Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorney Blog

Atlanta Drivers Search for Cheap Gas Prices as Oil Costs Increase

2010-03-09T05:20:04Z

Spring brings April showers and then May flowers, but it also brings something a lot less pleasant: pain at the pump.

When the temperatures slowly start to go up, so do gas prices. So far this month, the average cost of gas is up 9 cents and is edging ever closer to $3 a gallon - that's 81 cents more than last year, according to AAA.

But there's a silver lining - and it's not just warmer weather. As it turns out, the same economy that is causing Atlanta residents and others to struggle financially is also lowering demand for gas, say Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

With unemployment soaring - the Georgia unemployment rate is 10.3 percent as of January - less people are driving a car to work, meaning less people are buying oil. Economists say gas prices might level off at not much over $3 a gallon this summer. But even if they don't, there's more good news. You can minimize the effects of higher gas prices on your own.

]]> The easy answer is simply to drive less, even if you do have a job. Carpool with co-workers, take the bus or ride your bike if you can. And if you do have to hit the road, do it at the speed limit. Driving more slowly saves gas, not to mention the health of your car.

Of course, not everyone can - or wants to - give up driving. That's when you're going to have to take a look at your budget. See what you can do without - or with less of - whether it's manicures, trips to the dry cleaner, visits to Starbucks, what have you. File and polish your own nails, use the gentle cycle on your washer and brew your own coffee to free up more money every month - more money that can go towards rising costs like gas. Or even better, towards paying down your debt.

See, when you lower debt, you'll end up with even more cash for gas - or any other costs, for that matter. That's because lowering your balance means not only paying less today, but also paying less tomorrow since you're now paying interest on a smaller balance. Reducing debt is one of the fastest ways to increase your income.

Sure, it's not as easy as it sounds. But it's not as hard as you might make it out to be, either. At least not with bankruptcy. If penny pinching isn't doing enough to make your debt manageable, bankruptcy might be your most practical alternative. Filing for bankruptcy means different things for different people. Maybe it will get you a payment plan that takes your individual financial needs into account. Maybe it will mean some of your debt is discharged. Maybe it will mean providing a legal way to stop foreclosure. To find out how bankruptcy can help your own unique situation, why not set up a free personal debt analysis with an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney? Gas prices might be out of your hands, but financial freedom is within your reach.

Homebuyer Tax Credit Might Not Be Enough for Chicago Homeowners to Stop Foreclosure

2010-03-06T06:41:48Z

At first glance, it looks like a good deal: Buy a new house and Uncle Sam gives you $6,500 back. But there's a pretty big catch, according to Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

When the federal government agreed to extend a tax credit originally intended for new homebuyers to existing homebuyers, they hoped it would encourage folks to upgrade to bigger houses - and that, in turn, would stimulate the real estate market.

Yet the market has stayed flat. Why? Because although we'd all love to have bigger, better houses, most of us are struggling to hold on to the ones we already have. Forget a new house - what we need is Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

]]> Many homeowners are unemployed. Many of us are underwater, meaning we owe more on our homes today than what we paid for them. And nearly all of us have credit card debt - not to mention other debts. All of those things make it hard to pay the mortgage. And when you start slipping on the mortgage, it's only a matter of time before you get that dreaded piece of paper in the mail - the foreclosure notice.

Handing out a tax credit for a new house isn't a way to stop foreclosure. Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, is. From the minute you file for Chapter 13, a legal action called the automatic stay stops foreclosure. After that, you'll be able to work out an affordable way to lower debts that are getting in the way of your mortgage payment.

Every smart shopper knows that you shouldn't have to spend money to save money - that just doesn't add up. What does add up? Paying down debt so you can free up more for the mortgage and other necessities each month. Bankruptcy can help you do it. Find out if Chapter 13 is right for you when you try a free personal debt analysis with a DebtStoppers bankruptcy attorney in Atlanta.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Are Saving Less But Spending More

2010-03-02T06:21:50Z

Even though a weak job market is threatening to stall economic recovery, Americans increased their spending in January, Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys say.

With unemployment still hovering just under 10 percent, incomes remained almost flat in January - rising by around 0.1 percent, significantly lower than what economists expected. And for those lucky enough to retain our jobs, cost-of-living raises are still far and few between - not to mention the fact that some of us have seen reduced hours, furlough days or other paycheck-lowering actions. Yet we spent, on average, 0.5 percent more last month, according to The Commerce Department.

The good news is that we're feeling optimistic. The bad news is that we're threatening to derail our progress. See, the Great Recession has been good for at least one thing. It's increased our savings rate from a negative number for most of the last decade to more than 4.3 percent last year. Now we're starting to see that rate drop again - last month, for instance, we only saved 3.3 percent.

If we want our newfound responsible behavior to stick around, we're going to have to start slowing our spending to match our income. Fortunately, there's a formula to make saving a little more manageable.

]]>
To start, almost everyone can identify some unnecessary expenses - often, they're things we don't even realize we're still paying for. Maybe it's a Netflix account for movies you never watch. Or a gym membership you don't use or subscription to magazines you don't read. Automatic renewal can be a huge - and sneaky - waste of money. If I didn't check my bank statement every month, I wouldn't have noticed that I was still being charged for a domain name I don't use. The same goes for the DSL that I canceled last year.

Once you've identified some unnecessary expenses to eliminate, try looking for ways to reduce the cost of stuff you do need. For instance, can you buy more generics at the grocery store? Drive at the speed limit so you don't burn as much gas - or put so much wear-and-tear on your car? How about switching to generic brand meds at the pharmacy? Or brewing your coffee for 10 cents a cup instead of hitting up Starbucks for $3 a cup?

Sometimes it's easier to find ways to cut back than it is to actually commit to cutting back. In that case, automatic payments can come in handy. Try to designate an amount you can afford to save each month. Then schedule an automatic payment to your savings account for right after payday. Before you can think about all the ways to spend that money, it will be tucked away nicely in your stash - where it will probably stay. Now, it's possible that you could be doing everything right - making a budget, plugging spending holes and even trying automatic payments - yet still come up short due to debt. Bankruptcy can help you fight back against debt by offering a realistic payment plan and protection from creditors. Learn more about bankruptcy when you sign up for a free personal debt analysis courtesy of an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney. Let us help you get your savings back on track.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Discuss Effects of New Credit Reform Legislation

2010-02-27T06:57:02Z

You can't teach an old dog new tricks - especially when that dog is a credit card company, say Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

The last of President Obama's credit card reform laws went into effect Monday - and most of the news is good. In summary:

• Creditors aren't allowed to raise rates on existing balances - so if you're paying 20% on a $5,000 debt, they can't suddenly decided to charge 30%, unless you're late on a payment.
• They must provide a 45-day notice period before altering your account, for instance by changing a fee
• No more fees for maxing out your credit card, unless you fail to opt out of that service
• Customers must receive their bills 21 days before the due date
• On cards with several lines of credit at various rates - for example, maybe one line is for purchases while another is for cash advances - credit card companies have to apply any payment beyond the minimum to the balance with the highest rate

Now here's the bad news - and some advice on making it not-so-bad.

]]> The moment you make a late payment, forget about protection from rising rates. Creditors can charge you what they want - at least for the next six months, or as long as you keep making late payments. Not to mention that they can raise rates for new customers, making credit a lot harder to come by. And just because they aren't allowed to charge certain fees - for going over your limit, for instance - doesn't mean they can't come up with new fees. Say hello to annual fees, inactivity fees, and more.

Are you one of the many credit customers who choose to pay just the minimum each month? Not only are you not doing much to pay down debt, but you won't be able to take advantage of one of the new rules. If you've got several lines of credit, creditors can apply your minimum payment to whatever balance they want - and they'll probably choose the one with the lowest rate. They don't want you to start paying off the balance that charges you the most interest - that would mean less money for them.

My point is, no matter what new rules we come up with, creditors are always going to be after our money - and they'll come up with new ways to get it. But maintaining control of your credit will always be easiest if you follow a few of your own rules: keep close watch on your balance, make payments on time and pay more than the minimum when you can.

And if you can't manage your balance because of your debt has gotten out of hand, get help. Bankruptcy has the potential to lower your debts - and therefore, your interest payments - which can reduce your dependence on credit. Find out for free how a bankruptcy plan can break the debt cycle with a personal debt analysis courtesy of an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney. Reform might not work for creditors, but it can work for you when you reform your credit habits - and relieve your debt.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Weigh Benefits and Drawbacks to Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program

2010-02-25T06:35:17Z

In the market for a new refrigerator? Uncle Sam might be willing to help foot the bill, say Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

With Cash for Clunkers no longer, the government hopes to stimulate the economy with a new program that targets household appliances. Starting this year, up to $300 million will be available for folks who purchase new refrigerators, washers, heating and air units and more. The goal is twofold: first, to get consumers out there spending and, second, to replace old, energy-guzzling appliances with modern energy-efficient ones. For example, a brand new washer typically uses 50 percent less water, and spins clothes so efficiently that it also reduces dryer time.

As with any seemingly good deal, though, there are still pros and cons. If your washing machine is about to bite the dust and you can afford a new one, this might be a golden opportunity to save some green. However, if you're already struggling to pay off your credit card bills, you may not be able to afford another major purchase - whether or not you get a sweet discount.

]]> Before you make a decision, make sure to read the fine print. In this case, you want to find out the rules for your state, since rebates vary based upon where you live. In Georgia, for example, mail-in rebates will be available for many ENERGY-STAR appliances starting this month. A new washing machine, for instance, could net you anywhere from $50-99 back, depending on its energy rating - and assuming it qualifies at all. As for the old washer you replace, you can choose to sell it (Craigslist works well), donate it (for a nice tax write-off) or even recycle it (which in some states can get you a higher rebate).

If you can afford to make a major purchase, there might not be a better time to do it. Not only will you save money with your rebate, but you might be able to lower your energy bill permanently. On the other hand, if your appliances are working just fine, you shouldn't feel pressured to jeopardize your finances just to buy new ones.

A rebate can easily get canceled out by the future interest you'll have to pay if you put that new appliance on your credit card - especially if you're already drowning in debt to begin with. Sometimes the smartest way to save isn't to wait for sales and incentives; it's to lower your debt.

Bankruptcy often provides an effective way to lower - or even discharge - your debts. Learn about how bankruptcy can free up more of your paycheck each month when you sign up for a free personal debt analysis with an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney. Rebates are temporary - but freedom from debt pays off forever.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Cautious of Overdraft Protection Pressure By Banks

2010-02-23T05:16:33Z

Banks are trying to sell consumers on a deal that really is too good to be true, according to Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

This summer, a new law will go into effect requiring customers to "opt in" to overdraft protection plans offered by banks (previously many banks enrolled customers automatically - often without telling them). Problem is, banks count on overdraft protection to rake in more than $20 billion in fees annually. To try to recoup some money, banks are sending out millions of letters trying to convince - and in some cases, threaten - customers to sign up.

What is overdraft protection? It's a feature that authorizes banks to "loan" you money when you overdraw on your account with a debit card - for a fee, of course. Here's why it might be a feature you can't afford, especially if you're already dealing with debt.

]]> Let's say you pay for $30 worth of groceries with your debit card, but you don't realize you have just $25 in the bank. With overdraft protection, your transaction goes through because, unbeknownst to you, your bank just chipped in the extra $5. It sounds convenient, until you get the bill - typically $35, $40 or more. That's more than the groceries you just bought!

Is it really worth $50 to not have to dig through your pockets for some cash - or, if you have to, a credit card? Banks will try to convince you that it is. According to the New York Times, some banks are even sending out letters that warn customers their debit cards might not work as well if they don't sign up for overdraft protection. Well, I say that debit cards will work even better, since you won't have to risk being slapped with a fee.

Even if you opt out of overdraft protection, overdrawing on your account can be a major problem - whether it causes you to bounce checks, or develop a habit of putting anything and everything on a credit card. If you never seem to have enough in your bank account, debt is the likely culprit. A bankruptcy plan can help you fight back against debt by providing an affordable payment plan and legal protection against lenders and creditors.

With less debt, you'll owe less interest, meaning you'll get to keep more of your paycheck in the future. And that, in turn, means less chance of overdrawing. Find out if bankruptcy is the best solution for you when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis with an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney.

Save on Health Insurance as Premiums Increase, Say Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys

2010-02-20T18:02:48Z

First, credit cards starting adding annual fees and raising rates. Next, bank accounts started getting more expensive. Now health insurance premiums are on the rise, say Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys. What gives?

Employee healthcare plans went up about 5 percent last year, according to the Associated Press. It's even worse for people who buy their own healthcare - those plans are poised to rise by 50 percent or more. But the worst part isn't that we have to pay more each month for health care - it's that new rates might discourage some of us from paying at all. And that's a risk we can't afford, no matter how appealing the savings.

Americans have a right to affordable health care, whether Uncle Sam is paying for it or not. But meanwhile, canceling our plans to save money won't get us anywhere - except in more debt if the worst happens and we get sick. Fortunately, there are ways to cut back without cutting out your plan.

]]> Read your plan
Sometimes the key to savings in your healthcare plan, which many folks don't bother reading. Have you ever checked to make sure your doctor is covered by your plan? If she is, you can save big bucks. Here's another idea. Low premiums usually correspond with higher deductibles, or the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance company chips in. Opting for a higher deductible means you'll pay more for doctor's visits and other costs. But if you're young and healthy, paying in full for a couple doctors' visits a year might be worth the cost of significantly lower premiums.

Go generic
It's the same idea as grocery shopping. The generic brand does pretty much the same thing as the name brand - but at significantly less cost. While we're at it, it doesn't hurt to ask for a payment plan - or reduced payment - for medical procedures or other expenses.

Find low-cost or free options
If your doctor doesn't offer a payment plan, many clinics will. Find one in your area at to www.ask.hrsa.gov/pc. In the meantime, it can't hurt to find out whether you or someone in your family qualifies for Medicaid or Medicare at www.cms.hhs.gov.

There's another way to make healthcare more affordable - increase your income. No, you don't have to wait for a raise. Simply lowering your debt will free up more of your paycheck each month by reducing the amount you owe on your balance - and in interest.

Can't afford to allocate any more towards paying down debt each month? Bankruptcy might be able to help you do it. With a bankruptcy plan, you can get rid of some or all of your debt with realistic payments you can manage. Find out for free if there's a plan that works for you when you try a complimentary one-on-one debt analysis with an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney. I know it's no fun to think about getting sick. But look at it as investing in your health. If you do get sick, you can focus all your energy on getting healthy - instead of stressing about debt.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Suggest Emergency Savings Funds For Unexpected Taxes

2010-02-18T06:27:56Z

Think Uncle Sam will take care of you if you lose your job? You're right - for awhile.

The first $2,400 you receive in unemployment benefits are free for you to keep, according to Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys. Make that $4,800 if you file taxes jointly as a married couple. But after that, you're responsible for paying taxes on benefits just as you would on a regular paycheck. Wondering how much you might owe? You should be receiving a Form 1099-G, which you'll report on your tax return.

Paying taxes even when you've been out of work sounds like a crap deal. But fortunately there are some ways to lessen the blow.

]]> You might be able to write off the cost of job searching, for example. Did you pay to print out and mail resumes or portfolios? Did you sign up for a job search site or at a job agency? Did you buy gas to travel to interviews? So long as those costs add up to at least 2 percent of your gross income, you can deduct them. Time to start saving those receipts.

Of course, you can only deduct so much. Your best shot at making your tax bill affordable is to be prepared. There's no getting around paying it, so you might as well have enough cash available beforehand, so you're not scrambling at the last minute. And this doesn't just apply to taxes, or to periods of unemployment. Everyone can benefit from a cash cushion, whether they use it for unexpected medical bills, car repairs, pay cuts, you name it. And not only will it make hard times more affordable, but it will also make them less stressful.

Don't have an emergency fund? Enough with the excuses. Whether you can save 10 percent of your paycheck or just under one percent, what's important is that you're saving something. Anything that goes into your saving account is money you won't have to put on your credit card in an emergency, meaning you'll be saving money on interest - and keeping your debt in check.

Problem is, sometimes your debt is out-of-control to start - and that gets in the way of your saving. If credit cards and other bills are leaving no room for saving, no matter what budget cuts you make, bankruptcy might be able to help. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can often help folks with little to no income discharge unsecured debts like credit card or medical bills in just a few months - though it's not your only bankruptcy option. To find out whether bankruptcy is your best bet, sign up for a free personal debt analysis with an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney. Lowering or eliminating debt can permanently free up more money - so you can get by no matter how big your tax bill is.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Say Creditors Are Making It Harder For College Students to Get Credit Cards

2010-02-16T06:40:06Z

Parents of spend-happy teenagers everywhere will breathe a collective sigh of relief Feb. 22.

That's when new credit card legislation goes into effect preventing anyone under 21 from getting a credit card, unless they can prove they have an independent source of income (i.e. not from Mom and Dad) or parental permission, according to Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

At first glance, it's a good idea. Credit card companies have for years set up booths on college campuses to prey on financially-uneducated freshman (I only wish there would have been some age limit in place when I got my first credit card - and shortly after, my first credit card debt). But there's one big problem the new legislation doesn't address. Whether you open a credit card account when you're 16, 21 or 50, you're still going to have to learn how to manage your credit to prevent winding up in debt.

]]> Anyone with a credit card can easily get into trouble by spending more than they earn - it just happens to be even easier when it's your first credit card. I remember how excited I was when I learned I could buy whatever I wanted and only make the minimum payment each month. It felt like I was winning the lottery. It took experience to figure out that my obligations were being deferred, not waived - and that the less I paid, the bigger my debt became.

Of course, there are also positives to having credit at a young age. Length counts in credit history. Without a credit card, you don't have a credit history - and you won't be able to qualify for a car or home loan anytime soon.

When it comes to credit, it's about balance. Instead of trying to keep kids from credit, maybe we should be teaching them how to use it responsibly. And that starts with how we as adults treat credit. Using cash for everyday and reserving plastic for emergencies only can improve your finances today - and your children's finances tomorrow. Even if you don't have children, it can't hurt to reevaluate your credit habits.

Sometimes you'll find that cutting just a few small costs from your budget - a couple magazine subscriptions here, a Netflix account there, for example - can add up enough to help you pay more than the minimum each month. In turn, upping your payments will chip away at your debt faster - and the interest that goes along with it. Other times, you might need an extra boost. Fortunately, bankruptcy can help lower debt by providing an affordable payment plan. Find out if bankruptcy can help you get a handle on your debt when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis courtesy of an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney. Because it's never too late to learn how to save more money.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Offer Advice on Saving Money This Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T06:54:49Z

Forget about your sweetie - why not show your wallet some love this Valentine's Day?

OK, maybe your significant other still deserves a little something. But my point is, you shouldn't have to break the bank just because Hallmark wants you to. And whether you're a diehard romantic or a Valentine's Day skeptic, you can use tomorrow as an excuse to start working towards a financial life that you'll love all year round - particularly if you're in debt right now, say Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

]]> So back to that sweetheart of yours - or your family or friends. You don't have to shell out big bucks to show them you love them. In fact, keeping your spending in check is the best way to show you care, since you're not jeopardizing your financial future - and potentially theirs.

After all, it's the thought that counts. Instead of disposable gifts from the store, why not make something long-lasting or meaningful? For example, a nicely-framed photo or homemade scrapbook can stay on your wall or shelf forever. Or how about cooking a romantic dinner? You'll eat it just as fast as a meal you would've purchased out, but the thought you put into it will live on far longer.

And of course, don't forget about yourself this holiday. You wouldn't be with someone who doesn't treat you right - so why not treat yourself right? If you're spending sleepless nights wondering how you'll pay the mortgage or getting headaches from creditors calling you at all hours of the day, it's time to break it off with the financial habits that put you in this mess.

The simplest way to get rid of debt is to stop accumulating it. Look for anywhere you can cut back your spending, and do it - the goal is to stop spending more than earn. Once you reach that balance, you'll be able to rely less on your credit card since you'll actually have some cash left in the bank. When your debt stops growing, so will the interest you owe - and you can put that savings into actually paying off more than the minimum each month, which will start chipping away at your debt.

Now, if you've already made budget cuts and you've still got debt problems, it's time for a new plan. Bankruptcy is often the most effective solution for making a dent in a too-large debt. The right bankruptcy plan can reduce or wipe out some or all of your debt, while a payment plan created with your situation in mind can take care of the rest. Interested in finding out whether bankruptcy is the best choice for you? It's absolutely free with a personal debt analysis courtesy of an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney. Now that's a Valentine's Day gift that will keep on giving.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys See More Homeowners Default on House Than On Credit Card

2010-02-11T06:49:35Z

What if you had two choices: Pay the mortgage each month, or pay your credit card bill?

In the past, choosing was a no-brainer - put the money towards the roof over your head. But increasingly, Americans are starting to prioritize credit cards, meaning the mortgage gets left by the wayside, according to Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

So what's changed? To start, the housing market. With one in every four homeowners underwater on their mortgage - and thus having no equity in their home - paying off a home loan can feel like throwing money away. On the other hand, paying the credit card bill allows us to keep using plastic to cover food, gas and clothes even when we aren't bringing home enough bacon to afford them.

But even though our new priorities make sense under the circumstances, it doesn't mean they're the best - or only - choice.

]]> There's a tendency to feel in denial about foreclosure. While you can't get away with defaulting on your credit for very long, you might go a few mortgage-free months before hearing anything from your bank. But that doesn't mean you've escaped - you're only putting off the inevitable. And remember, once you lose your house, you also lose all that money you've paid into it over the years - and the opportunity for it to regain its value, which chances are it will eventually.

What's the best solution? Well, ideally, you'd reduce your reliance on your credit card. With smaller monthly bills, you'll have more of your paycheck to allocate towards your home loan. Of course, you'll still have debt that you'll need to pay off, so you'll eventually need to adjust your budget enough to start chipping away at that debt burden.

It's possible to juggle both a mortgage and a credit card, but sometimes you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. You have to choose one or the other, and both choices have consequences. If you can't afford going without credit - and it's jeopardizing your home - Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help.

Different bankruptcy plans have the potential to lower your debts and stop the foreclosure of your home. A professional Atlanta bankruptcy attorney can identify a plan that's right for you. Learn more about bankruptcy for free when you sign up for a one-on-one personal debt analysis. It's hard to have the best of both worlds, but we can help you make the most of what you've got.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Offer Advice For Avoiding Emotional Spending

2010-02-09T05:03:00Z

Have you ever treated yourself to a shopping spree on a bad day? Or celebrated something positive - like a raise - by blowing a bit more money than you can afford?

It's called emotional spending, according to Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys, and it means you're spending with your heart and not your head. It's the financial equivalent of emotional eating: it tastes sweet in the moment, but the baggage it will leave you with isn't worth it - especially if you're adding to an already large debt.

Fortunately, even the biggest emotional spenders can learn to reign in their habits. What's the secret? Identifying the things that trigger your shopping urges - and then coming up with solutions.

]]> For instance, do you often swing by the mall to unwind after particularly stressful days at work? When you feel yourself under a lot of pressure, start making plans to do something rewarding but inexpensive, like taking a bubble bath, sweating out your stress on the treadmill or popping your favorite movie into the DVD player when you get home. You'll have something to look forward to - and to distract you from shopping.

It also helps to avoid temptation. If you receive a lot of catalogs and e-mails from your favorite stores, try unsubscribing. Worried you'll miss out? Don't be. What you don't know about can't hurt you. Besides, when you really need something, you'll seek it out at the store - you don't need the store coming to you. It also helps to keep a shopping list of the things you need. That way, when you do go to the store, you can focus on your list rather than spending haphazardly.

Lastly, give yourself a break. If you treat yourself to something small now and then, you won't be as desperate to splurge when the going gets tough. And you'll be able to get through those occasional spending urges by reminding yourself you'll get your reward again soon. Most importantly, don't get so down on yourself for overspending one day that you end up spending even more in your anger. Remember, you can always return stuff you decide you don't need - or worst case scenario, you can sell it on eBay.

Changing your shopping habits might not happen overnight, but it can be done with a little determination. That said, habits can be harder to break for some than for others - especially for those of us already in debt. Don't suffer in silence if you just can't seem to curb your spending - or if you've got so much debt that your spendthrift ways aren't making much of a dent. Instead, get help. By filing for bankruptcy, you can lower or eliminate certain debts - and affordably pay down others. Find out more for free with a one-on-one debt analysis with an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney. Lots of folks deal with stress by shopping - but by learning to control your shopping habits, you'll also control your stress. And that pays off.

Get Ready for the Economic Recovery By Improving Your Credit, Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Say

2010-02-06T06:49:56Z

When it comes to the current economy, there's good news and there's bad news, according to Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

First, the bad: Employers eliminated 20,000 jobs last month, way more than economists predicted and enough to send the stock market in a small downward spiral.

Now the good: Unemployment had reached a lower level than expected last month, dipping below 10 percent for the first time in awhile. Furthermore, it looks like credit might be easier to come by. Banks are finally taking a break from tightening their standards and restrictions for loan seekers. Of course, they're not easing up on those new rules, either, but at least things aren't getting worse.

Here's what it comes down to: We can't control the rate of economic recovery, but we can control the way we view the economy. We've got two choices. We can use the current economic state as an excuse for struggling financially, or we can use it as motivation to make our finances better.

]]> If we use it as an excuse, we have to live with not only the effects of the recession, but with our own financial troubles. But if we use it as a motivator, it's a win-win. Best case scenario, the economy picks up and our finances are in tip-top shape and ready to take advantage of the improved climate. Worst case scenario? The economy stays sluggish, but we've got more money in our pockets because we're no longer accumulating debt. And once we stop adding to our debt, we can take the money we're saving in interest and apply it to our existing debt, saving us even more in the future.

Of course, improving your finances can be easier said than done. If you're deep in debt, maybe your bills are so high that you have to keep using credit since there's never enough cash in the bank. Credit can be a vicious cycle, but you don't have to stay stuck there. Bankruptcy can break the cycle by reducing or even eliminating some of your debts, while offering a realistic way to pay down others. And for those of you behind on the mortgage, filing can also protect your house from foreclosure.

Want to find out if bankruptcy is your ticket to financial freedom? Just sign up for a free personal debt analysis with one of our Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys. We'll answer your questions, discuss your concerns and determine whether there's a bankruptcy plan right for you - all at no cost.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Say Early Tax Filing Means Early Refund

2010-02-04T06:58:21Z

Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today - especially when it involves more money in your pockets?

Technically your tax return isn't due until April 15, but you can actually file as early as February so long as you've received all of your necessary documents - like 1099s, W-2s, receipts from charitable donations, etc., according to Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys. Why would you want to torture yourself early, you may ask? Because you have to do your taxes anyway - and the earlier you do them, the earlier you can get your refund (especially helpful for those of us in debt). With the government looking to stimulate the economy, you might be eligible for some new credits and deductions.

]]> For instance, did you buy a new house recently? If you lived in your prior residence for five years or more, you could get $6,500 back in homebuyer credit. Maybe you were one of the many Americans unemployed in 2009. Did you know you don't have to pay taxes on your first $2,400 in unemployment benefits? Did you go to school at all last year? The American Opportunity Tax Credit covers the first $2,000 spent on tuition, fees, books and other materials during the first four years of college. Maybe you were one of the generous individuals who donated to Haiti - the government is rewarding that generosity by allowing you to deduct the amount on your 2009 return, even if you donated in 2010.

That's just a sampling of the opportunities available. To get your money's worth, this might be the year to consider hiring a professional tax preparer - or at least springing for some tax software. Often times, help will pay for itself by finding credits and deductions you didn't realize were available.

Tax season isn't the only time when going to the pros pays off. If you can't seem to shake your debt burden, it might be time to seek outside help - like bankruptcy. A bankruptcy plan has the potential to lower or eliminate some of your debts while making it easier to pay off your leftover obligations. It can also block your home from going into foreclosure.

Best of all, it's free to find out if bankruptcy is right for you. Just try out a complimentary one-on-one debt analysis with a professional Atlanta bankruptcy attorney. Procrastinating will get you nowhere - taking action can get you out of debt.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorneys Offer Advice on Saving Money at the Grocery Store

2010-02-02T06:42:54Z

Someone once said that the only certain things in life are death and taxes. Apparently, they forgot that we also have to eat.

After the mortgage, food is probably the biggest part of the budget for most folks, with the average family spending roughly $600 a month in groceries not to mention hundreds on eating out. It's also the most unavoidable part of most budgets, according to Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys. Like it or not, we have to eat - even when the cost of staples like bread, milk and meat are skyrocketing while our salaries remain stagnant.

But just because we have to buy groceries doesn't mean we can't find ways to cut costs. Changing just a few of your shopping habits can keep your pantry - and your wallet - from hitting empty.

]]> First, think about what you're buying. Are you a dedicated carnivore? You don't have to go full-out vegetarian, but swapping out meat for beans, eggs or cheese some nights of the week can provide many of the same nutritional benefits at just nickels on the dollar. Are you a label snob? Some store brand goods like sugar and flour are identical to the name brands, except for the price: generic can sometimes cost 50 percent less. If you could buy generic half the time, you could cut a quarter of your grocery budget - more than $1,000 a year. And don't think sales are always a good thing at the grocery store. Stores use specials and promotions to lure you into impulse buys. Unless you already planned on buying the product on sale this week, stick to your grocery list to save money.

Next, think about when you're buying. You probably purchase a few fruits and veggies every time you shop, but prices can vary wildly depending on season. For instance, tomatoes that are a bargain in August are outrageously pricey in January, when they're likely imported from South America. Peaches are cheap in the summer, but a luxury good in the winter. Purchase in-season produce for the best deals. Or shop for frozen or fresh fruits and vegetables in bulk at places like Costco for the lowest prices, in season or not.

Lastly, look at where you're buying. Yes, you can often save by shopping grocery sections at Costco, Wal-Mart or Target. But you can also get good prices (not to mention fresher, longer-keeping food) by buying directly from local small farmers at farmers' markets or farm stands, since you won't be paying for the fuel, labor and time of getting food from growers into grocery stores.

Since so much of our money is spent on food, it's easy to see savings with just a couple changes. But there's only so much room to cut back. If you're so in debt that you can only afford ramen noodles and beans and are still just scraping by, it's time for a new strategy. For many folks, bankruptcy offers an affordable - and realistic - path out of debt. Find out if bankruptcy can help your financial situation when you try a free personal debt analysis with one of our Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.