| Volume 56 Number 5 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
In Texas, there is no wage garnishment except for child support, student loans and some other federally guaranteed loans, and certain taxes. A debt collector's threat to garnish your wages when he cannot do so, for example for a credit card debt, violates Texas and federal debt collection laws. Click here for more.
Taking on a Mortgage to Pay the Lawyer
Some Florida residents are taking out a second mortgage for an unusual reason - to pay an attorney. Many consumers facing foreclosure can't afford an attorney. Of course, consumers facing foreclosure are often the ones most in need of legal help. In order to provide consumers with legal help, some attorneys are asking consumers to take out a second mortgage if the foreclosure is dismissed and the attorney can reduce the homeowner's debt. Click here for more.
Black Friday: View Ads Early
Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) is the biggest shopping day of the year. Most major retailers offer consumers huge savings, including "early bird" specials for consumers willing to wait in lines as early as 3:30AM. Plan your Black Friday shopping in advance. To follow the early release of Black Fridays ads, Click here for more.
Consumer Debt Falls as Credit Card Debt Lingers
For the seventh consecutive quarter, consumers are borrowing less money and paying off more debt. With unemployment high, the real estate market in shambles, and chaotic Wall Street behavior, it is a great sign for consumers to be tackling debt. However, for many, credit card debt continues to linger. A recent poll found the average consumer ultimately pays 10% more for a product compared to the consumer who chooses to pay with cash. How can you effectively tackle your debt? Click here for more.
Your Money
Are you moving? Compare the cost of living! Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Attorneys’ fee award upheld. The Tenth Circuit has upheld a lodestar fee award of $63,000 in a FDCPA class action case, notwithstanding the fact that the district court failed to specifically discuss the Johnson factors. Click here for more.