Lawyer Direct Loan Servicing vs Insurance

protection on roads

2009-01-11T02:17:00.000+07:00

Big safety gains for small cars

As gas prices lead buyers to smaller vehicles, safety concerns arise again

Christine Tierney / The Detroit News

As soaring gas prices push consumers to consider buying smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles, questions about whether small cars offer enough protection on roads filled with large vehicles are cropping up once again.

But in the years since the last oil shock, automakers have worked to make small cars safer than ever. Their occupants still aren't as protected as those in many larger vehicles, but the latest statistics show small cars have made big gains in safety.

Automakers are equipping them with more protective features, such as side air bags. They are redesigning them to disperse energy generated by a crash away from the passenger compartment. And they are using more new materials, such as high-strength steel, to reinforce the sides.

As a result, the death rate for drivers of the smallest cars dropped to 106 per million registered vehicles in 2006 from 165 a decade earlier, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

That means the smallest cars are now safer than small pickups, a category with 116 fatalities per million vehicles. Death rates in the small car category are on par with fatalities among large pickup drivers.

Still, the driver death rate for very small cars is significantly higher than fatality rates for drivers of vehicles in the safest categories -- the largest sedans, with 41 deaths per million vehicles, and the biggest SUVs, with 33 deaths.

"There's an advantage to being larger and heavier," said Adrian Lund, president of Arlington, Va.-based Insurance Institute, an organization funded by auto insurers. "Those are the laws of physics, and they still hold."

While today's small cars are safer than earlier models, he said, "the risk of dying in the smallest car relative to the largest car is still 2-to-1."

According to the latest figures, 32,092 vehicle occupants died in U.S. road accidents in 2006, most of them drivers.

To reduce the risks for small car occupants, automakers are pursuing several approaches. One is to design all vehicles so that they are aligned if they hit each other, avoiding the horrible situations that occurred when trucks literally drove over compacts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has encouraged efforts to increase so-called vehicle compatibility because of the surge in recent years in the numbers of light trucks on the road. After automakers started redesigning truck and SUV fronts in 2005, lowering them in some cases, fatality rates for car occupants in collisions with trucks fell substantially, according to NHTSA.

Automakers also are equipping vehicles with electronic crash-avoidance systems that can detect an impending collision and take protective measures, such as braking or tightening the seat belts. Many luxury models have such systems, which tend to trickle down the range of vehicles, appearing initially in the largest and most expensive models and eventually reaching the smallest.

In late 2003, Honda Motor Co. established a "safety for everyone" policy promising a core set of protective features in all its vehicles. "The thinking was, everyone deserves safety regardless of the size or price of the vehicle," said John Mendel, executive vice president at American Honda Motor.

"Today, when you're looking at consumers coming out of larger vehicles looking for fuel economy, it adds a level of reinforcement that they're not compromising," he said.

In May, when software specialist Jim Kurtz started shopping for a car for his 16-year-old daughter, he wanted something that would be safe as well as fuel-efficient. Early this month, he settled on a $16,154 Honda Fit subcompact.

"It had all the safety equipment I was looking for -- not just front, but also side- and side-curtain air bags," said Kurtz, a Baltimore-area resident. "All this and ABS (anti-lock braking) are standard on the Fit."

Honda is running short of Fits because of a dramatic shift in demand toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Small cars are the fastest-growing category in the U.S. auto market this year, with sales up 12 percent, while light-truck sales have fallen 16 percent this year.

"One of the reasons we're seeing this happen so quickly is that people are confident that small cars can be safe," said John Hanson, a spokesman for Toyota Motor Corp.'s U.S. sales subsidiary.

The government imposes some of the world's most stringent safety standards, requiring European and Asian automakers to adapt and even redesign cars destined for the American market.

Compared with the 2001 Dodge Neon compact, Chrysler LLC's new Dodge Caliber features much more safety equipment, including government-mandated tire-pressure monitoring, since poorly inflated tires are more likely to blow out. The Caliber gets five stars for the driver and front passenger in government front-impact tests, and for the driver and rear passenger in side impact tests. The older Neon earned four stars in the front-impact tests, and three stars in the side-impact tests.

Today, 14 of the 17 top-selling small cars get good frontal crash test ratings from the IIHS. In 1997, none of the top-selling small cars earned a good rating.

In the category of subcompacts and mini cars, four of the six subcompacts get good front-impact ratings, as does Daimler AG's boxy Smart two-seater.

Subcompact sales account for 6 percent of U.S. auto sales, but the segment is expected to grow as automakers introduce more subcompacts, including the Ford Fiesta designed in Europe and a small car that Nissan Motor Co. will build for Chrysler.

International Lawyers

2009-01-11T02:09:00.001+07:00

International Lawyers

By WORLDLawDirect

Need help? Review common international legal problems and solutions on our site, or click "Ask Our Lawyers" above. Our international lawyers are always available for you.

We provide international law and business solutions for the U.S., Europe, China, Russia and more than 26 other countries: human rights, war, treaties, trading, globalization, tourism, outsourcing, international contracts, global finance, and general international business.

Whatever your question this week, our international lawyers have had the answer:

Global business advice, Russian law, international divorce, travel and tourism issues, legal forms, Swiss law and banking issues, Chinese business law, international immigration law, international adoption, Ukrainian law, Canadian law, globalization, law of Mexico, doing business in China, international child custody and adoption, letters of credit, Chinese manufacturers, travel visas, contracts, legal advice internationally, Chinese customs issues, European law, outsourcing issues, contracts with companies in India and China, Indian business and family law, international debt collection, international family law, international lawyers for small businesses, private detective services in the U.S. and internationally, customs, VAT issues, visas to Canada, English law and hundreds of other issues. You name it; it's here or we'll answer it!

Accreditation Service for International Colleges - ASIC

2009-01-11T02:07:00.002+07:00

Accreditation Service for International Colleges - ASIC has especially commended West End College London on the following areas:

Well maintained premises and well qualified & experienced staff
The teaching is well planned, involves a range of approaches, and uses support resources and high quality handouts.
Good general support for students, and its creation of a student-centred culture
Level of staff commitment, and their support for students’ academic development
Accessibility of all staff outside of formal classes, which is much appreciated by the students
The extensive use of schemes of work and lesson planning
The students’ appreciation of the benefits of small classes where they receive much personal attention
The college offers a meet and greet service as well as help in finding accommodation and students confirmed that they had benefitted from an effective welfare service
The college has an ethics policy which is implemented by its own staff and by its education representatives and agents
At West End College London there is a good system in place for monitoring coursework assignments and tracking progress

West End College London (WECL) located in the heart of London city has been delivering high quality academic and vocational courses since last few years.

WECL offers a range of under graduate, post graduate and professional courses, especially in the fields of Business Administration, Computer Science, Accounting and Law.

The college attracts students of all ages and ethnic backgrounds who benefit from the high quality teaching & learning offered by qualified and experienced teaching staff.

WECL educational environment is enriched by its international and multi-cultural ethos. WECL study programmes are designed to develop high caliber personnel and are a direct response to the needs of the contemporary and increasingly technical world. An overview of the WECL prospectus illustrates the range of programmes that WECL offers in its pursuit of providing quality theoretical and practical education, high skill and technical development of students.

Study courses are lead by experienced professionals and specialists who work to nurture the development of general and specific talents of students. Amongst other objectives, WECL programmes intend to equip students academically and experientially with paradigms that would enhance future leadership structures.

The college offers state of the art resources to assist students in their learning experience; this includes an extensive information technology laboratory, a library and other reprographic facilities.

In meeting the academic needs of its constituents, the college gives the highest priority for resource allocation to provide undergraduate education and for the development of areas that represent the traditional strengths, qualities, reputation, and uniqueness of WECL.

The overall aim of the college is to ensure that through high quality teaching and learning students gain the qualifications, broad knowledge, skills and experience to allow them to participate in a competitive global economy.

Why Wait to Save on Car Insurance?

2009-01-08T23:34:00.005+07:00

Why Wait to Save on Car Insurance?

With car insurance, you don't have to wait for the new year to begin saving.

In today's economy, trimming your household budget might be one of your New Year's resolutions.

And you wouldn't be alone: According to a recent survey, 65 percent of people say they resolve to save money in 2009. Why? Not surprisingly, the majority (67 percent) say it's due to the unstable economy.

Why Wait to Save on Car Insurance?

Luckily, shopping around for car insurance is one way you can save big bucks. With this in mind, follow these six tips to help you manage your car insurance costs in the new year:

Shop around. Rates can vary greatly from company to company, so shop around to find the best deal. Independent insurance agents represent more than one insurance company, so they can compare multiple policies and rates to find the one that's right for you. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, Web sites like Progressive.com will help you compare its rates with those from other companies. And switching can pay off. For instance, people who switched to Progressive last year saved more than $350 on their annual premium.
Check to make sure your policy is up to date. If you've moved, gotten married or if it has been at least three years since your last driving violation, check with your insurance company. You may be eligible for lower rates.
Know before you buy. Before you buy a new car, research what it will cost to insure. Generally, smaller cars with lower horsepower are less expensive to insure.
Check coverages. Owners of older or inexpensive cars should consider dropping Comprehensive and Collision coverages. Doing that can save hundreds of dollars each year. Also, many auto insurers give you the option to add rental coverage to your policy, which pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired following an accident. While conditions and costs vary from company to company, it may be unnecessary if you can find other transportation. The same goes for options like Roadside Assistance coverage; if you have AAA or a lease agreement, you likely don't need it on your auto policy.
Raise your deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible to $500 could reduce your Collision and Comprehensive costs by 15 to 30 percent.
Check for available discounts. Ask your carrier if it offers reduced premiums for certain car features like anti-lock brakes. You might also be eligible for discounts if you pay in full, are a loyal customer, sign up for paperless billing, list another car on your policy and more.

News

Esurance Ranked #1
Auto Insurance Web Site
for Consumer Experience
Change Sciences - Oct. 2008

Once again, Esurance has received top honors from
Change Sciences, a leading Web usability analysis firm. According to a report released by the group in October 2008, Esurance had the most usable, informative, and persuasive rate quote process. Of the 19 leading auto insurance companies evaluated, Esurance's Web site required visitors to enter the least amount of information to get an accurate quote, and also led the pack when it came to the ability to purchase an auto insurance policy online

Loan/Lease Payoff Coverage FAQs

How do I know if I need Loan/Lease Payoff coverage?

Compare what you owe on your vehicle (available from your lender or lessor) to the actual cash value of your vehicle. If the amount you still owe is higher than the actual cash value, the difference might not be covered by your insurance.

How can I determine the actual cash value of my vehicle?

A vehicle's actual cash value is determined by evaluating a number of factors, including the vehicle's age and condition prior to the loss, as well as any prior damage, improvements, or special equipment. Do some research in your area to see the sales price of vehicles similar to yours. You can also access edmunds.com or yahoo.com to get a general idea of your vehicle's actual cash value.

Am I eligible for Loan/Lease Payoff coverage from Progressive?

If you are a new or existing Progressive customer, you can purchase Loan/Lease Payoff coverage for vehicles that you lease or for which you have an unpaid loan. This coverage is only available if your loan or lease is held by a financial institution, not an individual. You must have Comprehensive and Collision coverage, as well.

How much will Loan/Lease Payoff coverage cost?

The actual premium will vary according to the type of vehicle insured.

Is there a dollar limit on the payoff?

After your Comprehensive coverage or your Collision coverage has paid you the actual cash value for your vehicle, less your deductible, your Loan/Lease Payoff coverage will pay the difference between the actual cash value and any additional amount you owe under the terms of your vehicle lease or loan (excepting fees and charges). However, the payment made under this coverage may not exceed 25 percent of the actual cash value.

How do I know when to drop this coverage?

If you purchase Loan/Lease Payoff coverage, you will receive an annual notice beginning three years after you purchase your policy. The notice informs you that you may no longer need the coverage, which you can drop from your policy.

Why wouldn't my insurance company just pay off the loan or lease?

Insurance companies do not ordinarily pay more than the actual cash value of the vehicle. If you owe more on your vehicle than the actual cash value, Loan/Lease Payoff coverage would provide you with protection for the difference.

Can I get this coverage from my dealer or lender?

Some dealers and lenders offer Loan/Lease Payoff coverage, but coverage through Progressive is billed as part of your total insurance premium. The claims process would be easier if you add this coverage to your existing policy because you would only have to deal with one company and one claims representative in the event of a loss.

Does Progressive offer Loan/Lease Payoff coverage in my state?

This coverage is offered in all states except New York and North Carolina. Progressive also offers Loan/Lease Payoff coverage in Washington, D.C.

The American Lawyer Awards

2009-01-08T23:21:00.002+07:00

The American Lawyer Awards

Lifetime Achievement Awards
The American Lawyer celebrates the distinguished careers of individuals whose world-class practice and commitment to public service make them an inspiration to the rest of the legal profession.

A-List Awards
Each year 20 firms are named whose economic, pro bono, workplace satisfaction and diversity performance set them above the rest.

Corporate Counsel Best Legal Department
Corporate Counsel magazine names the best in-house law department and finalists, based not only on the achievements of the general counsel, but on an in-depth look at the entire corporate legal department.

Litigation Awards
The American Lawyer The American Lawyer celebrates the Litigation Department of the Year, as named in the January 2008 issue of The American Lawyer. Am Law 200 firms were invited to compete for the overall title as well as laurels in one of three specialties: Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, and Product Liability.

Create your Watch List
on martindale.com

As a registered user of martindale.com you can add lawyers and law firms to your watch list. Securely add comments, compare lawyers and law firms in your watch list, and access these profiles with one click from your martindale.com homepage.

Q & A

2009-01-08T22:26:00.002+07:00

Today's Q & A

Criminal Law
Can the Second Chance Act Help My Dying Grandfather Get Early Release?
Jeralyn Merritt

My Grandfather was convicted and has served 21 years of his sentence. He is dying of cancer and our family would like him to be able to live the rest of his life outside of prison. We were wondering if the second chance law would apply to him and how we would go about getting him clemency.

-- Anonymous

A.

In March, Congress passed the Second Chance Act. President Bush signed it into law a few weeks ago. It's purpose is to help prisoners reintegrate into society when they complete their prison sentences, and to reduce recidivism. About 700,000 state and federal prisoners are released every year.

The Act authorizes funds to be spent on programs such as education and drug treatment inside prison. Other programs will provide assistance with housing and employment after release. There are also programs aimed at strengthening family and community ties.

One portion of the bill pertains to early release of federal elderly prisoners. It is a limited pilot program called the Elderly and Family Reunification for Certain Nonviolent Offenders. It will be in place at only one federal prison. In order to qualify for it, the prisoner must be at least 65 years old and serving a sentence of less than life in prison for a nonviolent offense that also is not a sex crime. He or she has to have served more than 10 years, or 75% of their original sentence, whichever is greater.

Sound daunting? There's more. The prisoner can't have a past conviction for a state or federal violent crime or sex offense. And, the prisoner must be determined by the Bureau of Prisons not to have a history of violence or sexual misconduct even if conviction free. The prisoner must also have a record free of escape attempts.

If the prisoner meets these qualifications, the Bureau of Prisons can release him or her to home detention, provided it believes that such release is not likely to endanger any person or the community.

The program is likely to be in place around October, 2009 and last through 2010.

If your grandfather is already ill, your better bet would be to contact a post-conviction lawyer in your state who can advise you if your grandfather is eligible for release under some other law or regulation.

-- Jeralyn Merritt

Real Estate
Disclosure Of Defects In Condo Purchase
Michael T. Sawyier

My husband and I purchased our condo in May 2007. At that time, there were no scheduled special assessments on the property. However in November 2007, we learned that the building was to undergo a $1MM+ special assessment, to be divided amongst all the owners of the property. Our portion of the special assessment is to be between $12-18K.

This special assessment came about as a result of an engineering report commissioned in 2005 to evaluate the state of the building. This report was commissioned for litigation the building's owners were involved in against the developer. While the results of the report were never divulged publicly to all the owners, we learned that the person who sold us our condo was the person who commissioned the report. This, of course, means that he was fully aware that the results of the report stated the building had structural defects in it. We can prove his knowledge of the defects by obtaining a copy of the engineering report which was addressed directly to him. He never disclosed this information to us during the sale of the condo. Additionally, the owner who sold the condo to us was also previously on the condo association's board and was the listing agent of the property.

My question: Do we have any legal recourse here since we can prove that the owner did not disclose defects in the building that he had knowledge of? Keep in mind that these are defects to the overall building structure, NOT to our condo alone.

-- Anonymous

A.

Illinois' Residential Real Property Disclosure Act is designed to protect buyers of residential real property, including condominium property, by requiring that sellers disclose certain known material defects in the property. Under the Act, a material defect is defined as a condition that would have a substantial adverse effect on the value of the property or that would significantly impair the health or safety of future occupants of the residential real property, unless the seller believes the condition has been corrected. The Act does not require the seller of condominium unit to disclose defects in the common elements of a condominium.

However, in the case that you describe, the seller's failure to disclose these known defects that would lead to the special assessment may have violated a representation or warranty in the sales contract itself that the seller did not know of any such defects. In addition, a number of reported Illinois decisions have held that mere silence by a seller with knowledge of such material "latent" defects, when they are not know to or readily discoverable by a buyer, can constitute fraud and are actionable in court.

-- Michael T. Sawyier

CC had already laid off 20 US litigators last year

2009-01-08T21:06:00.004+07:00

Hi there ... TESTING .. TESTING .. PINDAHKAN TEXT INI SAYANG

pindahkan gambar ini ...

CC had already laid off 20 US litigators last year

hiburan sejenak drpd BOWWWRRIIINGGG

CC set to lay off up to 80 lawyers in the City

Author: Sofia Lind

Published: 08/01/2009 10:32

Email article | Comment on this article | Sign up to News Alerts

Clifford Chance (CC) has launched a redundancy program in its London HQ with the magic circle firm potentially set to cut around 70-80 lawyers.

The consultation, which kicked off today (8 January), does not include business support services, which the firm said will be subject to a separate review.

The move, which will put nearly one in 10 of CC’s London lawyers under threat, makes CC the first top London law firm to launch a formal redundancy programme in the UK in recent memory.

CC had already laid off 20 US litigators last year, citing a general lack of disputes work. In contrast, the UK job cuts are expected to come across the board as CC carries out a comprehensive review of its practice.

London regional managing partner Jeremy Sandelson (pictured) said: “We have not taken this decision lightly. However, like any other business, we have to respond to prevailing market conditions.

"Our clients and their legal services needs have undergone significant change over the past year. We need to reflect that in the London office, and that includes ensuring that our level of staffing is appropriate for today’s economic realities. By taking action now, we believe we will be well-placed once conditions begin to improve.”

A CC spokesperson added that the firm’s 200 UK trainees were unaffected by the review and stressed that CC intended to maintain its current level of graduate and trainee intake. The spokesperson also said that the firm has no current plans for job cuts across its foreign offices.

Job cuts early in the New Year had been expected by partners after it was confirmed in December that CC’s revenues had shrunk by 5%-7% in the first half of the current financial year.

However, the scale of the proposed cuts will be seen as stark evidence that the global recession is now having a substantive impact on some of the world’s largest law firms, despite their status as downturn-resistant businesses. CC is regarded to have so far fared worse than its London peers, in part due to its heavy exposure to struggling practice areas such as private equity and capital markets.

Attention will now focus on whether other leading City rivals will follow suit. Top-tier London firms have in recent years avoided making formal redundancies in the UK, though such firms are sometimes accused of disguising market-related cuts on performance terms.

CC’s move makes the firm the latest in a string of top 100 UK law firms to cut jobs in response to the sharp slowdown in the global economy. At present more than 1,000 UK jobs in the legal services industry have been cut in the last 12 months.

Car Insurance Shopping Tips

2009-01-07T15:19:00.000+07:00

Car Insurance Shopping Tips

Savvy consumers know it pays to do the legwork and shop around for car insurance. Considering prices for a six-month policy can vary greatly between companies, why not take the time to compare rates for several companies? To help you in your quest for car insurance, we've compiled a few tips that can help you save money and make the right choices for your situation.

Before you get started, review your insurance coverages and keep your auto policy on hand to make fair comparisons to your current coverage. Then start shopping. Visit insurance Web sites and insurance agents/brokers and get quotes. Following are a few more shopping tips.

Learn the Lingo

Do you know whether or not you need PIP coverage? Can you explain BI or PD coverage? Before you buy, learn the basic auto insurance lingo — it can help you make coverage decisions that are right for you. Visit our insurance definitions section and expand your knowledge now!

Stay with a Leader

Visit A.M. Best, Moody's Investor Service, and Standard & Poor's for information on the financial strength of various car insurance companies and what benefits and features they offer.

Enhance Your Experience

For 24/7 customer and claims service and the ability to manage your policy and pay your bills online, you need a company that can do more than simply provide a car insurance quote on its Web site. Visit progressive.com to see how much online control and access you have with Progressive.

Progressive Direct® in most states and situations

2009-01-07T15:12:00.002+07:00

Learn more about comparison rates, which are available from Progressive Direct^® in most states and situations. Auto insurance prices and products are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through agents/brokers. Rate comparisons provided here are based on our Progressive Direct auto insurance product and Progressive Direct's credit evaluation. Consumers can select a different credit evaluation when they obtain competitor rates through our comparison rate service.

research about student loans

2009-01-07T14:36:00.000+07:00

Financial Aid Basics

As I undergone a lot of research about student loans, one of the most useful information that students should know today is about how to get financial support in college. As I learned, many are not aware about this. Some are aware but are not familiar with how the process goes. This pushes to have this to give some clear options and ways. Here is the information I get from a great site.

STEP 1: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The primary form necessary to qualify for federal student aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Pell and FSEOG Grants, Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans (at many schools), and Federal Work-Study all require a FAFSA filing for eligibility. The FAFSA examines a family's financial situation and qualifies students for aid based on U.S. Department of Education guidelines.

The FAFSA is completed at the end of each calendar year for the coming academic year (generally from the late summer of one year to the late spring of the next). It may not be submitted until January 1 of the new academic year. For example, for the 2003-04 school year, a FAFSA may not be submitted until January 1, 2003. It is always recommended that a family file the FAFSA as quickly as possible.

Following the submission of the FAFSA, the government will submit a Student Aid Report (SAR) detailing the financial aid for which the family is eligible. The SAR usually arrives four to eight weeks after the government receives the FAFSA. Copies of it can be sent to the school(s) to which the student has applied to be admitted (request this when filing the FAFSA). If your SAR fails to arrive within four weeks, or if you need another copy, contact Federal Student Aid Programs at 319-337-5665.

STEP 2: Search for Scholarships

While awaiting results, a student can look for scholarships (often called Fellowships For Graduate Study). The search can begin as early as a family wishes, but awards begin to be finalized in the spring preceding the start of the academic year. You can search for scholarships on NextSTUDENT.com.

STEP 3: Investigating Loans

While it is the hope of every family to be able to cover the entire cost of education with grants and scholarships ("free money"), the unfortunate reality is that most families will have to borrow or use their assets to fund higher education. The rule of thumb for families is grab all the "free money" available, and then borrow wisely. The three federal loan programs are often a great way to borrow wisely. Although there are alternatives, these programs offer the best terms and easiest qualification for most families.

Perkins Loan

The Perkins Loan is the most affordable federal loan since it has the lowest interest rate (5%) and fees. However, the Perkins Loan is only available to families based on need; so if the government doesn't offer it on the SAR, you can't get it. It also has a $4,000 limit and is borrowed in the student's name without respect to credit worthiness.

Stafford Loan

The Stafford Loan is also borrowed in the student's name. A dependent undergraduate student can borrow $2,625 for the first year; as a sophomore $3,500; and as a junior or senior $5,500. Independent undergraduate students receive additional eligibility for $4,000 for the first two years and $5,000 for the last two. The interest rate is variable yearly and capped at 8.25% -- lower than the PLUS Loan (below) but higher than the Perkins Loan. Some of the interest may be subsidized by the Federal Government for those who qualify. As with the Perkins Loan, credit worthiness is not an issue.

Plus Loan

The Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a loan for parents of dependent undergraduate students. It has a slightly higher interest rate than the Stafford Loan, but is only limited in amount by the cost of education not already covered by other forms of aid. For instance, if the cost of education at a school is $25,000, and the student has already received $5,000 in other aid, then the parent of the student may borrow the remaining $20,000 necessary to cover the cost of schooling. The parent that borrows the money must only meet federal minimum standards for credit worthiness to qualify.

STEP 4: The Award Letter

In the springtime, the school(s) to which the student has been accepted will issue their Award Letter(s). The Award Letter lists all the aid the student is eligible for and what the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is to be.

STEP 5: Applying for Loans

The final step in the financial aid process is to apply for the loans for which the family is eligible. Schools often send preprinted Perkins and Stafford Loan applications to the student in the award-letter package, but ask the student to select a lender from a provided list. The student may either choose one of the listed lenders or apply for private loans. PLUS-Loan eligibility is normally not listed. When this is the case, a parent must contact a lender to receive an application.

reference: http://www.youngmoney.com/financial_aid/faq/020809_04

lawyer or insurance

2009-01-07T08:20:00.001+07:00

I think SUMO my choice ... keep $mile :)

Insurance or assurance

2009-01-07T08:15:00.000+07:00

Insurance vs. assurance

Outside the US , the specific uses of the terms "insurance" and "assurance" are sometimes confused. In general, in these jurisdictions

"insurance" refers to providing cover for an event that might happen (fire, theft, flood, etc.), while

"assurance" is the provision of cover for an event that is certain to happen.

spending money on insurance

2009-01-07T08:14:00.000+07:00

Many people feel like spending money on insurance is a waste but if you find yourself in a situation where you stuff is damaged or stolen then it is just pennies because the cost to replace those items will be much higher than what the insurance is going to cost you.

You may want to also talk with an agent and ask them about the different policies and coverage that you can get. If you decide to still search online for the best price it is a good idea to get informed before you make a purchase.

compare car or life insurance quotes

2009-01-07T08:03:00.001+07:00

what do u thing ...

It is very difficult in this day and age to find time to compare car or life insurance quotes due to the large amount of false advertising in the insurance world. Choose the right insurance policy is the best in our life.=)

loan terms

2009-01-07T06:25:00.000+07:00

Do I understand the loan terms?

· Before borrowing, you should know exactly what you're getting and what you're paying. Never be afraid to ask the lender to explain any fees, terms or conditions you don't understand. And never sign a blank form.
· Make sure what you sign is what you agreed to verbally. Don't sign any contract that does not agree with what the salesperson presented.

Also:

· Ask yourself if prepaying for credit life insurance is the best way for you to go. It will protect your family by paying off the loan if you get sick or die. But paying it up-front can add to the monthly cost of your loan.
· Think twice about a loan that has a large amount due at the end of the scheduled payments. This
one final, or "balloon," payment could be beyond your ability to repay.
· Watch out for lenders who tell you not to worry if you find you can't pay your mortgage—they'll help
you refinance your loan if you need to. Predatory lenders make money from the high fees and
closing costs they'll charge you to refinance the loan they knew you couldn't afford to repay in the
first place.
· Never sign a loan contract until you have all the facts—and understand every part of what you're
signing. Ask for advice from someone you trust: a banker, an accountant or a family member or
friend who has had experience with getting and paying back loans. Or call a local nonprofit credit
counseling agency for free help (you'll find them in the Yellow Pages).
· Remember that you have the legal right to change your mind for any reason within three days of
signing most loan contracts that use your home as the security.

Loan terms

2009-01-07T06:18:00.005+07:00

Do I understand the loan terms?

· Before borrowing, you should know exactly what you're getting and what you're paying. Never be afraid to ask the lender to explain any fees, terms or conditions you don't understand. And never sign a blank form.
· Make sure what you sign is what you agreed to verbally. Don't sign any contract that does not agree with what the salesperson presented.

Also:

· Ask yourself if prepaying for credit life insurance is the best way for you to go. It will protect your family by paying off the loan if you get sick or die. But paying it up-front can add to the monthly cost of your loan.
· Think twice about a loan that has a large amount due at the end of the scheduled payments. This
one final, or "balloon," payment could be beyond your ability to repay.
· Watch out for lenders who tell you not to worry if you find you can't pay your mortgage—they'll help
you refinance your loan if you need to. Predatory lenders make money from the high fees and
closing costs they'll charge you to refinance the loan they knew you couldn't afford to repay in the
first place.
· Never sign a loan contract until you have all the facts—and understand every part of what you're
signing. Ask for advice from someone you trust: a banker, an accountant or a family member or
friend who has had experience with getting and paying back loans. Or call a local nonprofit credit
counseling agency for free help (you'll find them in the Yellow Pages).
· Remember that you have the legal right to change your mind for any reason within three days of
signing most loan contracts that use your home as the security.

Insurance for Homeowners

2009-01-06T13:07:00.000+07:00

Insurance Tips for Homeowners

You've unpacked your things and settled into your new home. But have you thought about how this will affect your insurance needs? Buying a home involves more than just making sure you have homeowners insurance coverage. If you've recently purchased a home, here are some types of insurance that may be impacted by your recent move.

Homeowners insurance

If you have a mortgage, your lender probably required you to obtain some level of homeowners insurance coverage. However, you'll want to make sure that the amount of coverage that you have will adequately protect you for all possible losses. Homeowners policies set coverage limits for specific items (e.g., jewelry), so you may want to look into purchasing a separate endorsement or a floater if you feel that you need to increase your coverage. You also need to know if you have "replacement cost" coverage on your personal property and if you are covered for earthquake damage.

Flood insurance

Homeowners insurance does not provide coverage for flood damage. But those living on a riverbank or near the ocean are not the only ones who warrant flood protection. Even if you live in a low-lying area (e.g., near a creek), you may want to look into purchasing flood insurance. Most companies that sell homeowners insurance also sell flood insurance, so try contacting your own insurance company for more information.

Auto insurance

If you think that there is no connection between buying a home and auto insurance, think again. If you're ever in an auto accident that is the result of your negligence, all of your assets (including your home) could be subject to liability claims if the claims exceed the liability limits of your auto insurance policy. So, you should re-evaluate the existing liability limits on your auto insurance policy to make sure that you have adequate coverage to protect your home. If you feel that you need even more coverage, you may want to look into purchasing a separate umbrella liability policy, which would pay for damages that exceed the coverage limits on your auto and/or homeowners insurance policy.

Disability insurance

Would you be able to make your monthly mortgage payments if you were unable to work due to an accident or illness? A disability insurance policy will pay you a monthly benefit to replace a portion of your income until you are able to work again. Many employers provide disability insurance for their employees. If your employer does not offer disability insurance or if you are self-employed, you can purchase an individual disability policy.

Life insurance

What if you were to die before your mortgage was paid off? Would your family be able to keep up with the remaining mortgage payments? Life insurance can provide your family with the funds to pay off their debts, as well as replace a portion of your income. While many employers offer some level of life insurance coverage to their employees, this amount of coverage may not be enough to provide financial security to your family. So, you may want to consult an insurance professional to help you assess your family's life insurance needs.

Usage-Based Car Insurance

2009-01-06T13:05:00.000+07:00

Usage-Based Car Insurance - The Freedom to Choose in California (and elsewhere)

The next big thing in car insurance could be a small device placed in your vehicle that tracks your driving habits and determines just how safe a driver you are. In California, usage-based insurance savings could be worth an average of $276 per vehicle for the majority of state households (according to a report by the Brookings Institution) but many are concerned about the potential loss of privacy.

How Does it Work?
Proposition 103 requires insurers to set their insurance rates based upon specific factors, including the number of miles driven each year. Assembly Bill 2800, which passed in the California Senate Appropriations Committee, allows insurers to more accurately base premiums using mileage information.

Consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog expressed concerns around the bill, stating that the bill "...would force drivers to choose between fair insurance rates and protecting their privacy."

However, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, proposed a plan with three options for reporting mileage:

with electronic monitoring of mileage
submission of maintenance records or
having regular odometer checks by insurance company representatives.

Poizner's proposal would maintain the incentive of usage-based insurance while giving consumers more freedom to choose exactly how the information would be gathered.

The Company Line
The LA Times reported that most insurance companies were generally in favor of the plan. Annual mileage is an important factor in setting insurance premiums: fewer miles driven means fewer accidents and lower rates. Insurance companies are also intrigued by the fascinating—and potentially disturbing—additional information that some of the electronic monitoring devices can report, helping those companies determine which drivers are more likely to have accidents—and who should pay more for insurance.

A Real World Example—MyRate(sm) by Progressive
Progressive's MyRate(sm) program is a usage-based insurance program that uses an installed device similar to that of the usage-based proposal, though their device and program are more sophisticated. Their device uses cell phone technology to call a central computer to report driving information to the company. It's being tested in several states before a national rollout, once regulatory approval is attained.

Richard Hutchinson, Progressive's MyRate(sm) General Manager, said that the program was designed "...primarily for lower-risk drivers who are consistent and safe. They drive at low risk times of day and they keep alert for others on the road. They don't make fast lane changes or follow too closely behind other drivers so they don't have to over-react or slam on the brakes."

While the MyRate(sm) program differs from the California proposal in that it tracks more than just mileage, these additional factors relating to the driver's behavior are reported back to the insurance company and are part of an overall assessment and combine to either lower rates—or raise them.

Winners and Losers
Usage-based car insurance is best suited for low-mileage drivers. If you drive more miles than you have reported to your company in the past, you may find your premiums increasing, regardless of your driving habits.

Currently rates are based on the information actually reported to the companies by the drivers. Most drivers estimate annual mileage, and few realize that there may already be potential discounts available if they drive less than 10,000 miles each year. Sometimes these potential savings don't come up until drivers compare rates between auto insurance companies.

Save Money, Save the World?
Environment Defense, a nonprofit environmental group, estimates that usage-based car insurance could reduce driving and congestion by 10% to 12%, while reducing air pollution and other negative environmental impact from vehicles. With fewer cars on the road, the number of accidents and injuries could also fall.

Risk Versus Reward
Some of the main objections will always revolve around privacy. While the legislation and counter-proposal in California currently revolve around only mileage tracking, eventually most of these devices will contain GPS technology, allowing insurance companies to not only track how far and how fast you've traveled, but also where and when. These are all risk factors determining your premium. For some people, this level of transparency and disclosure is totally unacceptable, and not worth any amount of insurance savings. For others, with nothing to hide, paying less for car insurance might prove very tempting indeed.

What Would You Do?
So, are the potential savings worth it? Would you voluntarily place a tracking device in your vehicle for auto insurance savings? Let us know!

auto insurance

2009-01-06T13:04:00.001+07:00

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manage your car insurance

2009-01-06T13:02:00.001+07:00

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DWI lawyer Steve Hamilton

2009-01-06T12:58:00.001+07:00

My friend and Lubbock DWI lawyer Steve Hamilton on a recent Q&A in a DWI voir dire:

So in this trial I asked the potential jurors about a hypothetical. What would you do if you only had one option, either convict an innocent person or set a guilty person free? Out of 20 people, 7 or 8 said they would actually convict an innocent person!!

I was actually somewhat shocked with the amount of people who said they would send an innocent person to prison. One person said he would do that and that he hoped he would be the person who was sent to prison to protect society.

I bet it’s a lot easier for that potential juror to say he’d be A-OK with being toted off to jail or prison for something he didn’t do… when he’s not the one that is being accused

The Innocent and the Guilty

2009-01-06T12:56:00.000+07:00

The Innocent and the Guilty

Received a big box at work today and didn’t have the faintest idea what it could be. Since it was addressed to me, I opened it up, and tada… two bottles of wine.

It was a thoughtful gift from Houston DWI lawyer Mark Bennett. I had done some local co-counseling of a DWI/POM case here in Austin for a client he was representing. Mark did all the heavy lifting; I just went along for the ride.

Of course, Mark didn’t just send me any 2 bottles. They were from an Australian vineyard and named “The Guilty” and “The Innocent”. I read the label of “The Innocent” first:

The Innocent is produced from a single vineyard. Due to its limited production only a lucky few will ever get to taste it.

Aha. Clever commentary on the sometimes overwhelming and unfair advantage the State brings to bear on those it chooses to criminally accuse? Expecting something equally clever, I read the other label.

Apparently only the “lucky few” will get to taste that one too.

As for Mark's case? Well, the only disappointment was that after several settings on the jury docket the State eventually offered his client a deal that was too good to refuse: dismiss the DWI outright, plead to a lesser offense, no conviction (12.45) for the marijuana, and backtime credit, no probation, no community service, etc.

school loan info

2009-01-06T12:53:00.000+07:00

Student loans have a way of taking over a borrower’s life. The longer you study, the more complex and increased the loans can become. A good way to get a handle on those loans and take control of your financial future is through a school loan consolidation program. Note: find school loan info for new school loans

For all intent and purposes, school loan consolidation programs are beneficial all the way around. Consolidation can reduce your monthly payments and streamline the repayment process. Once your student loans are consolidated, you no longer have to fret over numerous payments with different due dates. When consolidating, you can also capture your debt into a fixed interest rate that is usually smaller then what your original loans were financed at. Read more about consolidating school loans...

consolidating Federal student loans

2009-01-06T12:52:00.000+07:00

TIPTIPS : When consolidating Federal student loans, such as Stafford, try the direct federal consolidation program from the Government. their site is ed.GOV, or see the link on the right.

TITIPSP: Private school loan consolidation is different than federal as private loans are credit based while federal are not. Applicants should take their time and review their application and it's terms and conditions carefully.

TITIPSP: Consolidating school loans during your grace period may qualify you for an interest rate deduction. On July 1 of each year rates traditionally change.

consolidation

2009-01-06T12:50:00.000+07:00

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

24/7 AUSTIN JAIL RELEASE

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED · DWI

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ASSUALT · THEFT

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Austin Criminal Defense

2009-01-06T12:44:00.001+07:00

Austin Criminal Defense Attorney Steven C. Lee

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Driving While Intoxicated ( Austin DWI), Assault, Theft, Bad Check Offenses, Criminal Law, 24/7 Austin Jail Release

I am an experienced Austin Criminal Defense Attorney who represents clients accused of all types of crimes in Travis County, Williamson County and Hays County, including:

Driving While Intoxicated ( Austin DWI ) and Driving While License Suspended ( DWLS )
Family Violence · Assault · Possession · Drug Cases · Theft · Shoplifting · Bad Check Offenses
Misdemeanors · Felonies · 24/7 Austin Jail Release · Probation Violations · State Criminal Charges
Austin · Georgetown · San Marcos

For aggressive representation, call me. I have the know how and dedication you need to successfully defeat any charge against you. Because I take a personal interest in winning every case, you can rest assured you are getting the very best defense.

My job as a Austin Criminal Lawyer is to help you make the very best decisions about your case. To do so, I will:

Outline the pros and cons of your criminal case
Answer any questions regarding the legal criminal defense process
Explain the impact of a particular legal outcome on your family, business and career
Discuss options and strategies available for a successful criminal defense
Hold your information in the strictest confidence, protecting your privacy
Continue to work for you and fight your charges

The decision you make today will impact the rest of your life. Make the wrong choice and you will pay the penalty. Call me today to schedule a free consultation. I will take the time to sit with you and explain how we can win.

My knowledge, experience and familiarity with the justice system will make a difference in the outcome of your case.

Call today for a free consultation and consolidation at 512-236-1300.

Travis County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Austin, Bee Caves, Briarcliff, Creedmoor, Del Valle, Jonestown, Lago Vista, Lake Travis, Lakeway, Manchaca, Manor, McNeil, Oak Hill, Pflugerville, Spicewood, Sunset Valley, West Lake Hills

Williamson County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Andice, Cedar Park, Coupland, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Hutto, Jarrell, Leander, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, Schwertner, Taylor, Thrall, Walburg, Weir

Hays County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Buda, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Mountain City, San Marcos, Uhland, Wimberley

Austin Criminal Defenese Attorney Steve Lee

Austin Criminal Defense

2009-01-06T12:44:00.000+07:00

Austin Criminal Defense Attorney Steven C. Lee

Document Actions

Driving While Intoxicated ( Austin DWI), Assault, Theft, Bad Check Offenses, Criminal Law, 24/7 Austin Jail Release

I am an experienced Austin Criminal Defense Attorney who represents clients accused of all types of crimes in Travis County, Williamson County and Hays County, including:

Driving While Intoxicated ( Austin DWI ) and Driving While License Suspended ( DWLS )
Family Violence · Assault · Possession · Drug Cases · Theft · Shoplifting · Bad Check Offenses
Misdemeanors · Felonies · 24/7 Austin Jail Release · Probation Violations · State Criminal Charges
Austin · Georgetown · San Marcos

My job as a Austin Criminal Lawyer is to help you make the very best decisions about your case. To do so, I will:

Outline the pros and cons of your criminal case
Answer any questions regarding the legal criminal defense process
Explain the impact of a particular legal outcome on your family, business and career
Discuss options and strategies available for a successful criminal defense
Hold your information in the strictest confidence, protecting your privacy
Continue to work for you and fight your charges

My knowledge, experience and familiarity with the justice system will make a difference in the outcome of your case.

Call today for a free consultation and consolidation at 512-236-1300.

Travis County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Austin, Bee Caves, Briarcliff, Creedmoor, Del Valle, Jonestown, Lago Vista, Lake Travis, Lakeway, Manchaca, Manor, McNeil, Oak Hill, Pflugerville, Spicewood, Sunset Valley, West Lake Hills

Williamson County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Andice, Cedar Park, Coupland, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Hutto, Jarrell, Leander, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, Schwertner, Taylor, Thrall, Walburg, Weir

Hays County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Buda, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Mountain City, San Marcos, Uhland, Wimberley

Lawyer Direct Loan Servicing vs Insurance

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Big safety gains for small cars

As gas prices lead buyers to smaller vehicles, safety concerns arise again

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Accreditation Service for International Colleges - ASIC

Accreditation Service for International Colleges - ASIC has especially commended West End College London on the following areas:

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How much will Loan/Lease Payoff coverage cost?

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How do I know when to drop this coverage?

Why wouldn't my insurance company just pay off the loan or lease?

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Does Progressive offer Loan/Lease Payoff coverage in my state?

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Insurance for Homeowners

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Usage-Based Car Insurance

Usage-Based Car Insurance - The Freedom to Choose in California (and elsewhere)

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DWI lawyer Steve Hamilton

The Innocent and the Guilty

school loan info

consolidating Federal student loans

consolidation

Austin Criminal Defense

Austin Criminal Defense Attorney Steven C. Lee

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Travis County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Williamson County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hays County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Austin Criminal Defenese Attorney Steve Lee

Austin Criminal Defense

Austin Criminal Defense Attorney Steven C. Lee

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Travis County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Williamson County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hays County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Austin Criminal Defenese Attorney Steve Lee

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