Bankruptcy filings fell 1.8 percent for the latest 12-month period ending on Sept. 30. This marks a 10-year low in filings. Overall, Texas residents and others across the U.S. filed for bankruptcy 790,830 times in September 2017 compared to 805,580 in September 2016....
Year: 2017
Using debt consolidation to pay off consumer debt
Texas residents who have a lot of consumer debt may be able to find relief through debt consolidation if they are serious about and dedicated to improving their financial situations. In a debt consolidation, a person's high-interest debts are consolidated into one...
How to prevent another bankruptcy
Once the bankruptcy process is complete and you are debt free, it is not time to rest easy. Of course, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy will put your burdens behind you and allow you a fresh start. Your next goal is to stay on the right financial track. If you do not...
Federal Reserve reveals worrying increase in credit card debt
Consumer spending in Texas and around the country was subdued in August according to a report released recently by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Total consumer debt in the United States increased by $17.7 billion in July according to the central bank, but only $13.1...
Things to know before filing bankruptcy
Texas consumers who are struggling with debt may already be aware of the protections conveyed by bankruptcy. Those who are considering filing a bankruptcy petition should take into account at least three considerations as they make their decisions. First, it's...
Credit reporting discrepancy fixed
Texas residents may be interested in an important change Equifax made to its credit reporting policies. The change may impact thousands of customer's credit scores if they have filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The reporting change came after ProPublica questioned the...
Impact of Chapter 13 on buying or renting a home
Applying for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Texas will impact an individual's credit report and may present challenges when it comes to renting or purchasing a home. In most cases, though, it will still be possible to find a place to live in a desirable area even as an...
Credit card delinquencies on the rise
Major banks and credit card companies such as Capital One and JP Morgan Chase have reported that credit card delinquencies are up for the second straight month. This marks a reversal from a four-month run in which credit card delinquencies had been falling. It is...
Complete discharge of debts and other bankruptcy myths
If you are considering bankruptcy, you need to go into it with an open mind — and open eyes. While it can give you a fresh start if you are heavily in debt, it will not work miracles. By doing your homework, asking questions and seeking legal advice, you will...
Medical debt remains burdensome despite credit bureau reforms
Unpaid medical bills confront many people in Texas. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 43 million credit reports contain medical collections. Although the credit bureaus Equifax, Experian and TransUnion will alter how they report medical debts as...