| Volume 75 Number 2 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Most negative information stays on your credit report for seven years, a bankruptcy for ten. The time is not extended, however, when the debt is sold or assigned to a new person such as a debt collector. If a debt collector tries to "re-age" a debt, tell the credit bureau and demand they correct the incorrect information. Click here for more.
United Threatens to Cut 1,300 Jobs
Last month, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines were at war over the friendly skies. Southwest wanted to open up new international flights, making Houston's Hobby airport the base of operations. United officials insisted that the move was a terrible idea for Houston and would significantly limit the airline's ability to do business in Houston. Last month, city officials approved a plan to start construction on a new international terminal at Hobby airport, granting the airline permission to begin international travel in 2015. After losing the early battle, United Airlines is trowing a bit of a temper tantrum. In a memo issued last week, United CEO Jeff Smisek announced plans to cut passenger capacity by 10% in Houston. As a result, the airline plans to cut 1,300 jobs starting this fall. Industry experts are lashing out at the airline. With competition still at least three years away, blaming the loss of 1,300 jobs on Southwest just doesn't make any sense. According to one expert, there is a simple explanation - "they're inefficient and they can't compete with Southwest."
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Finding the Best Hotel Rates
If you've been planning a summer vacation, you've probably noticed that hotel rates have gotten much more expensive. In fact, the average price of a hotel room is expected to pass $100 a night. That doesn't mean you can't find a good deal. You just need to know where to look! Try starting with the hotel's website. If you book a hotel that offers a "best rate guarantee" and later find a cheaper rate, the hotel should match the lower price. In some instances, the hotel may offer a bonus, like free parking. If you're really looking for rock-bottom prices, try Priceline's "Name Your Own Price" or Hotwire. Although the site's do not display the name of the hotel when you bid, you could save hundreds of dollars on some really nice hotels. To read Jeff Ehling's vacation tips, Click here for more.
Your Money
How much will your auto lease actually cost? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Purchaser of mortgage may be a debt collector under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The Sixth Circuit held that a mortgage purchaser may be a "debt collector" liable for violations of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The court also noted that although the debt was not actually in default, the FDCPA still applies. “A FDCPA defendant cannot escape coverage under the Act by asserting to the court that the debt was not actually in default, despite having dunned plaintiffs for months or years in the face of plaintiffs’ pleas or proof that the collector has made some error.” Click here for more.