What Is “Confirmation” and Why Is It a Big Deal?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, May 30, 2018
In a Chapter 13 case, a lot of emphasis is put on getting your case “Confirmed” or having a successful “Confirmation” hearing. But what exactly is confirmation, and why is it so important? I’d like to take this blog to explain the confirmation process and why its one of the most important but least well-known parts of Bankruptcy.
The Advantages of a 529 Plan
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Tuesday, May 29, 2018
May 29 is National College Savings Plan Day. 529 plans are tax advantaged savings plans that are designed to encourage saving for future costs of high education. 529 plans are legally known as “qualified tuition plans.” They are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions. The name comes from the fact that the savings plans are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Where Are Our Celebrity Bankruptcy Debtors Now?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, May 23, 2018
As many of you may be aware, for years now I’ve kept tabs on our celebrities who have sought bankruptcy relief in the past. One of the most prominent bankruptlebrities is Teresa Guidice, one of the stars of the Real Housewives franchise.
Chronic Heart Failure and Social Security Disability
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Tuesday, May 22, 2018
In several of my blog posts I have examined what symptomatology the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for when reviewing medical records for the purposes of awarding disability benefits. In today’s blog post I’m going to talk about another common ailment that I see a lot of in my disability practice, Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), and how the SSA determines the severity of their impact on a claimant’s
Abusive Debt Collection Practices Continue To Plague Consumers
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, May 18, 2018
If you are facing a money crisis, you are probably one of the millions of Americans getting phone calls and letters from debt collection companies and law firms. Too often, these phone calls and letters are rude, abusive, and threaten actions against a consumer that cannot be lawfully taken.
Prescription Drug Costs/Perceptions/Reality
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Thursday, May 17, 2018
In the past three weeks, I personally have encountered the confusing maze of prescriptions drug prices and discovered I don’t understand it and probably never will. My family is healthy for the most part. As a consumer, mom, and bankruptcy attorney, I became very disheartened by three things in the last three weeks.
Stop Drowning…in Guilt. Get Going Forward!
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
It's probably safe to say that most of us were raised with the adage: "If you create a debt, you had better pay it. You're a bad person if you don't pay your bills." But, most of us when we are making decisions do not intentionally set out on a course to simply skip out on paying our bills.
Credit Scores Could Increase as Much as 30 points
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Credit scores…we all have them but most of us do not understand how our scores are calculated. Regardless, effective immediately, your credit score may experience an increase as high as 30 points. This could help you when applying for credit or trying to negotiate a better interest rate.
Cambridge Analytica to File for Bankruptcy
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, May 14, 2018
Political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica announced last week that it was planning to cease its operations and file for bankruptcy. The announcement follows growing concerns of its business practices and its work during the 2016 presidential campaign.
When Told to Complete the SF 86 for Your Clearance, Please Do so Immediately!
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, May 11, 2018
Recently, I have seen a number of individuals who have been instructed by their facility security officer (FSO) that they need to fill out and submit a SF 86 form through the e-Qip (Electronic Questionnaire for Investigation Processing). This is all done online through the JPAS (Joint Personnel Adjudications System).