Blogs

Credit Reporting Bureaus Are Changing Their Rules - A Win for Consumers

gadsden attorney Carla HandyWith 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 cred

CFPB Fines Experian $3 Million for Deceiving Consumers

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!

Attorney Ed WoodsNormally, 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

attorney 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 downt

Nation's Top Consumer Complaints of 2016

Attorney Suzanne ShinnNot 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……….

Payday Loan Reform is Good for Alabama

bankruptcy-attorney-brad-botesAt Bond & Botes, P.C., we work with a variety of people who have fallen on financial hard times and, in some cases, need to file for bankruptcy. Of all the financial problems we encounter, few compare to being caught in the trap of payday lending.

RadioShack Files Bankruptcy for Second Time

Attorney Robert ReeseThe second bankruptcy in two years involving RadioShack has been filed by its parent company, General Wireless Operations. Approximately 1500 stores are at risk of being closed with the latest update stating 552 stores will be closed (two in Alabama are on the closure list and those locations are in Madison and Mobile). The fate of more than 1000 stores is still up in the air.

Winn-Dixie’s New Reward Program Offers Free Groceries

Mary-Conner-PoolWant free groceries?  If so, on April 5th Winn Dixie is replacing its Fuel Perks program with Winn-Dixie Reward + Plenti.  Customers will be able to earn points buying groceries at Winn-Dixie or spending money at any Plenti reward partner.  You can earn points by:

Military Service Members – Don’t Do Stupid Stuff!

Attorney Ron SykstusIn the private, civilian non-government related world, doing stupid thing can have consequences but, when someone is in the military and/or has a security clearance, the consequences of bad judgment and behavior can be exponential.  I am prompted to write this blog post based upon the disturbing news r