Consumer Rights

Are IRAs in Illinois Exempt From Creditors?
Are IRAs in Illinois Exempt From Creditors?

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, a court-appointed trustee seizes your assets and sells them to pay your debts. Federal and state laws exempt some assets, making that property safe from creditors no matter how much you owe. In Illinois, as in other states, federal law applies to ...

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Protected Social Security Benefits Under Law
Protected Social Security Benefits Under Law

Social Security benefits include retirement benefit payments, disability benefit payments and Supplemental Security Income payments. If you owe a defaulted debt, a common tactic the creditor will ...Read More

Can I Cosign for a Home Equity Loan If My Name Is Not on the Deed?
Can I Cosign for a Home Equity Loan If My Name Is Not on the Deed?

Lenders extend credit to unqualified applicants who can present a co-signer with significant income and a good credit history. If you fit this criteria, you may be asked to secure a home equity loan ...Read More

Can a Hospital Garnish Your IRA?
Can a Hospital Garnish Your IRA?

Before a hospital could explore garnishment as an option to collect a debt you owe, the hospital would have to get a judgment in court. However, once it has a judgment, it generally can collect what ...Read More

How to Stop Cold Calls for Credit Card Rate Reduction
How to Stop Cold Calls for Credit Card Rate Reduction

If you're getting unsolicited calls from credit-card telemarketers, you can take steps to quiet your phone and enhance your peace of mind. The same process is available no matter the reason for the ...Read More

How Does an Auto Insurance Company Determine the Payoff for a Totaled Vehicle?
How Does an Auto Insurance Company Determine the Payoff for a Totaled Vehicle?

Insurance companies often won't tell you how they've determined how much your totaled vehicle is worth. To get the price you deserve, research that value yourself, including taxes and registration. ...Read More

How to Dispute a Social Security Overpayment and Tax Refund Offset
How to Dispute a Social Security Overpayment and Tax Refund Offset

If Social Security concludes that you've received benefits -- disability or retirement -- to which you weren't entitled, you'll receive a notice and a demand for repayment from the agency. Social ...Read More

Switching Jobs While Pregnant & Insurance Implications
Switching Jobs While Pregnant & Insurance Implications

When you are pregnant, finding an effective insurance strategy is a top priority. There are a number of opportunities for pregnant women who are seeking to secure effective insurance coverage during ...Read More

Can a Bank or Credit Union Change an Unsecured Loan to a Secured Loan?
Can a Bank or Credit Union Change an Unsecured Loan to a Secured Loan?

A secured loan is one in which the borrower pledges an asset such as property or a vehicle as collateral for the loan. An unsecured loan is based on the buyer's creditworthiness, rather than being ...Read More

I Co-signed for a Student Loan: How Do I Eliminate the Loan?
I Co-signed for a Student Loan: How Do I Eliminate the Loan?

Typically, if you co-sign a loan you are up the proverbial creek until the borrower pays it off completely. Private student loans are a different story. While the government protects lenders of ...Read More

Can I Transfer the Ownership of My US Savings Bond to My Godchild?
Can I Transfer the Ownership of My US Savings Bond to My Godchild?

U.S. Savings Bonds are popular gifts for children, as they can be used to help finance college and other long-term goals. If you currently have savings bonds in your name, you may be able to transfer ...Read More

What Is the Difference Between Cash Transfers & In-Kind Benefits?
What Is the Difference Between Cash Transfers & In-Kind Benefits?

Many governments transfer benefits to their citizens, either as cash or in the form of in-kind transfers of goods and services. Cash benefits give the biggest boost to the happiness of recipients, ...Read More

Creditor Attachment of Life Insurance Death Benefits
Creditor Attachment of Life Insurance Death Benefits

A creditor holding a court judgment against a debtor may enforce that judgment by attaching (seizing) assets in accordance with the laws of your state. Some assets, however, are exempt from ...Read More

Is Roth IRA Safe From Collectors?
Is Roth IRA Safe From Collectors?

Your Roth IRA is not necessarily safe from collectors, but it’ll take a lot of effort on the creditor’s part to get his hands on your funds. The federal and state governments understand that your ...Read More

How to Get Back a Cash Deposit When Buying a Car
How to Get Back a Cash Deposit When Buying a Car

When you decide to purchase a vehicle, and you can't take delivery immediately, you may choose to give the dealership a cash deposit to hold the vehicle. This will keep the dealership from selling ...Read More