What is new for 2016 education tax credits
(Part 2) FORM 1098-T from an eligible educational institution is REQUIRED for 2016 TO CLAIM the American Opportunity Tax Credit AOTC (previously Hope Scholarship Credit), Lifetime Learning Credit LLC, and…
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Kababayans comment on Duterte’s controversial and bloody war on drugs
EVEN U.S. President Barack Obama has raised concern about the recent statements of Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and his war on drugs, which has already claimed the lives of more…
The intimacy of women columnists
TODAY, more women are writing columns than before. But as the women’s movement took hold, traditional limitations on them began to dissolve, and they’re now writing about politics, government, finance,…
The healing and liberating power of forgiveness
IN these turbulent times when the world is replete with hatred, violence, and killings, Paramount Pictures and MGM’s remake of the classic film, “Ben-Hur,” makes a relevant point: forgiveness heals…
Duterte-isms
ANYONE with a relatively good grasp of current events can tell you who said this: “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for…
POLL: A big majority of Filipinos in America support Duterte’s controversial war on drugs
“YOU can’t stop me,” declared Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, despite the criticism from international organizations like the United Nations and the Human Rights Watch, as well as by major international…
Bank forecloses on client’s house despite Chapter 13 filing
Seniors choose Chapter 7 to discharge $30K and $10K credit cards CLIENT is 47, single and a registered nurse. Her income is good at $80K a year. She has no…
How to save on auto insurance
KNOWING how to save on auto insurance is important. Over time, the savings could be a lot of money. Here are some good tips on how to save on auto…
The rights of temporary workers
Q: I WORK for a temp agency with headquarters outside California. As a condition of work, I agree to report to a location anywhere in Southern California assigned by the…
Should you be organized or messy when you face an IRS auditor?
THERE are two different approaches to prepare for an audit: organized and shoebox. Organized means systematically arranging your records. Shoebox means simply being you—naturally disorganized. Let’s discuss each method so…
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…
What to do with conditional green card status in troubled marriages
“ The Joint Petition provides an opportunity for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to inquire as to the legitimacy of the marriage after conditional permanent residence…
Of healers and scribblers
Everyone pretty much agrees that if you exercise, eat right and don’t smoke or drink, you’ll never die. I have been told that by my internist, cardiologist, psychiatrist and all…
‘Scripted in Heaven’ screening night
The trailer of “Scripted in Heaven,” the movie inspired by Lou Baron’s book, premiered during a red carpet screening event at the Wilshire Screening Room in Beverly Hills, California on…
Make it easy to import the right way
Long Beach, Calif. – As a continuing public service, E.C. Ferrer Custom House Broker, Inc. is sponsoring another half-day seminar for importers, entrepreneurs, distributors, wholesalers and retailers on Oct. 26…
Matteo Guidicelli on marriage: No plans yet
Actor Matteo Guidicelli dismissed rumors that he and girlfriend, Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo, are planning to get married. He explained that getting married is a serious matter and thinks that…
Filing a new fraud waiver if your first one is denied
DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I entered the US under an assumed name. When I filed for adjustment of status, I had to file a fraud waiver (Form I – 601). Unfortunately,…
Conditional green card: What it is and what to do
JAMES had just finished with his Adjustment of Status interview based on the immigrant petition of his wife, Kimberly. At the end of the interview, they were given a piece…
Weight and premature death
A CLINICAL study of 3.9 million adults in 189 countries, published in the medical journal Lancet, revealed that our risk for illness (like hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and…
On retirement and preparing for your ‘nest egg’
NO career lasts forever. However dedicated individuals might be their professions, health and other concerns will eventually limit their ability to work. When that time comes, it is unlikely that…
Human Rights Watch: Killings in Duterte’s War on Drugs a National Emergency
INTERNATIONAL organizations like the United Nations (UN) and Human Rights Watch(HRW) did not mince words in their concerns about how Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is governing the country, specifically on…
Bob Shroder’s perfect, graceful fusion of musical past with contemporary musical world
At the recent FASO’s Summer Family Concert, you’d think that time honored, phrase “Maestro, at his best!” says it all.. But there is more between fresh observation and stale clichés…
We belong to Him
MY favorite time of the day is the early morning after I arise from bed and take a shower. I would quietly sit by the window of my living room,…
Client seeks Chapter 13 relief for massive default on mortgage
Senior seeks Chapter 7 relief for $19K credit cards CLIENT is 55 and single. He appears to have no problems to worry about. He is self-employed and makes about $5K monthly…
Should employees who ‘volunteer’ to work off-the-clock be paid?
Q: I WORK as a nurse at a hospital that has a strict policy of no unapproved overtime, and no going on breaks unless we are relieved by another nurse….
How to obtain waiver for immigration fraud and misrepresentation
IF you are an applicant for an immigration visa, K visa, or V non-immigrant visa, your application may be denied if you are found inadmissible under certain circumstances. In this…
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) #2: Financial accounts
THE IRS issued new guidance requiring individuals with an interest in a “specified foreign financial asset” to attach a disclosure statement to your income tax return for any year in…
Bankruptcy: Should you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?
IF you’ve made the decision to file bankruptcy in order to get a fresh financial start, here are some things to consider in choosing between Chapter 7 or Chapter 13….