| Volume 93 Number 1 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
A landlord has an obligation to change the locks on your doors whenever you request it. You may be charged the cost of making the change, but no additional fees.
For more general information about the law, check out my website.
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Tips for Successful Cyber Monday Shopping
Today is Cyber Monday, the Internet's version of Black Friday. Many online retailers, like Amazon, offer big savings on popular electronics, appliances, and clothing geared toward shoppers who want to avoid the long lines and clusters of people taking advantage of traditional retail sales.
Before you start your online shopping, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a positive shopping experience. First, stick to your list. Even if a deal is appealing, many sites hold sales throughout the year. If you don't need it now, the price will likely drop again in the future. Second, only use sites that have secure checkouts. If you don't see "https" instead of "http" in the web address bar, take your money somewhere else. Third, try using online coupons. Even though some items may already have big discounts, certain sites will allow consumers to stack a coupon on top of the deal. Finally, don't pay for shipping unless you absolutely have to. If the site you're using doesn't offer free shipping, take a quick look at what other sites are offering.
As a fundamental point, always make sure that you only purchase from reputable sites. Protect yourself by purchasing with a credit card instead of a debit card or PayPal.
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Officials Say HealthCare.gov Functional
According to White House officials, the HealthCare.gov website is now a fully functional operation.
From the time the site opened on October 1, it has been stricken with problems leaving many consumers unhappy. As the White House puts it, that has all changed as of December 1.
The site was designed to help consumers comply with the Affordable Care Act insurance requirement by allowing them to compare prices among competing insurance companies.
Although the site has been a political lightning rod, officials want consumers to feel comfortable using the site so that they may experience the extensive benefits available to them under the law. Critics continue to blast the site and the law for the problematic rollout.
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Beware of Holiday Charity Scams
For many, the holidays are a time of giving. In fact, charities receive 41% of their contributions at the end of the year. Yet, where honest, charitable people exist, there are dishonest scammers ready and willing to take their money. The desire to do something good for someone else may also make you less cautious about how you give. Be cautious with your money!
If you decide to donate your money to a charitable organization this holiday season, do your research. Even if a certain site or plea for money pulls at your emotions, don't become a victim of a charitable scam!
Find out how to spot and protect yourself against charitable scams!
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Your Money
What is your tax-equivalent yield?
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For the Lawyers
Arbitration agreement in employee handbook is enforceable.
The West
Virginia Supreme Court found an employee handbook was sufficient to create an arbitration agreement between the employee and employer, and that the arbitration agreement was enforceable.
The primary argument from the employee was that the agreement was unconscionable because the employer could change it at any time. The arbitration agreement provided that employer "may from time to time modify or discontinue [its dispute resolution program] by giving covered employees thirty (30) calendar days notice 'any such modification' shall be applied prospectively only."
The court found that the 30-day notice requirement, and the fact that existing disputes would proceed under the terms existing when they were submitted,
meant the agreement was not unconscionable.
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