Category: Money

The topic of fair wages for the sexes has been a hot button issue since the women’s movement in the early 70’s. Activists continue to raise awareness, which has been able to make a small impact, and though women have earned these nominal gains, the fight is ongoing. A New Jersey Harassment Attorney says wage and workplace discrimination cases are still quite common. The crux of the debate has been equal pay for equal work for those with the same credentials. Unfortunately, in the last 40 years these four jobs still lag far behind in closing the earnings gap.

Financial Sector
This industry has a dismal record when it comes to fair wages. The top three jobs in the field include financial manager, advisor, and services agent. Statistics show the structure of compensation packages tends to be the culprit. This means commissions, bonuses, and merit lead the way to unfair earning differences between genders. However, bias is also cited as a cause, as well as discrimination.

Medical Field
Specialties have been the leading factor for potential wages doctors earn. While this is still the case, women in specialties such as cardiology and neurology still encounter a large income gap. The rationale of male-dominated no longer fits, because pediatrics has more female physicians who are still earning less. This turns the discussion to amount of time at work. Opponents point to the prevalence of male doctors working more hours per week, while their female counterpart work less due to motherhood and pregnancy.

Business Sector
Top male executives with the same education and experience are consistently paid more than their female colleagues. Female executives hired for a position with more education and experience still deal with compensation package inequity. The responsibilities for a CEO have the same expectations no matter who is in the role, however the earnings consistently do not reflect this. Females can outperform the business critical bottom line, but still earn a lesser amount.

Logistics Industry
Long and short distance truck driver jobs are included in the income gap conversation. Critics point to long hours and time away from home, as well as fewer women on the job, though this reasoning does not address the pay inequity for those that match their male counterparts in all areas. Regardless of the number of female truck drivers on the roads, the pay per mile remains lower.

It does not matter what career or industry, each example of the unfair wage gap reviewed demonstrates a 30 to 40 percent deficit. While ingrained discrimination is a catalyst, advocates believe societal norms regarding gender roles have skewed the issue more. One thing is certain, something has to give in order to give women a more equal chance in their careers.

Everyone wants to have the wedding of their dreams, but a storybook union can cost tens of thousands of dollars with the price of decorations, wedding attire, and a professional photographer included. There are some key things that any couple can do to minimize the cost of the wedding without sacrificing the experience. A little creative vision and hard work are all it takes.

Planning the venue

The first thing to do when planning an inexpensive wedding is to find a location that has as many services and perks included in the price. Places like Noah’s Event Venues provide a space with decorations, tables, lighting, food preparation area, a stage, and set up and take down service at no additional charge. These types of event destinations usually have beautiful views too.

Plan your own wedding

While a wedding planner may help get things moving along more smoothly, it is not always necessary. Many venues provide the extras you need, like mentioned above, which is what a wedding planning would do. Working with the professionals you already have, like photographer, venue professionals and more, you can put together a lovely wedding and schedule without the need for a wedding planner.

Make your own centerpieces

While you have to be careful with DIY projects for wedding, DIY centerpieces are actually quite simple and can look great at any wedding. First, choose a couple base neutral colors, and incorporate a few other colors in the same color palette. Choosing a flower arrangement can look great and be the attention, while other smaller pieces can bring it all together. Things like lanterns, burlap table runners and more are popular options.

Purchase used clothing or rent a gown

There is never a need to buy a new dress if you don’t have the budget for it. In fact, many brides end up selling their dresses since they have no need for them and it takes up space. A used dress can be tailored to fit any bride by adding fabric or taking in the seams. Shopping online is one way to find a good deal. Often, people can find a recently married couple who is selling their wedding clothes.

Have family or a friend make the cake

Anyone who knows how to make a cake and decorate it is a candidate for making a wedding cake. The price for the tiers and the larger cake pans is cheap compared to the cost of buying a professionally decorated cake. It is easier to customize a cake made by a friend too.

Creating an inexpensive wedding does not mean the day is not memorable. Couples can save thousands of dollars by getting friends and family to help in areas where they have experience. The savings can be used for a special honeymoon destination or to put a down payment on a house.

A smart woman saves money, no matter what bills are due.  We find ways to save money, no matter how small the amount is.  We use coupons, we barter, we hit tag sales, shop at consignment stores and we even find free stuff that others  want to give away.   We collect cans and turn them in for nickels.  We need to take those pennies that we generate and save and actually save them.  Put that money aside and have the determination that it stays there “until hell freezes over.”  Let those funds accumulate and they will grow.

BUDGETING

If budgeting is the problem, then LearnVest.com is a place you can visit to learn how to create a budget.  Once you do that, then the goal is to stick to it.

List all of your expenses, then divide them by 12.  This is your monthly budget.  Write down your income and subtract what comes in from what goes out, then you know exactly what you are dealing with.  Makes sure that one of your line items is SAVINGS!

CREDIT

If credit debt is excessive, then cut up all of your credit cards – maybe keep just one.  Then make a plan to pay them all down starting with the smallest balance first.  Once that card is paid off, close the account and apply the extra funds to the next credit card.  Do this until all of your debt is paid off.

UTILITIES

Most of the utility companies allow their customers to get on a budget plan where they will charge a fixed amount every month based on your usage.  This will protect you from heating and cooling bills that can fluctuate widely during hot summer and cold winter months.

INSURANCE

If you have car insurance, choose a higher deductible.  This lowers the amount that you pay instantly.  Ask your insurance carrier about any other discounts that you may qualify for.

GROCERIES

Set up meal plans for the week, then create your grocery list from that plan.  Do you really need those cookies and sugary cereals for the kids?  Steel cut oats are very healthy for the body and helps to avoid all the artificial colorings and flavorings in processed food.  So, give extra thought to what you are buying, serving and eating.  Create a healthy meal plan, generate your shopping list, go into the store with your plan and stick with it.  You would be surprised at how much you will save by not throwing random items that appeal to you in your carriage.

Use coupons!  Coupons really do work and help you save money.

If grocery shopping with your young children is an issue because they want everything, then involve them in your research where you learn about the food that your family is eating.  Help them to find healthier choices!  This could be a really fun project!

Grow your own food.  It is amazing that several decades ago this is how people fed themselves.  Now, we don’t give it a second thought.  We’re all conditioned to buy what has been mass-manufactured and put on grocery shelves for us to buy and feed to our families.  You and your children will be delighted by watching and caring for your growing vegetables.  And they will be more receptive to healthier eating practices!

Finally, when it comes to grocery shopping, never shop while you are hungry.  Because then you walk around eating with your eyes and buying extra stuff.  Create your list and stick to it.

SHOPPING IN GENERAL

Stay out of the mall.  Stay out of stores.  If you need to purchase something that is an actual need – buy that one or those two things and get out of the store.  Stick with your mission.

A SMART WOMAN SAVES MONEY

Save money, even if it’s a penny, a dime, a nickel.  Collect it in a can or a jar.  When you have several dollars, deposit them into the FREE savings account that you will set up.  Make sure the bank you are using will not charge a fee.  Pick a day of the week when you go and deposit all of your change into the bank.  If your children are working with you, they’ll be happy to pitch in!  It can be a family project.

If there is an end game, or a reward for you or the family after you’ve saved a certain amount, imagine how great everyone is going feel after they’ve reached that goal.  But remember the goal is to have money saved.  If you are saving toward something, make sure you set a minimum amount that you need to keep in the bank.  For instance, if the family wants to buy – let’s say a small row boat and the cost of that is $300, you must have a goal of saving $100 first.  Once that $100 is there, then start saving toward the purchase of the boat.   Once you have the boat, then up the ante a little and say that the savings goal is $500, for instance and keep it going.

A smart woman saves money.  We are creative and find ways to make this happen.  Once you develop the habit of saving, it will help you to create a solid foundation for future financial success.

Garnishment is a last-ditch effort at debt collection.  This hits where it hurts because your money will be taken from you before you even get it and this will make dealing with your budget – or what’s left of your paycheck – very challenging.

If you are facing debt that can’t readily be paid, the best thing to do is contact your creditor and make some kind of payment arrangement and stick to it religiously.  Otherwise, if debt goes unpaid and ignored, the courts issue a judgment on your creditor’s behalf requiring your employer to “garnish” or withhold a portion of your wages or bank accounts to pay back the debt.

A collection tool of last resort
“Garnishment is a legal remedy authorized by a court and should be considered a collection tool of last resort. In most states, the garnishment process can only be initiated by a court order and only if a judgment for monies owed has been entered.

This may cause you great embarrassment because your employer now becomes aware of your financial situation.  Employers are typically required to tell workers about the withheld amount. While it is against the law for an employer to fire an employee whose wages are garnished, that protection goes away after a second and third such judgment.

Creditors are required, per state laws, to provide lead time to debtors of any pending legal action, and generally prefer to avoid the hassle of filing a lawsuit. But once the judgment has been rendered, your  options are very limited,”

Credit card debt judgments and garnished wages
Once a credit card account (or any debt) goes into default, and the creditor decides it cannot collect, it may sell the debt to a debt collection company. If the credit card or debt collection company is unsuccessful in recovering the debt, then a lawsuit may be filed against the consumer in an attempt to recover its losses. If the ruling in the lawsuit goes against the consumer, a judgment may be issued to garnish property, bank accounts or wages.

You could contact an attorney immediately to discuss options before the situation escalates and you are  faced with lawsuits and garnishment.  Once the situation reaches this point, if it is a legitimate debt, the consumer’s only recourse is to either make a deal with the credit card company or to declare bankruptcy (which is an action you don’t want to take unless it is absolutely necessary).  Otherwise, a judgment may result, followed by collection procedures.

Once a judgement has been rendered, all you can do is ask the court to adjust the amount of the garnishment if the reduction in pay severely impacts your ability to support yourself and any dependents. Also, if a judgment is rendered in a state where the garnishment law differs from federal law, the law requires the court to adjust the garnishment to the lesser amount.

When other assets, such as property, are attached, a lien is placed to the property for the judgment amount — or for as much of the judgment amount as can be secured — so that when a property is sold, the money obtained from the sale would be distributed first to the creditors, unless the debt is paid.

Don’t Let the Emotion Overwhelm You

When the notices start coming in, we can become emotionally overwhelmed and try to ignore everything.  Don’t do this because with or without your participation, the lawsuit will go through and you will be faced with garnishment.

Be smart and will reach out for help before your financial situation gets out of hand.

Contact the creditor and try to make arrangements.  Also contact a consumer credit counseling agency.   A counseling agency may be able to negotiate lower payment arrangements with a creditor, but, once a debt becomes garnished neither you nor the counseling agency have any latitude because the payment arrangement is set by the court.

You are responsible for your debts. If you fall behind in paying your creditors or an error is made on your account, you may be contacted by a “debt collector.” A debt collector is any person, other than the creditor, who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis.

This is a true story.  Mrs. Nelson co-signed for a student loan for her granddaughter.  When her granddaughter finished college and defaulted on the loan, the credit company’s collection agency started calling Mrs. Nelson.  This woman was 85 years old at the time.  The callers would say things to her like, “You can lose your home if you don’t pay this debt.”  “We will start taking money from your social security payments,” and other harassing statements.  They would also call every night at 9:00 pm, well after the time Mrs. Nelson had retired for the day.

Fortunately, this story had a happy ending because her granddaughter got in touch with the creditor and made payment arrangements and stuck to it.  However, these days with the aggressiveness of debt collectors, this story and Mrs. Nelson’s experience are far more common that they should be.

Some debt collection companies pay their employees commission to collect on a debt or to get payment arrangements set up.

Understand that you have the right to be treated fairly by debt collectors.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) applies to personal, family, and household debts. This includes money owed for the purchase of a car, for medical care, or for credit accounts. The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from engaging in unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices while collecting these debts.

Your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:

• Debt collectors may contact you only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Debt collectors may not contact you at work if they know your employer disapproves.
• Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse you.
• Debt collectors may not lie when collecting debts, such as falsely implying that you have committed a crime.
• Debt collectors must identify themselves to you on the phone.
• Debt collectors must stop contacting you if you ask them to in writing.

So you did it.  All of your debt was discharged – banquished — banished.  If you have a home or a car, negotiations were made through to court for you to keep those things.  Without the weight of additional debt, you are in a better position to pay for those items and to save money for the future.

So, now what?  How do you rebuild your credit all over again?

Create  A Budget

You need to be very clear on what your income is and what your expenses are.  Your living expenses include rent/mortgage, utilities – heat, electricity, water and insurance – car, home, personal.   Make sure you include savings – emergency savings and 401k or retirement savings.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeing a financial counselor to help you move forward in an organized and collected way.  They can assist you in setting up a budget to help you set up a plan to achieve your financial goals.

Reestablishing Credit

Credit card offers usually start pouring in.  Your information is available through the bankruptcy process and credit card companies take advantage of it.  Evaluate the offers carefully as some will charge high annual fees and interest rates upwards of 36% or more.  Secured credit cards require that you deposit your own money to be used to secure the allotted amount of credit.  For example, you can get a $500 credit card if you deposit $500 with the company.  Usually, there is an annual fee and a high interest rate that comes along with it.

Also, if you apply for credit on-line and are approved, examine the offer carefully checking the interest rate and any other fees that may be charged.

Watch out for predatory-lending scams and payday loans. Predatory lenders seek credit-impaired consumers and charge them exorbitant fees for borrowing money. Payday loans let consumers postdate a check for the amount of the loan and the fees for taking out the loan. Those fees are the killer. Credit counselors say you could end up paying as much as 400 percent interest with a payday loan.

As you are rebuilding keep a close eye on your credit reports and credit scores. Get get a copy of your report from all three major credit reporting institutions: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The reports should be examined for errors, missing and/or inaccurate information regarding current residence, employment and personal contact information.

Know Your True Worth

When it comes right down to it, a lot of us are very emotional about money — what we can and can’t buy or can and can’t afford could affect the way we feel and how we handle what money we do have.  The old saying goes, “money can’t buy you love.”  Recognize that some of the best things in life are free and choose not to measure yourself by what you have and what you don’t have.

If money is an emotional trigger for you, consider getting some counseling/therapy to help you to look at yourself and your emotional connection with money.   By understanding why we do what we do helps us to make conscious changes about our behavior.  So, if you are emerging from bankruptcy, relax and take your time as you rebuild your creditworthiness.  In this case, time is your friend.

Reprinted from:  http://lawhelp.org

Do you have problems paying your debts? Are you threatened with garnishment, foreclosure or repossession? If so, you may want to consider bankruptcy as a way to deal with these problems.

You have the right under federal law to file for bankruptcy relief from your creditors. Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person can get a fresh financial start. Bankruptcy can be very useful and effective in resolving financial problems in certain cases. However, it is not the answer to all financial problems or the right step for everyone. Also, it can be very important to choose the right time to file for bankruptcy relief.

For instance, in general, you should always wait as long as possible before filing bankruptcy because you can do so only once every six years. In most cases, you will want to save this valuable option until you really need it. Also, you may not need to file bankruptcy even though creditors are threatening you because you may have no nonexempt property or wages. This means you have nothing the creditors can take from you. You can’t be put in jail for failing to pay your civil debts (other than fines or other court ordered amounts).

The only way to be sure bankruptcy is right for you is to discuss your situation with a lawyer familiar with bankruptcy. Every case is different, and laws change from time to time. This article gives you some basic information, but it does not substitute for consultation with an attorney.

Some things bankruptcy can do:

• Eliminate the legal obligation to pay most or all of your debts. This is called a “discharge” of debts.
• Stop foreclosure of your home and allow you to catch up on missed payments.
• Stop repossession of a car or other property, or, in some situations, force the creditor to return property even after it has been repossessed.
• Stop wage garnishments.
• Stop debt collection harassment.
• Restore or prevent termination of utility service for nonpayment of previous bills (you will probably have to pay a deposit, but the deposit cannot be more than 1-1/2 to 2 times your previous regular bills according to the Arizona Administrative Code).
• Get your drivers license back if it has been suspended because you didn’t pay court-ordered damages for a driving accident (unless you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol).

Some things bankruptcy can’t do:

• Eliminate certain rights of secured creditors. Some examples of secured debts are car loans and home mortgages. You can force secured creditors to take payments over time, but generally, you cannot keep the collateral unless you continue to pay the debt.
• Discharge debts that arise after the bankruptcy has been filed.
• Discharge certain types of debts, such as child support, alimony (spousal maintenance), certain other debts related to divorce, most student loans, court restitution orders, criminal fines, and most taxes.
• Eliminate the obligation of a co-signer on your loan in most cases.

There are two forms of Bankruptcy:

Chapter 7

This is also known as a “fresh start” bankruptcy, or “liquidation”. Your debts are discharged (canceled), but you must give up any nonexempt property to the trustee to pay to your creditors. You can keep secured property if you are current on the payments and continue making the payments regularly.

Chapter 13

This is also called “reorganization”, “Wage earner plan.” Chapter 13 allows you to keep valuable property, such as your home or car, which you might otherwise lose due to past due payments. You can keep this type of property in Chapter 13 if you are able to make the necessary payments. Usually that will be the regular monthly payments plus a payment toward the arrears. In Chapter 13, you can have between three and five years to pay back the arrears.

Hire An Attorney

It is recommended that you hire a bankruptcy attorney.  This person will be experienced and knowledgeable about the applicable laws in your state and be prepared to represent you in this legal process.

The economy has changed greatly.  Full-time jobs are disappearing and being replaced with part-time jobs.  The solution to making ends meet is rapidly becoming to have two, even three part-time positions.  The internet provides additional ways to create revenue for yourself.

We are going to run a series on work from home opportunities.  Take note that we do not support any of these companies that we are presenting.  We are presenting them as information only.  If you choose to venture into any of them, please share your experiences and let others know.

With Inbox Dollars they say you can get paid for receiving and responding to e-mail advertisements.  If you are home, have a computer and internet access, why not?

When we searched to find out if this site was feasible, we found mixed reviews on the internet.  If you can join free, what have you got to lose?

Again, if you try this, please share your findings with us on WMTS.  Thanks!

Repairing bad credit takes time.  There is no quick solution.  The way to repair your credit and improve your credit score is to do so over time by responsibly managing your debt.  You have to fix your accumulating history before your score will move upward.

Here are some things you can do right away –

Check Your Credit Report – Credit score repair begins with your credit report. Get a copy of yours and check it for errors. Your credit report contains the data used to calculate your score and it may contain errors.

Make sure:  All the debt is yours!  With credit fraud becoming an increasing occurrence, you need to make sure that all of the debt listed on your report is actually YOUR debt.  If you find that you are a victim of credit fraud, contact the all three credit bureaus immediately and the specific credit company involved.

Make sure: there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct. If you find errors on any of your reports, dispute them with the credit bureau and the reporting agency.

Make sure: your personal information is correct – salary, address, social security number, etc.  The first step is to verify everything that is reported about you.

Make Payments On Time – Every Time!

Making your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit score. Many creditors offer payment reminders via email through your on-line account profile on their website and offer apps that can send you an email or text message reminding you when a payment is due.   How about enrolling in automatic payments?  Credit card and loan providers can have your payments automatically debited from your bank account.

Reduce the Amount of Debt You Owe

Keep an accurate list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you. Develop up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first, while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts.  Once one card is paid off, take the allotted money for that payment and add it to the second one on your list.

This is easier said than done, but reducing the amount that you owe is completely doable with a little old fashioned discipline and self-control.  First – stop using all credit cards!  If this is challenging for you, then cut them all up and throw them away!

Pay your bills on time.

Delinquent payments, even if only a few days late, and collections can have a major negative impact on your credit score.

If you have missed payments, get current and stay current.

The longer you pay your bills on time after being late, the more your score should increase. Older credit problems count for less, so poor credit performance won’t haunt you forever. The impact of past credit problems on your score fades as time passes and as recent good payment patterns show up on your credit report. And good scores weigh any credit problems against the positive information that says you’re managing your credit well.

Be aware that paying off a collection account will not remove it from your credit report.It will stay on your report for seven years.

If you are having trouble making ends meet, contact your creditors or see a legitimate credit counselor.  This won’t rebuild your credit score immediately, but if you can begin to manage your credit and pay on time, your score should increase over time. And seeking assistance from a credit counseling service will not hurt your score.

In summary, “fixing” a credit score is more about fixing errors in your credit history (if they exist) and then maintaining consistent, good credit history. Raising your score after a poor mark on your report or building credit for the first time will take patience and discipline.

With the majority of jobs available being part-time, people have become increasingly dependent on using their credit cards.  It is very important that you understand your credit reports and your credit.

If you are in the New York/New Jersey area and are having trouble meeting your car loan payments, there is a place that will work with the bank to help you to alleviate that obligation. They give cash for cars.

Perhaps you can sell your car on-line and get some needed cash for a down payment on another.  Because even without a loan, if you would like to sell your car and don’t want the hassle of placing an ad in local publications, this sounds like it is worth checking out.  Just think, no placing ads, no phone calls from strangers, no meeting people so they can check out the car…  You don’t have to turn yourself into a sales person.  Also, if you are thinking about trading in your car, this place just might give you more than the dealer will on a trade in.

For more information, visit www.cashforcars.info

Here are the top four tips that will help you choose the best and the most apt debt settlement company for clearing all your pending debts.

1.      Find the company’s accreditation

This is the foremost step that comes in to picture when you have to check the credibility of a debt settlement company. Check for the accreditation of company you are about to consult. The major accreditations are with The Association of Settlement Companies or the TASC and the United States Organizations for Bankruptcy Alternative or the USOBA. Both of these accreditations ensure minimal risk to the consumer thereby giving them with full confidence to go ahead with the concerned credit card debt settlement plan. Also, you must never forget that a process involving cleaning all your debts will certainly take time. There is nothing as such the quick fix when it comes to settling debts. Therefore, do not fall prey to the hands of any false debt settlement company who claims to make you debt free in the only a few weeks. Do not forget that everything that glitters is not always gold.

2.      Investigating the total cost

It is always a great idea to investigate the overall cost that the concerned debt settlement company is demanding from you prior to the sealing of any form of deal. Ensure that the total cost of the program falls in line with your monthly earnings and hence your budget. Do not by any means sign for a program, the cost of which is not affordable by you as taking such a step will only add to your already lingering debt clearances and payments instead of demolishing them. However, if the payment of program is totally affordable by you, then go ahead as this is the best method to clear your debts. Other than the hyped bankruptcy, debt settlement is one of the most effective ways which not only aid in getting your out of all your debts but will also help in clearing the pending credit card debts.

3.      Check for the offered guarantees

Prior to any particular sign up, check if the debt settlement company you are opting for offers any form of guarantees or not. If yes, check for the details. You can always ask your debt settlement company if there is any policy relating to refund of the fee in case the company fails to settle your debts with your creditors. Do not forget to obtain every detail related to the same. In this way, the possibility of arguments and cheats is considerably reduced in case of the failing of the deal as everything is made clear and decided right away in the beginning while signing for the deal. In addition to this, it is significant as well as necessary to understand that you got to submit and clear all your bills on time in case you wish to acquire a stable and smooth credit rating or else your credit score will start to fall with significant drops.

4.      Try to indulge in debt negotiations

Check if the considered debt settlement company provides for any debt negotiations that have been certified by the IAPDA. It is a basically a forum that tends to certify any form of debt negotiations offered by the different debt settlement company. Such a certification is basically a signal which confirms that the concerned credit card debt settlement negotiators have a solid and an expert understanding of all the laws that have been deemed by the Debt Settlement industry and are therefore apt to handle your financial situation perfectly.

Author Bio:

Ken Benneton owns his own dent settlement company certified by the IAPDA. He offers different programs relating to the credit card debt settlement. He also runs a blog on the same.