Tag Archives: bankruptcy
Debt Settlement Programs and Chapter 7 – Part 1 (Page 1 of 2)
When debtors find it difficult to redeem their outstanding dues, they generally try to find various ways and means to repay their debt. However, in many cases, this does not work out properly owing to various reasons, and debtors start thinking in terms of Chapter 7 and filing for bankruptcy. Availing the facilities offered by the statute can solve some of your immediate debt problems, but a certain amount of debt will remain even after discharging Chapter 7, and your credit ratings will carry a “flag” for at least seven years. Needless to say, it becomes almost impossible to avail large credit facilities in the future. Many companies offer debt settlement facilities in the form of debt settlement programs. One of the most common type of debt is credit card debt, in which cases the companies offer credit card debt settlement programs so the debtors can redeem their dues.
Generally, credit debt settlement companies work to provide customized solutions for individuals who have low monthly incomes and delinquency problems. The extent of debt settlement services vary from company to company. However, all companies provide certain features which remain common, and facilitate credit card settlement. A debt settlement company can provide options to redeem, and it is advisable to avail the facilities rather than file for Chapter 7 and bankruptcy. It is important to know exactly what Chapter 7 is, and what issues are associated with engaging in bankruptcy. The knowledge can be useful in deciding whether to file for Chapter 7, or avail debt settlement program to repay.
What does Chapter 7 signify? Chapter 7 of the Title 11 of the United States Code, dealing primarily with the bankruptcy code, fundamentally governs the process of liquidation under the bankruptcy laws of the United States government. Chapter 7 is associated with liquidation and bankruptcy issues. It offers the simplest and quickest way to file for bankruptcy – and the statute is available to all U.S. individuals, corporations, and partnerships. As per the statute, a trustee is appointed by the court to gather and sell all non-exempt property, and use the proceeds availed from the sale to pay off the outstanding dues to the creditors.
According to the law “Exempt property” is the property that the debtor is allowed to keep or retain on his or her own name. The facility is given to the debtors, so it becomes possible to “save” something for the sustenance and livelihood of the debtor’s family, as well as the debtor. The nature and kind of property exempted depends upon the state jurisdiction and its bankruptcy laws. It is advisable to consult a good attorney to have a clear understanding regarding exempted properties. According to the new law, it is mandatory to keep residence in a particular state for certain duration before availing the statute benefits and facilities. The new updation was enforced to prevent a debtor from “moving” to another state offering more generous exemptions, just prior to filing for bankruptcy.
Debt to Income Ratio Crisis in Canada How to Deal with Debt and Protect Your Assets
While the recession in Canada may have subsided, debt continues to cripple Canadians. So many Canadians struggle with debt for a myriad of different reasons. Many families who find themselves drowning in debt didnt have it occur simply because of overspending. Those who lost employment or income during the recent recession represent a large group of individuals who have been trying to figure out how to deal with debt. Other reasons that people run into problems with debt include divorce, disability or other major life changes that create an immediate impact on ones ability to pay his or her debts.
The Globe and Mail has reported extensively on the “debt to income ratio crisis in Canada”. An individuals debt to income ratio represents the amount of debt an individual has measured against his or her income. In 2010, the Globe and Mail reported that the debt to income ratio of Canadians has surpassed the debt to income ratio to our American counterparts.
In 2012, the Globe and Mail reported that the debt to income ratio report from Statistics Canada revealed that as of the third quarter of 2011, the average Canadian’s debt-to-personal-disposable-income ratio was 153 percent. That’s up from 150.6 percent in the previous quarter and higher than 148.3 percent a year ago. It seems that the debt that Canadians carry is ever increasing.
One reason for this trend we surmise has to do with how Canadians families cope with loss of income. When a major breadwinner in the household loses income, one natural solution may be to use credit cards to bridge the gap until that income might be coming in again. Another reason for this trend is because of banks and finance companies over-lending to people based on their household income so when one person suffers a loss of income the payments become unmanageable for the family to continue to maintain.
When a financial crisis emerges, naturally people begin to worry and wonder “what will happen to my home?”, “what will happen to my car?” and how to deal with their debt while protecting their assets. Most people want to pay their debt and dont want to end up bankrupt. You can deal with debt and protect your assets and without filing for bankruptcy.
There are many programs available to help Canadians to deal with debt without going into bankruptcy. These programs are also quite effective at enabling people to deal with their debt while keeping their home and vehicle. They are also able to stop enforcement action like wage garnishments.
If your debt to income ratio is through the roof and you want to deal with your debt and protect your assets, you must act before things spiral out of control. Financial and debt consultants are a good option to help you not only deal with your debt but work through your budget and other financial affairs to help you get back onto a firm footing. Unlike bankruptcy trustees, financial and debt consultants represent you, not your creditors, and offer many more options than bankruptcy to deal with a financial crisis.