Many in Tennessee may not be aware of another kind of expense that could cause you to have to file for bankruptcy when you didn't think you were going to have to. For many people, going to court is not cheap. There are attorney fees and court costs even if you win...
Stop Worrying. It’s Going To Be Ok.
Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law
Bankruptcies up in Memphis area in 2012
In a bit of mixed news that may not surprise many of our readers here in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, had more bankruptcy filings in 2012 than in 2011. According to an analysis done by a local news organization, there were 12,471 filings in 2012, 50 more than...
Young adults breaking out the plastic, running up balances faster
Our Tennessee readers are no doubt aware of the harmful effects of the recession and the slow economic recovery. Just today the unemployment rate ticked up again. As a result, many people have had to use credit cards to make major purchases and pay their bills. This...
Addiction can also fuel the need to seek bankruptcy protection
As this blog has written about, bankruptcy can hit anyone when a financial emergency strikes. Unemployment and medical debt are two big drivers of bankruptcy. But for others, the need to file for bankruptcy can be caused by personal problems, such as an addiction. One...
Organic farm has to file for Chapter 7, farm may close
Many farmers in Tennessee have had to struggle to make ends meet during the last several years, as fluctuating prices, a stagnant economy and harsh weather have taken their tolls on family farms all across the state. Many have likely had to consider filing for...
Too many Americans raiding retirement funds to avoid bankruptcy
Many of our Memphis readers may try to do anything to avoid filing for bankruptcy. But a new study by a financial adviser firm shows that too many Americans are doing something that they should not be doing to try and manage their debts: withdrawing money from their...
New classes teach students to manage money
Across the country, and right here in Memphis, students are returning to college after a long break. However, the Federal Reserve reports that more students have student loan debt and few debt management solutions. The concern is that as student loan debt continues to...
Bankruptcy filings can have a lasting impact
When people use bankruptcy as a way to restructure their debt, most people know that the bankruptcy can have a lasting effect. All across the country, including in Memphis, when financial times get tough, people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This can be a good...
Student loans and credit scores
More and more students all across the country and right here in Memphis go to college and continue to graduate with more and more loan debt. However, with few debt management solutions available, more students worry about their loan's effect on their credit card debt....
2012 Chapter 13 and other bankruptcy filings down
All over the country and right here in Memphis, people continue to file for bankruptcy. Individuals continue to seek debt relief through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. However, in the year 2012, the number of bankruptcy filings is down. Recently, a report shows...