How to turnaround your failing small business & stop
SBA loan default
If you are like many small businesses, you eventually hit a financial
roadblock. It may be because of the economy or because your customer's
needs have changed. But while you are struggling to survive, you
are not only dealing with cash flow problems but also facing SBA
loan default. If this is your case, you are not alone. Hundreds of
thousands of small businesses all over the country apply for and
get new SBA financing every year. And the majority of these will
go out of business during their first five years. Facing SBA loan
default is common.
So what should you do about it? Should you just default and not
pay back your loan? After all, the SBA or Small Business Administration
financially backs up all SBA loans through the bank. The bank stands
to lose nothing, so why should they pursue you?
The
3 vital factors you must know before filing for business bankruptcy
Tougher Bankruptcy Laws Take Effect October 2005 In just a few short weeks, President Bush’s Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act will take effect. In a nutshell, the new law, which goes into effect on October 17, 2005, makes it more difficult to cancel your debts under Chapter 7 Bankruptcy protection. Instead, consumers will find themselves having to file for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy protection and paying back their creditors over a five year period.
Here’s a look into some of the major changes that will affect consumers choosing to file for bankruptcy after the new law goes into effect -
Qualifying - Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?
To be able to qualify for protection under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, consumers will have to face a means test. The means test determines if your household falls above or below the median income in the state where you reside. Those whose total is greater than the state median income will not qualify to cancel debts under Chapter 7 protection and will alternately have to file under Chapter 13 and pay back your creditors.
The major intent of bankruptcy reform is to require people, who can afford to make some payments towards their debt, to make these payments, while still affording them the right to have the rest of their debt erased.
The amount you have to pay back under Chapter 13 protection will be greater because instead of a 3-year pay back period, that time frame is now extended to five years - to ensure your creditors get paid.
Credit Counseling
Anyone filing for bankruptcy under the new law will be required to go through mandatory credit counseling. Be careful before choosing a credit counselor as this field is filled with people looking to line their pockets while emptying yours.
To find a trustworthy counselor, check to see if there are any complaints against them or their organization filed with your local Better Business Bureau. Secondly, find out if they are certified by the National Foundation of Credit Counselors or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. Finally, find out if they have not-for-profit status. Personally I recommend Consumer Credit Counseling Services as they meet all three of the above criteria. They can be reached at 1-800-888-2227 and can connect you with a local office.
The Cost Factor
Filing for Chapter 7 protection under the old laws normally cost under $1,000. You should expect to pay more under the new laws as filing fees have been increased by $60. Additionally, your attorney will be required to double check all your financial information which will take more of his or her time. Also there is greater liability imposed on the lawyer which may cause their liability insurance to increase, which gets passed on to their clients in the form of higher fees. Under the new law, many are expecting fees to increase between 25-50í
Why Were the Laws Changed?
The bottom line is that major commercial creditors lobbied hard for reform. Companies like CitiBank, MBNA, and other credit card issuers actively contributed proposed amendments along with generous financial support to reforming the bankruptcy laws - and in their favor, according to many consumer protection groups.
© 2005, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
About the author:
James is editor of "TO YOUR CREDIT", a free weekly newsletter with tips to help you manage your personal finances. Subscribe today and receive his ebook “IDENTITY THEFT- How To Avoid Becoming the Next Victim!” and other free bonuses by visiting http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
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The
3 vital factors you must know before filing for business bankruptcy
Deb Consolidation Loan
What is Debt Consolidation loan? Debt Consolidation loan is the procedure of getting hold of a loan in order to pay off debts and credit card debts; this method allows people to take care of various debts using a single payment. This method is known as a personal loan and is one of several solutions that will reduce your debts. The main objective of a Debt Consolidation Loan is to acquire the lowest interest rates and a reasonable monthly payment, avoiding the risk of having an awful effec. . .
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