Archive for the ‘Credit Score’ Category

When Should I Contact a U.S. Trustee?

Saturday, November 13th, 2010

When Do I Meet With a US Trustee for Bankruptcy? Most people meet with the trustee after they file the initial paperwork for Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13. Other types of bankruptcy are reserved for different types of organizations. The trustee will be the person who meets with the judge to discuss the debtor’s situation. The trustee will ask the debtor questions to determine his case.

What Do I Contact One? Generally, a person only contacts the trustee when he first files for bankruptcy and before his case goes to trial. The US trustee will let a person filing for bankruptcy know what he needs to do and if he fails to turn over documents to a trustee, he may have to go before a judge. M

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Nationally, Bankruptcy Filings Are Up, Up, Up

Saturday, November 13th, 2010

  Consumer bankruptcy filings are heading to record levels since the bankruptcy laws were changed five years ago.   According to recent nationwide data, about 1.3 million bankruptcy cases have been filed in the fist ten months of this year.    Last year, there were 1.2 million bankruptcy filings in the same period.   At this rate, we will likely see about 1.6 million filings by the end of the year.    The year with the highest number of filings was 2005 when consumers rushed to file their bankruptcy petitions before the new bankruptcy laws went into effect.  In that year there were about 2.0 million filings.   The recession and difficult financial times are the main contributors to the large number of filings.    The t Read more…

Costco American Express

Monday, November 8th, 2010

If you’re a Costco member in the market for a new credit card, consider the “Costco American Express” credit card.

First and foremost, the American Express Costco credit card is a American Express credit card and a Costco card in one.

That’s right, two memberships for the price of one in the TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express.

Cash Back Rewards at Gas Stations, Restaurants, and Even Costco!

The Costco American Express card also comes with great cash back rewards, including 3% back on gas for annual gasoline purchases up to $3,000 (and 1% thereafter).

You also get 3% cash back at restaurants, 2% cash back for travel, and 1% cash back on everything else, including Costco purchases.

If you eat out a lot, the cash back at restaurants is certainly a biggie. In fact,

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What are Bankruptcy Law Statutes?

Monday, November 8th, 2010

What are Bankruptcy Law Statutes? Navigating through the Bankruptcy codes can be quite a task. Understanding the Bankruptcy Law Statutes may be best left to the Bankruptcy attorney. However, knowing some information before calling an attorney can be helpful. There are a lot of statues but the most common for individuals is Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Businesses have Chapter 11 to utilize.

Businesses have Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Under the Chapter 11 statutes, a business can re-organize during this period of time. The Bankruptcy court can reduce the amount of unsecured debt the business owes. The company must provide the court a re-organization plan on how they will repay the debts the court is allowing.

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Reduce Your Debt and Stop its Accumulation

Sunday, November 7th, 2010

Dealing with debt collectors as well as creditors is probably the most uncomfortable thing about being in debt and behind upon payments. Remember that their particular main job is to get the money you owe them as well as sometimes they will push the limits of the regulation to do that. The most notorious situation when dealing with debt collectors and collectors is the onslaught associated with telephone calls each and every day in addition a few hours at night. You don’t have to be frightened when dealing with loan companies and creditors. The main thing to keep in mind is to keep all communications cordial, businesslike, plus writing. Here are a few areas to consider when dealing with collectors and creditors. Read more…

Suggestions to Improve the Bankruptcy Court

Sunday, November 7th, 2010

  Some Recommendations for the “Strategic Planning Program” of the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York   I write this while attending the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Annual Workshop in Puerto Rico.  I flew down here with my associate, Jason Leibowitz, and my good friend, Kerie Stone, who is the Chairperson of the Bankruptcy Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association.   In between attending workshop sessions, Kerie and I chatted about her participation in a Strategic Planning Program which is designed to improve the efficiency of our bankruptcy courts in Central Islip and Brooklyn.   She sa Read more…