adding to that, there are many ways to budget—but what it boils down to is creating a plan for your money and tracking where it goes. Ideally, a budget creates more freedom, not less.
Tips On Budgeting as a College Student
Getting to college and learning how not to spend all your money can be very daunting. Maybe you spend all your money the first two weeks of school even though your parents told you to be wise with your allowance, because you only get paid once a month. Or maybe you have a job and are completely financially independent, so you’re fickle with your money which prevents you from doing anything fun. It can be difficult trying to figure out the basics of having to provide for yourself.
20 Ways to Take Control of Your Finances
The Balance
Whether you're stuck in a cycle of debt, earning too little to maintain your desired standard of living, or simply wanting to get a jump on saving for a major financial goal, such as buying a home or investing, you may need help to get on track with your objectives. Follow these strategies for taking control of your finances right now.
57% of young adults dread budgeting. Here are 4 easy ways to remove the stress.
USA Today - July 1, 2022
For many young people, budgeting can feel like a chore. A recent study found that 57% of young people dread the thought of budgeting..
Essential Household Budgeting Tips
Credit.org
We’ve seen countless different household budgeting strategies over the decades we’ve spent educating consumers about managing their personal finances and conquering their debt.
Lesson 3: Budget to Control Spending
Judge John Ninfo - May 20, 2021
How to make a budget
CNN - Jan. 13, 2022
Crafting your own monthly budget isn’t all that complicated, but it can be tedious and downright depressing when you’re first starting out. After all, creating a spending plan usually means cutting in areas you probably enjoy, such as dining out and entertainment.
This Black History Month, take charge of your credit
FTC Consumer Advice
The FTC honors the contributions and legacy of Black Americans across U.S. history. One of the top consumer issues we’ve heard from people living in majority Black communities is related to credit bureaus. Your credit history tells businesses and potential employers a story about how you use money. What is your credit history saying about you — and is it accurate?
Why the largest credit card companies are suppressing actual payment data on your credit report
CFPB
Last year, we reported that Americans paid over $120 billion annually in interest and fees on credit cards. Since that time, average interest rates charged by credit card companies have quickly increased. It’s critical that consumers can find and switch to credit cards with the lowest and most competitive rates. That’s why we’ve been carefully examining barriers to a fair and competitive credit card market, especially as it relates to the role of consumer credit reporting.
Liz Weston: Yes, spouse’s debt could lower your credit scores
Dear Liz: My spouse and I have added each other as authorized users on our credit cards. My spouse has more debt than I do. Does this impact my credit scores?
Answer: Possibly. Credit scoring formulas look at how much available credit is being used on each account. If your spouse has higher balances than you but also higher credit limits, your credit scores may not be harmed much, if at all. If, on the other hand, your spouse is using most of their available credit, your scores could suffer.
5 easy options for checking your credit score
When you want to apply for a credit card or finance a large purchase like a mortgage, one of many numbers a lender will consider before approving your application is your credit score.
This three-digit number will also determine the interest rate you’re offered when borrowing money, which impacts the total cost over the life of the loan. So before applying for financing, it’s important to check your credit score and see where you stand.
Why Did My Credit Score Drop Suddenly? 11 Possible Reasons
Islandnow.com
As someone who gets credit report notifications, you should be familiar with changes in your credit score.. It is quite common for
your credit score to fluctuate with minor increments.
Opt Out of Credit Card Offers
Credit.org
How often have you checked your mail or answered your phone only to find another prescreened credit card offer?
Blank envelopes and phone calls from unnamed phone numbers may seem like official notifications. More often than not, answering these notices leads you to find yet another offer claiming that you have been prescreened for a new line of credit.
How to Remove Negative Items From Your Credit Report
Nasdaq - July 7, 2022
Your credit report is meant to be an accurate, detailed summary of your financial history — however, mistakes happen more often than you may think.
Settled medical debt is now dropping off credit reports — here’s how to check your record and make sure it’s right
CNBC - July 1, 2022
If medical debt you’ve already paid has been lingering on your credit report, you may want to see if that has changed.
Buy Now, Pay Later and Credit Reporting
Consumer Finance Protection Bureau - June 15, 2022
In December 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) launched a market monitoring inquiry into Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL).
Where credit scores come from and why they don’t quite add up — but can
Boston Globe - May 30, 2022
Credit scores were founded on, and perpetuate, racial inequality.
Millennial Money: What to do if you buy now, can’t pay later
The Associated Press - Jan. 18, 2022
Buy now, pay later” can be a convenient payment method. But if you don’t factor the recurring payments into your budget, it can get messy.
Consumer credit card debt and annual percentage rates are heading to an all-time high
CNBC - May 10, 2022
Credit card debt is on the rise as consumers face higher prices almost across the board.
Experts Agree It’s Best To Avoid Pulling Money From a 401(k).
Next Advisor - May 24, 2022
When a financial emergency hits, you may find yourself scrambling to get your hands on the money you need.
Lesson 1: Don't use credit cards to buy stuff you can't afford
Judge John Ninfo - October 26, 2021
How can I protect myself and others I care about from fraud and scams?
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Criminals and con artists use many scams to target unsuspecting people who have access to money. Consumer scams happen on the phone, through the mail, e-mail, or over the internet. They can occur in person, at home, or at a business. Here are some tips to protect yourself from scams:
National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees Encourages Financial Literacy in the New Year
Beth Hawks, Principle Consultant, CoreComm PR & MarCom
Many New Year’s resolutions revolve around getting finances in order, but most people don’t know where to start. The National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (NACTT) encourages people to begin with financial education from reputable resources such as their public education website, BFine.org.
5 Questions Newlyweds Have About Life Insurance
LifeHappens.org
Although it may not be the first thing on your mind as a newlywed, creating a strong financial plan for your future should be animportant point on your to-do list. Moreover, your financial strategy needs to include planning for risk—and thinking about what could go wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable. Often, that means buying life insurance.
Four Scams That Target College Students
Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com
College students are packing up to head back to school for the fall semester, and scammers can’t wait. They have a number of schemes planned to steal students’ money and personal information.
These four free personal finance courses can set you up for financial success in three hours or less
CNBC - July 20, 2022
While personal finance isn't typically taught in school, we can still catch up with online courses.
Debt Consolidation Vs. Bankruptcy: What’s The Difference?
Forbes - June 14, 2022
If you’re looking for a way out from under overwhelming credit card bills and other debt, bankruptcy could wipe out your balances and offer a fresh start. But filing for bankruptcy has downsides, so you might consider debt consolidation as a way to simplify your finances and pay off debt faster.
The Personal Finance Advice Every College Graduate Needs
LifeHacker - May 25, 2022
For years you’ve lived on a college budget, scrounging meals where you can, buying gas on a trip-by-trip basis, and never once pondering the term “401(k).”
How women can take charge of their personal finance; here are 7 effective ways
Economic Times - May 24, 2022
Only 2% of women are investing for their retirement. It is important that you start early, start small and start investing in assets that leverage the power of compounding, like Equity Mutual Funds..
What Is a Homestead?
US News - May 23, 2022
A homestead is an owner-occupied residence that can provide homeowners with certain financial and legal protections.
State-by-State List of Statute of Limitations on Debt
The Balance - January 7, 2022
A statute of limitations is the amount of time a person can take in order to take legal action on a certain event..
The Anxious Guy’s Guide to Financial Security
The Arrow - Aug. 17, 2021
If you want to get your money straight, get your head straight first.
What is right of redemption?
Bankrate - October 25, 2021
No one wants to find themselves losing their home to foreclosure, but if you’re in this situation, there’s potentially still time to recover using the right of redemption.
Here’s Who Has Been Approved For Student Loan Forgiveness Under Biden’s Plan
Leasing vs. Buying a New Car
Consumer Reports
The choice between buying and leasing a car is often a tough call. On the one hand, buying involves higher monthly costs, but you own an asset—your vehicle—in the end. On the other hand, a lease has lower monthly payments and lets you drive a vehicle that may be more expensive than you could afford to buy, but you get into a cycle in which you never stop paying for the vehicle.
Federal student loan payments could restart in roughly 2 months — or 6. What to know
Can You Get a Car Loan After Bankruptcy?
Car and Driver
If you've recently declared bankruptcy, getting an auto loan is difficult, but not impossible. Filing for bankruptcy affects your credit score, which makes you a less favorable borrower in the eyes of many lenders. However, there are ways to get approved for an auto loan even with a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy on your record.
Biden administration to make it easier for student loan borrowers to discharge debt in bankruptcy
CNBC
The Biden administration announced on Thursday updated guidelines that will make it easier for those struggling with their student debt to discharge it in bankruptcy. The new bankruptcy policy comes from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education, and allows federal student loan borrowers to prove that they’re experiencing financial distress requiring a fresh start. Under the rules, the agencies may recommend that a bankruptcy judge discharge a borrower’s student debt if they find their case warrants it.
Biden's Education Department wipes out $1.5 billion in student debt for borrowers subjected to 'manipulation' by a for-profit school
Insider
President Joe Biden may have announced one-time blanket student-loan forgiveness, but that doesn't mean he's done helping borrowers who attended fraudulent for-profit schools. On Tuesday, Biden's Education Department announced it has approved $1.5 billion in student-debt relief for 79,000 borrowers who attended Westwood College.
Tribal Payday Loans (What You Need to Know)
Credit.org
The payday loan industry is notorious for its predatory practices and tendency to disregard the law. Federal and state governments alike have attempted to rein in payday lenders to protect consumers, especially since most payday loan borrowers ended up regretting their payday loans.
Protecting servicemembers from costly auto loans and wrongful repossessions
CFPB - July 18, 2022
If you take a drive down the main road leading to most military bases in the country, you’ll likely see car dealerships lining both sides of the street.
How online loans like Affirm and Afterpay really work—and should you ever use them
CNBC - June 6, 2022
After the birth of her son, Lauren Hynds wanted a way to work out that would be easy enough to manage while caring for a newborn. That’s when she saw ads for Peloton, the workout bike with the cult following.
How to avoid common car leasing mistakes (2022 guide)
MarketWatch - June 7, 2022
Signing a car lease can be a big commitment since you agree to drive a vehicle for a fixed number of miles and months.
Loan Modification Vs. Refinance: Which Is Best For You?
Rocket Mortgage- June 6, 2022
You might want to refinance your loan if you’re having trouble making your mortgage payments or to take advantage of a lower interest rate.
Mortgage Relief Scams
FTC Consumer Advice
Scammers promise to make changes to your mortgage loan or take other steps to save your home, but they don’t deliver.
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The materials on this website are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice, legal opinion, or any other advice on any specific facts or circumstances. You should not act or refrain from acting upon this information without seeking professional advice.