Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorney Blog

Remember the old adage a penny saved is a penny earned? Well, believe it or not, it's true. And fortunately, it applies to a lot more than pennies.

Earlier this week, I said that the biggest obstacle to starting a savings plan is getting over your excuses - one of those excuses being that you don't want to have to go without. But that's not an entirely valid excuse anyway. See, a savings plan isn't all about giving stuff up and being frugal - it's about making money. You know how your credit card company charges you an additional rate on the purchases you make, so you continue paying even after you leave the store? Well, this is just the opposite - if you play your cards right, the interest on your money winds up in your pocket.

Of course, it doesn't make sense to earn interest on your savings when you're forking over even more interest to creditors - so, as we discussed on Thursday, it's a smart idea to first put your savings towards eliminating your debt. Then it's time to earn money your way.

Continue reading "How Interest Can Maximize Your Savings Plan" »

It's the ultimate Catch-22. You know you want to start saving money this year but you're already struggling to pay the bills as it is. Saving feels impossible.

Fortunately, it's not. The truth is, saving money really isn't that difficult once you get going - it's getting started that's the hard part. But I'll let you in on a little tip: it really doesn't matter how much you save at first. The point is to get into a habit, whether you begin by setting aside $100 or $1.

Many times, we tell ourselves that we'll start socking away money once we start making more of it. In reality, when the boss finally rewards you with that raise, you'll probably start finding other uses for the extra cash. But if you vow to save just a little bit of each paycheck today, you'll have more money tomorrow - whether or not you get a boost in income.

Continue reading "Find the Secret to a Savings Plan That Works" »

While I'll mourn the sunny weather and homegrown tomatoes, there's one thing I won't miss about summer - high gas prices.

You know it's officially fall when the pinch at the pump hurts a little less. Yesterday it was announced that an average gallon of gas had fallen below $2.50, the first time it's been that low in two months, according to the Associated Press. That's down from approximately $2.70 in July - and actually about a dollar less than last year.

Of course, I realize that saving a few bucks every time we fill up isn't going solve all our money problems. But it's a start. Imagine that you could save $20 a month on gas. Better yet, try carpooling or taking public transportation some days and save even more. Now combine that with a few other budget tweaks. Maybe you could cut out your gym membership, use the library instead of a DVD rental service, trade your land line for your cell phone, stop making impulse buys at the grocery store or vending machine or pack your own lunch instead of eating out. While you're at it, this is the perfect time to kick bad habits like smoking.

These are just a few ideas. Once you get in the habit of looking for little ways to save, I bet you'll be surprised at how many more opportunities you'll notice.

Continue reading "Little Things Add Up Big Time When It Comes to Paying Down Debt" »

When you find the right bankruptcy plan, it can almost seem too good to be true. You can get creditors off your back, prevent foreclosure, gain a realistic way to pay down debts and - if you stick with it - finally find financial freedom.

So what's the problem? Sometimes bankruptcy really is too good to be true. Though it can undoubtedly be a saving grace for folks saddled with debt, it can turn in to a nightmare if you fall into the wrong hands.

We're all aware that Americans carry a lot of debt - about $8,000 on average, to be exact. And some of the less honest among us use that fact to their advantage. A recent study by the Attorney General of New York found that 80 percent of online-based bankruptcy websites were scams. These companies prey upon the desperation of the financially-troubled, take their money and leave them further in debt.

So how do you tell the good companies from the bad? Watch for red flags.

Continue reading "Making Sure Your Bankruptcy Plan Isn't Too Good To Be True " »

After 13 years in the public school system and four years of college, I've put in my time when it comes to education. But somehow, seeing the kids head back to school with their new backpacks and notebooks makes me a little wistful.

It's not that I want to return to the classroom (though my grandparents are always hoping I'll go back for my master's). And it's not that I'm looking for an excuse to do some back-to-school shopping - I think I've been doing a decent job of avoiding the mall, thank you very much.

No, what intrigues me most is the potential for change. It's the idea of wiping the chalkboard clean, if you will, for a fresh start. Remember how going back to school every fall meant a chance to reinvent yourself? Well, why can't the change of the seasons mean the same thing now, particularly when it comes to finances?

Continue reading "Educate Yourself Out of Debt with Atlanta Financial Workshops" »