OVLG Blog: Debt Relief, Bankruptcy and Personal Finance Advice

Articles · Page 2 of 129

Bankruptcy

How To Spot an Illegal Rent Hike in California and Avoid Debt

Written by

Lyle Solomon

Reviewed by

Loretta Kilday

Updated Feb 10, 2026

The envelope sits on your kitchen table, or maybe it arrived as a notification on your phone. The subject line is standard: Notice of Rent Adjustment. You see the new number and your stomach drops. Landlords often assume you’ll just pay it. They bank on the fact that you’re too busy or too scared to check the math. For many, the next thought is: I'll just put the groceries on the Visa card to make up the difference.

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Debt Relief

Can Debt Collectors Take Your Tax Refund?

Written by

Lyle Solomon

Reviewed by

Loretta Kilday

Updated Feb 2, 2026

Have you filed your income tax returns? Expecting a refund? If so, then you’ve probably already planned how you’re going to use that money. Whether you plan to repair your home, pay off credit card bills, or buy a laptop is completely irrelevant if a debt collector takes away your tax refund. When that happens, all your financial plans go up in smoke.And it ...

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Bankruptcy

How to Decide on Debt Settlement vs Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Written by

Lyle Solomon

Reviewed by

Loretta Kilday

Updated Dec 1, 2025

When it comes to deciding between Debt Settlement and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, most Americans are unable to choose between the two, depending on their situation. The rising cost of living for U.S. households is high, and by the end of 2025, most Americans will be unable to cover their living expenses.

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Personal Finance

How to avoid financial risks in your 20s

Written by

Lyle Solomon

Reviewed by

Loretta Kilday

Updated Nov 28, 2025

Currently, there is unrest plaguing us all, and things could get worse. As policymakers try to control inflation by raising interest rates,

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Bankruptcy

How to Pass the California Means Test When You Earn Too Much

Written by

Lyle Solomon

Reviewed by

Loretta Kilday

Updated Nov 10, 2025

A significant number of Californians are in a tight economic position. They are employed and have an excellent income but the costs of housing, transport and taxes take most of the income. This may result in defaulting on credit card payments, medical charges and other personal loans, which puts one under serious financial strain.

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Bankruptcy

What to Do If You Can't Afford Chapter 13 in California?

Written by

Lyle Solomon

Reviewed by

Loretta Kilday

Updated Nov 6, 2025

Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayments are often unaffordable to someone with limited money (e.g., just over the median income level) but you can make it work. Request lower payments, cut non-essential expenses, extend the plan to 5 years or apply for a hardship modification to make things more manageable. With quick planning and proper budgeting, you can manage Chapter 13 payments even when money is tight.

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Personal Finance

What Are the 5 Warning Signs of Elder Financial Exploitation

Written by

Lyle Solomon

Reviewed by

Loretta Kilday

Updated Jul 9, 2025

$27 billion stolen from seniors in one year. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) found that between June 2022 and June 2023, elder financial exploitation–related suspicious activity totaled $27 billion, and the average victim lost $33,915, often decades of savings. This article will show you the 5 warning signs to spot exploitation early, where to report suspected abuse and what legal protections are available to get back stolen assets.

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Bankruptcy

How to Spot Bankruptcy Scams: Warning Signs and Protection

Written by

Lyle Solomon

Reviewed by

Loretta Kilday

Updated Jul 7, 2025

Bankruptcy is stressful enough without scammers taking advantage of your vulnerability. Every year thousands of financially distressed Americans lose money to bankruptcy scams – often hundreds or thousands of dollars – adding to their hardship and jeopardizing their fresh start. According to FTC data, consumer fraud complaints reached 2.6 million in 2023 with a median loss of $500 per incident. Bankruptcy filers, under pressure, are especially vulnerable.

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