Photo by Jaeyoung Geoffrey Kang on Unsplash "Debt is the slavery of the free." -Publilius Syru Many of us have student loans. Many Americans with education debt apply for discharge relief and a new income-driven payment plan. The US Department of Education proposes a new income-driven repayment plan that caps monthly payments for undergraduate loans at 5% of a borrower's discretionary income—that is half the Read More
How to Improve a Business: Whether it is your own business or another business you support.
We put together some tips on how to improve a business and workspace: Organize. Getting organized is a key to improving your business or employment skills. Many software-as-a-service (SaaS) tools exist to increase organization. Online programs such as Slack, Asana, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, are types of platforms that assist businesses and employees to collaborate more efficiently. Keeping your office and desk Read More
What the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act is and How it Can Help You as a Business owner and Consumer.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ― Nelson Mandela The Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (the Act) provides a person (which could be a person or business as defined under the Act) with a legal remedy when harmed by any person, by an unlawful act, use, or practice in connection with a sale or advertisement of merchandise. The Act prohibits unfair and deceptive business Read More
Tips on when you should seek legal advice, and other options that may be available.
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash It is not what a lawyer tells me I may do; but what humanity, reason, and justice tell me I ought to do. - Edmund Burke I am not sure I need a lawyer but think I might… Lawyers often help clients in matters that have nothing to do with legal disputes. For example, a business owner might seek a lawyer’s guidance on the legal aspects of starting a business or entering Read More
Financial Literacy: What it means and why it matters.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin Financial Literacy has been defined as the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial well-being. We can use financial knowledge to make better decisions. From everyday spending to long-term planning, intentional money management could mean leveraging money or access to it to Read More
What are options one has when in dispute with another member of the limited liability company (LLC) or when you have an ownership interest in a corporation?
Governing documents of an LLC, the “operating agreement,” should provide detailed information on how most ownership disputes within the business should be dealt with by a fellow member. An operating agreement should identify the responsibilities of each member and the first course of action to be taken to resolve a dispute. Alternatively, an operating agreement may provide that the members are not liable to each Read More
Is it too late to file a lawsuit?
A statute of limitation is a law that prescribes the period to file a legal claim. In general, once the statute of limitation “runs out” the legal claim cannot be pursued. The duration under which you can file a lawsuit varies depending on the type of legal claim and related conduct. Some unlawful conduct could extend the deadline, or “toll” a statute of limitation. Statutes of Limitation for claims based on Read More
A Few Tips on Turning Your Hobby into a Business
“Strive not to be a success, but to be of Value.” – Albert Einstein You don’t have to quit your job and go into debt to start a business. It’s often a good idea to start slowly to allow the freedom to experiment and learn as you go. Generally speaking, service businesses are the businesses that require the smallest initial investment and may allow you to operate from your home. You should check with your city Read More
A Few Tips on How to Complain Effectively
This month’s article offers tips on how to approach a business with a complaint when you have a problem with goods or services purchased. Everyone has a right to be given specifics about a product or service prior to purchase (including warranties) and about the process to resolve a problem if the promised product or service is not provided. Always ask about the process at purchase and get it in writing. Prior Read More
How can we create a better contract?
Contracts are used to control conduct, usually with incentives and penalties to ensure the desired outcome. Penalties and incentives place the focus on the desired outcomes, rather than what might make the best practical sense to serve the best interests and circumstances of those involved. For example, contracts that provide incentives for volume or higher prices, rather than quality or value, may lead to Read More
