Breaking The Debt Cycle - Michael Sheridan

Reclaiming Your Credit: Expert Tips for Life After Bankruptcy

About the Show:
Breaking the Debt Cycle is a podcast hosted by Kevin Rosenquist with bankruptcy attorney Michael Sheridan, aimed at helping individuals take control of their financial futures by providing guidance on overcoming credit card debt and bankruptcy. In each episode, Michael offers insights on navigating the bankruptcy process, rebuilding credit, and gaining financial freedom.
 
Time Stamps:
00:00 - 00:07: Introduction to the podcast and today's topic - rebuilding credit after bankruptcy.
00:28 - 02:05: Debunking the myth that bankruptcy destroys your credit.
02:05 - 05:17: The impact of bankruptcy on your credit score and the benefits it offers in rebuilding.
05:17 - 06:07: How to start rebuilding credit using new debt obligations like car loans or credit cards.
06:07 - 09:02: Understanding why credit card offers after bankruptcy are common and how to use them wisely.
09:02 - 11:19: Comparing bankruptcy with debt settlement programs and the hidden costs of settlement.
11:19 - 13:40: The economic realities that lead people into debt and the role of credit in modern finances.
13:40 - 16:02: Long-term strategies for rebuilding credit post-bankruptcy and the importance of budgeting.
16:02 - 17:40: Wrapping up with advice for managing credit responsibly, using a budget, and avoiding high-interest debt.
17:40 - 17:58: Closing remarks and call to action.
About the Show:
In this episode, Michael Sheridan explains how to rebuild your credit after filing for bankruptcy, addressing common myths and strategies for recovery. He dives into how bankruptcy impacts credit scores and offers practical advice on rebuilding, including securing new credit and using it responsibly. Michael also compares bankruptcy to debt settlement programs and shares tips for long-term financial success. He emphasizes that bankruptcy isn't a punishment but a tool for regaining financial stability.

Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Right for You? Expert Insights on Repayment Plans and Debt Relief

Episode Summary: 
In this episode of Breaking the Debt Cycle, experienced bankruptcy attorney Michael Sheridan dives deep into Chapter 13 bankruptcy and how it can help you regain financial control. If you’ve been considering bankruptcy but aren’t sure if Chapter 13 is the right fit for your situation, this episode is for you. Michael explains the key differences between Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy, focusing on payment plans, dealing with foreclosure, managing car loans, handling tax debt, and understanding the benefits of an automatic stay. He also highlights real-life situations when Chapter 13 might be the better option and offers advice on how to assess your financial picture.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest
00:27 – What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? Key differences from Chapter 7
01:35 – How Chapter 13 can stop foreclosure and prevent mortgage issues
03:51 – Understanding the 6-month redemption period in Minnesota
04:46 – Using Chapter 13 for car loan reductions (Cram Down)
05:33 – Reasons to choose Chapter 13 over Chapter 7 beyond foreclosure and car loans
06:25 – Tackling tax debt through Chapter 13 bankruptcy
08:02 – Understanding priority and general unsecured creditors in Chapter 13
09:00 – How Chapter 13 payment plans are calculated
10:08 – Including everyday expenses like streaming services and kids’ activities in Chapter 13 budgets
11:37 – Asset analysis and property protection during Chapter 13
13:12 – Automatic Stay: How it protects you from creditor actions
14:56 – When to seek bankruptcy advice: Warning signs in your financial picture
17:23 – The cost of long-term debt struggle: The personal impact of ignoring the issue
19:07 – Final thoughts: Why you should seek help sooner rather than later
About the Show: 
Breaking the Debt Cycle: Gaining Financial Freedom from Credit Cards is a podcast hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, featuring Michael Sheridan, an experienced bankruptcy attorney. The show is dedicated to helping individuals break free from the crushing weight of credit card debt and navigate their options to financial freedom. Whether it’s through understanding bankruptcy law, setting up payment plans, or discussing debt relief strategies, this podcast aims to empower listeners with knowledge that can help them make informed decisions about their financial future.
 

Minnesota Bankruptcy 101: Navigating Chapter 7 for a Fresh Start

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Breaking the Debt Cycle, host Kevin Rosenquist is joined by bankruptcy attorney Michael Sheridan to dive into Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Michael provides a comprehensive explanation of how Chapter 7 works, who it benefits, and what to expect throughout the process. From the history of Chapter 7 (with an interesting tie to the "Year of Jubilee") to the qualifications for filing, including the means test, listeners will gain valuable insights into how to break free from the debt cycle. Michael also covers the types of debts that can be discharged, what assets might be at risk, and the powerful automatic stay that can help those filing Chapter 7 get a fresh start.
 
Time Stamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Kevin Rosenquist introduces Michael Sheridan and the topic of Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
00:47 - What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? Michael explains who it’s best suited for.
02:33 - How Debt Grows: The struggle of high-interest debt, especially credit cards.
03:30 - Means Test: The first and second levels of the means test for qualifying for Chapter 7.
06:14 - How to Qualify: Discussing exceptions and who may not qualify for Chapter 7.
07:06 - Dischargeable Debts: What debts can be discharged under Chapter 7, and which cannot.
10:37 - What Assets Are at Risk? Protecting assets through exemption laws.
13:01 - Tax Refunds and Timing Your Filing: How tax refunds can impact your filing strategy.
14:01 - The Automatic Stay: How it helps stop collection actions during Chapter 7 filings.
17:16 - Conclusion: Wrapping up the episode and promoting next steps.
About the Show:Breaking the Debt Cycle helps listeners gain financial freedom from credit card debt by exploring important financial topics such as bankruptcy, credit repair, and smart money management. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, each episode features expert guests like bankruptcy attorney Michael Sheridan, providing listeners with practical advice and insights to overcome debt and reset their financial lives.
 

The Truth About Minnesota Bankruptcy: Myths, Misconceptions, and Realities

Episode Summary
Bankruptcy may feel like the end of the road, but as Michael Sheridan explains, it’s a powerful tool for achieving a financial reset. In this episode, Michael demystifies the impact of bankruptcy on your credit report, the steps to rebuild credit after filing, and how recent changes in Minnesota's asset protection laws help protect your most valuable assets. Whether you're navigating financial challenges or planning for the future, this episode provides actionable advice and insights.
Timestamps
[00:00] IntroductionHost Kevin welcomes Michael Sheridan and introduces the topic of bankruptcy and financial recovery.
[02:30] Bankruptcy and Your Credit ScoreMichael explains why bankruptcy listed on the public records section of your credit report doesn’t affect your credit score and how filing can stop further score drops.
[07:00] How to Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy
The importance of reaffirmed debts (e.g., mortgages or car loans) for credit recovery.
Why you'll likely receive credit card offers soon after filing and how to use them strategically.
[12:15] Getting a Mortgage After BankruptcyMichael shares how conventional mortgages typically require 2-3 years of credit rebuilding, while first-time homebuyer programs can reduce the wait to just one year.
[14:43] The Myth of a "Scarlet Letter" in BankruptcyDebunking the misconception that bankruptcy will prevent you from accessing credit or loans in the future.
[19:33] New Minnesota Asset Protection Laws
Updates to Minnesota's bankruptcy exemptions, including the new $1,500 wildcard and doubling of the vehicle exemption to $10,000.
Clarifications on protecting home electronics, lawnmowers, and other assets.
[23:04] Final Thoughts on Asset ProtectionMichael emphasizes that nearly all assets can be fully protected and highlights the importance of consulting with an experienced attorney.
[24:03] ConclusionKevin wraps up the discussion with a reminder to visit atlasbankruptcy.com for more resources.
About the Show
 
In this episode of Debt Cycle: Gaining Your Financial Freedom from Credit Cards, attorney Michael Sheridan breaks down the realities of bankruptcy and its impact on credit scores. He explains how bankruptcy affects different sections of your credit report, dispels myths about being blacklisted from credit for 10 years, and provides actionable tips for rebuilding credit after filing. Additionally, Michael dives into Minnesota's updated asset protection laws, including new exemptions for vehicles, home equity, and personal property, ensuring listeners can safeguard their assets while pursuing a fresh financial start.