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    <title type="text">Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law </title>
    <subtitle type="text">Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</subtitle>

    <updated>2026-05-05T08:21:08Z</updated>

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        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[How may a temporary forbearance help improve my finances?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/05/how-may-a-temporary-forbearance-help-improve-my-finances/" />
            <id>https://www.sissmanlaw.com/?p=51827</id>
            <updated>2026-05-05T06:35:28Z</updated>
            <published>2021-05-26T21:15:10Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[Bankruptcy, Chapter 13]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Forbearance may provide you with temporary financial relief that may help you revise your budget. If approved, your mortgage servicer allows you to temporarily stop making monthly payments; you may have an opportunity to pay down some other outstanding bills. As of March 2021, mortgage servicers approved nearly 2.2 million property owners’ forbearance arrangements. According to Bankrate.com, some homeowners used…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/05/how-may-a-temporary-forbearance-help-improve-my-finances/"><![CDATA[Forbearance may provide you with temporary financial relief that may help you revise your budget. If approved, your mortgage servicer allows you to temporarily stop making monthly payments; you may have an opportunity to pay down some other outstanding bills.

As of March 2021, mortgage servicers approved nearly 2.2 million property owners’ forbearance arrangements. According to Bankrate.com, some homeowners used that as an opportunity to <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/5-ways-forebearance-reshaped-the-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">reduce their credit card balances</a> by 23% on average. Homeowners who did not request forbearance, however, experienced an average of only a 15% decline in their credit card balances.
<h2>A forbearance approval does not force you to stop payments</h2>
Economic uncertainty may motivate you to consider options that reduce your monthly outgo and add more cash to your savings. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, between 30% and 40% of homeowners continued their mortgage payments while in forbearance. They viewed the temporary relief as a type of "insurance policy" that they did not need to use.
<h2>Reconstructing your budget may lead to a more affordable loan</h2>
By paying down your credit card balances, your credit score may improve enough to allow you to regain control of your budget. Depending on your income, you may qualify to refinance your mortgage and receive a lower monthly payment. Having more available cash may help you meet your other obligations.

Some mortgage servicers offer generous forbearance plans, but they may come with increased interest rates or require a balloon payment when they expire. You may, however, consider forbearance an option that may improve your financial circumstances. When it appears that a forbearance plan may not help your situation, a bankruptcy petition may provide other options to keep your home while you obtain financial relief.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Focus on recovering financially after bankruptcy]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/05/focus-on-recovering-financially-after-bankruptcy/" />
            <id>https://www.sissmanlaw.com/?p=51816</id>
            <updated>2026-05-05T06:34:28Z</updated>
            <published>2021-05-24T17:29:02Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy may give you a fresh start, but if you do not make some changes, you could find yourself in financial trouble sometime in the future. The good news is there are a number of steps you can take to get you back on track. Making necessary financial changes will not only help prevent you from…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/05/focus-on-recovering-financially-after-bankruptcy/"><![CDATA[Filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy may give you a fresh start, but if you do not make some changes, you could find yourself in financial trouble sometime in the future. The good news is there are a number of steps you can take to get you back on track.

Making necessary financial changes will not only help prevent you from drowning in debt again, but it will also improve your credit score, which helps you eventually buy a house and get lower interest rates on mortgage, auto and other loans.
<h2>Immediate changes to make</h2>
According to U.S. News and World Report, the first thing to do is analyze <a href="https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/debt/slideshows/10-ways-to-bounce-back-after-bankruptcy?slide=4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">why the bankruptcy occurred</a> in the first place. If it was due to an unexpected circumstance, such as medical bills or a job loss, and you are normally good with spending under budget, perhaps your financial goal should be to save more money so you have reserves for emergencies.

If the bankruptcy was due to constant overspending and debt buildup, it is time to make (and stick to) a budget. Add up all your sources of income and your necessary expenses for the month. Subtract the expenses from income, and the remainder is your extra spending money. Review the budget monthly to make sure you are staying on track, and make changes as necessary.
<h2>How to improve your credit score</h2>
CNBC discusses how to<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-build-credit-and-achieve-a-good-credit-score/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external"> build your credit</a> score. A great way is to get a secured credit card, which uses deposited money as a credit line and counts towards your credit just like a regular card. Plus, it prevents you from overspending and building up credit card debt.

Some additional ways to build credit:
<ul>
 	<li>Pay all bills in full and on time</li>
 	<li>Avoid applying for multiple credit cards</li>
 	<li>Join a program that allows you to build credit by paying for cell phone, utilities, etc.</li>
 	<li>Become an authorized user of a family member's credit card</li>
</ul>
Even making little changes can improve your score quickly.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Are there different types of foreclosure?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/04/are-there-different-types-of-foreclosure/" />
            <id>https://www.sissmanlaw.com/?p=51737</id>
            <updated>2022-03-25T09:47:09Z</updated>
            <published>2021-04-27T17:49:39Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[foreclosure]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[As explained by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, foreclosure proceedings typically begin within a few months of a missed mortgage payment. From there, the lending institution can use one of three foreclosure process to take over ownership of the home. This guide explains those three processes. Understanding the differences between them ensures you can navigate the process…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/04/are-there-different-types-of-foreclosure/"><![CDATA[As explained by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, <a href="https://www.hud.gov/topics/avoiding_foreclosure/foreclosureprocess" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">foreclosure proceedings</a> typically begin within a few months of a missed mortgage payment. From there, the lending institution can use one of three foreclosure process to take over ownership of the home.

This guide explains those three processes. Understanding the differences between them ensures you can navigate the process with as little stress and anxiety as possible.
<h2>Judicial foreclosure</h2>
In this case, your lender would file suit through the applicable court system where you live. Upon receiving notice of non-payment, the court then provides notice to the homeowner that they have 30 days to remit payment in full. If payment is not received, a property auction occurs. Auctions are usually conducted by the local sheriff's office at the behest of the court.
<h2>Power of sale</h2>
Some mortgages contain a clause called power of sale. It stipulates that the lender has the power to carry out an auction without getting the local court involved. The lender is also responsible for sending notices to the homeowner demanding payment. This process often occurs quickly, but the court may choose to review the foreclosure to check for violations of the law.
<h2>Strict foreclosure</h2>
Strict foreclosure is similar to judicial foreclosure. Once mortgage payments stop, the lender files suit with the local court. The court then develops a timeline for repayment. If the homeowner is unable to pay, possession of the property reverts to the lender, who can choose to sell it to recoup their losses. This process is often used when the amount of mortgage debt exceeds the value of the property.

You should always remain in close contact with your lender if you are not able to make mortgage payments. Avoiding calls and notices only delays the inevitable and prevents you from taking the proper steps.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Understanding Tennessee bankruptcy exemptions]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/04/understanding-tennessee-bankruptcy-exemptions/" />
            <id>https://www.sissmanlaw.com/?p=51732</id>
            <updated>2022-03-25T09:50:12Z</updated>
            <published>2021-04-19T18:52:59Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[Bankruptcy]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Tennessee law allows you to keep some personal assets if you file for bankruptcy. You can access debt relief without losing the life you have worked hard to build. Review the exemptions you can retain if you file for bankruptcy in Tennessee. Homestead exemptions The state allows you to keep up to $5,000 in equity in your primary residence. If…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/04/understanding-tennessee-bankruptcy-exemptions/"><![CDATA[Tennessee law allows you to keep some personal assets if you file for bankruptcy. You can access debt relief without losing the life you have worked hard to build.

Review the exemptions you can retain if you file for <a href="http://www.tnmb.uscourts.gov/understanding-bankruptcy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">bankruptcy in Tennessee</a>.
<h2>Homestead exemptions</h2>
The state allows you to keep up to $5,000 in equity in your primary residence. If you and your spouse file together, you can exempt $7,500 in home equity. Families with one or more minor children can exempt $25,000 in home equity.

The limit increases for Tennessee residents ages 62 and older. In this case, you can retain $12,500 of equity as a single filer, $20,000 as a married couple and $25,000 as a married couple if you are both older than 62.
<h2>Other personal property</h2>
In addition the designated amount of home equity, the following items also fall under the <a href="/chapter-7-bankruptcy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="internal">Tennessee bankruptcy</a> exemptions:
<ul>
 	<li>Clothing</li>
 	<li>Health savings accounts</li>
 	<li>Medical devices and health aids</li>
 	<li>Burial plots of up to 1 acre</li>
 	<li>School books and the family Bible</li>
 	<li>Family portraits and mementos</li>
 	<li>Up to $10,000 in wrongful death recovery</li>
 	<li>Up to $7,500 in personal injury recovery</li>
 	<li>Up to $1,900 in work tools, equipment and books</li>
 	<li>Pensions, tax-exempt retirement accounts, and up to about $1.3 million in an IRA or ROTH IRA.</li>
</ul>
The state also allows a $10,000 wildcard equity, which you can use to protect equity in a motor vehicle or any other asset not covered above. You can also keep workers' compensation, Social Security benefits, public benefits, veterans' benefits and unemployment compensation.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[What is debt collector misrepresentation?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/04/what-is-debt-collector-misrepresentation/" />
            <id>https://www.sissmanlaw.com/?p=51727</id>
            <updated>2022-03-25T09:49:16Z</updated>
            <published>2021-04-08T17:42:35Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[Bankruptcy]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[As someone facing debt, you also face the possibility of debt collectors contacting you. In many cases, these debt collectors will stick to what is appropriate and will not overstep their boundaries. But sometimes, a debt collector might utilize tactics illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Some of these tactics fall under harassment, but others fall under…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/04/what-is-debt-collector-misrepresentation/"><![CDATA[As someone facing debt, you also face the possibility of debt collectors contacting you. In many cases, these debt collectors will stick to what is appropriate and will not overstep their boundaries.

But sometimes, a debt collector might utilize tactics illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Some of these tactics fall under harassment, but others fall under misrepresentation instead.
<h2>Bullying targets of harassment</h2>
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau looks into <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-harassment-by-a-debt-collector-en-336/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">debt collector misrepresentation</a>. This differs from harassment in several ways, though there might be overlap between two categories depending on what the action is.

In the case of harassment, the overall intent is to bully the target into giving in and paying back a debt, even if they literally do not have the means to do so. They might use abusive tactics or do what they can to scare you into agreement.
<h2>Forms of misrepresentation</h2>
For misrepresentation, debt collectors lie about their power or their information to coerce you into repaying debts instead. For example, a harassing threat may include threatening you with bodily injury. A threat that falls under misrepresentation might include threats of arrest when the debt collector cannot actually have you arrested.

Another common form of misrepresentation includes lying about the amount you actually owe. In doing so, they can create a false sense of urgency which may spur you into unwise action. They may also lie about their legal power. Some debt collectors even pretend to be attorneys in the hopes that it will intimidate or scare you.

If you experience any of these things, you might have grounds to take the debt collector(s) in question to court. This way, you can gain compensation for the struggle you went through.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[What can I do to avoid foreclosure?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/03/what-can-i-do-to-avoid-foreclosure/" />
            <id>https://www.sissmanlaw.com/?p=51721</id>
            <updated>2022-03-25T09:33:24Z</updated>
            <published>2021-03-27T04:25:50Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[foreclosure]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Getting a notice of foreclosure is very frightening. This is why it is imperative that you do everything you can beforehand to avoid the notice. While you may not be able to control everything related to your economic situation, there are some steps you can take to lessen the likelihood of getting a foreclosure notice from your lender. Just like…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/03/what-can-i-do-to-avoid-foreclosure/"><![CDATA[Getting a notice of foreclosure is very frightening. This is why it is imperative that you do everything you can beforehand to avoid the notice. While you may not be able to control everything related to your economic situation, there are some steps you can take to lessen the likelihood of getting a foreclosure notice from your lender.

Just like with many things, the best defense against foreclosure is good offensive maneuvering. According to FindLaw, in order to avoid foreclosure you should <a href="https://www.findlaw.com/realestate/foreclosure/10-tips-to-avoid-foreclosure.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">act on the problem</a> right away and then remain in constant communication with your lender.
<h2>Do not ignore the problem</h2>
Because foreclosure is so stressful, it is natural to want to avoid thinking about it. However, in this attempt to soothe your frazzled nerves, you may end up inadvertently making the problem much worse. The longer you wait to act on potential foreclosure, the more likely it is that the lender will not reinstate your loan. This means it is much more likely that you will lose your house.
<h2>Keep in communication</h2>
The best thing to do is contact your lender right away once you realize that you will have trouble making your house payments. In reality, foreclosure is almost as bad for the lender as it is for you. Many of them have robust options to help you through difficult financial situations.

Additionally, make sure that you open, read and respond to an e-mail correspondence from your lender. Most of the time, the first notices are giving you options to help you through financial issues. Later on, you may get notices of legal action. You must be aware of these notices: failure to read mail is not an excuse in foreclosure court.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[How do Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies differ?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/03/how-do-chapter-7-and-chapter-13-bankruptcies-differ/" />
            <id>https://www.sissmanlaw.com/?p=51718</id>
            <updated>2025-05-06T20:13:32Z</updated>
            <published>2021-03-11T21:38:59Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Once your financial situation starts to spiral out of control, it often proves difficult to get things back on track. If you have no feasible way of repaying what you owe creditors within the next few years, you may want to think about filing for bankruptcy. Depending on your situation, you may decide to move forward with a Chapter 7…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/03/how-do-chapter-7-and-chapter-13-bankruptcies-differ/"><![CDATA[Once your financial situation starts to spiral out of control, it often proves difficult to get things back on track. If you have no feasible way of repaying what you owe creditors within the next few years, you may want to think about filing for bankruptcy. Depending on your situation, you may decide to move forward with a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing. Both are personal bankruptcy types, but there are some key differences between the two formats.

According to Quicken Loans, some of the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies include how long they take, how you qualify for them and how they handle debt.
<h2>Chapter 7 bankruptcies</h2>
Intended for those with limited incomes, Chapter 7 bankruptcies are also known as liquidation bankruptcies. It generally takes between three and five months for your debts to undergo discharge through this type of filing. You may, too, have to turn over some of your personal assets to help cover your debts. You must pass a means test before you may start a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case.
<h2>Chapter 13 bankruptcies</h2>
Chapter 13 bankruptcies are reorganization bankruptcies, meaning they require you to reorganize your debts so that you are in a position to start paying back at least part of what you owe. The process involved is longer than that of a Chapter 7 filing, and it may last between three and five years. There are income requirements and limitations that determine your eligibility for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case.

If you prefer to move forward with a Chapter 7 filing but are unable to qualify, you may try to take the means test again in six months to see if things have changed.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[An option to consider if rental assistance does not help]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/03/an-option-to-consider-if-rental-assistance-does-not-help/" />
            <id>https://www.sissmanlaw.com/?p=51713</id>
            <updated>2022-03-25T09:27:29Z</updated>
            <published>2021-03-01T18:34:20Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Individuals experiencing serious financial hardship from a job loss may qualify for temporary rental relief. According to the Nashville Tennessean, a household may receive up to one year’s worth of financial aid to pay past due rent. If an individual still finds it difficult to catch up on the bills, he or she may also consider bankruptcy as an option…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/03/an-option-to-consider-if-rental-assistance-does-not-help/"><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">Individuals experiencing serious financial hardship from a job loss may qualify for temporary rental relief. According to the Nashville Tennessean, a household may receive up to one year's worth of <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2021/02/03/tennessee-housing-authority-provide-rental-relief-tenants/4354049001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">financial aid to pay past due rent</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If an individual still finds it difficult to catch up on the bills, he or she may also consider bankruptcy as an option to resolve an unmanageable debt load. By filing a petition, a debtor may maintain the right to remain in his or her current home without fear of eviction during the bankruptcy procedure.</p>

<h2>How a petition may protect an individual from eviction</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The U.S. Bankruptcy Code provides an automatic stay, which means that most creditors may no longer collect from a debtor who has filed a petition. Generally, the stay lasts for about 30 days to give the bankruptcy trustee time to look over a petitioner's assets and liabilities. A Tennessee landlord may not have the ability to pursue a legal action for eviction once a stay goes into effect.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While the Tennessee Supreme Court has <a href="https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/investigations/i-team/some-stalled-eviction-proceedings-now-moving-forward-shelby-county/522-aabec0dd-d503-4aca-b439-71f9152bc0ff" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">suspended in-person eviction proceedings</a>, the Shelby County sheriff's office may, however, issue a writ, as reported by ABC News affiliate WATN-TV. With a writ, a property owner may attempt to garnish a tenant's wages or enact other enforcements.</p>

<h2>What a tenant may do to counter a landlord's writ</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tenants may renegotiate a rental agreement with their landlords during the bankruptcy process. A petitioner may work out an arrangement to make payments for rent in arrears and avoid or postpone an eviction process initiated by a landlord’s writ.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The discharge of consumer and medical debt accomplished by a bankruptcy may provide enough financial breathing space to adjust, at least temporarily, to a job loss. It may also provide the means to enter into a successful back-rent negotiation with a landlord.</p>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Will bankruptcy affect my tax refund?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/02/will-bankruptcy-affect-my-tax-refund/" />
            <id>https://www.sissmanlaw.com/?p=51708</id>
            <updated>2022-03-25T09:25:40Z</updated>
            <published>2021-02-16T20:00:21Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[Bankruptcy]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[When you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it seems to turn your finances upside down. There are many rules that you must follow or you could end up in trouble with the court. The trustee in your case will give you instructions on various things, and what will happen with your tax returns may be one of them if you file…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/02/will-bankruptcy-affect-my-tax-refund/"><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">When you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it seems to turn your finances upside down. There are many rules that you must follow or you could end up in trouble with the court.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The trustee in your case will give you instructions on various things, and what will happen with your tax returns may be one of them if you file around tax time. When it comes to your <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/chapter-7-bankruptcy-liquidation-under-the-bankruptcy-code" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">tax refund</a>, the IRS says you can receive one during bankruptcy prior to your discharge. However, there may be exceptions or changes in how things occur.</p>

<h2>Delays</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">You may have a delay in receiving your refund. It depends highly on your case and the contents of your refund. For example, if you receive a refund of the taxes you paid, the trustee may decide to put a hold on those funds. He or she may tell you to file, but that you cannot do anything with the refund until he or she tells you it is yours to use as you wish.</p>

<h2>Seizure</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The trustee in your case may decide to take your refund and use it to pay your debts. Do note that the court cannot take Earned Income Credit refunds. So, if your refund is only EIC, then the trustee will not take it, but he or she can take any part that is money you paid and get back.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Regardless of what may happen in your case, you must follow the directions the trustee gives you. He or she will probably advise you about your ta return during your initial meeting. You can also ask if the trustee does not mention the refund.</p>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[How to calculate your debt-to-income ratio]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/02/how-to-calculate-your-debt-to-income-ratio/" />
            <id>https://www.sissmanlaw.com/?p=51705</id>
            <updated>2022-03-25T09:23:45Z</updated>
            <published>2021-02-13T01:32:56Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[debt]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Your debt-to-income ratio is simply the amount of monthly debt you have relative to your income. If you do not know your ratio, you may be in for a surprise when trying to finance a home, car or anything else. That is, debt-to-income ratio is a major factor in most lending decisions.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says that any…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2021/02/how-to-calculate-your-debt-to-income-ratio/"><![CDATA[<span data-contrast="auto">Your debt-to-income ratio is simply the amount of monthly debt you have relative to your income. If you do not know your ratio, you may be in for a surprise when trying to finance a home, car or anything else. That is, debt-to-income ratio is a major factor in most lending decisions.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says that any debt-to-income ratio </span><a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-debt-to-income-ratio-why-is-the-43-debt-to-income-ratio-important-en-1791/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external"><span data-contrast="auto">above 43%</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> may make buying a home difficult. Many financial advisors, however, recommend keeping debt-to-income ratio under 30%. Here is how to calculate yours.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
<h2>Determine your monthly debt</h2>
<span data-contrast="auto">First, you must determine how much monthly debt you have. To do so, list everything you must pay every month. The following should be on your list:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
<ul>
 	<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-aria-posinset="0" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Mortgage or rent payments</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}"> </span></li>
 	<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-aria-posinset="0" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Car payments</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}"> </span></li>
 	<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-aria-posinset="0" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Student loan payments</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}"> </span></li>
 	<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-aria-posinset="0" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Alimony or child support payments</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}"> </span></li>
 	<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-aria-posinset="0" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Any other regular monthly payments</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<span data-contrast="auto">When adding together your monthly debt, you do not have to include the following:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
<ul>
 	<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="3" data-aria-posinset="0" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Utilities</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}"> </span></li>
 	<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="3" data-aria-posinset="0" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Car and health insurance</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}"> </span></li>
 	<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="3" data-aria-posinset="0" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Phone and cable bills</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}"> </span></li>
 	<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="3" data-aria-posinset="0" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Groceries</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Find your gross monthly income</h2>
<span data-contrast="auto">After adding together includable monthly payments, you must find your monthly gross income. This amount, which is how much you earn before taxes, likely appears on the pay-stubs you receive with your paycheck.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">If you receive a pension, Social Security benefits, alimony, child support or other monthly income, include the amount in your gross monthly income.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
<h2>Do some quick math</h2>
<span data-contrast="auto">To find your debt-to-income ratio, divide your monthly expenses by your gross monthly income. Then, multiply by 100 to see your ratio in a percentage.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">For example, if your expenses are $1,000 and your income is $2,000, your debt-to-income ratio is 50%.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">Ultimately, if your math indicates your debt-to-income ratio is too high, you may want to explore </span><a href="https://www.sissmanlaw.com/blog/2020/05/3-things-to-know-about-bankruptcy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="internal"><span data-contrast="auto">bankruptcy</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> or other debt-management options.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>]]></content>
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