The Gilkes Law Firm

Frauds & Scams

2010-03-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

Have you been the victim of a scam? How would you know? What should you do?

In this economy, the amount of people running scams have hit an all-time high. They seem to come at you from all angles - fraudulent internet sales, door-to-door sales, fake charities, lotteries, sweepstakes ... you name it and there's likely a scam for it. What's worse, many scam artists are overseas which makes them immune to prosecution in the US.

Many may think, "how could someone fall for a scam?" But sadly, many fall victim to scam artist and lose thousands in the process. So what should you do if you become a victim?

First things first ... IMMEDIATELY stop contact with the scam artists. Scam artists are masters at what they do and generally try to take you for every dime you've got, so you must break contact as soon as you realize a scam is in progress.

Second - you should notify your local police department, the FBI, and the Office of the Attorney General. It is critical that you start an investigation as soon as possible. When you contact these agencies, you should be prepared to offer proof of the fraud by handing over copies of any correspondence you have received from the scam artists, receipts or statements of how much you have sent, and any contact information you have for the scam artists.

Third - don't fall for another scam! Believe it or not, there are scam artists who claim to be from a governmental agency and will approach you to "assist" you in recovering your money. Of course this is done for a fee. DON'T believe them and don't give them a dime! It is likely that your money will not be recovered. In any case, a government agency most likely is not going to charge you to recover what was stolen from you.

Your best defense is education. Make wise decisions and reduce the likelihood that you will fall victim to a scam. For more information visit the Office of the Attorney General.

Steps to Financial Freedom

2010-02-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

Can't seem to get ahead financially? Debts piling up? Maybe you're making some of these mistake unknowingly. These mistakes listed below will help you understand where you may be going wrong and how to get back on track quickly. You can be debt free.

Mistake 1. Living Beyond Your Means

This is the real cause of your worry and stress. If you are spending more than you are earning, whose money are you spending? It's the credit card provider's or the bank's. The cost of this money is interest.

The way out - Make a Commitment to yourself only to spend within your income limits. Maybe you could increase your income (or cash in) by applying for more skilled positions, selling some of your unused articles or assets. Is the second car really a necessity? What about working out ways to make your hobby pay for itself?

Why not find ways to reduce your spending? How much would you save each year if you decided not to have the daily coffee shop coffee? Why not make your work lunch each day rather than buying it? Commit to only buying the necessities.

Mistake 2. Paying Off Less Than the Full Credit Card Balance Each Month

Get this debt under control and your life will be much easier. If you are like many others and only pay the minimum balance each month, the interest on the interest makes those purchases oh so expensive.

The way out - Find ways to put aside more money to apply to the credit cards. It will take time to reach this goal. However, if you don't make a start now you may never pay them off. This situation did not occur overnight and neither will the solution. But, by diligence and commitment you'll get there.

Mistake 3. Not Really Knowing Your Financial Situation

Before you can set meaningful goals and develop savings strategies you need to know your financial situation now. The best, proven and tested method by far, is by developing your own personal budget. This is not hard to do. Please don't give up now. Just follow these simple steps:

The way out -
a)Find your latest credit card statements. Write down all the unpaid balances.
b)Are there any other unpaid debts (not home or car) then include these balances as well.
c)List out your (or family) monthly income. Only the amounts "brought home". Include all types of income.
d) Work out your monthly spending. List out where all the money goes. Don't leave anything out.
e) Minus the monthly spending total from the monthly income total and review the answer.
This will give you an initial idea as to whether you are living within your means or on borrowed money.

Mistake 4. Continually Adding to Your Debt

If debt has got you into this situation it is critically important not to add to the state of affairs and thus make it worse.

The way out - cut up the credit cards, keeping only 1 for emergencies. Don't buy on impulse. Ask yourself twice or three times before you buy anything "Do I really need this?" before you hand over your hard-earned money. Don't buy at the height of the fashion or fad. Commit to never paying full retail for anything. Get it on sale or negotiate a lower price.

Mistake 5. Spending All Your Income

It may sound OK to spend any money you earn but there are risks attached to this strategy. How are you going to pay for emergency items? What about major car repairs. What about major electrical appliance replacement? Are you going to pay for these on credit? Bad idea! How are you going to save for a substantial deposit on the next car?

The way out - Once you've prepared your budget you will clearly see what you need to do to put some income aside for other needs such are emergencies and repairs.

Mistake 6. Spending Without Caring About Your Future

Unless you are planning for your future and financial security, you cannot be really happy. There are always worries lurking in your mind about how you would survive in a financial emergency if you have no savings. It can be very rewarding to see how quickly your savings multiply over time with only a small investment each payday.

The way out - Take stock of your life and realize that tomorrow won't look after itself. It needs your attention. Keep some funds aside to put away for your retirement, children's college costs, emergencies, holidays and major purchases.

Avoid these 6 spending mistakes and you'll be well on your way to financial freedom. Guaranteed.

Source: Free Articles

Favorite Superbowl Commercials

2010-02-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

Absolute Most Favorites

Auto Tune Overkill feat. T-Pain
Casket Full of Doritos

Close Seconds

Crashed Plane - Bud Light
Brett Favre
Oprah, Jay Leno, and David Letterman
Budweiser Bridge

So, what was your favorite?

For Your Parents' Sake ....

2010-01-31T17:23:00.000-08:00

Are your parents getting forgetful? Are they unable to care for themselves or manage their own finances? Have they been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia? If so, then it may be time for you to consider Guardianship.

A guardian is a court-appointed individual who is responsible for making personal and financial decisions for an incapacitated individual who can no longer take care of their personal well-being or manage their financial affairs. The person who is given a guardian is often called a Ward. The guardian decides everything from where the ward lives to what medical procedures will be administered. A guardianship is generally necessary when there is no power of attorney in place or some other provision to allow an agent to make decisions for the incapacitated person.

Once a guardianship is put in place, the ward loses all of their personal rights including the right to drive, vote, marry, and enter into a contract. Guardianships can also be somewhat invasive. Each year the guardian must supply an updated report to the court detailing the ward's current status. The court also sends an investigator out each year to meet with the ward and evaluate his/her conditions.

The guardianship process can be somewhat costly, depending on the circumstances. There are filing fees due to the court and doctor's fees for the evaluation of the ward. If there is enough money in the estate to cover the costs, the Judge will order the costs to be paid by the Ward's estate. The individual seeking to be appointed as guardian will also need to hire an attorney to act on his or her behalf throughout the guardianship process.

The primary goal of a guardianship is to make sure an incapacitated person is properly cared for. If you are in a situation where a loved one is in need of assistance, you should start the process right away. It can be anywhere from two to six months to finalize a guardianship, barring any complications.

For more information on guardianships or viable alternatives, feel free to give me a call. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process of ensuring your loved one's safety and security.

The Gilkes Law Firm
5601 Bridge Street, Ste. 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76112
(P) 817-714-7705
(F) 817-719-9145
(E) nadia@gilkeslawfirm.com

Welcome to The Gilkes Law Firm

2010-01-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

As 2010 begins, you are likely in the process of making resolutions and plans for your personal and professional life. As you plot your course for 2010, I hope you'll consider how The Gilkes Law Firm may be of assistance to you. Allow me to take a moment to introduce myself and share several services you may find useful.

The Gilkes Law Firm was founded by Nadia T. Gilkes, an alumni of Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. Ms. Gilkes has a passion for helping those in crisis and has spent many hours working with victims of domestic violence and individuals suffering from terminal illnesses.

The Gilkes Law Firm focuses primarily on:

- Probate Law - estate administration, guardianships, mental health commitments, and attorney/guardian ad litem representation;

- Estate Planning - will drafting, power of attorney, guardianship declaration, and living wills

- Family Law - uncontested divorce, child custody, paternity, child support enforcement or modification, and attorney ad litem representation;

- Small Claims Litigation - plaintiff or defendant representation available for Justice of the Peace and Small Claims cases.

- Property Tax Litigation - appeal your property tax and get a reduction on your yearly taxes based on comparable homes in your area.

The counties served include Tarrant, Parker, Wise, Denton, Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Bexar, Travis and Harris.

To receive these newsletters in your inbox, join our mailing list at www.gilkeslawfirm.com.

Be sure to add The Gilkes Law Firm to your contact lists on Facebook, Twitter, Windows Live, and Yahoo Instant Messenger.

Contact Information

The Gilkes Law Firm is conveniently located just east of downtown Fort Worth. The office is on the third floor of the Western Insurance building off of I-30 (next to the Channel 11 tower).

The Gilkes Law Firm
5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76112

(P) 817-714-7705
(F) 817-719-9145
(E) info@gilkeslawfirm.com
(W) www.gilkeslawfirm.com
(W) www.fighttxpropertytax.com

Consultations are done by appointment only.

Parting Remarks

Thank you for your interest in The Gilkes Law Firm. I appreciate you taking the time to read this newsletter. Feel free to forward this link to friends and family members who might benefit from my services.

I hope that 2010 brings you serenity and prosperity in your personal and professional lives.

Sincerely,

Nadia T. Gilkes

Attorney at Law and Owner of The Gilkes Law Firm

Schedule your FREE consultation today!

817-714-7705

Or visit www.gilkeslawfirm.com