To use credit or not, that is the question?

Determining whether to use credit or not use credit is a big question for residents in Kansas and across the nation. It is one that financial experts often disagree on. While some experts believe that credit cards should be avoided at all costs, others believe that learning to use credit wisely is a good way… Read More »

Debt collection firm sued for unethical practices

One firm’s attack on cash-strapped borrowers may be coming to an end. In an effort to better protect consumers from unethical debt collection practices, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has filed a lawsuit against Frederick J. Hanna & Associates. Frederick J. Hanna & Associates is a Georgia-based firm that was founded in 1981. The… Read More »

Post-divorce financial troubles

Loss of a job or a health crisis are unexpected life events that can cause long term financial strain. However divorce is another event that can create severe financial hardship for an individual. There are some things that every divorced person should do to protect their financial health. First, close all joint accounts after a… Read More »

Avoiding bankruptcy from credit card debt in your 20’s

It is back to school time for Kansas children of all ages. For recent graduates, this marks the first year of school independence. Instead of returning to books and laptops, it is time to buckle down in the workplace and create financial stability. For new graduates that are in their 20’s, there are some things… Read More »

Facing credit card debt after the holidays are through

The holidays are over and now that all the shopping and festivities are done, many people in Kansas City are facing a dreaded annual staple: a high credit card bill. Fortunately, there are some steps debtors can take to lower their credit card balances before they become overwhelming. In doing so, they may be able… Read More »

Protecting debtors from creditor harassment — part I

Receiving harassing and threatening calls from debt collectors is the last thing a person in Kansas City who is already under an incredible amount of financial distress needs. Unfortunately, in the past many debt collectors engaged in unscrupulous practices in an attempt to collect on an individual’s debt. Because of this, Congress enacted the Fair… Read More »

Protecting debtors from creditor harassment — part II

Previously we began a discussion about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and how it protects consumers. In this post, we discuss what constitutes unfair practices, threats and creditor harassment under the FDCPA. First of all, under the FDCPA debt collectors cannot utilize unfair practices. First of all, this means that they cannot attempt to… Read More »

Estate planning is not as straightforward as some may think

Some individuals in Kansas City may have made some steps towards creating an estate plan. However, without the right help, they may find themselves running into unexpected problems that could hurt them in the long run. First of all, one mistake is simply not having an estate plan at all. You may think that the… Read More »

Why might a trust be preferable to gifts in estate planning?

In the past, this blog has stressed the importance of estate planning, such as creating a will or a trust to pass your property on to your chosen heirs after you die. However, some individuals in Kansas City would rather gift their children property while they are still alive rather than placing that property in… Read More »

Prince’s death puts estate planning into perspective

Rock legend and superstar Prince was a worldwide celebrity, and his untimely death is truly tragic. Yet for all his wealth and fame, it appears he may not have had an estate plan in place, dictating how he wanted his millions passed on after he died. And he is not alone. Many individuals in Kansas… Read More »