Mae Koppes
Managing Editor
Mae Koppes (she/her) is the Content Director at Upsolve, where she focuses on producing accessible and actionable content that helps empower people to overcome financial hardships. Since joining the team in 2021, she has played a pivotal role in creating free educational content that has reached and empowered over 10 million people navigating financial challenges. Mae is currently pursuing her Certified Personal Finance Counselor® (CPFC) certification to deepen her expertise in helping individuals navigate personal finance challenges.
Articles written by Mae Koppes
How To Write a Debt Settlement Letter (Step-by-Step Guide + Template)
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated February 2, 2025
It's usually most effective to negotiate a debt settlement over the phone with the debt collector. Once you negotiate a settlement, it's important to get the agreement in writing.
Read More →What Happens to the Co-Signer of a Car Loan in Bankruptcy?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
When you file for bankruptcy, your co-signer stays legally responsible for the co-signed debt, even if your obligation to repay it is discharged. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the lender can still pursue your co-signer if the car is surrendered or the borrower defaults on the loan. Options like reaffirmation or redemption may reduce your co-signer’s risk if payments continue. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the co-debtor stay may temporarily stop the lender from going after your co-signer, but this protection is lost if payments aren’t made.
Read More →Should I Pay the Debt Collector or the Original Creditor?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
If you’re able to do so, pay the original creditor before your debt goes to collections. Having a debt sent to collections will damage your credit score and may limit your options for repayment. In most cases, the original creditor will offer better repayment options than a debt collector will. However, if your debt has been sold to a debt buyer and the original creditor no longer owns it, you’ll need to pay the collection agency to clear up the debt.
Read More →What Can I Do if My Car Is Repossessed With My Personal Belongings In It?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 24, 2025
If your car is repossessed with your personal belongings inside, you have the legal right to retrieve your items. Repo companies cannot keep or sell your personal property, and they generally can’t charge you a fee to collect your belongings unless you delay for an extended period. After repossession, the lender will send you a notice with details on how to retrieve your car and personal items.
Read More →How Can I Get Free Legal Aid Help To File Bankruptcy?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 23, 2025
Legal advice can be very helpful as you navigate the bankruptcy process, but not everyone can afford to hire an attorney to help them. That's where legal aid comes in. Legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost legal help to certain individuals. Eligibility is often based on income, but sometimes age, veteran status, or other factors come into play as well. This article will describe what legal aid is, how to find out if you qualify, and what it's like to work with a legal aid organization.
Read More →Stop Unwanted Calls From 888-899-6650: A Step-by-Step Guide
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 22, 2025
Are you getting repeated calls from 888-899-6650? This number belongs to the debt collection agency Transworld Systems Inc (TSI). They usually call on behalf of creditors to recover unpaid debts. If you’ve missed payments on a loan or medical bill, TSI may be contacting you to try to collect it. This guide will help you understand why they’re calling, what your rights are, and how you can stop the phone calls while protecting your financial well-being.
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