Maria is the sole proprietor of an antique store that is located in a rented warehouse. The business has a $ 200,000 outstanding loan with the local bank but no other debt obligations. Last week, the loan, which has a monthly payment of $ 1,500, was not paid. There are no specific assets pledged as security for the loan. Due to a sudden and unexpected downturn in the economy, the store is just unable to generate sufficient funds to pay the over-due loan payment as well as the payments due over the next two months.

Maria is considering selling all of the lighting fixtures in her building which will raise enough funds to make three loan payments. The bank has suggested to Maria that she sell off all her inventory. And it appears that the bank has withdrawn at least one loan payment from Marias personal bank account.

1) Can you suggest a strategy to help Maria with the sale of the lighting fixtures?

2) What is the impact of her selling off all her inventory?

3) Has the bank acted improperly by withdrawing the missed loan payment from Marias personal account given that this loan was made to her business ?