Diane talks about bankruptcy, Arizona laws, and more…

Leading Lawyers Weigh In on Portrayal In The Media – (includes quote from Diane Drain) Can you remember the very first time you came across the word ‘lawyer’? EXCERPT (from KTVN 12 News,  WFXG Fox News 54, and WFMJ 21) For most of us it was [...]

Are you financially stressed right now? What to know about options, from debt negotiation to bankruptcy Russ Wiles, Arizona Republic, Arizona Republic Interviews Diane L. Drain about debt relief, including bankruptcy (see highlighted text). 9/9/20 The COVID-19 pandemic and economy-shutting measures to contain it came on quickly, over a matter [...]

CREDIT BUILDER LOAN COULD HELP CONSUMERS BUILD OR REBUILD THEIR CREDIT (reprint from CFPB) July 13, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) released a report indicating that a credit builder loan could increase the likelihood of establishing a credit record for consumers without one, and could help improve the [...]

Congress created the CFPB after the 2008 financial crash to protect consumers from what were seen as predatory and deceptive practices by financial institutions. UPDATE: May 16, 2024 – Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Funding is constitutional.  This is great news for all consumers who need an agency with the power [...]

Broken Promises: Teachers Sue U.S. Over Student Loans That Weren’t Forgiven Law suit against Department of Education - loan forgiveness program for millions of public service workers is in such a shambles that it violates federal law and the Constitution. July 11, 2019 - Article by National Public Radio: Debbie Baker (not the lady in [...]

SCAMS ABOUND – NEVER BELIEVE WHAT SOMEONE TELLS YOU, UNLESS YOU CHECK IT OUT. Here are some Arizona resources to help you find accurate information. With every crisis comes thousands of scams trying to steal your money or your rights.  Do your homework before believing anyone, including friends or family [...]

The IRS Won’t Call You About Your Stimulus Money IF YOU GET A CALL FROM SOMEONE SAYING THEY ARE FROM THE IRS – STOP!!!! IT IS A SCAM!!!! June 24, 2020 – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issues a warning that scammers are pretending to be from the government.  [...]

ALERT FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS NEEDING PPP LOANS Law suit against Ponte Investments, LLC, promoted their “SBA Loan Program” and website “SBAloanprogram.com […]

The next 12 to 18 months is going to be financially difficult for many of our neighbors Our new normal is homeschooling, face masks and self-isolation.  What few are talking about is the financial consequence of COVID-19.  Many of our neighbors are faced with difficult choices – pay the mortgage or buy food and pay [...]

SBA issues rules and guidance regarding the amended Paycheck Protection Program. The Flexibility Act: legislation signed June 5 lowered to 60% from 75% the minimum percentage of PPP funds borrowers have to spend on payroll costs to have the loans forgiven.  Plus, extended the covered period from eight weeks to 24 weeks, after loan disbursement. [...]

Who knew that I was a leader in providing knowledge to others (now called “Democratizing Knowledge)!! An article on Wired, Natalie Chyi, focuses a light on how COVID-19 has changed the prospective of on sharing information.  Titled The Coronavirus is Democratizing Knowledge.  The sub-title is: “Despite toxic misinformation, the pandemic has empowered us to become [...]

Lead Express, Harvest Moon Financial and others repeated drew interest-only charges, leaving consumers to pay more than promised May 22, 2020 – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has charged Lead Express, Harvest Moon Financial, Gentle Breeze Online, and Green Stream Lending with deceiving its customers by overcharging millions of dollars and repeatedly withdrawing money from [...]

This is a difficult time for everyone – employer, employee, parents, and seniors.  Never decide to do something without understanding the consequences of those innocent actions. We all know it is important to plan ahead.  It cannot be more important than today.  Many of you lost your job or were [...]

CORONAVIRUS ASSISTANCE INFORMATION July 11, 2019 – the following is information from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.  FHFA is closely monitoring the coronavirus national emergency’s effect on the housing finance market and continues to update policies and guidance to ensure its regulated entities – Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (the Enterprises), and the Federal Home Loan [...]

lawyer, retired law professor, educator, wife, mother I could tell you how bankruptcy may change your life, but why would you listen to me? After all, I am the attorney who charges money to help her clients. What makes more sense is that I share my clients’ reports about their lives before calling [...]

April, 2020 – The Federal Trade Commission released suggestions on managing your bills during this very difficult time (COVID-19 quarantine). COVID-19 has disrupted life for everyone on the planet.  Each of us is asked to sacrifice for the health of the entire nation and world.  Unfortunately, that sacrifice comes at a cost for many.  They [...]

In a large victory for consumers, The University of Phoenix agreed to pay $50 million in cash and cancel $141 million in debt owed to the school by students harmed by their deceptive ads. Phoenix’s ads touted job opportunities and relationships with top tech companies. […]

The following is a guest post – by Gary R. Stickell, a great Arizona bankruptcy attorney and my friend and mentor for more than 20 years. COVID-19 and CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCIES Most, if not all, mortgage servicers are offering programs of forbearance to homeowners affected by income loss due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  These seem [...]