When we think of Middle Class America we think of stability, nice jobs, good neighbors and stellar careers; but middle class America is in crisis.  Many are facing foreclosure and are filing bankruptcy despite their degrees, high salaries and symbols of stability. In this three part series we will explore how and why middle class [...]

If you’re applying for a job in finance, accounting or a position that requires the handling of cash, expensive merchandise or a security clearance, you may be subjected to a credit check. If you’re behind on your bills, have delinquencies, defaults, judgments or liens, there a few things you should know.
While a company is restricted [...]

I don’t want to sound the alarm too soon; but the road to municipal bankruptcy usually begins with small things, like the city’s recreational facilities facing budget shortfalls and closure.  Unfortunately, Fort Worth, like many other municipalities around the country has suffered tax revenue declines caused by the battered economy and now they may need [...]

A Texas judge ruled that State Farm Insurance must repay $310 million in premiums and back interest to Texas customers for overcharging them on homeowner policies. The ruling will affect State Farm Lloyds residential policies between September 2003 and July 2008.
The refund is far less than the $1 billion that consumer advocates wanted, prompting one, [...]

You should avoid making pre-filing bankruptcy mistakes such as using home equity loans or retirement accounts to pay off debts.

Here are some common pre-filing mistakes that folks considering bankruptcy sometimes make:
1.  Refusing to consider bankruptcy until it’s too late. This is a pretty easy one to figure out, but it’s also a surprisingly common mistake [...]

Many Americans experiencing financial trouble don’t realize until the last minute that they should have filed bankruptcy months, if not years earlier.  Here are the signs that you may need to file bankruptcy:

You often write checks against your bank account when you know the money isn’t there.  [...]

According to an article in the Star-Telegram, a woman who hid more than $255,000 from a bankruptcy trustee has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison.
The article said:
“Hardy filed a personal injury lawsuit in 2001 against GE Modular Space Transport International Pool Corp. She filed for bankruptcy before the settlement. Authorities say she hid [...]

According to an article in the Star-Telegram, workers have rejected contract changes that would have allowed Ford Motor Co. to cut labor costs and remain competitive with Chrysler and GM, both of which recently emerged from bankruptcy.
The article said:
“Ford sought the deal to bring its labor costs in line with Chrysler Group LLC. and General [...]

According to an article in the Star-Telegram, CIT Group’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a source of angst for the nation’s small and mid-sized retailers, many of whom rely on the lender for credit. CIT Group insists that its bankruptcy will not cause disruptions for the already instable retail industry which has watched revenues drop since [...]

According to a report released by the FBI, Anthony Randall Simmons a 44 year old debtor who filed for bankruptcy has been charged with bankruptcy fraud.  Federal authorities stated that Simmons filed bankruptcy and attempted to defraud the system by concealing assets that he should have disclosed. Specifically, Simmons allegedly failed to report $95,000 he [...]

Have you noticed the commercial centers near you growing a little quieter lately?  If so, you’re not alone.  Commercial real estate nationwide has taken a beating that has many experts fearing the worse.  Vacancy rates have soared while rents have hit rock bottom. And many property owners are struggling to avoid foreclosure. Some have even [...]

According to an article in Bloomberg, more Americans filed bankruptcy in October than in any month since changes to the U.S. bankruptcy code were put in place in 2005.  In the month of October alone, bankruptcy fillings for individuals rose 25 percent from a year earlier to 131,200 filings.  And since January 2009, there have [...]