| Volume 11 Number 5 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Under the law, a store may charge no more than $30 for a bounced check. There is no limit for how much a bank may charge. Shop around for a bank that charges a reasonable fee, and get "overdraft protection" to avoid high fees for a bounced check.
Tax Deadline Extended to April 17th
The Internal Revenue Service announced that the due date for all 2006 tax returns will be on April 17, 2007 -- a full two extra days to file our tax forms. Click here for more.
Getting The Most From Working At Home
You work from home. Congratulations, you're on the cutting edge of a growing segment of professionals and entrepreneurs. Telecommuting and working from home have some obvious advantages: you get to spend more time with your family, you avoid expensive, frustrating and time-burgling commutes and you get to make sales calls in your bathrobe. Click here for more.
Students' Lives Ruined by Debt
With colleges around the country raising tuition rates in response to budget cuts, many students are forced to compensate for these changes by taking out loans to finance their education. However, many students are unaware of the hidden penalties and fees that come attached to these loans, which could potentially cause financial ruin. Click here for more.
Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. When a dishonest person has your Social Security number, the thief can use it to get other personal information about you. Most of the time identity thieves use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, they use the credit cards and do not pay the bills. You do not find out that someone is using your number until you are turned down for credit, or you begin to get calls from unknown creditors demanding payment for items you never bought. Someone illegally using your Social Security number and assuming your identity can cause a lot of problems. Click here for more.
Your Money
How much of my bonus do I keep after income taxes? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Fraud award is dischargeable in bankruptcy. The 4th Circuit has ruled that a debtor can discharge her debt to the plaintiff even though it was the result of fraudulent behavior. Click here for more.