Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorney Blog

It took years for consumer advocates to get laws passed protecting credit card users from random interest rate hikes and unfair fees. Now it looks like a January court ruling could undo those years of hard work.

According to SmartMoney, experts say the 8-to-1 Supreme Court vote means that consumers with credit card agreements containing a binding arbitration clause don't have the right to dispute issues in a courtroom. Instead, they must go through the private - and often biased and expensive - arbitration process.

Unbeknownst to most consumers, many credit cards issued by big companies come with a mandatory arbitration clause. Now critics of the ruling say that even more credit card companies may be encouraged to add arbitration language to their credit card agreements.

The biggest problem with the arbitration process is that it favors creditors.

Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys point out that it's extremely rare for a consumer to win an arbitration case against a credit issuer. California data, for instance, shows that during a four-year period credit card companies won 94 percent of the time. Cardholders won only 4 percent of the time.

It makes sense when you consider that large credit card companies typically hire the arbitrator for the process. Who is an arbitration company more likely to side with: the billion-dollar client that gives them their business, or a single consumer they'll probably never see again?

Even if it's believed that a credit card issuer has violated the Credit CARD Act - which includes provisions such as a required 45-day notice for rate changes and the prohibition of retroactive rate increases on an existing balance - the new ruling can't protect consumers from arbitration.

It's not the first time consumer protection legislation has ultimately failed to protect consumers - and it likely won't be the last.

However, there is one type of consumer protection that is proven to work: bankruptcy.
Filing for bankruptcy in Atlanta still has the power to make a difference for consumers. That's what it was created for - to help the little guy, not big business.

If you're making minimum payments, accruing late fees, and fending off debt collection companies because you're overloaded by debt, one little interest rate rise or new fee could be the final straw. Don't wait until paying off your credit card debt becomes impossible.

Depending on your situation, bankruptcy can lower or discharge debt completely.
With an Atlanta bankruptcy, consumers can start gaining back control of their finances. In the process, many are able to rebuilt their credit, pay off other debts - and reduce their chances of being dragged into a painful and pointless arbitration case.

Continue reading "As Court Ruling Threatens Credit Card Reform, Atlanta Bankruptcy Still Offers Protection" »

There's good and bad news when it comes to the Federal Reserve's recent report on credit card debt in the U.S.

The good news is that the latest numbers show credit card debt fell through October 2011. That's the fourth straight month that consumers have cut back on plastic.

As for the bad news? Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys point out that the data doesn't take into account the holiday shopping season, when many Atlanta consumers feel compelled to spend money that they don't have. And, of course, that requires a credit card.

It's not that people are swearing off credit cards. One of the most likely causes of the debt decline is that consumers are struggling to pay down large balances of existing credit card debt so that they can gain access to new credit. Of course, with incomes mostly stagnant, it can be difficult to find the money to pay much more than the minimum balance - which is required to take a bite out of credit.

In an article about the report by CreditCards.com, an Atlanta resident said she started paying down her balances after discovering she could save a significant amount of money if she didn't have a balance on her card each month. Atlanta bankruptcy lawyers agree with her strategy. But we also know that not everyone has the funds to pay off balances in full.

For those of us with overwhelming credit card debt, bankruptcy offers a solution. Filing for bankruptcy in Atlanta has helped thousands of people eliminate debt, avoid foreclosure, and regain their financial independence regardless of the economy we live in.

One of the biggest problems with credit card debt is that it works its way into every area of a person's financial life.

Interest and fees cause debt to grow far beyond original purchases. Too much debt impacts your ability to handle house payments and other important expenses. When you take on too much credit and start missing payments, your credit report takes a beating, making it impossible to qualify for affordable rates - and even impacting your chances of being hired for a job.

Credit card debt can easily snowball out of control. Bankruptcy can reverse that snowball effect. Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy may allow you to make more affordable payments on your debts over a period of 3-5 years, freeing up more money for you to make other payments like the mortgage.

Chapter 13 also has the unique ability to legally stop foreclosure. Afterward, remaining debts are discharged. For those who can't manage to make payments, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can often clear debts completely. Our skilled Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys can identify the best form of bankruptcy for your individual situation so you can start making progress on paying off credit cards and getting your life back.

Continue reading "While Credit Card Debt Falls for Some, Atlanta Bankruptcy Offers a Solution for Others" »

Recently released numbers by the American Bankruptcy Institute showed that the number of people filing for bankruptcy in the Atlanta area decreased slightly overall but still remained high in the third quarter of 2011.

Our Atlanta bankruptcy lawyers understand that historically the third quarter numbers are typically not as high as fourth quarter numbers, so it will be interesting to see how many people filed for bankruptcy in Atlanta in the last part of the year.

We know plenty of people are coming to discuss their situations with us on a daily basis. With the economy still in the tank, jobs scarce and foreclosures on the rise, it's no wonder people are considering filing for bankruptcy.

Some analysts believe that the numbers would be higher, except that credit card companies and other lenders in recent months have loosened their standards and attempted to give out more credit than that have in the past.

That's evident by the many television commercials starring famous actors we see every day. Capital One, Chase and other companies are attempting to get as many people to sign up for their cards as possible through "perks" and "rewards." But these benefits may not be all that they're cracked up to be, and may only kick in if you spend a lot of money.

According to the American Bankruptcy Institute, there were 12,672 bankruptcy filings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. That is the court that deals with bankruptcy filings for Atlanta and the surrounding area. The southern and middle districts combined had about 5,500 bankruptcy filings last quarter.

For the northern district, that was a drop of 200 filings, or 1.5 percent. While the numbers have dropped steadily since the 14,040 filings in the third quarter of 2010, last quarter's filings were higher than every quarter except one starting in the fourth quarter of 2009 and going back more than five years.

Another interesting statistic out of last quarter's numbers is that Chapter 13 bankruptcy numbers are up this year. In fact, they have risen each quarter this year. In the first quarter, there were 101,006 filings, up to 101,286 in the second quarter and 102,900 this past quarter. Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings in Chicago and nationwide dropped from 367,486 to 336,930 this quarter.

Statewide, there were more bankruptcy filings last quarter -- 18,712 -- than the last quarter, up from 18,397. Those numbers have trended downward from the third quarter of 2009, when 19,712 people filed. Numbers peaked in 2010, when 20,694 people filed in the third quarter.

We report all these numbers to show that many people are considering bankruptcy in Atlanta in these tough times. It is a viable option for many families who are struggling to get by and who aren't ashamed to let the laws designed to help consumers help them. With thousands of dollars in debt eliminated, people can once again focus on paying their bills, staying in their homes and not dealing with collection agencies.

Continue reading "Atlanta Bankruptcy Numbers Drop Slightly, But Remain Steady in 3rd Quarter" »

If you've watched television in the last few months, you've seen Jimmy Fallon, Alec Baldwin and that guy hired by Chase pitching the "cash back" benefit or the "perks" and "rewards" of their respective credit cards.

MoneyRates.com recently reported that many credit card companies are trying to seize the moment and strike quickly by trying to lock in new customers by giving away holiday-themed deals.

The reason Black Friday gets its name is because retailers believe that the big shopping day will turn their years around by pushing them from in debt (in the red) into profits (in the black). But in order for this to happen, consumers must be put in the red. And that's what credit card companies are hoping, too.

Atlanta bankruptcy lawyers know that credit card companies make money off of your debt. When consumers swipe the card, they become more indebted to the creditors and their pre-planned hidden fees kick in and high interest rates can kick in if payments are missed or only minimum payments are made. This just leaves consumers struggling as if they were swirling down a drain.

But they are terrified when borrowers mention the word bankruptcy. Filing for bankruptcy in Atlanta puts the consumer in the driver's seat and makes credit card company officials shiver because they now know they won't be able to recover as much money as they are owed.

As MoneyRates points out, these companies are trying to get as many consumers on-board with their cards as possible. The more that is put on their cards, the more they make off interest and other penalties. It keeps investors happy.

Here are some recent examples of "perks" and "rewards" being used by the credit card companies:

• American Express offered a 20 percent discount from certain companies for those who shopped on Small Business Saturday.


• Bank of America has a card that pays 2 percent cash back on groceries and 3 percent on gas up to $1,500 every three months. Another card offers 11 percent cash back on college when shoppers use Upromise.com to shop this holiday season.


• Chase and Citibank are paying cardholders $200 in cash after they put $500 on their cards.


• Capital One has a new card that offers 1 percent cash back on day-to-day shopping and 50 percent in bonus cash back every year.


• Discover offers 0 percent interest for 15 months on purchases and consumers can get 5 percent back on $300 in purchases.

Maybe some of these sound like really good deals. "Cash back" has a great ring to it, doesn't it? But what these creditors aren't telling consumers is that in order to get many of these perks, they have to spend huge amounts of money and, in some cases, pay in back within a month or two to activate the perks.

All of these things are designed solely to entice people to sign up for their cards in order to make money. That's the bottom line. They are smart enough not to give up free money unless they're making a profit. Don't fall into the trap this holiday season.

Continue reading "Credit Card Companies Trying to Use Holiday Shopping to Lead Atlanta Consumers Into Debt" »

Even before Halloween, there were Thanksgiving decorations and now there are Christmas and December holiday sales being pitched, some seven weeks out.

It's shopping season.

Sadly, however, all this spending will thrust many Americans into debt in Atlanta because of the predatory actions of credit card companies.

Atlanta bankruptcy lawyers know that high spending, holiday shopping and credit cards are a bad combination. Consumers believe they can simply pay the debt off at a later date.

But what happens if they lose their job at the beginning of January? This economy isn't exactly stable. People are losing their houses, their jobs and their income. There's always the possibility of a major medical issue or high hospital bills.

These are all variables that consumers must consider when they plan out their shopping this winter. And stores are already gearing up in anticipation of the holiday season.

CNNMoney is reporting that Wal-Mart is planning on leaking its own Black Friday deals to shoppers who sign up on their Facebook page or on the web site. The giant retailer typically provides its Black Friday deals to shoppers the week of Thanksgiving, but is starting even earlier this year.

Not to be outdone, electronics retailer Best Buy has announced it will open at midnight on Thanksgiving to ensure it capitalizes on the shopping madness. Some stores will show movies starting at 9 p.m. Thanksgiving to make sure they get as much business as possible.

CNNMoney reports that the store will give free shipping on purchases directly from its website and will give online shoppers a chance to win gift cards throughout the day through its social media pages.

And while October retail numbers were disappointing in the industry, the National Retail Federation is estimating that sales for 2011 will reach $465.6 billion, a 2.8 percent increase from 2010, ABC News reports. That signals a big holiday spending spree by Americans.

All this spending may be great for the economy, but it can be treacherous for consumers. By spending more than they can afford, consumers put themselves in a tough position.

For one, it adds to their credit card debt. But more importantly, it puts credit card companies in the driver's seat. When they know you have thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on your credit cards, they control you. They can kick in hidden fees, hike interest rates and make life difficult.

When a consumer stops paying on their card, the credit card companies can threaten wage garnishments, constantly call and ask for payments, send letters, e-mails and even contact employers or associates. Being buried in debt over holiday spending is not worth it.

Bankruptcy can clear these problems away, however. By filing for bankruptcy, the creditor harassment ends. They aren't allowed to contact you and their threats must cease.

For a consumer who has been trapped by these predatory practices, bankruptcy in Atlanta will allow them to discharge their debts and move on with life without the burden of owing that much money. Consumers can then put together a plan to ensure this doesn't happen again in the future.

Continue reading "Holiday Spending Will Spur Credit Card Debt, Bankruptcy in Chicago" »

You've probably noticed the increase in TV commercials and website advertisements that credit card companies are developing. Typically the pitches include introductory low interest rates and high rewards, rewards, rewards! Well, that's just another credit card company money-making tactic in a huge push to sign up new customers for their death-trap cards and other offerings.

But what the commercials don't say is that the low interest rates apply only to a select few consumers. They also don't mention much about colossal hidden fees that can be charged in certain circumstances. Credit card companies are more likely to print these details in tiny fine print after you're signed up.

It's these fees and chicanery that lead many people to consider bankruptcy in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. When people get stuck making the minimum payment on their credit cards, the companies slam them with fees and make the balance significantly higher. This leads to years of battling credit card companies and trying to pay off what they owe.

That's why Atlanta bankruptcy lawyers would suggest you consider bankruptcy rather than struggle with mounting debt for years. It's better for most people to eliminate their debt through bankruptcy, giving them the opportunity to start anew.

According to Forbes.com, Citigroup sent out nearly 350 million credit card offers in the third quarter, enough for every man, woman and child worldwide to have their own credit card! That is an amazing statistic.

What this shows is that credit card companies are desperate in their attempts to get people to snatch up their credit cards so they can continue making money off them. While some consumers consider credit cards a lifeline or a necessity, the companies consider consumers ripe for the picking. Their fees and interest rates are the only way these companies can survive.

In the third quarter, The Wall Street Journal estimates that Citigroup spent more than $240 million sending out all those credit card offers. And that doesn't include the other marketing expenses, like hiring A-list celebrities for their TV commercials and online ads.

But Forbes says that the credit card companies overall are targeting more wealthy customers because this demographic is less likely to default on their debt.

MasterCard, for one, is trying to entice "high-end" consumers rather than sending out pitches for their card to every consumer. MasterCard's goal is to appeal to residents of certain metropolitan areas, starting with New York City. Its rewards program gives members the opportunity to enjoy perks at trendy local events, priority access to tough-to-reserve seats at swanky restaurants, and behind-the-scenes entry at certain activities.

While this may be a good move for the rich and uber-rich, the common man and woman probably won't be qualifying for these cards. No matter that everyone won't qualify on the high-end side because every credit card company -- MasterCard included -- has a other higher-cost types of cards to entrap the average person.

It's predatory lending practices that lead to the possibility of debt in Atlanta and elsewhere. When high interest rates and fees kick in, consumers are thrust into the position of considering bankruptcy to get out from what the credit card companies have done to them.

Continue reading "Credit Card Companies Desperate For Consumers Who May Be Thrust Into Atlanta Bankruptcy" »

A recent poll by Bankrate.com suggests that nearly one in four American consumers don't have an emergency fund backup.

This is bad news, but not necessarily shocking considering the toll the Great Recession has taken on Americans and those throughout Atlanta in particular. The local real estate market has taken a huge hit with nearly 1 in every 300 houses are in foreclosure. That has led to many people losing money and dipping into their savings accounts.

As credit card debt mounts, this can lead to people considering bankruptcy in Atlanta. Consulting with an experienced Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorney may be prudent for those who are struggling with debt.

According to the article, most people surveyed aren't prepared to deal with contingencies, while about another 24 percent have the recommended six months of savings. About 6.2 million people stay out of work for six months or longer, which shows how many people aren't prepared in a climate in which a shaky economy and constant job loss pose major financial struggles for people.

"The majority of Americans still have much work to do in building an adequate emergency savings cushion," said Greg McBride, a senior financial analyst for Bankrate.

McBride attributed the numbers to the challenges of the economy and struggling job market as many people aren't able to store away money right now. Most respondents under 30 who make less than $30,000 a year were the most likely to have no emergency funds, while those between 50 and 60 and those in higher-income households were most likely.

If possible, McBride says, people should try to put a little money away from each paycheck and work to spend less.

Other findings of the survey:

• Bankrate's Financial Security Index showed that feelings of financial security was down from May to June.
• Nearly 1 in 5 respondents said they feel better about their their debt compared to last year and 19 percent feel less comfortable.

It's sound advice to put away money from a paycheck into savings. But what about people who aren't getting a paycheck? What about people who have $150,000 in medical expenses and are trying to scrape by and pay back debt while collection agencies are constantly calling? It should be easy to see why for those people, having an emergency fund isn't possible.

And as credit card and loan debt gets higher and higher and consumers get hit with fees and high interest rates, it makes it all that more difficult to get back on track. And while some people may think that filing for bankruptcy in Atlanta would hit a person's credit score, those with piles of debt and late payments probably already have a low score.

But filing for bankruptcy can eliminate debt and set them free from creditors and put them back on track to recovery. Setting up a free consultation with an Atlanta Bankruptcy Attorney should be the first step to a new life.

Continue reading "A Quarter of Atlanta Consumers Don't Have Any Savings And Rely On Credit" »

A Lawrenceville couple once saddled with more than $83,000 in credit card debt tackled it over a five-year period, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. It's an amazing feat for any American.

But despite this feel-good story, it is exceedingly rare for people with that much debt to be able to conquer it on their own. While it's possible, it takes strict dedication, sound advice and favorable conditions to be able to climb out of crushing credit card debt in Atlanta. The Atlanta bankruptcy law firm is here to assist you if you've fallen into mounds of credit card debt you can't deal with.

The Georgia couple was able to get rid of that mountain of debt by consulting with a finance expert, using cash, not taking vacations or impulse spending and cutting back on credit card use. They made large monthly payments to avoid high credit card interest rates. That is all sound advice, but statistics show the couple is in the minority in their ability to cut credit from a budget.

In its monthly report in May, the Federal Reserve said overall consumer credit rose $6 billion to $2.426 trillion, meaning that much credit is being used in the United States for purchases and loans.

Credit debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in Atlanta. And while it is a frightening word for those who don't understand its benefits, bankruptcy can often save you from the stacks of credit card bills that have been piling up for years.

Bankruptcy saves millions of people from unmanageable debt loads. But there are different types of bankruptcy filings, so choose wisely. You may be eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but one may not help you as well as the other.

For instance, Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Fulton County is designed to allow someone to liquidate to get rid of credit card debt, personal loans, wage garnishments or payday loans. It may be helpful to you if you have few assets and little income.

But maybe you are years into your mortgage payments but still are feeling the effects of your credit card debt, health problems, marriage problems, issues getting by and paying for gas and food. It's possible that Chapter 13 bankruptcy is your best bet.

This form of bankruptcy can allow you to keep your home and still prevent debt from controlling your life. It will require a payment plan that you can manage for 3 to 5 years. It can be a good way to simplify your life and help you avoid foreclosure.

Continue reading "Credit Card Debt in Georgia can Lead to Bankruptcy" »

As many American families struggle to stay afloat in this tough economic environment, a new study found that credit card debt remains a leading cause of bankruptcy in Atlanta and elsewhere in the United States.

Equifax found credit cards cost households nearly 20 percent of their income, according to MSNBC. These statistics don't even take into account debt from various store-specific credit cards.

Our Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys highly recommend you seek the legal help of an experienced lawyer if you're experiencing financial troubles because of credit card debt. Credit card debt can burden many aspects of your life. Creditors can continually call and harass you in efforts to collect payments. Late fees and penalties can make it impossible to catch up. The stress can literally take years off your life. Consulting an experienced attorney can help you make a fresh financial start.

A separate study, conducted by Experian, found that the average consumer has racked up more than $4,000 in credit card debt. On a slightly positive note, that average illustrates a 4 percent decrease from last year. Whether the recession has led to increased savings or whether the reduction is attributable to credit card companies slashing credit lines is debatable.

MSNBC recently reported Atlanta is among the top five U.S. cities with the most individual credit card debt. The top five cities with the most debt are, listed in order, San Antonio, Jacksonville, FL, Atlanta, Honolulu and Dallas.

The average amount of debt in our city is $4,960 per individual. Such debt levels consume a substantial portion of the average consumer's income. Credit experts say that a combination of economic desperation and needless spending caused the city's increasing credit card balances. Atlanta was one of the top areas to suffer from the unemployment surge and the devastating housing market collapse.

Equifax's report does offer citizens a little bit of hope as it reports that total consumer debt declined slightly from the terrifying peak back in October of 2008. A grand total of 54 million households owe creditors a sum of more than $800 billion in debt from unpaid credit card bills.

Consumers are well advised to slash their dependence on the plastic cards and contact an experienced attorney in the event your credit card debt has grown out of control. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the best path to financial freedom.

CreditCards.com offers you these tips to help you with your credit card debt in the meantime:

-Avoid debt collection. Try to negotiate with the original creditor and work out a payment with them before letting them sell the account to a collection agency or another third party.

-Don't make it too easy. Consumers should avoid giving collectors their bank account number or routing numbers. Payments should be made with money orders or some other third-party payment service. Be sure to keep proof of payment but avoid paying with a personal check. Electronic withdrawals from bank accounts are a big no-no as well.

-Familiarize yourself with your rights. Read and understand the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This act details handling problems involving harassing and nuisance phone calls, threats and abusive language. These acts are illegal and should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state attorney general's office.

-Protect your bank accounts. As collectors can file suit against consumers for not paying debts, they can also freeze savings or checking accounts. Keep separate accounts for Social Security or disability payments received as these are exempt from use for court-ordered payments. "I would urge people not to co-mingle other funds into the bank account to which the Social Security and disability payments are going. That would help a lot of people," says Rozanne Andersen, executive vice president of ACA International, the largest credit and debt collection industry trade group.

Continue reading "Atlanta Bankruptcy: City ranks in Top 5 Nationwide for Credit Card Debt" »

At first glance, this year's average tax refund of $3,000 might seem like a lot - but for most Americans, it won't last long.

If you simply put your check in the bank, it won't be long before its whittled away by things like rising gas prices and food costs, growing credit card bills and health insurance premiums, and the occasional shopping spree. But there's a way that many of us can stretch our refund, say Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys. How? By using it to get rid of current debt - and prevent future debt.

Continue reading "How Atlanta Taxpayers Can Boost Their Tax Refund" »

The average rewards card is designed to get consumers to use more credit. But what if it were the other way around?

A new credit card introduced by TD Bank offers an incentive for credit users to lower debt. Instead of giving perks for travel or shopping - which encourages customers to pull out the plastic - this 21.24% APR card offers an interest rate discount for paying more than the minimum each month. In theory, consumers will have more reason to save their money for paying off debt, say Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

Continue reading "New Rewards Card Helps Atlanta Consumers Lower Interest" »

The first thing consumers want to know when considering bankruptcy is, "How will filing affect my credit score?" Yet maybe what we should be asking is, "How will not filing affect my credit score?" Especially when we're at risk for foreclosure.

It's no news that bankruptcy ends up on your credit report, but so does foreclosure. And while bankruptcy can pave the way for you to begin repairing your credit (in fact, Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys report that many clients receive offers for credit cards or loans soon after filing) turning your home over to the bank doesn't quite have the same effect.

Continue reading "Effect of Foreclosure on Credit Scores of Atlanta Homeowners" »

Many parents are shocked to find credit card offers addressed to their children in the mail - yet they don't think twice about signing their kids up for prepaid debit cards.

Credit card companies are smartly marketing prepaid cards as an easy way for parents to teach teens about money. We load a certain amount of money onto the cards, and our kids have to figure out how to budget it. But here's what they don't tell us. Prepaid cards come with as many - or more - fees as regular credit cards, say Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

By signing your children up for plastic at a young age, you may be putting them on a path to future credit card debt. While their name contains the word "debit," prepaid debit cards are not the same as the debit cards tied to your bank account. Creditor-issued cards come with a slew of start-up and use costs, like activation fees, maintenance fees, fees for purchases and reloading -even dormancy fees. From the start, you're showing your kids that they need to pay to, well, pay.

Continue reading "Teaching Kids Money Basics Can Prevent Chronic Credit Card Use" »

It's been two years since the Credit CARD Act was passed and it seems that credit card interest rates have gone nowhere but up.

Despite the common belief, the legislation didn't put a limit on rates - only the way in which credit card companies could charge them, explain Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys. Today, creditors are not allowed to retroactively hike rates whenever they please. Instead, they must state the rate upfront - only raising interest when a customer makes a late payment. In response, banks are offering cards with much higher upfront rates - like the 59.9% APR offered First Premier. And if you think consumers won't go for it, think again. First Premier has issued 700,000 of its high-rate cards - and counting.

Continue reading "High Interest Credit Cards Lure Atlanta Consumers Struggling With Debt" »

Could it be that having a good credit score isn't all it's cracked up to be?

A recent story by Forbes.com explores the idea that Americans are so brainwashed to believe we need to achieve the perfect credit score that we're actually making our finances worse. How? By forgoing things like saving for retirement and paying down credit card debt, explain Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.

Most Americans mistakenly believe that carrying a credit card balance is the best way to boost a credit score. As a result, millions of Americans are paying high interest on credit card balances that will take decades to pay off without help from bankruptcy.

Continue reading "Why Credit Scores Don't Always Matter For Atlanta Consumers" »