Restaurants cooking up wage violations end up serving back wages instead
“ According to EPI, even though the restaurant industry is one of the fastest growing sector of the economy, its workers are some of the lowest paid and are much…
Category: Consumer Columnists
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How to solve IRS problems
READ this if you owe the IRS money and can’t pay. IRS problems have a way of ruining all aspects of your life. They take a toll on you FINANCIALLY,…
The business values of Sudono Salim: Manny Pangilinan’s boss
“To have lived a meaningful and productive life is such a wonderful thing, but to live a life that will be remembered for the wisdom it shared with others is…
Apply now for Obama immigration amnesty
Last week, President Obama finally fulfilled his promise to provide executive amnesty to those who do not have legal status. The President did not call it amnesty, but in fact…
Mother’s house with large equity attached by creditor of client seeks debt relief
CLIENT presents his financial problem as follows. It’s quite interesting and unusual. Client registered a partnership with his younger brother, each owning 50% of a retail business 20 years ago….
Should you use 1031 tax-deferred exchange to sell your property?
YOU plan to sell an apartment building that you purchased 10 years ago at $300,000. It is now worth $800,000. You want to sell but are worried about potential taxes….
My boss lied about the reason for firing me –is my termination illegal?
Q: SEVERAL weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a medical condition that required me to go to my doctor every week for treatment. I had informed my supervisor about my…
Are your debt problems straining your marriage?
FROM what I’ve witnessed in the last 15 years as a bankruptcy attorney, debt problems can put a huge stress on any marriage. When couples are going through a financial…
Public relations
If you have been thinking about marketing your company or brand, you have probably heard these buzz words: paid media, owned media, and earned media. You might be asking yourself…
Oral health and whole body health are closely linked
It surprises people to learn that dentists are often first to discover health conditions like HIV, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. In part, that’s because we typically see you…
Can California banks come after you after a short sale deficiency?
SHORT sale occurs when a property sells for less than the remaining amount of indebtedness. Banks can go after homeowners for the deficiency – the difference between a low sales…
Legal and illegal deductions: Know the difference
Q: AT work, we are required to wear a uniform, which only the employer can provide. The cost of the uniform is deducted from our pay. Is this deduction legal?…
Face debt problems now to avoid pain later
WHEN people are going through financial difficulty and are unable to pay their bills, their first reaction is often to ignore their debts and avoid contact with creditors. They think…
Client seeks to discharge civil judgment, garnishment and substantial credit card debt
WHEN it rains, it pours. When push comes to shove, and your back is up against the wall, you may think of many desperate things that you can do to…
Clients in forties seek chapter 7 fresh start
WE will discuss two new cases involving clients who seek a fresh start in life with no debts owed to anyone. Both sets of clients are in their forties. The…
Can you take early distributions before you retire?
TOUGH times may necessitate dipping into your retirement funds before retirement. Look at the tax impact of such a move. You may be shocked to find out what you are…
When “getting back” an employee becomes illegal retaliation
EVERY now and then, our law firm receives calls from persons who inform us that supervisors reduced their hours, or suspended them for a trump up charge, in order to…
Is your family-owned business struggling financially?
THE recession has been tough on a lot of small businesses. And if you have a family-owned business that is your only source of income, the business may not even…
Why biting down on aluminum foil hurts
HAVE you ever accidentally bitten down on a little piece of aluminum foil? Have you experienced that quick zap of pain? Perhaps a little piece of foil was clinging to the tortilla when…
IRS may have refunds waiting for you
IF YOU earned income in the last few years but didn’t file a tax return because your wages were below the filing requirement, the Internal Revenue Service may have some…
Long 12-hour shifts, no overtime pay, and no breaks? Time to stop the abuse!
KINDRED Healthcare Incorporated, a healthcare services company that operates hospitals, nursing centers, and rehabilitation services nationwide, was sued by its health care employees in California. The employees alleged that Kindred…
To people who want to get out of debt, but are afraid to file bankruptcy
Do you want to get out of debt but are afraid that filing bankruptcy may only make things worse for you? Facing difficult financial times can be a frightening thing…
Single mom seeks 2nd bankruptcy relief after 15 years
I REMEMBER client the first time I met her 15 years ago. At that time, she was only 30 years old and had just started working as a registered nurse…
How do you keep good tax records?
1. IRS wants you to keep good records to document your income and support your expenses. It does not require you to keep records in any specific manner, but there…
Disability discrimination – prevention & remedies
Q: I HAD to take a few weeks of medical leave from work because I had to undergo a heart procedure. I gave my employer my doctors’ notes. When I…
Debt problems: Do you have a secret fear of losing everything you have?
I KNOW we’ve never met. But there’s a common concern we all share. As a debt relief attorney, I hear it from people who consult with me every day. It…
Media channels for advertising
What is the first thing you do when planning for your daily commute? You probably watch the news, check for train or bus delays on the internet, or check a…
Federal penalties for underpayment of taxes
“Taxpayers who are hit with the 20 percent penalty for negligence or disregard of rules may try to establish reasonable cause for underpayment and show that you acted in good…
New law protects subcontracted and temp workers in CA
Q: I HAVE worked at XY Company, a big processing plant in the Inland Empire, for many years. My direct employer is really ABC LLC, which subcontracts labor to XY…
Why do you need to get out of debt?
PEOPLE come to me every day with different reasons for getting out of debt. Most of the time, I’m thinking that they would have been better off had they come…