Mandatory Credit Counseling for Those Considering Bankruptcy
Most Americans are aware of the sweeping changes in U.S. bankruptcy law that were made by Congress recently. These changes, strongly supported by the credit card industry, were designed to make it more difficult for Americans to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the Federal bankruptcy code. Chapter 7 allows consumers to essentially have all of their debts wiped away by the court. While many people will still be able to file under Chapter 7, many more will have to file under Chapter 13, which requires the establishment of a repayment plan. A less publicized provision of the bankruptcy bill is the one that requires debtors who are considering filing for bankruptcy to first undergo credit counseling. What does this mean for consumers? Actually, the details are not yet known. The law, which takes effect on October 17, 2005, does require that debtors considering bankruptcy receive credit counseling at least six months before filing for bankruptcy. The law also requires that they receive additional counseling before the case is finalized and that any agency providing counseling services must charge an undefined "reasonable fee." Other than that, there are no details yet. The portion of the law that deals specifically with credit counseling hasn't yet been written, and the full details are not expected to be released until mid-summer. Even those who work in the credit counseling industry do not know what will be expected of them once the law takes effect. For consumers with problem debt, this confusion is only making a bad situation worse. In the Fall, more steps will be required of those filing for bankruptcy, but no one knows what those steps are, what they will cost, or how involved they will be. Anyone who has a current financial situation that they feel may lead to bankruptcy would be well advised to consider filing now. Bankruptcy should be considered a last resort for those with problem debt, as a bankruptcy filing will stay on a credit report for at least ten years. If bankruptcy appears inevitable, however, filing now will probably be easier, cheaper, and faster than filing after the new law takes effect in October. ©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to debt consolidation and credit counseling, and StructuredSettlementHelp.com, a site devoted to information regarding structured settlements.
Related News
Paulson Considers New Plan to Lower Mortgage Rates (Update3) - Bloomberg
Andhra pays for fiscal profligacy, may be denied debt relief - Economic Times
GM, Chrysler Win Union Concessions to Bolster Aid Bid (Update3) - Bloomberg
WEALTHY NATIONS, OTHERS BEHIND FINANCIAL CRISIS MUST TAKE ... - 7thSpace Interactive (press release)
Holders deem Station Casinos bond offer "deficient" - Reuters
Firms Seek More Action to Unfreeze Lending - Wall Street Journal
Firms Seek More Action to Unfreeze LendingWall Street Journal -7 hours agoSo far, the Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, and Fed programs to ease the financial crunch have focused on banks and, more recently, ... |
UPDATE 1-Pininfarina sees agreement with banks by end-2008 - Reuters
Home > News > World Bank Launches Facility to Prevent ... - World Bank Group
Obama pledges relief to governors - The News Journal
Obama pledges relief to governorsThe News Journal, DE -10 hours ago"We don't believe economic problems that were in large measure created by too much debt will be solved by more debt," Sanford said Tuesday. ". ... |
Know the Details of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act - RisMedia.com (press release)
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Is There A Way Out Of Your Debt Problems?
Do you have multiple debts? Do you have just one large debt which you could afford, but your circumstances have since changed? Are you finding it harder each month to meet the payments on your debts?
Debt Management Systems
What is a debt management system, and when do you need it? Like any kind of management system, debt help systems can be good or bad. We will take a look at what you can do to manage your debt better. One element is paying off debt, but that's not the only one. It is much more than paying off your credit cards, and doesn't end when you pay off your mortgage or car loan either. You have to make a system of good money management, and follow this system in your daily life. Here are the key elements in such a system:
Tips For Saving Money
Still living from pay to pay? Or envying those great wealth accumulators and wondering how they did it? Every month you make a resolution of saving some dollars from your paycheck, but only end up breaking it. Looking for some magic formula for saving money?
What Does A Bankruptcy Trustee Do?
Once you file bankruptcy a court appointed bankruptcy trustee will oversee your case. The new law also requires that the bankruptcy petitioner to take a debtor education course and receive credit counseling from a U.S. Trustee approved non profit credit counseling agency.
The 5 Secrets to Getting Out of Debt Fast
As they stare down at a teetering pile of bills, so many consumers wonder how they racked up such a large debt. The answer boils down to simple mathematics.
Your Ticket Out of Debt Relief
If you are in debt over your head and wondering if you will ever find a way out, the answer is yes! Serious financial problems can make life miserable and cause a great deal of stress and worry. Many people have found themselves in the situation of avoiding calls from creditors and wondering how they will ever get out of debt. Debt relief is not impossible. There is a way out of debt and you can be on your way to financial freedom in a shorter period of time that you ever thought possible.
The Effects of Consumer Debt
Consumer Borrowing
Life on a Debt Management Program
Signing up for a debt management program is easy; it's a matter of finding a company you feel comfortable with that is difficult. There should be no pressure added from the company you speak with, joining a DMP is your decision and you should feel like you are in a partnership with the company, meaning you both have control over your financial situation. Below you will find information on debt management programs and what they offer.
IVA Advice
An IVA (individual voluntary arrangement) is an alternative to bankruptcy introduced by the government as part of the Insolvency Act 1986. This article provides an overview of IVAs and suggests what readers should watch out for when looking for IVA advice.
Debt Free and Carefree
Are you still clearing a mountain of debt amassed last Christmas or even during last year's summer holiday?
Can You Escape the Trap of Ever Growing Debt?
It's difficult not to be concerned when facing numbers like these:
Debt Settlement : What You Need To Know
Debt Settlement companies work with your creditors to help you reduce your unsecured debts though arbitration and negations. The important thing to realize about Debt Settlement is that it is a different type of program than Consumer Credit Counseling or Debt Reduction. Traditionally, these types of programs work with your creditors to lower your interest rates. Debt Settlement companies work with your creditors to reduce your credit card and unsecured debt balances, sometimes by as much as 40-60%! While this type of program can be quite effective, there are some major issues that must also be considered.
Tips To Take Control Of Debt Collection
Yes, debt collection tips can help. You may think you have no power when the debt collector comes calling, but think again! Creditors don't like losing out on the ability to collect money owed them. And most creditors will take steps to settle an unsecured debt to collect some money as opposed to no money.
Whatever You Do....Dont Save Money!
No, that's not a misprint. Even though falling interest rates are good when you want to get a loan, they are bad for people with savings accounts.
Currency Trading Fee Concept
Troubles with Global Economy; Do you see future problems with our global economic plans to make a one world system, where free trade and prosperity can rein the world over. Many world leaders have agreed a one-world system is best for all. It is in the interest of third world and in the interest of our Multi-National Conglomerates, their stockholders and the citizens of the country for us all to move up. This can be done with a few changes. Many are quite confident that if we look at some of the problems of the past and manage the World Bank this river can flow in greater volumes and at quicker speeds.
Debt Management - Is It the Right Choice For You?
Debt Management plans offer credit counseling clients a different and new approach to tackle their finances. Finding out if a debt management plan is right for you can take some time. However looking into the pros and cons now will help you know if entering into a debt management plan is right for you.
Debt Validation: Do you have to pay ?
It happens all the time. Debt collectors try to collect on debts that consumers have no knowledge of or never owed in the first place. So, what do you do when a bill collector demands payment in full on a debt that you never knew existed? You need to request a validation of debt.
Bankruptcy - Your Fresh Start
Most American consumers are living too close to the edge. They are carrying too much credit card and mortgage debt and have too little in the way of savings. When the inevitable unexpected crisis comes along, they have little left to handle it and quickly slip into a critical financial state.
Reduce Your Debt
Do you want to reduce your debt? Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?
How To Pay Credit Card Debt Off
If you are determined to pay credit card debt off you are making the best financial decision of your life. The reason credit card debt is so bad is because it carries such a high interest rate.
|
