In the words of Sean Bean, winter is coming. While not quite as ominous as it is in Game of Thrones, winter can still bring hardship to many people due to the cold temperatures. While you may have the heating on, this may not be enough on its own! That’s why we have come up with 6 ways that you can keep warm this winter.

Wear Layers

Wearing a hat, gloves, and a thick winter coat outside can really help shield you against cold winds and freezing temperatures. However, many of us get home, hang up the coat, and sit around in just a T-shirt. Doing this of course means that you will feel the cold,  and probably go to turn up the heating. However, while you will still probably need to have the heating on, you won’t have to have it turned up so high if you simply put a jumper or fleece on when in the house! Thick socks and slippers are also great ways to keep warm. Wearing layers is just one way of saving on your heating bills. Using thick blankets (or even electric blankets) when sleeping is also an effective way of keeping warm.

Consider Different Heating Systems

There are different forms of heating available, from radiators to underfloor heating systems. If your heating system isn’t doing the trick, a different system may be more effective. For example, underfloor heating can distribute heat more evenly throughout the house than traditional radiator systems can. For many people, underfloor heating installation can even reduce heating bills when compared to radiator systems!

Set the Heating at the Right Temperature

For most people, keeping frequently used rooms (for example the living room) at a temperature of between 60°F and 70°F is ideal. Rooms such as bedrooms can be timed to be heated shortly before bedtime!

Keep the Warmth In

There is not much point in turning the heating up if the warmth is not being contained. Having windows or doors open when the heating is on is basically throwing money out of the window! 

It’s not just keeping doors and windows closed that can keep the warmth in. You can combat draughts by using keyhole covers, draught excluders, and thermal curtain linings. Then another great thing that you can do for your home that will greatly improve insulation and appearance is to get new windows and we used these amazing sash window fitters in London who were just superb so if you need new windows in London they are easily the best choice.

Keep Physically Active

Keeping as physically active as you can is a great way of keeping warm. Physical activity boosts the circulation, which keeps body temperature high. Making sure to move around in the house (even if you just walk around the kitchen once every hour or so) can stop you from getting too cold in the winter.

Eat Healthy and Warm Meals

Hot food such as soups, stews, and casseroles are not only warm, but they are also tasty and comforting. Between meals, drinking hot drinks such as coffee or tea will also keep your temperature up. Avoid eating too much junk food, as healthier meals with more nutrients are better for the immune system—which can be vital in keeping you warm and healthy in the winter!

One of the more dangerous areas in the home, for people of any age, is the staircase. If we do not concentrate, it is very easy to trip, slip, or fall down the stairs and the consequences can be disastrous. For children, the risks are even greater, particularly as they appear to be an indoor climbing frame just asking to be explored. You, as a parent, are responsible for ensuring that you provide your children with a safe environment to grow up in. To help you, this guide outlines how you can make your stairs safe for your small children. 

Prevent children under two years old from using them

Prevention is better than cure, so until you are sure that your children can confidently ascend and descend the stairs, do not let them use the stairs without your supervision. Installing a baby gate at the top and bottom of the staircase will ensure that children under two do not injure themselves. 

Install railings and bannisters

If your stairs do not have railings and bannisters, now is the time to install them. A closed side and back will stop children from falling (as long as the railings are not spaced too far apart). Some people choose to install another railing at a lower height for children so they can steady themselves.

Add carpeting

If your stairs are not carpeted, you should consider fitting carpet stair runners London. Wooden or stone steps are slippery and, if someone does fall, injuries can be more severe. Carpeting the staircase will provide more grip underfoot and some degree of cushioning. If your stairs are already carpeted, it is important to ensure that there are no holes, wrinkles, or frayed fibres which could be trip hazards for small toes. An anti-fatigue mat is essentially a mat that is used to help alleviate stress on your lower body due to standing for long periods. When selecting the anti fatigue mats amazon you must be absolutely sure that you will be able to make the most of the advantages of the anti-fatigue mat. Since there are many types of them, you should realize what and where it will be used for.

Keep the stairs clutter-free

It is easy to use the stairs as a dumping ground for shoes, laundry, toys, or any other bits and pieces. They are all trip hazards, so it is important to keep the stairs as clutter-free as possible. If you see someone has left something on the stairs, move it, and if you are tempted to pop something down ‘just for a minute’ until you head upstairs, think twice. It only takes a second for someone to trip. Here are some tips on reducing clutter in the home.

Install a bannister guard

The steps of the stairs are a priority, but you should not neglect the railings and bannister which follow the steps up and possibly along a section of the first floor. Children often enjoy dropping toys from the top floor as part of their imaginary games, i.e. pretending toys can fly or are dropping from mountains. This is a safety concern for everyone in the home as objects may start falling from above. There is also a risk that children might get their legs, arms, or head stuck in the gaps between the railings. To prevent both of these problems, you should consider a bannister guard which is a sheet of tear-resistant plastic which attaches to the bannister and gets rid of the gaps. 

The main difference between renting a property and owning one is that you will more than likely choose or need to move much more often if you are renting. There are a number of reasons for this, but part of it will come from the fact that you are able to; there aren’t so many ties when you rent compared to when you own, and moving is much easier. Therefore, if you want to move because your family is growing or you get a new job somewhere further away, or perhaps because you are now ready to buy a property, there’s no real reason to stop you.

Whatever the reason for leaving, moving from your rented property can be a stressful thing to do; there are a lot more things to take into consideration than if you were moving from a house or apartment you owned. Here are some useful tips to help you manage the move more easily. 

Paperwork

Every move involves a lot of paperwork (sometimes actual paper, sometimes online, depending on the landlord and agent you are using). There are various different forms to complete and important documents to go through before signing them. Although this may seem tedious, it really is crucial you do read them before agreeing to anything; if you just sign without checking things through, you might find you are liable for something you had no idea about. 

Ideally, you should complete the paperwork as soon as you get it, rather than waiting until the last moment. This way, if you have any queries, you’ll have time to get them ironed out before any deadlines, and you won’t delay things too much. If you’re having trouble, make sure you ask for help. This is easier if you are buying a property with mortgage advice from Azembel.com as they will be on hand to guide you, but even if this is not the case, make sure you check before signing anything. 

Clean the Property 

When you moved into your rental you will have paid a security deposit on top of the first month’s rent (and sometimes the last month’s rent too). This money is for the landlord to use it they need to after you move out to get the property back into good order. If you want to get your whole bond back without question, you are going to need to leave your rented accommodation in a clean and tidy state, making sure the oven and carpets are particularly well looked after. 

Unless you have the right tools to conduct a deep clean, or you particularly enjoy housework, you should leave this process to a professional. It will cost you more, but you can also be sure that the property will be thoroughly and properly cleaned, so you’ll get your money back and not be out of pocket. 

Get Your Timing Right 

If you are moving from a rental to a rental, timing is crucial. If you are moving from a rental to your own home, timing can be more fluid, but it is still something to take into consideration if you want things to be stress-free. 

Assuming you pay your rent in advance, you don’t want to have paid too much or too little when it comes to your moving date. Ideally, you should choose a date that falls just before the next rent payment is due. You can consider also using this online payment processing software to charge your customers. That way, you will have paid up to date on your current place, and you can start paying on your new place without having to add money here or there. Good timing makes everything much easier (and less expensive). 

Do you want to start writing a novel? If yes, note that one of the things that you need to do is get an agent. Ensure that you find the perfect writing tips that will guide you to make the recommended choice and choose a professional agent, if you need some more, visit the 501words blog. Nevertheless, with various options available, you need to identify the right aspects that can help you to choose professional agents. If you are a novelist and you want to land on a significant deal, the following are the tips for choosing novelist-seeking agents before sending your query letters.

Consider Self-Publish

If you have written a novel and you want to get it published, you need a professional agent who will represent you. Make sure that you take your time to research agents and publishers all day long. If you are going to choose a professional literary agent, have the right steps you need to consider. Submitting to agents or publishers can be a tedious process. In a situation where you do not get the response, ensure that you consider self-publishing.

Write Everyday

When you want to write a novel, make sure that you consider writing every day. Ensure that you start building a body of work if you have not yet done it. When you want to write, there are other strategies that you can use to produce quality work. However, do not let your feelings dictate you when you want to write. Doing this, you will not get anywhere as an artist. Ensure that you create a daily routine to become an experienced writer.

Do Your Research

When you are looking for the right agent for your novel, make sure that you spare your time to research. There are specific writers on various platforms who can suit your writing needs. With thorough research, it will be easy to make the right choice and hire professional agents for your book. When researching, ensure that you use different sources to get the correct information that will suit you.

Invest In a Book Trailer

A book trailer is the right way to get many eyes on your novel. In other words, it is crucial to note that a well-made trailer can guide you to build a fan base and attract the attention of filmmakers, publishers, and agents. Most novelists are going for them because they are easy to promote. Choosing a book trailer will help you to acquire more fans, and you can quickly grab the attention of an agent who is likely to represent your novel. It has been discovered that book trailers provide a way to combine the power and immediacy of the video.

Submit To Contests

There are various opinions out there concerning the need for authors to focus on submitting to contests. When you enter writing contests, it will be an ideal strategy to offer you a leg up and also help you to gain exposure. It becomes a successful way to find editors and agents that you want.

Your dog is your best friend and a true member of your family. However, owning a dog is also a great responsibility. There are a number of things that you need to do in order to make sure that your dog stays happy and healthy both mentally and physically. 

Most often dogs bite people when they feel threatened in some way. It’s a natural instinct that is still present in domesticated dogs, no matter how nice they are. That is why it’s important for everyone who interacts with dogs to understand what may provoke this aggressive behavior.As a dog owner, you must take responsibility for training your dog and keeping them under control at all times. You are responsible for your dog’s behavior and are the first line of defense in preventing dog bites, if you have been bitten by a dog at the street, this lawyer for dog bites can get you a fare compensation.

The things that go into your dog’s overall physical wellness are a bit different from the considerations that you might make for your own wellness. From the type of food that they need to the amount of exercise and the treats for dogs you use, there are quite a few aspects of your dog’s wellness that you need to maintain.

Here are just a few ways in which you can maintain your dog’s overall physical wellness.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

The first step to ensuring that your dog stays as healthy as possible for as long as possible is to have a conversation with your veterinarian. They can perform an evaluation to check on your pup’s physical state and administer any vaccinations or boosters that they might be missing. Such things are incredibly important in order to give your pet the best chances of avoiding the contracting of some serious or even fatal illnesses.

Dog Pet Wellness Clinics can be incredibly helpful for giving you the resources you need to keep your pet healthy. You vet will also be able to recommend the best regular heartworm medication to give your dog to prevent them from contracting heartworm disease. 

Other preventative medication that your dog will need is flea and tick prevention. Fleas and ticks can carry harmful diseases and transmit them to your pet when they bite. Your vet will be able to set you up with the right flea and tick prevention for your dog.

Set a Steady Routine

When it comes to the daily maintenance of your dog’s overall wellness, the best thing you can do is set a steady, active routine. This should include plenty of exercise and playtime with you. Some breeds require more exercise than others, so make sure to do your research to see what your dog’s needs are.

Mentally and behaviorally speaking, dogs tend to thrive better when they are given a structured daily routine. This means feeding, walking, and giving them bathroom breaks at roughly the same time every day. When your dog knows what to expect in terms of their schedule, they will be less anxious and understand better what you expect from them from day to day.

Some dogs that suffer from separation anxiety can benefit greatly from a set schedule. If you work away from home, doing your best to leave the house and return at the same time every day can reassure your pet about when you will be home. It is important to bear in mind the fact that your dog’s mental health is just as important as their physical wellness. If you think your dog is suffering from anxiety, you should consult your veterinarian.

In the social realm, a brilliant smile is a barometer of happiness, and notably one of the first noticeable things during your human interactions. Smiles are associated with a plethora of benefits, including good moods, stress relief, tension relief, a boost in self-confidence, and molding attractive appearances. This is why people enroll in Online teeth whitening training to learn about safe ways for them to have that sparkly smile. To get your teeth whitening done at home, you can use the blue light teeth whitener which is recommended by many.

Nevertheless, not everyone smiles often.  Despite the desire to express themselves in dazzling smiles that radiate feelings of joy, some are a bit conscious of their smiles. They avoid grinning from ear to ear because of poor dental health. Thanks to Invisalign treatment and Zahnarzt Bern, the challenge can now be solved. 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that leverages a series of clear and removable aligners to straighten the teeth gradually. The aligners are made of thermoplastic material to position the teeth properly. The orthodontic treatment is suitable for patients with mild to moderate teeth misalignment conditions. And lasts for a period of six to eighteen months, or longer, depending on the nature of misalignment. 

How does Invisalign work?

If you consult orthodontic services, such as this orthodontist in Missouri City, TX, and settle on Invisalign treatment, they will come up with a customized treatment plan for you. Your orthodontist or family dentist will first design the treatment plan for moving your teeth into the right position using specialized computer software. The software takes a 3-D impression of your teeth alignment. Thus mapping out the Invisalign treatment plan into several stages depending on the severity of misalignment. 

Once the blueprint of a treatment plan has been developed, the orthodontist gets you a set of thermoplastic aligners; and fits them over the top and bottom of your teeth. The aligners are worn for a maximum period of 20 hours per day over a day for two weeks. 

Patients are subject to a new set of aligners every two weeks coupled with regular checkups as deemed necessary by the orthodontist. Learn more at https://www.360dentalcare.co.uk. 

How much does Invisalign treatment cost?

The cost of Invisalign braces treatment varies from patient to patient. The key determining factors are a patient’s oral health state, location, the dentist’s charges for labor, and a patient’s insurance coverage. Under most circumstances, the procedure costs almost similar to what traditional braces cost. Notably, several strategies and programs can help you save on orthodontics. 

Does Invisalign hurt?

One of the most common FAQs among prospective orthodontics patients is whether or not the process hurts. Principally, moving and straightening of teeth comes with some bit of pain. When on Invisalign treatment, pain arises from the soreness caused by the aligners when they press against the teeth. Therefore, the Invisalign procedure does hurt, to learn more about this and other dental procedures, we invite you read here from a reliable orthodontist . Nevertheless, compared to the traditional metal braces, the process is less painful. 

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

Unlike traditional traces, Invisalign aligners can be taken out when eating, brushing, or flossing. Hence less frustrating to wear. The aligners can also be removed during special occasions such as photo sessions. Furthermore, they are virtually invisible, making them more aesthetically appealing. The aligners do not, therefore, steal away the natural look of a patient’s smile.

Setting up a baby nursery is one of the best decisions a mother can make for their little one. This is because it guarantees that the baby will be able to sleep and play without being interacted by other members of the household. Besides that, the mother is able to feed and change the baby stress free. While there are so many things that can be put in a nursery, there are some that are more essential than others. Here is a list of the most crucial stuff that must be available in the nursery before the baby arrives.

1. Bed and Toys

A bed is the foundation of every nursery. This is because it provides a space for the baby to lay its head on. The baby bed should have guard rails on the side to prevent the toddler from falling over as it turns while sleeping. In addition to that, the bed should have caster wheels at the bottom so that you can move it easily in case you need to rearrange the nursery. The bed should also be paired with a waterproof mattress. The advantage of having such a mattress is that it can’t be stained or damaged by baby urine or poop. It’s also necessary to throw in some age appropriate toys in the nursery room. However, be careful not to bring toys that have small parts as they can cause choking if swallowed.

2. Drawers and Cabinets

Having drawers and cabinets into a nursery makes it look organized. This is because you will not be tempted to throw baby stuff around the room. It also saves your time when changing the baby into clean clothes because you don’t have to search everywhere. Although there are some moms that prefer to keep baby things in bags, storing them in cabinets and drawers is actually more convenient. Besides that, the room will not look congested because the drawers are spacious enough to accommodate all things including blankets and diapers. In addition to that, keeping baby stuff in drawers and cabinets helps in ensuring they are not in contact with dust and dirt that might be carrying disease causing bacteria. Remember, a baby’s skin is delicate like an egg. Dirt on clothes can trigger a skin rash or a respiratory problem.

3. Nursing Chair

As a mother, you obviously need somewhere to sit as you breastfeed your baby because doing it while standing is tiring. In fact, a chair also comes in handy when you want to soothe the baby to sleep. That’s why it’s recommended you invest in a rocking chair. The chair should be padded with foam to make it more comfortable on your hip joints and spine. When shopping for such a chair, it’s important you select one that can be used on the patio after the baby has gotten out of the nursery.  

4. Baby Monitor

You certainly did not see this coming. But it’s necessary. Since you can’t watch your baby round the clock, it’s important you invest in a surveillance system. The monitor like the ones you get from BabyMonitorsRev, lets you see what your baby is doing without having to walk into its room. You can, therefore, keep tabs on your little one when doing other house chores such as cleaning the dishes in the kitchen, watering plants in the garden or cleaning clothes in the laundry room. Before you shop for the device, you should first comb through awesome baby monitor reviews so that you can make an informed decision. All in all, you should opt for a baby monitor that offers the highest screen resolution and longest battery life.

For homeowners and landlords, as pest infestation can be a truly horrific experience to deal with and if left to long to build, an expensive issue to sort out. That’s why it’s essential to monitor your home and look out for some of the most tell-tale signs so that you can act quickly and get in the best pest control possible, such as pest control Wolverhampton that can make this ordeal a little more manageable. 

However, some of these signs might not be that obvious to everyone, and potentially there could be indications that somethings wrong being missed because you don’t know to look for it.  In case you need to fight a pest infestation, check the PestPro Thermal do it yourself bed bug heaters , they can be used anytime to clean mattresses. 

Droppings 

One of the most significant signs that substantially proves that your property has a pest problem is when droppings are found. Droppings range from different species and animals, but for most, they look like brown pellets or small specks. They can be found in piles close to their nest, or all over the house as they’re moving around for food. 

The size of the droppings can help determine what animal you’re infested with, with the bigger ones suggesting squirrels or rats, and the smaller ones being the size of a pinhead and red belong to bedbugs. 

Gnaw Marks 

Noticing teeth marks around the edges of furniture or around holes and small crevices can be the sign of an infestation and are mostly attributed to rats and mice. They can also be found on the skirting board and around soft furnishings, as mice like to take the stuffing to make a cozier nest. 

Grease Tracks 

Due to how dirty some pests can be, they’ll leave grease or rub marks along the sides of walls and floors. These tracks can actually be an excellent way to determine their favorite route around the house, as it demonstrates that this is how they navigate most frequently.

The grease leaves behind a scented trail for other members of the nest to follow, so that they can get around in the dark easier by using their smell. 

It’s for this reason that putting traps near these marks might be a good way of catching some of them, as they’d be more likely to follow this route and end up getting trapped. If you want to catch your pests, but don’t want to do them harm, there are plenty cruelty-free mouse traps out there, that allows you to distribute into the wild once they’re caught.

Bad Smells

A musty smell in a home can mean a lot of things. It can signify a plumbing issue, or that the bins are full, but it can also mean that your home has a bat infestation but Sioux Falls Bat Removal can help you getting rid off them. There are various smells you should be looking out for, as these can help determine the culprit. 

A strong smell of urine or ammonia is a big indication that there are rats, while bedbugs leave a sweeter odor in your bedroom. Roches and other bugs pose a vinegary scent and birds are mustier and damper. If there are no other reasons for the smell, then it very well may be an infestation.

Noises 

Alongside droppings, this is perhaps the most obvious sign that there’s pests, because you can physically hear them through sounds such as scratching or nibbling or flapping wings and squeaks. Also listen for humming noises as this can mean that there’s a bee or wasp nest around your home. These noises are more likely to be heard at night when the majority of pests are most active, so keep an ear out, to determine what the problem is and swiftly get someone over to deal with it. 

Humans have had the drive to paint for thousands of years, so it should come as no surprise that painting carries a volume of benefits for your health, your mind, and your spirit. If you have never given a painting a try, maybe these benefits will entice you into the art. 

Motor Skill Benefits

Motor skills are essential throughout life; one can never have too much dexterity. However, painting offers more than just a temporary improvement of your excellent motor skills, it helps to improve your motor cortex function, which leads to lasting benefits in other skills like typing, playing music and even coordination in sport, especially when young. 

Mental Health

We live in a fast-paced world unlike that which humans have ever experienced, so it can be incredibly essential to indulge in something that helps you to destress and focus on nothing but what is in front of you. Focusing yourself towards the canvas helps to relax your whole body; when your mind is at peace, you will find fewer aches and pains, less muscle soreness and fewer headaches due to improved blood flow and reduced cortisol. 

The Ease of Enjoyment

Being an expert painter requires years and years of dedication, but you can utilize the short-term benefits of painting almost immediately. Thanks to the ability for you to Just Paint By Numbers, you can throw yourself into enjoying the wonderful world of art with an all in one kit. 

Improvements in Concentration

To paint, you need to concentrate on everything you are doing, which has the interesting impact of making the process seem hypnotic and automatic. However, this level of concentration helps you to hone your ability to concentrate, which helps your brain perform several cognitive processes. This isn’t just pseudoscience, the benefits of art on concentration have been demonstrated in psychological research. 

Rationality

It might seem odd that painting can make you more rational, but by having to choose how you approach the next stroke, your critical thinking skills are getting sharpened up. You will have to make decisions thousands of times in one painting, which can help you to make more decisive, quicker, rational decisions outside of the world of art. 

It evokes a positive self-image

When you are creating something, you are working very hard and putting a bit of yourself into your creation. When it starts to pay off (although it might take a while), you will have a greatly improved self-confidence as you will start to feel proud not only of your piece but of your devotion to perfecting your art. 

Keeping Going

Art requires you to persevere even when you feel like your efforts are not leading anywhere. That’s why becoming a good artist (and it does take time) will help to show you that you can achieve a lot if you keep at it. This is a useful life lesson in almost all walks of life, but especially so when picking up other skills like learning a language, playing an instrument and even honing your sporting ability.  

You’ve been diligently paying your monthly car payment for a few years, and now your car is worth less than what you owe on it. It hardly seems fair, but is actually very common, especially for those borrowers who took out a five- or six-year car loan.

Here is some good news. You can lower that monthly car payment by filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and eliminate other debt too when you receive a Chapter 13 discharge. Here’s how.

What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

When a debtor files bankruptcy under Chapter 13 of the federal Bankruptcy Code, he or she discloses all income, assets, debt, and expenses, and also files a Chapter 13 plan proposing to pay creditors in part or wholly, over three or five years. Whatever unsecured debt remains unpaid at the conclusion of the plan is discharged, meaning, the debtor is no longer personally responsible for paying it.

The court must approve or “confirm” the debtor’s proposed Chapter 13 plan. The debtor makes payments each month to the Chapter 13 Trustee, who in turn pays the creditors listed in the plan.

People commonly file bankruptcy under Chapter 13 when:

• They make too much income to qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, and must pay their creditors in part through their plan;
• They are in arrears with a mortgage, car loan, alimony, child support, or government fines, fees, or taxes;
• They want to “strip off” a second mortgage as unsecured because their home is worth less than the amount owed on the first mortgage;
• They want to “cram down” their car because their car is worth less than the loan balance.

What is Chapter 13 Cram Down?

“Cramdown” is the term used to describe the process by which a Chapter 13 debtor forces the car lender to accept less than the loan balance in exchange for the title to the car. If you own a truck, then getting a truck accident lawyer michigan is necessary in case of an emergency.

How does this work? Chapter 13 debtor and his or her attorney must first come up with a retail value of the car as of the date of filing bankruptcy. Taking into consideration the condition of the car and mileage, they will consult the NADA Guide or Kelley Blue Book and list the current retail value of the car in the proposed Chapter 13 plan, as well as the proposed applicable rate of interest (prime plus 1-3%).

The lender then gets notice that the debtor is cramming down the car to retail value and has the opportunity to object if they disagree as to the debtor’s valuation or the debtor’s proposed rate of interest. If the lender does object, the debtor’s plan cannot be confirmed unless that objection is resolved. Most often, the debtor’s attorney will negotiate a compromise. However, if a compromise cannot be reached, there will be a hearing before the bankruptcy judge and the judge will decide.

However the value is determined, once the plan is approved, the car lender must accept the reduced monthly payments from the Trustee, and at the conclusion of the debtor’s plan, the debtor owns the car free and clear.

What if My Car is Worth the Loan Balance?

You can still cram down the rate of interest to prime plus 1-3%, and lower your monthly payments by stretching them out over three or five years. Win! Plus you can get unsecured debt like credit card balances and medical bills discharged.

What if I Can No Longer Afford this Car?

If Chapter 13 won’t make your payments more affordable for you, then you can surrender the car to the lender. The lender then auctions it off and applies the auction proceeds to your account. There will likely be a deficiency balance on your account, meaning that the car sold for less than your loan balance, but the deficiency balance is discharged as unsecured so you do not have to pay it.

You can surrender your car and be discharged of any deficiency balance in either Chapter 13 or Chapter 7. When you file bankruptcy, you have the power to just walk away from a car you can’t afford.

What if I Have a Lease?

Leases can also be treated in Chapter 13. If you are behind on your lease, you can use your Chapter 13 plan to catch up, however, you will also have to keep making your regular monthly lease payments directly to the lessor.

If you are reaching the end of your lease term, and you want to buy the car, you can pay that balloon payment over time through your three- or five-year Chapter 13 plan, at an interest rate of prime plus 1-3%.

If you are having trouble making your car loan or lease payments and are considering filing bankruptcy, consult a bankruptcy attorney sooner rather than later, to save your credit rating from taking a hit from missing payments or car repossession.

About the Author

Veronica Baxter is a legal assistant and blogger living and working in the great city of Philadelphia. She frequently works with David Offen, Esq., a busy Philadelphia bankruptcy lawyer.