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But in the modern world of finance, it is possible to get post-bankruptcy loans to repair credit ratings and begin the rebuilding process to a stronger financial status. In fact, it is that the credit rating improvement is the purpose of the loan that can lead to approval.

Still, there remains an acute risk to lenders that approval unsecured loans after bankruptcy, and for that reason the term can sometimes be debilitating. Higher interest rates may be expected, but with the advent of the internet, and the online lenders that can be found on it, the heavily increased rates do not need to be accepted.

Strategies To Recover After Bankruptcy

While bankruptcy might not be the end of the road, recovering from it does require starting again. This is where a small unsecured personal loan can come in so useful. However a loan is not the only strategy to choose, with low interest credit cards and dedicated saving helping the cause also.

Getting post-bankruptcy loans to repair credit ratings is admirable, but often the starting point is actually in building a savings account. In getting together a lump sum, a lender can see a committed attitude when a loan is finally applied for.

It can also help in securing a low interest secured credit card, with a small credit limit. This is necessary mainly due to the fact that our society is credit card orientated, but by making credit card repayments on time, a history of repayment is built up. So when it comes to applying for unsecured loans after bankruptcy, there is an indication of good financial habits.

If you need to file bankruptcy and you want honest answers please call Attorney James Miller at 414-277-7742 to discuss your bankruptcy options.  The Law Firm of Miller and Miller serves all Wisconsin communities including those in Kenosha, West Bend, Germantown, Waukesha, Racine, Brookfield, Ozaukee, Mequon, Menomonee Falls, West Allis, South Milwaukee, Okauchee and Madison.

All too often, clients come into our office, review their credit report, and are shocked to see what is listed.  Sometimes this is because there are old items that have been forgotten, but another culprit is identity theft.    

As the web has evolved, so have criminals and their tactics. With websites that look similar to name brand sites, con artists can pluck information as consumers enter what they believe is a legitimate site.  Once someone has stolen your identity and injured your credit score, it can be challenging to repair the damage. 

“Everything is done online these days,” says Identity Theft Resource Center Social Media Coordinator Nicki Junker. “Most of the time the victims of cyber-savvy criminals won’t be able to trace where the identity theft — a crime that has seen double-digit increases in the last five years — happened.”

Identity theft often goes unnoticed until it’s too late and the damage has already been done. In 2010, around 8.6 million households had at least one person who was a victim of identity theft, up from 6.4 million households in 2005, according to a recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Identity theft cost U.S. households about $13.3 billion in 2010, with the average loss being about $2,200.

Consumers can, however, take precautions to safeguard themselves and their identities while shopping online. Junker offers five ways to protect yourself online:

1. Confirm the site is legit: Before giving any personal information, check the URL to make sure that you’re still on the same site where you plan to make your purchases and that you haven’t been moved over to a fake one. Junker said sometimes consumers are switched over to a “cyber squatter’s” site that looks similar to a retailer’s site. It’s easy to be tricked into giving up credit card and other personal information.

2. Shop securely: When you start to check out and get ready to pay for your purchases, the URL should start with “https,” which means the site is secure. A secure site uses security technology to encrypt the information you send to the site, meaning computer hackers are stopped from collecting the data as it crosses the Web. You can also look for a closed yellow padlock at the bottom of the screen. If you see an open lock, you can assume that the site is not secure.

3. Use credit cards: Federal credit laws limit the amount a con artist can take on a credit card. Debit cards don’t have the same protections. “If they have a debit card, they can clear you out,” Junker explains. “You’re much better protected using a credit card than a debit card.”

4. Google the retailer: Before buying from a website, type in the retailer’s name and the word “scam” or “complaint” into a search engine. It’s a way to check out a retailer to see if the business is legit or not.

5. Explore the site: Can you find where the company’s office is located? Does the site clearly state a refund policy? Does it promise too much? “If it sounds too good to be true, it isn’t,” Junker warns. Take your time and make sure nothing seems out of whack or iffy.

Shopping online is a convenient way to avoid store crowds and traffic. By following these web-savvy tips, your shopping experience can be safe and convenient.  If you are living in Milwaukee-Waukesha-Racine area, the attorneys at Miller and Miller can help you to repair and rebuild your credit if you think there are errors. Call us at 414-277-7742 today!

2. In fact, don’t even use your credit cards!

3. Don’t take our any pay day loans.

4. Don’t Cash out your 401(k) or any other retirement plan you might have.

5. Don’t pay back any friends or family members to whom you might own money.

6. Don’t transfer your money into someone else’s bank account.

7. Don’t go gambling!

8. Don’t do a balance transfer.

9. Don’t try to transfer any property out of your name.

10. Don’t be afraid to ask your attorney questions!

Imprisonment for debt. SECTION 16. No person shall be

imprisoned for debt arising out of or founded on a contract,expressed or implied.

This section only prohibits imprisonment for debt arising out of or founded upon

a contract. (This does not include support obligations)

If you are being threatened by a Creditor that they will throw you in jail for your
debt they are making empty threats!

Just be lucky that you do not live in Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, and Illinois
and Minnesota as they are among the states where debtors have been locked up
according to The Wall Street Journal.

If you are being hassled, threatened or receiving numberous phone calls from creditors contact Miller & Miller to get the debt relief your deserve!

The number of people who went to a credit counselor has
declines, fewer people are signing up for debt repayment plans and the number
of people seeking to file bankruptcy is down 10% for the first nine months of
the year.  This is according to the
American Bankruptcy Institute.

One factor people are not seeking bankruptcy is due to
cost.  At Miller and Miller our fees are
reasonable and we do offer payment plans.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties at this time please call
our office to set up a free initial consultation to see how you can get the
financial relief you need.

This brings to mind the client who comes to my office and tells me that even though they are hopelessly in debt, they are worried about filing a bankruptcy because their credit score is still high.  I always remind these clients that your credit score is supposed to be one of many barometers of your financial health, not an absolute indication of financial health.  Unfortunately, many people are encouraged to misuse credit based upon the erroneous assumption that all is well because their credit score is still above 700, and they slowly fall into financial hardship. 

The definition of financial health includes living within a budget, controlling debt, using credit responsibly, working towards short and long-term financial goals, and saving.  It is challenging to manage any of these things when you are struggling to make minimum payments on your monthly obligations. 

The federal bankruptcy laws provide a solution for those who are overwhelmed with debt.  Bankruptcy can restructure or eliminate certain debts while protecting assets like your car, your home, and your 401(k).  If you have more debt than you can handle, and feel like you aren’t getting ahead, don’t be fooled by a high credit score.  It might be time to consult with one of the experienced attorneys at Miller and Miller, who can advise you of your options on how to get back on the road to financial health.

Foreclosure filings spike in August

After slowing down this year, foreclosure filings spiked in Milwaukee County in August, setting the pace for an overall 34% increase in foreclosure actions in southeastern Wisconsin from July.

Court records show there were 970 foreclosure filings in August after 725 were recorded in July in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties. July had fewest filings of any month this year.

In Milwaukee County, foreclosure filings jumped to 543 after totaling only 367 filings in July. August was the first time that Milwaukee County topped 500 foreclosure filings in a single month in 2011. In 2010, Milwaukee County monthly totals exceeded 500 filings nine times.

Kenosha and Racine also posted relatively big jumps in filings from July to August. Kenosha’s rose to 107 from 80, while Racine’s went to 107 from 78.

Economists say foreclosure numbers generally track with unemployment trends.

While foreclosure filings rose on a month-to-month basis, August’s total of 970 still was down about 6.5% from 1,037 in August 2010. Foreclosure filings in southeastern Wisconsin totaled 7,080 through August, compared with 8,175 in the first eight months of last year.

Other July-to-August county results: Ozaukee, 18, up from 16; Walworth, down to 60 from 64; Washington, unchanged at 38; and Waukesha, 97, up from 82.

If you need help with foreclosure proceedings call Miller & Miller today at 414-277-7742. You have options.

Moreover, the more knowledge you have of your conversations, the more intelligently and persuasively you can speak with the debt collectors.  Debt collectors are notorious for putting false information in their notes in order to make you feel bad in an effort to convince you that you broke your promise. Isn’t it is ironic that a collector would lie in order to use your sense of morality against you?

When a debt collector says, “This is what you discussed with us last week,” and it is inaccurate, it is empowering to have your notes at hand to tell debt collector exactly what was discussed. It is not unusual for a collector to call one day and make an offer only to have the same collector deny that such an offer was made a few days later.

Naturally, the more detail the better. The more organized and prepared you are, the less likely you are to be badgered by or taken advantage of by rude collectors. I’ve talked about that on this blog here.

If three or more of the following apply to you, you should consult with Miller & Miller now.   We offer free no obligation initial consultations.

*My debt is over $5,000 not including a car or house.

*I am frequently late on payments.

*I buy necessary items like food or clothing, on credit.

I am thinking about getting a loan to pay other loans.

Collection agencies are calling me.

I make payments, but my balances don’t go down.

Payments are over one month behind on more than one bill.

I can’t afford car insurance.

My car is worth much less than I owe.

I frequently get cash advances.

Someone has filed a lawsuit against me.

My drivers license is suspended becasue of an accident.

My mortgage or rent is always late.

I owe income taxes that I can’t pay now.

I have high medical bills that weren’t paid by insurance.

If you can say yes to 3 or more please call Miller & Miller today!