I recently read a book called “The Energy Bus” and it really reminded me of why I love what I do. I found myself wanting to be the character Joy. Sometimes gently, sometimes not-so-gently guiding people in the right direction. First, I highly recommend reading the book. It’s a quick, easy read, but life-changing.

It also reminded me of the number 1 rule that I strive to impress upon my clients, but I didn’t realize this was a “rule” before I read the book. That’s possibly because I’m not a big fan of rules in general, but that’s another article by itself.

You are the driver of your bus. So many people come to our office to talk about their debt and credit issues feeling dejected, hopeless, and out of options. My goal for every single person that comes in like that is to leave energized, hopeful, and full of options. But, it starts with you being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. That’s our job. To give you a path to find the light and then energize you to keep working towards it.

Now, I can’t say it just like that. When was the last time your attorney said, “Come on in to our office, we’re going to talk about positive mindset to get everyone on board your energy bus!”?  I’d get locked up in a looney bin. But, I can practice what I preach and significantly impact the lives of my clients, just like Joy did.

Being the driver of your bus means taking control and steering your life the way you want it to go. That’s easier said than done, but it also can start with one small change. Don’t be afraid to find out what your options are. We talk to so many people who put off taking control so long that it’s negatively impacted their health, their relationships, their work, etc. What if you knew that taking control and finding out that there are options would result in better health, relationships, work, etc.? Would you be less fearful? You are the driver of your bus!

Here is a list of the rest of the rules. Some I like more than others. I definitely agree with getting rid of energy vampires in your life. Life is too short to hang around people who literally suck the life out of you! If you come into our San Ramon office, this will likely be hanging on the wall.

The full book title is The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy by Jon Gordon. It’s available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2CcSfmy

On a final note, there is also a children’s version. Your kids are watching how you react to challenges and difficulties all the time and they will copy you. The best gift you can give your children is to teach them that they are the driver of their own bus. https://amzn.to/2PponFv

This is just a basic overview and is not legal advice specific to your situation. If you have questions about your rights when it comes to debt and credit, you should speak with an attorney in your area for legal advice. If you live in California or North Dakota and would like to speak with Jen Lee Law regarding your situation, please schedule an appointment on our scheduling site.

One of the most common questions we get when discussing bankruptcy is, “Will I ever be able to get a car loan again?”

The answer is yes. And probably a lot sooner than you may think.

However, there is a lot of misinformation about there. I read an article this evening on a site that works with people in bankruptcy to get a car loan. You would think the information would be correct, since they purportedly work with people in bankruptcy, but there were some major red flags.

What Chapter Did You File?

If you file for Chapter 7, you can get a car loan as soon as 1 day after you file with some of the lending programs out there today. However, this article incorrectly states auto loans are not available during the Chapter 7 because “it’s possible for the car to be included in your bankruptcy, which could leave your lender holding the bag.”

That’s not how Chapter 7 works. Everything you own on the day that your bankruptcy is filed is what is included in your bankruptcy (also known as the bankruptcy estate). A car lender should never be left holding the bag because the loan is secured against the car. Bankruptcy doesn’t wipe out a secured loan and leave the lender “holding the bag.”

If you filed for Chapter 13 (which is a repayment plan over 3-5 years), you generally need trustee approval and there are often limits on the monthly payment and total amount that will be approved. Talk to your Chapter 13 attorney to make sure it’s a smooth process.

This article instructs you to bring your financing information to your bankruptcy trustee and that the trustee will present it to the court in a motion to incur debt.

No.

You should bring your financing information to your attorney. The attorney will coordinate with the trustee’s office to get approval. Depending on your court, a motion is probably not required at all and the trustee is never the one who will file the motion – you or your attorney (if you are represented) needs to do that.

Finally, the article states that there may be a hearing and “if all of your debtors agree,” it will be approved. Again, no. First, you are the debtor and you have creditors. Second, all of your creditors do not have to agree or approve of your car loan.

The bottom line is that financing is available at almost any stage of the bankruptcy process, but it’s important to know your local procedures and work with your attorney to understand the steps that are required.

The article I read is here.

This is just a basic overview and is not legal advice specific to your situation. If you have questions about your rights when it comes to debt and credit, you should speak with an attorney in your area for legal advice. If you live in California or North Dakota and would like to speak with Jen Lee Law regarding your situation, please schedule an appointment on our scheduling site.