| Volume 54 Number 9 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Students take note. Under a new law it is harder for college students to get a credit card. Consumers under age 21 who can't prove an independent means of income or provide the signature of a co-signer aged 21 or older will not be approved for a credit card. In addition, colleges are prohibited from offering students gifts as inducements to apply for credit. The schools must also disclose their financial relationships with credit card issuers. Click here for more.
Hospitals Make Progress Against Infections
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a huge concern for hospitals nationwide. The antibiotic resistant bacterium tends to linger around hospitals, often causing severe infections in patients undergoing any number of surgeries. MRSA is the leading cause of death among hospital-acquired infections. Hospitals are now implementing aggressive measures to prevent the infection and detect it during the early stages. What steps are hospitals taking to prevent MRSA infection? Click here for more.
Unemployment Rises in 27 States
The economic picture continues to look bleak after the state-by-state unemployment numbers were released for the month of August. Last month, twenty-seven states reported an increase in statewide unemployment, despite a slight decrease in unemployment nationwide. When will the unemployment numbers turn around? How does your state rank? Click here for more.
Options for Tackling Insurmountable Debt
Are you struggling with massive amounts of debt? Do you have several large individual debts? Tackling significant debt can be difficult, but it is possible to implement a strategy to get your head above water again. Starting next week, debt settlement firms will no longer be able to charge large up-front fees their marketing tactics will be severely limited. In most cases, however, you can do anything a debt settlement firm can do on your own. Before you decide how to tackle your debt, you need to know your options. Consolidation, credit counseling, debt settlement, and bankruptcy are all viable options when deciding how to address your debt. Which option is right for you? Click here for more.
Your Money
What is the true cost of paying the minimum on your credit card? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Bankruptcy debtor must pay fees to cure mortgage default. The Sixth Circuit held that a Chapter 13 debtor was required to pay fees and costs as part of curing an arrearage on her home mortgage. Click here for more.