Regarding nation’s debt crisis, are we digging out or digging in?
So, are we doing better or not? Has the national economy at least stopped snarling at the middle class sufficiently enough over the past couple years to enable most challenged debtors to regain their financial footing? These questions certainly seem reasonable enough to ask, and at this time. After all, the monstrous housing collapse and […]
Debt-relief tips centrally include this: Find a good lawyer
Virtually every consumer who has passed the time while waiting in the grocery line by scanning media headlines off the magazine rack that precedes the cash register knows that the media loves lists. Five ways to dress for success. Ten insider recommendations for scoring cheap home improvements. Fifty ways to leave your lover. And serious […]
There’s that harassing caller again: how to deal with him or her
We recently passed along a few general tips for our readers in Texas and elsewhere regarding how to respond to contacts from aggressive debt collectors (please see our blog entry dated May 2, 2014). A central recommendation for any challenged debtor is of course to secure the prompt and knowledgeable assistance of a proven bankruptcy […]
Student debt: ripple effects across the larger economy
Student debt held by Texas residents and many millions of Americans in other states as well is often readily distinguished by financial commentators from other types of unsecured debt. That means most centrally things like credit card debt and medical bills. Many media pundits are quick to note that those types of financial obligations, once […]
Overwhelming credit card debt may lead to penalty interest rates
When Texas consumers use their credit cards in a responsible manner, there may be several advantages. However, there could be many disadvantages if they are used without planning ahead for how to manage them. One late credit card payment can trigger a host of penalties, including late fees, higher interest rates and lower credit scores. […]
Military members can fight back against harassing debt collectors
According to the national news source Governing magazine, Texas is home to nearly 125,000 active-duty military personnel. That large number of men and women who reside in the state while serving their country likely comes as no surprise to most Texans, given the many — and often major — military installations that are interspersed throughout […]
Credit card debt can be useful, if managed properly
The majority of Texas families depend upon credit on a daily basis. Credit is often required to purchase a house and even buy a car. Many lenders want to see a credit history prior to making a lending decision. Individuals will often turn to credit card debt as a way to build a credit history. […]
Debt and lack of savings pushes retirement age up for many
If you are a San Antonio resident who is putting off retirement – perhaps, indefinitely – you are not alone. The average age at which Americans retire is continuing to rise, and it has been reported that many Baby Boomers will wait until at least the age of 66 to leave the workforce. And, as […]
Texas residents, be wary of loan modification scams
Many Texas homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments month after month may consider working with their lenders in order to obtain loan modifications. While this can be helpful in some cases, homeowners need to ensure that the terms really protect their interests. And, borrowers also need to make sure that the modification […]
The state of the economy: coping tactics and debt relief
Though the stock market ended the year on a resurgent note, it is becoming clearer all the time that Wall Street is not Main Street. Nearly four years after the official end of the Great Recession, numerous indicators point to the difficulties that many people continue to have in the current economy. In this post, […]