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Auto Purchase: Avoid buying new cars.  The best value is always in a slightly used vehicle (1-3 years old).  Remember to always negotiate the price and financing terms!

Bankruptcy:  This is always the very last option to take.  There are ways to make agreements with creditors without putting a bankruptcy on record for life.  Explore every possibility!

Collections: Debt Collectors can make life miserable.  There are multiple ways to handle accounts in collections.  Many people can benefit by following a foundation of priorities.  Always put Food, Utilities, House, Transportation and Medical Needs first.  Debt comes after making the necessities.  Establish a written plan to get caught up and never make a financial decision fueled by emotion.

Courts: Upon expiration of a given number of days (usually 30-45 days) issued by a summons, a judgment is issued. Creditors and lenders are authorized to enforce payment.  The debtor can dispute the validity of the debt by written response to both the attorney and county courts. It’s important to be aggressive because this problem will not go away on it’s own.

Debt Elimination: The Debt Snowball Method is a quick way to get rid of debt.  Most importantly, it’s under the control of each individual or couple!

Divorce: The most emotionally charged experience of a lifetime is commonly neglected when it comes to finances.  Financial contracts with lenders and creditors made prior to divorce remain enforceable.  A divorce decree does not guarantee each party’s credit to be protected or a release of obligation to pay a debt.  These issues should be resolved prior to what is hopefully a new beginning to new life.

Foreclosure: When making the house payment has become a challenge, there is always a root cause; maybe the homeowner purchased a home above their means, lost a job, has excessive debt, was steered into an unrealistic mortgage or was irresponsible.  Whatever the reason, there is hope.  Try working with the lender to improve loan terms or sell the property.  For some, leasing the property may be an option.  Just remember, in the end it’s just a house!

Garnishments: Life can change rapidly with an instant decrease in income or the wiping out of bank accounts.  It’s absolutely paramount to play offense when served a summons on debt related lawsuits.  Garnishments can be avoided or resolved by being proactive.

Homeownership: It’s always wise to set up monthly payments on a bi-weekly basis.  By simply breaking up each payment, a thirty year loan becomes some where around a twenty year loan.  When renovating the house, be sure value is being added.  Curb appeal, master bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens are what sell homes.

Newlyweds: Before or shortly after tying the knot, it’s a great idea to get on the same page financially.  Set goals, priorities and make a game plan.  Your marriage will thank you for it later!

Paycheck To Paycheck: The biggest financial obstacle is the common lifestyle of living from one paycheck to the next.  Ultimately, this leads to money related problems.  With so many living this risky and stressful path, it’s crucial to create more margin.   More margin = more control.

Student Loans: Education is very valuable for success in the real world.  However, most people pay on student loans for several years.  Set a goal to pay them off within 2-4 years.  Otherwise, education can become twice as expensive by paying excessive payments towards interest.  A Student Loan is a bridge to an education, not an endlessly flowing river!

Teens & Young Adults: The earlier the big picture is understood the better.  It’s important to enjoy the young years, but it’s even better with broad perspective, clear priorities and a game plan.  Money and life can be simplified from an early age and the greatest asset is the concept of “balance.”

Unemployment: While on the job hunt, it’s never more critical to have a financial game plan.  A foundation of priorities can make this challenging time manageable.

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