Topic
Debt
236 published works
Texas Bankruptcy Blog
Know Who You Owe Before You File
By Bryan Fears
It seems obvious that an individual should collect all of his debts and creditor information before filing bankruptcy. However, many debtors arrive at their attorney’s office for an initial consultation…
Texas Bankruptcy Blog
Student Loan Reform Stalled
By Bryan Fears
President Obama’s student loan proposal has taken a back seat to new pressing issues that face the country. The conflict in Syria, and now the government shut down and…
Texas Bankruptcy Blog
Cram Down a Vehicle in Chapter 13
By Bryan Fears
While some Americans are able to get by without a personal vehicle, having reliable transportation is necessary to most. Whether it is a means to get to work or to…
Texas Bankruptcy Blog
Positives and Negatives of Reaffirmation Agreements
By Bryan Fears
Whether or not it is a good idea to do a reaffirmation agreement is a question that can be quite difficult for Chapter 7 debtors to answer; it is also…
Texas Bankruptcy Blog
Can I Keep My Cell Phone in Bankruptcy?
By Bryan Fears
One common question during the initial bankruptcy interview is, “Can I keep my cell phone?” This question is actually three questions with three different answers. First, can you keep your…
Texas Bankruptcy Blog
What is “Cross-Collateralization,” and How Might it Affect My Bankruptcy?
By Bryan Fears
Cross-collateralization is a process where a bank or credit union will contractually turn an unsecured debt (such as a credit card) into secured debt (like a mortgage) by tying it…
Texas Bankruptcy Blog
Should you consider trading vehicles prior to filing chapter 13 bankruptcy?
By Bryan Fears
Although common sense might lead you to believe that it is a bad idea to acquire a new loan for a vehicle prior to filing bankruptcy, this may not be…
Texas Bankruptcy Blog
Paying a Nondischargeable Debt On Eve of Bankruptcy
By Bryan Fears
Suppose Joe owes $10,000 on a recent tax debt to the IRS, a few other unsecured debts totaling another $30,000, and the IRS just seized $10,000 from Joe’s savings account.…
Desert Estate Planning Law Blog
Seniors and mounting debt
Even though stock and real estate prices seem to be going higher, which definitely helps overall investors, the recent low interest rates, rising inflation and increased healthcare/long term care expenses…
Securities Law Prof Blog
Financial Capability Survey Finds Many Americans Struggle with Finances
The FINRA Investor Education Foundation released the results of America's State-by-State Financial Capability Survey. The survey features a clickable map of the United States and allows the public, policymakers and researchers to…