Mae Koppes
Managing Editor
Mae Koppes (she/her) is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor® (CPFC) and 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.
Articles written by Mae Koppes
Can You Keep Your Bank Account During Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 28, 2026
Most people who file Chapter 7 bankruptcy can keep their bank accounts, as long as the money in it is protected by a bankruptcy exemption. Exemptions are legal protections that let you keep certain property, including some or all of your bank account balance. Timing and the source of your funds can also affect whether the money is protected. If you owe money to your bank or credit union, or have a large balance, it’s important to understand how that could affect your account before you file.
Read More →How To Get a Bankruptcy Filing Fee Waiver in 3 Simple Steps
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 27, 2026
If the bankruptcy filing fee is standing between you and a fresh start, you can apply for a fee waiver or to pay in installments. To qualify for a waiver, your income must be below 150% of the federal poverty guideline, and you must show that you can’t afford to pay in installments. This guide walks you through the fee waiver process, eligibility requirements, and what to do if your request is denied.
Read More →Your Guide to Missouri’s Debt Collection Laws
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 22, 2026
Missouri residents are best protected against debt collector misconduct by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA protects consumers against debt collector harassment, deception, and other unfair practices. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for open accounts — which often includes credit card debt — is five years. The statute of limitations for debts backed by written contracts is 10 years. This often includes medical bills.
Read More →What Is the Statute of Limitations for Debt?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 22, 2026
Statutes of limitations are state laws that limit the time a debt collector has to bring a lawsuit. After the statute of limitations has passed, debt collectors can still sue you, but the statute of limitations is a strong defense in a debt collection lawsuit. The length of these laws can vary tremendously by state and by the type of contract you made for the debt (oral, written, etc.).
Read More →How To Deal With Halsted Financial Services
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 22, 2026
Halsted Financial Services is a debt collection agency with a primary focus on past-due consumer debts, such as personal loans, credit cards, and medical bills. If Halsted Financial Services calls you or sends you letters to collect a debt, ask them to validate the debt. This article explains how to verify a debt and explores your options, such as contesting the debt, negotiating a debt settlement, or ignoring the debt (not advised). There’s also information on how to deal with a debt collection lawsuit.
Read More →Stop Wage Garnishment in Virginia: Your Rights and Options
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 16, 2026
Wage garnishment in Virginia is a legal process that allows a creditor to take money directly from your paycheck to collect a debt. Most creditors must first sue you and win a court judgment before they can garnish your wages. Once a judgment is in place, the creditor can ask the court to send a wage garnishment order to your employer. Virginia law limits how much money can be taken from each paycheck and provides exemptions to protect some types of income. This guide explains how wage garnishment works in Virginia, how much can be taken, and what steps you can take to stop or reduce it.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in North Dakota
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated October 21, 2025
If you're struggling with overwhelming debt in North Dakota, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you get a fresh start by clearing things like credit card balances and medical bills. Many people file on their own without a lawyer, especially when their case is simple. This guide walks you through each step of the process, from gathering documents and taking short online courses to filing forms and attending a brief video meeting with a trustee. Upsolve’s free filing tool can make it even easier.
Wage Garnishment in Pennsylvania
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated October 21, 2025
Wage garnishment is when money is taken from your paycheck to pay certain types of debt. Pennsylvania is unique because it doesn’t allow most creditors to garnish your wages for common consumer debts like credit cards, medical bills, or payday loans. Only specific debts—like unpaid rent, child support, taxes, and federal student loans—can lead to wage garnishment in the state. This article explains how wage garnishment works in Pennsylvania, what steps creditors must follow, and what you can do if you're at risk of having your wages garnished.
Wage Garnishment in California
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated October 10, 2025
Wage garnishment is a legal process that allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck to repay certain types of debt. In California, most garnishments for consumer debt require a court judgment, and the state provides stronger wage protections than federal law. Once a creditor wins a lawsuit, they can serve paperwork to your employer to begin garnishing your wages, but you have the right to object or claim exemptions—usually within 10 days. There are also limits on how much of your paycheck can be garnished, and filing for bankruptcy is one way some people choose to stop garnishment and erase the debt altogether.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Montana
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated October 10, 2025
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Montana can help you wipe out many common debts, and it’s possible to do it without paying legal fees if you qualify for a fee waiver and file without a lawyer. This guide walks you through each step — from collecting documents and taking required courses to completing and submitting your forms. It also explains how Montana’s property exemptions work and what to expect with your car, home, and other belongings. If your case is simple, you may be able to use a free online tool like Upsolve to prepare and file your forms on your own.
