Chicago Bankruptcy Lawyer Blog

How Chicago Consumers Can Watch Out for Recession Related Scams

2010-09-02T05:37:57Z

As if it isn't hard enough on our finances to be headed for a possible double-dip recession, now we have to watch out for new recession-related scams, too.

The longer our economy is stalled, the more likely we are to face financial difficulties - from unemployment to foreclosure to inability to pay the bills. Unfortunately, scammers are acutely aware of this, say Chicago bankruptcy attorneys. And they're increasingly preying on our desperation for a quick fix to our money woes.

But there's good news. It's possible to identify nearly any scam , once you realize what most frauds have in common.

]]> For instance, one popular scam targets the unemployed by promising to find jobs. You pay an upfront fee, and in exchange, a supposed employment company will do all the legwork to get you hired. In reality, they'll throw you a couple of job leads that most likely won't help- if that - and you'll be left jobless, but out of a few hundred bucks or more.

Another popular gimmick is the company that promises to stop foreclosure. When you sign up, you're asked to sign over the title to your home, under the premise that you'll rent the home from the company until you can eventually afford to buy it back. Sadly, what usually ends up happening is they simply take your house from you for cheap.

Both scams involve you providing something upfront, before any service is rendered. There's only one reason for an upfront payment - the company knows they won't follow through with their promise. Second, both scams appeal to your emotions, urging you to act fast. Scammers know your worries will distract you from taking the time to think things through - because if you did, you'd realize how shoddy these deals really are.

Not sure how to tell a scam from the real deal? Check any business proposition out at the Better Business Bureau, where you can read about any complaints or concerns. In the meantime, find financial help that really works. If you're struggling with debt, that help might be bankruptcy. Learn how the right bankruptcy plan can help you manage debt and regain financial control when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis with a Chicago bankruptcy attorney.

New Credit Card Laws Lead to Higher Interest Rates for Chicago Consumers

2010-08-31T05:51:42Z

It seems that every time Americans turn around, there's a new credit card law going into effect. And though the purpose of all these rules is to protect consumers, they sometimes have unintended consequences.

Most recently, a law went into action this weekend to limit credit card penalties. Previous legislation enacted this year restricts credit card issuers from suddenly changing interest rates. On the one hand, both laws can help us save money on our credit cards. On the other hand, banks are finding fresh ways to take our money - this time, through higher interest rates on new cards and purchases.

]]> In some ways, better consumer protection might be worth the pain of higher interest rates. In the past, banks could immediately add fees and raise your interest rate the day you missed a payment or made another mistake. If you already had a large balance, a suddenly higher rate meant suddenly higher debt - so much for second chances. With today's new laws, however, banks must wait at least 45 days before changing your terms. That means more time to get current and figure out how to prevent future missed payments.

What the new laws don't protect against is changing rates on new credit card purchases - so while your credit card issuer can't raise interest your current balance, they can charge you more in the future. You should also expect any future cards you sign up for to have higher interest rates to begin with.

It's inconvenient, for sure, but consider looking at it this way: at least you have some control over your finances. If you don't want to pay more for the same purchases - or if you can't afford to - you can choose to rely less on credit. If you can wean yourself off plastic, you can prevent future debt - and the hassle of future payments. If your debt keeps you reaching for the credit card, make a commitment to lowering it - bankruptcy can help. Find out more about how bankruptcy can help you get a fresh financial start with a free one-on-one debt analysis from a Chicago bankruptcy attorney.

How Buying Generic Can Help You Get Out of Debt

2010-08-28T06:44:06Z

By now it's no news that filling your cart with generic goods rather than name brands can save money. But, despite persisting tough times, some Chicago customers are still holding out.

Sure, there are some generic brands that don't hold a candle to the real thing - scratchy toilet paper is a notorious one. But many are identical with the exception of the name on the package, say Chicago bankruptcy attorneys. There's nothing wrong with being a brand snob - at least, if you don't mind spending a few extra thousand bucks a year on household goods. But if you're looking for some extra money to pay down debt, you might consider rethinking your shopping strategy.

]]> Don't like the idea of going generic? Start small with pantry and baking staples like, salt, sugar, flour and butter. They're made of the same ingredients, so they're going to be the same product. Any difference in taste or quality is simply a product of marketing. In reality, happy cows don't make better tasting cheese or milk. A cow is a cow.

Generic medicines are even more similar to their better known brothers. The Target brand ibuprofen you buy has the same effect on your headache as the ibuprofen that says Advil on the bottle, yet it saves you a few dollars. Want to save even more money? Ask your doctor about generic prescription meds. On average, you can save over $100 on each prescription, according to Investopedia.

It's ridiculous when you stop to think about how brainwashed we are by advertising -- we think Chiquita has the best bananas and Planter's the best peanuts. The truth is, we buy those names because we recognize them - not because they're better. If you can find a discount grocer in your neighborhood, you can buy the exact same produce for less. You can even save at the farmers' market by steering clear of fancy gourmet products and instead buying fruits and veggies may not be pretty enough for store shelves, but taste just as good or better.

Don't think of making the swap to generic as giving up name brands - think of it as getting free money. Money you can use to help pay the bills and lower that debt burden. Of course, if your debt turns out to be too much for you to manage alone, bankruptcy can help. Find out if there's a bankruptcy plan that can put you on the path to financial security when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis with a Chicago bankruptcy attorney.

Chicago Homeowners Lower Debt But Struggle to Pay Mortgage

2010-08-26T05:15:35Z

If you've used the last couple years to turn your financial lemons into lemonade, you're not alone.

Despite hard economic times, Americans have managed to decrease credit card debt to the lowest level in 8 years and more than 13% less than just a year ago. Not only that, but more folks are making their payments on time. For some of us, its solid proof that all that scrimping and saving and budgeting can really pay off, say Chicago bankruptcy attorneys. For others, though, it might be a nice symptom of a not-so-nice cause.

]]> Unfortunately, some of us have more money to lower debt because we're opting to forgo a mortgage payment so we can afford to pay credit card bills. On the one hand, less debt is always a good thing because it will eventually mean you'll be able to keep more of your paycheck. The sooner you pay off your balance, the fewer months you'll be required to pay your credit card company - and the less interest you'll owe when you do.

But on the other hand, the benefits you gain from lowering debt won't come soon enough for you to save your house. While your lender might not contact you for the first few missed payments, you'll eventually be required to make back payments, plus late fees and other penalties, in order to keep your house. If you can't, you'll receive a foreclosure notice.

It seems that you can't have it both ways - or can you? When you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a legal action called the automatic stay is enacted. The stay protects your house from foreclosure while you settle on a court-approved affordable payment plan to lower your debt. Interested in getting back your financial security while maintaining the security of a roof over your head? Contact our Chicago bankruptcy lawyers today for a free personalized debt analysis.

Banks Finally Start Helping Chicago Borrowers with Mortgages

2010-08-24T06:22:27Z

Banks are finally starting to see the light about the mortgage crisis. But is it too late?

Banks are starting to improve programs aimed at helping homeowners avoid foreclosure, according to Newsweek. Amid news that half the participants in President Obama's Making Home Affordable Program have dropped out because it wasn't working, banks' timing couldn't be better. The only problem is that, with up to 5 million people in danger of losing their homes - and millions more already foreclosed upon - the new effort might not be enough. Fortunately, there's an alternative.

]]> Of the more than half a million modifications performed by Bank of America since 2008, only 11 percent were qualified for Making Home Affordable. That's because not many Americans fit into the government program's strict guidelines. For folks who qualify, making it through bureaucratic red tape has been a nightmare, with long waits, lost paperwork and poor communication - in some cases, the person helping the homeowner with their situation wasn't aware that another bank department had already foreclosed on their home.

Banks, on the other hand, have more flexibility to tailor modifications to the individual needs of troubled borrowers. With that said, keep in mind that banks aren't doing this in the best interest of the customer - they're doing it for themselves. They want to decrease defaults to boost their credit ratings - and they only need to perform enough modifications to make their statistics look better. When deciding whether to help a customer, lenders are looking at things like debt-to-income ratio and whether you can make payments in a trial period.

If you're at risk of losing your home to foreclosure and you're finding that a loan modification isn't fitting your needs, consider an alternative that's been around through both booms and busts: bankruptcy. Filing for bankruptcy can stop foreclosure and protect your house. Want to learn more? It's free when you try a complimentary personal debt analysis with one of our Chicago bankruptcy attorneys.

Being Cautious on Social Networking Sites Can Help Chicago Residents Protect Finances

2010-08-21T07:22:09Z

With everybody and their Grandma using social networking, posting personal information to sites like Facebook seems harmless. But that's just what criminals want us to think.

It's easy to be lulled into believing Facebook is just a place where we hang out with our friends - virtually, anyway. But in reality, we're hanging out with the 500 million other people who use the social networking tool, say Chicago bankruptcy attorneys. And thanks to laxer settings, a new program and a recent bug, those people have more access than ever to our personal information - jeopardizing our finances and even our safety.

]]> In April, Facebook launched new settings that allow businesses to better view our personal information. A few weeks ago, we learned about a bug that allowed scammers to steal names and photos of Facebook users. Now, the site is debuting Facebook Places, a new feature that allows Facebook users - and their friends - to identify their physical location.

Realistically, a higher risk of fraud is just part of the world we live in. But we can reduce that risk by taking certain precautions. Facebook gives you the option of adjusting privacy settings - use it. Limit your personal info to only what's necessary - for instance, do you really need to include a phone number or birthday? Make sure your friends are the only ones viewing your info. And make sure your "friends" are really friends. If don't know someone enough to trust them - or the people they're connected with on Facebook - don't add them.

Don't forget to use common sense. We've probably all heard that we shouldn't post about our vacation until we're home. By the same token, we should probably think twice about using Facebook Places. You never know when a friend of a friend who happens to know where you live - and heard about that new TV you just bought through the grapevine - might swing by the house while you're out at the movies.

Being financially responsible is about more than saving money, it's about being aware. Aware of how secure your money is. Aware of how your spending habits affect your finances. And aware when you need help. If your debt has spiraled out of control, bankruptcy can rein it in. Learn more when you sign up for a free personal debt analysis with a Chicago bankruptcy attorney.

Save Money By Avoiding Some of the Biggest Financial Product Rip-offs

2010-08-19T05:22:33Z

When it comes to making decisions about our purchases, sometimes habit trumps common sense.

That would explain why I recently plunked down $100 on insurance for my new cell phone. I've always purchased the insurance plan before, so I didn't think twice about doing it again - never mind that I have yet to lose or break a phone.

But according to Consumer Reports, I could save big bucks by forgoing my wireless provider's insurance policy - and some other common financial products - next time around.

]]> By breaking habit and opting out of certain purchases - from insurance to investments to consumer protection - shoppers can save money without giving up much in return, according to Chicago bankruptcy attorneys.

Many of us commute to work in older cars - after all, who can afford a new set of wheels right now? Yet when we pay for insurance, we buy the same policy we did when we had a newer ride - including collision insurance that can cost $300 or more a year. Eventually the price you're paying becomes more than the maximum payment you're eligible to receive - for instance, if your car is valued at $750 and you've got a $500 deductible, you'd only be eligible for $250 to cover damages. In this case, you'd be better off saving your money.

Here's something we've heard a lot about lately: fee-based checking. Banks are increasingly adding checking account fees to make up for the fees they can no longer levy on credit card accounts. But free accounts still exist - banks just aren't advertising them. Consider asking your bank if you can switch over to a bare-bones account to escape fees.

As for that cell phone insurance, it turns out that many plans have exemptions. If your phone is damaged, for instance, you might not be eligible for a replacement. And even if the company does replace your cell, there's no guarantee that you'll get a new phone - or even the same model.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which risks you can afford and which you can't. That said, there are costs - health and home insurance, for instance - that are absolutely necessary. If you've got so much debt that it's become difficult to afford life's necessities, bankruptcy might be a way to get back on your feet financially. Let our trained Chicago bankruptcy attorneys determine if there's a bankruptcy plan right for you when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis.

Could New Program Keep Chicago Credit Cardholders From Overspending?

2010-08-17T08:49:19Z

The same principle that makes credit cards convenient also makes them dangerous. With plastic, there's no amount of cash holding you back from making a purchase. At least, not until now.

MasterCard recently announced a new program that could revolutionize budgeting for those of us prone to retail weakness and other forms of overspending. With inControl, consumers can place monthly credit limits on certain kinds of stores or purchases. Once the limit is reached, your card stops working - and, in theory, you start saving.

]]>
Let's say you have a bad habit of spending too much at department stores. When willpower alone isn't enough to keep you away from the clothing racks, you can set a monthly budget - after you spend, say, $150, your card will simply shut down. Or maybe all those Starbucks runs are adding up. How about limiting your coffee shop budget to $20 a month?

Of course, there are some kinks to be worked out. The program still depends on self-discipline, and some customers might simply run to the ATM or whip out their debit card when their limit is reached. Banks might want to tack on fees to the program, since it could mean less bounced checks or credit card interest - in other words, less of our mistakes for them to profit from.

But logistics aside, anything that gives consumers more power over their finances is a good idea in my book. That said, you can take back control over your finances anytime by simply summoning the self-control to stick to a budget. And if you just can't do it alone - or if overspending in the past has left you with a nasty debt burden - know when to get help. Bankruptcy can lower debt, protect your assets and help you start over. Learn more when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis with a Chicago bankruptcy attorney.

How the Great Recession May Have Benefits for Chicago Workers

2010-08-14T05:34:11Z

Most of us consider the recession a bad thing, and for many good reasons. But for Chicago workers lucky enough to still be employed, today's economy might actually have some benefits, too.

According to the New York Times, wages are on the rise, inflation is on the decline and the rate of layoffs is stabilizing. So what does it all mean? If you can manage your money and keep your job, you just might make it out of the recession in better shape than you entered it.

]]> On the one hand, signs that the economy is slowing down again seem to indicate the recession is here to stay - at least for a bit longer. On the other hand, experts are pointing out some good news. For example, hiring has decreased more than unemployment increased - that means that the same unemployed workers are staying unemployed, while those of us still working have a good shot at holding onto our jobs.

In the past, wages have fallen during recessions. But since the recession began in December 2007, wages have risen 5 percent, according to the article. Many companies that cut costs by downsizing their workforce are still able to afford raises for current workers. Meanwhile, inflation is at zero. That means purchasing power for the gainfully employed is higher than ever.

If you've got a college education, the news is even better. Data shows that unemployment for workers with a college degree is 4.5 percent - less than half the overall rate of unemployment.

So what's the moral of the story? Things aren't exactly good; but for many of us, they could be a lot worse. If you've managed to hold on to your job, this is the time to take care of those lingering financial problems. Save up some emergency money, stick to your budget and pay down debt if you can. What if your debts are too big to manage alone - or you do find yourself out of work? In either case, the right bankruptcy plan can help. Find out for free how bankruptcy can put you back in control of your finances with a personal debt analysis from a Chicago bankruptcy attorney.

How Less Money Can Equal Greater Happiness for Chicago Consumers

2010-08-12T06:37:42Z

How often do you think, "If I just had a little more money, I would be so much happier?" If you're like most folks, you do it quite frequently.

But there's a new theory floating around these days, say Chicago bankruptcy attorneys. Money can help you pay the bills and it can help you put more in your shopping cart. But apparently, the old adage is true - money can't buy happiness

]]> Forget keeping up with the Joneses. Today, it's all about living with less. On Monday, the New York Times featured a woman who downsized from a high-stress job, two bedroom apartment and two cars to doing freelance work from home, living in a 400-square-foot studio and riding a bicycle. She makes almost 50 percent less income, yet, with fewer expenses to maintain, she's managed to pay off $30,000 in debt. Even more importantly? She's happier.

With less money to spare, most of us are forced to slow down and think about what we buy. And we're finding out that by spending selectively, we can not only save money but also get more bang for our buck in terms of happiness.

According to experts, we get most satisfaction when paying for experiences rather than objects (for instance, a family vacation that can turn into long-lasting memories), for something we've coveted for a long time before buying, and when buying something we truly want as opposed to something that will help us keep up with the Joneses. It just so happens that spending on the things that make us happiest can also keep debt down - another thing to be cheerful about.

So next time you're tempted to make an impulse buy at the mall, ask yourself if it will increase your happiness in the long run. If not, you might get more satisfaction by just saying no - and knowing you're saving money in the process. When you spend less on material things, you'll have more money to help pay off your debts. Worried your debts are too big to handle alone? Bankruptcy can help. Find out if bankruptcy can help you finally achieve financial freedom when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis with a Chicago bankruptcy attorney today.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Is an Effective Method for Chicago Homeowners Hoping to Stop Foreclosure

2010-08-10T08:55:39Z

The latest foreclosure statistics are in, and things are looking up - sort of.

The good news is that slightly less homeowners are underwater, a term used to describe when your home is worth less than what you owe on your mortgage. The amount of U.S. homeowners with negative equity fell from 23 percent to 21 percent this spring, according to a report by Zillow.com. Though it looks like a small change, it means we could see fewer foreclosures in the future, say Chicago bankruptcy attorneys.

Still, any amount of foreclosures is too many - and with more than one of every 1,000 homes being seized in the month of June, many at risk homeowners need financial help.

]]> Thanks to a lousy economy, unstable job market and the inability of homeowners to refinance too-high mortgages, many folks are forced to prioritize other bills over their house payments. Unfortunately, failure to make pay mortgage or property taxes puts you in direct violation of your mortgage contract - and that means your lender has the right to repossess your home, sometimes with very little notice.

As foreclosures have increased, so have rumors about how to stop them. Many people believe they can get away without paying the mortgage - that their lender simply won't notice, at least for a while. Unfortunately, that's either wishful thinking or flat-out denial. If you stop making house payments, the bank will take your property away sooner or later. Everything you paid into it over the years will be gone - not to mention you won't have a place to live. Even if you are able to start paying your mortgage again, you'll be liable for late fees and penalties - your bank may even demand you pay off your whole house upfront in order to get it back.

That's the bad news. The good news is that, if you're still in your home, it's never too late to stop foreclosure. By filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can take advantage of the automatic stay, a legal action that protects assets from lenders - including your house. Even better news: it's free to find out if there's a bankruptcy plan right for your family when you try a complimentary personal debt analysis courtesy of a Chicago bankruptcy attorney.

Many Credit Cards Still Offer Rewards, Even After the Credit Card Act

2010-08-07T06:17:40Z

Those credit card rewards might pay off after all.

Earlier this year, experts speculated that banks would cut back on rewards programs in retaliation for the new consumer protection stipulations in the Credit Card Act, say Chicago bankruptcy attorneys. But while some companies are indeed making rewards harder to come by, most banks aren't willing to give up customers to save money.

That's good news for those of us with overwhelming debt - if we use rewards cards wisely.

]]> If you're going to put money on a credit card, you might as well get something back for it, right? Well, yes and no.

Not all rewards programs are created equal. Before signing up for a card, your best bet is to find out how many points you'd earn per dollar, and compare that amount to other rebate cards. Some points expire and some don't. Some cards allow unlimited rewards, while some place limits on maximum point value. These things are good to know -- for instance, if you open up a car rewards account in hopes of discounting a new set of wheels, you may not be happy with a card that only allows you to earn up to $1,000 towards a vehicle.

Most importantly, be careful not to cancel out your rewards. If you carry a balance, you'll probably pay so much interest over time that you'd save money by cutting up your card and simply paying full price for your reward. Even if you pay off your balance each month, it's not worth the money if your card is encouraging you to buy things you don't need just to get more points.

Using credit cards is both a convenience and a curse - it's up to you to find the right balance. And if your debt teeters out of control, know when to seek help. Bankruptcy can be the most effective way to get your debt in check. With our free one-on-one debt analysis, a Chicago bankruptcy lawyer can determine the best bankruptcy plan for you.

Finding Little Ways to Save Adds Up Big For Chicago Consumers With Debt

2010-08-05T05:56:54Z

Telling Americans they need to save money right now is a bit like preaching to the choir - most of us are already scrimping and saving because we have no choice. But the truth is, even the most frugal among us are probably missing out on some good savings opportunities, say Chicago bankruptcy attorneys.

Sure, canceling big costs like cable or an unused gym membership is a no brainer, as is cutting out luxury goods like new clothes. But if you're still struggling to pay off your credit cards and lower debt, consider taking a look at the smaller expenses hidden right under your nose.

]]> Speaking of those bills, are you still buying stamps and making trips to the post office? You might be able to save $20 or more by paying your bills for free online instead of paying for postage and the gas it takes to get to the post office.

Here's another one. It's hot out, and everywhere I go I see folks chugging water out of store-bought plastic water bottles. At $5 a flat, a family could easily go through 20 bucks worth of waters a month. Yet if you buy one refillable bottle, and keep it filled with tap water (or the filtered stuff your fridge, if you're a water snob) you'll spend zero.

And how about taking advantage of the library? So many people are accustomed to paying for entertainment today, whether it's renting movies through Netflix, buying books on Amazon or subscribing to various magazines. But you can pick up copies of hundreds of DVDs and books and browse nearly any consumer magazine for absolutely free at your local library - saving $10, $20 or more each month, depending on how much you typically spend.

If you take the above advice to heart, you could save more than $700 a year. And it could just be the beginning. Once you get in the habit of analyzing all of your seemingly non-negotiable costs, you'll find new ways to save money. But if you do get the point where you can't save another dime but still owe thousands, consider bankruptcy. The right bankruptcy plan can help you pay down or, in some cases, discharge your debts. Looking for more information on bankruptcy? It's free with a personal debt analysis courtesy of a Chicago bankruptcy attorney.

How Chicago Debit Card Users Can Avoid Scams at the Pump

2010-08-03T05:48:59Z

There are some places where debit cards are a better choice than credit. Those places aren't gas stations.

Thieves are increasingly stealing personal data with skimmer devices that they attach to gas pumps, according to Chicago bankruptcy lawyers. Since debit cards are linked to your bank account, criminals can record your PIN and then deduct money directly from your checking and savings accounts - adding insult to injury if you're one of millions of consumers already struggling to pay the bills and manage debt. And gas stations aren't the only places at risk - some scammers are starting to siphon personal information straight from ATMs.

So is there any safe way to use a debit card these days?

]]> The answer is yes - if you're careful. Debit cards can be an important tool for financial freedom. Unlike credit cards - which allow you to keep charging money until you owe thousands of dollars plus who knows how much interest - debit cards force you to stick to a budget because you're limited to the funds in your bank.

The downside is debit cards don't do a lot to protect your personal info. So you have a couple of options. You can use cash for the same effect as debit, minus the convenience of plastic. Or you can simply skip using debit cards at notoriously unsecure locations - i.e., go inside the bank to get your cash, and avoid paying debit at gas stations.

If you do choose to use debit, your best bet is to check your bank account balances often. That way, you'll spot any suspicious activity right away. In fact, that's good advice for any payment method. Not only will you stay on top of possible identity theft, but you'll stay on top of how much you're spending, making it easier to make necessary corrections. Of course, if your debt ever does get out of control, bankruptcy can be the best way to rein it in. Find out if a bankruptcy plan can be the ticket to a fresh financial start when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis with one of our Chicago bankruptcy attorneys.

Saving Money Today Can Help Chicago Workers Deal With Unemployment Tomorrow

2010-07-31T05:15:22Z

Living in fear is no way to spend your life, but living in denial can be just as bad. Yet that's what millions of Americans are doing in today's unstable job market.

Despite the fact that one out of every 10 workers is unemployed and 55 percent of Americans fear they could soon lose their job, we're doing almost nothing to prepare for a possible layoff, according to MSNBC.com. Almost half of workers say they don't have enough money to pay the bills for just one month without a paycheck.

No one likes to think about the worst case scenario. But facing your fears and preparing for the worst today can ease your pain - and pad your wallet - just in case your luck runs out tomorrow.

]]> Let's say you get laid off next week and you have no savings. You'll either have no way to pay the bills - meaning you risk losing your home, car and any other assets - or you'll use your credit cards to cover as much as possible, racking up impossible-to-pay debts with sky-high interest and damaging your credit score in the process.

Now let's imagine you lose your job, but you have enough cash stowed away to make it through a few months. Instead of worrying about how you'll manage the mortgage or buy the groceries tomorrow, you can work on sending out your resume and scheduling interviews - so you can get back on your feet and into a paycheck ASAP.

Setting aside just a small portion of your paycheck into an emergency fund each month can be the difference between whether you sink or swim if you do lose your job. No one wants to get laid off, but knowing that you'll survive even if you do can be a big relief.

There's another way to find relief - lowering debt. By freeing up money that's currently going to credit card bills and loan payments each month, you'll have more to apply towards your savings, making your finances more secure. If debt is holding you prisoner, the right bankruptcy plan can help you break free. Wondering if bankruptcy is right for you? Find out more for free when you try a complimentary debt analysis with a professional bankruptcy attorney in Chicago.