Your Guide To A New Credit Card

A close up of a hand holding a credit card

It's a familiar sight: you open your mailbox and see a bunch of envelopes... and half of them turn out to be credit card offers. Your email inbox often looks the same. Credit cards can be a great way of building or rebuilding credit, but it's important to understand the terms and conditions that come along with accepting offers of new lines of credit. Your attorney through our Legal Protection Subscription Plans for Individuals & Families can help you understand the legal language in these agreements and contracts, protecting you and your money before you ever sign on the dotted line. Learn more about our Legal Subscription Plans and read on for a few tips regarding new credit cards.

A "Low Interest Rate" offer is a familiar hook that credit card companies use to lure in new customers, but it is important to understand the terms of the offer. Low interest rates are often billed as "introductory," meaning that they end after a period of time and the interest rate will go up (in some cases, dramatically) when that period ends. This can lock you into high payments that you may not be able to afford. Make sure you understand what the interest rates will be during the introductory period and what they will be when they expire as this will have an enormous impact on your ability to repay.

Another interest rate-related item is that there may be different interest rates depending on the type of transaction. For example, cash advances often carry much higher interest rates than consumer spending, While this information is included with your agreement when you sign up, it is often in fine print and is sometimes worded to be deliberately confusing. An attorney will be able to look over the agreement and tell you what the contract states the interest rates will be for various types of transactions.

A missing or late payment can void the low introductory interest rate and incur additional fees. Knowing when payments are due is critical, and, if you choose to pay by mail, make sure that you have allowed for ample time for the payment to be delivered, sorted, and applied to your account before the due date. Electronic and automatic payments can alleviate this problem.

How you pay can also add fees. This is information that is likely buried in the fine print of your agreement, but some payment methods actually incur processing fees, most commonly when making payments via telephone. Make sure that you know which payment methods have an additional fee attached to avoid them.

Exceeding your credit limit can also have major consequences. Many people think that if you try to spend more on your credit card than the credit limit you have allows that the transaction won't go through, but this is often not the case. Some credit card companies allow you exceed your credit limit so that they can charge you substantial fees when it happens. These fees and penalties add up quickly and make your debt much larger than your credit limit.

In fact, using credit cards can have all kinds of fees. In addition to late fees, payment method fees, overcharge fees, and administration fees, you can also be charged for using ATMs, balance transfers, and more, including an annual fee just for having the card.

Credit card companies know that virtually no one actually reads the fine print in the cardholder agreements, but all of this information is there. When people do read it, it is often written in such a way as to be difficult to understand (in legalese, so to speak)and printed in nearly unreadable font sizes. Credit card agreements are generally available to print from the credit card company's web site, and you can alter the font size to make it more readable. it is very important to your finances that you take the time to read and understand what you are agreeing to when you accept a credit card offer. Your rights and responsibilities are laid out in these documents, but credit card companies don't make it terribly easy for you.

If you are interested in getting a new credit card but have difficulty reading the fine print and need help understanding what it means for you and your money, your attorney through our Legal Protection Subscription Plans for Individuals & Families will be able to help by going over agreements and contracts from credit card companies, contractors, utilities, and other services before you sign so you know exactly what you're agreeing to. It's just one of the hundreds of benefits available to you for just one low, monthly fee through our Legal Protection Plans. Learn more about all the benefits of membership or sign up today!

Reducing Debt

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Millions of Americans struggle with debt, and finding a way out of what can feel like an overwhelming obstacle can feel difficult, if not impossible. Luckily, members of our Legal Protection Subscription Plans for Individuals & Families can get legal advice and assistance to negotiate debt settlements with your creditors or help with a collection issue, all for just one, low monthly fee. Learn more about the benefits of membership and read on for a few tips about managing debt.

Gather Your Information

The first step is almost always the hardest, so start by making a list of your creditors and how much you owe. If some debts have gone to collections, take note of the original creditor and the company managing the collection action. Gather letters, invoices, bills, and other pertinent documents as your attorney will need to review them.

Make Sure The Debt Is Yours

It happens more often than people think. An entire cottage industry of fraudulent collection companies use intimidation tactics to convince people to pay debts that aren't theirs. Some of these companies will try to get you to pay for a family member's debt. Additionally, cases of mistaken identity do happen in the collection business, so carefully examine all bills you receive to ascertain if the debt really is yours.

Create A Budget

Managing debt means knowing what you owe and how much you can afford to pay to whittle down your debt. This requires taking a long, hard look at your finances and cutting unnecessary purchases and expenses where possible, as well as committing to a certain amount each month toward your debt repayment. Even a small amount will make a difference over time.

Decide Which Debt Is A Priority

Developing a strategy for paying back your debts can also be helpful. Know which debts are secured and which are unsecured. Secured debts are typically for larger purchases, such as your house or your car, so making these your top priority will mean that you don't lose these assets. Your next priority will be to any court-ordered payments, such as child support or alimony, as you don't want to risk an issue with the courts. After these, it's often helpful to organize debts by interest rate so that you are paying more to your highest interest rate debts, thus paying them off faster, lowering your total debt over time. Lastly, any debts that are already in collections or are soon headed that way will need to be dealt with either through negotiating a payment plan or some form of consolidation in order to avoid any additional legal fees.

Negotiate Payment Plans

Many creditors are happy to negotiate payments or a settlement amount that is lower than what they say you owe them. Make sure to get the agreement in writing, and your attorney through our Legal Protection Plans can help you negotiate with creditors, collection agencies, and others to lower your monthly payments. Your attorney can also review contracts and documents for such agreements you've negotiated yourself to protect your rights and your money.

Consolidation

While consolidation is one way to handle mounting debt, it is worth noting that there are fraudulent entities in this industry, as well; our attorneys hear from members all the time who were taken in by promises from consolidation companies to reduce or eliminate debt and the promises never materialized. Review contracts and agreements with consolidation companies with your attorney to make sure that you're not being taken advantage of - or will end up paying more than you owe - before you sign any paperwork with a consolidation company.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy isn't the black mark that some people think it is; it doesn't mean that you're a failure if you have to declare bankruptcy. In fact, bankruptcy can provide you with the recovery and new start that you may need. As always, your attorney through our Legal Protection Plans can help you decide if bankruptcy is the right choice for your financial well being and assist you with the paperwork and documentation needed to file for bankruptcy in your state and county.

In the end, there are many ways to manage debt and your attorney will be able to help you in numerous ways to get you back on your feet and thriving again, all for one low, monthly subscription fee. Learn more about all the benefits of membership in our Legal Protection Subscription Plans for Individuals & Families or sign up today!

Your Finances This Holiday Season

A display featuring a plain wreath made of white branches on the left, a decorated wreath made from evergreen boughs on the right, pinecones, ornaments, pine garland, and stockings on a fireplace mantle

According to a recent poll, more shoppers are paying for holiday purchases with credit, and of those, more than 50% couldn't pay off those purchases. Overspending is nothing new during the holiday shopping season, but with recent inflation and other economic downturns, how can you take control of your holiday spending? If you ever have questions about consumer finance issues - from agreements for store credit or memberships to credit card fraud or identity theft - your attorney through our Legal Protection Plans for Individuals & Families can give you advice for your specific situation, read through agreements and contracts, and help you if you become a victim of identity theft, fraud, or other consumer finance legal issues. Learn more about the benefits of membership and read on for a few spending tips this holiday season.

Set A Budget

Plan your budget by setting a realistic limit and sticking to it. Make a list of everyone you want to get a gift for and make a plan for what you want to spend overall and for each person or event. Discuss spending limits for gifts with friends, family, and co-workers, if needed.

Thoughtful Gifts Vs. Expensive Gifts

Not every gift needs to be expensive to show someone you care. Creative, thoughtful gifts are often more special than pricey presents. Think about the things that those on your gift list are into, and look into customized, simple gifts, like a customized apron for the baker in your life.

Coupons & Sales

There are more - and sometimes better - options than shopping on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Keeping your eyes peeled for December sales events outside of the big sales days sometimes gets you even better deals!

Make A Shopping List

Create a list with everything you plan to buy for the holiday season and what you will spend on those items, and then stick to it. While you're out shopping, try not to get distracted by the holiday displays... they're put there precisely for that reason: to distract you and get you to buy things you don't need on impulse.

Baked Goods & Cards

While we want to buy a gift for everyone in our lives, sometimes, a great way to do that and stay in budget is to make goodie bags with cookies and other treats for co-workers and others, and a heartfelt card is also a good choice to spread holiday cheer.

Sometimes Last Minute Shopping Works

While we try to get everything done for the holidays well in advance, sometimes good deals can be had by waiting until closer to the holiday before we buy. Certain holiday items will almost certainly go on sale as the holiday nears - wrapping supplies and candy are two examples of this - and, those after holiday clearance sales can get you a major jump for next year without breaking the bank.

The old saying goes, it's the thought that counts, and we are all watching our budgets this year. If you find yourself needing advice about debt, your provider attorney through our Legal Protection Plans for Individuals & Families can give you advice and answer questions about credit card debt, bankruptcy, store membership agreements, credit accounts, and more consumer finance topics, all for one low, monthly subscription fee. Learn more about all the benefits of membership or sign up now!

Navigating Inflation

A woman looks at a receipt with her hand to her head while sitting at a table in front of a laptop computer

Rising inflation is causing American families additional added stress this fall. With back-to-school shopping and the holidays coming up, families are feeling the pinch at the pump and the register. Everyone is trying to find ways to make their dollars stretch further and minimize costs, and with prices on consumer goods spiking, despite many families cutting back on additional spending this year, experts predict a 35% increase in spending compared to 2019. Even in an economy that favors consumers, the holiday season can place a financial burden on families. How can an attorney help you through high prices? Many retailers offer special deals if you sign up for various programs, and your attorney can review those contracts for you, to help you understand all the legal intricacies of what you're agreeing to when you sign up, all for no additional fee when you're a member of our Legal Protection Subscription Plans for Families & Individuals. In the meantime, here are a few tips that may help you and your family manage inflation.

Take Advantage of Discounts

Some retailers offer special discounts and limited time specials throughout the holiday shopping season. Many offer discounts for veterans, teachers, college students, and more. Take advantage of every discount you're entitled to and consider participating in retailers' rewards programs, as well, particularly if you already shop at that store. Make sure to read the fine print or have your attorney review the contract before you sign on the dotted line.

Try To Time Your Spending

Watch for sales and try to time your purchases of non-essential items to when they're on sale. Retailers have many sales, closeouts, and special promotions throughout the holiday shopping season, so keeping an eye out for when the items you want will be on sale is a great way to save some money.

Watch Overspending

Think about things you might need that could be purchased used, or trade with other families for things you need with things you don't use anymore. Joining "buy nothing" groups on social media is one way to find out about these trading opportunities. Second hand shops, consignment stores, and thrift shops are other alternatives to getting items you need but don't want to pay full price for, and maybe make a little back by selling things you no longer need.

Re-purpose Things You Already Own

There are many times we go through closets, attics, basements, sheds, garages, and storage units and find things that we already own but we forgot we had. Many of these items can be put to use, used for something else, or sold online for cash.

During a high inflationary period, it's important to have protection in place so you're not taken advantage of in an already trying time. Maximizing financial stability starts with making sure you, your family, and your rights are protected, and an attorney will be able to help you navigate consumer finance legal issues quickly and easily and prevent you from losing more money over a sour deal. Learn more about our Legal Protection Subscription Plans for Individuals & Families, or sign up today!

Successfully Working With A Contractor

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Whether you're planning a renovation or a home repair, hiring the right contractor is extremely important. It's critical to know as much as possible about the company you're hiring to work on your house or project, getting multiple bids, preventing miscommunication, understanding any contracts, and knowing what to do if there is a dispute. Our network of attorneys through our Legal Protection Subscription Plans for Individuals & Families can help you through the entire process of working with a contractor, including going over bids, contracts, and helping you through the legal process if there should be a dispute. Learn more about all the benefits of membership and read on for a few tips on working with contractors.

The Contract

It is essential that you have a contract when hiring a contractor before work begins on your home. Get everything in writing, and make sure that your contract covers:

• A complete and thorough description of the job and the work to be done

• Pricing for the job and each part of the job

• How and when payments are to be made

• Any guarantees or warranties offered by the builder

• The dates work is to begin and end

• Signature of both parties

• Payment

As mentioned above, an important item to include in the contract is a payment schedule. An example of this might work something like: A down payment before work begins, another payment at the halfway point in the project, and a final payment at the completion of the job. Another payment schedule might be weekly payments based on work completed to date. Having a payment schedule can ensure that the work is getting completed in a timely and correct fashion.

The Right to Cancel

The FTC and some local laws allow for you to cancel work if you need to. An attorney well versed in the laws of your locality will be able to give you detailed and accurate advice regarding your rights in this situation.

Document The Work

Take pictures, keep change orders, bills, and invoices. These items will be useful to make sure the project stays on track and on time. Make sure everything has a date on it and keep your documentation in a safe place and altogether.

What If There's A Dispute

It's a sad fact that things sometimes don't work out, and if you are unhappy with the work or the work wasn't completed and the contractor won't return your calls, an attorney will be able to walk you through the legal aspects, but here are a few suggestions of things to try:

Contact Them

Be respectful, as there may have simply been a miscommunication. If they do not treat you with respect, make sure to document the call and what was said while it is fresh in your mind. If they work for a company, contact them and explain the situation.

Send a Formal Letter

Writing a formal demand letter is often enough to get the contractor back out to finish the work. If you are not comfortable writing such a letter or don't know what to say, our network of lawyers will be able to draft and send a letter on your behalf at no additional fee. Send the registered letter through the postal service to ensure delivery.

File Complaints

The Better Business Bureau, the Contractor Recovery Fund, Homeowners' Recovery Fund, and state and local agencies can help you handle a contractor who has disappeared and/or is not returning your calls.

Get Legal Advice

Our network of dedicated, experienced attorneys can write letters on your behalf, give you legal advice, look over contracts, and protect your rights, all for one low, monthly fee.

If You're A Contractor:

Sometimes, contractors who do good work and complete a job still come across clients who say they're unhappy and refuse to pay. What can contractors do if this happens to them?

Document everything from Day One on the job.

Take photos and videos before you start work, at the end of each work day, and at the end of a job. This gives you a dated timeline of the work.

File A Lien

File what is known as a Mechanic's Lien on the property. This is a guarantee of payment for contractors, so that, when a contractor performs the work and the client refuses to pay, the contractor can file a lien and demand payment before the lien is removed.

File A Breach of Contract

When the terms of the contract are met and the customer still refuses to pay, this is a breach of contract and contractors can then take the client to court for failing to uphold the terms of the agreement.

Whether you're a homeowner or a contractor, having a lawyer in your back pocket (literally, if you use our app!), protecting your rights, your property, and your livelihood is your number one priority. With our Legal Protection Subscription plans for Individuals & Families and for Small Businesses, you can protect your rights, your property, and your work for just pennies per day!

No Surprises Act Prevents Medical Bill Surprises

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Nobody enjoys getting a bill, but it's twice as unwelcome to get a bill you weren't anticipating. Most Americans either have experienced receiving a surprise medical bill themselves or know someone who has. A recent survey found that an average of 18% of ER visits result in at least one unexpected bill. But there is some relief: Congress passed the No Surprises Act that went into effect on January 1, 2022 to specifically prevent these kinds of unwanted surprises. Laws regarding surprise medical bills - particularly new ones, like the No Surprises Act - can be confusing and tricky to navigate, particularly if you have recently received an unexpected medical bill. Our network of dedicated, experienced attorneys can walk you through the consumer protections of the No Surprises Act and what to do if you get a surprise medical bill. Learn more about our legal protection plans and read on for an overview of the No Surprises Act.

The New Rules of the No Surprises Act

• The Act bans surprise bills stemming from emergency care - such as treatment in an ER, ambulances, or when you are unknowingly treated at an in-network facility but by an out-of-network physician - and requires that co-pays and other cost sharing be determined by in-network rates.

• The Act prohibits unexpected billing from out-of-network providers if you go to an in-network hospital for care, and any cost sharing from those visits will be determined from in-network rates.

• The Act requires that facilities and providers send straightforward notices that explain all applicable billing, protections, and contact information.

Consumer Protections for Uninsured Patients

Uninsured patients are considered self-paying and must cover all bills out-of-pocket. The No Surprises Act protects uninsured patients by requiring providers to give a "good faith estimate" of total costs before giving you non-emergency care. This estimate must include projected costs for treatment as well as any expected additional costs. If the final bill you receive exceeds the good faith estimate by more than $400, you have the right to challenge the charges.

Your State May Provide Additional Protections

More than 30 states have introduced safeguards against surprise medical billing, but only 17 are considered comprehensive. These 17 states offer extended protections that cover in-network emergency situations, but they only apply to certain types of insurance and in specific scenarios.

While Federal laws cover most insurance plans, some state law provisions may differ from Federal law, and in those cases, Federal laws defer to the states.

If you have questions about a medical bill you received or want to find out if the No Surprises Act can help you with a medical bill, you can contact your attorney through our network of lawyers using your subscription to our legal protection plans any time of the day or night, 24/7 using our app or by telephone. And at just $29.95 per month, it pays for itself the very first time you use it. Your attorney can give you advice on the consumer protections as they relate to your specific situation, including your insurance, your state law, and even write letters or make phone calls on your behalf. Learn more about all the benefits of membership in our legal subscription plans or sign up now!

It's Tax Time Again: Are You Ready?

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The 2022 tax season in the United States officially began at the end of January, but the IRS is saying that this year's taxes will be challenging due to a variety of factors. If you need assistance with new tax laws or IRS audits, our network of dedicated, experienced attorneys will be able to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days per week through our Legal Protection Plans for Individuals and Families. Learn more about the benefits of our subscription plans and read on for a some basic 2022 tax tips:

Will there be COVID-related tax delays?

The IRS is warning that COVID-19 and funding issues are going to make this tax season a challenge for the agency. The IRS is recommending that you file as early in the tax season as you can and to avoid submitting paper returns if at all possible. You can also speed up your refund by choosing to have your refund direct deposited. The IRS says that most returns filed electronically have refunds deposited within 21 days.

Are W-2s Delayed?

The deadline for mailing W-2s is January 31, 2022, so if you are a W-2 employee, you should have received your tax documents at the end of January or beginning of February. If you didn't receive these documents yet, contact your employer and/or your HR department as soon as possible.

What Is The Recovery Rebate Credit?

Recovery Rebate Credits let you lower your taxes or get a credit for your Economic Impact Payment if you didn't get one last year. If you received less than the full amount or didn't qualify for the third Economic Impact Payment, you may be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. All taxpayers will receive a letter from the IRS (Letter 6475) detailing the total amount of Economic Impact Payment you received in 2021.

Are There Tax Breaks for Unemployment Payments This Year?

Unfortunately, no. The temporary tax break for unemployment benefits that was available in 2020 was not renewed for the 2021 tax year. For 2020 taxes, the tax break applied to those with an Adjusted Gross Income less than $150,000 who got unemployment benefits in 2020.

What About Child Tax Credit Payments?

If you received advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021, watch your mail for IRS Letter 6419 which details the amount of Child Tax Credits sent to you in 2021. The IRS began mailing these letters in December of 2021. You can also access this information at the IRS web site.

Are There Any Changes to Filing Deadlines?

The deadline to file your tax return is April 18, 2022, giving tax filers an additional three days to prepare tax return documents and mail them to the IRS. Tax filers impacted by tornadoes in Illinois, Tennessee, and Kentucky in December 2021 or by the wildfires in Colorado in 2021 have until May 16, 2022 to file their returns.

Taxes are tedious and can be complicated, but if you are a business owner, have an unusual financial situation or just have questions about taxes, a dedicated, experienced attorney through our legal subscription plans can address your questions and concerns about your taxes so you can scratch your taxes off your to-do list with peace of mind. Learn more about our legal subscription plans for individuals and families or for small businesses, or sign up today!

The Right To Repair and What It Means For Consumers

A repair technician works on a piece of electronics

Giant tech companies like Apple and Microsoft have long imposed rules and restrictions on consumers regarding repairs on their products, limiting who, how, and where devices such as video game consoles, cell phones, and more can be repaired. Farmers and others who have purchased heavy equipment and farm implements have also been subjected to cumbersome restrictions when machines used for work and livelihoods break down, meaning that they must wait for a certified repair tech to fix their expensive equipment. A new law in the United States will loosen these restrictions, allowing consumers more choices when it comes to having purchases repaired. This rule would stop manufacturers from preventing consumers and independent repair services from repairing devices.

What Does This Mean For US Residents?

This Right to Repair law will:

•  Create more competition in the marketplace

• Increase wages for American workers

• Lower repair costs for consumers and farmers

Agriculture will probably see the biggest benefit to this new rule, who, for decades, have been forced to pay for costly repairs to farming equipment by the manufacturers like John Deere, who withholds software that is needed; even basic repairs and maintenance must be done at a dealership. Additionally, farmers will now be allowed to sue processors if the farmers are retaliated against or underpaid. The rules also block companies from labeling food as a "Product of the USA" if the product was produced or processed overseas.

Consumers Benefits and Risks

This rule will make repairing products you've purchased more affordable and will expand options when looking to get products repaired. Big tech and other manufacturers are warning that repairing products yourself could pose health and safety concerns, warning that the reason they have required that they - pr certified repair technicians - fix broken products is due to dangerous outcomes if consumers repair tractors incorrectly or install batteries. Environmental advocates have come out in support of the new rules saying that consumers will repair more products rather than throw them out due to the cost of having them repaired.

If you have questions about consumer law, your provider attorney will be able to answer them for you, including issues surrounding the repair and maintenance of tech or expensive equipment. In fact, with our legal subscription plans for individuals and families, you'll have access to dedicated, qualified attorneys 24/7 through our app, and your attorney will be able to give you advice, answer questions, review documents, and make calls and send letters on your behalf, and much more, all for one low, monthly subscription fee! Learn more about the essential benefits of our legal subscription plans or sign up now!

Should You Buy The Warranty?

A top-down view of the exposed internal workings of a digital camera.

It's pretty common these days to be asked on almost every large purchase or purchase of electronics if you want to buy an extended warranty, and it's just as common for buyers to decline. Maybe we think that a new purchase will last long enough that it won't matter or go bad quickly enough to qualify for the standard warranty, but there are times when you'll be glad to have made the investment. If you have purchased a warranty and a manufacturer or retailer isn't holding up their end of the bargain, our network of qualified, dedicated attorneys may be able to help you. In the meantime, here is some information about warranties in general:

What Is A Warranty?

A warranty is a manufacturer's guarantee of a product, that it is in good condition and will function well for a stated period of time. A warranty assures customers that the sellers will make it right if the product doesn't meet a certain standard of use. Warranties, and their mechanisms for "making it right" with the customer can vary. Some warranties are manufacturer's warranties, and the manufacturer may want the customer to ship the product to them so that they can make repairs and then return it to you afterward. Some manufacturers will send you a replacement part if the repair is simple enough that the customer can make the repairs. Other warranties replace defective, broken, or malfunctioning products; some of these replacement warranties will replace products with refurbished models. Still other warranties offer cash back refunds, so customers can replace the defective products or buy a different product altogether. How the company decides to handle warranty claims depends entirely on the written warranty - either on printed material with the product or on the manufacturer's web site - and while it's pretty common to skip reading all the fine print, it is probably worthwhile to keep those documents in case something goes wrong with your new purchase, particularly if it is an expensive product.

Warranties have terms and stipulations that govern the use of the warranty; for instance, if the product breaks while you're using it for a purpose for which it was not intended, the warranty may become null and void. Most warranties will not cover damage that is done when the product breaks, either. For instance, if a product has an electrical short and starts a fire, the product warranty won't cover any damage to your house or other belongings.

Warranty Types

Much of what we've covered so far falls under what is known as "express warranties" and "implied warranties." An express warranty is a warranty that is written or otherwise put into words and references the quality and performance of a product. It generally details what is covered, how long it's covered, and what the manufacturer will do to make it right if something goes wrong. Some express warranties can include guarantees made by salespersons or a company orally, but those types of guarantees can be harder to enforce if the need should arise. Getting things in writing is always the best practice.

Implied warranties are assumed standards of function and reliability regardless of if there is a written warranty or not. These are generally referred to as "reasonable expectations." If you've purchased a television, for example, no matter what it says on the box or in any written warranty included in the packaging, consumers have a right to know that the product inside will work for its intended purpose. Implied warranties are laws, so manufacturers can't dodge the responsibility of bad products by not including a written warranty.

Extended warranties are optional and the ones we get asked about at the check stand as we're purchasing products. These offers are usually for $20-$50 or so, but the price can vary; many people pass these offers over because they would rather keep that money now at the risk of spending much more later on repairs and/or replacement. Extended warranties are pretty self-explanatory: they provide additional coverage above and beyond the standard manufacturer's or store warranty, either by providing return, repair, or replacement services for a longer amount of time, or sometimes, broadens the scope of what is covered when it comes to repairs or replacements. Most people encounter extended warranties when purchasing electronics, and, for most electronics purchases, the extended warranty is a coverage period that is longer than the standard warranty. Extended warranties still have terms and conditions, and the extended warranty may be voided if you use the product in ways it wasn't intended or if you try to fix a problem with the product yourself, or if you modify the product in some way.

So, Should You Get The Warranty?

For larger purchases that you may not be able to replace yourself at the end of the standard warranty period - a refrigerator or other appliances, or exercise equipment, for example - the extended warranty is probably a wise investment. Portable electronics that may get damaged from regular use - things such as cell phones or laptops - may also be good investments for extended warranties or additional insurance coverage. Cars and homes, as well as repaired items for both of these - are also good candidates for extended warranties.

But, while manufacturers and retailers would love it everyone bought the extended warranties on everything, the fact is, for many purchases, it may not be economically smart. Buyers should weigh the pros and cons of each offer of extended warranties and decide if the cost is worth it. Is the product likely to break during the time covered by an extended warranty? How much will it cost to repair or replace it on your own? How much effort will you have to put in to get the manufacturer to fix or replace the product? Is the potential benefit worth the cost up front?

In the end, extended warranties can be good investments, but if you have ever had trouble getting a manufacturer or company to hold up their end of the bargain with a repair or replacement agreement in a standard or extended warranty, your attorney through our legal subscription plans may be able to help you. Your lawyer can look over the warranty agreement, get details on what happened while you used the product, and, likely, help you reach a resolution to the matter quicker and easier than you can on your own. Our legal plan memberships cost just $29.95 per month, and pay for themselves the first time you use them! Learn more about all the ways you can benefit from our legal subscription plans, or sign up today!

Medical Billing Errors & Mistakes - What You Need To Know

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Some real talk: medical costs in the United States can be expensive and complicated, and getting through a difficult healthcare system that includes co-pays, insurance, and possibly Medicare or Medicaid regulations is, very often, confusing, at best. But what happens if you get an erroneous bill, such as a bill that isn't yours or a bill that is much more than you anticipated? Sorting through a surprise or incorrect medical bill can be stressful and confusing, but members of our legal subscription plans have legal help at their fingertips when situations like these occur. The first thing you should do is to keep all documents, quotes, and bills together for easy reference by you or your attorney. Read on for a few more tips.

Billing Mistake or Fraud?

One of the surprising things that can happen in cases of identity theft is medical billing fraud. Here's how you can tell the difference between medical billing mistakes and medical billing fraud:

Are the billed services for treatments you actually received but on a different date? This is an example of a billing error. If you receive a bill for treatments, services, or visits but you do not remember those treatments, or the services are on the wrong date or the wrong location, or are for far more than what you were told you would pay, it may be some form of fraud scheme and you should contact your attorney right away. Sometimes, scammers sell or use stolen identity documents, and those credentials are used by someone other than yourself to procure medical services while you get the bill. In cases like these, you should definitely contact your lawyer as soon as possible, as well as credit reporting agencies. We also offer identity theft services that can protect you.

Contesting A Bill

In emergencies, it is easy to overlook things at admission, but if you don't recall something that appears on a medical bill, the first thing you should do is gather relevant documents and insurance information and review those documents. If you are missing documents, it is likely that the documentation is stored electronically, and you should be able to request copies of your medical records from the facility.

Next, contact your insurance company to see if they covered the correct amount. There may have been a mistake concerning a billing code, or incomplete or incorrect information was sent to the insurance company. This happens more frequently than you might think! Next, reach out to the medical provider's billing department for an explanation and to correct any mistakes. Make sure to take notes of your conversations with billing personnel, including the name and title of the person(s) you spoke to. Follow up with an email to the person you talked to so there is a record of what you talked about and any misunderstandings can be cleared up in writing. Some facilities use an online chat and you can download those conversations for your records.

After contacting your insurance company and the medical provider's billing office, you can go over your options. You can work out a payment plan with the provider, or you can dispute the bill. If you choose to dispute the bill, your attorney will be an invaluable resource. Often, lawyers are able to get results most of us just can't get, and the resolution is often cleared up in less time.

Legal Options

Your attorney through our legal subscription plan can help you in many ways:

• Review your documents and give advice

• Make calls or write letters on your behalf

• Assist with dispute resolution through mediation or arbitration, depending on your situation

Do not ignore incorrect billing statements or demands for payment, regardless of the situation. Medical bills get sent to collections all the time and may impact your credit.

Receiving an enormous, incorrect, or even fraudulent bill from a medical provider can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, but members of our legal subscription plans can get access to dedicated, experienced attorneys familiar with insurance companies and medical billing to help. Our plans start at just $29.95 per month and pay for themselves the first time you use them. Work with a medical billing lawyer quickly and easily and get answers to questions and concerns, have phone consultations, get documents reviewed and explained, and much more. Learn more about all the benefits of membership or sign up today!

Cyber Monday Scams: How To Protect Yourself

A miniature shopping cart with a US $20 bill in it sits next to a laptop.

Most people think that Black Friday is the biggest shopping day, but increased online sales around the holidays have pushed Cyber Monday to the number one shopping day of the year. With increased online shopping comes more online scams, though, and it is important to protect your finances from holiday scammers. Members of our legal subscription plans can speak with an experienced consumer finance attorney any time about  concerns with online scams and hundreds of other personal legal matters at no additional fee. In the meantime, here are a few tips to protect yourself while online shopping this holiday season:

Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing

When you come across items that have been greatly discounted, make sure to check the reviews on the site you're shopping to make sure you're not buying damaged or discounted products. Scammers often set up dummy web sites, auction listings, and advertisements on social media that look like amazing deals on brand name products, and then never deliver items sold. These kinds of scams kick into high gear around the holiday shopping season.

Make Sure To Read The Retailer's Return Policy

Disputes most often happen around return or refund policies, so making sure to read through and understand the store's policies and procedures for returns and refunds will likely save you a headache later on if you need to avail yourself of those services. Some companies have high restocking fees, and some discontinued items, or items on sale or clearance may not be eligible for returns or refunds. Customers are sometimes also responsible for return shipping fees. A reputable company will spell these terms out to you somewhere on their site.

Keep Tabs On Your Bank Account

Busy holiday shopping season is prime time for hackers who hack into retailer web sites and steal customer data, so it's important that you check your bank account frequently and be on the lookout for fraudulent charges, especially this time of the year. When spending increases around the holidays, it is easy to overlook charges, so saving receipts and checking them with your bank register can give you peace of mind. If you notice any irregularities, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.

Stick To Trusted Retailers

Double check domain names in your browser to make sure that you are on the correct web site. Emails or online advertising that appears to come from legitimate, trusted retailers can be scams that direct you to sites meant to steal your data or credit card information. The domain name at the top of your browser window should have an https:// at the beginning of the domain name; the "s" tells you that you are on a secure site. Make sure to use unique passwords for online retailers.

Check Out Seller Ratings

Negative feedback from previous customers can often tell you a lot about a seller. Marketplace and auction web sites that allow individual sellers to market their products to a wide audience often have features where customers can rate and review sellers, and these are a good source of information when making a decision to purchase from a seller you aren't familiar with. Be cautious before making a purchase from a seller with poor ratings or bad reviews; read the reviews and decide if you're willing to risk it.

Secure Your Payment Information

Scams abound online, and a common one is to get buyers to pay for items with wire transfers, money orders, gift cards, or cash. Never make payments online via any of these methods as none of them offer any tracking or protection if the transaction turns out to be a scam. Insist on more secure payment options, and consider protecting your credit or debit card information by using a third-party payment service that doesn't reveal your payment information to the seller. Almost all payment processing services offer some kind of buyer protection.

Shopping online any time should be a fun, safe experience, and, with a little forethought, always can be. When scams increase around the holidays, it's important to look out for yourself a little harder to make sure you don't become the victim of a scam or identity theft scheme. Members of our legal subscription plans can talk to experienced, dedicated, consumer finance and identity theft attorneys at any time, and it is included in your monthly fee. Learn more about this essential benefit, or sign up for legal protection today!