| Volume 76 Number 9 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Even if your apartment is "unlivable" due to storm damage, you have an obligation to continue to pay rent. If the landlord can repair the apartment within a reasonable period of time, you cannot terminate your lease. Click here for more.
Private Student Loan Debt Reaches $150B
In 2011, total student loan debt topped $1 trillion. Although private student loan debt, which recently reached $150 billion, only makes up a small slice of the total pie, it has been particularly challenging for many student loan borrowers. Private student loans generally have higher interest rates and fewer protections than federally backed loans. Most private student loans don't have flexible repayment options, the option to enter forbearance, or forgiveness options (the ability to discharge the loan in limited circumstances). As a result, it should be no surprise that students who took out private loans are facing higher levels of default.
Are you having trouble meeting your student loan obligations? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has created a site to help you sort out your options.
Click here for more.
Amazon May Soon Offer Same Day Shipping
Although Amazon recently started charging tax for online purchases, they may soon be giving consumers a new reason to shop online rather than in a store. Speculation is building that Amazon will soon start offering same day shipping for many of its items. Over the years, Amazon has built a network of warehouses that would make the move possible. Would same-day shipping be enough to make waves in the retail industry? Click here for more.
Your Money
Are you in the market for a new job? Do you know how much money you want to bring home (net), but don't know what that translates too in gross salary? This calculator can help! Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Collection letter does not violate Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The Fifth Circuit held that a debt collection letter did not violate federal law by including language that purportedly contradicted and overshadowed statutorily required notices. Click here for more.