Is The United States Bankrupt?

Article by Richard Chapo

Is The United States Bankrupt? – Society – Economics

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The world of economics is incredibly complex when you start rolling the numbers this way and that. The last five years, however, has raised a simple question that many thought impossible not long ago. Is the United States bankrupt?

Bankrupt may seem an alarmist term, but I am speaking of it here as an objective assessment. We find ourselves in interesting times. We are perhaps the richest country in the world, but for all the world appear to be bankrupt when you look at our finances.

What is bankruptcy? Is it carrying more debt than your total assets? If so, then we are in trouble. Our total assets when you include assets held by the government, businesses and individuals totals out to roughly trillion. Our total liabilities when including unfunded liabilities [you know

How To Avoid Bankruptcy

Article by Richard Cooper

Bankruptcy seems like a solution when you feel you have no other options. Your bills are adding up and you just can’t take the calls from your creditors anymore. You’ve seen the commercials and know other people who have filed. You want your own relief, but you feel as if you can’t avoid bankruptcy. Before you take that step and file your paperwork consider why and how you can avoid bankruptcy.

Why You Should Avoid Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy isn’t a magic solution that clears away all of your problems. Your debt isn’t always cleared and your debtors may take some of your property. Bankruptcy should be avoided, and with some diligence, it can be. When you avoid bankruptcy you are saving what is left of your credit history and your sanity.

If you’re considering bankruptcy your credit may have already taken a pretty big hit; however, you can recover from anything in time. If you get your finances in order and under control you can restore your credit score. The moment you file for bankruptcy your credit score will plummet 200-250 points and the black mark will remain upon your report for 7-10 years, affecting every future transaction. It is much wiser to avoid bankruptcy and attempt to restore your current credit score.

Filing for bankruptcy can mean that it will be 7-10 years before you can acquire new credit. If you must purchase a car, make home repairs, or simply refinance your home, a documented bankruptcy proceeding may not allow you to do so. If you can get a loan after filing for bankruptcy your interest rate is going to be very high.

It is also important to realize that bankruptcy doesn’t always eliminate all of your debt. Debts to the government, overdue taxes and child support delinquencies cannot be eliminated by bankruptcy. The best thing to do for this sort debt is to work out a way to consolidate what you owe into one payment, which should be more manageable.

The final nail in the bankruptcy coffin is that your home, car or other assets can be seized to cover some of your debt. Where will you stay if you lose your home? How will you get to work if they take your car? All of a sudden bankruptcy doesn’t seem like a solution, but an even bigger problem. With a clearer understanding of the potential challenges that arise if you declare bankruptcy we can look more clearly at ways to avoid this final step.

How You Can Avoid Bankruptcy

Right now you may feel as if tyou’re at the end of your rope, but there are ways to get control over your debt while avoiding bankruptcy. The first thing you need to do is to get organized.

Take everything you owe and sort it out; consider subcategories such as revolving debt, credit card debt, good debt and so forth. The best way to do this is to enter everything into spreadsheet format. Enter who you owe, the amount, the interest rate, the minimum payment, and their contact information. Having this easily available gives you a better perspective of the situation.

Your next step should be to contact your creditors. Let them know you want to avoid bankruptcy and see if they can help you. Ask if they can reduce your interest rate or even decrease your total balance; keep in mind that if some of your balance is forgiven, it will likely appear on your credit report as failure to pay. If you let them know you want to avoid bankruptcy and wish work to pay down your debt they will be more inclined to work with you.

Finally, organize your remaining bills by interest rate; from the highest to lowest. Pay off those bills that carry the highest interest rates first and pay only the minimums to the rest.

Consolidate Your Debt

If you feel that you are beyond simple organization there are other options available as well. Debt settlements companies and debt consolidation companies can help you avoid bankruptcy and get debt relief. They may also have better resources to get your creditors to reduce what you owe although that is likely to have a negative effect upon your credit it is better than defaulting.

Consider all of these things before filing bankruptcy. Avoid bankruptcy to save your credit score, your possessions, and your sanity. Bankruptcy should only be your last resort when all other resources have failed.

Bankruptcy

The least thing any established person wants to happen to him or herself is to end up having nothing, as in zero at all.  With the aftershock from the global recession, a lot of companies ended up closing, and hundreds of thousands of workers from all over the world lost their jobs.  It’s not surprising that most of these people ended up declaring Bankruptcy.

Again, everybody really doesn’t want to declare that they are already bankrupt.  Bankruptcy is a state in which the person doesn’t have any asset anymore—money or even any property.  The real measurement of bankruptcy is when a person has a lot of loans that weren’t settled.  Once a person couldn’t pay up for all his loans, what happens is that the lending company sequesters everything that the debtor has from his cash savings to all of his properties.  The worse case would be when the debtor has already given all his money and properties, yet he or she still has a remaining loan to be paid.  That means the debtor is already in a full state of bankruptcy, and that there is no other way to recover but to look for a sponsor or benefactor.  Avoiding being bankrupt is actually easy if the debtor only knows how to manage his or her loans.  Having several loans is one of the main root causes of Bankruptcy, and if you want to be spared from this very embarrassing financial state, then you have to revisit all your loans and do the necessary organization particularly to your finances so that you won’t end up getting bankrupt.  What you only have to do is to have a credit repair so that you can make the necessary adjustments to the credits that you have so that you won’t pay up for unnecessary expenses.

Aside from being familiar with all the loans that you have, avoiding Bankruptcy starts from the value of controlling oneself from incurring more loans in the future.  If you can stop yourself from getting more personal loans or from using your credit card more often, then you won’t definitely get bankrupt.

Bailed-out Portugal’s economic woes are leaving families destitute and fueling personal bankruptcies as well as property repossessions. (March 28) Subscribe to the Associated Press: bit.ly Download AP Mobile: www.ap.org Associated Press on Facebook: apne.ws Associated Press on Twitter: apne.ws Associated Press on Google+: bit.ly
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Filing Bankruptcy Without An Attorney

Article by Sam Marks

Do I need a lawyer to file bankruptcy? The short answer is “no.” But filing your own bankruptcy can be very costly. The penalties for making a mistake can be severe.

The main reason people choose to not hire an attorney for bankruptcy is to save money. That’s a lot like saving the cost of a map when you are somewhere you’ve never been before. You would be very lucky not to get lost along the way! In this article I am going to explain to you why you must have adequate legal representation in bankruptcy.

If you are thinking about filing bankruptcy you are probably thinking, how am I going to pay my attorney fees when I am already having trouble paying my bills? We will work with you and do our best to help you find a way to gather the money together to file for bankruptcy. When a person represents himself or herself in a legal matter it is called “proceeding pro se.” Frequently, I see debtors who think they know how to represent themselves in bankruptcy court, but that is generally not a good decision.

What Happens if I Make a Mistake on My Bankruptcy Petition?

It is inevitable that mistakes will be made. The consequences for not properly listing your assets or attempting to hide them can be much worse than the loss of your possessions. Fraudulent concealment or false statements are punishable under the law. The federal government investigates bankruptcy fraud and prosecution can lead to a 0,000 fine and/or 5 years in prison. While merely making a mistake will not typically result in jail or fines, the stress of fixing the mistakes and going through the process of having the United States Trustee haul you before a judge can feel worse.

In addition to possible fines or jail time, messing up your bankruptcy petition will likely lead to having your discharge denied, or revoked if a discharge has already been entered. The whole purpose of filing for bankruptcy is obtaining the discharge. Any money you perceive you are saving will pale in comparison to the costs you will incur while suffering from trying to file yourself. An attorney can help to avoid mistakes or fix mistakes if they are made.

How Will I Know If Bankruptcy Is The Only Option For Me?

Setting aside the issue of properly reporting information on your bankruptcy petition, there is still the issue of deciding if filing for bankruptcy is in your best interest. Many times people who think bankruptcy is their only option find that they have numerous other choices when they consult a bankruptcy attorney. The experience of a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney can be priceless. Let the attorney quickly and efficiently advise you of all of your options.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare A Bankruptcy Petition?

You also have to consider how much your own time is worth. In order to be fully informed you are going to have to research the bankruptcy process, rules, and regulations before starting your petition. Pro se litigants should be familiar with the United States Bankruptcy Code and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. Attorneys spend years learning the bankruptcy process. This is not something that can be learned in an evening.

It is crucial that you have the proper knowledge when approaching a bankruptcy case. Of course, there are many books that explain how the process works and how to prepare a bankruptcy petition. Any good book will be hundreds of pages long, but no single book will be totally inclusive. Yes, any American consumer can file their own bankruptcy petition. However, there are so many traps for the unwary that even attorneys who do not regularly practice bankruptcy often get their clients into hot water.

When Is The Time Right For Me To File Bankruptcy?

The first step in filing bankruptcy is determining when the petition should be filed. A debtor has the right to determine when the correct time is best to file. Tax refunds, asset preservation, and many other aspects of the success of your bankruptcy are all affected by when a bankruptcy petition is filed. Some clients want to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy to save a home. The timing of a foreclosure and the timing of the bankruptcy can directly affect each other. It takes an experienced attorney in each area to resolve the conflicts created by each.

Timing may also affect whether the debtor passes the means test and thus qualifies for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Debtors are allowed to maximize their rights to the extent allowed by law, and filing the case at an opportune time is not an indication of bad faith, but an acceptable exercise of rights granted by the Code.

Many debtors do not realize that certain conduct which may have occurred years before filing can have a major impact on the success or failure of a bankruptcy. For example, giving away assets or transferring an interest in real estate can result in significant litigation in the bankruptcy case. Such matters are regularly reviewed by bankruptcy counsel before a bankruptcy petition is filed. There are many reasons why assets such as automobiles, stocks, and homes cannot be transferred before bankruptcy.

Who Is Going To Look At What I Prepare?

With the overhaul of the bankruptcy code in 2005 a new, more complicated means test was developed. The means test was created as a method of developing a uniform system of qualifying debtors for bankruptcy. Once your petition is complete it will be scrutinized by both the trustee and the office of United States Trustee to ensure everything is accurate, all of the requirements under law are met, and that you qualify for bankruptcy. Of all the people I have seen file for bankruptcy pro se, only three have completed the means test correctly. Ironically they still messed up their petition and had to pay an attorney to fix the mistakes.

In every bankruptcy case, the debtor must appear before a bankruptcy trustee at a 341 meeting. The essential purpose of the trustee is to investigate the debtor and determine if there are any assets that can be taken for the benefit of creditors. The type of exemptions you can use and the amount of each exemption can be complicated and vary from state to state. If it’s not done correctly, the debtor faces losing property that otherwise might not have been lost. A well seasoned bankruptcy attorney will know how to take the steps so that you avoid any complications or embarrassing situations at your 341 meeting with the trustee.

In conclusion, you may make the choice to file for bankruptcy on your own to save attorney’s fees only to learn that you’ve made a mistake that will cost thousands of dollars more than the attorney would have. Pennywise, in other words, can end up being pound foolish. A completed bankruptcy petition is anywhere from 30-50 pages long or longer. Although it is written in plain English it can be very overwhelming, especially for somebody who has never seen one before. The petition requires numerous schedules, budgets, and proper debt and asset information be listed.

Think of your bankruptcy attorney as investing in a GPS system that will guide you step by step. Contact a bankruptcy attorney in your area for a consultation so that an he or she can show you how the bankruptcy process can help you get a fresh start.

Filing for bankruptcy involves choosing between a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy and should be done with the aid of a lawyer. Consider credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy with tips from a certified public accountant and credit counselor in this free video on debt management. Expert: Jerrie Guthrey Bio: Jerrie Guthrey has been a certified public accountant and credit counselor since 1992. Filmmaker: Jack Guthrey
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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How Do I File Bankruptcy? Bankruptcy Help

Filing bankruptcy is not that difficult, particularly when using professional help, what is difficult however is reaching the decision to file bankruptcy and endure the process and the aftermath. So how do you file bankruptcy with the least amount of stress?

There are a couple of ways to file your bankruptcy petition, one way is to do it yourself, by visiting the US Courts website and downloading the necessary paperwork, following instructions and properly filling out the forms, then taking the required debt counseling courses and submitting your case to your local bankruptcy court and hope you don’t get denied due to errors you may have made while filing your own case.

Filing bankruptcy alone is difficult and never recommended. A couple of years ago bankruptcy laws changed to make it harder for people to qualify for bankruptcy, so now it is very easy for self-filers to make mistakes and get denied, this often results in you not being able to file again for some time, extending your troubles of not being able to pay your creditors.

The most effective way to file bankruptcy is without question to hire professional help.

The bankruptcy code is full of specific laws that require experience and knowledge in legal procedures to execute properly. Yes you can file alone and succeed but not without a lot of work. So if you’re considering this option and are asking yourself “How do I file Bankruptcy?” The best answer is for you to start searching for a bankruptcy attorney in your local area.

Bankruptcy Chapter 13- Elk Grove

A person, who is facing mounting debts and harassing calls from creditors for increasing number of unpaid bills, opts to declare himself bankrupt. Bankruptcy is a legal process by he will be able to resolve financial problems within a reasonable time, through the division of assets amongst his creditors. After that he will have an opportunity to start afresh. A person can opt for filing bankruptcy as an individual or on behalf of his business.

The first thing to file for bankruptcy is consulting with a bankruptcy attorney. He has to submit all his bank statements, loan papers, credit bills, debt notices, and tax returns to the attorney. The latter will analyze his financial condition and will advise him to choose the most suitable type of bankruptcy.

For a resident of Elk Grove, California, with a steady income, Chapter 13 would be the best option. A person can file for this type if his income is more than the state’s median income and he wants to retain the property. The person will be allowed to opt for a debt management program, so that he can repay his debts within 3 to 5 years. A trustee, appointed by the court will collect the payments and distribute that amongst the creditors. However, he will have to pay a charge to the trustee. It should be remembered that once a person files for bankruptcy, it will create a negative effect on his credit score. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy will stay in the credit report for 7 years.

As per the new bankruptcy law, which came into effect from 17th October, 2005, it is mandatory to take a credit counseling session, prior to filing for bankruptcy. The credit counselor has to be approved by the US Trustee. It is better to consult and take help of a reliable bankruptcy lawyer, to make the process simplified. For filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Elk Grove, one needs to meet the following requirements-

* He should have undergone credit counseling from an approved credit counselor, 180 days prior to filing.

* His secured debts must not be over ,010,650 and unsecured debts must be less than 6,900.

* He should not fail to appear before the court during the last 180 days.

If you are looking for a reliable bankruptcy law firm, log onto www.norcallawcenter.com. They offer legal services to the residents for bankruptcy Chapter 13. Elk Grove residents take advantage of their service at reasonable rates. They provide high quality legal representation. Contact their lawyers today to get out of the financial dilemma within a short time.

www.bankruptcy-sandiego.com San Diego Bankruptcy lawyer gives you the basics on Bankruptcy .San Diego bankruptcy lawyer Paul Staley explains chapter 7 versus chapter 13 and all that you will need to know. Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is a big decision., the more you know about credit card debt…
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Understanding Bankruptcy Chapter 7 Exemptions

When debts are overwhelming, the hardest part could be filing for bankruptcy. A lot of people like Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. This chapter involved selling all your non-exempted assets which can gives you a way to pay off all your debts. The process is fully supervised, and the authority will appoint a trustee to get sales from all the non-exempt assets owned by the debtor and appropriate the sales money to various creditors. Bankruptcy chapter 7 exemptions are assets that the courts will not touch when chapter 7 bankruptcy is filed. It is true that chapter 7 tend to help the debtors more and with the help of exemptions, a debtor could effectively reduce your personal damage and still get to keep some stuff.

In this exemption the debtor will review the state exemption list given to the debtor and learn which property to keep. This list is found in the Federal Bankruptcy Code.

The debtor’s property will be separated as exempt or non-exempt when the state trustee files a property exemption report. State exemption laws can vary from one state to another although some basic laws may be the same.

Debts that are classified as secured debts will be paid first. As for debts that are unsecured, there may be a situation that the creditors of unsecured debts may not get the full payment. The trustee makes sure that the right creditors get the deserved money in the right way. Note that to enjoy the benefits of bankruptcy chapter 7 exemptions, the defaulter must file the case in the state where he/she lived for at least 730 days before he/she can file for this type of bankruptcy. Alternatively, the debtor may also file the case in a state where he/she has spent most of the 180 period prior to the 2-year period.

There are also the Federal exemptions which will cover retirement benefits, death disability benefits, survivor’s benefits and miscellaneous.

Although, keep in mind that these may not be available in all states.

Bankruptcy is probably the worst scenario, your credit score will drop a lot because of it. Not only you will lose most of your possessions and you need to start your business all over again from nothing. Always keep in mind that bankruptcy should be your last option.

Unfortunately, if you are in the dired situation, then try to learn more about bankruptcy chapter 7 exemptions as your personal loss can be reduced to a minimum, and make use of it in a way to help get back on your feet at the earliest.

Bankruptcy can be scary but you can minimize the loss. Visit my website as I talk about Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and chapter 7 exemptions

The Truth About Bankruptcy Mortgages

What is a Bankruptcy Mortgage?

A bankruptcy mortgage is a mortgage application for people who have declared themselves bankrupt in the past. While turning to bankruptcy or individual voluntary arrangements may be the only way to get out of debt for some people it leaves a bad mark on their credit rating: a bankruptcy mortgage is aware of the borrower’s credit history but is willing to lend them the money under certain circumstances where they would be refused by a standard mortgage.

When it comes to Bankruptcy mortgages and financing, those who have become Bankrupt through lack of mortgage funds may find that the picture is not as bleak as it was 10 years ago. In the past many lenders stopped debtors from borrowing for up to 7 years after Bankruptcy. Today, due to lenders specialising in adverse credit, borrowers may still be able to keep their home even if they have considerable arrears. However, even the most specialised Bankruptcy Mortgage lender will apply restrictions to Bankruptcy mortgage refinancing, in order to make sure they are covered if the lender cannot pay.

What are the differences between a Bankruptcy Mortgage and a Standard Mortgage?

A bankruptcy mortgage is higher risk than a standard mortgage because it is designed for people who have had financial difficulties in the past. As such it is called a sub prime mortgage and is only available from specialised lenders, although the number of companies offering mortgages for individuals with adverse credit is growing. Currently there are around 30 lenders that offer bankruptcy mortgage services according to research done by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). The rates for a bankruptcy mortgage are likely to be a couple of percentage points higher than a standard mortgage but individual case history and the circumstance of your debt will be considered.

How soon after Bankruptcy can I apply for a Mortgage?

Usually bankruptcy lasts for a year, therefore after this time you can apply for a mortgage although whether or not it is granted will depend on your credit record and the circumstance. Bankruptcy will stay on your credit record for six years. Usually individuals will have to show evidence that the circumstances that caused bankruptcy no longer apply.

Will getting a Bankruptcy Mortgage improve my credit rating?

Getting a bankruptcy mortgage is a good way to improve your credit rating if you have been bankrupt in the past, as long as you can keep up with your mortgage repayments you will be proving to future lenders that your financial management has improved.

Should I use a Broker to find a Bankruptcy Mortgage?

Bankruptcy mortgages are particularly specialist, therefore many firms that offer them only do so through a broker. Approaching a broker will give you access to a large amount of deals from a range of firms, because the rate you get quoted will depend so much on your previous case history going through an intermediary who knows the industry is the surest way to get a good deal and save you money.

What will I need to provide when applying for a Bankruptcy Mortgage?

When applying for a mortgage in adverse credit circumstances providing full details of your credit history is important, the more information you give the more they will understand your personal circumstances. You will also need to provide proof of your income. Before you approach a lender it is a good idea to think realistically about the amount you can afford to borrow and what monthly repayments you would be able to keep up with.

Increase your chances of success:

• Following bankruptcy keep your payments up to date and on time
• Put down a large deposit or down-payment
• Choose a mortgage lender who is FSA regulated and approved
• Get bankruptcy advice from an independent third party
• Use a broker or comparison tool to compare different bankruptcy mortgage quotes

Orlando Bankruptcy Attorney Eric Bolves describes the very successful mortgage mediation program available in Chapter 13 Bankruptcies in Orlando.
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The Cost of Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy comes tagged with different costs that every debtor should be aware of. Apart from being the right path to follow when looking to have a new financial start, it can also be very costly; hence the need to make all considerations before deciding to claim bankruptcy. Take your time to evaluate all the costs to ensure that the solution is the best among all possible solutions available for your situation.

Bankruptcy calls for the representation of a lawyer whom you have to pay to offer services to you. There are also the filing fees for opening the file for your case. Nowadays credit counseling has been introduced which is supposed to prepare you for the process and advise you further on the different ways of keeping debts at bay. If you need to make changes to your case, you will be required to pay amendment fees among other fees coming along the way as the case proceeds.

The various fees should be your starting point for considering whether you should go on with the process or not.

Apart from the charges, your credit report will be ruined and you will be in the list of bad credit. This could make it very difficult for you to get any financial funding in future. Although there are different institutions that are willing to give loans to people with bad credit history, the process can be tedious and it can be hard to find a creditor who trusts you. In return you will end up paying higher interest rates compared to other people if you are lucky enough to get a financier.

When looking to get insurance with your dented credit report, you will end up with higher premiums compared to what a person with good history will get. This is a cost you have to pay for your bankruptcy. Another thing that comes tagged with bankruptcy is the probability of your having to part with all your assets which could include your car and house among others in order to pay your creditors. Apart from dragging you down, this can be quiet embarrassing and could even have an effect on you psychologically.

If possible, it is better to avoid all cases and situations that could lead to bankruptcy. You will have more to gain than lose when your financial reports remain clean.

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Best Ways To Avoid Bankruptcy

During the course of the past year alone, there has been over a million bankruptcies. And there are many more on the way with the economy showing very little signs of improving. But, even with the jobs situation the way it is, there are some things that the average person can do to try to avoid bankruptcy.

Number one one your list of resolutions should be to start using your credit card as little as you possible can. A large part of using a credit card is mostly psychological anyway. When most people pay for something with a credit card, it is like they are not actually spending money. And it’s not until the credit card billing date that they actually think about the items that they have charged.

Unfortunately, when that moment arrives, a large number of consumers do not have the money to fully pay off the balance. as a result, the credit card balance is allowed to slowly grow, month by month, until it is totally out of reach based on their current income.

Most consumers in this country have fallen into the habit of using credit cards is as if they are cash.

But, that is really far from the truth. It helps to keep in mind that when you use a credit card, you are taking out a loan. You are, in effect, spending future money.

The thing is that when the economy is down, future money is not guaranteed. So, unless you absolutely need to, try not to take these unnecessary loans against your future.

Following that, the next most critical change that you can make in your financial life is to simply cultivate the habit of not living beyond your means. What this means is that instead of buying the most expensive ‘status’ car that you can buy, purchase a car that fits in with your current income level.

When you go to purchase a home, don’t reflexively look for one in the most ritzy part of the city. instead, purchase one in the nicest neighborhood that you can afford. Buying things that you really can’t afford, usually with the help of a credit card, is a disaster waiting to happen. And, with so many people living paycheck to paycheck, a financial disaster is the one thing that they really can not afford.

The biggest reason that many families find themselves filing for bankruptcy is the unwise spending choices that they have made in the past. But, sometimes, circumstances beyond your control intervene and through no fault of your own, you run into financial difficulties. If so, you may have no choice but to file for bankruptcy. But, in many cases, long before you are hit with financial problems, there are things that you can do to help prevent a bankruptcy risk.

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from Altius and more videos in the Debt category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com Think filing for bankruptcy is the easy way out? Plan to say goodbye to your cell phone, the internet, and anything else the IRS deems a luxury—and suffer a black mark on your credit report for ten years. Get smart and get out of debt the old-fashioned wa To complete this How-To you will need: An itemized list of everything you owe Bank statements And credit card statements Step 1: Use cash Stop using your credit cards and start paying cash for everything. Step 2: Examine your habits Examine how you got into debt so you can make the necessary changes. Did you lose your job and not have emergency savings, or are you a shopaholic? Step 3: Compare income to expenditures Tally up what you spend each month and compare it to your income. For many people, being in debt is simply a matter of having more money going out than coming in. Tip: Some banks offer free debt counseling. Step 4: Lower monthly expenses Find ways to lower your monthly expenses. Believe it or not, you can survive without cable TV, your morning latte, call-waiting, and the weekly tabloids for a while. Step 5: Raise cash Raise some cash — have a garage sale, get rid of stuff on …
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