Relying on “plastic” can become a problem when credit card balances grow too big or your income shrinks. Perhaps you lost your job or had your hours cut. Maybe you were propping up a small business. Maybe you had a medical crisis or other unexpected bills. Or perhaps you were simply living beyond your means.
Whatever the reason, your credit card debt is out of control. Bill collectors are hounding you and threatening garnishment, liens, repossession or other legal action. You are “robbing Peter to pay Paul” while the late fees and interest pile up.
THERE IS HOPE! GET A FRESH START THROUGH BANKRUPTCY
The Chicago bankruptcy attorneys of Robert J. Adams & Associates can help you deal with all your debts. We have helped hundreds of Illinois residents discharge credit card balances to reset their finances and end the creditor harassment.
Complimentary Bankruptcy Consultation
Call us today to discuss your debt relief options, at our offices in Chicago (West Loop) or Waukegan. If you can’t afford the filing fee right now, we may be able to get you started for Low Cost.
DOES MY CREDIT CARD DEBT JUST DISAPPEAR?
It sounds too good to be true, but yes. The bankruptcy law was created to give a fresh start to people who have gotten deep in debt with no hope of paying it all back.
Unsecured debts such as credit card debt can be discharged (erased) in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Once the debt is legally forgiven, the credit card companies and third-party collection agencies cannot pursue repayment. In fact, from the day you file your bankruptcy petition, they must stop contacting you.
If you are not a candidate for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 bankruptcy puts you on an affordable payment plan. Most people pay only a fraction of their total credit card debt.
IS THERE A LIMIT ON HOW MUCH I CAN DISCHARGE?
There is no limit. Well, there is an upper limit, but unless you are a “platinum card” world traveler you will not reach the maximum. We regularly help clients discharge $5,000, $10,000 and even $30,000 or more in credit card balances. Think of what it would mean for your finances and your stress level to be rid of that burden.
GET THE FACTS AND GET RELIEF!
The benefits of bankruptcy far outweigh the temporary downsides. You will be able to get credit cards and loans in the future as you rebuild your credit. See our Bankruptcy FAQ and bankruptcy blog for answers to many of your questions.
Are you crushed under credit card debt? Do you want to get rid of the credit card debt and live peacefully? Call Robert J. Adams & Associates in Chicago, IL to discuss your financial issues with our experienced debt relief and bankruptcy attorneys. We have offices located in Waukegan and Lake County, Illinois and we also help clients in surrounding areas. We have experience aiding people with bankruptcy, debt relief, foreclosures, repossessions, paycheck garnishments, collections suits, payday loans, parking tickets, license suspensions, income tax problems and much more. For a debt free NEW START, call today to speak to our experienced bankruptcy lawyers and get out of credit card debt.
CREDIT CARDS AND THEIR TRAPS
Most of us have credit cards. It is difficult to avoid them. Banks love them because they get rich off of them. Folks become addicted to them and wind up in a never ending spiral of high and unaffordable interest payments.
THE COST AND GOOD OPTIONS
All studies show that folks spend more when they use credit cards as opposed to paying cash. Credit cards become addictive.
Banks obtain money at extremely low rates. The Federal Reserve practically gives them loans at almost no cost but then charge rate of interest anywhere from 9% to 29% and sometimes even more.
HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW CREDIT CARD COMPANIES SQUEEZE THE CONSUMER
Balance $ 3,939.4
Interest rate 14.4%
If you only pay the minimum it will take 16 years to pay it off for a total repayment of $7,601!
If you pay $136 it will take 3 years for a total of $4,881.00!
The above does not take into account either additional use (more Charges) or late payments or missed payments or over draft charges. To calculate how long it would take to pay off your credit card balance, you can use this handy calculator: www.federalreserve.gov
We often see clients with much higher balances. What if your balances are about $39,000? After 16 years you will pay the banks about $76,000. Paying the balance in 3 years the total is about $48,000.
The one question you have to ask yourself: who can better use the money? You or the banks?
If you cannot pay off your credit card balances in about 1 year you are a candidate for a “fresh start” by filing a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13.
If you find yourself in a credit card trap please feel free to call us. Our consultation is Complimentary and confidential.