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Talk to an attorney. The bankruptcy laws have changed considerably in recent years and you need to s

Posted By: nm on 2006-03-05
In Reply to: Bankruptcy or not?? - Indebt

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I know it used to be 5-10 years back, but the laws changed within the last 2 years. They can only g
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You need to consult a bankruptcy attorney on that one. Good luck...

BK laws have changed. Ch 13 (repay) protection
is only option available if I understand the details correctly. Visa Corp. has tried to push this bill through for a decade and it was finally passed. There may be certain dire situations that allow an individual to wipe out debt (Ch7) but it will be a rare one. It is wage garnishment until the debt is paid, basically, though it may stop added penalities and possibly stop the debt from growing over time. See a reputable BK atty for a free 30 consult. It is all in the numbers really. What you owe and what your earning potential is, possibly the situation at hand but not like before (I filed Ch 13 after misfortune to save my home, paid back debt over 3 years with my wages garnished). Bad timing for this economy and many people will suffer, especially the elderly and the ill.
It isn't easy to do this anymore. Laws have changed drastically.
dd
They changed those rules years ago.
If you make 100% of your income in your home office, the home office is tax deductible. You'll have to take the square footage of your office divided by the square footage of your house, and then the tax program will allocate a portion of utility costs. I split the internet costs since I use it for half personal and half business, although I could probably get away with claiming all of it since we get free WiFi from a neighboring business.

You might also try TaxAct. It's free and you don't have to buy the upgraded version to do a schedule C. better than TurboTax, IMHO.
It's Workers' Comp - they changed it about five years ago, maybe more nm
:
Rates have changed so much in the last few years and I am wondering...

what the going rate is in Arizona.  I have 20+ years experience.  I used to charge between 14 and 14.5 cpl, but now that I'm going digital everyone wants a discount.  Is 14 cpl a fair rate for a digital account in Arizona or is it too high?


TIA


I don't know if the study guide has changed in the last 5 years, but when I bought it, it was so

not worth the money!  It was like a little pamphlet with maybe 20 sample questions.


That was back when the test was in two parts, so hopefully they offer some a bit more substantial as a study guide.


I think all state labor laws are pretty much in line with the federal laws as far as PTO SM

among other things.  Basically, federal law states that an employer is not required to offer paid time off or paid holidays.  An employer doesn't have to pay you for time not worked.  It states quite clearly that PTO is an agreement between the employer and employee upon hire.  So, if you have an agreement with your employer stating you accrue PTO and get certain Holidays off with pay, then upon termination or resignation, you are entitled to any unused time you have accrued.  However, since not mandated by any state or federal laws, if an employer refuses to pay you for any unused PTO, you will have to take legal action, likely in small claims court.  You will probably eventually win, but you have to decide is it worth all the trouble and legal fees?


When you actually get right down to it, labor laws really don't do much for the working class.  We are not guaranteed anything except minimum wage and a safe work environment.


I did a few years ago. Awsome!!! Changed my life. Beth Moore is the best teacher out there. nm
/
The so-called "reality show" is the lowest form of so-called entertainment in recent years
I hate them. They've ruined TV.
talk to my hand...it took me 1-1/2 years to get IRS
from my 1997 return. You can read all the information you want, includiing that from the IRS, but when they are trying to prove a point, they have the freedom to do what they want.
Not sure. If not, it is considerably less, but she said
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It needs to go considerably higher than 9-9.5.....
I've been raiding my savings all year just to put gas in my car. That was at $3.50/gal. Once it's over $4/gal., how will any of us afford it on even 12 cpl? (Especially if our line counts are being skimmed by the oh-so-righteous MTSOs)? If they want their little hamsters to turn those wheels of fortune (theirs, not ours) faster, we could probably do it if our pay were such that we didn't have to be continually looking for a better job while trying to work. Sure ain't rocket science.
DH makes considerably more than me. I would still need insurance.
bc
MQ-Bankruptcy
I don't think that you would have to worry about MQ going the bankruptcy route but I would think that they would be bought out by someone else. I don't know what numbers that other person is looking at and giving such a rosey picture about MQ but all you have to do is read the latest SEC filing report that MQ put out on Aug 19th . Due to their problems with the SEC, all financial manners need to be made public so this info is out there for anyone to see. They clearly stated that they expected their revenue to continue to decline and it also states the millions that are being spent on lawyers for the 6 lawsuits and the amount of money spent on buy out contracts for the higher ups, the amount is unbelievable and keep in mind that as far as I know, now of the lawsuits are settled so the lawyer fees will continue rising. Go to Yahoo stocks, put in Medquist and you can read all this yourself. I think their stock is under MEDQ. If anything they are setting themselves up to be bought out by someone else. Anyone else have any thoughts on this???
Bankruptcy or not??

I am deeply in debt after the birth of my son with a pending law suit.  Have any of you declared bankruptcy to later regret it.  Right now it looks like a good option but I am not quite sure I am ready to give up quite yet.  Any options or advice would be appreciated.


Thanks


Bankruptcy
We just filed bankruptcy last year, chpt 13. The only regret I have is that I put myself in the situation of being in trouble. We were about to be sued also, but a company that we were actually making payments to and I was in contact with them every week. I previously did collections, so knew communication was key, or so I thought. I do not regret filing it, as it is a lot less, a whole lot less stressful since we filed. I just have guilt about being in that situation. I think you have to realize that the relief of the stress of a bad financial situation can be very good. My husband and I were on the edge of a cliff called divorce, my kids were suffering the "bad moods" that all the financial stress put us in, and then I had surgery so our payments to everyone had to go down during my 6 week recovery and that is when they got nasty. Bankruptcy helped to save my marriage, and gave me peace to be able to spend more quality time with my kids too. No regrets about filing! I would do it again in a heartbeat to reap the peace that came from it. Believe me the peace far outweighs the guilt I feel for being in a bad situation. I hope this helps. Financial stress is the worst!! Just to add, if you do decide to file, just remember the important thing is to learn from the experience. I have a friend who has filed 3 times and has not learned a thing:(
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is never a good option. Not only does it stain your credit, it is not honorable.
bankruptcy (sm)
I'm becoming overwhelmed in debt.  I have taken a pay cut at my job, am in school for a new trade, and have been using my credit cards to pay bills, on top of usual cost of living and upside down on car loan, and student loans are looming.  I feel like i'm going to be swallowed up, i'm a single income.  I have a panicky feeling about this, i'm around 35K in debt, and this year i'm going to make around 30K (if that).  How hard is it to file?  What do I need?  Any personal stories?  Is it easy?  I need relief from this  Any advice welcome!
Bankruptcy
Both my daughters had problems and went through Consumer Credit Counseling Service--not one of the so-called credit agencies floating around that aren't legal, the CCCS is pretty good. Also, in Ohio, where I live, don't know if this is everywhere or not, before you file you have to attend a counseling session to see if you are even eligible!! And then perhaps go through the court system to try to pay off debt in three or four years instead of a complete bankruptcy. My grandson is going through this now. I personally have not ever filed but do feel empathy for anyone in your position. Perhaps you have a relative or friend who could help temporarily?
Bankruptcy. sm
Contact your credit card companies and try to work out a lower interest rate. Tell them (honestly) that you are on the verge of filing. A friend of mine did this and rates were lowered considerably.
bankruptcy
any suggestion what to do then?
bankruptcy
I will do that now. All communication has been through e-mail. I have the bounced check of $8196 with me.

When she sent two checks last time, she said someone at courier company must have tore the envelope and took out one check and insisted that she sent two checks only. I received only one.

Not only this, she is an expert in fooling and now it seems I am an expert in getting fooled!
Eewwww... you don't talk like an MT, you talk like mangement. Ick. (n/m)
:p
Anyone more updates on MQ bankruptcy?
  When I read that note on this board a week or two ago, it got me really worried.  I'm working really hard right now training on a new MQ account, and the thought of losing my job in the near future makes me want to cry.  Any feedback out there?  Does anyone know what's going on? 
CH 13 bankruptcy & tax refund? anyone know? sm

Do you get back ANY of your tax refund?  Who asks how much you got?  and then what? 


Bankruptcy vs counseling
I went through an ugly, expensive divorce - after 22+ years.  He had the girlfriend but he wanted me to loose everything and fought through several attorneys.  I tried the counseling -- finally went through Christian counseling as their fees were the lowest and they seemed the most honest -- but after everything and to keep my house did file Chapter 13.  I feel better doing the Chapter 13 as at least I am paying back something to everyone and did not leave them all hanging.  Am paying back 25 cents on the dollar to credit cards.  Just be careful should they offer you to cut down the balance if you will "pay in full" as what is not paid will be considered "income" and you have to pay income tax on it.  I still do not feel good with doing the Chapter 13 and don't understand how a lot of people can do this several times as I saw in court when I went there.  It is not easy to walk away from the debts that you made and truly owe but there are some circumstances that make it necessary.  I for one am glad of the new laws as I don't think it is truly unfair to make people make an attempt to pay back what they owe, at least partial.  Some of the counseling groups I talked with -- the ones with the best reputations-- were going to charge anywhere from $100 to $150 to handle my money and I could be putting that on a payment to a credit card and so Iooked long and hard.  You can also negotiate directly with your credit cards but they put a "stop use" on them and you cannot be late with one payment.  But make an attempt and you will feel better about yourself.   Just my thoughts and experience.  Patti
Bankruptcy, after the fact...
I would do everything you could, credit counseling, combine debt, anything but file for BK.  It is so hard after that if you ever need anything that depends on your credit.  Most things you CAN get, but at outrageous percentage rates.  Some things you won't even be considered for.  Right after I filed I had to take my dog to the vet and she needed surgery that cost about $2000.  They give credit to people... with good credit.  I had to borrow money from my dad on that one. I don't know what would have happened if he wasn't there for me. Then my A/C broke down... again, no credit.  I was struggling to make my credit card payments, but I knew I could keep paying them down until a family member told me how easy it was to file BK, so I did.  I still regret it. 
He files for bankruptcy -- that's how
I have heard that he filed for bankruptcy a couple of times-- therefore not forced to pay the IC people. However, enough of this crap has continued on and Toth should be shut down!
Bankruptcy - it won't happen -- don't worry!!
MQ is strong, improving, and moving forward in a confident way. Look -- i've been through the worry-mill over this, plenty enough for both of us -- did some figuring, consulted some business people -- took on a second job awhile -- and finally came to the conclusion, all is well and there was no need to worry about things that would likely never take place. Believe me, if there was good reason to jump ship, i'd have been long gone. Relax, you'll do a better job and be happier. Its going to be fine, and i'm not a better, but i'd bet the farm on that (literally).
This is the worst thing you can do, next to bankruptcy...

Any accounts included in a consumer credit counseling plan will show as "closed by creditor" on your credit report and will really pull down your FICO score.  Also, CC companies normally will not lower your interest rate unless you are at least 90 days delinquent.  They will then because at 90 days you are close to a charge-off. If you go 90 days delinquent, of course you have just damaged your credit.


Occasionally, people with a top credit rating can negotiate a lower rate, but only if they have a relatively small balance and threaten to close the account.


It all started with a discussion about bankruptcy or something like that.
With this new board format, the name and email automatically get carried over to your next posts.  Honestly, it doesn't matter to me what name someone uses.  Sometimes you have to let people on these boards know your areas of expertise or else they'll keep on arguing even when they know nothing about the topic of discussion.  I happen to like fbm (former bank manager) because she's real and knows what she's talking about.
Bankruptcy is not that bad- filed earlier this year and
bought a truck 2 months ago and I am currently working with Lending Tree to buy a house and hope to close in the next month.  So there is life after bankruptcy.
I can't do bankruptcy as I own some property with people (my only asset) and I don't - sm
want to have to sell that or even have them know my problems. I know my meager Roth IRA and car would be safe, and I have no assets to speak of and really don't want to sell all my belongings though it would neaten up the house some (not my house). But as I said 3-5 more years tops and it will be gone then I will be doing quite well as long as no more disasters strike in the meantime. Feel like all I do is work but it will be worth it in the long run and I just don't want to deal with bankruptcy. I had a friend do it and she has done well. Has since bought a new home (had a $25K settlement from a car accident after her bankruptcy) and is doing okay, scraping by but managing. Has bought several cars (used) after the bankruptcy, had a killer interest rate though, that is where they get you. You have very high interest on any loans for a while until you can prove yourself. Do what you need to do for yourself.
Some info on credit counseling vs bankruptcy
This is just a heads up for those that were questioning about your choices.   I was doing some research on a cancellation of debt form - 1099-C that I am doing for my ex-husband as he never paid me the $9720 he owed me and found on a web page that some of the people that are going through Credit Counseling now are getting 1099-C for some canellation of the debt from credit card companies.  If they forgive this debt, then you have to claim it on your income tax as "INCOME"  so think about this in your situation.  If you are going through a counseling agency ask them if any of your accounts can give you a 1099-C for anything that they forgive you and the only way that they can't is through Bankruptcy.  So that is another consideration when wondering which way to go.   As for me, I have a signed promissory note signed and it is not a verbal agreement, was not in the divorce and he just never paid.  So I get to put on 12 years of interest at 10% plus late fees and he will end up paying the IRS instead of me but I get a tax deduction of $3000 per year until the 21K is used up.  So that is fine, he doesn't have to pay me and I will cancel out his debt, but Uncle Sam is not as forgiving as me.  But I wanted everyone to be aware of this as it tempting to pay a credit card company only 50% of what you owe them but thing of putting that other 50% on your income tax forms.   Patti
I can't ever remember a question of bankruptcy on an employment application. They usually just as
s
Get an attorney now
Find an attorney that will take your case - then let them write the letter. Just talk to a couple who handle medical malpractice -these are severe medication errors.
Recent diagnosis of MS

Hang in there!  You can overcome a chronic illness and empower yourself.  It ain't easy, but doable.  Been that way for 12 years now.


Just make sure you file the disability with a disability attorney. SS is very well known for denying claims usually twice, then court before they grant it.  This waste many many months and tires us that are already tired, out.  You need all your energy to fight the disease, not for your rights to supplemental income you've paid for all these years. 


Your children will also receive dependent benefits until they reach 18, so again, get an experienced dis. atty.  Hang in there


My recent experience at my vet
I have been taking 5 cats there for years. They have seen me through a lot of issues with various animals, and I truly believe my animals have all received excellent care. My beef is they also just added on to their already huge clinic, seem to have a never ending supply of support staff, new computers, you name it. One of my cats went in to be vaccinated recently. I just do basic shots these days because all the cats are indoor cats, I know their history, etc. They took the cat to the back this time, and when I got the bill it was for every darn shot you can imagine for cats (leukemia, etc.), plus they charged $15 to express her anal glands (never even asked for that!), toenail trim for $10 (I can do that at home myself, thank you very much), and a few other things. Needless to say I was not happy about it! Never again is my animal being "taken to the back" for anything. They can give blood draws and shots with me right there, just as they have done in the past. I have no problem with them doing that right there in front of me. Guess their bottom line is they need to milk their clients for any bit of cash they can get these days. I am really, really disappointed in them now.
Actually I did get a recent raise...
so I'm sure not complaining about that, and fully expect to be given the harder docs, but how are the former cherrypickers supposed to finally learn how to do 'em if all the Foul Ones are sent to us old-timers? I presume they must be getting SOME of them, hence the bad TAT suddenly - but my raise seems to be dwindling as I am assaulted by a steady stream of "mushmouths" all day! Not 2 mention getting hateful after so many in a row without an occasional "good doc"....oh well - back to the foulness!
I am looking for some recent information on...

Everything that I find in the archives is old.  I have already been offered a position with 1 and waiting on an interview with the other.  I have chosen IC status for both because I just cannot comply with the strict schedules that these companies have now.  I have tried being an employee but after 10 years of being an IC and working when I want, schedules are tough.  Does anyone have any advice please?


See the recent discussion
on page 2 or 3 of the company board.
recent graduate

I just finished school back in Nov. of 2005. I've been looking and looking for a job online and still have had no luck. The only response I seem to get bac from anyone is that I don't have enough experience. Does anyone have any pointers on what I should I do, or how I should approach this field? Please help me!!! I don't know what to do anymore!!


Webmedx will take anyone. They even take recent sm
graduates and pay them to do acute care, with no experience.  I don't think they would care that your acute care was in the past.  Just empathize it, and demand a decent line rate.  It is all going to ASR, anyway, and you will become an editor, just like the other very experienced MTs.
My recent experience
I, of course, cannot comment for other users, but my recent experience with Pam (one of their recruiters) has been excellent.  She was VERY upfront with me and gave me several options of companies and told me why they would or would not be a good fit for me.  If you're interested in finding new work, what is the harm in contacting them?  I can just about guarantee that you will NOT be directed to Spheris or MQ.  Also, even when I asked questions about companies that they did not represent, she was very open and honest about those companies as well, at least the ones that I asked her about....meaning she told me good things about some of them, as well as ones to look out for.  Basically, I'm going with one of the companies that she recommended and I'm excited about it for once. 
What was that recent movie ...
Something where they were going to blow up a compound in Saudi, wasn't it?
Don't know about platforms, but recent
posts about having trouble getting paid with DeVenture. 
recent graduate

I graduated this year from a community college which used the Career Step program in addition to some other courses.  It was all done online.  I have been working for 3 months, and have learned almost as much from working as from school so far.  The difference is that you are doing 800-1200 lines a day so you are exposed to a lot more information.  However, I don't believe I would have passed the entrance exams without everything I did pick up with the schooling. 


I would definitely encourage formal training of some sort because it is such a competitive industry.  I honestly don't think you could get hired from home, or pass an entrance exam without a good deal of training.  The 98% accuracy they are looking for on their tests is tough to hit without very strong grammar, med terminology, and AAMT/AHDI standards knowledge.  I am not making much money now, but I know within a year it will be different.  I am home and that is invaluable to me!


Good luck! 


 


attorney general
good idea.  I have contacted an attorney already (I am a corp by myself so I have access to an attorney) and he states that legally there is nothing right now that I can do. I can possibly sue them later down the road, but they have not done anything illegal. He suggested to try and "sugar" them into paying me.  I will contact the attorney general's office. The company and I are in the same state, so that helps tremendously.
Get an attorney and have them draw one up for you. sm
It costs about $200 and well worth it!