Do you feel like you’re stuck in debt forever?
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…
Category: Business
Covering the week’s most noteworthy business news impacting the Filipino-American and Global Filipino community.
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Clients with very large default on mortgage seek to save house by Chapter 13
Practically everyone knows that the good times of loan modification are going to end next year. Loan modifications under HAMP are set to expire December 31, 2016 after several extensions….
When should ‘commute time’ for work be paid?
It is common for field workers like service technicians to drive company vehicles to the customer’s home or place of business to service or install a product. Generally, an employee’s…
10 tips on child/dependent care
IF you paid someone to care for your child, spouse, or dependent, you may be able to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit on your federal income tax return….
What to do before debt problems ruin your life
Are you facing a mountain of debt and don’t know what to do in order to avoid getting buried? Debt problems can wreak havoc on your personal life in many…
5 Great Reasons to Invest in Tagaytay Highlands. Now.
Tagaytay City, Philippines — Dubbed as the City of Character where food and nature are at its best, Tagaytay has long dominated the preference for a weekend getaway. For many…
Hard evidence required to prove dissipation of assets
Senior seeks Chapter 7 relief for $5K debt “ Don’t throw away your hard evidence. Gather them and compile them into an easily readable format so that in case you…
Arbitration agreements: should employees give up their rights to their day in court?
Q: I RECENTLY heard from a friend who sued her employer for unpaid wages. However, the court threw out her case and she had to go to “arbitration.” She said…
Community property with right of survivorship
MARRIED couples buying property are asked to decide how they should hold title: • Joint tenancy or • Community property. Basically, it is a choice between the ease of transfer…
When debt problems cause marriage problems
EVERY day, I meet with couples who are deeply in debt. In a lot of cases, I can feel the stress level that they are experiencing while the couple is…
2016 tax planning strategies for individuals
FOR 2015 INCOME TAX RETURN IT’S the last quarter of 2015 and in a few months during income tax season, you would want to minimize any income tax dues as…
Client seeks to remove judgment liens on residence
Senior seeks discharge of $40K credit card debt CLIENT no. 1 is 55 years old. She is now divorced and living by herself. The divorce judgment gave her the marital…
Disabled employee is entitled to ‘reasonable accommodation’
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…
How should you hold title to real estate?
WHEN buying real estate, there is always that inevitable question: how do you hold title? Remember that your choice can have dramatic impact on estate taxes, liability protection, heirs, family…
Bankruptcy can provide immediate debt relief when you need it
IF you are facing the prospect of filing bankruptcy for the first time in your life, this could be a frightening process. You probably have a thousand questions going through…
Car maintenance tips
If you are after some car maintenance tips then this article is going to be extremely helpful to you. We will start with the timing belt. Not every car has…
Wisdom teeth: Why do we have them?
WHEN dentists see emerging wisdom teeth are going to cause dental problems, wisdom tooth removal is likely in the cards. Wisdom teeth–also known as the third molars–received their nickname because…
Economic hardship for offer in compromise (OIC)
MEDIA coverage on IRS abuses and subsequent tax laws put pressure on the Service to revamp the Offer in Compromise (OIC) program for taxpayers who could not pay their tax…
‘Show up pay’: an overlooked compensation at work
Q: I WORK as an on-call employee for a healthcare facility. My employer often calls me to report for duty but when I arrive to work, my assignment is cancelled…
The debt trap: Too busy making a living that you don’t have a life?
THIS week, the truth of this statement struck a chord with a prospective client who came to me for debt help. Keep reading as this may be the most important…
Landlords seek chapter 13 relief
TWO different clients both landlords because they both own rental properties came to see me last week with different problems. The conventional wisdom why people buy rental properties has two…
Fil-Am labor leader Larry Itliong: An inspiration in the fight for lawful wages
ON June 30, 2015, the California Governor signed into law designating October 25 every year from hereon as Larry Itliong Day. Who is Larry Itliong and why does he matter?…
12 tips in submitting offers in compromise (OIC) to the IRS
AN offer in compromise (OIC) allows you to settle assessments for tax, penalties, and interests at less than the assessed amounts. You can apply for an OIC if there is…
When credit card debt leads to financial stress
CREDIT cards can be convenient and handy especially in times of financial emergencies but when the accumulated debt gets out of control, it can lead to long-term financial stress. Some…
Be prepared for dental emergencies
INJURIES always seem to happen when we least expect them. Picture yourself at an outdoor gathering, having fun, when suddenly a crying child runs up to you, knocked-out tooth in…
Client files chapter 13 to stop garnishment of social security
Abandoned wife files chapter 7 to discharge collection lawsuits for $20K Client no. 1 IS it even legally possible that your social security benefits can be garnished? If creditors can get…
Racial and sexual harassment lead to wrongful termination of employee
IT is illegal to harass a worker because of that person’s race or sex. Racial harassment may be verbal or physical conduct targeting the worker’s race, skin color, or national…
10 excuses to abate penalties for late filing or paying taxes
IF you fail to file on time or pay on time, penalties kick in. Here are 10 reasonable causes to abate (forgive) penalties for late filing or late paying: 1….
5 questions to ask yourself if you’re considering bankruptcy
ARE you being harassed by your creditors day and night due to unpaid bills? If you are, you know that this is a pretty unpleasant experience. You may feel scared,…
Business owners seek bankruptcy relief
“ You owe it to yourself and your family to put yourself in firm financial footing now for future prosperity by getting rid of accumulated debt now.” Client 1: Garment…