Bankruptcy for the Disabled

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011

While unexpected circumstances and scenarios often cause American debtors to consider the bankruptcy option, a disability, often combining mounting medical costs with a sudden loss of an otherwise dependable income, can make for an especially strong case for seeking the benefits of bankruptcy. The good news is a personal bankruptcy is an often safe solution for eliminating some (or all) of the associated debts from a disability. Unlike the process for qualifying for federal disability benefits, no medical criteria are necessary for a disabled person to seek the safe havens of a personal bankruptcy filing.

In terms of eliminating debt for your disability under the former, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it is important to understand that this type of “liquidation” bankruptcy is designed for debtors with limited assets who are looking to discharge some or all of their unsecured debts.…

Surveying 20 Million People’s Social Security Safety Net

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Just as Social Security seems to be running into the red—paying out more dollars than it’s taking in—it also appears the social welfare program has never been more important.  In its 75th year, amid the worst economic crisis since the Great Recession, Social Security is acting as a financial lifeline to America’s most needy citizens.  And without it, the consequences would be dire.

Based on a recent report by The Huffington Post, “If [Social Security] benefits were to be significantly cut, 19.8 million more Americans would be thrust in poverty, according to a recent report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.…

Americans Seek Social Security Where They Can Find It

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

As Baby Boomers age into their rightful place at the retirement table, Social Security appears to be running into the red—literally paying out more dollars than it’s taking in—even after decades of prosperity and pay-outs.

According to a recent article in CNNMoney.com, this could leave many who do (and will) depend on Social Security in a rough economic spot during already tough financial times. “For the first time in nearly 30 years, the system will pay out more benefits than it receives in payroll taxes both this year and next, the government officials who oversee Social Security said on Thursday,” reports Annalyn Censky of CNNMoney.com.…

Credit protection plans hardly pull their weight

Friday, June 19th, 2009

It’s important to remember that credit card issuers are businesses. While they may not necessarily sell a tangible product (other than a sleek piece of plastic) they are very much in the business of making money. Interest, clearly, is the primary profit generator. In the last several years, however, more marketing incentives and added services have come online to generate fee-based revenue for those how don’t spend much and therefore, don’t provide a great deal of interest income to the company. One of those services is the credit protection plan. And like most add-ons to a credit card, they aren’t worth it.…