As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Providence/ Warwick bankruptcy lawyer, I rescue clients from financial chaos. I solve debt problems caused by job loss, ill health, and other life-changing setbacks. For so many with too much debt and too little income, I help them push the RESTART button.

After examining spending patterns, budgets and monthly income, we consider all debt-relief options including payment plans, debt settlement, and bankruptcy.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is designed to protect property and give a financial fresh-start. My clients feel immediate relief after I file their case and debt collectors stop calling. 90 days later, the case ends and financial freedom begins.

Many are surprised to learn how Rhode Island and federal law can help protect most/all of their property. These bankruptcy “exemption” protections apply to cars, real estate, retirement assets, jewelry, etc. Most clients do not lose any property at all.

These same laws also help remove most unsecured debts like credit cards, payday loans, utility bills, personal loans, lines of credit, medical bills, car repossessions, mortgage foreclosures, etc. Sometimes, even income tax obligations can be discharged in bankruptcy.

I understand its not easy to ask for help, especially when it comes to money-matters. I get it. That’s why I designed my practice differently.

Anyone with a debt problem can call me, without any obligation, to get my legal-financial advice. I’m pretty easy to talk to and would be happy to help you determine the best path out of your debt dilemma.

Hit the Avvo badge below where clients generously shared their experience in working with my firm.

8.3Mark Steven Buckley CFP

PS: I don’t take these “awards” too seriously, but I’m always happy when bankruptcy clients appreciate the realized benefits of a financial do-over.

Here it is.Mark Steven Buckley CFPClients’ ChoiceAward 2019

You’ve tried calling each credit card company to work out a debt settlement plan, but they aren’t interested. Interest rates have only skyrocketed in the past year. The bills keep coming and you are drowning in debt.

What if your “minimum payments” on credit cards add up to $ 1,000 a month? Few debtors can honestly afford repaying such a high amount without using other cards for their daily living expenses. It becomes a game of robbing Peter to pay Paul.

It would seem like a miracle for a “credit counseling” company to get your payments down to $750 per month by decreasing your interest rates. Who wouldn’t want to save $ 250 a month? Although saving $250 per month may sound good at first, here is the bigger question. Do you honestly even have the $ 750 available?

If you can only afford $300 a month, a plan that requires you to pay $750 per month will not do you much good. You are still in debt. For this reason, “credit counseling” companies and “debt management” companies focus exclusively on the amount of savings they offer, rather than whether you can actually afford your payments. Many clients who ended up filing bankruptcy in Rhode Island wasted thousands of dollars on unrealistic repayment plans first.

Added to the misleading nature of “debt management” company claims are hidden fees and fraud. Consumer Reports claims that

” Many [“debt management” companies] advise rolling high-interest debt into a second mortgage. But by using your house as collateral for what was unsecured debt, you risk losing your home. Some firms can persuade creditors to cut your debt. But if you miss payments they can later back out of the deal and demand full payment, potentially landing you in bankruptcy court after you’ve already paid a large portion of your debt.” Consumer Reports online report, June 2005.

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers a straightforward, honest, effective alternative to the misinformation propagated by “debt management” and “credit counseling” companies. Federal bankruptcy laws were created by Congress for the purpose of helping hardworking citizens pay off their debts. Unlike DMPs, bankruptcy actually reduces both interest and debt. In fact, bankruptcy is the only way to completely eliminate a debt.

Bottom line: Before you look into signing up for an unrealistic debt management plan, consider consulting a qualified Rhode Island bankruptcy lawyer.

Clients’ Choice Award – I’d like to thank . . .

Debt Settlement Plans: Part II

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