To people who are facing debt problems for the first time
MOST people who are struggling with debt problems for the first time are often confused and don’t know what to do. They’ve never been in this situation before. They have…
Category: Consumer Columnists
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CES Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas
CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the largest trade fair for consumer electronics. It’s presented by Consumer Technology Association (CTA) annually in Las Vegas. It has been our tech bell weather…
Employees working in and out of California: Are they protected by CA law?
A GROUP of flight attendants from Virgin America, Inc. sued the company for unpaid wages and missed breaks. The employees alleged that Virgin did not pay them for the following:…
Client needs bankruptcy to get rid of accumulated debt from failed business
THE client is 53. He is married and owns a house. He used to have a business, which was a DBA sole proprietorship. “DBA” means doing business as. Sole proprietorship…
Remedies for employees who blow the whistle on employer misconduct
SUSANNA Smith worked as a superintendent, and Cleve Pell worked as an operations officer for the Montebello Unified School District (MUSD). In the course of doing their jobs, Smith and…
Widow needs Chapter 13 to handle $40K credit cards
“It’s becoming clear that the choice she has to make is to be able to make the mortgage payment or the credit card payment.” THE client is 53…
Stock market benchmark indices
If you plan to trade stocks, it helps to get an understanding of basic terms that are mentioned frequently on TV, radio, and social media. There are three Major indices:…
Are you feeling hopelessly stuck in debt?
A lot of people who consult with me about their debt problems are going through the worst time of their lives. Unlike other problems in life that sometimes just go…
California tax rates and exemptions for 2018 tax returns
AMOUNTS for tax returns in 2018 are compared with amounts in 2017. Exemption credits: a. $118 from $114 – Single, Married filing separately, Head of Household. b. $236 from $228…
Are these good times to invest in the stock market?
YES, definitely! These are the best of times to invest in the stock market. If you are not trading stocks now, you are missing the longest bull run in history….
Sick employee entitled to ‘reasonable accommodation’ even after lengthy absence
TRISTAN Do worked as a mechanical engineer at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems Company for eight years without any issues. However, that changed when he started reporting to a new…
Senior needs Chapter 13 to protect house from creditors of a failed business
“Creditors have to pay lawyers to file the lawsuits and get the judgment and liens. They cost money as everyone knows. Trump paid his personal lawyer Cohen hundreds of thousands of…
To people who need to file bankruptcy as their only option
“Bankruptcy is never a fun thing to do or just an easy way out for people who simply want to run away from their obligations. The fact is that most…
What’s new: Tax cuts and jobs act (Part 4)
• YOU may need to pay quarterly estimated taxes unless tax owed is less than $1,000 upon filing of the tax return or you do not owe any taxes in…
What to do when the stock market dives
Last week’s sell off inspired me to write today’s article to caution you when stock markets dive. When stock prices drop, one’s first reaction is to sell. That’s the worst…
Seniors with $40K credit cards seek Chapter 7 relief
THE clients are young seniors at 62. The husband took an early retirement as he has a serious illness. Two years ago, the husband was diagnosed with stage 3 leukemia….
Yes, you’re paid overtime, but is it computed correctly?
(Bonuses and shift differential pay can increase overtime rates) “Under California law, overtime pay is computed on the basis of the employee’s “regular rate” of pay. If the employee receives…
K-1 visa: Fiance visa to marry US citizen
“A K-1 visa allows a foreign national to come to the United States to marry a United States citizen. The K-1 visa is valid for ninety (90) days after entry…
Should you hire a debt settlement company and avoid bankruptcy?
“Remember that a debt settlement company cannot legally represent you if you are sued and thus, they cannot protect your legal rights. Also keep in mind that some creditors will…
You have not filed your income tax returns for years?
YOU have not filed your income tax returns for the current year and previous years because: 1) you decided you are not required to file? 2) You are a victim…
Bankruptcy can provide hope to the hopeless
WHEN debts spiral out of control, bankruptcy can become an invaluable financial recovery tool in getting you back on the right track. While it’s not for everyone, close to a…
Six special audit triggers
1. DEALING in Cryptocurrencies People are not reporting transactions with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin. The general public may not be aware that they are reportable. They may also not know…
Misclassified workers granted more protections against fly-by-night employers
(Holding others liable for payment of wages) CALIFORNIA’S Labor Commissioner’s Office has awarded over $45 million in unlawful deductions from wages and out-of-pocket expenses to more than 400 misclassified port…
A couple considers how to tackle debt relief for wife
“It looks to me that there’s more stuff going on here, although it’s my policy not to get involved in matters that are between husband and wife.” LET…
What’s new: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
(Part 3) 1. Amusement, recreation, and entertainment are now non-deductible under the new act. Businesses may still claim 50% deduction on meals if 1) provided to potential customer or client…
Client with good income seeks Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 relief for $84K credit cards
Client is 58. He is not divorced but separated for 20 years. His income is good. He nets about $7K to $8K a month. He lives by himself and does…
4 ways to get out of debt: Which one is right for you?
ARE you overwhelmed with too much debt and don’t know how you can get out? Do you spend at lot of time worrying about your finances and don’t know how…
What to do when you are audited
FIRST, you get a notice called a “contact letter” by mail – postal mail. The IRS does not reach out to taxpayers via email or phone; if that happens, you are…
Recent updates to California’s sexual harassment laws – are your rights affected?
THE area of sexual harassment litigation involves complex rules that are continually evolving. Last month, California lawmakers signed some laws designed to close several loopholes in California’s sexual harassment laws….
Client with good income seeks Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 relief for $84K credit cards
CLIENT is 58. He is not divorced but separated for 20 years. His income is good. He nets about $7K to $8K a month. He lives by himself and does…