Almost half of seniors have incomes within 200% of the poverty line. They are classified as economically vulnerable and retire owing more debt than ever before. It is natural then that seniors with financial problems would search for someone to help them. Before the internet, communities had a local Consumer Credit Counseling Agency that would …
Most seniors don’t know that federal and state laws protect their Social Security, almost all pensions, 401k, IRA, disability, and VA benefits from debt collectors. Those forms of income can’t be garnished or taken from them. This money is available for their needs, like food, medicine, and housing. If they are sued, there are laws …
By Eric Olsen, Attorney and Executive Director HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm Many seniors with credit card debt can’t afford to search for solutions. They see an ad on TV or search the internet and turn to a debt relief company for help. There are scores of these companies with fancy websites, BBB, and A+ ratings …
It’s no secret: seniors are working at historic rates. Almost a quarter of seniors are now in the job market, up 18% from 10 years ago, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this to increase over the next eight years. Relatedly, unemployment for seniors has dropped to an impressive 2.6%, below the national rate of 3.5%. At …
By Eric Olsen HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm Whether you’re relaxing in front of the TV set or working in front of the computer screen, it’s hard to miss advertisements for so-called “debt settlement” and “debt management” companies. Both claim to offer relief from debt. Both like assuring they can, “get you back on your feet …
By Eric Olsen Executive Director HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm A senior couple recently contacted me. They were served with legal papers for around $5000 for an old credit card they owed. They had never been sued before. They had heard that a judgment would become a “lien” on their home and worried about what that …
This guest post by Eric Olsen is a great example that not all debt experts need to agree all the time. Eric presents a very valid point of view and mine is slightly different. Eric describes a situation where seniors may consider it unnecessary to file bankruptcy. In my experience, bankruptcy in similar situations can …
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is joining the Washington State Departments of Veterans Affairs and Revenue in warning consumers about complaints they’ve received from seniors who say they’ve received calls from solicitors posing as state agents for a senior property tax relief program. The Department of Revenue learned Washington seniors are complaing that they …