The People's Esquire

09/04/2026

While Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies can remain on credit reports for up to 10 years, your borrowing options improve over time. Using secured credit cards and credit-builder loans can help restore your score and secure better loan terms.

Bankruptcy hurts your credit and may make it difficult to qualify for a personal loan — although it’s not impossible.

09/01/2026

Settling past-due accounts can help resolve severe delinquencies, but timing and debt size matter. Before negotiating with creditors or hiring a settlement firm, know your rights under federal credit reporting guidelines to protect your financial recovery.

Learn how debt settlement can impact your credit score and discover strategies to minimize negative effects on your financial health.

08/28/2026

A bankruptcy discharge gives you a fresh start, but rebuilding your credit takes proactive steps. From checking credit reports for discharged account errors to opening secured credit tools, taking control helps restore long-term stability.

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-recover-from-bankruptcy/?

Recovering from bankruptcy takes time. Learn how to rebuild credit, manage money and create a stronger financial foundation.

08/25/2026

Are you responsible for a deceased family member's debts? Unless you co-signed or shared the account, debts are generally paid from the estate—not your personal funds. Learn how to protect your rights when debt collectors call.

When a loved one dies, you may learn about debts they owed before they died. You may not recognize these debts. If you are a surviving spouse or family member, you may even wonder if that debt now belongs to you. This is a very common experience among survivors.

08/25/2026

Buying or selling a home? While "deed" and "title" are often used interchangeably, they serve very different legal functions in real estate. Understanding the distinction is vital to protecting your investment. Learn what every homeowner needs to know.

Deed and title aren’t the same—one is a document, the other a legal concept. Learn the key differences before buying or selling a home.

08/21/2026

The moment you file for bankruptcy, the court issues an "automatic stay." This legal protection immediately halts wage garnishment, foreclosure, and debt collection efforts. Discover how an automatic stay protects your assets while you work toward a fresh start.

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/automaticstay.asp

08/18/2026

Don't let skyrocketing interest rates and mounting bills keep you trapped. Personal bankruptcy filings are up because the process offers real, legal protection from creditors and a true path to recovery. Find out how you can take back control of your finances today.

https://moneywise.com/managing-money/debt/personal-bankruptcy-filings-rising-americans-debt

08/14/2026

Filing for bankruptcy can provide a fresh financial start, but not everyone automatically qualifies for debt relief. Factors like income level, prior bankruptcy filings, and recent financial actions can impact your eligibility under federal bankruptcy laws. Knowing these requirements helps ensure you understand your rights before taking action.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-disqualifies-you-from-filing-for-bankruptcy/?

Bankruptcy can wipe the financial slate clean, but in some instances, you may not be allowed to file for it.

08/11/2026

Canceled debt is generally treated as taxable income by the IRS, but key exceptions such as insolvency, bankruptcy, or qualified debt exclusions can protect you from paying income taxes on the forgiven amount. Partnering with a skilled tax attorney ensures you properly file IRS Form 982 and avoid unnecessary tax liabilities on discharged debts.

What happens with debt cancellation when it comes to taxes? When a lender forgives debt you owe, find out whether its taxable or not.

08/10/2026

A subject-to mortgage allows a buyer to take over making payments on an existing home loan while ownership transfers to their name. Even after the deed moves to the new owner, the original seller remains legally responsible for the mortgage debt. Understanding who holds the deed and who holds the loan helps protect both parties from unexpected surprises.

What is a subject-to mortgage?

With subject-to mortgages, the buyer agrees to take over the seller's mortgage payment