Florida State Laws on Debt Collections of Credit Card Debt

Florida is the most indebted state in the U.S., according to a 2009 research by Forbes magazine. The state has a household median income of $43,333, which is below the national average of $50,233. Yet average credit card debt is $9,797.38. In order to pay off the credit card debt, the Florida consumer will have to give up 22.61 percent of his income, which is unlikely for most households. That is a dilemma for most credit card companies, more so...

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How Bad a Settlement is on Your Credit

A debt settlement is a process by which a creditor agrees to accept less than the amount owed to settle the debt in full. For example, if a consumer has a $10,000 bill but can't pay it, the creditor may accept a lump sum payment of $5,000 to completely settle the account. While settling a debt can help a consumer to remove a financial hardship, the settlement will hurt the consumer's credit score. Impact on Credit Though debt settlement will certainly have a negative impact on a consumer's credit score, the exact amount of the impact will...

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How to Measure & Manage Credit Risk

Measuring and managing your credit can help you avoid financial ruin. Having too much credit available to you--or carrying too much debt--can be dangerous. Large credit lines can lead to impulse spending for luxury items you might not buy if you had to pay cash. People who max out their credit lines when times are good can suddenly find themselves struggling to avoid bankruptcy after a job loss or major illness. Managing your credit properly can...

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Do I Have to Include All Back Debt in a Debt Management Program?

One issue that many borrowers consider before enrolling in a debt management plan is whether or not they should include all back debts. Generally, all unsecured debts must be included; however, there is an exception. Loans that are secured by assets can't be included, since their payments aren't usually negotiable. Debt Management Plan Expectations Debt management plans, DMP, that are administered by nonprofit agencies are voluntary agreements...

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How to Determine Which Debt to Pay Down

Understanding how to pay off debt can save borrowers hundreds if not thousands of dollars. How much you save depends on how much you owe and how successful you are in following a good debt payoff pace. Determining which debt to pay down first is a common question. Discovering how to evaluate your debts and figure out who to pay and when to pay them is the first step in getting yourself out of debt. Instructions 1 Collect the most recent statement from all of the debts you owe. Focus on credit cards, personal loans, car loans and student...

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How to Clear My Credit in South Carolina

When you have negative information on your credit report, it can hinder you from getting a home, a car and even employment. The good news is that with a lot of diligence and determination, a bad credit report can be turned into a good one. As you attempt to clear your credit in South Carolina, it is important that you pay attention to the state's statute of limitations that govern the time-frame for creditors to take legal action against you. Otherwise, your attempt to fix your credit may do more harm than good. Instructions 1 Order a copy...

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How Can I Get Assistance Paying Bills in Jacksonville, Florida?

The city of Jacksonville, Florida, is located in the northeast part of the state. The county seat is Duval, and the greater area offers lots of assistance in paying bills in Jacksonville. Help is available from public and private Jacksonville organizations, including the Jacksonville Urban League and the United Way of Northeast Florida. Help paying bills is usually restricted to necessities, such as food and shelter, although there are programs available for helping people manage excessive debt. The contact information provided here is current...

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How to Calculate Late Rent

Many landlords and apartment complexes require you to pay your rent on the first day of every month. You may have a grace period, which allows you to pay your rent after the first without incurring a late fee. The grace period can extend to the 5th or 10th of the month, depending on the management company of the apartment complex. Once the grace period has passed, you will be assessed a late fee on top of your standard rent payment. Instructions...

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Tips for Someone Who is Trying to Rebuild Credit

Credit problems aren't easy or quick to fix, but there are things you can do that, in time, will dramatically improve your credit report and your credit score. The key to credit restoration is patience and understanding the FICO scoring model. Pay Your Bills On Time According to Fair Isaac, payment history accounts for 35% of a consumer's FICO score. That's a big number. Late payments can negatively affect your score. One or two payments...

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The Best Low Fixed-Rate Credit Cards for Balance Transfers

The best low fixed-rate credit card for balance transfers is one that offers an adequate credit line for your needs and charges no fees. The challenge is that the market is constantly changing. The "best" card today may not be the best card in six months. The good news is that, with a few simple tools, you will be able to locate the card that's right for you---whenever you want. Consumer Reports Consumer Reports rated thousands of credit...

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What is a California Bank Account Lien Exemption?

State laws govern the rights of prevailing parties in civil lawsuits to enforce and collect their judgment awards. In California, prevailing parties must file a judicial enforcement order before they can collect their judgments and their winnings from losing parties. Through collection efforts, private creditors can garnish wages or levy bank accounts. Although both public and private agencies and individual creditors can garnish bank accounts and wages, California law limits the amounts they can lien or garnish, and does not allow them to garnish...

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How to Get Settled Debt Off Your Credit

Negative debt accounts still have an adverse effect on your credit even after you have settled with the company or debt collectors. The debt will not fall off of your credit report on its own until it is over seven years old. You do have a few options to attempt to get it removed sooner, although the effectiveness of these methods depends on the company and credit reporting bureaus. Instructions 1 Obtain a copy of your credit report from Experian, Equifax and Transunion. If you have not already requested your free annual credit report, go...

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How to Pay Off 50,000 in Debt in Three Years

Millions of Americans find themselves in massive debt each year. If you're in this situation, you can pay off your debts---even the large ones---as long as you're willing to develop a plan to eliminate your debt and stick to it. Being on a shorter timeline to eradicate debt makes your task more challenging, but not impossible. Even if your debt reaches $50,000, you can still pay it off within three years. Instructions 1 Do the math. Before you can create your action plan for paying off your debt, you need to know how it breaks down. To pay...

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Explain Debt

In your day-to-day life, you probably encounter or use a variety of types of debts. The Federal Reserve estimates that the total amount of United States household debt, which includes credit cards and mortgages, was $10.3 trillion in 2010, according to the Wall Street Journal. Understanding what debt is and how it affects you is key to becoming an informed consumer. Debt Basics Debt, at its most basic level, is something you owe to someone else. Typically, when people refer to debt, they are talking about consumer debt. Consumer debt is...

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My Credit Report Is Incorrect

Your consumer credit report is the key to purchasing power with credit --- a credit report that is free of negative entries and shows a long history of on-time payments can help you qualify for car loans, lines of credit, credit cards and mortgage loans. If your credit report contains a negative entry that you believe was made in error, you can take steps to have the entry removed to preserve your credit score and maintain your creditworthiness. Review Your Credit Reports Periodically reviewing your credit reports can help you identify...

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Grants Used for Paying Bad Debts

A grant is a monetary award used to improve the public good that doesn't have to be repaid. Borrowers who are desperate to pay off debts may find ads that offer grants tempting. While there are legitimate resources for borrowers who are desperate, no government or private grants exist for paying debt. If a borrower does decide to apply for a grant anyway, know the rules to protect yourself against fraud. Government Grants and the FTC The...

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Can Creditors Attach a Lien to a Property That Is Willed to Children?

Debts are persistent. They don't just go away when you die. They hang around a while to see if they can find a new home -- specifically, in your estate. Credit laws allow creditors to collect debts from most parts of your estate. In some states, they can force payment from a home, both before and after death. Debts Don't Die A debt has a life of its own, determined in part by state law. It follows a borrower's assets, not the borrower himself. Debts do not transfer to heirs but do stay with the borrower's estate until the estate is closed...

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About Home Foreclosures

Homeowners who fall behind on their mortgage payments may find themselves in the unfortunate position of facing foreclosure. Those who find themselves having trouble making payments in a timely manner are well served by proactively working with their lenders and educating themselves about foreclosure regulations in their state. In many cases, foreclosure can be avoided if consumers act wisely and reach out to their lenders for assistance before allowing their payment problems to progress too far. Considerations If a homeowner becomes unable...

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How to Know if Your Unemployment Will Be Extended in California

If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits in California and are close to using up the awarded compensation, you may be concerned about what happens next. In California, as well as other states, an extension of benefits may be available to you. As long as you are still unemployed, looking for a new job and within the specified time frame, you may be able to continue receiving your unemployment compensation in the state. Instructions 1 Claim all your current awarded benefits. Before you can qualify for an extension of benefits,...

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What Is a Credit Card Judgment in Texas?

Texas residents who have met with financial difficulty may wonder about the abilities of their credit card companies to collect the unpaid debts. Consumers in Texas can get sued by their card companies. If the card company wins, the court grants a judgment and makes it much easier for the company to collect the debt. Debts A credit card is usually a form of unsecured credit, meaning your card company doesn't require that you give it collateral...

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How to Stop Bank Garnishment

If you have an unpaid debt with a creditor, that creditor may garnish your bank account. If a creditor files a lawsuit against you and wins the case, then the creditor can freeze your bank account and seize the funds to cover the past due balance you owe. So, it is best to avoid a bank garnishment, if at all possible. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent a creditor from freezing your bank account. Learn how to properly stop a bank garnishment....

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What Happens When a Garnishment Expires?

A garnishment is one of the most feared collection actions that a creditor can undertake. A garnishment entails getting permission from a court to take money out of an individual's bank account or siphoning off the money from the individual's employer, out of his paycheck. When a garnishment expires, the judge may renew it if the debt has not been fully repaid, or he may choose not to. Garnishment All garnishments can only be implemented with the approval of the judge who's hearing the creditor's case against a debtor. The debtor will be...

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How to Sell Small Business Assets

Selling small business assets means you could be closing your business or trying to raise cash. Either event could be stressful, but you can make the process easier by making a careful plan for selling your assets. A small business asset is anything of value -- equipment, furniture or even a customer list. The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that most physical business assets such as equipment or furniture should be priced at about 20 percent below their retail value based on current age and condition. Check online classified sites for...

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What is a Good Credit Score in Canada?

Credit scores in Canada range from 300 to 900, with the higher numbers indicating a healthier financial record and less of a risk to the lender. Good credit scores start in the low 700s; the higher they are, the easier it will be for you to get a loan. Your interest rates are also determined by your credit scores, with the best rates going to those with scores over 760. Your credit score not only impacts your ability to get a loan, but it also impacts...

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How to Live With a Zero FICO Score

A FICO score is what creditors and lenders use to determine whether or not to lend credit or provide financing. In this society and where most everyone purchases items using credit, it is tough to live without a good FICO score. Although it may be tough, it is not impossible to live with a zero FICO score. If you are patient and plan in advance, you can live comfortably with a zero FICO score. Instructions 1 Begin a savings account. When you...

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Assistance to Settle a Debt

Because it is a struggle to get out of debt, it's not unusual for people to seek help in debt elimination. One option is to get assistance with debt settlement. Debt settlement means that you approach the credit card company and ask to pay only a portion of what you owe. Settlement Companies Most assistance for debt settlement comes from debt settlement companies. These companies act like middlemen on your behalf, negotiating with your creditors...

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Open Credit Vs. Line of Credit

Open credit and a line of credit are obtained through applying for loans with financial institutions. They help establish credit and increase a credit score, if the accounts are kept in good standing. They differ in their qualifications and limitations. Open Credit Open credit refers to your current accounts that are in repayment. Open mortgage loans, credit cards, auto loans, personal loans, even your account with a utility company are...

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What If Someone Is Using My Social Security Card Number?

When someone uses your social security number to obtain credit or for other personal gain, it is a crime. Identity theft victimizes millions of people each year, costing companies billions of dollars and ruining your good name. Get a Credit Report The only way to determine whether or not your social security number has been used without your permission is to regularly scan your credit report. You can sign up for a monthly monitoring service through any of the three national credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, or Trans Union. ...

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Financial Assistance in Paying a Hospital Bill

For those who lack insurance or whose insurance provider does not cover the total health care costs they incur, a single medical emergency can spell financial ruin. For example, the cost of an appendectomy, a relatively common surgery in the U.S., typically falls between $15,000 and $18,000 -- a tall order even if you're only liable for a portion of the debt. Your fear of incurring medical debt shouldn't prevent you from seeking the care you need....

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What to Do When You Have Been Served a Credit Judgment

Nobody likes getting court papers or threats from lawyers. But debts and lawsuits won't go away on their own: You'll need to take action. While it is always best to try and settle problems with creditors before legal action becomes a possibility, if a creditor serves you with a summons, seek legal advice and prepare to go to court. Don't Ignore It Never ignore a threat of legal action or an actual summons. By ignoring the problem, you give up your right to appear in court and defend yourself. When this happens, the judge can issue a default...

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Credit Card Payment Problems

Credit cards are important financial tools that offer benefits and many conveniences. Unfortunately, if you don't handle credit card payments appropriately, you may find yourself falling into deep debt and experiencing serious financial trouble. Learn how to resolve issues with credit card payments to save time, hassle and stress. Problems When financial difficulty occurs, you may struggle to make the minimum payments on credit cards. If...

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What Is a Debt Reduction Plan?

There are several kinds of debt reduction plans available to those who can no longer handle their consumer debts. Whether you wish to restructure some of your money to credit card and loan repayment, personally negotiate with your creditors, hire a firm to help you negotiate with your lenders, or find a court-supervised payment plan through Chapter 13 bankruptcy, there is a debt reduction plan available for you. Debt Reduction Calculator A fast and easy option to create a plan is to use a debt reduction calculator (see Resources). These...

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How to Handle a Deceased Spouse's Bills

The grief of losing a spouse can be compounded by the stress of having to deal with his debt obligations. Unfortunately, people are often unprepared for such a situation, which leaves them vulnerable to creditors. Although you don't have to prepare a game plan the day after your spouse passes away, once the creditors begin calling, you should be prepared to deal with them. Know your rights and understand which obligations you're responsible for and which ones aren't your problem. Instructions 1 Compile a list of all your obligations. Break...

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Unsecured Debt & Statute of Limitations in Maryland

Statute of limitations on unsecured debt in Maryland determine how long debt collectors have to successfully sue you in court for an unpaid debt. Once the statute expires, the debt collector can still try to collect from you--but not in court. Time Frame The statute of limitations in Maryland is three years for all unsecured debt except for promissory notes, which have a six-year statute of limitation, according to the credit website BCS...

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My Wages Were Garnished: How Can I See How Much More I Have to Pay in Order to Be Finished Paying?

If a garnishment was issued against your wages, your employer is supposed to withhold the required amount from your paychecks until the garnishment is released---when you finish paying off the debt or the issuing agency tells your employer to stop the withholding. Only a specific portion of your pay is withheld to satisfy the wage garnishment each pay period. To ensure proper withholding, you should keep track of the deductions. Instructions 1 Check your pay stub. Whether or not state law requires it, most employers give employees a pay...

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Can Someone With a Judgment Against You Repossess Your Car?

When an individual owes a creditor money and then becomes delinquent in repaying the debt, the creditor may seek a civil judgment against him in court, one that legally orders the debtor to pay the money he owes. The creditor can receive a civil judgment by filing a motion in a court of law. If he receives it, he is then allowed to take a number of collection actions. If, however, the debt is secured by a car, the car cannot be seized. Repossessions When a person takes out a loan to purchase a car, the car generally acts as collateral on...

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How to Sue for Violations of the FDCPA?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects consumers from abusive, illegal and harassment tactics by creditors, including collection agencies. The FDCPA has numerous provisions for creditors. For example, a creditor cannot threaten you with jail or with a lawsuit if the creditor has no legal standing or intention to sue. You can sue a debt collector who violates the act, as the laws provides for up to $1,000 for each violation. Instructions 1 Make a detailed list of all creditor contact. Include dates and times the creditor called and...

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Does Rent-to-Own Help Your Credit?

There are situations in which rent-to-own agreements can help a renter build credit, but renters will likely need to search for those opportunities. Rental information often isn't included in consumer credit reports, which means a good rental payment history may not bolster your credit rating. Rental Stores Rent-to-own agreements for appliances, furniture and other items may not help you build a good credit history, since rent-to-own stores usually don't report a person's payment history to credit bureaus. There are exceptions, so shop...

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