Saturday, September 8, 2012

Facing Foreclosure With Dignity or Hope

It is well-known that eating nutritious food is key to maintaining good health, but it can be expensive to buy a variety of nutritious foods. Especially in this economy, every penny counts. But there are some strategies that you can use to eat well and economize at the same time.

Another option to help you save money on food is to buy in bulk. Keep an eye on the sales that your supermarket runs, and when items that your family uses go on sale, buy those items in quantity. Clip and use manufacturer's coupons to save even more, especially if your supermarket offers double coupon savings. Cereals, rice and beverages are some items that have a long shelf-life that you can store in your pantry. If you have a freezer, you can also buy meats and seafood when they are on sale. You may find it worthwhile to join a warehouse club, such as Costco or Sam's Club. You must pay an annual membership fee to shop in these warehouse stores, but they sell many food items in bulk at prices that can save you money. However, it is important to know your prices, because sometimes it is still cheaper to buy your groceries at the supermarket when they are on sale. Also, you must be sure that you will be able to use the items you buy before the expiration date. You will not save money if you buy a commercial-size jar of mayonnaise and you wind up throwing half of it in the trash because it goes bad before you have a chance to use it.

If you are intent on saving your home at all costs, for whatever reason, then take a look at all the loan modification programs that are available. Admittedly, there are very strict requirements that must be met, and you must, above all, prove ability to pay, which is difficult under the strict rules that are in place. If you think you can qualify, however, apply for these programs. Most of them are underwritten by the government, so you have a much better chance of being approved than in previous times. If you do choose to modify your loan, you will likely be put on a "trial period", in which you must make all payments in a timely fashion. It would be wise to have an outside party involved, to ensure that you will not be denied in the end. This could be a government entity or a private attorney, though the latter could be an expense that you cannot afford. Above all, be persistent and keep records of each and every conversation you have with the mortgage provider. Also, send all payments and correspondence via certified mail, with a signature required.

BAPCPA added a few requirements to the Chapter 7 process. The earliest of these requirements that you'll encounter are the new provisions that require you to seek assistance with your debts before filing. You'll need to consult with an approved credit counselor and take a personal finance class. This is not simply a formality; the counseling you receive may well provide you with alternatives to filing. It is also in your best interests to get this counseling because failing to do so can be used as grounds for a bankruptcy court to deny your debt discharge.

If you file successfully for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you need to be aware that most of your assets will be liquidated in order to service your debts. The 2005 reforms made Chapter 7 much more strict about how much personal property you can protect from liquidation. Additionally, be prepared for the fact that certain types of debt (including child support and student loan payments) cannot be discharged when you file for bankruptcy.

It is possible to eat well on a budget. Grow your own, buy locally and shop judiciously. It may take a little extra planning, but the health benefits and the monetary savings are well worthwhile.

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