I really do read all the comments, all the Twitter messages you send me and appreciate the feedback. Over time a common statement I get is about my recommendations is that people think I suggest bankruptcy too often. For more information on this topic, please see all the links in my free guide about how to deal with debt. So ... Read More »

For those who have declared bankruptcy, it may feel as though you’re on financial probation for up to 10 years, since that’s how long a bankruptcy can stay on your credit report. However, mortgage borrowers could be eligible to apply for a home loan in as little as one year following a bankruptcy. “If you filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which ... Read More »

“Dear Steve, Husband’s employer closed. He is now receiving Social Security and unemployment. I work a full-time and part-time job and have a little pension check. Our credit card debit is no longer manageable. My husband wants to file chapter 7. He thinks I should file chapter 13. I co-own some property and have $20,000 left in my 401K. If ... Read More »

A chapter 7 case starts with the consumer filing a request with the bankruptcy court in the area where the individual lives or where the business borrower happens to be or has its principal place of business or principal resources. In addition to the petition, the debtor should likewise file having the court: schedules of investments and liabilities; an listing ... Read More »

Article I, Section 8, of the United States Constitution authorizes Congress to enact “uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies.” Under this grant of authority, Congress enacted the “Bankruptcy Code” in 1978. The Bankruptcy Code, which is codified as title 11 of the United States Code, has been amended several times since its enactment. It is the uniform federal law ... Read More »

“Dear Lewis, I am currently in chapter 7 Bankruptcy. My home is worth 315,000 and the court is getting an appraisal as ordered by the trustee. my home is worth about 380.000 dollars and I have had had contractors over giving me estimates on work that is needed. so far the roofer gave me an estimate for 20.000, to tent ... Read More »

The latest year-on-year bankruptcy numbers are out and nobody should be surprised that bankruptcy filings are way up. In the year ending September 30, 2010 the number of Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings was up 14% and Chapter 13 bankruptcies were up 8%. – Source Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases account for 73% of all consumer bankruptcy cases filed. Now you can ... Read More »

“Dear Steve, Since last March, I have charged $30,000.00 in Credit Card purchases. The bulk of this was March thru May 2008. In May My hours were reduced (At that point I was using my credit card for survival. I.E. Groceries, Gas, Utilities, Car Repairs and needs). In August I was laid off and still am. In Mid December I ... Read More »

Tony “Dear Steve, Between me and my wife we have over $70,000 in credit card debt. we spoke with a lawyer for chapter 7 to eliminate them . however i have 1 vehicle and my wife has 2 , they are clear with no payments on them . by law we aour only covered for about $2000 equity on them ... Read More »

CurlyGirl “Dear Steve, I’m current on all my credit card debts, but the $700 a month in minimum payments (on about $10K total in debt) is killing me. I was laid off from a good job 2 years ago and have been freelancing ever since, so my income is irregular, but still enough to live. I’m doing without the bare ... Read More »

Bankruptcy Basics Most people think of bankruptcy as a process in which you go to court and get your debts erased. It’s not that simple. In fact, there are two types of bankruptcy: the familiar liquidation bankruptcy, where your debts are wiped out (Chapter 7 bankruptcy) and “reorganization” bankruptcy, where you partially or fully repay your debts. The reorganization bankruptcy ... Read More »

“Dear Steve, I racked up lots of credit card debt going through college and graduate school. I have always been able to make miniumum payments and still had good credit. I now have $60,000 in credit card debt, $30,000 in school loans, and I had just bought a new car two years ago. I don’t make very much money so ... Read More »

“Dear Steve, My fiance is considering filing for Chapter 7. He has okay/good credit, but more than $25,000 in credit card debt and his payments severely limit our finances. He does not have a car or house that creditors can seize for payment. I’ve read that bankruptcy will stay on your credit for 10 years, but other people have told ... Read More »

Thanks to Twitter I discovered a new video out of a news story on the five myths about bankruptcy. The myths are: You should be dead broke until you file for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy ruins your credit score. You lose your home if you go bankrupt. You should max out your credit cards before going bankrupt. You should raid your 401(k) ... Read More »

Roger “Dear Steve, 6 months ago I filed Chapter 7 and it was discharged. Since then my financial situation has taken a turn for the better with a higher paying job allowing me to save money on a monthly basis and in turn hopefully invest and I am no longer living paycheck to paycheck. At this time I have the ... Read More »