Student Loan Forgiveness Program May Not Be So Forgiving
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Tuesday, April 4, 2017
If you are part of a student loan forgiveness program that will forgive your students loans after work in public service, you should pay close attention to this emerging story. More than 550,000 borrowers have signed up for the program, but now some are wondering if the government will hold up its end of the bargain
How Should a Veteran File an Original VA Disability Claim?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, April 3, 2017
As of March 24, 2015, the VA (Veterans Administration) implemented a new regulation requiring that all VA claims be filed on standardized forms. The VA will also no longer accept informal claims in order to establish a claimant’s effective date for benefits. Federal Register rule changes were announced here: Standard Claims and Appeals Forms; Final Rule
Subprime Mortgage Crisis Part Two
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, March 31, 2017
We all remember the subprime mortgage crisis, right? Well, here we go again. At least it’s a possibility according to William Poole, senior fellow at the Cato Institute and former CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Recent Study Shows College Students Using Student Loans to Fund Spring Break Trips
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Thursday, March 30, 2017
Auburn University at Montgomery’s Alpha Gamma Delta Chapter invited me to speak to their sorority this week about finances. The number one growing problem I see in my practice is student loan debt.
Credit Reporting Bureaus Are Changing Their Rules - A Win for Consumers
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Thursday, March 30, 2017
With every passing year a person’s credit score becomes more central in basic decisions people face on a daily basis. Leases for housing, ability to obtain automobile or homeowner’s insurance and, yes, even employment are some of the areas that are now affected by your credit score. Your credit score is ultimately determined by what is reported in your credit file
Judge Paul Stribling Conger Jr Caught Trading Sex for Disability Benefits
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Tuesday, March 28, 2017
This past Wednesday former Social Security Administration (SSA) Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Paul Stribling Conger Jr. was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for trading sex for disability benefits.
CFPB Fines Experian $3 Million for Deceiving Consumers
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, March 27, 2017
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Thursday fined Experian PLC $3 million, alleging that the leading credit-reporting firm misrepresented the credit scores it marketed to consumers, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Twenty Years And Counting!
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, March 24, 2017
Normally, I blog about current events or about how we can help consumers can get real relief from financial pressures under the law. In today’s post, I digress to recognize one of our own. Recently, we celebrated the twenty year anniversary of our friend and trusted employee, Leann Wilkinson. Where has the time gone?
Sears and the Demise of Retail Establishments
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Thursday, March 23, 2017
I tend to be a nostalgic person. I recall stories in my childhood told by my parents and grandparents about going downtown to the big department stores to shop at Christmas. Everyone’s stories always included a visit to the candy counter. I am not old enough to remember any of the downtown establishments they reminisce about except I remember Sears. I remember it because of one thing, the candy counter. The downtown location closed whe
Nation's Top Consumer Complaints of 2016
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Thursday, March 23, 2017
Not too many would be shocked to hear that topping the nation's list of consumer complaints during the year 2016 would be.
And the Winner IS……….