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Archive for the ‘Credit Counseling’ Category

What Steps Can I Take to Reduce the Risk Being Sued?

Posted on: May 14th, 2012 by Editor in Credit Card Debt Relief, Credit Counseling, Debt Settlement, News

Regardless of what some debt settlement companies may tell you, the truth of the matter is that once you stop paying your credit card accounts you may be sued by your creditors.

As a defendant you will find that a debt collection lawsuit will be protracted, difficult, frustrating, and expensive. However, even more disquieting is what happens as a result of a debt collection lawsuit. In order to avoid a “Default Judgment” being entered by the Court you will be required to file certain responsive pleadings and possibly make appearances in court. To protect against a “Default Judgment” you will have to file certain pleadings setting up your defense against the lawsuit.

Once a judgment has been entered, be it a Default Judgment or one that is entered after the matter is tried in court, collection procedures begin.

They can be harsh! In most states collection procedures involve asset discovery hearings, a judgment lien being entered against any un-exempt real property, possible garnishments of wages and bank accounts.

There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of being sued by your creditors.
1. If possible make your accounts current.
2. Become pro-active and address the issue as soon as possible.
3. Talk with your creditors.
4. Seek professional help

The best way to help avoid being sued is to seek professional help. This means obtaining the services of a licensed professional who knows the laws of your state. Obtain the services of a licensed attorney at law. You should obtain this help as soon as possible because the extent to which your attorney can help is partly contingent on how quickly your attorney can start working on the matter.

Associated Attorneys, LLC can direct you to a licensed attorney in your state who can help. Upon obtaining the services of an in-state attorney the attorney will:

1. Immediately contact your creditors and let them know that you have obtained their services.

2. Advise your creditors that you are desirous of settling your accounts and that you are setting
aside funds for that purpose.

3. Negotiate with your creditors in an effort to make a reasonable lump sum or pay-out
settlement.

4. If and when the account goes to a debt collection attorney, your attorney will negotiate with
the debt collection attorney in an effort to settle your account. And,

5. If all else fails and a lawsuit is filed, your attorney will continue to negotiate with the debt collection attorney in an effort to set up a re-payment plan based on an “Agreed Judgment”. This “Agreed Judgment” can be structured to stay or put on hold any collection procedures such as execution of the judgment, garnishment of wages, and/or garnishment of bank accounts. This “Agreed Judgment” will give you time to pay the account while holding in abeyance all collection procedures.

For more information contact Associated Attorneys, LLC.  toll free at (866) 411-4693.

High Gas Prices and Credit Cards—A Double Hit

Posted on: April 23rd, 2012 by Editor in Associated Attorneys, Credit Card Debt Relief, Credit Counseling

Government reports reveal that the average American consumer who has credit cards maintains an unpaid balance of $15,965.00. This means that most are not able to pay off the outstanding balance at the end of the month. The result is that they have revolving credit with high rates of interest and possible added fees.

Credit card issuing banks have reported that there has been a substantial increase in credit card use and that individual purchases are larger. These factors, to their delight, have improved their profit margin as well as their bottom line. They are becoming more aggressive in marketing their credit cards by using gimmicks as giving “bonus points” for credit card use. One only has to watch television to see a number of credit card issuers advertising that they give “bonus points” and other gratuities to the consumer who has and who uses their card.

By using this marketing ploy the credit card issuers are attempting to do two things.

First, to encourage consumers to obtain their credit card and, second to encourage consumers who presently have their cards to use them more.

Now American consumers, many of whom are presently struggling to make ends meet, are taking a double hit. Many working people who unfortunately are living from month to month have to rely on the use of their credit cards to pay for necessities such as prescription drugs, groceries, and gasoline.

Like the purchase of groceries and prescription drugs, the purchase of gasoline for many Americans is not an option. If they can’t purchase gasoline they can’t work.

With the price of gasoline getting close to an all time high the American consumer is taking a double hit. One hit from the oil companies and one from the credit card issuing banks. On top of having to paying near record prices for the gasoline many struggling consumers who are forced to purchase through the use of their credit cards also have to pay interest and possible fees on the purchase. Is it any wonder that oil companies and big banks are reaping profits that are at an all time high.

Due to the financial squeeze that many Americans are now experiencing many find that they must seek professional help to resolve their financial difficulties. For those who have unmanageable credit card and other unsecured debt help is available through Associated Attorneys, LLC. For more information contact Associated Attorneys, LLC at 866-411-4693 (toll free)

Who to Contact for Debt Laws

Posted on: April 17th, 2012 by Editor in Credit Card Debt Relief, Credit Counseling, News

If you have questions or need information from certain state agencies or departments regarding your rights as a consumer or other matters and don’t know who to contact just call or e-mail the state information agency in your state.  They will direct you to the right state agency or department.

The contact information for each state is listed below:

ALASKA

www.state.ak.us

907-465-2111

ARIZONA

http://az.gov

602-542-4900

ARKANSAS

www.state.ar.us

501-682-3000

CALIFORNIA

www.ca.gov

916-322-9900

COLORADO

www.colarado.gov

303-866-5000

CONNECTICUT

www.ct.gov

860-240-0222

DELAWARE

http://delaware.gov

302-739-4000

FLORIDA

www.myflorida.com

850-488-1234

GEORGIA

www.georgia.gov

404-656-2000

HAWAII

www.state.hi.us

808-548-5796

IDAHO

www.state.id.us

208-334-2411

ILLINOIS

www.illinois.gov

217-782-2000

INDIANA

www.state.in.us

317-232-1000

IOWA

www.iowa.gov

515-281-5011

KANSAS

www.kansas.gov

785-296-0111

KENTUCKY

www.kentucky.gov

502-564-3130

LOUISIANA

www.louisiana.gov

225-342-6600

MAINE

www.state.me.us

207-624-9494

MARYLAND

www.mva.maryland.gov

800-811-8336

MASSACHUSETTS

www.mas.gov

617-22-2000

MICHIGAN

www.michigan.gov

517-373-1837

MINNESOTA

www.state.mn.us

651-296-3391

MISSISSIPPI

www.state.ms.us

601-359-1000

MISSOURI

www.state.mo.us

573-751-2000

MONTANA

www.state.mt.us

651-296-3391

NEBRASKA

www.state.ne.us

(800) 906-9069

NEVADA

www.state.mo.us

(775) 684-5670.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

www.state.nh.us

603-271-1110

NEW JERSEY

www.state.nj.us

609-292-2121

NEW MEXICO

www.state.nm.us

800-825-6639

NEW YORK

www.state.ny.us

518-474-2121

NORTH CAROLINA

www.ncgov.com

919-733-1110

NORTH DAKOTA

http://discovernd.com

701-328-2200

OHIO

http://ohio.gov

614-466-2000

OKLAHOMA

www.state.ok.us

405-521-2011

OREGON

www.oregon.gov

503-378-3111

PENNSYLVANIA

www.state.pa.us

717-787-2121

RHODE ISLAND

www.state.ri.us

401-222-2000

SOUTH CAROLINA

www.sc.gov

803-896-0000

SOUTH DAKOTA

www.state.sd.u

605-773-3011

TENNESSEE

www.state.tn.us

615-741-3011

TEXAS

www.state.tx.us

512-463-4630

UTAH

www.utah.gov

801-538-1000

VERMONT

http://vermont.gov

802-828-1110

VIRGINIA

www.virginia.gov

804-786-0000

WASHINGTON

http://access.wa.gov

360-753-5000

WASHINGTON DC

www.dc.gov

202-727-1000

WEST VIRGINIA

www.wv.gov

304-558-3456

WISCONSIN

www.wisconsin.gov

608-266-2211

WYOMING

http://wyoming.gov

307-777-7011

This information provided by Associated Attorneys, LLC an industry leader in providing attorneys for consumer debt negotiation and debt relief.  For more information contact us at www.associatedattorneys.com or call toll free 1-8668411-4693

Do You Know Your Credit Score?

Posted on: March 27th, 2012 by Editor in Credit Counseling

Sound financial management is based on knowledge of your financial facts. That means that it crucial that you get your credit report. Upon so doing you should study, and check all entries.

Many times there are incorrect entries in your report which have a negative impact on your credit history. Some estimates relative to inaccuracies in your credit report are as high as 90%. You can correct this misinformation by taking appropriate affirmative action.

Your credit report and the entries located therein is one of the most, if not the most, financial document you can have. The information found in your report is used by potential creditors to determine the rate of interest you are to be charged, the amount of credit to be extended to you and whether or not to extend credit to you in the first place. This report is the basis of your financial future. No financial information is more important.

There are three credit reporting agencies in the U.S. that are commonly referred to as the “big three”. Each of these agencies will provide you with a free credit report each year. You can order on line, by mail, or by phone.

The “big three” are as follows:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
1-800-685-1111
www.equifax.com

TransUnion
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022-2000
1-800-916-8800
www.transunion.com

Experian
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

You can order a free report from all three agencies at the same time with an “Annual Credit Report Request Form”. This form is available on http://ftc.gov credit and www.annualcreditreport.com.

Moreover, you can receive this form by making a request by mail to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. You may also request by phone at 1-877-322-8228.

Information provided by Associated Attorneys, LLC an attorney provided debt settlement company. For more information contact www.associatedattorneys.com or call 866-411-4693.

The Warning Signs of Debt

Posted on: March 7th, 2012 by Editor in Credit Counseling, Debt Settlement, News

A total personal financial crisis does not just happen. The journey toward a credit card financial meltdown does not come without warning. There are symptoms, warning signs and, “red flags” along the way. A consumer would be well advised to be aware of these warnings and make adjustments where possible. Seeking professional debt settlement or debt help most likely could be the best possible solution.

The warning signs of debt are:

1. Making only minimum payments:

Credit card companies have developed a business model that guarantees the maximum amount of profit for them.

They try to keep the consumer paying as long as possible. They don’t want their customers to pay off their accounts.

As long as the customer is paying the credit card company is making money. If a consumer is making only the minimum payment each month it will take years and years to pay off the account. Moreover, the consumer will pay substantially more than what the originally owed. It will take a consumer who owes $25,000 in total credit card debt and who only makes the minimum monthly payment a total of 56 years and 7 months to pay off the debt. The consumer will pay a total of $93,557.00.

2. Making payments late or missing payments:

Typically there is a reason why a consumer makes late payments or misses payments. The reason is lack of sufficient funds. The consequences for the consumer are devastating. Credit card companies tack on additional “late fees” and possible “over limit fees”. They may raise the interest rate and over time the consumer’s credit score takes a negative hit. Once a consumer starts falling behind it is usually difficult to ever catch up.

3. Taking cash advances to pay other bills:

This activity is systematic of a financial crisis. The reason a consumer might engage in this activity is the same as other symptoms. It is the lack of sufficient funds.

By taking cash advances to pay other bills the consumer falls deeper into debt with the credit card companies.

Credit card companies charge a higher rate of interest for cash advances.

4. Using one card to pay another:

Consumers who are using one credit card to pay another are simply digging themselves deeper in debt and are on the brink of a full blown financial crisis. In effect, they are paying “interest on interest”. Their monthly financial obligation increases and they increase the amount of their total credit card debt. The credit card companies love it.

5. Receiving collection calls and letters:

Once a consumer starts receiving collection calls and collection letters they are facing a financial crisis. At this point their options are limited. Most consumers find that receiving repeated calls and collection letters is very unsettling. In addition to the stress that the consumer is under due to the inability to pay on the accounts, the stress is magnified by the consumer having to deal with repeated calls and letters from credit card debt collectors. Although consumers enjoy some protection under the provisions of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPC), bill collectors still have a great deal of latitude in making the life of a debtor difficult.

The downward spiral to financial ruin can be halted. As difficult and unsettling as unmanageable credit card debt can be, consumers can get credit card debt help. Without doubt, the safest and most effective kind of help is debt settlement or debt relief by a licensed attorney at law. Associated Attorneys, LLC can direct you to an attorney licensed in your state who can give you the professional help you need.

For more information contact Associated Attorneys, LLC at (866) 411-4693 or

www.AssociatedAttorneys.com.

Statute of Limitations

Posted on: October 10th, 2011 by Editor in Bankruptcy, Credit Counseling, News

Your debt settlement attorney can and will advise you regarding the debt settlement and the debt relief laws in your state. One of the most important laws that may affect your debt negotiation and debt settlement are your states statutes regarding the Statute of Limitations on past due debts. Only an attorney licensed in your state can provide you will legal advice regarding this very important law and how it might apply to you.

A statute of limitations is a law that sets forth the maximum period of time, when there has been no confirmation of the debt by the debtor and no attempt by the creditor to collect, that legal proceedings can be instituted. For debt, the statutes limitation apply to the maximum period of time that the consumer has not made a payment. Each state has a different time for delinquency before the statute of limitations applies. During a time of non-payment there are certain events that can “toll” the statute of limitations. Your debt relief attorney can give you advice regarding what can “toll” the statute.

Choose your state from the list below to get specific information on your states laws regarding the Statute of Limitations.

Judgment Execution and Bankruptcy

Posted on: October 10th, 2011 by Editor in Bankruptcy, Credit Counseling, News

Your debt settlement attorney can and will advise you regarding the court judgment exemptions in your state. Your attorney will tell you there are some things the creditor cannot “take” by way of execution of a judgment. There is an extensive list of these items in the state statutes. By enactment of laws exempting certain property from court judgment execution the State Legislature is trying to assure that a judgment
debtor cannot be made completely destitute.

Moreover, the United States Federal Bankruptcy Code provides exemptions as to what can be taken from the debtor. The idea for these exemptions is the same as that regarding the exemption of certain items from execution under a court judgment.
Choose your state from the list below to get specific information on your states laws regarding Judgment Bankruptcy and Execution.

Understand Credit Card Applications

Posted on: March 18th, 2011 by Editor in Credit Card Debt Relief, Credit Counseling

You can find a Credit Card Debt Relief application in your daily mail, in your email and you will find all types of credit card applications online. If you want a credit card, if you want a new one or even if you are seeking another credit card for your wallet, you can find credit card applications for that particular type of card you want to get. Complete a credit card application to obtain a new line of credit for yourself, your business or even for a child you are sending off to college.

You should know there are different types of credit card applications, such as balance transfers, low interest rate, and you will find special cards for special rewards and needs. Some special reward cards are travel rewards; cash back rewards and low interest rewards. You will find credit card applications for those with bad credit, or you can also find credit card applications for those who are seeking high credit lines. A credit card application can be used to obtain the type of credit card you want to have for your financial security and future.

A credit card application should be filled out completely. You will need to include your name, address, phone number, work information, information about your wages, and your annual income. You will need your credit card information if you are going to transfer balances, and you will need to have your spouse sign the application if you are opening a joint account. A credit card application is not going to take more than a few minutes to complete, online, offline, or in person.

You can complete a credit card application without waiting on the phone or online, and you will get a response to your credit card application in just seconds. When you mail in a credit card application, you have to wait a longer time to get a response, which is generally about two weeks. A credit card application does not take long to fill out, but you determine which method you would like to complete to get a new credit line.

After applying for a credit card, and you find that you are denied, you will get a letter stating that you are not eligible, or perhaps you will get a reply stating that you are qualified but only for a certain savings deposit type credit card. You will on that letter, find a name and address of a company where you can request a free copy of your credit report. You are entitled to that free credit report because you were denied credit, and this is the law.

If you were accepted, you will receive a letter, stating what your new credit line is, what type of credit card you are being issued, and you will be notified in a separate letter with your actual credit card. In still another letter, you should receive your pin number for that credit card. These separate letters are for your protection, so that in case the card was stolen, the person will not have the pin number. If you receive one letter without receiving the others, you should call the credit card company and tell them that there is a problem with that account, and they will reissue you a credit card, and cancel the one that is lost so there is no problems at all with your new account.

Low Interest Credit Cards May be Costly

Posted on: March 18th, 2011 by Editor in Credit Card Debt Relief, Credit Counseling

When looking for low interest rate credit cards, there are many factors you need to take into consideration in order to ensure you are really getting a great deal.  Many people do not realize that low interest may not really be as low as they think they are.  In fact, these supposedly cheap credit cards may be costing your more than you think.

Finance Charge Calculations

So, you think you have found a great credit card with a low interest rate, right?  Well, this might be true, but it may not be as cheap as you think it is.  Be sure to read the fine print on the credit card and learn more about how the finance charges are calculated.  The traditional method for determining finance charges is the Average Daily Balance method.  This method best when it comes to saving you money.  The Two Cycles Average Daily Balance method, however, can become quite costly if you carry a balance on your card from month to month.  And, since you are looking for low interest credit cards, you most likely intend to carry a balance  Credit Card Debt Settlement.

With the Two Cycles Average Daily Balance method, finance charges are determined two times during your billing cycle rather than just once.  Therefore, you are actually accumulating finance charges twice in your billing cycle.  So, while the APR may be low, your finance charges are not because you are paying twice.

Pay Attention to the Grace Period

The grace period is how long you have to pay back what you have borrowed from the credit card before finance charges start adding up. Therefore, the longer the grace period, the less finance charges you have to pay.  When looking at low interest rate credit cards, be sure to find out how long your grace period is before you have to start paying.  Twenty-day grace periods are the most common.  So, if you find a credit card with a low interest rate that provides a grace period for this long, or longer, then you have probably found a good card.  If the grace period is shorter than this, continue your search until you find one with an acceptable grace period.  Obviously, a low interest rate doesn’t do you a lot of good if the finance charges begin piling up from the instant you make a purchase!

Consider Annual Fees

Some low interest rate credit cards have annual fees.  This is the credit card company’s way of compensating for the low interest rate it provides.  For the most part, paying annual fees to receive a low interest credit card is not worth it to the cardholder.  Shop around some more and see if you can find some cheap credit cards with the same APR that do not include an annual fee.  Chances are, you will be able to find one that doesn’t make you pay to be a cardholder.

If you cannot find a low interest credit card with the same low interest rate, then you might want to take a closer look at the card charging an annual fee.  In this case, you will have to weigh the annual fee payment against your potential interest rate savings.  If the annual fee and interest rates are both low enough, then it might be worth your while to apply for the card.  Be sure to provide yourself with an honest assessment of your spending habits and how much money you will be able to send to the credit card each month in order to pay off your debt.  The last thing you want to do is just give your money away to a credit card company in the form of an annual fee if it doesn’t ultimately benefit you financially.

Using your Credit Card – Some Basics

Posted on: March 18th, 2011 by Editor in Credit Card Debt Relief, Credit Counseling

Today, almost everyone is in possession of one or more credit card. But does everyone understand how the credit cards should be used? – doesn’t seem so. Some credit card holders only know how to spend on their credit cards till the credit limit is reached. Others know only about using credit cards for shopping and bill payments. Still others are too afraid to use their credit card. A lot many are unaware about the ways to protect their credit cards.

So what is it that you should know about using credit cards?

The first thing is the fact that whenever you use your credit card to make a payment, you are borrowing that amount from someone (credit card supplier in this case). Thus you will need to return this borrowed money to the credit card supplier within a specified period of time failing which you will incur a late fees and interest on the borrowed amount. So, you should be careful about your credit card payments. Besides the late fee and interest, they also affect your credit rating and we know how important the credit rating is. A bad credit rating can lead to rejection of mortgage applications, loans, subsequent credit cards and even a job application. You should also make it a point never to exceed 70-75% of the credit limit on your credit card. Not only does this shield you from getting into a credit card debt trap but also protects your credit rating.

Credit cards need protection against fraud and every credit card user should be aware of the ways to protect their credit card(s). There are generally a set of very simple precautions that the credit card holder need to follow. All the credit card companies supply instructions to this effect at the time of credit card delivery. These include things like signing at the back of a credit card, reporting theft, PIN/Password protection etc.

Besides the security related instructions, it’s also important to read through the instructions related to the benefits on your credit card in order to realize the full potential of your credit card. These include discounts on shopping, travel, car rentals etc. Then there are cash back options as well which have become very popular lately. There are some really good benefits for travelers too. These include things like free travel insurance and baggage protection. Besides the regular benefits, the credit card suppliers generally include some joining benefits too for the new customers. The joining benefits are generally in the form of discount vouchers.

Another important thing to note is the various kinds of fees and commissions charged by your credit card supplier. Besides the annual fees and APR there are other services too which attract a fee or commission e.g. there is a fee associated with cash withdrawals; similarly there is a commission associated with foreign exchange transactions. All these charges are clearly mentioned in the instructions booklet that you receive with your credit card and any changes to these are separately communicated by the credit card company.

Credit card suppliers keep coming up with a lot of different offers throughout the year. Be on the lookout for these offers. Some of them might be of interest to you. Generally, you will receive intimation about these offers at your billing address or your email address too.

Almost all credit card companies have a membership rewards program too wherein you earn points for any payments made using your credit card. Once you have accumulated enough points, you can exchange them for free gifts. Very often the catalogue of these gifts is also supplied at the time of you joining the membership reward programs. It’s important to note that there might sometimes be an annual fee associated with the membership rewards program.

So just learn more about your credit card and make full use of its capability.

Frequently Asked Questions: