Living Debt Free can bring Happiness

I have always been taught that money can’t buy happiness. I don’t disagree with that notion, but I can attest that money and financial security do play a part. The most difficult times in my life have all been centered on the stress related to my financial situation.

The recent burst of the housing bubble has affected everyone to some extent, even those that didn’t participate in a sub-prime mortgage. Many jobs have been lost, wages have been lowered, and the cost of many products has shot up. The combination has affected many Americans, including myself.

The downfall of the economy caused me to lose my job and seek less paying jobs. If though I was not receiving the same wages, I was still trying to live the same lifestyle. I was accumulating more and more debt on my credit cards until I eventually maxed them out. I had two car payments and close to fifty thousand in unsecured debt. I could no longer make my afford my minimum payments and was struggling to provide for my family. I had exhausted all my resources and didn’t know where to turn. After speaking with a close friend, I realized that my best option would be to consider seeking a local St. Louis bankruptcy attorney.

Initially, I felt somewhat ashamed. I had always looked at bankruptcy in a negative light, but after meeting with the bankruptcy attorney and learning about the various options that are available, I begin to understand that I was not alone. Many Americans are struggling and need assistance. With the help of the attorney, I was able to file bankruptcy and still keep my home and cars. The relief and stress was lifted and I am able to provide for my family’s needs. I have learned a great lesson and will work to maintain my financial stability.

How to Choose the Right Bankruptcy Lawyer

It is very difficult for most people to file for bankruptcy on their own, which is why it is so important to have reliable legal representation on your side, much like a St Louis bankruptcy lawyer. Filing for bankruptcy involves a long, complex process, but a bankruptcy lawyer can take care of all aspects for you to ensure that everything is filed properly and on time.

When searching for a bankruptcy lawyer, it is important to find a highly qualified, experienced bankruptcy lawyer. Make sure to ask your attorney of choice if they belong to local and national bankruptcy legal associations. This will ensure that they are up to date with changes to the bankruptcy law and process.

It is important that your bankruptcy lawyer is committed to helping you. If you do not feel comfortable talking to your lawyer of choice, you should probably look elsewhere. This person will be working with you for some time so it is important that you feel comfortable with them.

Each bankruptcy lawyer will charge their own set rate. It is not always advisable to go with the most affordable attorney you find. This may reflect on their overall experience and abilities. It is usually best to find an attorney that will charge a flat fee for their services. This will ensure that you are charged a reasonable fee, instead of hourly charges, which can quickly get out of hand. Make sure to find out all that you can about your lawyer’s fees. Some will charge hidden fees or extra charges for preparing additional paperwork that may be needed later on.

Most bankruptcy lawyers will offer free initial consultations to all of their potential clients. Make sure to ask all of your questions during your initial consultation so that you can make a more informed decision on whether you have found the right lawyer to meet your needs.