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Beaking News for September 7, 2014

“Allegro Law Clients’ Terrible Ordeal Over Debt Settlement Now Partially Over”

We interrupt today's normal routine to get the news on “Allegro Law Clients’ Terrible Ordeal Over Debt Settlement Now Partially Over” . Finally, the trustee of the Allegro Law Bankruptcy Case cleared all objections and started issuing partial cheques to consumers whose money was ensnared in the bankruptcy.

The mailing of the cheques will take several weeks though as there are thousands of cheques to send. It is not a happy ending because people will not get all their money returned to them but it is better than nothing. At least they will get some of the money they lost when Allegro Law ran into trouble in 2009.

I think though the consumers should get all their money back. “Click Like” if you agree. For more on this, let me know in the contact form.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you this week.

1. Did you know you could earn money for almost everything you buy online? Let me know in the contact form below so I can send you more information.

2. Good planning can make a difference on how you spend the three phases of retirement which we can send you if you ask for it in the contact form below.

3. Don‘t miss out on things to read on investments like "Market Sense and Nonsense" and "Strategic Financial Planning Over the Lifecycle".

For any questions and clarifications about this breaking news and alerts, just go to the contact form below and write your comments there.

Send this to your friends and family who may need it as soon as you can because this will be moved when the next breaking news comes along.

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Beaking News for August 24, 2014

“More Law Groups in Trouble Over Mortgage Intervention”

We interrupt today's normal routine to get the news on “More Law Groups in Trouble Over Mortgage Intervention” . One of them, Mader Law Group, was paid fees of $595 which is over the Schedule of Maximum Fees established by the Commissioner. The schedule of Maximum fees should not exceed $500 that debt negotiators can charge for performing debt services and such fees should only be paid upon successfully completing the services. I think the consumers should get their money back. “Click Like” if you agree. For more on this, let me know in the contact form.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you this week.

1. Make sure you delete the email you receive that pretends to be from E-ZPass but is really sent from an email address in Russia, automania-group.ru.

2. Have a clear understanding of what student loans can be discharged in bankruptcy like if the private loans were used for living expenses, they may be eligible to be discharged.

3. Avoid Grocery Shopping Mistakes like not knowing when the best deals and where to find them, bringing the kids with you, choosing goods placed at eye level, and not shopping at the dollar stores for some extras

Send this to your friends and family who may need it as soon as you can because this will be moved when the next breaking news comes along.

Beaking News for August 10, 2014

“FTC Recovers Expensive Cars and Watches from Operator of a Mobile Phone Cramming Scheme”

We interrupt today's normal routine to get the news on “FTC Recovers Expensive Cars and Watches from Operator of a Mobile Phone Cramming Scheme” . Andrew Bachman took advantage of people’s confusion regarding their mobile phone bills.” The FTC filed its complaint against Bachman alleging that he and other defendants placed text message services offering tips and celebrity gossip alerts to mobile phone owners and then charged them for these services – usually $9.99 a month without getting their consent. This practice is known as mobile cramming. I think they should get their money back. “Click Like” if you agree. For more on this, let me know in the contact form.

The settlement consists of a monetary judgment of more than $97 million dollars. Bachman will surrender his four bank accounts, shares in companies, a Mercedes, Ferrari and jewelry among which are four Rolex watches, a Patek Philippe, and three Audemars watches. He is also permanently banned from putting charges on mobile phone owners’ bills.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.

1. There are retirement rules of thumb you have to beware of like the "4% Withdrawal Rule" that says for every $100,000 of your savings, withdrawing 4% will allow your money to last for 30 years which may not work depending on your investment and the economy from year to year. Get all the retirement rules of thumb by asking for them in the contact form below so you can be better prepared for the so-called golden years.

2. The FTC is mailing refund checks to 18,571 consumers who paid American Tax Relief that deceived them by claiming they could lower their tax bill. If this is you, get the full scoop in the contact form. The defendants had to turn over millions of dollars, jewelry, a home in Beverly Hills and a condo in LA.

3. Are you an over spender who wants to undergo a money makeover so you can spend less? I’m dying to send this to you so please ask in the contact form.

For any questions and clarifications about this breaking news and alerts, just go to the contact form and write your comments there.

Send this to your friends and family who may need it as soon as you can because this will be moved when the next breaking news comes along.

Beaking News for July 27, 2014

“Four Companies Selling Loan Modifications Help in Custody”

We interrupt today's normal routine to get the good news on “Four Companies Selling Loan Modifications Help in Custody” . As a result of these alleged scams, already financially distressed homeowners lost millions of dollars in the United States. And despite signing up and paying fees for modification help, many victims lost their homes anyway. I think they should get their money back. “Click Like” if you agree. For more on this, let me know in the contact form.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.

1. Morgan Drexen got slapped for millions of dollars and the Court ordered that all fees paid by West Virginia residents must be refunded.

2. I have seven common sense tips to protect your credit card and ATM cards from identity thieves. If you want them you got them, just say so in the contact form below.

3. Phony Payday Loan Lenders Lose Rolls Royce and Ferrari to pay off what they took from unsuspecting consumers. I’m dying to send this to you so please ask in the contact form.

For any questions and clarifications about this breaking news and alerts, just go to the contact form and write your comments there.

Send this to your friends and family who may need it as soon as you can because this will be moved when the next breaking news comes along.

Breaking News for July 13, 2014

“Lucas Law Center Victims of Loan Modification Get Their Money Back”

We interrupt today's normal routine to get the good news on Lucas Law Center Victims of Loan Modification Get Their Money Back . These people are getting refund checks from the Federal Trade Commission. You see they paid advanced fees to Lucas Center who falsely claimed they can get a mortgage loan modification. Isn’t that good news? Let us have more of this coming. For more on this, let me know in the contact form.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.

1. Eat a Mediterranean diet and more to save money and be healthy at the same time. For more health splurges to save money, all you have to do is ask in the contact form.

2. There’s a video on the best personal finance apps and tools. If you like to know more just ask me to send you the video.

3. Want to know the what expenses could kill the budget this coming weekend? I’m dying to send them to you so please ask in the contact form.

For any questions and clarifications about this breaking news and alerts, just go to the contact form and write your comments there.

Send this to your friends and family who may need it as soon as you can because this will be moved when the next breaking news comes along.

Breaking News for June 29, 2014

“5 Financial Habits You Need to Break To Get Ahead”

We interrupt today's normal routine to find out How to watch out for the 5 Financial Habits You Need to Break To Get Ahead. The penalty fee for this is your money down the drain. Break this habit with a calendar reminder or allocate money for each bill in separate envelopes. When the envelopes are filled, whatever left outside is money you can spend.

Other bad habits to break are taking out a loan for your purchases, overspending, spending the money as soon as you get it and bank fees. If you want help to break these habits let me know in the contact form.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.

1. Legal Helpers Debt Resolution settles with West Virginia and has to pay $135,000.00 in penalty and is barred from doing debt relief business in that state. For more on this, all you have to do is ask in the contact form below.

2. What happens to your debt when you die is that the mortgage stays in the house and has to be paid while personal debts are not passed to your heirs, thank goodness! Find out more by asking me to send you the whole article.

3. Want to know the seven tricks that can make you spend less? I’m dying to send them to you so please ask in the contact form.

For any question about this breaking news and alerts, just write them down in the contact form.


Breaking News for June 14, 2014

“7 Hidden Costs That Sneak Up On You”

We interrupt today's normal routine to find out How to watch out for the 7 Hidden Costs That Sneak Up On You. These hidden costs can trip us up like when shopping for hotel rooms online, merchants have a way of following you up and making the cost higher with each search you do. Then there’s the trick stores have a way to encourage you to turn right and buy more and the product you buy has changed with the nozzle becoming larger so you can consume more and buy another one sooner than you normally do. There are others, just say so in the contact form if you want me to send them to you.

For any question about this breaking news and alerts, just write them down in the contact form below. Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.

1. Think you can retire early, well think again for this is only one of several myths that I will send to you if you ask.

2. Spend less and earn more is one mantra experts live by and more coming your way if you ask.

3. How to snag a better travel deal? Just ask and I will send them to you.

Send this to your friends and family who may need it as soon as you can because this will be moved when the next breaking news comes along.

Breaking News for June 1, 2014


 “Here’s A Way to Check Out a Company So You Will Not Be Scammed” 
 
We interrupt today's normal routine to learn how to Check Out a Company So You Will Not Be Scammed.  There is a way to check out whether a company is legitimate or not before you sign on the dotted line.  Ask for their physical address and say you might want to drop in unannounced.  You see some hide behind a postal address or a website and that’s a red flag.  Google the address to see if it’s legitimate.   Check to see if the company is licensed and registered through a Google Search in your state.

Then ask the person you’re talking his job or role in the company he is representing.  Tell him to put in writing his advertised claims of success in whatever service he is selling you.  He should have solid proof of the savings you will gain by enrolling with them.  Whatever savings you will gain should include the company’s fees and the fees and penalties the credit card for example will charge you and the customers who did not succeed in their program.

Then call your state Attorney General  to see if there have been complaints on this company.  If a lawyer is selling you a financial service asking you to pay up a large amount of money, get a second opinion from a licensed lawyer in your state.  Check to see if he is licensed to provide the service by going to State Bar association’s website.  Also make sure you read and understand the contract including the fine prints before you sign.  If it says no refund and the person you’re talking to said there is, then that’s another red flag.   

To know more just say so in the contact form below and I will send them to you.
 
For any question about this breaking news and alerts, just write them down in the contact form below.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you. 

1.  Want to know what to do as a couple when it comes to personal finance? 

2.  Do you want to date or marry a financial dope?  

3.  Do you want to know the 8 decisions that can lead to credit problems?

Send this to your friends and family who may need it as soon as you can because this will be moved when the next breaking news comes along.
 
End of Breaking News

Breaking News for May 18, 2014

“Pensions and Living in Retirement”

We interrupt today's normal routine to check out Pensions and Living in Retirement. The plan for the Golden Years of Travel and Fun in the Sun seems to depend on one’s pension and savings so some think they will never be able to retire. If you want to know how much will your savings last in retirement, here is a calculator that will help you figure it out. To know more just say so in the contact form below and I will send them to you.

For any question about this breaking news and alerts, just write them down in the contact form below.
Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.
1. Want to know how to spend your tax refund wisely? Ask and you shall receive at the contact form below.
2. Investors Group has lowered the mortgage rate to 1.99%.
3. If you want to know how to invest wisely, there are good ideas everywhere.
If you want me to send you the links to the alerts, just say so in the contact form. Send this to your friends and family who may need it as soon as you can because this will be moved when the next breaking news comes along.

Breaking News for May 11, 2014

“Credit Card Strategies When You Lose Your Job”

We interrupt today's normal routine to check out some credit card debt strategies when you lose your job. List all your monthly expenses and put each into two categories of "wants" and "needs". All those under wants should be cut like cable TV. Then stop all auto payments like gym memberships. Stop using your credit card and don’t borrow money from anybody. If you’re paying your card in full every month, scale back to pay the minimum and put the money instead into your savings account.

If you reach the point where you have to use your savings to pay the minimum, stop paying your credit card . When the creditors call, calmly tell them you’ve lost your job and you can politely tell them you have other things to do and just hang up. And they can only call you once a week. If you find phone calls too much, send them a certified mail to tell them to contact you by mail only. There are other strategies. To know more just say so in the contact form and I will send them to you. For any question about this breaking news and alerts, just write them down in the contact form. or below.
Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.
1. There are coupon codes you can use for your online purchases so just let me know if you want to know where you can get them.
2. Do you want to know the 30 financial things to have been done by age 30?
3. Do you want to know what three things the wealthy people are doing with their money?
If you want me to send you the links to the alerts, just say so in the contact form.

Breaking News for May 4, 2014

“Consumer Complaints Against Consumer Rights Help Center - Don’t Let This Happen To You”

We interrupt today's normal routine to check on a complaint against Consumer Rights Help Center who the complainants said they have been scammed by this company in California. The website is www.crhelpcenter.com and the owner is Scott Brown of Temecula CA.

For any question about this breaking news and alerts, just write them down in the contact form.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you. 1. There is a way to get a refund from a company that scam you with quite a lot of steps to follow. Let me know if you want them in the contact form below.



contact form.


Breaking News for April 14, 2014

“Who Else Wants to Prevent Hackers From Stealing His Bank Info?”

We interrupt today's normal routine to check out some tips to prevent hackers from stealing your bank information. In this day and age, we have to be proactive to keep our bank data secure especially when doing it online. You probably heard of Heartbleed the security bug that hacked some banking sites. Thank goodness the Canadian banks remain safe.

Here are some tips to help keep your bank info safe:

1. Go into your account every day to check for unauthorized transactions.

2. If there’s any concern, change your password right away.

3. Don’t let stores keep your credit card data.

4. Make your password a combo of lower and upper case letters plus a number and a symbol like @ or #.

5. Use different passwords for financial accounts.

6. Close the browser each time you are done.

7. Do what I do, use a virtual card number when you’re shopping online.

For any question about this breaking news and alerts, just go to the contact form and write your comments there.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.

1. Did you know there’s a 3 step guide on how to make money with the masters finally revealing all?

2. There is a free cash flow software for students that can help with achieving both short term and long term financial goals.

3. It’s good to keep track of how much income your retirement savings can generate that can lead to a happy retirement.

For any question about this breaking news and alerts, just go to the contact form and write your questions there. Breaking News for April 6, 2014

Department of Education Proposed New Rules to Make for Profit Universities Accountable For the Education and Cost

We interrupt today's normal routine to check out on the expensive programs that leave students stuck with huge debts without being able to make wise decisions before they signed up. Some post secondary educational programs are not accountable for the expensive programs they offer the students. Neither they are transparent enough for students to be able to make wise decisions before signing up. But now before these universities can be eligible for government student loans, they have to offer students information as to the cost of the education against the possible income from the programs to help them better decide if this is a better choice for them. For any question about this breaking news and alerts, just write them down in the contact form below. Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.

Khafizov Sent to Jail for Nine Years for Defrauding Struggling Homeowners


2. Court Found Debt Collectors Offer to Settle Time-Barred Debts Could Violate the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

3. Check Out the Best Online Mortgage Calculator.

4. Here are the Money Moves to Make Before Age 40.

Notice that only one link in the one-liner alerts is live and you can access it directly but if you want me to send you the links to the rest of the alerts, just say so in the contact form.


Breaking News for March 9, 2014

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Filed a Lawsuit Against ITT Educational Services, Inc. for Alleged Predatory Student Lending CFPB is asking for a civil fine, an injunction against the company and a restitution for the victims. CFPB Director Richard Cordray said ITT made themselves look like they’re improving the lives of the consumers but in actuality, it is just improving their bottom lines. They used high-pressure tactics and so CFPB now says they will be vigilant to protect students against such tactics.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.

1. There is a new report for March 2014 on the best interest rates. It is good to know where they are so when you have extra money you will know where to put them.

2. Putting your bill payment on automatic payment is very convenient, a time-saver and you will not forget when to pay your bills but if you don’t check your bills once in a while, it could cost you.

3. There are some bad money habits we don‘t know we have but if we fix them, we will be ahead of the game. If you want to know more, just leave a comment in the contact form below and I will send them to you ASAP.

Breaking News for February 23, 2014

Two Mortgage Modification Scammers Sent to Jail

Two men from Florida defrauded homeowners in a home loan modification scheme worth $4 million and for that were sentenced 84 months in jail. Dennis Fischer and Christopher Godfrey were sentenced by Judge Rya Zobel of the District of Massachusetts. In addition these two were ordered to serve three more years of supervised release after their jail term. High-five to the judge!

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.

1. Here’s the most recent complaint about Sallie Mae which did not allow access to the borrower's other loans just because the federal students loans were discharged because of permanent and total disability. How can this be skin off their back? Can’t wait to see how this ends.

2. Don’t follow some financial advice at your peril. Bad financial advice does not come only from scammers; they could come from our loved ones too like renting is a waste of money and stocks are too risky so buy bonds instead.

3. The $100,000 condo bill is scary stuff for me too because I live in a condo. Glass windows have a life span. When they need replacement, guess who will pay up.

Breaking News for February 9, 2014


Contempt Order Issued by the FTC for Misrepresentations to Consumers 

The FTC has issued a contempt order against Roy Eliasson and Bryon Wolf who operated a deceptive marketing scam in the years past but operated a second scheme where they billed consumers without authorization and failed to make required disclosures.  So now the FTC issued them a contempt order with a judgment of $14.75 million, the amount they illegally took from the consumers.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you. 

1. Want to be a millionaire?  Get the millionaire’s handbook which is really a series of articles that could get you there.


2. Check your credit report, scour your accounts, protect your good name, make it harder on thieves and freeze them out are some of the ways you can protect yourself against identity theft.


3. The expensive lesson one learned from a 9-day hospital confinement included the overbill of health care providers, the costly co-pays for hospital stays, only 90% is covered by insurance, and you won’t get just one bill.

Breaking News for January 26, 2014

New York Going After Companies That Offer Loan Assistance to Students

The governor of New York, Andrew M. Cuomo just established a Student Protection Unit, the first action of which is to issue subpoenas to relief companies for student loan, all 13 of them, to investigate improper fees, ads that are potentially misleading and other problems as well that are related to consumer protection.

I can’t wait to see how this ends up and it’s about time all of USA should do this.

Here are some alerts in the form of one-liners I can’t resist sending you.

1. There’s correspondence going on that the Comptroller of the Currency is holding funds for some people that is considered fraudulent and a scam so beware.

2. Whistle Blower warns consumers about assistance for student loans charging high fees for something the students can do themselves.

3. Don’t make these four mistakes with your tax refund like putting a lot of the money to reduce the balance of a debt.

Breaking News for January 12, 2014

Cyber Security Attack at Target and Now at Neiman Marcus

We interrupt today's normal routine to check out on the cyber security attack at Target and now at Neiman Marcus.

Make sure you monitor the activities on your banking and credit card statements. Also watch for identity thief scenario. On second thought, don’t wait for anything to happen. Just go ahead and get your credit cards and other information like passwords and such changed.

To avoid something like this to happen to my credit cards, I usually use a virtual card number that can be used only once with a time and amount limit. For any comments and questions, please write them down in the contact form below.

Breaking News: December 29, 2013 American Express Ordered to Pay Millions for Credit Card Illegal Practices

CFPB (Financial Protection Bureau) was ordered last Christmas to refund around $59.5 million dollars to over 335,000 consumers due to illegal credit card practices. They were found to employ unfair billing tactics and deceived consumers with add-on products like credit monitoring and payment protection.

In addition, American Express was also ordered to pay penalties to the amount of $9.6 million dollars to CFPB. Way to go, CFPB, there’s Santa Claus after all!

I put this as a news alert just in case some of you are getting refunds. Check your American Express Credit Card, and if you don’t have one, spread the word to your friends and family so they can check out how much refunds are due to them.

Breaking News: December 15, 2013 Consumers Victims of GE CareCredit

We checked out the million of Consumers Victims of GE CareCredit. They will get refunds later. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the CFPB has taken action against GE Capital Retail Bank.

This bank allegedly took advantage of consumers through their medical debt financing program. The CFPB has ordered GE Capital credit and its auxiliary CareCredit to refund 34.1 millions to more than a million consumers who were victims of deceptive credit card enrollment tactics.

It was supposed to be interest-free but consumers found out later the interest was high, very high. Send this to your friends and family who may need it because this will be moved when the next breaking news comes along but if you like more info, say so in the contact form and specify what you want.

Breaking News: December 1, 2013 We interrupt today's normal routine to check out CRL(short for Center for Responsible Lending) Comes Out With Debt Settlement Warning. Is it Fair? CRL found two main issues about debt settlement. One is that Consumers must settle at least 2/3 of their debts to improve their financial position through debt settlement. And it is difficult for consumers to see if they will be successful at debt settlement.

CRL therefore recommends to require screening consumers before they are enrolled, include some worst off provisions so consumers can get a refund if they end up in a worse condition.

It was also recommended to establish meaningful limitation of fees that ensures the majority will substantially reduce their debt. There should also be detailed reporting of data and to ensure that states have their laws in place that cover all those engaged in debt settlements like lawyers and such.

Breaking News: November 18, 2013 Students, Get Qualified for Brand New Government Programs We interrupt today's normal routine to help some of students regarding their loan. They say these are Brand New Government Programs. Get Qualified in 5 Minutes or Less Try it and see. I'm just concerned about Get Qualified in 5 Minutes or Less. Why is it so fast? Here is where you can find it. student loan consolidation This can be seen only until the next breaking news comes along. But if you like more info, say so in the contact form and specify what you want.

November 3, 2013 Here's What To Do Before Giving Someone Power Of Attorney Over Your Money


There seems to have a connection between this and debt relief companies. CFPB short for Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has lately published guidance on this. It is just like when a debt relief company signs you up as their client, this carries some legal responsibilities.


They are to act only on your best interest, avoid conflicts of interest, manage your money and property carefully, keep your money separate from theirs, and maintain good records. They have to be honest, trustworthy and act in good faith. Otherwise, they could be removed, sued, investigated, could go to jail and repay you back your money.


How about our side of the equation? How can we protect ourselves? Before signing up, check their qualification and their license (if it is current) with a government agency, their track record (find out how well they do things and their success rate plus if there are any complaints about them.)


Ask them questions and review the contract thoroughly, their written plan of action with dates of completion and their expected fee. Decide based on facts and don't get them to rush you to send them the money right away. That's a red flag.

Breaking News:  $1 Million Fine for Debt Collector for Texting Without Proper Identification

One person owns two collection agencies that were fined $1 million dollars by the Federal Trade Commission for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.  They sent text messages but were charged for not identifying themselves as debt collectors. 

They also misrepresented themselves as lawyers and threatened to sue and garnish wages.  They also informed third parties about the debt and sent collection letters that are not supposed to show the recipient owes money.

Breaking News:  What To Do With a Student Loan You Cannot Afford to Pay
This one wrote to say he defaulted on a student loan of around $33,000.00 with NCO.  A lawyer called to say he must settle for around $26,000 or can get a repayment plan of about $9900 and then monthly payment of $300 but with the interest accruing at 7.5%. 

Of course, he does not have $26,000 and the $9900 and as for the monthly payment, he will have a hard time because what he earns now goes to rent, living bills and utilities with just a few dollars left.  What other options does he have?  I looked around for the solutions and here are what I found. 

Besides, paying the full amount, perhaps he can negotiate for a lower monthly payment or settle for less than the full amount.  Other than that, he can get sued and in the process he can negotiate a payment schedule. 

The other option is to check out bankruptcy because some private student loans are eligible to be discharged in bankruptcy which is quite a surprise to some people.  I have a copy of a guide on Student Loans that You Can’t Afford to Pay.  Just send me a note in the contact form on the other pages of this website. 

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There has been a report on September 19 that a consumer was scammed of $1750.  I thought I'd share with you news like this so you will be more careful and aware of who you are dealing with.  And now this consumer might even lose his home. 

The company who allegedly scammed the consumer is no longer accredited by Better Business Bureau and the consumer report says, the Company Telephone Number is 800-804-4726  and Website of Company is granite-law.com 

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