Tag: chapter 13

Happy Easter from Geraci Law!

Geraci Law staff wishes a Happy Easter and offers some shelter in place ideas.

Happy Easter from Geraci Law!

Geraci Law wishes you and your family a Happy & Safe Easter! It’s not the Spring or Easter we were expecting. If you are struggling financially right now, we’re here from you.

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Some tips from Geraci Law Staff during shelter in place: 

Attorney Jason Kara – have a theme night – even though you cannot go to the beach, bring the beach to you!

JAK

John Senese – playing dress up is ALWAYS a good plan.

SEN

Elizabeth Doren – if you have preschoolers at home, buy activity books on Amazon or the Dollar Store for $3-$5.

EMS

Estimate Your Stimulus Check!

Use calculator to estimate your stimulus check – consider filing bankruptcy with Geraci Law. We’re open and ready to help. 

Estimate Your Stimulus Check!

Use calculator to estimate your stimulus check – consider filing bankruptcy with Geraci Law. We’re open and ready to help.

Stimulus checks are expected in the next few weeks. You can go online to estimate how much you and your family will receive at https://www.hrblock.com/coronavirus-tax-impact/calculator/.

Think about your debt. Will the money you receive pay off only ONE bill? Will the money only help for ONE month of minimum payments? If the answer is yes, it might be time to consider alternatives.

Bankruptcy could help. Filing for a Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured credit, a Chapter 13 will consolidate your debt into ONE monthly payment. So instead of paying thousands a year in interest, you actually PAY the balances. A Chapter 7 could give your family the fresh start it needs. Think about investing in YOUR future.

Geraci Law is here. We’re ready to answer questions and meet you. Geraci Law is able to file cases in as little as ONE day to stop wage garnishments, foreclosures, collection calls and car repossession. We’re here and ready to help!

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Geraci Law is Here to Help

Geraci Law thanks ALL essential workers for helping everyone. If you need help, Geraci Law is here for you.

Geraci Law is Here to Help

Geraci Law wants to thank all the medical workers, grocery workers, and everyone out there working to support the country during COVID-19. We understand it’s tough and we appreciate everything you are doing.

Despite many people losing jobs, losing hours, the collection efforts do not stop. Collection agencies are still calling although they probably should not be, there are still lawsuits being filed against people who are struggling. That’s where Geraci Law can help. Filing for bankruptcy can STOP the collection actions from the creditors.

Creditor lobby groups fought against a bill proposed in Congress to STOP collection agencies from reporting late or missed payments to the three credit bureaus. The bill did NOT pass. The CARES Act did pass. There are guidelines written out by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau urging banks to work with consumers. Read more at the New York Post here. An excerpt from the letter written by US Chamber of Commerce and other associations that represent banks and creditors said,

As you consider options to protect consumers from harm, please be aware that blanket suppression of all adverse information in credit reports could disrupt consumer access to credit in the future.

Sometimes we all need a little bit of help. As of now, the help is not coming from Congress and help is not guaranteed from your creditors and banks. Geraci Law is here for you. Bankruptcy could be the solution to your problem.

If you are struggling with payments, worried about your job, worried about catching coronavirus and missing work – we’re here for you. Geraci Law IS open and meeting via video. We make debt relief simple because no one needs extra stress right now.

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Debt Worry? Call Geraci Law.

If you are worried – call Geraci Law. Our experts will help you create a plan that HELPS your budget and debt.

Debt Worry? Call Geraci Law.

Because of the market crash in 2008, interest rates on consumer debt like personal loans and credit cards were historically low. The result was consumers having MORE debt with less interest. When everyone was working full-time, the household budget was fine. The income was there to make the minimum payments plus some more on the debt. Geraci Law was there for consumers in 2008 and we’re still here to help.

Now with COVID-19 and employment uncertainty, a missed payment could snowball into a big debt problem. Even if work resumes tomorrow – what if the market isn’t there? What if there’s no job to return to? What if the virus stimulus package only covers ONE MONTH of payments but does not solve the debt problem. Geraci Law may have your solution.

Geraci Law is here to help consumers realign budgets. We help people just like you worried about minimum payments and just making it. Eliminating YOUR debt helps YOUR future instead of the banks.

You can take what you are spending in minimum payments and start a savings account. You can take the money you are putting towards debt settlement or debt management programs and put it toward a down payment on a home or retirement. Bankruptcy with Geraci Law helps you get back on financial track.

Stop wasting your hard-earned dollars on uncontrollable debt.

Think about your future.

Think about your job’s future.

If you are worried, call us. Geraci Law can help you figure out a plan that works for you.

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Huffington Post Writer Explains Chapter 13

Recent post in the Huffington Post discusses writer’s bankruptcy experience at age 26. Geraci Law is here to help you at age 26 to 76!

Huffington Post Writer Explains Chapter 13

In a recent post in the Huffington Post, John-Michael Jalonen writes about his experience filing for bankruptcy at 26 years old. He like many recent college grads, found himself with more debt than his income and student loan obligations could afford.

Filing for bankruptcy changes many people’s lives for the better. It gives the opportunity to reestablish yourself financially. Geraci Law’s motto is “Changing Your Life For the Better.” We stand by that.

Read Jalonen’s article here.  An excerpt from the piece,

“Admitting you’re in debt, much less deep debt, is incredibly embarrassing and makes you feel like a failure. However, it’s something that so many people are faced with, and going through the bankruptcy process can actually be a blessing.”

If you have questions about debt, finances or just want to talk about budgeting – give us a call. Experience counselors are waiting to help you!

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Feeling Sick? Stay Home with a Financial Plan for Success!

Missed work? No savings ? Geraci Law could help.

Feeling Sick? Stay Home with a Financial Plan for Success!

When you live paycheck to paycheck, a missed shift or a sick day creates a budget explosion. The loss of income could mean a minimum payment is shortened or even a missed car payment. If this is your situation – you should call Geraci Law immediately.

Think about how much you are paying in just minimum payments. Are you paying off the balances or do you have a “Band-Aid” for a debt wound? Filing a Chapter 7 to eliminate your debt WILL help. Instead of cycling the credit use and debt, you can start a savings account. So if you have a sick day, you have a fall back plan that doesn’t include using the credit cards. Read more about stopping the debt cycle.

It’s not just missed time – it’s the medical bills. Even if you are insured, a trip to the hospital for flu-like systems could cost you copays. In addition, a trip to the hospital may not cover all the expenditures and testing.

Medical debt is DISCHARGEABLE with a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. You may be better off waiting until all treatment is received before filing. But that’s why it’s important to call and speak with an experienced professional at Geraci Law.

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Chicago’s Fresh Start Program

City of Chicago’s Fresh Start Program for parking tickets and driver license suspensions. Let Geraci Law help you apply and get a fresh start from your other credit debt!

Chicago’s Fresh Start Program

Geraci Law uses the phrase FRESH START for people who file for bankruptcy.  Geraci Law offers you the ability to start again with both a Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. You are debt-free with the opportunity to reestablish your credit.

The City of Chicago borrowed the phrase Fresh Start for a new parking ticket program. In the city of Chicago, unpaid parking ticket balances can double and snowball to HUGE balances. A driver’s license can be suspended or a car can be booted if unpaid tickets are ignored. Previously, the ONLY bankruptcy option was filing a Chapter 13 repayment plan for the debt.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy plans consolidate the balance of parking tickets into an affordable repayment. With the Fresh Start program, parking ticket balances can be written off. So instead of a three to five year repayment, you can file a Chapter 7 to eliminate OTHER debt like credit cards and medical. When your case is discharged, you apply for the Fresh Start Program.

Geraci Law will handle ALL of this for you. When accepted into the program, the City of Chicago will respond with a proposed plan.

–       ANY tickets over 3 years old will be written off by the City of Chicago. So you will NOT owe them.

–       ANY tickets incurred within the last 3 years, will be put into a payment plan without the need of a large down payment.

If you have parking tickets, Geraci Law CAN help! Calling our experienced staff can determine if a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is a viable option to STOP a driver’s license suspension.

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

When Should I File For Bankruptcy?

Use Peter Francis Geraci checklist to determine if NOW is the best time to file!

When Should I File for Bankruptcy?

Below is a checklist from Attorney Peter Francis Geraci’s Bankruptcy Book. Use the checklist to review if now is the best time to file for bankruptcy.

Read more of The Complete Book on Bankruptcy by Attorney Peter Francis Geraci at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

  • Three or more apply to YOU, you should call us NOW.
  • Five or more apply to YOU, then you should have called us months ago.

_____My debt is over $10,000 not including a car or house.

_____My payments are over 25% of my take home pay.

_____I am frequently late on my payments.

_____I pay 20% interest on my debt.

_____I buy necessary items like food or clothing on credit.

_____I frequently get cash advances.

_____I am thinking about getting a loan to pay other loans.

_____ I have a lawsuit and over $10,000 in other debt I can eliminate.

_____Collection agencies are calling me.

_____I am “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

_____My balances are not going down even though I make payments.

_____I have been turned down for more credit.

_____Payments are more than 1 month behind on more than one bill.

_____My driver’s license is suspended because of an accident.

_____I am working but paying other debts so I can’t afford car insurance.

_____My mortgage or rent is always late, or is behind.

_____We are getting divorced and have too many bills to pay.

_____I have medical bills over $20,000 that are not insured.

_____There is a garnishment or wage assignment on my check.

_____I owe income taxes I can’t pay now.

_____My car is worth much less than I owe.

_____I have no savings.

Either way, Geraci Law offers a free consultation if bankruptcy solves your problem. Don’t wait until creditors file a lawsuit, don’t wait until your savings are spent and do not wait until a car is repossessed. BREAK THE CYCLE!

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

What Can a Chapter 13 Do For Me?

Worried about your driver’s license? Is the repo man knocking on your door? Have you been served with a foreclosure summons? Geraci Law is here to help solve your problem with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. 

What Can a Chapter 13 Do For Me?

Worried about your driver’s license? Is the repo man knocking on your door? Have you been served with a foreclosure summons? Geraci Law is here to help solve your problem with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 bankruptcies are debt repayment plans. You are consolidating debt to fit YOUR budget. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy can:

  • STOP foreclosure
  • STOP vehicle/property repossession
  • STOP wage garnishments
  • LIFT driver’s license suspensions for parking tickets, red light tickets

The payment plan is based on your debt, income and assets. We can create a plan to get you back on track. If life happens and something changes DURING your Chapter 13 plan, our team is here to figure out a solution.

Some attorneys file the case and then disappear. You talk to voice mail instead of a live person. At Geraci Law, we are available to figure out a solution. Our staff is available to YOU.

The best part? A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the EXACT same fee no matter what law firm you hire. You pay the same price if you hire an attorney who has NEVER filed a bankruptcy petition or a Geraci Law team of attorneys with over 40 years of bankruptcy experience.

Wait, it does get better. If you are working full-time with a steady source of income, you could qualify for no-money down. You get the FAST relief without the worry of coming up with a lump sum of attorney fees. We can do your case in a day. Call Geraci Law – we’re ready to solve your problem.

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

5 Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Myths

Geraci Law debunks 5 Chapter 13 bankruptcy myths.

5 Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Myths

  • MYTH I will never be able to buy a house.
  • FACT  For an FHA loan, you can purchase a home WHILE in a Chapter 13 as long as you made payments on time for 1 year and the loan is approved by the bankruptcy court. For a conventional loan generally it’s 2 years after Chapter 13 discharge.

 

  • MYTH I can’t buy a car while I’m in a Chapter 13.
  • FACT Not true. You can finance a car WHILE in a Chapter 13 with court approval. But you are better off going on Craig’s List and finding a cheap car and having no car payment.  Geraci Law works with our clients to figure out the best option to fit their budget. Sometimes it’s better to buy a car for cash, sometimes it’s better to lease – it depends on an individual situation. That is why Geraci Law should be the firm you file with.

 

  • MYTH A Chapter 7 is better – why would I pay my debt?
  • FACT It depends on your situation. You can still ELIMINATE debt with a Chapter 13. If you are paying less than 100% of what you owe, a bankruptcy discharge will eliminate what is NOT paid. If the court approves you to pay back 10% of your unsecured debt (credit cards and medical for example), once the case is discharged you will eliminate the other 90%! It gets better. A Chapter 13 can eliminate some debts that a Chapter 7 cannot. EVEN without paying it in full.

 

  • MYTH I will lose my tax refund.
  • FACT It depends on your situation. Are you over withholding? Are your refunds mostly credits? Geraci Law works to find a solution to your problem. Our team of attorneys review your taxes and work to PROTECT what you need.

 

  • MYTH What happens if I lose my job? Am I just out the money I paid in the bankruptcy?
  • FACT This is why you hire Geraci Law. If you lose your job, you call Geraci Law and we’ll figure out a better solution. Maybe converting to a Chapter 7 is a better option. Maybe modifying your payment plan with your new income and expenses is another option. Geraci Law’s team of attorneys is here to represent YOU.

 

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.