Consumer Blog

Discover the alarming truth about the growing home affordability crisis in the United States. Rising mortgage rates, inflation, and stagnant wages are pushing homeowners to the edge of foreclosure. Explore potential solutions and learn how Florida Consumer Lawyers can provide representation and guidance in these challenging times.

Discover the latest findings from ATTOM's Q1 2023 U.S. Foreclosure Activity Report, revealing an alarming rise in foreclosure filings. Gain insights into the states with the highest rates, foreclosure starts, bank repossessions, and average foreclosure timelines. Florida Consumer

Enter the nightmarish world of zombie debt, where debts thought to be extinguished rise from the dead to torment unsuspecting consumers. Discover their terrifying impact on credit reports, and the heroic efforts of Florida Consumer Lawyers in battling these financial ghouls.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes firm action against Portfolio Recovery Associates, one of the largest debt collectors, for repeated violations of the law. Discover the consequences faced by the company and how the CFPB strives to protect consumers from deceptive debt collection practices.

Debt collectors use terrifying tactics, but Florida Consumer Lawyers shows you how you can protect yourself from their abusive strategies. From the illegal "Circles" strategy to threatening legal action and imprisonment, debt collectors will stop at nothing to get what they claim is owed to them. Learn how Florida Consumer Lawyers can help you navigate the complex world of debt collection and protect your rights as a consumer. Don't suffer in silence – fight back against unscrupulous debt collectors today.

Florida homeowners are facing a frightening reality of increased foreclosure rates due to various issues, including availability and affordability. Read on to learn about the latest statistics and how a foreclosure lawyer can help you understand your options, negotiate with your lender, and fight for your rights in court. Contact a foreclosure lawyer to get the legal help you need to protect your home.

Debt collectors can be intimidating, but you don't have to be a victim of their harassment. Learn effective ways to deal with debt collectors and how contacting Florida Consumer Lawyers can help you fight against them.

The rise of foreclosure and eviction rates in the United States is a terrifying reality for many homeowners. Find out why it is crucial to seek the help of a foreclosure defense lawyer to fight for your home.

The Florida Senate has approved a bill that would allow consumer-finance loans to have interest rates as high as 36%. The bill aims to expand credit opportunities for consumers who currently resort to high-interest online loans. The proposed legislation aims to establish a uniform 36% maximum annual interest rate for all consumer-finance loans, and consumer-finance companies will face stricter regulations. Some argue that the bill will lead to predatory lending practices, while others argue that it will offer more options to borrowers who currently have limited options when it comes to borrowing money. The bill is now awaiting the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis to become law.

Consumer credit card debt continues to climb at record rates with record high interest rates pushing consumers everywhere to the brink of bankruptcy.

Policyholders are facing difficulties, including fraud, in getting their insurance claims paid out for damages caused by Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida in 2022. Many policyholders have submitted claims for property damage and living expenses, but have received only partial payouts or no payouts at all. Some policyholders have accused their insurance companies of fraud, alleging that adjusters have tampered with their estimates to avoid paying out on valid claims. The article also mentions that a large number of claims remain unpaid or have been rejected, despite the 90-day deadline for insurance companies to pay or deny claims having passed.

A new report from the Urban Institute reveals that medical debt is a significant problem affecting more than one in seven nonelderly adults. The report shows that low-income families are most affected by medical debt, with nearly two-thirds of adults affected by past-due medical debt having incomes below 250 percent of the federal poverty line. Most of the past-due medical debt is owed to hospitals. Although many healthcare organizations offer financial assistance programs and payment plans to ease the burden of patient financial responsibility, lack of insurance and low income hinder the effectiveness of some collection strategies. The Urban Institute suggests that expanded access to hospital charity care and stronger consumer protections could complement coverage expansions and other efforts to mitigate the impact of unaffordable medical bills.

Total credit card debt has surged to a record $930.6 billion, causing concern that households may be nearing a breaking point. Delinquencies are already on the rise, and credit cards are one of the most expensive ways to borrow money, with APRs around 20%. Experts suggest reining in spending, paying off debt, and avoiding new debt. Zero percent balance transfer credit card offers and lower-interest personal loans are available options. Taking on a side hustle, selling unneeded items, and cutting expenses can also help pay down credit card debt.

Wage garnishment is when an employer has to take money out of an employee's paycheck to pay off a debt. This can happen if someone owes money for things like child support, taxes, student loans, or other debts. There are two types of garnishment: wage garnishment and non-wage garnishment. Non-wage garnishment is when a court orders a person's bank to take money out of their account. If an employer doesn't follow the law and take out the right amount of money, they can get in trouble and have to pay fines or even be taken to court. The amount of money that can be taken out of an employee's paycheck depends on how much they make and what they owe. It's important for employers to follow the rules and seek help from an attorney if needed.

A recent survey by Bankrate has found that a growing number of Americans are struggling to save for emergencies due to high inflation and increasing interest rates. Over a third of respondents had more credit card debt than emergency savings, up from 22% a year ago. Many people are using their emergency savings or taking on credit card debt to cope with the current economic situation. Respondents cited inflation or unemployment as the biggest barriers to saving more. To avoid financial stress, it's important to prioritize emergency savings by setting a budget, cutting unnecessary expenses, and considering debt consolidation or debt relief options to free up money for savings.

Despite a housing market slowdown, foreclosure rates across the US have increased for almost two years. Real estate data analysis by Attom showed that Florida had some of the highest levels in the past year, highlighting issues of availability and affordability. Mortgage lenders completed almost 4,000 repossessions in January, up 6% from December but down 19% from the year before, according to Attom’s data. The ability to afford a home remains difficult, with the 30-year fixed rate increasing to 6.12%, and addressing the affordability concern remains an issue that both federal and state officials and lawmakers are trying to solve.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers several benefits for the average consumer struggling with debt. These benefits include protection from foreclosure, stopping creditor harassment, paying off debt, keeping property, and improving credit score. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individuals to repay their debt over a three to five-year period, with a payment plan established by the bankruptcy court. Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy will have a negative impact on credit score, but can also be an opportunity for individuals to start fresh and rebuild their credit. It's important to consult a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney to determine if Chapter 13 is the right option.

A blog post was written for a consumer lawyer website, Florida Consumer Lawyers, which offers legal representation for homeowners facing foreclosure. The post highlights the benefits of having legal representation during the foreclosure process, such as understanding rights and options, negotiating with lenders, exploring alternative solutions, and ensuring that rights are protected. The post also emphasizes the expertise of Florida Consumer Lawyers in providing personalized, compassionate representation to homeowners. The post concludes by encouraging readers to contact the firm for a free consultation.

Inaccurate and sloppy credit reporting practices by TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian as well as other information providers is preventing consumers from getting housing in this difficult rental market.

Credit card debt levels and interest rates are reaching historical highs leaving consumers few options to get out of debt.

Credit card balances are at an all time high and there is no relief in sight for most consumers. Now is the time to plan around your debt strategically and speak with Florida Consumer Lawyers today.

U.S. hospitals are now suing patients for debts or threatening their credit. In many instances they are even denying care to patients with outstanding balances.

The latest court trend are debt collectors foreclosing homes for defaulted second mortgages that homeowners haven't heard about for more than decade

I haven't been able to restart my mortgage payments after my Covid Forbearance expired. Will I lose my home to foreclosure?