More homeowners walking away from underwater homes
No Help in Sight, More Homeowners Walk Away
by David Streitfeld, New York Times, February 3, 2010
In 2006, Benjamin Koellmann bought a condominium in Miami Beach. By his calculation, it will be about the year 2025 before he can sell his modest home for what he paid. Or maybe 2040. “People like me are beginning to [...]
Your Credit Report and Bankruptcy
Common Errors on Credit Reports
It is estimated that a majority of the credit reports of people who have filed bankruptcy contain errors. Even if you have not filed bankruptcy, your credit report may contain errors. Many of these errors can make it difficult or expensive to obtain credit in the future. If you are going [...]
Using Credit Wisely After Bankruptcy
Beware of Credit Offers Aimed at Recent Bankruptcy Filers
“Disguised” Reaffirmation Agreement
Carefully read any credit card or other credit offer from a company that claims to represent a lender you listed in your bankruptcy or own a debt you discharged. This may be from a debt collection company that is trying to trick you into [...]
Your Credit Report: When F-R-E-E Does NOT Spell Free
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, each of the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) is required to provide a copy of your credit report once every 12 months at absolutely no charge to you. You can easily request a copy of your report online, but you need to make sure you [...]
Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide For Consumers
If you’re behind in paying your bills, or a creditor’s records mistakenly make it appear that you are, a debt collector may be contacting you.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect [...]