Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 231

Contemporary Canes Designed To Match Your Need

Canes offer extra support in walking to many individuals. A cane is often used to help maximize an individual’s balance while helping to maintain their physical mobility. There are a variety of canes available on the market today depending on the amount of support needed and other special requirements. It may take some time and a bit of trial and error to find a cane that meets your exact need but once you do the drastic difference in your ability to get around will be unbelievable.

Many caregivers, physicians and physical therapists offer specialty services to help fit individuals with a proper walking aide for their situation. With a little bit of direction from a professional you can see the differences in each cane and how they affect the canes usage. This will better help you along the way to finding an exact match for your situation.

For the most part canes used today are all fit with a non-skirt rubber tip to keep the slipping experienced to a minimum. Below you will find a list of different style canes and a description of each to see how the variations can change their ease of usage for different individuals.

One of the most common canes used today is an offset cane. This style of cane is used to provide extra support for proper balance to individuals with wrist problems and a lack of strength. The cane is designed in a manner that allows the user to grip the cane even is unable to hold it firmly.

For extra balance the quad cane was designed. This option is to increase stability and does so by offering a four post base. Quad canes are adjustable and designed to be customized to the user. Overweight cane users find quad canes essential for added balance and stability to support their extra weight.

A standard crook cane is another popular style. Many antique canes and decorative canes are created with the standard crook design. This style offers a relaxed grip that is comfortable for most users. This style was developed to reduce the stress that cane usage can put on an individual’s hand.

An orthopedic grip cane was created to help spread the weight and pressure of the grip evenly across the user’s palm. When a cane is newly introduced the user may experience discomfort from supporting extra weight and balancing all of their bodyweight with the use of the cane, palm and wrist. An orthopedic grip can often help alleviate this discomfort.

Standard aluminum canes are designed for lightweight users under two hundred and fifty pounds. They offer a curved handle while being designed out of a lightweight aluminum. This makes them light and convenient to use for those users looking for a bit of help with balance and are not yet completely dependent on the extra support.

When it comes to choosing a cane consult with a professional to offer their insight into what type of cane best fits your situation. They can evaluate your current mobility and gauge what cane best will fit your circumstance as you continue to age.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas. Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Fence for Pets

Homeowners with pets often look for a way in which to contain them without throwing off the aesthetics of the homes landscape.  When you have a pet that needs to be contained here are five factors to consider when looking for a style of fencing:  your pet’s size, skill level, current fencing, maintenance and the size of the space.

  • Pet Size: The size of your pet will matter when it comes to the type of fencing chosen. Small pets can easily squeeze through fencing with open pickets unless homeowners choose options such as puppy pickets.  Aluminum fencing offers several options in puppy pickets.  With larger dogs it is important to access the ability of the dog.  Is the dog able to hop over a low fence?  Will a taller fence be able to be hopped?  Remember dogs are climbers and will use horizontal railings or chain links to maneuver.  Aluminum fencing is a great option as homeowners can customize the height of the fence the spacing of the pickets and where the horizontal railings are located on the pickets.
  • Pet’s Skills: Animals are smart; especially dogs. Dogs learn by watching their owners.  It is important to have a gate that latches on its own and requires a two handed opening.  Some dogs have learned to open the backyard gate by watching the owners allowing them to escape to freedom easily.  Aluminum fencing offers a child-safe gate option that is ideal for pool fencing and for pet containment.
  • Current Fencing: If you are replacing an existing fence determine the reason behind the need to choose a new containment system. If your pet digs then you will be looking for a fence option that prevents this; perhaps electric fencing is the best option for a pet that digs.  If your dog is visually disturbed by the people walking by you may need to purchase a privacy fence to prevent the dog from visually seeing anything outside his environment.
  • Maintenance: This is a twofold topic. The first maintenance topic is in regards to the dog.  Is the dog destructive?  Is it possible the dog will rip apart a wooden picket fence?  For dogs that are destructive choose an option such as aluminum.  Homeowners may want to look into a commercial aluminum fence which is stronger grade then traditional residential aluminum fencing.  The next maintenance option to consider is the fence itself.  Aluminum fencing is by far the simplest fencing material as far as care is concerned.
  • Yard Size: Homeowners need to consider how much space they want enclosed for their pet to roam. The most common option is to enclose the entire backyard however some homeowners choose a smaller space to allow for the space to be used for options other than just pet containment.  Select a size that is right for your pets needs; it is important that the space is large enough for enjoyment as well as reliving themselves.

Once you have taken these things into consideration it is time to order your new fence.  Aluminum fencing is a popular option in pet containment as it is easy to manipulate on even the most uneven of spaces, homeowners can order from a variety of heights, colors and styles as well as many ornamental options and extra safety features to ensure a space that is perfect for the safety of the pet.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

Simple Spring Maintenance For Your Roof

Excitement fills the air as we celebrate the first days of spring.  For most people spring is a lot like New Years; a time to start fresh again.  We say goodbye to the snow, ice and cold and welcome back to the sunshine, colorful landscape and warmth.  Spring is the season of freshness. Trees are budding, flowers are blooming and spring rain is bringing life to the bugs, crickets and other sounds of the season.  An unexpected result of long, harsh winters is spring roof leaks.  When the spring rain starts in on a shingle roof that has seen an unkind winter many homeowners find themselves seeking the assistance of local roofing contractors.

Many leaks are found in the spring but tend to have begun being problematic long before they are spotted.  This is why roof maintenance is the most crucial during the fall and spring seasons.  Leaks within the roof can lead to a myriad of problems from structural damage to an invasion of mold.  Anytime water is seeping in to an area without the ability to completely dry moisture builds up.  This can lead to expensive repairs.  It is best to catch issues quickly and treat them immediately.  Roofing checkups performed by professional roofing contractors twice a year, in the spring and fall, can help to maintain your roof’s lifespan.

Roofing contractors are trained to spot small issues with your roof before they turn into larger problems.  Roofing repairs are substantially less expensive then complete roof replacements.  The old adage an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is sure true when it comes to home ownership.

One of the simplest ways homeowners can improve the likelihood of a perfect roof inspection is to make sure that the homes gutter and downspout systems maintain a constant flow.  If at any point a clog is left within the system a buildup of water occurs.  The water will eventually back up under the eaves of the home and damage will occur.  Also, if gutters are left full they will begin to separate from the house which will only add to the issue.  It may take a homeowner several months to detect a problem if regular checks of the system are not performed.  This will lead to more damage and a greater expense for the homeowner.

Downspouts are important to more than your roofs safety.  The purpose of a downspout is to move the water away from the homes foundation.  A clog in the downspout could cause the water to begin flowing towards your homes foundation.  Water will seep into even the tiniest of foundation cracks causing major issues for homeowners down the road.  The gutter and downspout systems on your home are important in the protection of the roofs structure as well as the homes foundation.

As your roof ages it is important that a professional takes time to inspect the roof, repairing minor issues and preventing them from turning into expensive nightmares.  Water damage of any kind, anywhere within your home is dangerous and costly.  It is important to eliminate areas of concern the minute they arise.  This will allow your homes roof a longer than average lifespan, saving you time, money and headaches.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Rebuilding Life After Bankruptcy

The task of rebuilding your life after you have filed for bankruptcy can seem quite overwhelming.  It is important to recognize that your life is in the midst of a transformation.   Bankruptcy allows individuals to start over; it provides a clean slate where you are in control of your life unlike your previous life which was being ruled by your debt.  This article will talk about restructuring your credit rating, finances and emotional health.

Individuals, who have recently filed for Chapter 7or Chapter 13 bankruptcy need to come to terms with their pasts, put it behind them and begin to chart a course of action to regain financial stability.  Bankruptcy offers a second chance to individuals.  A key element to ensure this second chance is not wasted is commitment.  Commit to recovering.  The post bankruptcy steps listed below will help to preserve the calm that you feel right after bankruptcy.

The first thing individuals must realize is that they are not alone.  Let go of any shame or guilt that you may be feeling.  Many individuals find themselves in a financial predicament where they must seek protection with bankruptcy.  There is no reason to be disappointed or to allow the feeling of humiliation to takeover your future.  To ensure success you must move forward with a positive mindset.  Make peace with your past and let it go.  There are many reasons that people declare bankruptcy: medical bills, divorce, losing a job and various other personal stumbling blocks.  Learn from the mistakes that were made and move towards your fresh start do not allow yourself to dwell in the past.

The next step individuals must take after bankruptcy is to create a realistic financial house with a professional support team in place.  It is time to create a budget and concentrate your efforts on making a plan that allows you to pay your bills on time, build an emergency fund and account for the future.  Live under your means to ensure that you never find yourself in an unpredictable financial situation again.

Next it is crucial that you begin to rebuild your credit rating.  The simplest way to achieve this is through paying your bills on time.  Once you have begun routinely paying your bills on time it is important to establish a line of credit.  This may mean taking out a car loan or obtaining a small line of credit.  It is important to note that after bankruptcy you make need a cosigner and may be required to pay higher than average interest rates.  It will take some time but you will once again prove yourself to be credit worthy once again.

Remember to fact check.  Never believe anything you hear about bankruptcy without fact checking with your attorney.  There are many myths and misconception that surround the bankruptcy process.  Bankruptcy attorneys are the best source of truth.

One of the most well known myths is that filing for bankruptcy will automatically disqualify you from receiving a mortgage for ten years.  This is false.  It is also not true that when you file for bankruptcy you have to wait at least seven years to obtain a credit card.  In fact ninety six percent of bankruptcy filers are offered a new credit card within the first year of declaring bankruptcy.  Separate fact from fiction with help from your bankruptcy lawyer.  They can help guide you through all of the falsehoods that surround building a financial future after bankruptcy.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies in Michigan. Contact us today to find a bankruptcy attorney that will help you in debt relief at http://www.bohikianlaw.com/ today.

Tips To Buying and Selling in 2016

At the first sign of spring both home buyers and sellers get anxious.  This is the time of the year that many homeowners wait for to list their homes in search of something bigger and better.  The season brings a flux of new home buyers looking for their first homes, buyers looking to upgrade and sellers anxious to sell in order to move on to the next phase of life.  No matter where you are at or who you are in the equation one thing remains the same; spring is the perfect time to buy and sell real estate.

It is important to have the market on your side.  2016 is said to be a year filled with a new competition between buyers that hasn’t been seen in recent years due to the relatively low housing inventory, slow increase in interest rates and home prices.  People are ready to settle into a home at a reasonable price while taking advantage of the current lower interest rates.  Economists have long predicted that the interest market on home loans would start to see hikes as the economy recovers.  This article is filled with tips for both home buyers and home sellers so that they can understand what is important right now in the real estate market.

Top Buying Tips For 2016

  • Don’t Delay: Many home buyers want to time their purchase to coincide with the spring or summer season. This is problematic because this is a theory many buyers use which leads to a high demand for homes within these seasons, which drives up competition and therefore the price sellers can ask.  Start looking for a home immediately.

    The home buying process is not something that occurs overnight.  Rest assured that beginning your search today doesn’t mean you will be moving right away.  Meet with a local, professional real estate agent right away. They will access your wants and needs and be able to locate homes within a database that may interest you.  Start the process by driving by the locations.  Scope out the neighborhoods, schools and other areas of interest; if you happen to love the home look at it but again the time table is one in which you set.

  • Work With A Mortgage Specialist: A mortgage broker is a specialist who will look at your current financial situation and seek to find a mortgage lender and home loan option that is most advantageous. A mortgage specialist will help to find you the best type of loan and rate for you while examining just how much you can truly afford to take on.  A pre-approval from a mortgage broker is also a huge bonus when it comes to having an offer accepted on a home.  Sellers are looking for buyers that are committed and ready to buy.
  • Consider New Construction: 2016 has been deemed the year of that new construction begins to surge. The prediction is that the new construction market will grow sixteen percent this year alone.  If you choose to buy a new home there is often less competition and a larger selection of homes to choose from.  The con however is that new construction homes often start at a premium price tag.

Top Selling Tips For 2016

  • List Now: The prime season to buy a home is historically April through June. Now is the time to get your home ready to sell and listed on the market.  A larger population of buyers is said to be seeking to buy homes during the spring and summer seasons.  Take advantage of this.  More buyers can often lead to bidding wars resulting in higher prices and quicker closings.
  • Be Reasonable: Don’t try to oversell your home. This is an issue many real estate professionals face when listing a home for a seller whom deeply regards every cent of home improvement that has been put into a home.

    It will not matter that you put in all new landscaping when you moved in five years ago other than the home looks better and is up kept.  Some renovations will not offer a return on investment.  Listen to the professionals when pricing your home to sell.  Price your home to sell based on the market and comparable homes in the area.  This will ensure it sells quickly and effortlessly.

  • Offer An Incentive: No matter what is being sold people love a deal. Offer an incentive to buyers. Be willing to negotiate in areas other than the homes price.  For instance, if you live on the water and are moving inland consider throwing in the boat.  If a buyer mentions that love your dinette set be willing to counter offer a higher priced offer but include the dinette set.  This is often a win-win situation for buyers and sellers.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

The Process Of Obtaining Surety Bonds

Surety bonds are contracts between a business, bonding company and third party.  They are purchased by businesses to confirm the fiscal worthiness of a company as well as to offer affirmation on their reputation.   If a business should fail to comply with a contract the bond acts as financial coverage to the third party.

Obtaining any type of financial backing or support for a business venture comes with a process of verification.  The same is true of business of all sizes seeking surety bonds.  Companies specializing in surety bonds offer assistance to business owners seeking to obtain bonds through agents acting on their behalf.

Surety bond agents guide business owners through the bond process helping them to understand how the history of their business will affect the bonding process on a whole.  They are dedicated to working with business to examine contracts that require bonds and help determine a proper fit between their business, projects and the bond company.  A surety bond agent works to examine the business, assess client’s needs and prepares a submission to the surety bond company.  This is just the start for business owners looking for surety bonding.

The next step in surety bonding after an initial meeting between a bond company and a business owner is working with an underwriter to complete a history of your business and financial setup.  This is to access your overall risk.  The underwriter seeks to determine that you are not at any risk for being able to complete a project as specified within a given contract.  The information the underwriter will obtain consists of the business plan, future projections, positive cash flow, healthy credit, professional references and information on the chain of command within the business.

Prepare ahead of time by seeking out items such as annual finance statements for at least the last three years, cash flow statements, current accounts receivable and payable as well as an understanding of the accounting method used within the business.

Depending on the information provided on the company’s history and current financial situation the surety company give a rate in which the bond is to be issued at.  A solid history and financial status allows owners lower rates; a total of one to three percent on the total bond.  A business with risky historical data and uncertain financial situation can find themselves paying upwards of fifteen percent on a bond rate. The rate is dependent upon the risk the business, the more likely the business is to default the higher rate they must pay the surety company for the bond.  The bond is normally paid in one single payment.

Obtaining a bond can be an expensive endeavor.   To ensure that the business is qualifying for the best rate or to receive quotes from different companies before making a bond purchase go online and research the options available in the state in which business is conducted.  Surety bonds protect business owners and the people that are doing business with them from the risks involved throughout the process.  The most common bids obtained in the construction bonding process include: bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds.  Seek out a professional bonding company today to ensure the business and those it contracts with are covered in case of default.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

Tips On Qualifying For The Lowest Mortgage Rate and Best Home Loan

2015 was a year known for consistency when it comes to mortgage rates.  On average home loan rates stayed around four percent throughout the year.  The same is not to be expected for mortgage rates in 2016. The National Association of Realtors says it expects to see rates upwards of four point five percent by the end of 2016.  The rise in interest rates will have an effect on the housing market.  It is important to note that even with the increase expected to be seen during the year that the rates being seen are still at an all time low.  It isn’t necessary to panic but instead to be cautious when seeking to buy a new home or refinance and existing loan.

To ensure you qualify for the lowest mortgage rate and best possible home loan follow the advice below.

  • Enhance Your Credit Summary: A lender first looks at a buyer’s credit profile on a whole when determining if they are a financial risk that they are willing to take on. When you are looking to buy a home or refinance an existing loan it is important to manage your current debit.  Be sure to pay your bills on time and pay more than the minimum on all outstanding credit card balances.
  • Start Hording Funds For A Down Payment: When a buyer puts less than twenty percent down on their new home they are often forced to pay what is known as PMI, primary mortgage insurance. This can raise the monthly payment of your loan upwards of fifty dollars each month.  These funds go towards an insurance that is paid on your behalf to the mortgage lender to insure the mortgage.  It is better to have fifty extra dollars each month going on the principle mortgage payment over insurance.  A home can be purchase with less than twenty percent down however buyers should be conscience of the extra monthly expense.
  • Work With A Mortgage Broker: So much more goes into obtaining a mortgage than just finding a low interest rate. There are many programs available to home buyers as well as an abundance of financing options. A mortgage broker can help find a loan that caters to your specific financial situation.  They will seek out a variety of options from a variety of lenders and present you with the best scenarios from each to assure you are getting the best deal for your all around situation.
  • Learn About Loan Types: As mentioned above there are several types of mortgages available.  Just because a friend has a fixed rate, thirty year mortgage does not mean that is the best option for you.  The same is true for an adjustable rate home loan.  Different situations call for different mortgages.  Learn about each option and ask about how each will affect your mortgage.

Buying a home is a complex process.  Working with professionals within the industry will help smooth the transition into home ownership.  It is advantageous for buyers to seek assistance from real estate professionals, mortgage experts, home inspectors and real estate lawyers when purchasing a home.  This will help to ensure a positive transaction and beginning in your new home.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Creating A Label That Reflects The Image Of Your Brand

In creating a new product label it is important that it is designed and developed to ensure the proper message is being received.  There are so many different aspects to labeling that are often forgotten that lead to the demise of products newly introduced in the market.  Not only is the message on the label important, as well as the information that it contains it is also crucial that the material of the label best represents the product.  Below you will find an example of the impact improper labeling can have on your product, brand and companies success. You will also see what it takes to create the label your brand deserves.

A product that is created to impact the environment positively should be labeled using materials that also represent the same image.   Labeling a product made to help the environment should be done so in a labeling material that is created from recyclable, bio degradable materials.  This shows the brand commitment to their positive stance on the environment.

A food product that is created for children to snack on as they travel should be labeled and packaged in way that makes the product easily accessible, easy to use and reseal.  The labeling and packaging help to enforce the brand commitment to the creation of a product that is meant to be packed up and traveled with.

The message you want your brand/products to be should be reflected in the label.  This labeling material and style is just as important as the labels message and content.

If you wish to show that your brand/product is an authority or leader in the market then it is important to showcase its authority.  Label designers can show that something is trustworthy, confident and considered to be of top notch quality using a few different design techniques.  Capital letters, bold contrasting color and a high label placement all help give off an authoritarian vibe. Think about different brands/products which are considered superior.  When it comes to peanut butter one very specific brand comes to mind.  It will come to you in a jiffy. It is possible to see these three techniques within the brand/product label.

Honest and authenticity is something that many brands/products strive for.  To create a label that mirrors this image it is important to create a label that is made from materials that represent a real vibe with a label that design that follows suit.  Use a logo with font that is unlike any other on the market.  Custom colors and features that will become icon in projecting the image of the brand/product should be prominently displayed.  Create a label that is meant to stand the test of time. Design a label that can be used for years to come to represent the brand/products that your company offers.

Looking to show what consumers can expect out of a brand/product marketers seek to design a label that shows the products expectations.   This is done through labeling by conveying what is on the inside of the package within the outside label.  How does the product perform, how will it smell, what taste does it offer that is unique.  The pureness of a product is shown using clear colors, transparent blues, whites and pastels.  Bold brands/products show this message with valiant colors and daring fonts.

The label design is one of the most important factors influencing the marketing of your brand/product to consumers.  The message that you wish to prove is displayed first and foremost through the custom label.  The success of this objective is crucial to the overall success of a company.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Information On Electrical Panels

Every home and business has one.  A mysterious gray box inset in a wall, usually in a basement, garage or laundry room, that controls the electricity flow.  The electrical panel that is contained within the puzzling gray box is a major electrical component that many of us will have to learn to operate to ensure the electricity in our homes and business’s stays operational.

The insides of the box are important to even those whom are unfamiliar with the world of electrical components.  When the panel is opened what you initially see is a single circuit breaker that is displayed as two columns.  Above these columns a large switch called the main switch can be seen.  The main switch controls the electrical current for the entire home while the smaller switches within the two columns are responsible for electricity in certain locations in the home or business.

Individual breakers control the electrical current to the outlets in your home.  Each one allows only a set amount of current to flow through that unparticular current at any one given time.  When a current that is larger than what the circuit can handle is pushed through the breaker will surge cutting off all power to the outlet.

A perfect example of this that is witnessed on a daily basis is within a teenage girl’s bathroom.  Picture an outlet loaded with a blow dryer, electric tooth brush, hair straighter and magnified mirror.  When all of these appliances try to pull power at the same time the circuit will become overloaded.  At this point the breaker will surge and power will no longer be received through the outlet.

To remedy the situation the electrical current needed will have to be downsized by unplugging the overloaded outlet.  Within a bathroom space the current is often exceeded.  In most residential settings outlets with built in circuit breakers will be installed.  This allows homeowners the convenience of resetting the breaker right there and then after the overload is stopped.  If a circuit in a bedroom or living room surges the homeowner will most likely need to locate the panel and switch the circuit breaker in question back on.  This process is fairly simple and a blown circuit is easily identifiable as the switch will be a different color than the switches that have not surged.

Circuit breakers are designed to surge as a safety feature against overloaded electrical outlets.  They protect your home and business against damage that can be caused when a flow of current is present that is not able to be handled by the circuit.  Without the protection of a circuit breaker problems that arise from an overabundance in electrical current, such as fires, could occur.  When the current level exceeds the breaker the breaker fails and the system is working as it needs to.

The main switch within the panel is to control the electrical current throughout the entire home.  Homeowners may find themselves tripping the switch in cases of flooding or other emergency weather situations.  Flipping the main switch cuts power to the entire house protecting appliances and heating and cooling systems from surges caused by lighting.  Large surges, all at one time, as seen in lighting strikes can cause damage beyond repair to large appliances and systems within the space.  It is better to cease all electrical current in these situations to avoid that possibility within your home or business by switching the main circuit breaker into the off position.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

Bankruptcy and How The New Laws Affect You

If you are considering personal bankruptcy it is important to understand the laws and how they affect your situation.  New bankruptcy laws have been put into place to help individuals get out of their current situation before they have to resort to filing for bankruptcy.

New bankruptcy laws make credit counseling mandatory within one hundred and eighty days of an individual filing for bankruptcy.  Individuals must relay all pay stubs that are received within the sixty days prior to bankruptcy be filed with the court.  All creditors owed are entitled to a copy of the individuals most recent tax returns.  Filing individuals must attend financial management classes after filing for bankruptcy.

Before filing for bankruptcy under the current laws it is important to take a long hard look at your financial situation.  Answer the following questions honestly to determine if you really should consider bankruptcy and which option is best for you.

Is it reasonable to expect that your debt can be paid off completely within three years while maintaining a tolerable standard of living?  If the answer is yes then you are most likely on a solid financial foot and just need to adjust the way you are currently living to fit your current situation. If you cannot reasonably expect to be debt free in three years with a bit of adjusting to your current spending than you should look into the option of bankruptcy.

With chapter 7 bankruptcy many of your debts are forgiven immediately.  You will need to surrender any and all non exempt property.  It is important to note that ninety six percent of filers do not lose any assets when filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to pay a portion of your debt back over the course of three to five years.  The type of bankruptcy you can file for will be dependent upon your current finances.

If your median income is greater than the median income for your state you may chose to file chapter 13 bankruptcy with a five year repayment plan.  A chapter 7 bankruptcy with an income greater than the state median may be dismissed if your debt is mostly consumer debt and you flunk the Means Test.  If your income is lower than the state median then you automatically fail the Means Test.  This means if you choose chapter 13 bankruptcy your repayment plan will only span three years.  You will not be committed to spending all of your disposable income to a five year repayment plan.

Do you need time to catch up on your mortgage? Do you have nonexempt property you wish to keep?  Do you owe taxes or support payments that you need time to pay off without the hassle of creditors?  The rules vary from state to state but generally homesteads, pensions, cars and household goods are all exempt.  If you answered yes you may consider chapter 13 bankruptcy.  If your income is greater than the state median you have to pay on your repayment plan for five years; if it isn’t the three year plan is your only option when filing for chapter 13.  If you answer no to these questions than chapter 7 bankruptcy is the better option.

To get more information on bankruptcy and the process, call to set up an appointment to meet with a qualified bankruptcy attorney today.  Your financial future depends on hiring the right person to represent you throughout the bankruptcy process.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies in Michigan. Contact us today to find a bankruptcy attorney that will help you in debt relief at http://www.bohikianlaw.com/ today.