Consumer Alert

If you’re already thinking of back-to-school shopping, you may get a price break in the next few weeks. Though 45 states and the District of Columbia typically collect sales tax, 16 states have decided to either cut the amount of sales tax they charge or to not charge sales tax at all during various weekends this summer.
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Your Money

There’s a rampant myth that you need a lot of money to start investing in stocks, mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). This falsehood may play a part in why so few people actually own investments. You will never get rich by stashing your money under a mattress or in a bank account. In order to build wealth, you will need to invest your money over time. Here are four tips to start investing even if you don't have much money. Click here for more.

For the Lawyers

“Loser pays” and similar cost-shifting clauses in consumer arbitration agreements violate Ohio public policy. Plaintiff challenged the enforceability of an arbitration agreement that included a “loser pays” clause. The “loser pays,” or cost-shifting clause, required the loser to pay the costs and attorney fees of the substantially prevailing party. The court found the clause violated Ohio public policy and severed the “loser pays” provision. It otherwise enforced the agreement – i.e., the substantive underlying claims were subject to arbitration. Gaither v. Wall & Associates, LLC, 2017-Ohio-765 (2d Dist.). Click here for more.

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