| Volume 9 Number 10 |
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Forward this news alert to your family and friends
Helpful Links
Texas Consumer Complaint Center
Credit Reports and Identity Theft
Your Guide to Small Claims Court
Contact Us
1-713-743-2168
The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Have you been bothered by a door-to-door salesman? Under the law, you have three days to change your mind whenever you sign a contract negotiated in your home by a salesperson. The best advice is don't talk to any salesperson who shows up at you door. But if you make a mistake and get talked into a bad deal, the law gives you three days to cancel.
You Can't Borrow From an IRA
You can't borrow money from your Roth IRA account. There aren't any lending provisions in IRA accounts, whether they're Roth IRA or traditional IRA accounts. Click here for more.
Be On the Lookout for These Tax Statements
Every U.S. Postal Service delivery bag is overloaded with statements from employers, banks, stockbrokers and other institutions and agencies that were involved in taxpayers' financial lives last year. Each of these groups has, by law, until Jan. 31 to get their annual tax statements in the mail to taxpayers. Click here for more.
Is Your House Making You Fat?
Everyone knows that ordering 64-ounce sodas and always driving instead of walking contribute to tightening waistbands. But your house can harbor other, less obvious diet enemies: the wrong size juice glasses pack on an extra 8 pounds a year; lined curtains in your bedroom may contribute to that "I'm too tired to exercise" feeling. And the type of TV stand you have could affect both your eating and exercising habits. In short, your house may be making you fat. Click here for more.
Household Employers Face Jan. 31 Tax Deadline
The rich are different, even when it comes to everyday dealings. The Brangelinas and Bennifers of the world typically have a lot more help around the house, from maids to lawn care staff to nannies. But one thing is the same for everyone, regardless of wealth or celebrity: Tax rules must be followed when it comes to household help. Click here for more.
Your Money
Should my spouse work, too? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
A person who has agreed to arbitrate disputes with one party may in some cases be required to arbitrate related disputes with others. The Texas Supreme Court has held that a person who seeks to derive a direct benefit from the contract containing an arbitration provision may be equitably estopped from refusing arbitration. Click here for more.