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How to Know it’s Time to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Redwood Falls, MN

If creditors are calling you daily, your credit card debt is rising, and you have little or no savings or assets, it may be time to let Behm Law Group, Ltd. assist you with your Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Redwood Falls, MN and surrounding communities.

Chapter 7, the most common type of bankruptcy, is often referred to as “straight” or “complete” bankruptcy. Depending on your situation, filing a Chapter 7 may help you eliminate all of your debt without having any obligation to repay any of it. Because all of your debts may be eliminated, it is also often referred to as a “fresh start” bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcies are generally best if you don’t have a significant amount of assets, such as substantial equity in your home or other investments.

How do you know if Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you in Redwood Falls, MN? Here’s a roundup of red flags which signal a path toward bankruptcy:

Creditors are constantly calling you. If you are a chronic late payer or non-payer, you probably get numerous calls from your creditors, or their hired hands, wanting to know when they can expect payment(s). These calls can range from professional to downright harassing. Depending on the amount you owe and the lateness of the payment, the creditor might be willing to strike a deal with you regarding a payment plan. Be wary and consult a Behm Law Group, Ltd. attorney before agreeing to any deal.

You have rising credit card debt. If you find your credit card bill growing each month – despite your best efforts to pay it down – you’re headed for financial trouble. Making minimum payments and thinking you’ll eventually pay off your high credit card balances isn’t realistic. The way high interest charges are calculated and the associated fees with missing or late payments are added almost eliminates any value to making minimum payments on the debt. Also, if you’re using your credit cards to put food on the table and gas in the car, be very careful. Balances can add up quickly. If not managed proactively, they can become unmanageable in a short amount of time.

Your nest egg is small or non-existent. If you‘re living paycheck to paycheck, chances are you have not had the opportunity to save much or any money. Many people live their entire lives this way, always being vulnerable to happenstance and potential financial disaster when things go wrong. If you find yourself in this position, you could be on the road to bankruptcy.

If the above descriptions fit you and your family’s situation, call Behm Law Group, Ltd. at (507) 387-7200 and let us help you find an equitable resolution for your financial difficulties. We’re standing by to assist you with all of your bankruptcy needs.

 

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The Cause of the Gawker Bankruptcy in the St. Peter, Minnesota Area

In the St. Peter, Minnesota area and across the United States, people have access to all kinds of celebrity gossip. Whether it’s your grandma snagging a magazine next to the checkout or your little brother Googling information about the latest famous downfall, we have nearly unlimited access to gossip about the rich and famous.

Recently, however, this access to information has become a bit of an issue for some stars. A celebrity gossip source known as “Gawker” recently filed or bankruptcy as a result of a suit against Hulk Hogan. Here’s all you need to know about the case that led Gawker to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy:

  • Illicit Publications: Gawker recently published a private video of Hulk Hogan against his wishes. The content of this video was somewhat explicit, making Hogan seek legal action against the celebrity gossip site. Little did Gawker know, this suit would eventually lead to a bankruptcy filing.
  • Private Funding: Hogan was able to pay for this long, arduous lawsuit because Peter Thiel privately funded Hogan’s actions. Thiel is a major player in Silicon Valley, making his funds nearly endless for the purpose of Hogan’s suit.
  • Controversy: In the midst of this suit, there has been controversy amongst journalists. Some have argued that Hogan’s suit violates freedom of press and feel frustrated that Gawker had to file for bankruptcy. Others question Gawker’s news reporting, whether it relates to Hogan or other famous folks.

Expensive lawsuits can lead to bankruptcy in the St. Peter, Minnesota area and in the world of the rich and famous. If you find yourself in expensive legal trouble and you need the assistance of a professional regarding bankruptcy, we’re here to help. Contact the professionals at Behm Law Group Ltd. today!

 

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Summertime Budgets in the New Ulm, Minnesota Area

Summertime is upon us in the New Ulm, MN area, which means folks are ready to get outside and enjoy the glorious sunshine. In the New Ulm area, there are all kinds of exciting activities to enjoy. However, if you’re going through a bankruptcy filing, it can be challenging to keep your budget in check during these three warm, sunny months.

Fortunately, there are all kinds of free or low budget activities to try out in New Ulm, so you can make the most of summer, even while on a budget or going through bankruptcy! Here’s a >list of a few exciting places to visit:

Minnesota Music Hall of Fame: For the low price of three dollars, this museum allows you to experience the musical culture of Minnesota! Featured in the museum are all kinds of well-known artists such as Bob Dylan, The Andrews Sisters, and Prince. What a fun, inexpensive way to spend a rainy summer day!

Museum of Brewing: Although it may seem like a brewery museum might only be geared towards those twenty-one or older, this museum is made for families to enjoy! Admission is free, making the Museum of Brewing a perfect venue for those budgeting or going through bankruptcy. Come see the grounds, enjoy the peacocks, and perhaps indulge in a beer (with or without root!)

Oktoberfest: German culture is important to New Ulm, so it’s only natural that Oktoberfest is widely celebrated! Better yet, admission to the event is free! Come listen to music and participate in traditional German events, without spending too much extra money. While you’re at it, why not pop by the glockenspiel, a forty-five foot tall monument that keeps New Ulm on time year round!

There are so many free or nearly free activities in the New Ulm, MN area, so if you’re concerned about spending too much money or bankruptcy, you can still have a fun and festive summer. For additional questions about your bankruptcy filing, contact the professionals at Behm Law Group, Ltd. today!

 

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Little Free Summer Activities in the Mankato, Minnesota Area

Summer has officially begun in the Mankato, Minnesota area, which means folks are ready to get outside, work on their suntans, and celebrate three months of sunshine and fun! Although there are a lot of fun activities available during the summer months, it can be challenging to pay for expensive tickets or experiences while on a tight budget or while going through bankruptcy.

Fortunately, there are a lot of free activities available in the Mankato, Minnesota area. There’s one that’s especially exciting that also allows for a little physical activity: the Little Free Libraries scattered around Mankato and surrounding towns. Here’s how to make the most of those little libraries while keeping your bankruptcy budget in check:

Look for Libraries! There is a website available that can help you find all the Little Free Libraries nearest to you. How cool is that? Once you know the locations, sit down with a friend or family member to set your route. The more walking in the sunshine, the better!

Walk it Out! Once you’ve got a plan in mind, grab a book you’re ready to part with and start walking! Take time to enjoy the adventure between little libraries, and to see the neighborhood or town in a whole new way.

Lend or Borrow: Little Free Libraries rely on consistent donations and borrows from folks that pass by. If you see something you like, drop off your old book inside the library and take one that’s new. It’s yours to keep. That is, until you find the next book you want to borrow!

A Little Free Library walk is the perfect free summertime activity to kick off June in the Mankato, Minnesota area. Regardless of your budget or the status of your bankruptcy filing, this free outing will keep you happy and well read. Bankruptcy is not always fun, but that doesn’t mean your summer has to suffer!

For more information about your personal bankruptcy budget or bankruptcy filing, call the professionals at Behm Law Group Ltd. today!

 

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Bankruptcy Turbulence for SkyMall in the Owatonna, Minnesota Area

It’s almost summertime in the Owatonna, Minnesota area, which means folks are preparing to travel and enjoy the sunshine! Though you may be boarding a plane sometime in the next few months, you’ll notice something is glaringly absent. Although you’ll still have access to those individually packaged peanuts, tiny glasses of ginger ale, and in-flight movies, Skymall will be nowhere in sight due to a bankruptcy filing from this past January.

There are a few different reasons why SkyMall succumbed to bankruptcy over the past few years, but here are the major reasons why you’ll be missing SkyMall on your next trip:

Phone Competition: Rather than perusing pages of neck pillows and pet accessories during flights, folks have recently preferred to look through their personal devices. This has decreased the amount of traffic through SkyMall, consequently decreasing their overall sales and taking them one step closer to bankruptcy.

Touch Down and Take Off: Although this had already been a problem during flights, SkyMall still took advantage of that precious time when customers couldn’t use phones during touch down and take off. When flights changed their policy on cell phone usage and folks didn’t have to turn off their phones, SkyMall finally had to file for bankruptcy.

The Cost of Paper: Under increasing pressure to go paperless—for either environmental or cost-based reasons—airlines have recently found it difficult to justify carrying magazines or catalogues.

In the Owatonna, Minnesota area, folks are getting ready to take flight without SkyMall to keep them distracted and entertained. Fortunately, in recent months SkyMall has found a new buyer based out of New Jersey . Perhaps they’ll be back in business, out of bankruptcy, and ready to fly just in time for you to purchase a festive cat hat for Aunt Muriel this fall.

For additional information about bankruptcy filings, contact the professionals at Behm Law Group Ltd. today!

 

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Fun, Fashionable, but filing Bankruptcy in the Marshall Minnesota Area

It’s important to look fashionable and fun in the Marshall, MN area, especially with summer just around the corner. While shops in the area are pulling their shorts and sundresses out of storage, one teen-focused retailer will be pulling out a “Closed” sign instead. Aeropostale filed for bankruptcy earlier this week.

Though Aeropostale may have once been a go-to destination for teen shoppers, it’s recently slipped out of the public eye. After a few years of struggling, they finally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Here’s all the information you need to know:

In total, this New York-centered retailer will close 113 of their 739 stores across the United States and Canada. This process will begin soon, and may have already begun in certain store locations. Stores slated to be closed in Minnesota are located in Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Woodbury.

The market for teen shoppers has changed in recent years. Rather than looking for logos, polos, or high price clothing, teenagers are looking to stores like H&M and Forever 21 for their quick fashion fixes. These types of stores have pushed Aeropostale out of the current youth market and into bankruptcy.

Though Aeropostale stores near you may be closing, they hope to reopen as a “standalone enterprise” after their Chapter 11 filing is complete. This will mean higher efficiency and a lower number of stores.

Aeropostale recently tried a social media revival, which ultimately fell flat. This failed marketing tactic was a sign that bankruptcy may be the best option for this teen clothing retailer.

Although Aeropostale is filing for bankruptcy protection, that doesn’t mean you’ll be without fashionable clothing in the Marshall, MN area. After their bankruptcy filing is complete, this retailer should be up and running once again.

If you have questions regarding bankruptcy or feel you need to file for bankruptcy protection contact the professionals at Behm Law Group, Ltd. today!

 

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Mother’s Day in the Waseca, Minnesota Area

It’s Mother’s Day in the Waseca, Minnesota area, which means folks will be reaching out to thank their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends, and all the other important women in their lives. While it’s important to express our gratitude for these wonderful, hardworking women, it can be tricky to purchase gifts in the midst of financial struggles or a bankruptcy filing.

Rather than spending top dollar on a dozen roses or an expensive box of chocolates, why not try a thoughtful, homemade gift this Mother’s Day? Here are a few ideas to show appreciation without further increasing the need for a bankruptcy filing:

  • Get Creative: Make special cards, coupons, or books for the important women in your life. All you need is a good set of markers and some colorful construction paper, as well as a helping hand from your kids or other family members!
  • Time: Is your mom a bike-riding enthusiast? Does your aunt have a garden that’s the envy of the neighborhood? Take some time to get outside and go for a bike–ride, walk, or other adventure with the wonderful women in your life!
  • Breakfast in Bed: This one is an old classic for a good reason! For families going through bankruptcy or other financial troubles, breakfast in bed can be the perfect way to help Mom relax and enjoy the day. Pancakes and eggs always taste better under the covers!
  • Game Time: Family game night is a great way to spend time together and have some fun. Scrabble, Monopoly, or Apples to Apples are all great ways to relax and laugh while enjoying one another’s company!
  • Bankruptcy can be challenging around the holidays or on special days in the Waseca, Minnesota area. But with a little creativity, you’ll find that there are all kinds of ways to show your appreciation for the women in your life this Mother’s Day.

For questions about your personal bankruptcy filing, or to learn more about bankruptcy processes, contact the professionals at Behm Law Group Ltd. today!

 

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Children and Social Media in the Mankato, Minnesota Area

In the Mankato, Minnesota area, it’s important not to make yourself appear wealthier over social media than you really are. As we discussed last week, 50 Cent got caught making this mistake. Although he claimed not to have enough money to pay his bills, pictures of him throwing around large bills on Instagram and Facebook showed up in bankruptcy court, complicating his filing.

This hasn’t only been a problem for 50 Cent, however, as wealthy parents around the world are learning the hard way. Though parents themselves may not post on social media sites, their children are interested in sharing their Chanel perfumes, expensive yacht vacations, and pricy Bentleys or Corvettes with the Internet world. And creditors are taking notice.

Here are a few quick facts about the strange, new phenomena affecting the hyper wealthy and super rich:

  • Large Impact: Although many folks may not believe social media can have an impact on a bankruptcy case, Facebook or Instagram posts have been recently used in about seventy-five percent of all cases. How’s that for a following?
  • Go–To: Bankruptcy cases are adapting to the world of social media. Online posts are often the first place creditors check for cases of hidden assets.
  • Location, Location, Location: Additionally, social media posts can be tracked, giving away the location and origin of individual posts. That can influence jurisdiction during bankruptcy cases, which means posters must be aware!

Even if you’re up front and honest with all of your assets in the Mankato, Minnesota area, it’s so important to take care of your personality on social media.

Additionally, no matter how much work you do to groom your own page, be sure to have open and honest conversations with those related to you, such as your children or spouse. This will make your bankruptcy case much easier and clearer in the long run!

For additional questions regarding your bankruptcy case, contact the professionals at Behm Law Group today!

 

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Social Media Common “Cents” During Your Bankruptcy Filing

Filing for bankruptcy can be a challenging process in the Fairmont, Minnesota area. There are a lot of specific details to take care of, including signing paperwork, organizing debts, and working with creditors. In the midst of all these steps and processes, it may be tempting to let off a little steam. Doing it over social media, however, is not recommended.

50 Cent learned this the hard way when his apparently affluent social media posts created dissent in the bankruptcy courtroom. Though 50 Cent claims the hundred dollar bills decorating his Instagram pictures were all fake and only included to boost his personal brand, the bank isn’t so certain. Could 50 Cent be hiding assets instead?

Considering 50 Cent’s position, it’s important to note how to manage your social media accounts in the midst of bankruptcy. Here’s what to do:

DO: Maintain your personal privacy. The fewer posts about money, the better!

DO NOT: Allow yourself to appear affluent. Although it may be tempting to boost your personal appearance through social media posts, bankruptcy courts may find this deceptive information worthy of investigation. This will only prolong your filing process, and keep you from achieving a quick end result!

DO: Be honest and up front with those assisting with your bankruptcy filing. The more transparent you can be about your financial status, the better!

DO NOT: Hide assets. Whether or not your social media posts reflect your monetary status, it’s important to remain truthful during your filing.

Most of us in the Fairmont, Minnesota area don’t have money like 50 Cent. Though we likely won’t be flashing one hundred dollar bills—fake or real—on Facebook or Instagram, it’s important to remember honesty and privacy when going through a filing. Most of the time, that means keeping your bankruptcy–related posts to yourself!

For more information about your bankruptcy filing, contact the folks at Behm Law Group Ltd. today!

 

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Bankruptcy Spring Cleaning in the Owatonna, Minnesota Area

It’s spring in the Owatonna, Minnesota area, which means that our wintry state is finally coming back to life. Flowers are blossoming, the sun is peeking out from behind the clouds, and the season for “spring cleaning” is officially upon us. That means it’s time to clear those old belongings out of your garage and sweep those stacks of junk mail into the recycling.

So, if you’re cleaning out your garage and desk, why not also take a look at your finances? Now that it’s spring, maybe it’s time to seriously consider that bankruptcy filing you’ve put on the back burner for so long.

Here are a few reasons to finally get around to your personal bankruptcy filing this spring:

Debts Accumulate: Those debts don’t go away; they only grow larger. Rather than allowing debt to pile up further, it’s best to consult a professional bankruptcy attorney about a filing.

Peace of Mind: Does thinking about your finances cause you stress or duress? Cleaning out your finances through a bankruptcy filing can also help clear your mind of unnecessary worry, allowing you to focus your thoughts on happier things.

Available Resources: If you’ve felt overwhelmed at the prospect of beginning a filing, or you don’t know who to ask for help, look no further than Behm Law Group Ltd. Bankruptcy is our specialty, and our professionals are ready and waiting to help with your personal bankruptcy filing.

The season for spring cleaning is upon us in the Owatonna, Minnesota area. Once you finally sort through those old coupons, toss out that broken shovel, and clear your home of any messes, why not take a look at your finances, too? The professionals at Behm Law Group Ltd. are here to help with your bankruptcy filing. Contact us today.