Most Active Articles 2013-05-19T06:25:10.713-04:00 Business Exchange Business_Exchange@businessweek.com urn:com:businessweek:bx:topic:most-active:bankruptcy-protection Bankruptcy Protection bprotection494 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:1351358853611128536-f1dee516d61b3d05ce93e8f5ba44bfd5 2013-02-22T11:34:26.497-05:00

Being contacted by a debt collection company is a stressful, frustrating, and sometimes frightening process. These entities often provide very little information about the debt that they claim is owed. In addition, it is not uncommon for the representatives to

Being contacted by a debt collection company is a stressful, frustrating, and sometimes frightening process. These entities often provide very little information about the debt that they claim is owed. In addition, it is not uncommon for the representatives to http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/be-aware-of-common-debt-collection-scams/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2774274335696181253-ec071e0b3d1a5fb0df54ae846891da93 2012-12-07T12:02:36.765-05:00

This year, online retailers are expected to take in almost $100 billion in holiday gift-buying revenues, up 17% from 2011.  Access to online buying opportunities has mushroomed to include not only “traditional” websites, but social media portals like Facebook, and

This year, online retailers are expected to take in almost $100 billion in holiday gift-buying revenues, up 17% from 2011.  Access to online buying opportunities has mushroomed to include not only “traditional” websites, but social media portals like Facebook, and http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/wishing-phishing-and-smishing-avoiding-online-holiday-scams/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:7968798052968601251-e59938e623ce3c06b871482a41b1678f 2013-03-01T14:29:11.976-05:00

Consumption is rising, which is good for this economy.  Many retailers are reporting increased sales, big ticket purchases (like cars) are at the highest they have been in a decade, and banks have reported more requests for credit. Americans are spending again.

Consumption is rising, which is good for this economy.  Many retailers are reporting increased sales, big ticket purchases (like cars) are at the highest they have been in a decade, and banks have reported more requests for credit. Americans are spending again. http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/the-debt-fueled-economy/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:14223435879835294389-8939cccf32ca1ebfe0ab7580fc72de38 2012-08-13T10:58:33.245-04:00

Payday loans are one of the easiest ways to get money when you are in a financial jam. Since they are so easy to get, many people get in trouble with them once they borrow the money. If you find

Payday loans are one of the easiest ways to get money when you are in a financial jam. Since they are so easy to get, many people get in trouble with them once they borrow the money. If you find http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/bankruptcy-payday-loans/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:14566931389320033326-39679dea6f4ea9d886f2eeae3c9e1d2d 2013-04-05T12:10:34.962-04:00

How do you know if you are suffering collection harassment, and when is it time to seek an attorney? If you are constantly harassed, embarrassed, or threatened by collection agencies, it is likely you are a victim. According to an

How do you know if you are suffering collection harassment, and when is it time to seek an attorney? If you are constantly harassed, embarrassed, or threatened by collection agencies, it is likely you are a victim. According to an http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/when-collection-agencies-go-too-far/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5476106150850187358-48e4fb7f26b004a99aa66e1cfa3b8543 2013-01-18T15:11:31.173-05:00

Not to the surprise of many people, the Mayans were wrong and we are now beginning a new year. The internet is full of New Year’s Resolutions and tips on how to tackle 2013. It seems every self-help guru of

Not to the surprise of many people, the Mayans were wrong and we are now beginning a new year. The internet is full of New Year’s Resolutions and tips on how to tackle 2013. It seems every self-help guru of http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/2013-the-year-you-reduce-your-debt/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:9725360308942536844-24931f31661617c4e8243b76399d142a 2013-04-08T11:19:59.832-04:00

The worst thing you can do for your credit is to allow inaccurate or out of date information to remain on your credit report. By simply checking your credit report, you can stay apprised of all suspicious action. Remaining on

The worst thing you can do for your credit is to allow inaccurate or out of date information to remain on your credit report. By simply checking your credit report, you can stay apprised of all suspicious action. Remaining on http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/why-should-i-check-my-credit-report/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6843086783520656667-645034dc8713f0bed9bcd27bfb651ddb 2013-03-29T12:14:09.319-04:00

If you are behind in your mortgage or facing foreclosure, you may have been contacted by one or more companies promising to get your loan modified or your foreclosure stopped. Unsurprisingly, all you have to do is pay a hefty,

If you are behind in your mortgage or facing foreclosure, you may have been contacted by one or more companies promising to get your loan modified or your foreclosure stopped. Unsurprisingly, all you have to do is pay a hefty, http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/mortgage-relief-scams/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8486772565073963990-92042df8804e3956c8b33fd65c53b851 2013-02-04T10:50:55.072-05:00

Consumer rights advocates have worked hard in recent years to protect debtors from unfair and unnecessary debt collection practices. With the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and state regulations monitoring collection practices, one might assume that these companies

Consumer rights advocates have worked hard in recent years to protect debtors from unfair and unnecessary debt collection practices. With the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and state regulations monitoring collection practices, one might assume that these companies http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/facebook-the-next-frontier-for-debt-collectors/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13515075356951377881-b7848ffcde1603117caf20a85221deb2 2013-02-13T12:07:35.938-05:00

As many as 40 million consumers have mistakes on their credit reports. As many as 20 million are significant enough to change their credit scores. These figures are supported by a new study issued the week of February 11, 2013 by the Federal

As many as 40 million consumers have mistakes on their credit reports. As many as 20 million are significant enough to change their credit scores. These figures are supported by a new study issued the week of February 11, 2013 by the Federal http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/reports-by-the-ftc-and-by-60-minutes-spotlight-deficiencies-in-credit-reporting/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:16689520002194265886-bf56e77c9301c00fc10797c826bc8354 2012-12-26T12:02:29.944-05:00

This blog covers what to do if you are facing a problem with an old judgment clouding title to your homestead.

This blog covers what to do if you are facing a problem with an old judgment clouding title to your homestead. http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/cannot-get-a-home-loan-because-of-an-old-judgment/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13668423670378892218-9257285f2eb6c209ffa99de492243f76 2012-12-19T10:21:56.118-05:00

Not to belabor the topic of student loans, but some recent numbers reported by The Wall Street Journal draw even more attention to the growing amount of debt taken on by college students.  In a previous blog post, we discussed

Not to belabor the topic of student loans, but some recent numbers reported by The Wall Street Journal draw even more attention to the growing amount of debt taken on by college students.  In a previous blog post, we discussed http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/more-information-on-alarming-growth-of-student-loan-debt/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:17624514344552935867-37d021eb5803f80a321cb7bb45e7a2ac 2012-12-04T13:57:53.029-05:00

The Fifth and Tenth Circuits join the Sixth and Eighth Circuits in concluding that Chapter 13 debtors are not required to include social security benefits in the calculation of their “projected disposable income” for plan purposes. The two cases, released

The Fifth and Tenth Circuits join the Sixth and Eighth Circuits in concluding that Chapter 13 debtors are not required to include social security benefits in the calculation of their “projected disposable income” for plan purposes. The two cases, released http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/social-security-excluded-from-projected-disposable-income/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5643023790875172134-6495a03b5b2214532b38924d7990c097 2012-12-14T16:53:13.875-05:00

Student Loan Debt Hits $1 Trillion The student loan burden is now at a record $1 trillion. That number is staggering.  Many factors contribute to this growing number. The cost of college continues to rise at a rate higher than the rate

Student Loan Debt Hits $1 Trillion The student loan burden is now at a record $1 trillion. That number is staggering.  Many factors contribute to this growing number. The cost of college continues to rise at a rate higher than the rate http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/when-student-loans-attack/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2522537477259621374-3e020e7e0aae6a9d34ca194563f61c7c 2013-02-27T17:05:21.697-05:00

As consumer bankruptcy practitioners, we can say with assurance that we saw the beginnings of the mortgage and credit meltdown long before 2007. I remember reading an article on Bankrate.com in 2004 that discussed “exotic” mortgages, thinking, “I’m glad somebody

As consumer bankruptcy practitioners, we can say with assurance that we saw the beginnings of the mortgage and credit meltdown long before 2007. I remember reading an article on Bankrate.com in 2004 that discussed “exotic” mortgages, thinking, “I’m glad somebody http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/what-is-a-qualified-mortgage/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10201724465487720758-760ebf717deeb48fd74305e209d903e5 2013-02-08T13:03:16.251-05:00

Is a voluntary 401k contribution a “reasonable and necessary” expense and therefore excluded from disposable income for purposes of a Chapter 13 case? Does it matter whether the debtor is above or below median? Courts in the 9th Circuit and

Is a voluntary 401k contribution a “reasonable and necessary” expense and therefore excluded from disposable income for purposes of a Chapter 13 case? Does it matter whether the debtor is above or below median? Courts in the 9th Circuit and http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/the-attack-on-voluntary-401k-contributions-in-chapter-13/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13297927864387600351-aa95bd5eba5fadec5fa26320b0961154 2013-04-01T11:56:09.206-04:00

The FTC has been busy cracking down on mortgage relief scams. Just this year, the FTC has obtained settlements from over 20 individuals and companies involved with scamming distressed homeowners. Most recently, two individuals and seven companies settled FTC charges

The FTC has been busy cracking down on mortgage relief scams. Just this year, the FTC has obtained settlements from over 20 individuals and companies involved with scamming distressed homeowners. Most recently, two individuals and seven companies settled FTC charges http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/ftc-cracking-down-on-mortgage-relief-scammers/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8470163455142455628-691f2d07d378a4f80d9ed77da223395b 2013-01-16T17:01:12.514-05:00

Financial decisions stick with you for much longer than you might think. Individuals who have been in the workforce for many years have hopefully built up an emergency fund of sorts and have some financial plan in place to protect

Financial decisions stick with you for much longer than you might think. Individuals who have been in the workforce for many years have hopefully built up an emergency fund of sorts and have some financial plan in place to protect http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/how-to-avoid-major-financial-mistakes-for-twentysomethings/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:18187823340635973332-031e225f74ccf06ee374ec6e91867c9e 2012-12-03T11:36:37.514-05:00

In the last several posts, we talked about foregoing a home equity loan or a loan against retirement savings in favor or other methods to get credit card debt under control. Those alternatives include defending credit card lawsuits and bringing

In the last several posts, we talked about foregoing a home equity loan or a loan against retirement savings in favor or other methods to get credit card debt under control. Those alternatives include defending credit card lawsuits and bringing http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/saving-your-assets-part-4/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:14845907462163901147-58706d0af7ae0ea38a1928c05d9fe292 2012-07-25T04:23:27.731-04:00

Banking sector is rapidly getting so skewed that ONLY a complete collapse of Banks & the current Banking System could lead to Re-Building

Banking sector is rapidly getting so skewed that ONLY a complete collapse of Banks & the current Banking System could lead to Re-Building http://www.commoditytrademantra.com/eurozone/banks-crack-on-irregularities-scandals/ Moneyline: Rajesh J. Shah mrajeshjshah359 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:17054448301954019315-c49b3e87f7cd9b135f4b7a9aeade6d5b 2013-02-06T17:01:42.352-05:00

In today’s hectic world it is easy to make basic financial and bookkeeping errors. With multiple bank accounts, electronic transfers, direct deposits, random fees, and more, it is not uncommon for consumers to accidentally find that they have overdrawn an

In today’s hectic world it is easy to make basic financial and bookkeeping errors. With multiple bank accounts, electronic transfers, direct deposits, random fees, and more, it is not uncommon for consumers to accidentally find that they have overdrawn an http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/egregious-consequences-of-an-accidental-bounced-check/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:9793808065793360539-4955d1b8d10a2afbe67c26c3697a1c81 2013-03-20T13:56:28.201-04:00

If you’re reading this blog because you are facing foreclosure, you may have already spent some time on the internet researching ways to help you keep your house. Probably you have found a variety of lawyers and non-lawyer websites touting

If you’re reading this blog because you are facing foreclosure, you may have already spent some time on the internet researching ways to help you keep your house. Probably you have found a variety of lawyers and non-lawyer websites touting http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/alternatives-to-foreclosure-defense-offer-better-results/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10867572602397834218-8f2109d12ca9c892fd5ad03b6d7741c2 2013-01-11T10:42:55.733-05:00

Debt consolidation conjures up different thoughts for different people.  In certain situations, consolidating multiple loans into one lump sum is a wise option.  However, consolidating multiple loans without much foresight could actually lead to damaging financial results.  It is important to know all

Debt consolidation conjures up different thoughts for different people.  In certain situations, consolidating multiple loans into one lump sum is a wise option.  However, consolidating multiple loans without much foresight could actually lead to damaging financial results.  It is important to know all http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/consider-debt-consolidation-options-carefully/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3158215342108319457-93d4b995231aabc4afad515115859207 2013-02-18T12:51:29.452-05:00

Every year the debt collection industry generates far more consumer complaints to the Federal Trade Commission that any other. These mounting complaints led the FTC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the debt collection process. That study highlighted what the

Every year the debt collection industry generates far more consumer complaints to the Federal Trade Commission that any other. These mounting complaints led the FTC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the debt collection process. That study highlighted what the http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/ftc-releases-report-on-debt-buyer-practices/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:16037273822626318840-edd8a098a7aa64b1f1662fe43e88f95e 2013-02-15T14:49:47.425-05:00

Each tax season, people who have filed or are thinking about filing bankruptcy ask whether they can keep their tax refund. Since a tax refund is considered an asset that becomes part of your estate, keeping it depends on several

Each tax season, people who have filed or are thinking about filing bankruptcy ask whether they can keep their tax refund. Since a tax refund is considered an asset that becomes part of your estate, keeping it depends on several http://www.armstrongattorneys.com/can-you-keep-your-income-tax-refund-when-you-file-bankruptcy/ Gary Armstrong garmstrong145 0 0 0 0