Bankruptcy Myths Debunked – Part 2

This is the second part in a series of bankruptcy myths debunked. The first myth we debunked was that everyone will know when you declare bankruptcy. The second myth to be debunked is that declaring bankruptcy will ruin your credit forever. While a bankruptcy filing can be reflected on your credit history for anywhere from

Bankruptcy Myths Debunked – Part 1

This is the first part in a series that debunks myths about bankruptcy. The first myth to be debunked is that everyone will know when you declare bankruptcy. Maybe you have fears of people watching you and whispering to one another when you go to work, your place of worship, or social events. Like some

Additional Causes of Bankruptcy

This post is the third in a series about the most common causes of personal bankruptcy. In the first post medical expenses were identified as the cause for the most bankruptcies in the United States. The second post recognized job loss and unemployment as the second most common cause of bankruptcies. In this final segment

Top Causes of Personal Bankruptcy

This post is the second in a series about the most common causes of personal bankruptcy. The first post discussed medical expenses which is the number one reason for filing bankruptcy in the United States. And just like the sudden onset of illness, the second most common cause of bankruptcy is something that is out

Top Causes of Bankruptcy

This post is the first in a series about the most common causes of personal bankruptcy. The stereotype of a person who declares bankruptcy is generally not flattering. Often they are depicted as someone who spends without thinking, uses credit cards recklessly, and has absolutely no financial discipline. The truth be told though is most

Dealing with Financial Mistakes in a Tough Economy

When thrown into the depths of financial hardship you simplify your life as much as possible. You cut corners on all of your spending; you pinch your pennies as hard as possible and even cut coupons to stretch every cent. But still, the bills continue to arrive in your mailbox each day. The electricity, water,

Can Taxes be Discharged in Bankruptcy?

If you have oppressive tax debt that is only metastasizing larger, like a cancer, because of interest and penalties assessed by the IRS, you may have abandoned all hope that you will ever be rid of them. Indeed, many people believe that tax debt is something that is next to eternal — something that will

What is Bankruptcy?

The word “bankruptcy” has roots from two words found in ancient Latin; “bancus” which translates to “bench,” and “ruptus,” which can be interpreted as “break” or “shattered.” In ancient times a “banker” would set-up his bench in the market area and conduct his business. When a banker failed or lost his money, the bench would

Financial Dysfunction and Fun Have Never Gone Together

The phrase “Let’s put the fun back into dysfunctional!” has become famous over the years. It can be found on coffee mugs, bumper stickers, magnets and more. The one place it can’t be found is your finances, especially if you are going through a bankruptcy. Since the Great Recession hit a few years ago, many