Financial Tools, Links, and Worksheets

for Clients Facing Debt

If you are struggling with debt, the right tools can help you regain control, reduce stress, and make informed decisions. Below are trusted government and nonprofit tools, followed by simple checklists and worksheets you can use right now.

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Trusted Financial Tools & Official Resources

📊 Budgeting & Financial Snapshot Tools

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Budget Tool
Helps you:

• Track monthly income and expenses

• Identify spending gaps

• Build a realistic budget

Best for: Anyone who feels overwhelmed and needs clarity.

👉 https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/budgeting/

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💳 Credit Reports & Monitoring

Annual Credit Report (Official Site)
Get free credit reports from all three bureaus:

• Experian

• Equifax

• TransUnion

Best for:

• Checking accuracy

• Identifying collection accounts

• Confirming discharged debts are reported correctly

👉 https://www.annualcreditreport.com

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🎓 Student Loan Tools

Federal Student Aid – Loan Dashboard & Repayment Options
View:

• Federal loan balances

• Loan servicer information

• Income-driven repayment eligibility

• Forgiveness program options

👉 https://studentaid.gov

Loan Simulator (Federal Tool)
Estimate payments under:

• Income-driven repayment plans

• Standard repayment

• Consolidation scenarios

👉 https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator/

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🏛️ Legal & Consumer Protection Resources

CFPB – Debt Collection Rights
Learn your rights regarding:

• Collection calls

• Harassment

• Lawsuits

• Credit reporting

👉 https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/debt-collection/

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🏠 Housing & Utility Assistance

Pennsylvania Utility Assistance (LIHEAP & Programs)
Helps with:

• Heating bills

• Utility shutoff prevention

👉 https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx

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Client Checklists & Worksheets

These can be turned into PDF downloads, intake tools, or printed handouts.

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✔️ Debt Inventory Checklist

Use this checklist to understand what you owe and to whom.

☐ Creditor name
☐ Type of debt (credit card, loan, medical, etc.)
☐ Current balance
☐ Interest rate
☐ Monthly payment
☐ Past due? (Yes / No)
☐ In collections? (Yes / No)
☐ Lawsuit or judgment? (Yes / No)
☐ Wage garnishment? (Yes / No)

👉 Tip: Seeing everything in one place often reduces anxiety.

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✔️ Monthly Budget Worksheet

Monthly Income
☐ Take-home pay
☐ Other income (child support, benefits, side income)
☐ Total monthly income: __________

Monthly Expenses
☐ Housing
☐ Utilities
☐ Food
☐ Transportation
☐ Insurance
☐ Medical
☐ Minimum debt payments
☐ Other necessities

Remaining balance: __________

👉 If expenses exceed income, legal options may be worth exploring.

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✔️ Credit Report Review Checklist

After pulling your credit reports:

☐ Are discharged debts listed as “discharged” or “zero balance”?
☐ Are there duplicate accounts?
☐ Are balances accurate?
☐ Are dates correct?
☐ Any accounts you don’t recognize?

👉 Errors after bankruptcy are common and fixable.

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✔️ Student Loan Relief Checklist

☐ Federal or private loans?
☐ Current repayment plan
☐ Income-driven repayment explored?
☐ Loan servicer contacted?
☐ Wage garnishment active?
☐ Hardship options reviewed?

👉 Bankruptcy may still help even if loans aren’t discharged.

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✔️ Bankruptcy Readiness Checklist

Before filing bankruptcy, consider:

☐ Total debt exceeds ability to repay
☐ Collection calls or lawsuits ongoing
☐ Wage garnishment or foreclosure risk
☐ No realistic repayment solution
☐ Financial hardship is long-term

👉 Bankruptcy should be a strategic decision, not a rushed one.

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✔️ Life After Bankruptcy Checklist

After discharge:

☐ Pull credit reports
☐ Confirm discharged debts are updated
☐ Pay remaining obligations on time
☐ Avoid predatory credit offers
☐ Start emergency savings
☐ Use credit sparingly and responsibly

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When Tools Aren’t Enough

Financial tools are helpful — but they cannot stop lawsuits, garnishments, or foreclosure. If debt has reached that stage, legal protections may be necessary.

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Get Help Choosing the Right Tools

You do not have to figure this out alone. Knowing which tools apply to your situation matters as much as having them.

Ginsburg Law Group helps clients evaluate financial tools, legal protections, and next steps when debt becomes overwhelming.