We’re settling a lot of FDCPA cases every month and frequently I speak with clients about how they are going to use their settlement funds.  Sometimes, clients use the funds for necessary expenses; food, clothes, housing, etc.  Sometimes, but rarely, my clients share that they are going to use the money to purchase something questionable (in my eyes) such as a new flat screen television, down payment on a new car, etc.  I am not in the position to judge anyone, however, I always try to get my clients to spend their money on something that will change their lives.  A television will temporarily entertain, however, what if they would spend their money on something that would make “tomorrow” completely different than today……

What if I told you that if you gave me $1,500.00 of the money you received from your FDCPA settlement and I could use that money to pay off thousands of dollars of your debt?  What if I told you a client gave me their $1,500.00 and I turned that $1,500.00 into the ability to discharge over $100,000.00 of the debt that they previously incurred?  Its likely you’d think I was trying to sell you something that wasn’t real, and would turn me into the Federal Government.  However, I am being completely honest.

People have different ideas about Bankruptcy; some view it as a second chance and some view it in negative light.  I can tell you this; dozens of millionaires out there have filed for bankruptcy more than once.  Additionally, as the news daily points out, our largest corporations are seeking bailouts and are using bankruptcy to get back on their feet.  Why shouldn’t you use the same tools? 

If you contact me and you have a collection agency has violated the FDCPA, I will get you money (assuming the collection agency hasn’t filed for bankruptcy in the meantime which is becoming more frequent).  Be thinking now how you want to use that money.  My suggestion, obviously, is to use the money to create a new tomorrow; get a fresh start.  Visit www.legalhelpers.com for more information on bankruptcy.  Tomorrow doesn’t have to be another day; it could be your second chance.  If you don’t have another viable long term plan; make one.  If you don’t plan for anything; don’t expect anything to change.

-Jeffrey S. Hyslip