| Volume 43 Number 7 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
A debt collector may call you at work until he or she knows your employer prohibits such calls. Once you tell the debt collector the calls are prohibited, federal law says the calls must stop. Click here for more.
House to Vote on Unemployment Benefits
Today, about nine million people depend on jobless benefits. Thanks to steps taken by Congress, most Americans could enjoy extended jobless benefits and COBRA health coverage despite being out of work. On December 31, most of those benefits are set to expire. On Wednesday, the House is expected to decide whether to extend unemployment benefits through the beginning of 2010. Will jobless benefits continue? Click here for more.
How to Haggle for Bargains
Did you know that you can negotiate price on just about anything? Most consumers don't realize they can haggle at most retail stores, including major chains. Whether you're searching for a new television, a hotel room, or furniture, it pays to haggle. This video will help you master the art of price negotiation. Click here for more.
Federal Reserve Expected to Extend Low Rates
Since the economy started to struggle, the Federal Reserve has set interest rates at record lows. Low interest rates are thought to encourage borrowing and spur economic activity. Inevitably, interest rates will increase. However, on Wednesday, experts expect the Federal Reserve to continue with the record low rates. When can consumers expect interest rates to rise again? Click here for more.
Landlord / Tenant Rights in Texas
If you lease a house or apartment, you have specific rights as a tenant. Do you have the right to sublease? How long does your landlord have to return your deposit? Can you force your landlord to fix your apartment? For answers to these questions and many more, Click here for more.
Your Money
Do you have enough equity in your home to qualify for the best rates? Try this mortgage loan-to-value calculator Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Bank didn't violate TILA by increasing APR. The First Circuit held that a bank did not violate the Truth in Lending Act when it made a credit card holder's APR increase effective from the beginning of the month. The plaintiff alleged that the bank violated the Truth in Lending Act by applying a rate increase to the annual percentage rate retroactive to the start of the month in which she defaulted, without prior notice. The court relied in part on a Federal Reserve Board amicus brief, which noted that the regulation at issue had changed. “It is the Board’s position that at the time of the transactions at issue in this case, Regulation Z did not require a change-in-terms notice to be provided when a creditor increased a rate to a figure at or below the maximum allowed by the contract in the event of default.” Click here for more.