Statute of Limitations on Secured Debt Collection

The statute of limitations is a principle of law that provides that those who have actionable legal claims against others must file their lawsuits in court within a specified period of time from the date the cause of action accrued. Each distinct legal cause of action, e.g., breach of contract, negligence as well as an action to recover on the balance due on a delinquent secured debt, has its own distinct limitations period. Breach of Contract Since the obligation to repay debt arises out of the existence of a binding legal contract between...

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Tips for Paying Off Debt

The emotional weight of debt causes stress and anxiety for the entire family. A difficult economic climate can make debt seem inevitable. Paying off debt lifts the burden from your shoulders, providing financial freedom which makes life more enjoyable. Choosing a frugal lifestyle for a short period of time allows the debt to be eliminated more quickly. List Your Debt Create a list of every outstanding balance you owe. Use a spreadsheet to organize the information into columns. Include columns for the name of the creditor, contact information,...

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Can I Add Funds From a PayPal Line of Credit to My Debit Card?

PayPal is an online money service that allows clients to electronically transfer funds to the accounts of others. The site permits users to send and receive money without dealing with back accounts, thus protecting information such as bank routing and account numbers. Users can withdraw money by transferring it to a bank account or through other means. Though PayPal is not a bank, it allows users to connect accounts to bank accounts and spend on credit. Linking PayPal to a Bank Account PayPal allows users to link their accounts directly...

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Can Social Security Disability Be Used to Pay Off a Judgment?

A creditor can obtain a judgment against a debtor and place a freeze on his bank accounts. A judgment may prompt the debtor to negotiate a payment plan with the creditor. Certain types of income, including Social Security Disability, are exempt from collection. A creditor may not freeze these funds or take any of them to repay the debt. Exempt Income Certain income is exempt from collection. A creditor may not take any of it even if he has a legal judgment against the debtor. Exempt income includes but is not limited to Social Security,...

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How to Withdraw From Your Retirement Account to Clear a Debt

While a retirement account should never be used as a go-to fund for everyday spending, it can, in very special circumstances, be used for emergency funding--for example, when purchasing a new home, paying off medical bills and clearing credit card debt. Before withdrawing any money from your retirement account, weigh your options. Begin the withdrawal process by first understanding whether your withdrawal is subject fees, taxes and penalties. Instructions...

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Can a Lender Garnish Wages in Louisiana for Voluntary Vehicle Repossession?

If you cannot make the payments on your vehicle, you may opt for a voluntary vehicle repossession -- relinquishing ownership of your vehicle to your creditor instead of waiting for it to be repossessed. The lender then sells your vehicle, typically at an auction. You are responsible for the difference between the balance of your loan and the sale price. In Louisiana, a creditor may garnish your wages to collect a deficiency. Validation of Debt Before a creditor can garnish your wages to collect a deficiency, it must file suit against you,...

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Indiana Credit Report Law

Residents in the State of Indiana have the advantage of additional laws and protections in regards to credit reporting. Indiana residents have the right to "freeze" access to their credit reports. At their discretion, they can decide who can and who cannot access their credit information.This very important law provides significant security consumer protections for Indiana residents. Indiana Residents Can "Freeze" Access to Credit Reports ...

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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Payday Loans in the State of Illinois?

While the statute of limitations for payday loans is the same for any other debt in Illinois, other restrictions on payday loan collection apply. State law places restrictions on the collection activities of payday loan companies and provides additional protections for members of the military. Statute of Limitations In Illinois, the statute of limitations for debt is 10 years for debt if a written agreement is involved, which would apply...

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Debt Among College Students Living in Apartments

As a college student living in an apartment, you need money for rent, meals, transportation and other basics which can be difficult to manage. According to the Harvard Law School website, if your annual loan payments are more than 20 percent of your gross income, your expenses are excessive. The sooner you can get your debt under control, the greater freedom you will have. Managing Apartment Utility and House Supplies When several students...

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How to Report to a Credit Agency

Your credit report is the modern-day equivalent to "your permanent record." It contains a library of information about you--where you have lived, worked, went to school, how many student loans you have and the credit cards you have obtained. Containing all of that information is a grand feat; keeping it accurate is an even larger one. Credit agencies do a great job, but sometimes they need help. Obtaining and managing your credit report can ensure it is accurate. Instructions 1 Obtain a copy of your most recent credit report. You can request...

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Can a Charge-Off Come Back After 7 Years?

If a creditor attempts to collect on a debt and fails, it may declare the debt uncollectible. On the business's balance sheet, it will charge off the debt as a loss. These charge-offs are reflected on the credit report of the person who incurred the debt. Although there is a seven-year limit on how long negative information such as charge-offs can appear on a credit report, creditors can sometimes attempt to collect after this time limit has expired. Charge-Offs Charge-offs are debts businesses have written off as uncollectible. When a...

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How to Negotiate Credit Card Debt From Debt Collectors

Debt collectors usually earn commissions for collecting delinquent credit card debt. The more they collect, the more they earn and that is why they attempt to collect so aggressively with phone calls day and night. People who owe credit card debt can use the aggressiveness to their advantage by entering into negotiations with debt collectors. Some debtors are tempted to ignore the debt collectors, while a better strategy is often to take the collector's calls and strike a deal you can afford. Instructions 1 Read the Fair Debt Collections...

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How Can I Get an Unsecured Loan With Good Credit?

Having a positive credit history and a good credit score makes life a lot easier, especially when it comes to finding loans with good interest rates and other terms. If you have a good credit score, you'll have no problems getting an unsecured loan of any type. You'll also be able to pick and choose between different offers to choose the loan with the best possible terms. Secured and Unsecured Debt A secured debt is one in which the lender...

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What Happens When You Quit College and You Have a Student Loan?

The cost of attending a four-year college or university is staggering. In 2011, the most recent U.S. News and World Report showed that the top 60 postsecondary educational institutions cost well in excess of $40,000 annually to attend, requiring many students to take on vast debt early in adulthood. Those who drop out not only have to repay the loans, they must do so without the benefit of a college education. Student Loans Just because you...

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Can I Settle My Credit Card Debt With a Lump Sum?

The average American household had $9,840 in credit card debt in 2007. As debt increases, delinquency rates increase and savings rates drop. Many consumers have more debt than they can ever pay. They are looking for a way out from the collectors constantly wanting money. Debt settlement could be that way out. Debt That Can Be Settled If you are going to attempt to settle credit card debt for a lump sum, you must be delinquent on this debt....

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How Can I Repay My Debts Quickly?

Paying debts off quickly will save you money on finance charges and give you greater financial freedom. Once the debts are paid you can use the extra money to save for retirement or start a home-based business. Some debts, such as credit cards with low balances, are easier to pay off than others. For example, paying off your home mortgage early could require a lot of discipline and patience. That can be done, but you're better off focusing initially on high-interest credit cards and other debts. Instructions 1 Make a list of your debts ranked...

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Methods to Relieve Credit Problems

In order to get out of debt and relieve credit problems, you first need to gain an understanding of your financial situation. Take the time to create a balance sheet by listing all of your assets and then all of your debts. Subtract your debts from your assets, and what is left is your net worth. If your net worth is positive, you have something to work with. If it is negative, you have a problem. Renegotiate Credit Card Rates and Shuffle Balances Stop using your credit cards. Don't add to the problem. Negotiate the lowest interest rate...

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Help with Major Credit Card Debt

Uncontrolled spending can result in serious credit problems and high credit card debt. Credit cards can come to your aid during an emergency. But some people make the mistake of using credit cards to buy things that they can't afford. When unable to pay off the charges, debt accumulates and ultimately lowers their credit score. Discuss Debt Settlement Stop harassing phone calls and talk to your creditors about negotiating a debt settlement...

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Debt Consolidation Warnings

Consumers will sometimes look to debt consolidation as a way to reduce their monthly obligations and get debt under control. But before you get involved in debt consolidation, there are some warnings you should heed. The more you understand the process and consequences of debt consolidation, the better prepared you will be to negotiate a favorable deal for your situation. Balance Transfers One of the ways in which consumers will use to consolidate...

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Who Can Garnish Social Security Disability Checks?

When a person doesn't pay back a debt, he may eventually be subject to the garnishment of his wages. Garnishment, while usually applied to the money that a debtor receives in a paycheck, may also be applied to certain other income streams, such as federal benefits. However, most federal benefits are protected from garnishment by private creditors, although not from federal government agencies. Garnishment Garnishment will seldom take someone by surprise. A person who is subject to garnishment will generally have a significant amount of...

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Which Identity-Theft Protection Should I Choose?

Having your identity stolen is a scary thought. Criminals use or sell personal information for various reasons, including opening fraudulent accounts, accessing existing lines of credit and changing account information. Having identity-theft protection does not guarantee the safety of an identity, but knowing about available services helps you make an informed choice. Features Identity-theft protection plans come with various features, depending on the provider and price. Consider features that apply to your circumstances, like more detailed...

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How to Get Immediate Debt Relief

Your debt may have come at your quickly or it may have built up over time. But if you want immediate debt relief, it can happen more quickly than you might think. You have to have the desire to get it done fast. Instructions 1 Make a list of the debt that you have. You want this to be extensive, so get a copy of your credit reports and find out what debt is on your record. This list will be used so you know how much debt you need relief for immediately and to whom you owe money. 2 Seek consumer counseling help. Nonprofit and for-profit...

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Does Paying a Settled Amount Hurt Your Credit Score?

Debt settlement is perfect for resolving debt. The strategy allows a debtor to pay off credit cards and other unsecured accounts for a fraction of the original balance. The savings are sometimes tremendous, with SmartMoney reporting that some creditors will accept 20 to 70 percent of the balance to pay off an account. That means a debtor settling $30,000 in credit card debt could pay it all off for as little as $6,000 -- a savings of $24,000. However, there are drawbacks. Debt settlement for less than the full balance causes severe harm to credit...

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When Is Credit Card Settlement a Good Idea?

Credit card debt settlement allows you to pay off your credit card debts by negotiating a lesser payment amount in satisfaction of the total debt. While credit card debt settlements may seem like an ideal solution, there are negatives that you need to be aware of before choosing this option. Determining if credit card debt settlement is a good idea for you requires that you take into consideration multiple factors and potential consequences. ...

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Why Lenders Might Forgive Your Debt

For many creditors, something is better than nothing. If a creditor thinks you are going to default on a bill or file for bankruptcy, it might settle your account for a percentage of what you owe. But there's a downside to debt settlement: You may owe taxes on your forgiven debt, and your credit report may reflect the settlement to the detriment of your credit score. Debt Settlement In debt settlement, you negotiate with your creditors to pay a portion of your debt in exchange for the cancellation of the balance. Some creditors will expect...

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What Is Unsecured Debt?

The modern world revolves around credit. Being able to get what you want now and pay for it later not only helps consumers, it drives the earnings of corporations and entire economies. Most credit is not backed by any particular asset; it is given to the borrower on an agreement to repay according to certain terms. Identification Unsecured debt is any debt obligation that is not secured by a lien on specific collateral. A home mortgage is...

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How to Negotiate a Charge-Off With the Original Creditor

A charge-off is a debt the creditor considers noncollectible, but does not mean you no longer owe the debt. If you are less than 180 days behind on your payment, the account is likely with the original creditor instead of a collection agency. Thus, you can negotiate a settlement, meaning the creditor will settle for a portion of the debt. Keep in mind this will appear negatively on your credit report and also lower your score; however, you'll be...

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Lists of Ways to Get Rid of Your Debt

The average American household has over $16,000 in credit card debt alone. Medical debt has caused over half of bankruptcies in 2001. By the time you add inyour vehicle, mortgage and utilities, it may seem like a lost cause. However, with determination and know-how, you can conquer your debt more easily than you may think. Make a Budget Create a budget. This is the number-one step in ridding yourself of debt. Crunching numbers can...

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How Does Debt Settlement Affect Your Credit Score?

What Is Debt Settlement? Debt settlement is a process in which a debt settlement company negotiates a reduced payment to a credit card company on behalf of a debtor. It is a method used by people who have gone so far into debt that they are struggling with paying off what they owe their creditor. How Debt Settlement Works When you hire a debt settlement company to negotiate a reduction of your debt to a creditor, generally the...

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Legal Assistance for Debt

If you're in financial trouble, you should first pay your rent or mortgage, your basic needs such as food and your car payment, advises the Connecticut Network for Legal Aid. Once creditors are constantly calling, you probably need legal assistance such as a debt management plan or some type of bankruptcy. Also, if you're the victim of debt collector harassment or identity theft, you may need to consult with a local attorney or legal assistance office. Debt Management Plans Debt management plans are usually administered through a nonprofit...

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Tips on Overcoming Credit Card Debt

The new set of tires for your car, the spur-of-the-moment trip to Vegas, those cute shoes that you had to have -- it's easy to just hand over the plastic and charge purchases and worry about paying them later. But when the bills come in (and they always do), you might find yourself in a mountain of debt that seems impossible to pay off. With dedication and planning, though, you can pay back what you spent and be debt free. Stop Using the Card...

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How to Check Credit History for Tax Liens

Tax liens are filed against people who owe federal or state taxes and don't pay those taxes on time. Tax liens are reported to the credit bureaus and can remain on your credit record for 15 years if unpaid and seven years if you pay them. Finding tax liens on your credit report is the first step in resolving the debt. You may opt to pay the tax debt so that it disappears from your credit report after seven years. Outstanding tax liens can...

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The Difference Between Non-Profit Credit Counseling & a Non-Profit Debt Management Program

If you're overwhelmed by debt, there's a good chance you are also confused about where to turn for help. Bankruptcy, credit counseling and debt management plans are all terms you've probably heard, but may not understand. Consulting a non-profit credit counseling organization can help you to determine what you need to do next, and while a debt management plan may be one of the solutions, it's not always the end result of credit counseling. Non-Profit Credit Counseling A session with a non-profit credit counseling agency can help you to...

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Is Debt Consolidation a Rip Off?

Debt consolidation is one of many options available to people who are having trouble managing their debt. This method can be a viable option, however, consumers must be aware of possible dangers involved. Debt Consolidation This method does not reduce the amount of money you owe. Rather, it will take all of your existing debt and reduce it to one single payment. This tends to lower the monthly payment and can reduce interest charges. Is it a Rip-Off? In its most basic form, debt consolidation can help a consumer whose payments have...

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Debt Management Methods

Proper debt management methods are the best way to get out of a deep financial hole. However, learning said methods is not always easy due to the overwhelming nature of financial debt. From harassing calls from creditors to the mountain of bills facing you each month, it can be hard to even know where to start. Put Together A Budget This is the first place to start managing your debt, because without knowing how much is going out versus how much is coming in, you will continue to financially flail. Track all expenses for 30 days and notate...

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