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Most people are not thinking about their tax returns in the middle of the summer (unless they filed for an extension and they are scrambling to get their returns completed from last year).  However, summer is the perfect time to make some important tax moves that could save you money next April.  For example, check to ensure that you are withholding enough taxes to cover your tax liability this year.  If in doubt, increase your tax withholding now and you still have five months to catch … [Read more...]

If you are dealing with debtor collectors, you are not alone.  According to a recent report, over 35% of Americans have unpaid bills and debts that have been turned over to collection agencies.  The bills range from medical bills and credit card accounts to mortgages and student loans.  As a result, the collections industry has grown dramatically and now employs roughly 140,000 people who recover approximately $50 billion each year. For more read, “Study: 35 Percent in US Facing Debt … [Read more...]

As everyone is search for ways to lower their expenses, the cost of health care seems to always raise an issue for most people.  Health care costs continue to rise and for many people, medical bills are a leading cause of financial stress and one of the top three reasons why people seek bankruptcy relief for their debts.  However, there are ways that you can lower your health care costs to make them more manageable with your budget. For more read, “Try these 30 simple tricks to shave your … [Read more...]

Sellers are thrilled that the real estate market has rebounded because it means that they can sell their home for a profit once again.  However, sellers must still put forth some extra effort to earn a larger return on their investment.  Learning the secrets of selling your home for the best price can help you put more money into your pocket at the closing table. For five tips on how to increase your profits when selling your home read, “5 Tips for Selling Your Home for the Best … [Read more...]

Girls Gone Wild filed bankruptcy in February 2013 and the assets went on the bankruptcy auction block.  The founder, Joe Francis, was ordered to return two luxury vehicles; however, he claims that a Mexican strip club owner took the vehicles and that is why he has been unable to turn the vehicles over to the bankruptcy court.  Bankruptcy Judge Sandra Klein has ordered a $5,000 per day fine until Francis turns over the vehicles. For the full story read, “Bankruptcy Judge Sanctions Girls Gone … [Read more...]

When you are house hunting, you are probably focused on the features of the house - - how many bedrooms, the number of bathrooms, was the kitchen recently updated, etc.  However, you should be as equally interested in the type of neighborhood that you will be moving into as well.  Are there good schools and parks or are there vacant homes and a huge mall in your back yard? Learning how to assess a neighborhood can save you lots of trouble after you move into your dream home.  For tips read, … [Read more...]

An elderly couple was on the verge of losing their home when they filed a bankruptcy case to avoid foreclosure.  A Delaware bankruptcy judge has ordered Ocwen to pay the couples bankruptcy fees and costs because he said that Ocwen had basically forced the couple to file bankruptcy by falsely alleging the couple was behind on their mortgage payments. For the full story read, “Delaware Judge Faults Ocwen for Pushing Homeowners to Bankruptcy.” Image credit:  BasicGov   … [Read more...]

Whether it is because you had to file bankruptcy or just poor money management, your credit score may not be as healthy as you would like.  However, there is always hope.  You can give your credit score a nice healthy boost with these 12 tips for improving your credit score.  Begin by understanding exactly what your credit score really is and how it is calculated.  After you understand that, then you can use these ways to boost your credit score. Read more at, “12 Simple Ways to Raise Your … [Read more...]

For so long, buyers were accustomed to have more power in the real estate market as sellers were willing to do almost anything to sell their home in a depressed market.  However, the front door has swung the opposite direction and many sellers are receiving multiple offers on their home.  When this happens, the buyer who is better prepared for a bidding war often comes out of the battle with the keys to the house. For tips on how to win a bidding war read, “5 Tips for Winning a House Bidding … [Read more...]

Love Culture filed for protection under Chapter 11 on June 16 making it yet another women’s clothing line seeking bankruptcy protection.  Citing over-expansion and lower than expected profits, mangers hope to close non-profitable stores and restructure its debts through the Chapter 11.  If the company is unable to successfully restructure, it will seek a buyer through a court-supervised auction. For the full story read, “Clothing chain Love Culture files bankruptcy, may be sold.” Image … [Read more...]