A credit report is a type of consumer report that contains certain personal information about you. This information includes where you work, where you live, and your history of paying your bills. Your report may also show whether or not you’ve missed credit payments, filed for bankruptcy, been sued, or been arrested.

Businesses are allowed by law (the Fair Credit Reporting Act) to use your credit report when evaluating your applications for credit, insurance, and employment, among other reasons. A court of law can subpoena your report, and child support enforcement agencies can also be given your credit report to determine appropriate child support payments. Other people, such as potential investors, with a legitimate business need to review your credit report can also be given it.

There are three major national credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each bureau will have a different credit report for you, which may include slightly different information. [Read more…]

The holiday season is upon us again, with many entertaining events to experience in Louisville this month.

One such event that you and your family are sure to enjoy is Razzle Dazzle!, the 64^th Annual Holiday Spectacular. This uproarious, family-friendly event features two groups of singers to amuse and entertain you.

Comedy quartet Lunch Break will tickle your funny bone, and the Thoroughbred Chorus will amaze you with their vocal stylings. Both groups are esteemed members of the Barbershop Harmony Society. [Read more…]

Often, people with financial difficulties believe that they are the only ones having money troubles. They feel embarrassed by their situation, blaming themselves and thinking that bankruptcy will only make things worse. What they don’t realize is that many people, from those without much money to celebrities with millions, have discharged their debts through bankruptcy.

If you’re thinking about bankruptcy, you’re not alone. Many people share your situation, and many have found relief from debt through bankruptcy. The famous names below have all filed for bankruptcy at some point:

Samuel Clemens, the author better known as Mark Twain, lost the majority of his money after a failed investment in the Paige Compositor, an automatic typesetting machine. Though his debts were discharged in 1894, he spent the last years of the 19^th century using the money received from lectures to repay his creditors.

Rembrandt Haremenszoon Van Rijn, the Dutch painter also known as simply “Rembrandt,” filed for bankruptcy in 1656 at the age of 50. His lawyer organized the selling of his assets, including his home as well as many of his paintings. Rembrandt continued to paint during the bankruptcy, though he wasn’t permitted to sell his paintings directly to the public. [Read more…]

The Belle of Louisville is the last and oldest Mississippi River-style steamboat still operating in America. The steamboat was built in 1914 and is nearly 100 years old. This steamboat is a historical landmark and offers an exciting look back in time.

The steamboat’s wonderful cruises on the Ohio River showcase sightseeing and dinner. You can enjoy a delicious buffet on the steamboat’s enclosed decks over a great view of the water and shore. The steamboat also features a full-service bar and dance floor.

The latest Belle of Louisville cruise will take place on Tuesday, November 13^th from 7-9pm. Boarding will begin at 6:30. [Read more…]

A wonderful event, the Louisville Festival of Trees and Lights features dozens of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

At the event, you can browse an enormous selection of beautiful, decorated wreaths, trees, and other greenery for sale. Holiday shopping will occur throughout the event, and you’re sure to find decorations for your home.

Tickets will be sold for the Kosair Children’s Hospital home and car raffle, the proceeds of which will benefit the hospital.

Friday evening, experience the magic of 19-century holidays with Dickens Family Night. During this event, characters and carolers will mill about dressed in Dickens-era costumes. Santa will also be present, and children can enjoy special children’s activities. Admission to Dickens Family Night is $5 for children, $8 for adults, and $25 for a family of four. [Read more…]

If you cannot pay your bills and other financial obligations, and if you are being harassed by creditors through phone calls, wage garnishments, and utility disconnections, bankruptcy could be the best option for you.

Even before bankruptcy, the law protects you from harassment by bill collectors. Bill collectors may not harass you to collect money. They are prohibited from, for example, contacting you at unreasonable times at home, embarrassing you by telling your employer, family, or friends about your debt, or contacting you at work if they know that your employer does not approve. Bill collectors are only permitted to contact your lawyer, if you have one.

After bankruptcy, you are granted added protection from bill collectors and creditors. An “automatic stay” will be ordered by the court and will prevent most further action against you by creditors, collection agencies, and governmental bodies. [Read more…]

This October, you can run through scenic and beautiful Bernheim Forest while helping children in need.

The 9^th annual Home Run 2012 will offer a 5K run/walk and a 10K run through the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont, KY.

The funds raised during the Home Run will benefit Home of the Innocents, a non-profit organization that provides valuable services to children in need, including those who have been abused or abandoned, those who are terminally ill, and those with autism. [Read more…]

While bankruptcy is usually the last resort, it can be a great help to those overwhelmed by their debt and by harassing phone calls from creditors.

If you decide to file for bankruptcy, you must take a credit counseling course before filing. This course should be taken with an approved credit counselor and includes an evaluation of your finances, a discussion about whether bankruptcy alternatives might be right for you, and a plan for your budget. You are allowed to take this course either in person or online.

The bankruptcy process begins when you file bankruptcy forms at the federal courthouse. You will need to file a Petition for Bankruptcy.

Your lawyer, after advising you of which bankruptcy option is right for you, will help you fill out the Petition for Bankruptcy and other forms. These forms will include a comprehensive list of your finances, including your sources of income, debts, living expenses, and property. [Read more…]

This October, you can feel the blues at the 17^th annual Garvin Gate Blues Festival.

Fans of the blues should attend the Garvin Gates Blues Festival—the largest neighborhood music festival in Louisville! This festival will celebrate its 17^th year of the blues by with a great musical lineup spread over two days. Some of the musicians and bands to perform include Toronzo Cannon, Dog House Kitchen, Lazy Eleven and Nora Jean Wallace.

The performances will be held on the Four Roses stage and the Pam Sasse stage.

Join us in celebrating the blues at this free festival, where everyone is invited. Just leave pets (except service animals), coolers, bottles, and cans at home. The festival will run from Friday, October 12^th, from 6:30-11:15pm., to Saturday, October 13^th, from 3-11:15pm. [Read more…]