Our Legal Blog

Many people experience an occasional setback that impacts their bank balance. In fact, in today’s economy, it isn’t unusual to find yourself struggling to make ends meet. But, it is important to do all you can to avoid a financial meltdown — a scenario that can bring long-term consequences. The key to avoiding financial catastrophe is this: don’t hide behind denial. It is smart to stay on top of your financial situation, face the facts, and make necessary changes to stave off looming disaster. People who ignore early warning signs can easily end up in […]

As you look back on past financial habits and decisions, you may have some significant regrets – choices that continue to impact your lifestyle today.  Maybe your savings are frighteningly meager and monthly debt consumes much of your paycheck. Mistakes can be life’s greatest teachers. While it may be tempting to reprimand yourself for financial missteps, it’s more constructive to learn from these mistakes as you move toward improving your future. Common Financial Regrets If you regret money errors, know that you are not alone. In fact, a new study polling 1,000 people revealed that […]

Every year, an increasing number of people fall victim to identity theft, including credit card fraud. According to the nonprofit  Identity Theft Resources Center, data breaches in the U.S. hit an all-time high in 2017, exposing over 14 million credit cards to potential criminal activity. More than ever, it is crucial to take steps to reduce your risk of becoming a credit card fraud victim. While there is nothing you can do to prevent a data breach at Target or Home Depot, you can move quickly to protect your credit accounts. You should also do […]

A summer vacation is traditional for many families, but what if money is a little tight this year or you’re trying to stay out of debt? It is definitely wise to live within your means, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to forgo a family vacation altogether.  By making smart choices, you can enjoy summer-fun family time and stay debt free. Plan Ahead If you include a summer vacation in your regular household budget, you can set aside monthly money to plan for the trip. In fact, involving the kids in vacation planning is […]

Falling into debt is one of the most overwhelming situations anyone can face. As the interest accumulates and the bills pile up, it’s easy to feel like there is no way out. However, debt doesn’t have to ruin your life. One of the best ways to figure out how to get out of debt is to listen to advice from other people who have succeeded at improving their financial footing.  NerdWallet features the stories of several people who have overcome debt, from a former Olympian who paid off $147,000 in 15 years to the blogger […]

Maybe you’re the type of person who obsesses over their credit score. Or maybe the mention of the term causes you to space out from boredom. Regardless of how much you care about your score, it exists, and it’s a key part of how you’re evaluated by financial institutions. You’ve likely heard about the impact of bankruptcy on your score and how long it takes to rebuild it. But fear not; the time it takes to right the ship passes more quickly than you might expect. It’s also not as difficult as you’ve imagined. Here […]

Debt is part of American life — but it doesn’t have to be. Alarming Federal Reserve statistics highlighted by USA Today indicate that the average American household owes $137,063, but only brings in an annual $59,039. The silver lining? Bankrate.com reports that 58 percent of Americans maintain savings account balances that exceed their credit card debt. In 2018, many are shifting their focus to automated budgeting, assisted by modern software and apps. These technological tools help users keep abreast of both urgent financial concerns and the big picture. The Benefits of Budgeting Apps Struggling to keep track […]

Dogged by numerous creditors? Unable to afford the lease payments on your business space? When the battle to remain solvent becomes too tough, an option of last resort for individuals and business owners is filing for bankruptcy. It can be a tough sell for many. We have it drilled into us that bankruptcy is a moral failing, the result of careless money management. It may surprise you to know, then, that medical expenses are the number one reason Americans file for personal bankruptcy, and most of those individuals have some form of health insurance. By some estimates, […]

One of the hardest questions we all must answer – financial or otherwise – is “How much money will I need to set aside in order to comfortably retire?” Tailoring one’s unique answer can be a bit of a challenge, so we’ve come up with some general guidelines which might help your answer reveal itself. In finding a specific “retirement goal” for their clients, many financial advisors find themselves analytically placing the cart before the horse. It’s not hard taking what someone is spending today and projecting how much they need in order to sustain […]

We often hear about various tax-related scams involving swindlers who impersonate the IRS. It may come as a voice on a telephone saying you owe money. Or it might be during an online session that asks you to “click a link.” And part of the scam is that you will do something the scammers want you to do without thinking — give them money. These crooks are getting smarter, absorbing technology into their various tax-related schemes. And this being the heart of the tax return season right now, we all should be more aware. The […]