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Seeking bankruptcy protection for credit card debt

When a person is overwhelmed by credit card debt, it can have a negative impact on every area of life. From unexpected medical expenses to a prolonged unemployment period, people may find themselves dealing with the impact of circumstances beyond their control. When this occurs, Maryland readers may find that bankruptcy protection is a viable and beneficial option. The Federal Reserve estimates that Americans carry approximately $950 billion in credit card debt, and about 65 percent of credit card holders do not pay off their

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Credit card debt a leading reason for consumer bankruptcy

Credit cards are relatively easy to get, and Maryland readers may know that many banks are currently lending to consumers at an alarmingly high rate. In a three month period, banking establishments lent $18 billion to consumers, much of it in the form of revolving credit such as retail store credit cards. While some may view this as a positive sign of the economy’s health, credit card debt can quickly add up and become a burden for consumers, increasing the number of people filing for

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The benefits of the wage-earner plan

There are few things in life that can be as overwhelming and confusing as receiving a notice of foreclosure. When a person is unable to meet his or her financial obligations, it is easy to fall behind with mortgage payments, leading to calls from creditors and the threat of losing the home. Fortunately, there are options available, and one of them includes the bankruptcy option of the wage-earner plan. The wage-earner plan is commonly known as Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This option is only available to people

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Consumer bankruptcy can resolve overwhelming credit card debt

It is not uncommon for consumers in Maryland to find themselves facing mountains of credit card debt. Many people find relief by filing for consumer bankruptcy protection made available by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Due to the prevalence of such filings, some consumers are hesitant to get credit cards. It can be beneficial to have a credit card for more than just the convenience of easy payment. If used responsibly, it can increase the holder’s credit score. As long as a person does not spend

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Consumer bankruptcy up for gas, oil and coal workers

There are a number of reasons why people in Maryland fall into financial troubles. Some are based on poor decision-making and irresponsible spending habits, while others are simply unavoidable. An example is found in recent statistics that show that workers in the gas, oil and coal industries are seeking consumer bankruptcy protection in increasing numbers. Fossil fuel work is something of a cyclical thing. These types of jobs are also clustered in certain geographical regions, where the natural resources are available to be mined or

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Why so many athletes seek bankruptcy protection

A great number of Maryland residents are also sports fans, and they follow one or more teams each season. Many are aware that professional sports players bring in substantial earnings, but fewer people realize that a significant percentage of athletes end up in serious financial straits, often seeking bankruptcy protection. A recent article looks at the reasons behind that statistic, and some readers will recognize those choices and behaviors as present in their own lives. It is estimated that as many as 78 percent of professional football players

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Loan Modification with a Balloon Payment

Sometimes the best loan modifications are scary for our clients. In particular, a loan modification with a balloon payment at the end of the loan is a great result for a borrower who cannot afford to pay a mortgage payment on the full balance of the loan even if the interest rate is reduced. While the lender may be reluctant to reduce the loan balance, although this is also a possible outcome; the lender may be willing to “balloon” out a portion of the balance

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Reorganization in Chapter 11 bankruptcy: Is it the best option?

There are many reasons why individuals and businesses may find themselves facing insurmountable debt burdens that they cannot pay off. When these difficult financial situations arise, Chapter 11 bankruptcy may be a viable option. Under this Bankruptcy Code option, reorganization through a court-approved plan can provide the means for Maryland businesses or qualified individuals to address their financial obligations. If a business is unable to effectively manage monthly expenses or keep up with what is owed to creditors, then Chapter 11 bankruptcy may be a viable

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Loan Modification with Deferred Principal Balance

When seeking a loan modification for our clients, we aggressively pursue the best possible result by efforts to guide the lender to a favorable outcome based on the facts. This requires extra work by phone calls and letter writing, but the results are worth it.  We recently obtained an “in-house” loan modification for a client that was not qualified to receive a HAMP loan modification that included a large deferral of principal that will be forgiven over three years if the borrower successfully makes the

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Drowning in debt, many will seek bankruptcy protection

As more and more Americans find themselves heavily in debt, many will seek avenues back to financial stability. According to many reports, debt levels have increased steadily over recent decades, while incomes have not kept the same pace. For those in Maryland who owe more than they can ever hope to repay,  bankruptcy protection might offer the fastest and most certain path back to solid ground. Of course, not all debt is created equal, and owing money on a home, student loans or a vehicle

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