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Top 5 Reasons You Need a Local Lawyer Handling Your Case

10/28/2019

In a world where you can Google, search the internet, and even get legal counsel, it may seem strange to have a local lawyer. But ask yourself this, would you want a to see a medical professional you have never met before treating you for something serious? Then this area of your life shouldn’t be fast tracked to the internet either. You need a local lawyer in your corner for many reasons.

Laws Differ: State laws, local laws, and even local ordinances can affect your case. Local lawyers can determine all the nuances of your case and be able to protect you better. Lawyers can write your will, work through a divorce, help you set up guardianships for your children, and sell your home. They can also help with businesses by setting up your LLC or Sole Proprietorship, creating contracts, protecting you from lawsuits, and even meeting state and federal compliance.
Whole Story: Meeting with a local lawyer allows him/her to ask follow-up questions to see the entire picture. They will be able to pick up on visual cues, verbal cues, and even your body language that will enable them to guide you in telling your story in a more caring manner.
In the Know: Local lawyers know local judges and other lawyers. This knowledge may be beneficial to your case as they already know what judges prefer when trying a case and how to interact with attorneys that may be representing your opponent.
Accessibility: You are able to meet at a mutually agreeable time. All of us have had appointments that are hard to keep, hard to get off work for, and even set for one time and three hours later you are still in the waiting room. Local lawyers realize your time is precious and try to ensure that their schedules reflect that for each of their clients.
Cost: Local lawyers typically cost less, but even if they don’t, you’ll spend less money utilizing a local lawyer because they are already familiar with the state laws. Attorneys operating outside of the state, like through a lawyer mill, will need more time to review the cases and laws that support your case. Local attorneys already know what causes of action will apply to your case.

Protect yourself by seeing a local professional for any legal issues that arise in your life. Knowing that someone is in your corner and protecting you legally gives you substantial peace of mind. Having that person be there through some of your more difficult life moments is irreplaceable.

Steps to take when buying a car from a private seller

10/21/2019

When buying a car from a private seller, you have few guarantees or warranties to fall back on. Here are some steps that you can take to reduce your chances of being cheated by an individual looking to ditch a defective car.

1. Set Your Car Budget Before You Start Shopping
The best way to avoid getting drawn into spending more money for a vehicle is to decide how much you are able to spend and have this number clear in your mind. Only look for those cars within your budget and don’t be talked into spending more.

2. Select Your Target Vehicle Model
Check Kelley Blue Book to see what model years and mileage you can expect from a car that will fit within your budget. Use Consumer Reports to see reliability ratings and check the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to review crash safety ratings for the make, model, and year for the car you are going to see.

3. Test Drive Your Target Model
It is important to feel how the car you are going to buy handles. Are there any mysterious noises when you drive the car? Check how the car handles in city traffic and on the highway.

4. Get the car inspected by a mechanic
For about $50, you can have a mechanic at a car shop do a used vehicle inspection. This is useful to help you avoid buying a car with major problems. It is also useful to have the inspection results when negotiating the price.

5. Negotiate the Best Price
After gathering information about the car from your test drive and car inspection, show the seller book prices or a list of repairs that are needed. Sellers are more likely to accept the lower price if they think it is rational and that other buyers would likely come to the same conclusion.

Following these steps will help you make a good deal with the private seller, but there are no guarantees. It is important to find out as much as you can about the car before you purchase, and doing this will lessen the likelihood that a seller will take advantage of you.

The dangers of payday loans

10/15/2019

Payday loans have a strong appeal when you find yourself struggling to make it to the next payday. They’re quick. They’re easy. There is no credit check. And the money is there instantly. However, they are extremely dangerous and should be approached with caution.

The first major danger is borrowing against your future self. By using a payday loan, you are giving up part of your future paycheck. Unless you budget carefully you will need another payday loan with your next paycheck to make it through to the third payday and so on. This could set up a series of payday loans that may be impossible to pay off.

The biggest hazard is the interest rate. Average interest rates vary from 300% per year to almost 800% per year. For each $1 you borrow, you could have to pay $8 back with this type of loan.
One last, well-hidden danger is that this loan can affect your credit score. If you struggle paying back your loan, it can be sold to a collection agency. When your loan is sold, it will show up negatively on your credit score as a non-payment of a loan. Then the collection agency will be merciless in trying to get you to pay your loan back. This leads to threatening phone calls and nearly continuous mail.

To avoid this drastic financial step, ask for help from friends and family, go to a bank and ask for a small personal loan, talk to organizations that help you set up a budget, and go to other organizations that will help you financially get back on your feet without the pressure of a payday loan.

Here is a short list of resources to get you started:

The Department of Justice offers a list of Approved Agencies for credit counseling.
https://www.justice.gov/ust/list-credit-counseling-agencies-approved-pursuant-11-usc-111?op=Go

Here are questions to ask a credit counselor: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0153-choosing-credit-counselor

Nerd Wallet can help you set up a budget.
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/finance/how-to-build-a-budget/

For even more financial advice, Dave Ramsey has free resources.
https://www.daveramsey.com/

Tips for buying a car after a hurricane

10/8/2019

After a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, one of the first items people want to replace is their damaged car. They need transportation to take care of all of the other details associated with the after affects of the hurricane. And usually, a car is the easiest to replace. However, after a hurricane, you need to be very careful about the car you purchase.

Ask when the car was put up for sale. If the car was for sale before the hurricane, you still need to check for flood damage, but it means the seller had already intended to sell it and not just selling it because the car was flooded and repaired. If the car was only listed as for sale after the storm, and the seller is very motivated (is willing to lower the price and not try to negotiate with you), be wary of it. It is very possible that it was flooded during the hurricane and the owner is trying to sell it before any damage becomes obvious, such as electrical problems and rust.
Ask if the car was flooded during the hurricane. Sellers must tell you about any damage that they are aware of, but you need to look for signs the car was flooded, too.

Ask to see the title. If the car has a flood brand on the title, it means it has been underwater. It does not mean the vehicle has been repaired. Beware of this. Also understand that unscrupulous people may dry out a car and send it to another area with a new title.
Ask for the car’s history report. If the dealer doesn’t offer it to you, ask. Check the date to be sure it is current and look where the car has been registered. If the dealer refuses to show you the report, walk away.
Smell the car. The inside of flooded cars can be cleaned, but it is really hard to get rid of the musty smell. If the car smells strongly of air freshener, walk away as the seller may be trying to cover it up.
Look for rust and dirt in unusual areas. Check areas under the hood where a quick washing may not have removed evidence of flooding.
Check the flooring to see if it is new. New flooring in an older car is a sign that it was recently replaced – perhaps to disguise flood damage.
Look at the headlights. It is hard to get water out of partially sealed areas, like lights. Fogging on the lights is another indication of flood damage.
Be careful about underpriced cars. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Ask for a full inspection by your mechanic. Once the car passes your initial inspection, bring a mechanic you trust to check out the car. They will know how to find flood damage.After a major disaster, it is truly a seller’s market as thousands of people may need to replace their cars with a limited supply. It is understandable that you may be in a hurry to replace your car, but go slow. Think about your options and be sure to thoroughly check the car you are considering. If you rush this decision, it may be one you come to regret later.

Top 5 Reasons You Need a Local Lawyer Handling Your Case

Steps to take when buying a car from a private seller

The dangers of payday loans

Tips for buying a car after a hurricane

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