Back in June I wrote an article about our society’s irrational obsession with credit scores. I truly believe that this arbitrary number has nothing to do with your credit worthiness or your ability to repay debt. The number is propagandized by banks and lenders to the point where we have become obsessed. The scariest part
The Yin and Yang of the Bankruptcy Means Test
In eastern philosophies, the “Yin” and “Yang” is a concept used to describe how opposing forces are connected and dependent on each other in the natural world. Light and dark, male and female and hot and cold are some examples of “yin yang” duality. While opposites, the yin yang concept shows us the balance of
Taking Advantage of Your Unemployment
As it stands today, the unempmloyment rate in the United States is at approximately 7.6%. As the charts indicate, it seems that the financial climate is improving and this number seems to be on the steady decline. On the decline, but I am still meeting with many people who are either unemployed or underemployed. Most
Don’t Break the Bank!
“Breaking the bank” is an idiom that is typically used to describe the purchase of something that is too expensive for one’s budget. I did not know this, but “break the bank” is actually a gambling term used to describe the (rare) situation when the casino bank does not have the cash to cover the
Going Naked Into the Storm
“Many, of course, will rant and rave against the garment fate has woven for them, but they pick it up and don it all the same, and most wear it to the end of their days. You…you would rather go naked into the storm.” I admit that I’m a geek and I love reading epic
Is Your Bankruptcy Attorney a Limousine Driver?
You just spent hours on a flight to or from some wonderful destination. You exit the airport and proceed towards the outside world on what sometimes feels like a “red carpet” for travelers. You look around and you see limousine drivers everywhere holding tiny signs with names printed (or written) across them. Perhaps one of
Beware the Stingy Bankruptcy Lawyer
“How many lawyers does it take to screw in a light bulb?” ……. “How many can you afford?” Okay, I apologize for the bad lawyer joke but it plays to my self-deprecating humor. It also plays to the negative stereotype that surrounds us attorneys. At worst, attorneys are described as sleazy and greedy. At best,
The Irrational Fear of FICO
Any bankruptcy lawyer will tell you that the number one concern people have when filing bankruptcy is “damage to their credit.” There are plenty of misconceptions, myths and flat out lies circling the various media outlets about how bankruptcy should be a last resort and how it will destroy your credit. I would argue that
2005 – 2013: Will There be an 8 Year Bankruptcy Surge
As the calendar months tick off, we are approaching the eight year anniversary of the passage and implementation of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA). For those that don’t know, this “new bankruptcy law” increased the burdens and costs of filing bankruptcy. It also created numerous obstacles and barriers for both debtors
Bankruptcy…Surprise!
While stressful, most people have a great time preparing and planning surprise parties. People take great joy in “fooling” and “shocking” friends and loved ones. I have participated in a few surprise parties, but have never been the subject of one. Honestly, I hope it stays that way. I never want to be the butt