More Ways to Save Money

When I saw the title of the latest article in Money Magazine  “Trick Yourself into Saving More,” I didn’t even question whether or not I would read it.  They had me at trick. I’m always trying to come up with new ways to save money, and the idea of tricking myself makes me think it will help me save more without realizing I’m doing it.  Again, I’m in.

I read through the article and has some great ideas, a few of them are already in place at my house.  One of them is putting a label on my savings.  When I save for something, I usually have a specific goal in mind.  Many times, my savings are travel related, so the fund is named the city or place I want to travel. For example “San Francisco Fund.”  If I want to buy something, like a new Scooter, it’s the “Scooter Fund.” It helps me visualize my goal and reach it faster. In addition to this, I will cut out a picture of a scooter, or the Golden Gate Bridge, and put in on my memo board so that I can walk by and see what I want to buy/do.  Keeping your goal fresh in your mind can curb spending.

One of the other suggestions that hit home for me was related to who you hang out with.  My sister is a big spender, but she works hard to make a good living, so she can afford to buy what she wants.  I, on the other hand, can’t afford to be as much of an impulse buyer.  However, when I am with her, I find that I spend more money. It’s contagious and you come up with ways to rationalize the purchase; how can you not buy those shoes when they look so good on you and they’re on sale?  When I hang out with people who are thrifty like me, I tend to spend less. I’m not saying you need to ditch your wealthy friends, but maybe offset the time you spend in buying situations with them, or go in with a dollar amount in your head that you will spend on that shopping trip or at that restaurant. 

My favorite suggestion from the article was to picture your dream retirement scenario.  Do you want to play golf, garden, travel? What will it cost you to live this sort of lifestyle, and are you on track to achieve that goal? It may be too late for some of us to readjust our retirement savings so that we end up with a multi-million dollar 401k, but every little bit counts.

I really recommend reading the entire article, there are some really good ideas for people who are trying to save money.

Submitted by:
Kerry Hammond, Esq.

Bankruptcy Attorney

Bankruptcy Can Help When Your Modification Doesn’t Work

Loan modifications have been the topic of conversation for awhile now. They were first in the news because the banks weren’t taking them seriously. Many homeowners were submitting loan modification documents to their mortgage companies and then waiting 6 months to a year before they heard back. If they checked in, they were told that their documents had expired (no surprise when it takes them so long to review them). It was a vicious cycle of submitting paperwork, letting it get out of date, submitting updated paperwork, etc.

One of the big problems with the above scenario is that while all this is going on, the homeowner isn’t paying the mortgage (as advised by the bank because no modification would be considered unless the payments were three months behind or more).  If the modification is eventually approved, sometimes the back payments can be rolled into the end of the loan and everything will work out fine. Too often, though, homeowners are told their modification is not approved, and by the way, you need to catch up on 9 months of payments in the next 30 days or we’re going to start a foreclosure.

More recently you may have heard that some of the big banks settled with the courts and now have strict guidelines they must follow in regard to the loan modification process.  Namely, that an application needs to be reviewed within 30 days of receipt. This was a big win for homeowners, and I have heard that more modification are being approved and it’s all happening much more quickly.

But what happens after the modification is approved? It’s always the last we hear about the process. But does everyone really live happily ever after? According to a recent article in The New York Times, no. Apparently more than half of the homeowners who get loan modifications are back to being delinquent only 18 months later.  A year and a half is not a long time, and to be right back where you started might say more than you want it to.

If you’ve completed a loan modification and are back to being behind on your mortgage, you may really want to analyze whether or not you can afford your home. Just because you want to stay in your home, doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes you need to make a financial, rather than emotional decision. In many cases, what you owe on the property exceeds the value, and this is another big red flag. When you file bankruptcy, it enables you to surrender your home back to the bank and discharge any liability for deficiency that might occur when the bank forecloses. Very often things happen that are beyond our control, and in these cases we need to take stock and do what’s best for ourselves and our families moving forward.

To set up a free consultation with an attorney, you can contact Greenwald and Hammond through our website, or call us at 303.832.2550.

Submitted by:
Kerry Hammond, Esq.

Bankruptcy Attorney

Impulse Spending - There's an App for that!

With smart phones always just a few inches from their owners, impulse purchases can run rampant.  In addition to the ability to purchase new apps at a moments notice, while shopping in the app store, countless free apps are set up to get you to buy from within the app.

Amazon, Groupon, Living Social and countless others allow you to "buy now" with just one click (or maybe with a confirming click).  Many free gaming apps offer game upgrades to allow you to play more often or for longer periods of time, with just a click as well.  In most cases, a credit card is held on the individual account and need not be entered at the time of purchase, a person need only enter the app select what they want and click to purchase.

I agree that these apps offer an incredible amount of convenience and when a busy person needs to purchase gifts, personal items, baby needs and other necessities to be able to do so at the touch of a button on their phone is an amazing advancement in shopping.  I definitely use such apps and greatly appreciate the time saving qualities of such apps.

The problem arises when people are impulsive.  I was recently told by a friend that in the middle of the night she had this strong idea about something that she thought would be useful for her new baby and in the wee hours of the night she ordered something on her amazon app from her smart phone.  By the time morning came she realized that the item was not necessary and in fact the purchase was impulsive and unnecessary.  From time to time, I have been tempted by apps like Groupon and Living Social to purchase "great deals" as well.

It is important to be fully conscious of what you are willing and able to spend on apps, games, music and other items, and purchase within that budget.  It is easy to lose track when you can just buy at the tap of your finger, or when multiple family members have access to the app store and are not responsible for the bill at the end of the month.

The companies that put out these apps are well aware of the tendency for people to just say to themselves, "well its only $1.99" or "at least now I don't have to go out of my way to go get this."  It is important to remember that these purchases can add up pretty fast.  Remember to think about how much you are spending and think a bit before you buy.

For people having financial difficulties, a free bankruptcy consultation is available, contact Greenwald and Hammond PC.

Submitted by,

Mindy Greenwald, Esq.    

The New Trend in Home Building – Rentals

I love to write blogs that deal with home renting versus buying. Of course I’m biased on the side of the renter, but since so many others are adamantly on the opposite side, I feel like I balance things out a bit.

It’s not surprising that the need for rentals has increased in the last few years. With so many foreclosures and all of the hits taken on credit reports, more and more people are turning into renters, some by choice and some by necessity.

It appears that there is also an increase in the amount of builders who are building single family homes that are to be used as rentals. In the past, that mostly happened in lower income areas, sometimes offering government subsidized housing. But today these homes are being built in all neighborhoods and renters aren’t just living in apartments, they’re living in very nice single family homes with granite countertops and stainless appliances.

These new builds will be mixed in with rental properties that were previously homes purchased at foreclosure sale. In the current economy, these homes can be very nice, very new properties. They’re not what you would have pictured 10 years ago when someone said they bought a home in a foreclosure sale.

Of course the downside for a renter like me is that there are more people out there looking for rental properties and this drives up the rents. I’ve personally noticed that the amount I’ve paid for a home has increased by about 20% in the last 5 years. And it isn’t just harder to find another rental when our lease term is up, it’s hard to snag them too. Once you find a property, it can rent within days, putting you back to where you started if you can’t act quickly enough.

If you find that you are nearing foreclosure because you can’t afford your mortgage, you may be forced to become a renter. Bankruptcy can be a way to free yourself from a mortgage you can’t afford, allowing you the freedom you need to get back on your feet and start over. Call Greenwald & Hammondfor a free consultation.

Submitted by:
Kerry Hammond, Esq.

Bankruptcy Attorney

More Ideas for Saving Money

While enjoying my recent vacation, I mentioned to my husband that we need to budget for an annual vacation similar to the one we just went on.  Since we met, our vacations are more sporadic than I would like, and it is refreshing to get away.  With my student loans looming out there, saving is something that I have not been able to do.  I mentioned that if we each cut out something from our regular spending, we could probably save about $200 per month.

The first thing I suggested is that my husband pack a lunch for work.  Every day he spends roughly $7.00 on lunch.  He eats pretty much the same thing every day...a deli sandwich or salad.  Making the same sandwich at home would cost under $3.00 per day.  So cutting out the deli would result in roughly $86.00 per month saved (more than $1000 per year).  If you are like me and spend even more when you have lunch out, then the savings can be even more.  I am pickier about what I eat so my lunches out tend to run between $9.00 and $15.00 three days a week (that's roughly $156 per month, almost $1900 per year).  If I can reduce my lunch expense by taking lunch from home or having lunch at home, I could probably also save about $117 per month.  The reward of a relaxing beach vacation might be incentive enough to prepare lunches more often.

Another common expense is that trip to the coffee shop.  My preferred drink, the grande non-fat latte, runs about $3.45.  For those adding flavoring and going for the larger sizes, or more than one per day, that really adds up.  I have already cut this expense out for the most part.  My $3.45 latte (on average about 4 times per week) was running me about $59.00 per week.  I still purchase an occasional coffee but have reduced it from four times per week to less than one time each week.

Going out for dinner and drinks is so tempting after work and happens several times each month for me.  When I do, I spend about $15 on my entree and at least $8 - $16 on drinks, toss a 20% tip on top of that bill and I have spent at least $30.  Having drinks or dinner at home, or at a friend's house, instead of going out, just one night a month can save me roughly $30 each month.

By taking my lunch to work, skipping Starbucks, and going out to dinner one night less each month, I can save roughly $245 each month, that's almost $3000 per year.  Wow...tropical vacation, I will see you in a year!

When saving is not possible because payments on your debt and your basic living expenses exceed your income, bankruptcy may be the way to reverse that situation.  For a free bankruptcy consultation, contact Greenwald & Hammond.

Submitted by:

Mindy Greenwald, Esq.
Bankruptcy Attorney 

Still an Increase in Foreclosures

According to an article in CNNMoney, the number of foreclosures in May of this year was up by 9%. Just when we think that we’ve hit rock bottom, it seems like we still have further to go.

Like any statistic, though, there’s room for analysis. This number includes foreclosure filings, default notices and actual foreclosure sales. Because of this, the number may be a bit inflated, since when most people think of foreclosures they think of actual sales where ownership is transferred.

Some of the borrowers who have received default notices will catch up on their payments. Others who are close to sale may file for Chapter13 bankruptcy in order to put the arrears into a bankruptcy plan, stop the foreclosure, and move on paying their monthly mortgage payment.  Some borrowers will also complete  a short sale, where they may find a buyer and get the bank to accept less than they owe in satisfaction of their note.  

However, even if the number is inflated, it still reminds us that foreclosures will continue, even as the economy hopefully bounces back. If you are facing foreclosure and don’t know where to turn, consider discussing your situation with a bankruptcy attorney. My firm meets with a lot of people who are threatened with foreclosure and there are options available to you.

Submitted by:

Kerry Hammond, Esq.

Bankruptcy Attorney

Joint Cardholder Versus Authorized User

Whenever I give a free bankruptcy consultation, I ask about assets and debt. Assets are usually easy to list; houses, cars, furniture, jewelry, etc. But when I ask what debts are in a person’s name, it’s not always an easy answer. Some people have used a spouse’s credit card for so many years that they aren’t sure if the account is jointly held, or if they are an authorized user on their spouse’s account.

There is a big difference between the two, and it’s an important one when it’s time to figure out who is liable for the debt. Both types of accounts give both users a card in their own name, so telling me that you have a card with your name on it doesn’t help. You really need to go back to the initial account application, or call the credit card company to find out which type of cardholder you are.

If you have a joint account with someone (not always a spouse), this means that you both signed the agreement and gave your social security number for your credit score to be checked. Both of you are liable for the balance on the card in this case. If one person files for bankruptcy to discharge the debt, the other is liable for the entire balance.

If you are an authorized user on an account (again, not just a spouse can fall into this category) you can use the account to charge things, but you have no responsibility to pay for it. The card was taken out in someone else’s name and they put you on as a user of the account, and got you a card in your name. In this case, they did not add you to the responsibility side of the account. If you have ever tried to call the credit card company to ask a question about the account, you would find out that they won’t even speak to you about it, because it’s not your account.

Keep in mind that some lenders will try to collect for charges you specifically made, if the primary account holder defaults. Whether or not they will be successful is another story. Also, if the account holder defaults on their account, the lender may put the bad payment history on your credit report. You should dispute this with the credit bureaus that are showing it by stating that it is not your account and should not show on your report.

Using an account as an authorized user is much less risky than opening an account with someone. You may want to think twice about whether or not to link your credit to another person’s by opening a joint account. You can vouch for your own credit and payment history, but you never know about someone else’s. If you find yourself in a situation where a joint cardholder has filed for bankruptcy, or stopped paying the debt, contact our office for a free bankruptcy consultation.

Submitted by:

Kerry Hammond, Esq.

Bankruptcy Attorney