Debt Collectors Won’t Stop Calling My Elderly Parent. Here’s What to Do Right Now.
A collector won’t stop calling your elderly parent, and now it’s calling you. Here’s who it can legally talk to, what it can’t garnish, and how to stop it.
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My Property Tax Lien Was Sold. Here’s What to Do Right Now.
Your property tax lien or deed was just sold to an investor. Here’s how much time you actually have — and money you may be owed but don’t know about.
They Said No Creditor Can Ever Touch My Social Security — Except the Government Can
Private creditors can never touch your Social Security. But the IRS can levy 15% for back taxes, and Treasury can offset it for federal student loan debt.
I’m on Social Security and a Debt Collector Is Threatening Me. Here’s What to Do Right Now.
A debt collector is threatening your Social Security check. Federal law says more than they want you to know — and the threat itself may be illegal.
Dying Poor: When It Happens and When It Doesn’t
Quick Answer: Many Americans are entering old age with no savings or pensions and will die poor, while government policies like garnishing Social Security checks for student loan defaults push elderly citizens below the poverty line. The author’s Social Security was suspended for six years of alleged overpayments while Louisiana strip clubs and prisoners received …
Senior Debt Advice: Myth vs Reality
Quick Answer: Senior debt advice often contains myths that harm vulnerable populations, as demonstrated by an expert incorrectly advising an elderly couple with $10,000 credit card debt to keep paying despite having only $1,157 monthly SSI income and no assets. Since Social Security benefits cannot be garnished and the couple is judgment-proof, continuing payments wastes …
Judgment Liens: What Seniors Need to Know
Quick Answer: Judgment liens on homes rarely threaten seniors because federal law protects Social Security, pensions, and VA benefits from collection, while state homestead exemptions (like the $50,000 protection for married couples mentioned) shield home equity from creditors.By Eric Olsen Executive Director HELPS Nonprofit Law FirmA senior couple recently contacted me. They were served with …
Senior Bankruptcy: What It Means and What to Do
Quick Answer: Senior bankruptcy may be unnecessary in some situations, as nearly half of America’s seniors live within 200% of the poverty line and face retirement debt challenges. Different debt experts recommend varying approaches, with some suggesting bankruptcy provides legal closure while others argue seniors should consider alternatives based on their specific financial circumstances.This guest …
Income Based Repayment for Seniors: What to Know
Quick Answer: Seniors with defaulted federal student loans can apply for Income Based Repayment (IBR) plans that often require no payment or very little for lower-income borrowers. While the government can garnish 15% of Social Security for federal student loans, this can typically be prevented through proper steps, and private student loan garnishment of Social …
My Elderly Mother is Struggling in Credit Counseling. What About Bankruptcy? – Tracey
Quick Answer: Bankruptcy may be the better option for a 77-year-old struggling with credit counseling through Pioneer Credit Counseling, as elderly individuals on fixed retirement and Social Security income often qualify for Chapter 7 discharge. Credit counseling plans can take 3-5 years while bankruptcy typically resolves debt within 120 days.“Dear Steve,My mother is 77 years …
