• Social Media Scams

    by Michael B. Joseph, Chapter 13 Standing Trustee (Retired)

    Con Artists Target the Vulnerable

  • Pitfalls of Debt
    Settlement and Consolidation

    Dianne C. Kerns, Chapter 13 Trustee, Southern Arizona

    The truth is that there is no debt settlement program.

  • Urban Myth: Creditors Never
    Seek Collection from Co-signers

    Keith Rucinski, Ch 13 Trustee, Akron, OH

    At one time or another, most people will be asked to be a co-signer

  • Debt After Filing for Bankruptcy

    Keith Rucinski, Ch 13 Trustee, Akron, OH

    Some things remain on your credit after filing bankruptcy.

  • How to Report Rent
    Payments to Credit Bureaus

    ...and boost your credit score.

  • What Happened to All My Money

    Keith Rucinski, Ch 13 Trustee, Akron, OH
    You need to make a budget and allocate your expenses based on your income.  

Bankruptcy and Finance Information Network Exchange

The Bankruptcy and Finance Information Network Exchange (BFINE) website compiles educational articles and information to help Americans learn more about personal finance options and make informed decisions for their financial future.

Too often decisions are made based on myths or fear instead of facts. No matter the financial situation, there are steps everyone can take toward financial security.

You are not alone. There are professionals willing to help everyone recover from unfortunate circumstances and financial mistakes.

When you make educated financial decisions, everything will BE FINE.

  • NACTT Statement on Dischargeability of Student Loan in Bankruptcy

    NACTT

    With the Supreme Court opinion on the Biden Student Loan Debt Relief Program, the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (NACTT) remains committed to helping Americans who face financial hardship obtain a fresh start through bankruptcy.

  • bfine-press-release

    Pitfalls of Debt Settlement and Consolidation

    Dianne C. Kerns | Chapter 13 Trustee |  Southern Arizona

    We’ve all heard the radio advertisements: “If you have more than $10,000 in credit card or tax debt, you may qualify for a new program that credit card companies don’t want you to know about.  Settle your debts for pennies on the dollar without filing bankruptcy.”

  • bfine-press-release

    Understanding Payroll Taxes for Your First Full Time Job

    Keith Rucinski | Chapter 13 Trustee | Akron, OH

    There is nothing like graduating from school. No more staying up all night writing a term paper or cramming for a test. No more anxiety about that final exam and hoping you passed the course. It is now time for the “real world” and your first full time job.

  • bfine-press-release

    Planning to go Bankrupt is Not a Good Plan

    Keith Rucinski | Chapter 13 Trustee | Akron, OH

    Bankruptcy is designed to help individuals who have fallen on hard times to have an opportunity for a fresh financial start.   The hard times are usually not by choice.  Health emergencies can happen to anyone, often resulting in large expenses that insurance does not cover.  Every year people start new businesses that are not always a financial success

  • family keys

    What Can You Do If You Can't Make Your Auto Payments?

    Jason Wilson Aguilar Chapter 13 Trustee

    Most of us at one time or another have financial difficulties, but what should you do if you are unable to make your auto loan payments? The key is to be proactive. You are not necessarily out of options if you are already delinquent.

  • bfine-bankruptcy-lawyer

    Can You File a Bankruptcy Case Without a Lawyer?

    Jason Wilson Aguilar | Chapter 13 Trustee 

    Yes, you can file a bankruptcy case without a lawyer. The real question is whether you should file a bankruptcy case without a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy law. In my opinion, the answer to that question is no.

  • INFO

    Debt Baggage You Carry After Filing for Bankruptcy

    Keith Rucinski | Chapter 13 Trustee

    The American bankruptcy system is designed to help the innocent person who has fallen on hard financial times earn a bankruptcy discharge (discharge is a legal term meaning to successfully complete a bankruptcy plan). 

  • BFine Terms You Need to Know

    BFine Administrator

    Managing your financial future is easier when you understand what is being said. Below are some of the key terms that are used with finance and bankruptcy.

    For more definitions visit: Bankruptcy | Financial

    • Student loan interest resumes Friday and payments restart in October.

      CNN

      Here’s what borrowers should know.

      For the first time in more than three years, federal student loan borrowers will be required to pay their monthly student loan bills starting in October.

    • The Student Loan Pause Is Actually, Really Ending — 6 Key Dates And Details

      Forbes

      The student loan pause is actually, definitively coming to an end after over three years. President Joe Biden is soon expected to sign the debt ceiling bill approved by the House and Senate earlier this week. The compromise measure would preserve Biden’s signature student loan forgiveness plan, but would codify the end of the student loan pause.

    • Experts: How To Know When It’s Time To File for Bankruptcy

      GO Banking Rates

      Bankruptcy. It’s a word that evokes dread in many Americans. Why? Because it may feel like the end of the road, the last resort, the end, in a way, of the game of debt. But how does one know it’s time to file for bankruptcy

    • Bankruptcy can protect you from student loans

      Fox 2 Detroit

      The Biden administraiton has made it easier to file for bankruptcy and cover student loans. But is that a smart financial step? Fox 2 Detroit reporter, Roop Raj, dive into the new reglationgs regarding bakrupty and student loans in the United States.

    • I do not need a lawyer to file Bankruptcy

      Keith L. Rucinski | Chapter 13 Trustee

      Bankruptcy Legend: I do not need a lawyer to file Bankruptcy, all I have to do is complete some forms. In the United States people can choose to represent themselves in court, including bankruptcy court. The term to represent yourself without counsel is “pro se”. 

    • woman paying bills

      20 Ways You Can Take Control of Your Finances

      The Balance

      Whether you're stuck in a cycle of debt, earning too little to maintain your desired standard of living, or simply wanting to get a jump on saving for a major financial goal, such as buying a home or investing, you may need help to get on track with your objectives.

    • man paying bills

      Why Did My Credit Score Drop Suddenly?

      Island Now

      As someone who gets credit report notifications, you should be familiar with changes in your credit score. It is quite common for your credit score to fluctuate with minor increments. If you ever rejoice when your credit score increases, you are likely know the dread when it drops.

    • What Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Is And How It Works

      The Good Men Project

      Times are challenging in America with the coronavirus. You may be experiencing the stress that comes with financial hardship and are considering a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.The purpose of this article is to inform you about the most important things about bankruptcy.

    • People Facing Debt Have Many Options

      Melinda Opperman, President, credit.org

      When people are struggling with their debts, they have a lot more options than they might realize. There are professionals, non-profit organizations, and free online resources available to help no matter how one’s personal finances look.

    • How to get a car loan after bankruptcy

      Business Insider

      Bankruptcy can offer lasting financial relief to people struggling to repay their debts, but it comes at a cost. A bankruptcy filing can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, flagging you as a risk to lenders. This can make it harder to get approved for new, affordable loans until you rebuild your credit. Here's how bankruptcy can affect your chance of getting a car loan.


      A public education project of the National Association of Chapter Thirteen Trustees

      © 2021 BFINE



      DISCLAIMER
      The materials on this website are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice, legal opinion, or any other advice on any specific facts or circumstances. You should not act or refrain from acting upon this information without seeking professional advice.