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	<title>Bankruptcy articles</title>
	<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com</link>
	<description>Bankruptcy articles</description>
	<language>en</language>
	<category>Bankruptcy</category>
	<item>
		<title>How to Tell When it?s Time to Declare Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/How-to-Tell-When-it%92s-Time-to-Declare-Bankruptcy/articles/50214</link>
		<category>Tell</category>
		<guid>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/How-to-Tell-When-it%92s-Time-to-Declare-Bankruptcy/articles/50214</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With passage of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act virtually assured, many experts believe financially-strapped consumers will rush to their local bankruptcy court to file before the bill becomes law. This raises the question ...]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P>With passage of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act virtually assured, many experts believe financially-strapped consumers will rush to their local bankruptcy court to file before the bill becomes law. This raises the question: Is bankruptcy right for you if you're struggling to make ends meet each month?The answer, according to consumer advocate Paula Langguth Ryan, isn't always clear cut. In fact, depending on how old your debts are, your payment history and your personal situation, bankruptcy may actually hurt you more than doing nothing."If you haven't paid anything on your outstanding debts in four or five years, and there's no chance you're going to be able to pay anything on them in the next few years," says Ryan, "you'll have a clean slate in two to three years when those debts fall off your credit report." Compare that to having a bankruptcy listed on your credit report for another 10 years and bankruptcy doesn't look like your best option, unless you need to get a car or move before the old debts hit the seven year mark and are removed from your credit reports.Ryan, who wrote the best-selling Bounce Back From Bankruptcy after having gone bankrupt herself at an early age, believes many people wait too long to declare bankruptcy until they've literally given away everything to creditors. At her debt-busting workshops, she shares horror stories, such as the one about a man who was arrested after robbing seven banks. His family had a fire in their apartment and had relocated to a hotel for seven months. </P><P>With most of their income going to pay creditors, he robbed a bank every month, demanding only enough to pay his monthly hotel bill.Another family of five, says Ryan, was paying their creditors so much money each month they only had $50 left for food. "After one child died from malnourishment. Social Services put the other two children in foster care and threw the parents in jail for child neglect."Ryan offers these warning signs that it may be time to declare bankruptcy:? You've cut back on every essential and paying your creditors causes you to fall behind on your essential payments, such as your mortgage/rent, car payment, insurance or utilities.? You are losing sleep, constantly arguing with your spouse, considering divorce or contemplating suicide because of financial pressures.? You are considering doing something illegal, or thinking of pursuing shady credit repair strategies, in order to relieve the pressure of dealing with your creditors.? You are jeopardizing your family's health, nourishment or home in order to pay creditors.Anyone who identifies with one of these warning signs, says Ryan, should schedule a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney and explore their options. "It's called the Bankruptcy Protection Act for a reason: to give people a fresh start, to help you get a clean slate," reminds Ryan.If bankruptcy is your best option, Ryan warns against immediately jumping at new credit offers, as so many people do. Your best strategy? Avoid getting any new credit for one year, says Ryan, who offers bankrupt consumers a free tip sheet on the Do's and Don'ts of Bouncing Back from Bankruptcy at her website, <a href="http://www.newcreditafterbankruptcy.com" target="_blank">www.newcreditafterbankruptcy.com</a>"It takes more than becoming debt free to break the debt cycle. </P><P>You have to change the attitudes and habits that got you into debt in the first place," says Ryan. "Consumers who do that have a much better chance of having a secure financial future.". </P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>A Simple $20.00 Investment Can Protect You, Your Family and Your Nest Egg!</title>
		<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/A-Simple-%2420.00-Investment-Can-Protect-You%2C-Your-Family-and-Your-Nest-Egg%21/articles/32957</link>
		<category>A+Simple+%2420.00+Investment+Can+Protect+You%2C+Your+Family+and+Your+Nest+Egg%21</category>
		<guid>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/A-Simple-%2420.00-Investment-Can-Protect-You%2C-Your-Family-and-Your-Nest-Egg%21/articles/32957</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NY - 07/23/04 - What if you discovered that twenty dollars could give you access to an array of valuable information that addresses the lifestyle, needs and financial interests of people 50 and over. Well, a twenty dollar annual membership in Senior Resources ...]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P>NY - 07/23/04 - What if you discovered that twenty dollars could give you access to an array of valuable information that addresses the lifestyle, needs and financial interests of people 50 and over. Well, a twenty dollar annual membership in Senior Resources of America, headquartered in West Hills, California, does just that and more.As a member, you'll have access to the Members Only website...special events and Solutions For Life, a newsletter filled with exciting features and the latest news. You'll find insightful advice about healthy lifestyles, financial planning, consumer protection, caring for parents and a variety of difficult issues that you may face as your parents age. Senior Resources has all the answers. And, if by chance they don't, they will find the answer for you.Upcoming newsletter topics will include:<ul>	<li>"Blended Families...His, Mine and Ours"	<li>"The Latest Medicare Revisions"	<li>"Just say no to retirement"	<li>"Age is irrelevant"	<li>"Turn the value of your home into cash with a reverse mortgage. </P><P>Is it right for you?"	<li>"Share creative play with your mini Picasso grandkids!"	<li>"What is Elder Law?	<li>"What is an A-B Trust?"</ul>WHY SENIOR RESOURCES?In many cases, membership in Senior Resources has resulted in major quality of life improvements. A member, who's living on a fixed income, recently called for advice about her soaring monthly prescription bills. She couldn't stop taking her medicine that was costing hundreds of dollars a month, so she was forced to choose between food and rent, or her medications. The caring staff at Senior Resources found an excellent, low cost prescription plan that makes it possible for her to purchase her medications and live an independent life. In another case, an elderly woman was literally confined to her home by her abusive children. </P><P>Prescriptions weren't being filled in a timely manner and her children did not provide her with sufficient food. She contacted Senior Resources and the staff contacted the authorities and legal counsel to help her with her plight. Other members has saved thousands of dollars in legal fees for living trusts, wills and other financial matters. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITSThe TOLL-FREE Senior Hotline gives you a gateway to information and resources impacting seniors, including:<ul>	<li>Disability planning	<li>Financial planning	<li>Grandchildren issues	<li>Long terms care insurance and planning	<li>Social Security	<li>Medicare, Medicaid and Medigap insurance	<li>Nursing home planning	<li>Geriatric care and planning	<li>Retirement living	<li>Prescription drug issues and benefits</ul>Senior Resources Travel Program:<ul>	<li>Receive special member's rate on our inaugural Grandparent/Grandchild Cruise Summer, 2004. Create an oral and visual family history with your grandchildren and learn much more.</ul>Senior Financial Services Network:Access to a list of prescreened and pre-approved companies providing services to seniors in the areas of:<ul>	<li>Real Estate Sales and Purchases	<li>Long Term Care Insurance	<li>Prescription drug issues and benefits</ul>Seminars, Workshops and Lectures that address issues and trends affecting you and the Senior Community.SENIOR RESOURCES BACKGROUNDThomas R. </P><P>Lee and Douglas M. Neistat established Senior Resources of America because they realize the significance of providing quality senior related services to people age 50+. Their philosophy is that this rapidly growing demographic group will continue to increase and it's vital that seniors and elders receive appropriate and skilled legal representation. Thomas R. Lee has been practicing Senior Law since 1974 and has represented over 10,000 seniors. </P><P>Mr. Lee is a member of The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and The American Society on Aging and the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reforms. Douglas M. Neistat was admitted to practice in 1973 and specializes in asset planning and protection, business reorganization, bankruptcy and debt restructuring. He also served as a non-executive director for West 175 Media Group, Inc.; a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange from 1996 to 2002 and chaired its remuneration committee. </P><P>Mr. Neistat is certified as a Mediator to the United States Bankruptcy Court and laws appointed by the Los Angeles Chief of Police to its financial counseling team.One low annual fee of $19.95 USD...less than six cents a day...gives you a world of resources and informationCALL NOW FOR INFORMATION AND TO JOIN ? -800-819-7522. <a href="http://www.seniorresourcesofamerica.com/" target=new>http://www.seniorresourcesofamerica.com/</a>Senior Resources of America?"Solutions for Life". </P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>What is a Debt Consolidation Loan?</title>
		<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/What-is-a-Debt-Consolidation-Loan%3F/articles/67178</link>
		<category>Consolidation</category>
		<guid>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/What-is-a-Debt-Consolidation-Loan%3F/articles/67178</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A Debt consolidation loan could be the solution if your objective is to reduce interest rates and lower your monthly payments, avoid bankruptcy, consolidate your bills and have one monthly payment, or simply get out of debt the fastest way possible.Are ...]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P>A Debt consolidation loan could be the solution if your objective is to reduce interest rates and lower your monthly payments, avoid bankruptcy, consolidate your bills and have one monthly payment, or simply get out of debt the fastest way possible.Are you feeling overburdened with debt? Are you paying out too much every month for your credit cards, store cards and loans? Then why not replace them all with one, lower, convenient repayment through a consolidation loan? Consolidation loans can give you a fresh start, allowing you to consolidate all of your loans into one - giving you one easy to manage payment, and in most cases, at a lower rate of interest. Secured on your UK home, low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest debt consolidation loans can sweep away the pile of repayments to your credit and store cards, HP, loans and replace them with one, low cost, monthly payment ? one calculated to be well within your means. With a Debt Consolidation Loan you can borrow from ?5,000 to ?75,000 and up to 125% of your property value in some cases. A UK Debt Consolidation Loan is a low cost loan secured on your UK home. It frees up the spare capital (or equity) in your home to repay your store card and other debts. </P><P>It can reduce BOTH your interest costs AND your monthly repayments, putting you back in control of your life.Debt Consolidation Loan rates are variable, depending on status.Your monthly repayments will depend on the amount borrowed and term.--You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:. </P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Online Retirement Planning Consultancy Urges Taxpayers to Demand that United Airlines Fulfill its Pension Obligations</title>
		<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/Online-Retirement-Planning-Consultancy-Urges-Taxpayers-to-Demand-that-United-Airlines-Fulfill-its-Pension-Obligations/articles/66508</link>
		<category>Pension</category>
		<guid>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/Online-Retirement-Planning-Consultancy-Urges-Taxpayers-to-Demand-that-United-Airlines-Fulfill-its-Pension-Obligations/articles/66508</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Following United Airlines' petition to have the U.S. government take over its pension obligations, Retirement-4-U, a retirement planning consultancy, is calling upon American taxpayers to voice their opposition to this move. "We at Retirement-4-U urge ...]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P>Following United Airlines' petition to have the U.S. government take over its pension obligations, Retirement-4-U, a retirement planning consultancy, is calling upon American taxpayers to voice their opposition to this move. "We at Retirement-4-U urge the American public to write to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and their legislators, strongly expressing their opposition to United's bailout," says Stephen B. Carkeek, Founder of Retirement-4-U (<a href="http://www.retirement-4-u.com" target="_blank">http://www.retirement-4-u.com</a>). </P><P>"The American taxpayer should not have to foot the bill for United's incompetence and mismanagement." United Airlines has petitioned the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to stop making its pension payments as of June 30, 2005, and wants the U.S. government to fulfill those pension obligations. Already the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PGBC) has announced its settlement with United to become trustee of the company's four pension plans. This is awaiting approval by the Bankruptcy Court, and a ruling is expected from the Court in the Northern District of Illinois on May 4. </P><P>The bailout, points out Carkeek, will set a dangerous precedent, because other airlines in financial difficulties will expect similar treatment, further burdening the American taxpayer. And it's not just the taxpayer who suffers; United's own workforce will too. Even as it is unable to fulfill its present obligations, United is promising its current employees even greater pension benefits. According to the terms of the bailout and the PGBC's partial guaranty, United's host of pensioners will not be receiving their benefits in entirety."United should not be allowed to run away from its obligations," says Carkeek. Even if United goes bankrupt, its asset sales should fund the pension payments, and it should not be allowed to promise greater benefits to its current employees. </P><P>"For long, United has claimed that it has been flying the friendly skies, but these moves on its part make it a very unfriendly airline indeed," says Carkeek. "By being pro-active and speaking out, we can ensure that United Airlines does not push the burden of its own obligations onto the hardworking, taxpaying American."About Retirement-4-U:Retirement-4-U is a consultancy for successful retirement, providing accurate, unbiased retirement plans for a simple one-time fee. Since 2001, Retirement-4-U has been putting its 80 years worth of combined experience and its proprietary retirement planning software to the service of thousands of clients across the United States, ensuring that their post-retirement days are comfortable and secure. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.retirement-4-u.com/" target="_blank">http://www.retirement-4-u.com/</a>.Contact:Stephen B. Carkeek601 Van Ness Ave., Suite E3-513 San Francisco, CA 94102925-922-0122. </P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Leading Loss Mitigation Experts Help Families Facing Foreclosure with Free Book</title>
		<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/Leading-Loss-Mitigation-Experts-Help-Families-Facing-Foreclosure-with-Free-Book/articles/19926</link>
		<category>Free</category>
		<guid>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/Leading-Loss-Mitigation-Experts-Help-Families-Facing-Foreclosure-with-Free-Book/articles/19926</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The national grip of foreclosure on American Families has reached and surpassed epidemic status for over a year and will be worse in 2005. Investors can become rich by investing in foreclosure property but at the expense of a family that is too often ...]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P>The national grip of foreclosure on American Families has reached and surpassed epidemic status for over a year and will be worse in 2005. Investors can become rich by investing in foreclosure property but at the expense of a family that is too often the victim of illness, job layoffs, real estate scams, business failure, predatory lending or predatory servicing.Herbert Addison and Michael Taylor, Sr., two of the nations leading experts on loss mitigation have written a book to aid homeowners in utilizing little known loss mitigation principles to stop foreclosure.  How to Save Your Home: Your Guide to Loss Mitigation, is the first definitive book ever written specifically for homeowners detailing step-by step instructions to stop foreclosures. The methods described are extremely effective financial alternatives to bankruptcy and foreclosure.We have had great success selling the book on our website at $21.75 and received hundreds of thank you and success stories from people using the principles taught in the book.  However, the truth is that the need is so great, we decided that the right thing to do was to offer the book free of charge so that more people would be exposed to the financial information that is just not available in our communities at this time said Addison, President of Save Your Home, Inc.No one works hard to buy a home only to lose it because of financial crisis or hardship, said Taylor. </P><P>It is our intent to educate families on how to properly protect themselves in negotiations if threatened by foreclosure and to offer suggestions for financial planning to prevent future foreclosure attempts. Addison received a BA in Political Science and graduated Cum Laude from Winthrop University. He received a Jurist Doctorate degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.  The two authors have counseled thousands of homeowners facing foreclosure due to job loss, illness or family problems and have identified the American family as the target of an entire foreclosure investment industry that generates huge profits off of the despair of others.  They have also been published in Service Management, one of the leading magazines that mortgage lenders rely on for industry news.  The authors are trained speakers and have provided keynote addresses to leading banks on the topic of loss mitigation and default management.Your readers can obtain a free copy of How to Save Your Home by sending a postage and handling fee of $8.53 by check or money order to Save Your Home, Free Book Offer, P.O. </P><P>Box 25125 Columbia, SC 29224 or by calling 1-877-863-9880. Order online at <a href="http://www.syhuniversity.com" target="_blank">www.syhuniversity.com</a>To schedule an interview with Mr. Herbert Addison or Michael Taylor or to request a review copy of How to Save Your Home, please contact Pamela Busby at SYH University at 877-212-1880 or e-mail protected from spam botso. </P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>For Consumers Unable to Declare Bankruptcy Under New Federal Law, Debt Reduction Software Provides Alternative to Debt Counseling</title>
		<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/For-Consumers-Unable-to-Declare-Bankruptcy-Under-New-Federal-Law%2C-Debt-Reduction-Software-Provides-Alternative-to-Debt-Counseling/articles/23432</link>
		<category>Declare</category>
		<guid>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/For-Consumers-Unable-to-Declare-Bankruptcy-Under-New-Federal-Law%2C-Debt-Reduction-Software-Provides-Alternative-to-Debt-Counseling/articles/23432</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 takes effect in six months?which it's expected to do after President Bush signs it this week?it will prevent consumers who do not meet new tougher means-testing standards from declaring ...]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P>When The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 takes effect in six months?which it's expected to do after President Bush signs it this week?it will prevent consumers who do not meet new tougher means-testing standards from declaring bankruptcy.  Instead, they will have to undergo debt counseling and pay back their debts over time.  Because the practices of some debt counseling agencies are under fire from Congressional investigators, consumers will seek alternatives.  One debt reduction tool for consumers ineligible to declare bankruptcy is DebtBlaster, an inexpensive software program that enables consumers to figure out the most effective yet affordable way to work themselves out of debt (<a href="http://www.debtblaster.com" target="_blank">www.debtblaster.com</a>).  Available from the same firm, ZilchWorks, is Credit Card Math, a free software program that reveals the true hidden costs associated with credit card debt and helps users develop a personal debt reduction plan."It all started when I helped a friend who had 21 credit cards," says Michael J. </P><P>Riley, retired U.S. Marine and inventor of DebtBlaster.  "He needed a plan to help him pay them down, so I developed software that does all the calculations with a few clicks.  Now I help others do the same so they don't have to bring anyone else in on their problems."DebtBlaster software helps the consumer create a month-by-month debt management plan in the privacy and comfort of home, avoiding the embarrassment of disclosing finances to a stranger and the high fees often charged by debt counselors.  The consumer enters the annual percentage rates, monthly payments, and outstanding balances for up to 30 loans and credit cards into DebtBlaster, which automatically calculates when each debt will be paid. </P><P> It creates a personalized payment schedule, offers a choice of seven different payoff strategies, and makes it easy to pay down a unique collection of debts with interest charges as low as possible."When a consumer looks at her bills, all she normally sees is payments and balances," says Riley.  "My software shows exactly when each debt will be gone.  Sometimes just knowing there is a definite finish line ahead is enough incentive to follow the plan."DebtBlaster is available from ZilchWorks for $39.95 at <a href="http://www.debtblaster.com" target="_blank">www.debtblaster.com</a>, which also offers the free Credit Card Math program as well as free information on budgets, credit card ratings, automobile loans, and inflation.????Contact: Michael J. RileyZilchWorks 30 Camelback Rd.Marstons Mills, MA 02648508-776-4825e-mail protected from spam bots. </P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Emerald Nuts Across the Bay 12K</title>
		<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/Emerald-Nuts-Across-the-Bay-12K/articles/47874</link>
		<category>12K</category>
		<guid>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/Emerald-Nuts-Across-the-Bay-12K/articles/47874</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Emerald NutsAcross the Bay 12KSausalito to San Francisco Across the Golden Gate Bridge ? Sunday March 21st, 2004 ?Itinerary:Who:???5,000 RunnersWhat:???12K Roadrace Across the Golden Gate Bridge - 21st AnnualWhen:???Sunday March 21st -???8:00 AM  Start: ...]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P>Emerald NutsAcross the Bay 12KSausalito to San Francisco Across the Golden Gate Bridge ? Sunday March 21st, 2004 ?Itinerary:Who:???5,000 RunnersWhat:???12K Roadrace Across the Golden Gate Bridge - 21st AnnualWhen:???Sunday March 21st -???8:00 AM  Start:  East Fort Baker (off Alexander Ave./Sausalito)???8:35 AM  Finish/Winner:  On Van Ness Ave. (north of North Point), next to Aquatic Park Fisherman's Wharf???9:00 AM  ?Celebration of Running' Party - Aquatic Park, Fisherman's Wharf???10:15 AM  Awards Presentation - Aquatic Park - Special Presentation to the young runners from Edgewood Children's Center.Where:???12K Course:  East Ft. Baker up to the Golden Gate Bridge, across the on west walkway, exit onto Battery East Road, the Lincoln Blvd. to Crissy Field, and Marina Blvd. to Ft. </P><P>Mason, and over the hill to north end of Van Ness for the Finish, next to Aquatic Park.Key Facts:Name:????Emerald Nuts Across the Bay 12K'  -- Emerald Nuts, from Diamond of California, title sponsor, after original sponsor (Houlihan's Restaurants) ???declared bankruptcy.  Entry:???$30 pre-reg. &  $35 race day includes finisher T-shirt and refreshments???? <a href="http://www.rhodyco.com" title="test" target="_blank">www.rhodyco.com</a> - for info. & online registration, or: (415) 759-2690Benefits:???Edgewood Center for Children & FamiliesHistory:???21st Annual  (formerly known as ?Houlihan's 12K')Highlight: ???12K Championship for Pacific Association of USA T&F - $5,000 prize money. </P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How Personal Loans Outperform Bankruptcy and Credit Counseling Services</title>
		<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/How-Personal-Loans-Outperform-Bankruptcy-and-Credit-Counseling-Services/articles/6025</link>
		<category>Personal</category>
		<guid>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/How-Personal-Loans-Outperform-Bankruptcy-and-Credit-Counseling-Services/articles/6025</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Not all personal financial remedies are for everyone. Reviewing and understanding how the various credit and debt solutions vary, can help you fine tune your resources. Before you commit financial suicide, have you evaluated whether or not a personal ...]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P>Not all personal financial remedies are for everyone. Reviewing and understanding how the various credit and debt solutions vary, can help you fine tune your resources. Before you commit financial suicide, have you evaluated whether or not a personal loan is better than debt consolidation or filing a bankruptcy?Did you know that certain non-for profit credit agencies are hired by creditors? They profit with a kick back from the credit card company when consumers use their repayment programs. On the other hand, certain debt consolidation companies charge excessive service fees for negotiating a rate a consumer could do for themselves.The differences between debt consolidation management, personal loans and bankruptcies all differ in their scope of benefits and drawbacks. Review the following information to learn why personal loans outperform other financial options.Home Equity Line of Credit or a Second MortgageAdvantage: It offers a great benefit because a consumer may be able to reduce the cost of credit by consolidating their debt with a home equity loan. </P><P>There are specific tax advantages with a second mortgage that are not associated with other personal loans.Drawback: A second mortgage may be risky if the borrower is late on payments. It can result in the loss of a home since home equities require the property as collateral. Another disadvantage are the points (1 percent of the borrowed amount) paid on the interestCredit Counseling and Debt Management ServicesAdvantage: Organizations who offer debt solutions during uncontrollable makes sense - theoretically.Drawback: A number of businesses extend credit and debt counseling management, charge exorbitant fees. Even more worrisome, they neglect to provide the services they promise. Certain debt consolidation programs fail to disclose certain costs or articulate important terms; such as the borrower is signing away their home as collateral. </P><P>Another important negative aspect of certain credit counseling agencies is the failure to explain that the debt program is really a Chapter 13.BankruptcyNot the best choice, personal bankruptcy is deemed an aspect of debt management. In theory, it should always be the last option. There are many intricacies of a bankruptcy not often disclosed. Primarily, there are two types of bankruptcies: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. A Chapter 7 - or a straight bankruptcy entails complete liquidation of all assets exempt in the state. </P><P>Certain property can be passed over to creditors or even sold by court-appointed authorities. Chapter 7s may be filed every six years, only. Chapters 13s authorize the debtor to keep housing property. During a 3-5 year period, the reorganization allows the indebted to pay a default opposed to relinquishing property.Advantage: The underlying advantage of a bankruptcy it offers a clean slate or fresh start for the consumer who is unable to meet their financial obligations. Both types of bankruptcies (Chapter 13 and Chapter 7) can clear any unsecured debts. </P><P>Moreover, they both can cease debt collection activities, garnishments, foreclosures, repossessions and shut-off utilities. Both types of bankruptcy feature exemptions which enable the indebted to keep certain assets; however, from state to state exemption amounts vary widely.And unless you have an acceptable plan to catch up on your debt under Chapter 13, bankruptcy usually does not allow you to keep property when your creditor has an unpaid mortgage or lien on it.Drawback: The downside of a bankruptcy is how it tarnishes an individual's credit report for ten years. The blotch prevents acquiring financing or credit challenging. As a result, seeking employment, the purchase of a new home or even life insurance may impair the ease of approval. Additionally, filing a personal bankruptcy will not eradicate other financial responsibilities: alimony, child support, taxes, student loans, and fines.Personal LoanA way to consolidate all debts into one bill is with an easy debt-free loan.Advantage: There is a wealth of personal loans on the market. </P><P>Finding a loan with ordinary terms and a reasonable interest rate can cure all financial woes in one solution.Drawback: There really aren't any drawbacks with a personal loan. As along as a consumer devises a budget and researches the best personal loan to fill their monetary needs.All across American companies prey on the financial depravity of consumers. As long as the indebted thoroughly analyze all of their debt and lending options, they can avoid the perils of the predatory organization. Compared with the other choices bankruptcy and debt consolidation, personal loans outperform all financial options. Since it offers complete control to the consumer, it diminishes the risk of eternal debt.? <a href="http://About-Personal-Loans.com" target=new>About-Personal-Loans.com</a>. </P><P>All rights reserved.. </P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>American Mortgage Specialists Launches New Home Mortgage Loan Website</title>
		<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/American-Mortgage-Specialists-Launches-New-Home-Mortgage-Loan-Website/articles/67860</link>
		<category>American+Mortgage+Specialists+Launches+New+Home+Mortgage+Loan+Website</category>
		<guid>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/American-Mortgage-Specialists-Launches-New-Home-Mortgage-Loan-Website/articles/67860</guid>
		<description><![CDATA["We pride ourselves on the individual, personalized attention we give our clients," said Branch Manager Michael George. "Now with the launch of our new website, getting a mortgage loan has never been so easy."Buying a home has been known to be incredibly ...]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P>"We pride ourselves on the individual, personalized attention we give our clients," said Branch Manager Michael George. "Now with the launch of our new website, getting a mortgage loan has never been so easy."Buying a home has been known to be incredibly stressful, but American Mortgage Specialists' user-friendly website allows its customers to become familiar with the process while working hand-in-hand with its competent and friendly employees. "We want to be there for our customers and actually encourage them to call us with any questions they may have throughout the loan process" said George. "Our new website will help harness those personalized relationships already existing with our clients, while perhaps helping to demystify the home mortgage loan process for potential borrowers."There also is a general public misconception that home mortgages are only for those with big down payments or excellent credit."We have programs for any mortgage loan situation?even including bad credit," George said. "We have zero-down mortgages."Among the site's numerous features are a mortgage calculator, free loan application, today's mortgage rates, and a mortgage checklist, in addition to information on fixed versus adjustable loans.American-Mortgage-Specialists.com also features useful links to free credit reports, homeowner tax help, VA and auto loans, and bankruptcy and living trust sites. </P><P>The website also provides the latest real estate news with top-rate mortgage information. American Mortgage Specialists is a California and Arizona mortgage company based out of Chandler, Arizona offering a wide array of loan programs and services. Please feel free to scan their website and send them an e-mail or contact them via phone toll-free, at (877) 551-8188.. </P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Debt Facts</title>
		<link>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/Debt-Facts/articles/34032</link>
		<category>Debt+Facts</category>
		<guid>http://www.smartbankruptcyworld.com/Debt-Facts/articles/34032</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In 2003, almost one and a third percent of US househoulds (about 1,650,000) filed for bankruptcy, indicating that bankruptcy may not have quite the stigma attached to it as in other parts of the world.Somehow, the USA, with a population of about 294 million, ...]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P>In 2003, almost one and a third percent of US househoulds (about 1,650,000) filed for bankruptcy, indicating that bankruptcy may not have quite the stigma attached to it as in other parts of the world.Somehow, the USA, with a population of about 294 million, managed to have over a billion credit cards in issue. That's over 4 cards for every man women and child. About 20,000 different cards are on offer from suppliers.Those credit cards, together with debit cards, account for a quarter of ALL personal expenditure in the US.Debt is a fairly recent phenomenon. Before the 1930's, most people couldn't borrow, even to finance property, and either rented homes or built them from scratch. Nowadays, mortgage debt runs in the trillions. </P><P>Personal debt excluding mortgages is about $19k per household on average, over half of which is on credit cards, a figure that is triple the statistic of 1990.Nowadays, over 40% or US families routinely spend more each year than they earn. The difference? Financed by debt.Convenient to use? That credit card convenience ends up costing the average Joe 12% more than paying by cash.If you only ever pay the 2% minimum monthly payments, each $1000 you owe will take nearly 22 years to repay and will add a further ?2,300 to the bill, meaning you effectively pay $3,300. Despite this being common knowledge, almost 60% of credit card users DON'T pay their credit card bills in full each month. This reliance on high interest credit cards means that the average US family pays about $1,200 in interest on their cards each year, at an average APR of 18.9%.90% of Americans 'are not concerned' by their credit card debts, although about 50% of them would refuse to tell a friend how much they owe.A quarter of adult Americans have 'maxed out' a card at some time or other.A tenth of them have been hounded by collection agencies for late payment, the same amount as have gone at least 30 days overdue on their credit card bills.The typical US student has 7 credit cards, and a significant percentage of them (over 10%) owe $15,000 or more on them.Credit cards encourage you to spend more. In surveys, it was found that paying for junk food with a card as opposed to cash led to a 50% increase in spend. </P><P>You want fries with that?Far from becoming rich, the average middle aged US citizen is only worth about $40,000, and that INCLUDES any equity in their homes. The rest of it belongs to banks and lending institutions. This reflects the drop in personal savings, down from 8% of income to less than 1% in 2004, thanks mainly to the poor returns on savings accounts, and the easy availability of credit.In 2002, the sum total in card fees for the US credit card sector was $45 billion. It is expected to top $60 billion by the end of 2004. Whichever way you look at it, the credit card business is enormous, and has a sincerely vested interest in getting you into debt, then keeping you there.. </P>]]></content:encoded>
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