4 Tips for Winning a Lawsuit Against Your Employer

It’s not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in, but sometimes there’s no other option: you need to sue your employer. Before going down this road, it’s essential that you have the grounds to file a viable lawsuit. While you might have had a heated dispute with the employer, this might not necessarily be enough to win a lawsuit against them.

If you’re not quite sure what constitutes a feasible reason to file a lawsuit, consider the following examples:

• Breach of employee contract

• Discrimination

• Sexual harassment

• Failure to pay workers’ compensation

• Wrongful termination

If you feel confident you have a valid reason to take legal action, here are four important tips to keep in mind for winning a lawsuit against your employer.

Don’t file a lawsuit while still working for the employer

It’s true: you can file a lawsuit and remain working for the employer in question.

However, just take a minute to envisage this situation. Think about how awkward and miserable it would be in this type of work environment. Not only will the employer potentially cause unnecessary issues, but your fellow co-workers could also make you feel uncomfortable.

With this in mind, always try and find alternative work before going forward with a lawsuit. If you cannot quit due to financial reasons, your best bet may be to look for an alternative method to resolve your employer-related issues.

Receive the best representation

It’s essential you enlist an attorney who can fight for you when facing a lawsuit situation. If you don’t receive a helping hand from someone who is well-versed in employment law, your case could crumble within a flash.

With assistance, however, you have a much better chance of succeeding. They will be able to supply expert guidance and will fully understand how the process works. Plus if they don’t feel you can put together a viable lawsuit, they will tell you this without hesitation – and you will save a lot of time, money, and heartache as a result.

Have backup

When building up your case, you need to find as much help as possible. If you manage to get relevant people – such as fellow employees – to back up your side of the story, there’s a much bigger chance your lawsuit will be a successful one.

On the flip side, the lack of support from employees, managers, supervisors etc. could work against you. If they’re willing to side with the employer.

Prepare for a drawn-out process

Now you might be dreaming of filing the lawsuit, having it quickly resolved, and receiving a generous lump sum for your troubles. While that type of compensation is possible, don’t think you will be receiving it any time soon.

In fact, it can even take a couple of years for the lawsuit to be resolved. It’s a long process, so ensure your case is a strong one that has every chance of winning. The last thing you want is to go through all this and end up with nothing.

Continue Reading

A Guide to Solving Your Credit Card Debt Issues

Do you suffer from credit card debt? If so, you are far from alone. Whether it’s due to excess spending that has gone out of hand or a sudden financial emergency, people can have significant debt that weighs down on their mental health.

If you have debt from multiple credit cards and not sure what to do, read on for this quick guide for solving the issue.

Start with a strategy

When you’re ready to take your credit card debt head-on, it all starts with a sound strategy. By having a plan and goal in place, this will supply you with the general guidance needed to keep you – and the debt – in order.

To do this, consider these two strategies:

• Debt snowball: For the uninitiated, a snowball approach is where you use clearing debts as a source of accomplishment. It starts by focusing on the smallest loan first, paying this off in full first. When that’s done, you roll the payment amount you were making into the next smallest loan. The payments gradually get bigger, the amount of loans gets smaller, and it continues until the debt is defeated.

• Debt avalanche: A debt avalanche is similar to the previous method. Yet it swaps the process around a little bit. Rather than going for the smallest loan first, it goes for the one with the biggest interest rate. While it will take longer to wipe out that initial loan, this approach will typically be cheaper and faster for wiping out your debt overall than by snowballing.

Generally speaking, whatever plan you decide to utilize, there is one step you should always take: never simply pay the minimum. This will lead to you paying a lot more back on interest rather than your actual loan. Look for ways to cut down on regular spending so you can put more money forward towards those monthly payments on your debt.

Hire a lawyer to resolve your debt

When you feel trapped in a corner by debt with nowhere to go, there is always help available. Arguably the best example of this is with a skilled and experienced consumer debt attorney.

When you receive assistance from a lawyer, they will be able to analyze the situation accurately and supply practical advice. It could end up with the debt being lowered or dismissed entirely.

A lawyer is especially needed if you’re heading to court due to the debt. You will require quality consumer protection legal help with a lawsuit to win the case and avoid the risk of having to pay additional fees atop the original debt.

Negotiate with your creditors

It might not seem like a plausible solution, but you might be surprised at the willingness of creditors to negotiate your current payment terms. If you are a long-term customer that boasts a track record of making payments on time, a creditor could be open to offering a helping hand.

For instance, they might be able to offer more favorable APR or lower the minimum monthly payments. It may only be a small change in the grand scheme of things, but it could be enough to give you a boost against your battle with debt.

Continue Reading

Prepare for Your First Home Purchase

Searching for and securing your first home purchase can be one of the most exciting, yet stressful, things you do. The days may be filled with scrolling through homes online, chatting with friends about your wish list, and trying to get all things settled in preparation for the move. Before you start getting the ball rolling, it’s important to be sure you know how to prepare yourself—and the documentation—for your home purchase so that you can be empowered to close the deal with confidence.

The Right Time to Buy a Home

We’re talking about reviewing credit scores, seeing what you can do for a down payment, and shopping for a mortgage. It’s also a matter of knowing a bit about the housing market and making sure it’s the right time to purchase a home. Confirming it’s the right time to buy a home is one part of your personal finances and one part researching the market. What does your credit score look like? How much have you saved for the down payment? How much have you put aside for all the closing costs? What’s the housing market doing?

Another component to consider is what your intentions are with regard to buying a home. How do you view the process? Is this home purchase going to be an investment or are you aiming to create a home—a place to make your own? While home investments can be a good thing, flipping houses is more of a short-term, high-risk activity. If you’re looking to create a home, you’ll be better set up in the long-term. A good rule of thumb is that it makes sense to buy a home if you’re planning to live in it for at least five years.

Reviewing Your Personal Finances—And Your Credit Report

The best way to make the most of the home-buying process is to only buy what you can afford. Aim to allocate 30 percent (or less!) of your gross monthly income for mortgage payments. Anything more, and you’re risking being “house poor.” Being house poor means that, while you may have a beautiful home, you struggle to save money or cover other monthly payments, like utilities or other financial obligations.

It’s crucial to prepare your finances for the mortgage process. You’ll need to have good credit, cash to close the purchase, and a verifiable income.

Check Your Credit

Be aware of what’s on your credit report. It’s also important to check for errors and things that can be done to improve it over a few months’ time. It’s also important to weigh your debt-to-income ratio. It will be taken into consideration when you apply for a mortgage.

Some Things You Can Start Doing Today to Improve Your Approval Chances

● Pay down credit cards and try to minimize their usage about two months before applying for a mortgage.

● Avoid applying for any new credit cards or other forms of loans until you’ve closed on the new home.

● When buying a property with a spouse or co-owner, the lender will check both credit scores and use the better score.

Remember that it can take at least six months to improve your credit score, so plan ahead.

● Save cash! This is to both contribute to the down payment and to cover the closing costs. A typical down payment can be between 3.5 and 20 percent of the purchase price of the home. Focusing on saving funds can be one of the most crucial parts of the home purchase process. Although it may be tempting to invest money in the stock market, it can be too volatile for someone who’s seriously interested in purchasing their first home and therefore not recommended.

Get All Documents in Order

Collect all the important documents that you’ll need to demonstrate your capacity for buying a home. Get your pay stubs, W-2s, account statements, and if you plan to include any freelance or self-employment money, you’ll need copies of tax returns for the last two years.

Go Shopping … For a Mortgage

Since this is your first home, you may not know the process of mortgage lending that goes along with all the other aspects of preparation, but don’t put this off until the last minute. Get financing so that you can be confident you’re able to move into your dream home. Pre-approval is free, non-binding, and demonstrates that you’re a serious and qualified buyer.

Researching the different mortgage types and payment options will help ease the process as you continue with your search. Some mortgages will have fixed rates, while others offer adjustable rates. There are other terms that you may hear, including conventional, jumbo, or government-insured mortgages. Talk with a lender about all the information you need to know about rates, fees, and insurances that are offered. For example, private mortgage insurance (PMI) provides protection for the lender should loans go unpaid or the home lose its value.

Other Factors to Consider

Additional things that you’ll need to do as you move forward with the process of your first home purchase include the following:

● Find a real estate agent

● Make a wish list and one for non-negotiable things in your new home

● Visit open houses for the in-person experience that browsing homes online can’t provide

● Check out the neighborhood both online and in-person

Don’t find yourself underwater. By being on top of the process, you can find, secure, and afford your first home purchase. You certainly aren’t alone in the process and you can find insights, answers, and help at your local Rivermark Community Credit Union branch. We have the expertise to make sure that you have all bases covered and are ready for all elements of the home buying process.

Continue Reading

What is a Bridging Loan?

If you own your business or are looking into property development, you may be interested in bridging loans and the opportunities that they can give you if you choose to take one out. Bridging loans are a popular form of financing for those looking to invest in property and can be used in a wide variety of situations, which will be explained in detail below. Read on for more information about bridging loans, what they can do for you, and how they can help you with your investment.

How can you get a bridging loan?

Before you find out about their benefits, it is important to know how to secure a bridging loan if you need one, with many bridging loans being offered online. For instance, at Alternative Bridging Corporation, you can apply instantly online with a quick response that will allow you to take out a commercial or residential loan as soon as you wish.

What type of loans are they?

The first thing that you should know about bridging loans is that they are short term loans that you must repay reasonably quickly, with many loan durations having a maximum of 2 years. Bridging loans offer you a wide monetary value depending on the type of loan that you take out, with many loans being in the millions, enough to invest and develop properties. When you take out a bridging loan, you are effectively securing a loan against a property, often commercial.

There are two types of bridging loans available, and these are a first charge and second charge loan. The difference between these is that a second charge loan will be based on a property that already has a mortgage on it that has not been paid off, whereas first charge loans are for the first loans that you take out against a property.

What can you use bridging loans for?

Bridging loans are most commonly used for investing in property, whether that be purchasing new premises, or expanding and developing current buildings under business ownership. Bridging loans are mostly used in a business context, with commercial and industrial properties being a favorite for bridging loans, although residential properties can also be used on occasion. They are also commonly used as temporary loans to bridge the gap between the purchase of one building and the sale of the next, allowing investors and buyers to smoothly buy and sell the property without the difficulties of perfect timing.

What are the advantages of a bridging loan?

• You can get the money from a short term loan almost immediately, allowing you to buy a property before it is sold to another viewer, which can be a problem without the right financing to invest in properties straight away.

• Bridging loans allow you to buy properties that are relatively expensive, with loan sizes going up to the millions, whereas other types of bank loans often total a few thousand.

• Bridging loans also allow almost anyone to apply for them, with only a few restrictions as to their eligibility, meaning that the majority of applicants can get access to the money offered.

Continue Reading

5 Reasons to Buy a Motorhome

If you’re looking for easy, on the go vacations, then a motorhome may just be the perfect option for you. There’s every possibility, however, that you may be looking at the cost of caravans too, in order to weigh up your options. Motorhomes come with their own unique set of benefits: some of which they share with caravans, others that make them a preferable option.

1. Easy maneuverability

When it comes to driving a motorhome, it has one major advantage over a caravan: no axel to try and maneuver. Anyone who has driven with a caravan attached to their vehicle will know that turns and reversing can be especially difficult when you have the connection to the tow bar to negotiate. Motorhomes are much easier to drive and park as you will be working with one unit, not two.

2. Finance it like a car

If you’re choosing between a motor home and a caravan, both have their pros and cons, but what you can guarantee is that it’s possible to buy both using a finance application. Once you agree on a deposit with the lender, your application can be approved, and you get to hit the road in your motorhome. After you’ve made the repayments, including interest, it’s then yours for good! Most people don’t have the means to cover the full cost of a regular car, let alone a holiday home, which is why purchasing a motorhome is such a viable option for many. It enables you to pay off the price gradually and earn the reward of a motorhome that is fully yours at the end of those payments.

3. Self-sufficient

It’s nice to know that, if you didn’t reach your destination in time, or needed somewhere to cook a last-minute dinner, you could easily do so. Traveling in a motorhome means that you are far less reliant on external services to maintain a certain level of comfort. You can go to bed as and when you please, without the restrictions of a hotel check-in/check-out time or set dining hours.

4. Easy access

It’s been said that motorhomes are a clear winner when it comes to easy access. If you need to pull over to get some shut-eye, this is possible, or if you need to use the facilities, there’s no need to have to stop at the services. Motorhomes are endlessly convenient if you have long road trips ahead of you. They are also handy if you have a family on your hands who will want to eat, play games and be social while out on the road.

5. See the outdoors

Traveling in a motorhome is ideal for those who want to explore the outdoors while on vacation. The flexibility with where you can park gives you plenty of options in terms of how close you want to be to your activities. For families with small children or even millennial travelers, these make for the perfect get-up-and-go accommodation.

For many people, the concept of a motorhome sells itself. The freedom to hit the open road and not look back makes them the ideal traveling vehicle. Not having to constantly pull over for meal breaks and visits to the facilities also make them handy for those who are traveling with multiple passengers.

Continue Reading

5 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Immigration Lawyer

Navigating the rough waters of the legal world can be difficult for anyone. If you are not vigilant enough, the tricky waters can capsize your boat and leave you drowning.

When we say being vigilant, we do not imply you go on and fight your case in the court yourself. The idea is to be alert of the needs of the situation at hand and then finding the right resources to fight the case for you.

One domain of the legal world which is subject to constant change is that of Immigration law. In this world of ever-changing political scenarios, understanding immigration law can be difficult. This is why we recommend you hire an immigration lawyer to fight your immigration battles. 

Here are top reasons why should hire an immigration lawyer

Relationship with Government Officials and Attorneys

Reputable lawyers have contacts deep onto the country's judiciary. From the top brass of judges to the government officials within a reliable attorney will ensure that your case is heard professionally.

An officer who’s in your corner will do wonders to your prospects of getting your immigration.

Potential to Solve Problems

The ever-changing judicial system and the immigration laws have taught immigration lawyers to think on their feet and make decisions at once. The skills and expertise of your immigration lawyer will help in averting any problem that your case faces.

Focusing on the Details

Law can be tricky but a well-experienced, knowledgeable lawyer can make the law work in your favor even if the options seem limited on paper. An immigrant is often not able to understand the procedure and the system of the process. The immigration lawyer helps the client in getting accustomed to the legal proceedings and explains the situation and the legal significance of all court orders.

Eases the Tension

It is quite natural for clients looking for immigration to feel the heat and go through mental stress. While the immigration lawyer will give confidence to the client and can be a source of comfort, they can be great advisors too.

Many immigrants have a few secrets up their sleeve which they can’t reveal in front of the judge fearing the worst.

Immigration lawyers are a source of comfort to their clients which makes them confident enough to share the details of any actions they feel can compromise their case.

Based on the events leading up to the immigration, the lawyer will devise an action plan to help you in this case.

Protection of Rights

One thing that all immigration lawyers guarantee is the protection of rights.

All immigrants have fundamental rights that need to be protected. Hiring an Immigration lawyer gives you not only a professional who’s willing to help but also a powerful friend who will ensure that you are treated lawfully and with dignity.

Many immigrants think that they can handle the immigration process by themselves; this is not true because immigration is a complicated procedure that requires the help of a professional.

Continue Reading

5 Things you need to know about Personal Injury Cases in the US

If you’ve never heard about a personal injury settlement, it’s basically what is supposed to be paid to someone in the event that someone else has caused them injury on a physical level. There are personal injury laws in every single state of the country, and there are different sides to all states in terms of those laws.

However, if you don’t know what personal injury law actually is, then you’d be well advised to keep reading in order to find out certain complicated procedures and ifs and buts involved in the entire process.

It Matters if you have a Good Lawyer

It truly matters if you have a good lawyer. It can be the difference between you walking away with a good settlement and the right settlement. The two can vary widely since a good lawyer can point out things that you have lost or are grieving for that you never thought could be applicable in court. This means in essence that a good lawyer can be the difference between you getting fully compensated and you getting cheated.

Compensation Extends to More than you Think

The compensation in a personal injury case can extend to present, past, and future medical costs, losses in earnings, damage to your property, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries. In wrongful death cases, damages can include funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support and benefits, related medical expenses which were incurred before death, and loss of companionship.

Every Case is Different

This should be a no brainer. Since personal injury is such a vast umbrella of cases, there are many ways to deal with a single case.

Some Cases can take Time

It’s no secret that the legal system can sometimes drag out cases. You can be burdened with mounting medical expenses and if you’re rendered unable to work, you can’t be blamed for leaping at the first offer from your insurance providers. So, before accepting a settlement, you should discuss the entire matter with your attorney.

There may be Settlements out of Court

Many personal injury cases can be settled out of court through negotiations or through an insurance provider. There can be a mediation process through which lawyers can get the best compensation for you without having to go to court at all. This all depends on how good the lawyers are of course, but it’s always in your interest to get the money you need with the least amount of hassle.

Time and Evidence are of the Essence

If another’s negligence has ended up causing your harm or has resulted in the death of a loved one, it’s very important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible since the time to pursue action may be short. There is a statute of limitations involved with each type of case that may run out more quickly than you think.

A great lawyer can help you navigate this landscape with great ease since personal injury is a very wide umbrella of the law.

Continue Reading

Tips to Secure a Personal Loan with a Credit Score 580 or Below

Applying for loans is par for the course in the contemporary financial landscape. It’s perfectly normal to seek loans since it doesn’t always suggest that the borrower is in a dire financial situation. Nevertheless, loans by and large assist companies and individuals in their crunch time.

There are metrics through which loan amounts are calculated and approved. If we particularly talk about personal loans, then there are credit score bands that actually guide lenders regarding the financial stability of borrowers. If you have a score below 600 and you are aware of it, then you would also know that it is considered poor credit score, which means it’s quite difficult to apply for a loan in a conventional sense.

Usually, lending companies don’t even consider the applications from the borrowers having credit score 580 and below and they have their reasons. It has been found out that around 60% of bad creditors become delinquent in the repayment of the loans and that’s why their score drops further. This is a solid reason for any lending company to reject a loan application.

It is pretty clear that people with bad credit scores are in a bad spot and it is obviously not easy for them to ask for a loan on their own terms. So, what’s the way forward? What people with bad credit scores should do to secure a personal loan in the time of need?

If you are one of those unlucky people who has landed in bad credit score zone for any reason, rest assured, there are some ways through which you can steer out of this tight spot and get a personal loan. Let’s have a look at the tips that can help you with personal loans even when you are not doing that good with your credit score.

Improve Your Credit Score

It goes without saying that there is no way around a good credit score if you want to keep getting loans of your chosen amount and on low-interest rates. So, you have to improve your credit score as a long term goal. If you are lurking somewhere 570-580, then you just need 20-30 points to get in the safe zone. That’s not much work.

Start paying your withstanding dues. Pay your current bills on time and try to clear your existing line of credits. Getting a secured credit card can also help you in improving your score. If you can wait for the loan, then it is the soundest strategy: rebuild your credit score.

Not only it will expand your borrowing options, but you will also be able to improve your credit score along the line.

Go to Bad Credit Lenders

If you don’t have time to wait for the improvement in your credit score, then you can start getting the quotes from lenders that extend their help to all those who are struggling with their credit scores. There are many reliable lending companies that facilitate borrowers with bad credit scores.

They offer a small amount in loans with reasonable markups that can be repaid on easy installments. For instance, this short-term option is for all those people who are facing the double whammy of urgency and bad credit rating. Such companies offer loans that help people with their short-term financial entanglements.

Get a Co-Signer on Board

If you want an amount that is unconditionally available on good credit score only, then there is a way to secure it. Get a person with good credit score (co-signer) on board. It could be any of your friend or a close family member. A co-signer actually assures the lending entity that he/she will be liable for the repayments if the borrower defaults. It is important to mention here that not every lending company facilities the co-signer enlistment.

So, first search all the potential lending companies that offer loans for co-signer enlistments and also review their peculiar conditions.

Spouse Income to the Rescue

To secure certain types of loans, one needs to fulfill the minimum income requirements. But if you are already struggling with a bad credit score, then there are strong chances that it might also be difficult for you to meet the income criteria. In such instances, there are some lenders that accept spouse incomes on loan applications.

Apply for a Secured Loan

For many people with credit scores way below 580, secured loans become the last resort. Truth to be told, secured loans petrify people. The thought of losing any of your hard earned asset or account as the collateral is not comforting from any aspect. However, there are some inevitable situations where one doesn’t have any other option. Nonetheless, try to reduce the risks associated with secured loans. First of all, if you are positive that you can repay the loan on agreed conditions, then you don’t have to worry about any collateral loss.

Moreover, try to get only those secured loans where you can use a certificate of deposits or retirement plans as collaterals. It won’t be wise to use your home equity or car equity as the collateral. Try to avoid those high-risk secured loan agreements as much as possible.

Ask for Reconsideration

Yes, you can ask the lending companies to reconsider your loan application. It is entirely legal. However, you must have solid reasons to put in the application of reconsideration. For instance, try to highlight all the highs from your past financial history (diligent payment of rents, utility bills, etc). You can also show that you will be able to repay the borrowed money with your existing income. Reconsideration is always a long shot, but there is no harm in giving it a try.

While you are desperately looking for loans at a bad credit score, it is important to avoid getting caught in the net of predatory lenders. Packages such as advance-fee loans and car title loans will not only make it difficult for you to improve your credit score, but it will also make it impossible for you to repay the loan.

Continue Reading

Drunk Driving Laws May Get Tough in Texas

Although laws on drinking and driving are quite strict in Texas, they are not strict enough, reveals the results of a recent poll.

A poll conducted by the Texas Medical Center Health Policy Institute indicated that 54 percent of citizens want the legal blood alcohol concentration to be reduced from .08 to .05.

Meanwhile, in Texas, 60 percent of respondents want the blood alcohol legal limit to go down from .08 to .05.

Across the states, 46 percent of respondents supported lowering the BAC right down to zero percent. Meanwhile, 48 percent of Texans want the blood alcohol legal limit to be set to zero percent.

According to Dr. Arthur Garson (director of the Texas Medical Center Health Policy Institute), the results concerning the zero percent legal limit shocked everyone.

The question is: why would citizens want such a strict policy?

During January 2018, Utah became the first state to enforce a legal limit of .05. Although there appears to be plenty of support in Texas for such a strict limit, it remains to be seen if lawmakers will consider a similar move in Texas.

The poll questioned 1,000 people in Texas and 3,000 people in the remaining states.

According to Dr. Garson, the results of the poll accurately reflect the opinions of Texans. He said that the polls have been conducted on a reasonable size and as a consequence, the results of the poll are an accurate portrayal of public opinion in Texas.

Unpredictable Effects of BAC

Lance Arnold, the Police Chief of Weatherford, has extensive experience concerning BAC since he has served as an instructor for Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.

According to him, the reason why people support much lower legal limit is because of the unpredictable effect that alcohol concentrations have on different people.

Lance Arnold said that he conducted hundreds of workshops where police officers were trained for sobriety testing. He added that breath or blood alcohol concentration is a very unreliable measure of impairment. He had personally seen people impaired by a .04 level and those who were not impaired at a .08 level. Blood alcohol concentration is, therefore, an unreliable and poor indicator of alcohol impairment. Since a lot of people are aware of this fact, they want to lower the limit considerably and even set it to zero.

Arnold explained that there’s more to driving while intoxicated than just alcohol concentration. The definition also addresses the question of impairment of physical and mental faculties as a result of alcohol or any other intoxicant.

BAC: An Unreliable Indicator of Impairment

Arnold said that the responsibilities of officers are further complicated by the fact that they must also detect impairment caused by drugs and substances other than alcohol. While it is easy to measure blood and breath alcohol levels with the help of standard devices like breathalyzers, officers must use their judgment and training to catch drivers who are intoxicated by substances other than alcohol. Police officers should use validated and standardized field sobriety tests to detect impairment.

By setting a lower legal limit for blood alcohol concentration, it may be possible to keep a larger percentage of drunk people from driving.

The fact is that alcohol has a variable effect on different people. Some people have a high tolerance for alcohol while others become easily inebriated with relatively lower amounts.

As a result, if you have had alcohol and feel even the slightest effect of alcohol, then you should play it safe and call a ride hailing service or request a sober person to drive you home. Ride hailing services are now economical and easily available at almost all locations.

Jamie Gutierrez (executive director of the NGO Mothers Against Drunk Driving) said that his organization wants to conduct more research before deciding to favor or oppose the change to .05.

Lower BAC = Lower Deaths

According to the results of research, lowering the blood alcohol legal limit can reduce alcohol-related accidents. J. Fell and M. Scherer conducted a meta-analysis, which was published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. According to the results of meta - analysis on several international studies, when the BAC was lowered from .1 to .08, there was a 5% reduction in alcohol-related non-fatal accidents and a 9.2% reduction in fatal alcohol-related accidents. There was a further 11.1% reduction in alcohol-related fatal accidents when the BAC was reduced to .05 or less. The authors further stated that if the .05 legal limit is enforced across all states, then 1,1790 lives would be saved annually.

When four sisters were killed in a head-on drunk-driving collision in 1998, Brock parents successfully lobbied for changes and lowered the BAC from .1 to .08. Ricky Carter, the man who pleaded guilty to the incident, had a blood alcohol level of .16. The British Medical Association and the American Medical Association support reducing the BAC to .05.

A reduction of the legal alcohol limit may be required since bars and other establishments which serve alcohol are often unable to monitor excessive alcohol consumption. For instance, a typical pub may serve alcohol to 150 people and may have just two bartenders and 6 waitresses to keep a watch on alcohol consumption. The staff at the establishment may have no idea about the number of people that may have exceeded the .08 BAC limit.

Is the .05 BAC Really Austere?

Although there are concerns that alcohol concentration limits will become very stringent in Texas with a .05 BAC limit, there are arguments that such a limit is not excessively austere.

For instance, Fell mentioned in the summary of the meta-analysis that you cannot reach a .05 BAC level even if you drink two glasses of wine at a time. For a 170-pound male, at least four drinks are required to push the BAC beyond .05 on an empty stomach. On the other hand, for a 137-pound female, at least three drinks are required to exceed .05 BAC on an empty stomach. 

You can read more now about this issue.

Continue Reading

5 Reasons to Opt Chartered Accountancy as a Career

Choosing a career path for yourself can be one of the most important turning points in your life. Your future is decided mostly on the basis of your profession, your earning potential and how happy you are with the career path that you have chosen for yourself. This is why you should give it a lot of thought.

Chartered Accountancy is one of the few careers where professionals have the choice of working in various industries. Some fear that CA can become a monotonous profession, but on the contrary, it can be a very interesting career path that provides you with a wide range of opportunities to grow and succeed. 

We have 5 reasons why you should opt for Chartered Accountancy as a career:

1. Choose it as a Profession or Become An Entrepreneur

As a CA you can work with the different organization as an employee, but if you have business acumen, then you can also start your own firm. Few professions give you the opportunity to be your master and CA is one of these few. While you can gain your experience in the field by working under other CAs, you will eventually have the option and the experience to lead your own team.

2. The World Is Your Oyster

Accountancy is one aspect that is common in all industries around the world. CAs are not limited to their home country when it comes to working opportunities. You will be able to apply for jobs internationally as well. Many overseas countries are willing to hire CAs from other countries. You will have the opportunity to settle abroad as an expat or return home once your professional term comes to an end.

3. Gain Experience in Different Work Environments

You can work in different types of industries, understanding various work environments, and the manner in which numbers play a role in varying ways depending on which industry you work with. By expanding your experience and knowledge, you are not just increasing your opportunity to improve your career prospects, but also reducing the boredom that other professionals experience over a period of time.

The job of a CA is an extremely exciting and interesting one. This is because you have lots of industries to explore and different opportunities as well. You can join government service, work abroad, start your own firm or consult startups.

4. Financial Stability

Every career opportunity is closely scrutinized for the amount of money that you will be able to make in it. This is an important aspect given the fact that your future depends on how much you earn. CAs usually start as interns where payments are not very high, but once their professional career begins, the prospect of earning a significant amount of money is very high.

Depending on the company or industry you choose, you can earn a considerably high salary as compared to the average professional starting in their career. Chartered accountancy is a lucrative profession, but it requires hard work in the early stages.

5. Recession-Proof

Looking for a job that you can hold on to no matter which way the economy is tipping? Chartered accountancy is a profession which provides you with job security even during the recession. This is because companies are most concerned about their numbers when the chances of a loss can be high.

CAs can help companies through bad times by managing the accounts effectively and by providing financial consultation which can reduce losses for the organization. While others may be losing their jobs in the recession, as a CA have the opportunity to become a prized asset for the company.

Conclusion

If you choose to become a CA, then your journey will start soon after you pass your +2 board exam. You can choose to pass the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), or you can complete your graduation in Commerce and then apply for the Integrated Professional Competency Course (IPCC). Both, the CPT and IPCC are held and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

By preparing yourself for your career, you will be able to clearly chart your path towards success in the profession. CA is an exciting career; these 5 reasons to opt for CA Course must be complemented by your willingness to work hard towards achieving your career goals and your passion for accounts and commerce.

Continue Reading

How to Choose the Best Home Equity Loan for Your Summer Remodel

Summer sunshine is on the way to the Willamette Valley, and there’s no better time to get around to that remodel you’ve been dreaming about. Whatever your project may entail, chances are you’re going to need extra funds to finance it. What you may not know is that there is likely some equity in your house that you can draw from for those funds.

Many homeowners find that a home equity loan is a great way to get the money they need to get the work done, but finding the best home equity loan is no easy task. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, just as there is no one-size-fits-all home. That’s where we come in.

As your local credit union, we’re more than happy to help you get a loan for your remodel. No matter what kind of home you have, and no matter the kind of work you want done, we’re here to make sure you get the best home equity loan for your situation. Here are a few of the ways you can help determine what loan is right for you.

Determine Your Budget

Determining exactly how much you need for your home improvement is a crucial step in finding the best home equity loan and managing it. There’s no point in borrowing more money than you need for the project, and you really don’t want to be halfway through the project and start running low on funds.

Before you even begin shopping around for loans, take a look at the costs that will go into your project. How expensive are the materials you want to use, and are there any alternatives? What do you expect the labor to cost? Are there any potential surprise costs that might throw a wrench into your budget? When you get a rough idea of how much the whole venture will cost, you’ll have a better idea of the kind of loan that will work for you.

Lump Sum or Line of Credit?

Home equity loans typically come in two forms, either a lump sum or a line of credit. Both let you borrow money against your home equity, but they pay out in different structures. When choosing the best home equity loan for your project, you need to decide which structure is better for you and your remodeling plans.

A lump sum loan pays out cash up front, giving the borrower a large sum of money to spread out over the course of the remodel. This can be beneficial if your project is relatively straightforward and you’re pretty certain about the cost. Since you receive the entire loan up front, your interest rates and payment plan will be fixed over the life of the loan. You can expect to pay out the same amount every month, each payment going toward the total of the loan plus whatever your interest cost is. With the predictable structure of a lump-sum loan, it can be easier to plan out future payments.

The other type of loan you might receive is a home equity line of credit, or a HELOC. Instead of paying out the entire loan to the borrower up front, a HELOC opens a line of credit they can borrow from over the loan’s lifespan. While you have the loan, you can borrow only what you need at any given time from a larger approved sum. That way you can take out some of the money up front, while still having credit you can borrow from over the course of the project.

A HELOC can be helpful in a project where you might run into unexpected costs along the way. It also offers some flexibility in your loan payments, as your interest is only calculated with the amount of money you take out. If you only take out a small portion of it up front, you can reduce your payment costs during the first few years of the loan. You will still, however, need to pay off the loan in full at some point. Unlike a lump sum, you won’t always be able to plan for what your future payments might be. Still, the flexibility can be appealing.

Consider the Financial Benefits of Your Remodel

One of the reasons so many homeowners use home equity loans to remodel their homes is because it feeds right back into their investment. When you borrow money from your home’s equity, you are borrowing money that you have already invested in it. By taking that money and using it to improve your home, you can actually raise that equity even further. Homes with newer amenities and construction are typically valued higher by the housing market. When you use your current equity to make your home more attractive in the market’s eyes, you can end up raising its value overall.

Keep this in mind when considering the scope and budget of your remodel. It’s prudent to manage your costs, but if you decide to go for a higher-end remodel, you can see a better return on investment if you ever sell the home. Deciding to invest in your home now can have lasting consequences, so it’s important to consider the options and make the best decision for you and your home.

If you’re ready to get the ball rolling on your remodel, we’re ready to help. Whatever amount you need or how you need it, we’re happy to walk you through the home equity loan process. We’re members of the community too, and it’s our pleasure to answer any questions or concerns you might have. We look forward to being able to help you make your house the home you deserve.

Continue Reading

What are the Stages of a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Personal injury suits are not as simple as talking to an attorney and receiving the money you ask for in compensation for your injuries. Personal injury lawsuits are a multi-stage process, and claimants shouldn’t skip one if they want to maximize their chances of winning. And personal injury cases can drag for months, even years in some instances, which can be taxing on the victim. That’s why it’s important that you’re thoroughly informed about the process. So, what are the stages of a personal injury lawsuit exactly? And what happens at each step of this process?

Seeking Appropriate Medical Attention

When you think you’ve suffered a personal injury, the first step is seeking appropriate medical attention. The first reason to do this is that it ensures that your injuries are properly treated. The second reason to do this is to create documentation regarding the severity of the injury by an independent, expert third party.

If you wait a long time to see a doctor, a jury could decide you weren’t really that hurt or the other party could blame the injury on anything that happened between when you were hurt and when you filed the claim. It’s also very important that you follow through with any recommendations your doctor may give you and come for all appointments. Failure to do so could also have a consequence on your case.

Choosing a Qualified Attorney

Unless you have a minor personal injury claim, you need to find a qualified personal injury attorney. These cases include; any injury so bad you missed several days of work; when you have spent more than a thousand dollars on medical bills; and injuries that occurred in conjunction with a car wreck, assault, or any other type of serious accident for which a third party was responsible.

Personal injury experts like welchlawfirm.com will be able to handle larger claims and more complex cases. Only work with a team with significant expertise in the field who also have a history of getting results. These kinds of lawyers have worked on thousands of claims before and understand the types of tricks insurance companies use when trying to avoid compensation. They also know how to negotiate so you’ll get the compensation you deserve.

The Investigation of the Personal Injury Claim

Your attorney will investigate the claim. This includes interviewing you, reviewing your medical records, and gathering any related documentation like police reports. The attorney may ask you to have further medical tests done or visit another doctor for a second opinion about your injuries. The best lawyers will not file the claim until you’ve reached the point of maximum medical improvement, or MMI, though they can seek reimbursement for long-term care or future expected medical bills.

Your personal injury attorney will collect copies of your bills and add up the total compensation you should receive for your injuries. In some cases, they may tell you that you don’t have a case. In other cases, they may help you fight with the medical insurance company or auto insurance company for full reimbursement. When the lawyer has the appropriate documentation, it is possible that the other side will settle simply because they’ve received the demand for compensation. Where necessary, the personal injury attorney helps you sue the responsible party for your personal injuries.

Other things they might do is get information from your car’s black box, for instance, to build evidence for your case. The black box could give them crucial information on things like the state of your vehicle before the crash or road conditions. They might also try to get their hands on any surveillance material before it gets destroyed. In addition to this, they may also try to talk to key witnesses to get their version of the event and statements.

Filing of the Lawsuit

Not every personal injury case will result in a lawsuit. When a lawsuit is filed, the next step is waiting for the case to go to trial. This could take a year or two, depending on the jurisdiction. Know that the statute of limitations applies to when you can file such a lawsuit, but not the time spent waiting to settle or win in court. This is why you should consult with an attorney as soon as you think you’ve suffered a personal injury. Wait too long, and you will lose by default.

During this time, the discovery process occurs. Each side sends questions and requests for documentation to each other. They may take depositions from witnesses. This process can take anywhere from six months to a year. It is possible for the case to be settled during this time, before it goes to court.

Mediation

During mediation, a mediator, which is often a former or sitting judge, will try to find a way for both parties to settle and avoid trial. This is just an informal proceeding where both parties try to find an agreement. Please note that everything that happens during that stage could have effects on a trial should it happen, so make sure that you have someone with the proper training and experience in this area by your side.

Going to Trial

If the claim couldn’t be settled or resolved in mediation, then the case will go to trial. The personal injury trial could last a day or it could take months. The jury or judge will determine fault and possibly award damages. You need to have an experienced attorney with a track record of winning cases to have a good chance of winning when your case goes to trial. The losing party can appeal the ruling. The appellate process is different from the trial process, but the need for qualified legal counsel remains the same.

Every personal injury case is different. However, the process that personal injury cases go through is the same. Make sure that you get familiar with the stages of a personal injury case so you’ll know what to expect and understand each part and its importance in the process.

Continue Reading