Ohio residents may believe that working with a debt settlement company is better than filing for bankruptcy. However, the impact to a person's credit score may be the same regardless of which option is chosen. In some cases, an individual could see his or her credit...
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
New rules will affect Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases
Ohio consumers who are considering filing for bankruptcy might want to be aware of new rules that may affect their cases. The rules, which were issued by Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court of the United States in April and sent to Congress, will modify...
How investment accounts are treated in bankruptcy
There are many issues that Ohio residents may need to be aware of when it comes to how filing bankruptcy may impact their finances. The good news for those with a 401(k) or an IRA is that money inside of those accounts are often off-limits to creditors. The only...
New rule on arbitration for banks and credit card companies
Ohio consumers who may have been prevented from bringing a class action suit against a bank or credit card company because of arbitration clauses contained in their agreements may now be able to do so because of a rule issued on July 10 by the Consumer Financial...
Late claims can bar creditors from repayment plans
For people who are facing severe financial challenges, including the possibilities of foreclosure or auto repossession, filing for bankruptcy may offer relief. It can also come with unexpected surprises, as one Ohio couple learned. The couple filed for Chapter 13, and...
Debt to increase after Federal Reserve raises interest rate
Ohio residents who have credit card debt or mortgages with variable interest rates might want to consider the quarter-point interest rate increase made by the Federal Reserve on June 14. This increase affects loans with variable interest rates since they are based on...
Modification of a Chapter 13 plan
A ruling made by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Arkansas may have an impact on Ohio debtors. It held that a couple could modify their Chapter 13 plan by returning their vehicle to the lender and treating a deficiency as an unsecured claim. While...
Good reasons to pay down credit card debt
Ohio residents who have high credit card debt may be causing numerous financial problems for themselves. Perhaps the most obvious impact is that payments can take money away from an emergency fund or retirement savings account. On average, an American household has...
Collectors can pursue stale debt
A Supreme Court decision in May 2017 set a significant precedent when it comes to debt collection that Ohio residents should be aware of. The decision makes it okay for collectors to file claims in bankruptcy proceedings for debts that have passed the statute of...
Rebuilding credit history after filing for Chapter 13
Filing for bankruptcy can be a difficult decision for Ohio residents, but it is sometimes the only way to stop creditor harassment, stop foreclosure, provide debt relief, and reduce interest payments. After filing for bankruptcy, many assume their credit is ruined....