Practical guidance on debt, bankruptcy, and the financial decisions that matter most. Written by OVLG attorneys.
Have you filed your income tax returns? Expecting a refund? If so, then you’ve probably already planned how you’re going to use that money. Whether you plan to repair your home, pay off credit card bills, or buy a laptop is completely irrelevant if a debt collector takes away your tax refund. When that happens, all your financial plans go up in smoke.And it ...
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When it comes to deciding between Debt Settlement and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, most Americans are unable to choose between the two, depending on their situation. The rising cost of living for U.S. households is high, and by the end of 2025, most Americans will be unable to cover their living expenses.
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Currently, there is unrest plaguing us all, and things could get worse. As policymakers try to control inflation by raising interest rates,
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A significant number of Californians are in a tight economic position. They are employed and have an excellent income but the costs of housing, transport and taxes take most of the income. This may result in defaulting on credit card payments, medical charges and other personal loans, which puts one under serious financial strain.
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Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayments are often unaffordable to someone with limited money (e.g., just over the median income level) but you can make it work. Request lower payments, cut non-essential expenses, extend the plan to 5 years or apply for a hardship modification to make things more manageable. With quick planning and proper budgeting, you can manage Chapter 13 payments even when money is tight.
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$27 billion stolen from seniors in one year. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) found that between June 2022 and June 2023, elder financial exploitation–related suspicious activity totaled $27 billion, and the average victim lost $33,915, often decades of savings. This article will show you the 5 warning signs to spot exploitation early, where to report suspected abuse and what legal protections are available to get back stolen assets.
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Bankruptcy is stressful enough without scammers taking advantage of your vulnerability. Every year thousands of financially distressed Americans lose money to bankruptcy scams – often hundreds or thousands of dollars – adding to their hardship and jeopardizing their fresh start. According to FTC data, consumer fraud complaints reached 2.6 million in 2023 with a median loss of $500 per incident. Bankruptcy filers, under pressure, are especially vulnerable.
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TFacing financial hardship can be overwhelming, especially when you worry about losing your home, car or other essentials. California’s bankruptcy exemption laws offer a fresh start by allowing you to keep what matters most. Unlike most states, California provides two distinct exemption systems—System 1 and System 2—each designed to safeguard different types of property.
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