From extended job furloughs and unexpected job losses resulting from businesses permanently shutting their doors, the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented. Not surprisingly, many Americans are finding it difficult to pay their bills. As of early May, millions of mortgagees have been seeking help to make their mortgage payments or defer […]
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event in our history. Due to extended stay-at-home orders in many states, an enormous number of people have faced unpaid furloughs, a reduction in paid working hours or in some cases unemployment. During the first two months of the pandemic, more than 36 million U.S. workers filed for unemployment, […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a domino effect, with closed business and furloughed employees resulting in record numbers of unemployment applications. In the first month of the pandemic, more than 22 million employees had applied for unemployment benefits with more expected to follow. In the face of job loss, substantially reduced work hours or a […]
Tax refunds, obtained as a result of overpaying on taxes throughout the year, often become an anticipated windfall that people come to expect each spring. According to statistics, nearly eight out of ten Americans get a tax refund each year, and last year the IRS refunded more than 111 million Americans. If you are someone […]
Facing tough financial issues can be the source of significant stress and worry. Mounting pressures from debt collector calls, unpaid bills and choices that can’t be made due to financial struggles can make life difficult. Bankruptcy is often a very sensible option for people who want to gain a fresh start financially. Many people considering […]
Planned communities are often governed by an HOA, or a Homeowners Association. HOAs generally charge fees associated with the upkeep and maintenance of common areas, within the community such as pools, shared patios, esplanades, neighborhood parks and other amenities. At times when funds are stretched very thin (perhaps following a layoff, an accident or a […]
Being self-employed can have a number of benefits including flexibility, autonomy and the power to make your own decisions. But it also means wearing multiple “hats”. People who are self-employed may be small business owners, or they may be freelancers or independent contractors. They may be responsible not only for their actual product or service, […]
If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, you may hear the term “estate” and wonder what that’s about. In this instance, it doesn’t refer to a large home or mansion or to the belongings of someone who has passed away like an “estate sale”. In a bankruptcy case, the “bankruptcy estate” simply refers to everything the […]
Injuries or family illnesses, divorce or job loss are unexpected life events that can cause people to slowly slip deeper and deeper into debt. Pretty soon, letters start arriving from creditors followed by relentless collections phone calls. In this situation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if funds are not available to pay off the […]
Despite valiant efforts to keep bills paid in full in a timely manner, sometimes debt can creep up and then quickly become overwhelming. Unexpected life events such as a car accident or a prolonged illness may result in high medical bills. Likewise, divorce or other life changes can result in unplanned expenses or skyrocketing credit […]
