As we move through this surprisingly snowy Holiday Season here in North Carolina, all of us at the Law Offices of John T. Orcutt want to wish everyone one of our clients, friends and colleagues a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!
Is there a better way to avoid student loan default?
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Student loan default is growing rapidly, and experts say a crisis is looming if the trend doesn’t reverse. Borrowing is on the rise, as is average debt, along with default rates. But research shows a simple tweak in student loan servicing websites could likely end most defaults and help people get and stay on track with their student loans. Here’s a look at what you need to know to avoid a student loan debt crisis in your life.
How many bankruptcy cases can you file?
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Some things are once-in-a-lifetime experiences for most people. Climbing Mount Everest or getting married are common "one and done" occurrences. Some other things you only want to do once (or never), like heart surgery. But how about bankruptcy? Ideally, Wilmington bankruptcy should be one and done, and you get Chapter 7 debt relief and need never repeat the process. But if you wanted (or needed) to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy again, can you?
Student loan crisis declares Betsy DeVos
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This week, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos issued a warning about the “looming crisis” that is student loans. She said if the system doesn’t change it “will be in serious jeopardy” which can make it more challenging for students to find ways to fund a college education. DeVos said in a speech in Atlanta that the student loan program is “burying students in debt,” as well as taxpayers, and is “stealing from future generations.”
If your Chapter 13 case gets tossed, what's next?
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Greensboro bankruptcy for consumers includes the choice of Chapter 7 (liquidation) or Chapter 13 (repayment). If you’re behind on your auto loan or mortgage and you want to keep the asset, usually Chapter 13 better meets those goals. With Chapter 13, you commit to a repayment plan that lasts three to five years and intends to catch you up on secured debt arrears. But sometimes, consumers can’t keep up with their payments or don’t follow the court’s instructions, and it dismisses your bankruptcy case. What then?
Student loan repayment problems on the rise
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With student loan debt nearing $1.5 trillion, the impact on consumers is growing. As of the end of the third quarter of 2018, college debt hit $1.44 trillion with no signs of slowing. That same quarter, student loan delinquency hit higher levels than ever while experts say the statistics underrepresent the problem and it may be much worse. Are your student loans in delinquency or default? Here is what you need to know and solutions to help you cope with unaffordable student debt.
What to do after Wilmington bankruptcy
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When you choose Wilmington bankruptcy to deal with a debt dilemma, it can help you get a fresh start. Filing bankruptcy stops debt collector harassment, foreclosure, and repossession. From there, it opens doors to a better financial future but only if you make the most of it. Here are seven tips to best leverage this new lease on life.
Student loans can plague older Americans
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When you think of people with student loans, you picture those about to graduate college – not those well into their 60s and 70s, right? Unfortunately, the new reality for many older Americans is that student loans follow them later in life and are a plague on what should be the golden years of retirement. New data from the Federal Reserve shows skyrocketing student loan debt for seniors.
David's Bridal to file bankruptcy
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It is well-known that financial matters can wreak havoc on a relationship, but what about bankruptcy? As a solution to money woes, bankruptcy might make your marriage stronger. But in this case, it’s a business bankruptcy that could play havoc with your wedding if you’re a Greensboro couple with your big day coming soon. David’s Bridal is struggling, and their bankruptcy case might affect your nuptials.
Got extra money? Maybe don't use it for student loans
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For people paying off their student loans on a traditional 10-year plan and doing fine, paying extra to fast-track paying off your loans can be wise. But for those on other payment plans and with other debt priorities, paying extra towards your loans might not be the smart money decision. Whether it’s a bonus from work, a tax refund, small inheritance, or another cash windfall, think for a moment before you throw it at your student loans. Here's why.
Wilmington seniors may struggle with money
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Many seniors don’t have the luxury of spare cash lying around their house or bank account. When unexpected expenses crop up, older Americans may use credit cards to cover the gap. Social Security payments come just once a month, and some pension plans also pay out every four weeks. When you need cash, and it’s far from direct deposit day, it can make life tough.
Are you at risk of student loan default?
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As student loan debt rises, so does the number of those defaulting on their school debt. The numbers are staggering, with more than one million student borrowers defaulting on their loans this year alone.
Gender disparity exists in debt
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Debt is on the rise in America. The economy rebounded, and all aspects of consumer debt are skyrocketing. And with the rising debt loads, an uneasy pattern is emerging. Recent statistics show that there is a significant disparity between debt loads of males versus females. Women carry more debt than men from their 30s to their late 60s.
A new survey shows people with student loans are not saving!
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A brand-new study by nonprofit Student Loan Crisis on behalf of Meet Summer showed some disturbing (but not surprising) facts about this debt dilemma. Let’s look at what the survey revealed, what it means for you, and what you can do if you’re overwhelmed by student debt.
Benefits of Wilmington bankruptcy may surprise you
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Wilmington bankruptcy is a lifeline for those drowning in debt. Unfortunately, most people see it as the end of the line, and some equate it to hitting rock bottom much like when someone heads to rehab. This is the wrong stance to take on bankruptcy. The majority of consumers didn’t wind up in a financial mess by making knowingly bad choices (as you do with drinking or drugs that land you in rehab). Most of our clients had a significant life event that wrecked their finances.
Student loan robocalls blowing up your phone?
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There’s probably nothing more annoying than having your phone ring and racing to answer it only to realize it’s a robocall. Well, maybe one thing is more annoying - getting there and discovering it’s a robocall from a debt collection agency hassling you about your student loans.
How do Chapter 13 repayments work in Greensboro bankruptcy?
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There are three basic chapters under which you can file Greensboro bankruptcy: Chapter 7, 11 and 13. Chapter 11 is primarily for businesses while Chapter 13 and 7 are for consumers. Chapter 13 is known as a repayment plan or a wage-earner plan. This type of bankruptcy lasts three to five years and intends to catch you up on secured debts (car loan, mortgage, etc.) while also relieving some of your unsecured debt.
Is refinancing your student loans a smart money move?
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With rising interest rates, many student loan borrowers face increasingly more expensive student loan payments. You can lower payments by applying for an income-driven repayment plan, or you can refinance your student loans into a new loan.
Should you surrender your car in bankruptcy?
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Chapter 7 Wilmington bankruptcy is one of the fastest means of obtaining freedom from debt and getting your financial life back on track. The process takes just a few months from start to finish, and you can walk away from most unsecured debt with a clean slate. Secured debts are different. One type of secured debt is your car loan. Should you do anything possible to keep your car or is it wiser to surrender it?
Unload your student loan burden in Maine
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If you’re struggling with your student loans, one approach you might not have tried is to pack up and move. No, we’re not suggesting you run away from your responsibilities. But in this case, there could be an opportunity to relocate to get a better deal on your college debt. The state of Maine is offering graduates a chance to live and work in the state and pay off student loans faster than expected.
