| Volume 17 Number 11 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
As a general rule, a business is not liable for a slip and fall injury simply because it owns the property where the injury occurred. For the business to be responsible the injured person must show the business was "negligent" and that is why the injury happened. For example, if the business knew there was a slippery spot on the floor and did not take reasonable steps to clean it up, it would be liable to a customer who was injured as a result of its negligence.
How to Invest in a Falling-Rate Environment
The Fed rate cut isn't a signal to completely rejigger your portfolio but it can be an opportunity to consider investments that generally perform better as interest rates drop. While lower rates often mean lower borrowing costs for businesses, a continually declining rate environment may mean that the economy is so soft that businesses aren't doing well, unemployment is rising and consumers are cutting back on purchases. Click here for more.
Asking for a Lower Interest Rate
As you are probably aware, credit card interest rates can be quite high with rates upwards of 30% annually. This staggering rate can make it nearly impossible to pay off your debt if you can only afford to pay close to the minimum each month. One way to get out of debt even faster is to reduce your current interest rates. Click here for more.
Making Extra Mortgage Payments
When making extra principal-only mortgage payments on a conventional fixed rate 30-year mortgage -- is it better to make an additional principal payment every month, or can we make one lump-sum payment each year? Click here for more.
Top 10 Tax Breaks, On The House
Your home offers a score of tax deductions and credits designed to help offset the cost of housing and to keep the housing market fueled with new buyers. Click here for more.
Your Money
What is the cost of raising a child? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Class waiver may be unenforceable in overtime case. The California Supreme Court has held that a class arbitration waiver in an employment agreement may be unenforceable with respect to a claim for overtime pay. Click here for more.