FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION BANKRUPTCY-Debt Relief FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION STOP: CREDITOR HARASSMENT • FORECLOSURE •COLLECTIONS 903.753.3023 CALL NOW OR VISIT US ON THE WEB AT WWW.RODNEYSSCOTT.COM My Office Is A Debt Relief Agency. We Help People File For Bankruptcy Under The Bankruptcy Code.

For legal advice you must consult an attorney. All material provided is general information already available to the public. However, all bankruptcy cases are individual in nature and need to be handled by a qualified bankruptcy attorney. Bankruptcy is a serious decision. It is not a “magic wand” and should be considered carefully. Please DO NOT take any of this information as LEGAL ADVICE For legal advice you must consult an attorney. “Did You Know” are quotes from a book called the Two Income Trap by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi

Let’s Get Started

The Question Is Why Bankruptcy?

Do you know someone who has been laid off from their job? suffered from a divorce? lost a loved one? or has just had some bad luck?

the phone rings in fear of creditor harassment ? Is someone you know cringing every time the phone rings in fear of creditor harassment ?

Do you know anyone who has changed a digit in their phone number to avoid bill collectors?

Is someone you know missing work due to stress related problems regarding their finances

Do you have a co-worker always leaving work to take care of financial related matters

Do you know someone who’s financial problems are causing stress in their relationships

someone who is lying awake at night worrying about how to pay their bills, which bills to pay …

Trying do decide whether to pay the bills Or even worse, Trying do decide whether to pay the bills Or put food on the table or

How many of us know someone who is terrified of unexpected expenses because they know they don’t have the money to cover it no matter how small it may be

Could any of this pertain TO YOU

I think that most of us can say that we have known someone who experienced some of these situations

For people in FINANCIAL CRISIS whether or not to file bankruptcy is a SERIOUS decision All too often that decision making process is complicated by lack of information or a lot of misinformation

Sometimes this comes from well-meaning family or friends, Or from people like aggressive creditors and bill collectors trying to intimidate you

FINANCIAL FRESH START PEACE OF MIND Bankruptcy can provide you with For some people, filing bankruptcy can also be a moral and/ or spiritual dilemma. But did you know that it can actually be a strategic way for you and your family to get a FINANCIAL FRESH START Bankruptcy can provide you with PEACE OF MIND and help get you back on track .

Did you know that bankruptcy is not a new concept It ’s roots actually date back to the U.S. Constitution and Is rooted in the Bible

“ At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. And this is the manner of the release: creditors release that which he has lent unto his neighbor and his brother; because the Lord’s release hath been proclaimed” Deuteronomy 15:1-2

The TOP FIVE reasons that people file for bankruptcy might surprise you. But, should you find yourself in one of these situations, and are considering bankruptcy, there is nothing to be Embarrassed about

Unexpected Medical Bills Loss of a Job Loss of investment income Top 5 Reasons People File Bankruptcy Divorce Unexpected Medical Bills Loss of a Job Loss of investment income Death of a loved one

But… There are also may other reasons people could experience financial trouble which could ultimately lead to the need in filing for bankruptcy such as…

Identity Theft Some of us may know someone who has been the victim of some sort of an identity theft. Identity theft is the fastest growing white collar crime in the US today Many people who experience this fast growing crime are left in a financial crisis

only to lose everything after it turned out to be a some sort Scams Some of us may know people who thought they were making a good investment with their money, only to lose everything after it turned out to be a some sort scam instead There are many forms of scams that target unsuspecting people and leave their finances in ruin

Life Happens! Accountability How many of us have a plan B? While ultimately, we all know that we are each accountable for our own state of financial affairs, we also know that no matter how well we plan Life Happens! How many of us have a plan B?

There are those that have the perception that the people filing bankruptcy are just mismanaging their money and then abusing the system as a way to not pay their bills As with any program there can be some abuse, but for the most part, with bankruptcy, statistics prove this is SIMPLY JUST NOT TRUE

Married couples with children are Did You Know? Married couples with children are twice as likely to declare bankruptcy as their childless counterparts More than 90% of families in bankruptcy would qualify as middle class

Today’s dual income families have less discretionary Did You Know? “Did You Know” are quotes from a book called the Two Income Trap by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi Today’s dual income families have less discretionary income and less money to put away for a rainy day than the single income family of a generation ago

with children cite just three reasons for their Did You Know? Nearly 9 out of 10 families with children cite just three reasons for their bankruptcies Job Loss Family Breakup And Medical Problems

Single mothers are now more likely than any other group to Did You Know? Single mothers are now more likely than any other group to file for bankruptcy Fathers who owe child support obligations are more than three times as likely to file for bankruptcy as single men who don’t owe support

Did You Know? 1 in 5 of COLLEGE EDUCATED HOME-OWNING families will say that they have done without food at some point before filing for bankruptcy It is estimated that for every family that files bankruptcy, there are SEVEN more that could have benefited from it if properly informed

The average person struggles with debt for Did You Know? The average person struggles with debt for MORE THAN A YEAR before filing bankruptcy

low-income population Did You Know? People with pay day loans usually have more than one Pay day loans have an interest rate of anywhere from 100% to 500% and target the low-income population

Did You Know? 50 % of families will have their utilities or phone shut off for non- payment before filing for bankruptcy Nearly 60% of people do without needed medical care in order to save money

So as you can see, this is not just about people abusing the system So as you can see, this is not just about people abusing the system. It is about people going through a hard time and needing a Fresh Start

A Burden You May Not Have To Bear Any Longer Financial Stress A Burden You May Not Have To Bear Any Longer

Stress Facts Some people just stop paying their bills because they don’t have the money to pay them, but the STRESS from this can be exhausting The phone never stops ringing, demand letters are piling up, and you are always having to stay on guard to avoid the bill collectors

Stress Facts Financial STRESS can cause a negative impact on the strongest of families not to mention what it does to your credit Money problems are usually always listed in the TOP TEN reasons for divorce

When you are worried about losing your car or you home. Stress Facts When you are worried about losing your car or you home. This can be VERY STRESSFULL

Stress Facts STRESS from debt can be overwhelming in other ways also Many forms of illness can be traced back to STRESS According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “STRESS helps account for two-thirds of family doctor visits and, half the DEATHS to Americans under 65

Stress Facts STRESS has been implicated in heart, stomach and mental disorders, along with the more ordinary headaches, backaches, high blood pressure and cholesterol

OK, OK Enough about stress related matters that could be Stress Facts OK, OK Enough about stress related matters that could be due to FINANCIAL RELATED PROBLEMS Let’s move on to something good.

Help Is Still Available The GOOD NEWS is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE and Help Is Still Available

Utilizing the Bankruptcy Code, Federal Law may allow you to obtain a FINANCIAL FRESH START

and put you back on the road If utilized wisely, bankruptcy can be a new beginning. It can be a way for you to gain new PEACE OF MIND and put you back on the road To FINANCIAL SUCCESS

What Can Bankruptcy Do For You? FORECLOSURES REPOSSESSIONS CREDITOR HARRASSMENT COLLECTION CALLS

Bankruptcy can put you back on the road to securing a What Can Bankruptcy Do For You? Bankruptcy can put you back on the road to securing a NEW FINANCIAL FUTURE In fact bankruptcy may have a POSITIVE impact by letting you begin to rebuild your credit

What Can Bankruptcy Do For You? And while it may not improve your FICO score, how you handle the payments in your Chapter 13 plan can have a dramatic impact on a creditors perception of your new credit worthiness

So let me ask you some questions

Questions? Is financial stress causing problems in your relationships? Are you experiencing illness due to stress? Are you currently experiencing an overwhelming financial burden?

Questions? Would you like to stop your house from being foreclosed on? Would you like to prevent your car from being repossessed?

Questions? Would you like to stop all of the COLLECTION CALLS? Would it be great to be free from the CREDITOR HARRASSMENT?

Questions? Peace of Mind Financial Future And finally, would you like the Peace of Mind that comes with knowing that you are back on the road to a new Financial Future If you answered YES to any of these questions, bankruptcy may be a viable option for you

So Why Wait? Financial Fresh Start Questions? Peace Of Mind Why not utilize this Financial Strategy that is allowed under Federal Law, to get you and your family back on track to a new Financial Fresh Start and Peace Of Mind

So Who Are We?

While there are other Bankruptcy attorneys, Rodney is Rodney Scott has been offering legal assistance and debt relief to families in financial crisis for 30 years. While there are other Bankruptcy attorneys, Rodney is Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy

Our caring and knowledgeable staff, will help find the best plan for you and your family, based on your personal situation Our goal is to help you and your loved ones get back on your feet financially

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION We can help relieve stress by STOPPING FORECLOSURES and STOPPING COLLECTION CALLS Payment Plans Are Available in Certain Situations and we offer a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

don't wait until it is too late. As the saying goes “Bad things can happen to good people” so If you are having financial problems and need help don't wait until it is too late. Remember that under the Bankruptcy Code, Federal Law allows you to gain a Financial Fresh Start

Get the help you need and put your family back on the road to Do Not Delay Get the help you need and put your family back on the road to Financial Success www.rodneysscott.com

Our number is 903-753-3023

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION BANKRUPTCY-Debt Relief FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION STOP: CREDITOR HARASSMENT • FORECLOSURE •COLLECTIONS 903.753.3023 CALL NOW OR VISIT US ON THE WEB AT WWW.RODNEYSSCOTT.COM My Office Is A Debt Relief Agency. We Help People File For Bankruptcy Under The Bankruptcy Code.

End of Part One

Bankruptcy Part Two

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION BANKRUPTCY-Debt Relief FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION STOP: CREDITOR HARASSMENT • FORECLOSURE •COLLECTIONS 903.753.3023 CALL NOW OR VISIT US ON THE WEB AT WWW.RODNEYSSCOTT.COM My Office Is A Debt Relief Agency. We Help People File For Bankruptcy Under The Bankruptcy Code.

for Legal Advice you MUST consult an attorney. All material provided is general information already available to the public. All bankruptcy cases are individual in nature and each case needs to be handled by a qualified bankruptcy attorney. Bankruptcy is a serious decision. It is not a “magic wand” and should be considered carefully Please DO NOT take any of this information as LEGAL ADVICE for Legal Advice you MUST consult an attorney.

Chapter 7 is known as “straight” bankruptcy or “liquidation” What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider? Chapter 7 is known as “straight” bankruptcy or “liquidation” It requires an individual to give up property which is not “exempt” under the law, so the property can be sold to pay creditors HOWEVER

What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider? TEXAS HAS LIBERAL EXEMPTION LAWS And most people who file Chapter 7 can keep most, if not all, of their property Exception: property which is very valuable or which is subject to a lien which they can not avoid or afford to pay

What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider? Chapter 13 (Reorganization) In a Chapter 13 case you file a “plan” showing how you will pay off some of your past-due and current debts over three to five years

What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider? The most important thing about a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that it will allow you to keep valuable property—especially your HOME and CAR which might otherwise be lost. This is if you can make the payments which the bankruptcy law requires to be made to your creditors

You should consider filing a Chapter 13 plan if you: What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider? You should consider filing a Chapter 13 plan if you: Own your home and are in danger of losing it because of money problems

Are behind on debt payments, but can catch up if given some time; What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider? Are behind on debt payments, but can catch up if given some time; Have valuable property which is not exempt, but you can afford to pay creditors from your income over time

You will need to have enough income during your Chapter 13 bankruptcy What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider? You will need to have enough income during your Chapter 13 bankruptcy to pay for your necessities and to keep up with the required payments as they come due

How Much Will It Cost If I Decide To File Bankruptcy The attorney fees are figured on a case by case basis and are determined by your individual situation.

How Much Will It Cost If I Decide To File Bankruptcy Attorney fees are regulated by the Bankruptcy Courts to insure that they are fair and reasonable

Chapter 7 fees are based on each individual case How Much Will It Cost If I Decide To File Bankruptcy Chapter 7 Fees Chapter 7 fees are based on each individual case Payment plans are available

You may generally pay most of your legal fees through your plan How Much Will It Cost If I Decide To File Bankruptcy Chapter 13 Fees You may generally pay most of your legal fees through your plan

Yes! Can I Own Anything After Bankruptcy? Many people believe they cannot own anything for a period of time after filing for bankruptcy THIS IS NOT TRUE! You can keep your exempt property and property you acquire after the bankruptcy is filed

Can I Own Anything After Bankruptcy? Disclaimer In some cases if you receive certain money or property within 180 days of filing for bankruptcy this particular property or money may not exempt and may be used to repay creditors. While many things can be protected, If you think you may be inheriting or coming into money or property after the bankruptcy is filed, be sure to inform the attorney, so he can advise you correctly

Will Bankruptcy Wipe Out All Of My Debts? Bankruptcy will not discharge any child support obligations, debt owed to the government or taxes, or student loans

Will Bankruptcy Wipe Out All Of My Debts? Other debts that a bankruptcy will not discharge are any debts that are not listed on your petition Loans made under false pretenses, any debt that is a result of criminal activity, and liens such as your house or car

What Bankruptcy Can Not Do Eliminate certain rights of secured creditors A creditor is secured if it has taken a mortgage or other lien on property as collateral for a loan Common examples are car loans and home mortgages

Discharge debts that arise after bankruptcy has been filed What Bankruptcy Can Not Do Discharge debts that arise after bankruptcy has been filed

A Person Could Lose Property or Other Rights! How Do I File For Bankruptcy Although it may be possible for a person to file a bankruptcy case without an attorney, it is not a step to be taken lightly and is NEVER recommended. The process is EXTREMELY difficult and without the assistance of a Bankruptcy Attorney, A Person Could Lose Property or Other Rights!

Will I Have To Go To Court In most bankruptcy cases, you only have to go to a proceeding called the “meeting of creditors” to meet with the bankruptcy trustee and any creditor who chooses to come

Will I Have To Go To Court Most of the time, this meeting will be a short and simple procedure where you are asked a few questions about your bankruptcy and your financial situation

Will I Have To Go To Court In a Chapter 13 there are rare cases where you may have to go to court one more time, if anything is being disputed in the case. However, anytime you may have to appear in court, you will be notified and accompanied by your attorney

Do I Need To Do Anything Before I File For Bankruptcy You must receive pre-Credit Counseling with an approved credit counseling agency within 180 days before your bankruptcy case is filed. Our office will review possible options available to you in credit counseling and assist you in reviewing your budget

Do I Need To Do Anything Before I File For Bankruptcy If you decide to file bankruptcy, you must have a certificate from the agency showing that you received the credit counseling before your bankruptcy case is filed. This course is only about 30 minutes in length The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 mandates that consumers receive financial counseling with an approved agency prior to their bankruptcy petition being filed

Do I Need To Do Anything After I File For Bankruptcy After your case is filed, you must complete an approved course in Financial Management. This course will take approximately two hours to complete

Do I Need To Do Anything After I File For Bankruptcy Many of the course providers give you a choice to take the course in-person at a designated location, over the Internet usually by watching a video

What Else Should I Consider? When considering whether or not to file bankruptcy, it is wise to view it as a Financial Strategy using the Federal Bankruptcy Code to protect yourself and your family

What Else Should I Consider? Once again, as with any financial decision filing bankruptcy is a serious decision and one that should never be taken lightly. However, if it is used wisely it can be a way to help your family obtain a FINANCIAL FRESH START and give you a new PEACE OF MIND

Rodney S. Scott has been offering Legal Assistance in Consumer Bankruptcy and Debt Relief in East Texas for 30 years. Our caring and knowledgeable staff will help find the best plan for you and your family, based on your personal situation

Call for an appointment today 903-753-3023 Or visit our website @ www.rodneysscott.com

Our number is 903-753-3023

For legal advice you must consult an attorney. All material provided is general information already available to the public. However, all bankruptcy cases are individual in nature and needs to be handled by a qualified bankruptcy attorney. Bankruptcy is a serious decision. It is not a “magic wand” and should be considered carefully. Please DO NOT take any of this information as LEGAL ADVICE For legal advice you must consult an attorney. “Did You Know” are quotes from a book called the Two Income Trap by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION BANKRUPTCY-Debt Relief FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION STOP: CREDITOR HARASSMENT • FORECLOSURE •COLLECTIONS 903.753.3023 CALL NOW OR VISIT US ON THE WEB AT WWW.RODNEYSSCOTT.COM My Office Is A Debt Relief Agency. We Help People File For Bankruptcy Under The Bankruptcy Code.

End of Presentation