Search doubleii.com and advancelawsuit.com for the blog topics on Google below.
Clear Your Card After Use 7-15-08
When you make a debit or credit card purchase - be aware that some systems may not clear
your card out before the next person makes his purchase - and you may end up paying for what he buys.
This happens at gas stations as well as grocery stores - swipe your card and make your purchase - but
if you don't manually hit "clear" your card may not close out and reset. I know this happens -
it happened at a grocery store to me - the person in front of me got dinged with my purchase.
Once you drive away from a gas station, the next person in line may be able to start pumping gas
on your card. Pay attention to all receipts - but you may not be able to prove anything since
you don't have the receipt in question. Make sure to hit "clear" on every purchase you make
when swiping a card! And look at your credit card or bank accounts often to make sure there are
no unknown charges.
Funding Based on Fees or Rates 05-30-08
If you are looking for funding,
whether an advance for your lawsuit or insurance, or in getting a loan or mortgage, or
any other type funding - is it better to get a low percentage rate or lower fees? You
will have to do the mathematical comparison to really know, and factor in your financial
situation now and in the future. If you are in need of low payments or low accrued
payments, but can afford a lump sum payment now - go for the low rate and higher fees.
If you can't front money now and can handle higher monthly payments, then go for the
low fees and higher rates.
If you are looking for an advance against a lawsuit or
insurance settlement - be aware you will pay no up front fees and both the fees and
the repayment with interest will all come out of the settlement when it pays. Have
the broker figure out the difference for you. It will also depend on how long it will
take for your settlement to be paid out, plus the urgency you have in getting funded.
A long term advance can add up to large amount. The fees are factored into the
funded amount and so your funding amount plus the fees will be charged interest each month.
Again - do the math and compare your best option!
Tax Talk 03-29-08
It's time to get your taxes figured out and turned in - but be aware of scams and
new rules. With the April 15 deadline looming over us, scammers are trying to get your
attention in every way, offering you fast refunds, threatening you about certain
information, wanting your personal information, etc. Whatever you do - be assured the
IRS won't be emailing you for ANY personal information or to make you verify accounts,
etc. And don't open attachments. Forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov
If you get solicitations to use online filing - make sure to do a search for the
website and don't click on any link within the email. There will be scammers emailing as if
the email is coming straight from the tax preparation company, but can lead you to a
bogus site set up to grab all your vital and personal information.
The official IRS site is http://www.irs.ustreas.gov or http://www.irs.gov/ - don't go to any other
IRS type of site extension. There are sites that would have you believe you are
at the official IRS site - but beware. Here you will find the latest and best
information you need to file your taxes correctly. To look at the most frequently asked questions,
try www.irs.ustreas.gov/faqs
Remember as you get offers and emails - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Credit & Debit Card Safety 01-25-08
It's important for you to get online or some other way to check your bank and credit
cards accounts daily or at least weekly. It's so easy for someone to gt your card or check information.
The only way to stop fraud is to catch it early and report the activity - before your
accounts are drained. Sometimes the thief makes small purchases, slowing draining into
your account, in amounts you won't question or notice. Keep all your purchase receipts so you
can both keep track of ALL your spendings, and to have proof to dispute something that
didn't come out right.
Since my debit card was compromised without my knowledge, I know it happens.
Someone likely used a handheld device (may have been attached to anywhere on the person) and
swiped my electronic information from the card - and then all it took was to look up
the name in the phone book for an address. Some scammers take a copy of the signature
from the credit slip to complete their information base.
Watch out for ATM machines - if there is any type of insert attached to the machine that
doesn't look like as integral part of the ATM machine, don't use it. There are scanners
that scammers place onto the card entry to grab your card's information. OR it might grab your
card and not release it - in which case someone may offer to wait while you go get help -
then they grab the card and are gone. Whenever you use an ATM - make sure to cover the
keys when putting in your passcode - some thieves place overhead cameras above the
ATM machine to record your passcodes - and if they have your card information from
any of the above ways, your card is accessible to them.
Be careful with your checks, as well. Once someone has your routing number and the
address portion, they can just print off hundreds or thousands of checks that can then
be used. If you lose your checkbook - close your checking account immediately and
open a new one. It may only be a day away from someone starting to pass your
checks around.
If you check your accounts often, and see a charge that is not right - report it
immediately to your bank or credit card company. Don't let the trail get cold on
the thief. Let the authorities work on the theft immediately, while the checks or
cards are still being used.
Wondering How to Pay Off Those Holiday Bills? 12-26-07
If you went over-board with your holiday shopping and expenses, you may be feeling a pinch in your wallet - how to get rid of it?
First - remember this next year - don't use credit cards or go into debt buying gifts - it's hard to catch up all when you have so much debt to pay. People will rather have a gift from the heart than see you get in over your head. My Dad, for example, loves it when I give him gifts of traditional foods and sweets that I make. Nothing else compares to the joy he gets when he sees that.
However - this year you need to get out of debt. Do you have any assets you can sell off? Things you don't need or don't use that can be sold off on eBay or Amazon, etc.? Some people will pay a lot for the silliest things - see what you can do.
Are you involved in a lawsuit or car accident, waiting for it to settle or pay out? Perhaps an advance is what can pull you out of the hole.
Is your job going well? Maybe you can look for a new job that is better, or work toward a promotion. Or take on another part-time job.
Try to think what services you might offer - paint a house or shovel snow - maybe you have good and unusual tools or skills that can help others. Advertise with flyers where allowed.
Think of other possibilities and get those debts paid off.
See what more choices we can help you with at
Advance Lawsuit Funding and Services
Structured Settlements 10-11-07
Structured settlements aren't always the best choice of how to get paid in a settlement. They can bring in periodic cash but
at some point, when you might most need cash, and you can't do anything with it - even though it's your entitled money. Try
to negotiate a one time payment instead. It's usually more beneficial for a periodic payment to be made for the payer, not for the
payee.
If, however, you are pretty well set with monthly income, and just like seeing the extra every month (and it's too tempting
to spend the whole one time payment - go ahead and negotiate it as a structured periodic payment. Just make certain to
negotiate it to be fully paid within a 5 year or less timeframe. If you do run into trouble and need an advance (sell
off all or part) on it, it will be both more difficult and more costly for you to get an advance, or sell it or a portion of it.
Foreclosure Scams 09-19-07
If you are getting foreclosure notices, don't call a company to help you stop the foreclosure - try first to
talk to your mortgage company and try to make a payment adjustment - perhaps refinance, or make smaller payments until you
are back on your feet, then get back on track. Talk to them and see if they will try to work with you.
There have been many scams that promise to stop the foreclosure process for you. If you talk to one,
do not give any money up front. Chances are your money will be spent, and not in time talking to your mortgage lender.
It will be spent so when the law catches up to them, there will be no funds to pay you back with. If you can
afford to pay them, you can afford to pay toward your mortgage that same amount. Note the foreclosure company won't
accept a credit card (credit cards have protection) - only cash or check. That way they get your money and
there is no way to
trace or stop them from running with it. Often they set up for only a short time, scam several people and take off, with
no way to find them. Even when the law catches up to them, they will claim they've worked with your mortgage company, but in
checking you'll find out there has been no contact. If you have signed up with one, call your mortgage company immediately and
make sure they've tried to work on stopping your foreclosure - and what progress there is - because there is little chance they've
even contacted the mortgage company. Also - try talking to the foreclosure company - do they even answer their phone? Do
they give you the run-around, telling you they are working on it, giving you no results? Do they throw in your face
how they've helped countless people save their homes? That is a cover-up to try to gain your trust, and undoubtedly it's
either a lie, or they've worked with a home that wasn't really in danger of being lost.
Do not make payments to ANY other entity than to your mortgage company directly. Don't let someone tell you to send
your payments to a company or process and they will make those payments to your mortgage company - chances are they don't do
as promised and just pocket your money - you'll still lose your house.
There are some credible companies that work to stop the foreclosure process for people, but it is hard to figure out
what is legit and what is not. Before you sign up with one, do check it out thoroughly and find out all you
can before you sign up.
Call today at 1-866-598-5337, mention Client Code CJ286225 to find out if you can stop your foreclosure.
Financial Scams 08-09-07
If you get a mailing, or email, or even a call - from someone trying to tell you that you should invest, should
verify your accounts, should do anything that will give up your personal or financial information - DON'T!
There are so many scams out there to try to get your personal information, and then commit identity theft, or just
clean out your accounts. NEVER call a number given on those communications, or click on a website given, or
contact them in any way other than looking in a phone book or a previous contact you have had when you knew it
to be legitimate. Even if the request is legitimate, go about the verification process so that you will not be
directed to a scam. These scammers use every trick they know - dropping names of family or associates you have,
using official letterheads, and any means to convince you they are real and who you think they are. Always contact
these places and people from looking up the information to contact them - never by what they send you. Think
about it - your bank probably doesn't have your email address. PayPal emails are probably also sent to an email
address that you do not have registered with PayPal. Have you ever even banked with Sun Coastal bank, or whatever
the names are that are being circulated? Don't fall for the scams!
Did You Get Charged More Than You Authorized in a Restaurant? 06-05-07
If you look at your credit card report or bank report after you went to a restaurant, do you see a charge that you don't
exactly recognize but it's close to that of the restaurant? Chances are that it is a charge from the restaurant, but as long as it's
"pending" and not completed, you should see the correct amount when it gets completed. Some companies used by restuarants automatically
add on a certain percentage over the amount of the bill, in order to account for tips. All that happens is that the charge shows you
are good for that amount, and then your charge can be approved. It doesn't actually take "hold" of those funds, even though your
"available balance" shows less than what you expect. It will all get
corrected once the charge is completed. So don't panic and call the restaurant - give it a couple days to see that the charge
actually comes to what you expected. None of the "pending" funds are ever really definite until they actually complete.
Beware of Evasiveness 05-09-07
If you are talking to an agent about money or loans, and he isn't answering your questions, just going 'round and 'round
the issues, beware. Many people take on roles and do not study up on them, or they are too new to do a good job
yet. Some are just out to get more customers - and they promise anything to get their business. If anything strikes you as
odd, or not totally good and honest, put up a red flag and find out if you are even dealing with a reputable company, or
agent. You should deal with someone who really knows his stuff - and is up front.
Don't Ask for What You Want 03-13-07
When taking a loan or an advance, take time to calculate what you need - don't ask for what you want, but
ask for what you need. Many people make the mistake of asking for more than they need. If you have other money sources
that cost more, then you can justify asking for more, but try to keep within reason - you don't want to be dinged in
high interest rates and fees unless absolutely necessary. Anytime you get a loan or advance, the cash you get costs
something - is it worth the extra payments to get what you just extragantly want? Think it all through - are you trying to
meet your house payments and other bills for two months when you can go back to work? Add it all up and ask for that
amount. If you are also thinking to add on some new clothes or other luxury, think again. You'll be paying so much more for them
by usng the loan or advance money for them.
Choose Your Attorney Well 02-20-07
I work with a lot of attorneys and I have to work through a lot more in order to help people get funding for their
lawsuits. I have come across some pretty unsupportive attorneys - some refuse to let the client get an advance (even
to the point that the client's home goes into foreclosure), some never have even spoken to the client and won't answer
phone calls. Some are inept - don't know what they are doing. Some inflate the situation well beyond reason - building up
hope in the client. Some are totally unethical. Thankfully, there are many really good, caring attorneys - and you
should look for one who meets your needs. Ask a lot of questions before committing to an attorney. It can make a big difference
in how your case turns out. Ask for referrals, as well - see what other people have been able to get as service from the attorney.
The Lawsuit Funding Process 02-09-07
=> You call us (303-220-5679 or 888-414-4260) or
email us,
or fill out a funding request form.
=> One of our representatives gets back with you by phone (preferably) or email.
=> You and/or your attorney (your attorney is required to be part of the process) will
need to supply us with the paperwork, information,
applications, and supportive information as needed. Usually done by fax.
=> We will give you a preliminary understanding of the repayment terms.
See our Restrictions & Terms to educate yourself further.
=> The initial submission is reviewed, and if complete, will be submitted
to underwriting (unless more information is needed, or if it is determined
that your case is not "doable").
=> The application normally spends 1-5 days in underwriting, but occasionally
can take longer in certain cases, especially when a case needs to be scrutinized
more heavily. We try to keep it at 1-2 days as much as possible, and in certain strong
cases it can be shorter. Settled cases and auto accident cases can often be funded in a 24
hour timeframe. The timing begins after you/your attorney send in all the
required information.
=> Once it comes out of underwriting, the funding may be denied, or if accepted,
there will be an offer made, with all terms clearly spelled out.
=> If your application is denied, we will submit your situation to another
funder (some are more strict or lenient than others). We always start with
the funders who have a lower cost and deal with your type of case.
=> If there is an offer, you will be notified and you either accept it
or not. Some funders may require certain verification at this point.
=> Once you accept, the contract is faxed to your attorney (and concurrently
to you if you are not near the attorney's office). You and your attorney
sign the contract and fax it back, with the attorney verifying that the original contract
will be mailed in. You specify if you want a check to be mailed, or overnighted,
or funds to be wired to an account, and in certain cases you may need to agree to do the charge for
the transaction.
=> Once you receive your funds, you wait until the settlement is paid out and
your agreed repayment amount will be taken out of the settlement. For pre-settlement
funding for which the case does not win, you have no further obligation.
More information on lawsuit funding advances
Tax Filing Date Change 02-05-07
In 2007 - you can get a couple more days leeway to file - the 15th isn't a mailing day (Sunday),
and the 16th is a holiday in D.C. (Emancipation Day), so taxes are due or at least postmarked by April 17 (your tax forms
may still say April 16, but that has been found to be incorrect). To
find out more about this, click here.
More on Doing Your Taxes - file electronically and
get your refunds faster, or put off paying until the last day - April 17, 2007.
Need to Sell Off Your Things? 01-12-07
Perhaps you are in so much debt that you need to sell your belongings. Sometimes it's all people have left,
and may give a glimmer of hope. You can sell your things by advertising on classified ads - but the newspapers are a
hit or miss proposition. You usually have to spend a lot in newspaper advertising to get any results, and run the ads
several times. It's tough to figure out the exact category to place the ads into - some people might look for such item
in a certain are, others in a different area. If you are trying to sell things to cope, you can't afford to
pay to advertise.
You might try a garage sale, but don't expect much profit. It costs money to set up in a flea market, though
it is a god way to showcase what you have.
Online auctions and classifieds can work pretty well, if you target the right audience. There are many free
classified advertising places on the Internet. I haven't found paid classifieds to work any better than the free ones, in
all truth. Auctions should also be pretty stable to be effective - many have come and gone, causing people to
waste a lot of time writing up their ads and bid, with no results. The best auction place is
eBay
,
and the cost isn't bad - just make sure to have a very good write-up for your items, and be prepared to ship them. After all,
people will buy almost anything - just recently common snow from Colorado sold for $200.
More on Auctions
Free Classifieds and Advertising Avenues
Need Cash for the Holidays? Other Cost Effective Ways to Cope? 12-05-06
If you are having a hard time making ends meet this holiday season,
you are not alone. The economy has forced the closures of many
companies, the lay-off of thousands, and the pay reduction of many.
There are a large number of people who have been injured and are
unable to work. This is a tough holiday year for many.
There maybe options available to you, however, if you have certain
situations that can be worked with. There are cost-cutting measures,
as well, in which you need not spend do much money this season.
Alternatives for holiday gift giving – make gifts yourself – a gift
basket with baked goodies, a wood carving, a sewn item, or
something that you are good at. Give stamps and stationery. Or
alternate family members you will give gifts to – and not give to
everyone.
Other possibilities you can explore is the sale of some of your assets
and property – do you have things you really do not need and are
like new? Do you have things you can take to consignment stores?
Do you have a legal or insurance settlement that is paying soon or
paying in installments (you can sell those off to get the cash now)?
Do you carry a note on a mortgage or have an annuity you would
like to cash in – in whole or on part? Can you sell an extra car? Do
you have a pension you would like to get cash from? Do you have
excess inventory you want to get rid of?
Have you called your credit card companies to try to make a payment
arrangement with them? Many are sympathetic if you try to cooperate
with them, and can often hold out a payment, perhaps a month from
now. There are debt consolidation services which can do this for you,
giving you one monthly payment at a reduced rate. You can also
negotiate a credit card settlement – pay it off in an agreement, at a
potentially huge reduction (you may have to pay taxes on the portion
you are forgiven, so be prepared in April 2003).
You can also get an advance on your paycheck that you know is
coming but not here yet when you are needing the money. There
are places you can get to loan you cash for that check – it will
cost you, but any of the options above will cost you – weigh out
if it's worth it to you.
P.Roe is a funding agent, and has helped many people get
their finances back on track, offering innovative solutions when
possible. See what is offered at http://advancelawsuitfunding.com
Auto-Payments a Good Option? 11-27-06
Pro's and Con's on Auto-Payments:
Pro - no bills, no paperwork, comes out of account without having to think about it
Con - you forget to have the correct amount in your account at the exact timing of the debit
Pro - you can forget all about paying the bills as long as you make enough to cover the payments
Con - you might get a notification after you get charged, and didn't realize the amount in time
Pro - you gain a good credit report from where you are making payments
Con - you get dinged an overdraft fee from your bank and their bank if you don't have enough to pay the bill,
or even a bounced check fee
Pro - let payments take care of themsleves while you are on vacation - nothing gets paid late
Con - some auto-payments are a BEAR to try to stop
The moral of the story - think over the options before you commit - it might be good for some people,
but certainly not for everyone.
Watch Out for Fees 11-04-06
Whenever you apply for any sort of loan or funding, check if it's normal practice to have to pay
up-front fees. Don't ask this question of the person you are working with, if his company does assess
up-front fees. He'll be sure to convince you that this is normal. Ask other companies what their policy is
with up-front fees - he wants you to do business with him and will convince you that his deal is
legitimate. At no time should you pay to fill out and submit an application for a loan - the up-front
fees should only apply at the time of the funding - when you receive your loan or advance.
Sometimes assessing an up-front fee is a way to save money at the back end, bringing the total
cost down for you. If this is the case, it may be in your best interest to pay out some fees at the
front end. Ask for a comparison of both options so that you will be able to see which option works best
for you - if you are struggling for money, however, you will likely have to opt to pay no up-front
fees.
There may be laws that prohibit collecting certain up-front fees, especially at time of making the
application. Check this so you will be informed when doing business.
Strained Relationship With Your Attorney? 10-17-06
Sometimes you can strain your relationship with your attorney, if you ask him to do the paperwork to
allow you an advance on your future lawsuit payment. If your attorney refuses to allow you to get an advance,
you have to wonder about his motives. Perhaps he would like a "cut" from your advance in exchage for
doing the paperwork - but it's not ethical for him to get any commission on an advance. He is your
attorney, who works for you. There should be no extra charge for him to fill out any paperwork concerning
the case - he is going to get a hefty commission from your case - perhaps 30-60% of your settlement. He
should be willing to do some work for you! If he is looking out for your interests, not wanting to see
you use your money before you get paid, perhaps he's just a caring person, but if it causes you to
miss house payments or have to get evicted, how caring is he really? You need to push him on his
resistance - what is driving him to refuse you to get an advance if you need one? Is he just lazy?
Has he had a bad experience with a previous advance which was done with a scammer who fell
through? If that is the case, he should know there are legitimate, ethical funders who care, and who work for the client.
Find out about your attorney early - if you don't trust him or don't feel he is looking out for your
best interests, perhaps you will need to consider changing attorneys. Always get recommendations prior to
signing on with an attorney - it's not easy to change one in the middle, but sometimes you just have to,
if you feel the attorney isn't ethical.
Have You Been in an Auto Accident? 10-5-06
If you have recently been in an auto accident, you might have
to wait for awhile for your insurance payment. Did your car
get totaled? Did you get injured? Do you need that
insurance money now?
Insurance companies have the right to wait up to 6 months
to pay you an insurance settlement. Right when you thought
you could pay off your mounting bills since you were not at
fault, you find out your insurance payment is dragging out.
What would you do? Perhaps you are unable to work, or you
get paid once monthly, and cannot wait until your next pay
check to pay the bills, or to go to the doctor.
If you are able to work, you could try a payday loan to front
you some cash to get by (only up to $500, but make sure you
fully understand the terms before you agree to this - it may
be a bad deal). You could approach family member for a loan -
but borrowing from family could strain relationships, especially
if the money isn't repaid as agreed. You could refinance your
home, but that might also take awhile, or be a problem if your
credit isn't good.
Another option you might not realize there is, is that you can
get an advance on your insurance payment. Your credit isn't
an issue (unless you are in bankruptcy), and you can get an
advance in as little as 24 hours. The red tape isn't nearly as
intensive as applying for a loan, and the repayment is
secured only by the insurance settlement that is to be paid to
you. You have no risk - it's non-recourse funding, so if your
insurance doesn't pay, you don't have to pay anything back.
Real injuries (not soft-tissue) have the best chance of receiving
the funding.
Now you see you have some options - don't get more
stressed out than the accident has already caused you to be.
See what option works out best for you and take care of
your financial issues.
See more information at
http://advancelawsuitfunding.com
Filling Out Forms 9-26-06
When applying for a loan or advance, fill out the forms as well as you can. Don't try to hide any information, and
disclose anything that might affect the processing. This includes all prior or outstanding loans or advances,
all liens, any bankruptcy proceedings, etc. If these are found out without you first disclosing them, it goes against you and
you can jeopardize your chances at your loan or advance request. Whatever portion of the forms that you cannot
fill out or aren't sure of how to fill out, ask for help with it. If a form asks for only the information you
are comfortable with (as we do on our site),
then just give your contact information or the minimal information required. You'll get contacted for more of what is needed
once your situation is known. You can give the rest (plus supporting documents) in a more secure type of
setting if you are not comfortable over the Internet, or just aren't up to speed with the information that is needed.
Don't Write Bad Checks 9-19-06
If you write a check, be certain you have the funds to cover it in your checking account. It is fraudulent and
against the law to write a bad check. Some people or places are not as lenient about getting a bad check. You
would get charged a bad check fee, and lose your reputation at the place you gave a bad check to. Or you might see legal action
against you - it depends on whom you are dealing with. If you are in a precarious position with your finances,
call up the person or place you gave a bad check to and ask that they not cash it until you have money in the
account to cover it. Some people are understanding and will let it slide for a bit - but don't make them wait too long.
The favor won't be available to you again down the road. If the check gets cashed - at least make sure to offer to pay
the bank fees for the other party, plus cover the check with good funds, plus pay their bad check fee assessment fee.
The more you try to work with the other party, the better off you will be, and perhaps keep your credibility intact.
No-Recourse Funding 9-12-06
Non recourse funding means that there is no risk to you. It means the funder assumes all the risk in the case
that whatever you are taking a loan or funding against falls through. If you are trying to settle a lawsuit,
and take out an advance against the lawsuit, but then you end up not winning the lawsuit, and it doesn't
pay - non-recourse funding means you do not have to repay the advance or loan. These types of conditions
are rare in most lending situations, but should exist on a lawsuit advance agreement. Make sure you
work with a funding company that offers non-recourse funding for lawsuit advances, or you can get
stuck with paying back something you cannot pay back. There are plenty of other funders to contact that
do offer non-recourse advances, so don't get locked into one that doesn't.
Calling in Checks? - September 7, 2006
Be careful when you call in a check, or when inputing onto a secure order site. You need to be very
careful to write or repeat the check routing numbers from the bottom of the check correctly. The routing numbers
must be exact or your charge may never go through, not to mention you might send it to another account, which
will, at some point, investigate you and you may be liable for the bad transaction, not to mention getting a
late charge dinged onto the payment from the company you tried to pay.
You need to make sure that the check number on the top right matches the last of the routing numbers on the
bottom of the check. If it doesn't, the payment again won't go through on a physical check you turn in somewhere.
Check your balances carefully with each payment you make. If payment was made through a website, or given over the phone,
the person who keys in the check payments may get the numbers wrong by mistake. This happened to me on a $99
check that was actually cashed for $990.20 - and my account was overdrawn! There was a lot of hassling to correct
the mistake, and get funds wired back in to cover the costs of the other incoming checks I had outstanding, coming in.
Be certain that most institutions will not work this fast, and will not wire the funds back so quickly - it is
likely an investigation will take longer and will take longer to reconcile a refund to your account.
Make sure that anyone who has regularly cashed your check payments, whether on a monthly basis or on a
single transaction, has the correct routing number and amount. Check your accounts to make sure the checks
are cashed in the amounts you authorize, and make sure that it is cashed within days of your expectation of it
cashing - to make sure the payment has gone through as expected.
Foreign Lottery Scam - August 30, 2006
If you get an email about winning an overseas lottery - discard it! It is certainly a fake, and
requires you to wire or send money in order to "release" the funds to you. You can bet you'll never see
your money, or the lottery money. Also, don't bother funding agencies with a request to either lend you
the "release funds" or get an advance on the amount you were told you would win. They won't take it seriously,
and won't take on a case out of the U.S. in most cases. If you truly feel it is real, have your lawyer look it
over and check up on it. And think - when did you ever enter into such a drawing?
Previous Advances - August 23, 2006
When you are in need of an advance from your pending lawsuit or other type of situation (insurance, for example),
you must disclose whether you have ever taken a prior advance. If you have had a previous advance, you should always
approach the original company first to see if they will advance more, either renegotiating the entire amount, or adding to
the first one with original terms, or perhaps better terms. If they won't or can't, then contact another funding
source and see what they can do. Often the funder will want to purchase the first lien in order to give you
more funding - this is so that the funder doesn't end up being a second position lien (and be caught getting paid
after everyone else, if there is still money left). Remember - you cannot hide the fact that you have a previous
advance - it can be found out within the funding community, and can be verified when looking at liens against
your settlement.
Don't Throw These Papers Away! - August 19, 2006
For legal purposes, you'll need to keep certain documents. There are those you need to keep, perhaps forever - these include:
credit card or loan pay-off statements, your will, any documents that give other power to make decisions (like power of
attorney). Keep your birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption papers, divorce papers, custody papers, financial
papers that direct money, life insurance beneficiary statements, trusts, business papers, military documents, major purchase
receipts, insurance policies, property ownership deeds and lien statements, income tax statements and records
(at least 3 years for supporting documents), and any other documents that are of this sort.
Watch Out for Estate Auctions - August 9, 2006
When you need to sell off a deceased or ill person's estate items, investigate the best choices. You can
hold your own garage sale, but you'll get the professional garage sale buyers trying to get you to sell for
pennies so they can head up to the flee market and resell for more.
You can have an auction company come
in and run an auction, at the site or at their auction grounds (better since you'll have more people
coming in to a central place, knowing they've purchased there before). However, make sure you
list bottom line prices on things that matter.
For furniture, or jewelry, for example, don't
let it sell for less than a fiar value amount - or it can sell for pennies at auction. The auction wants to
clean the stock, and will take bottom line prices to sell. You can agree to take back items that don't sell, if
you feel they are worthy. If there is a wood & glass china cabinet, purchased only 1 year ago, in a nice style, for
example, and it cost $100, don't let the auction house sell it for $7 just to move it. Put realistic restrictions
on valuable items so no one loses out. You can be sickened by a total proceed from an auction that gives you
$1200 for the entire estate, which you know was worth $40,000 - you may be ok with that, just to get rid of the
items fast, but if not, make the terms absolutely understood in lowest pricing.
Make certain that
you specify items that you do NOT want sold, whether in the attic, or a crawl space, or whereever. The
auction movers scour the entire house to load up everything that is loose (or may even take things that
are screwed in, off the walls). Specify no appliances or they may be taken. Be ultra picky and ultra careful
before you sign the papers for an estate auction sale.
Your "Comments" - August 2, 2006
If your comments are legitimate and useful, as in commenting on the blog, I will approve it.
If it is a cheap means to promote your own site, using a form letter I see over and over, it will not be published.
When someone tries to promote his own site by writing a very bad, unrelated comment, it is just not professional.
Please refrain from sending these "comments" - you're wasting your time.
On Top of New Developments - August 2, 2006
We pride ourselves in being able to offer the newest industry trends in the funding industry. We will update our
site to include any and all new developments that we can work with.
Need more funding after a prior advance, or a lower interest rate on a prior advance? We'll try to buy out
your prior advance and work out a new advance, giving you more if you wish, and trying to lower your interest rste.
Need surgery from your accident? We look after your needs to try to help you - get your needed surgery or medical
attention, and thereby strengthening your case. Once your case is made stronger, you can get a bigger advance if you need it.
For more information, go to
http://advancelawsuitfunding.com or call 888-414-4260 to talk to us.
Need Your Insurance Settlement Now? - May 20, 2006
An insurance settlement may take time to pay out - once settled, it can legally take up to 6 months to pay.
If you are counting on your insurance settlement, but have to wait longer than you had anticipated, you might
need to consider an advance on it. If you were in an auto accident and need medical attention, can't work until
you recover, your work is not compensating you for your time off, and you have bills to pay, but have to wait
for the insurance settlement to pay you, there is the option of getting an advance on a portion of the insurance
settlement. See if this can help you out, give you some breathing room to get by until you are back on your feet.
We'll discuss this option with you.
http://advancelawsuitfunding.com or call 888-414-4260
Lawsuit Settlement Funding - May 12, 2006
Lawsuit settlement funding is available to those who are
expecting payment from a lawsuit settlement or an
insurance settlement, as long as the case is strong enough
to win a settlement.
Lawsuit settlement funding may be a good option for you,
if you are strapped for cash and need money now. Lawsuit
settlement funding can bring you needed cash almost
immediately, and costing you nothing up front. It is faster
than getting a loan, and the process is easy, with little or
no red tape involved.
Lawsuit settlement funding is non-recourse, so that if
your lawsuit doesn’t settle, you need not pay back the
advance. Your case is scrutinized to be strong and likely
to win before it can be funded.
Lawsuit settlement funding is paid back when the case
settles, not taking anything from you up front. Your fees
and the payment of the advance (this is not a loan – though
similar to a loan) are paid directly from your settlement, so
there are no monthly payments.
If you are in need of lawsuit settlement funding, find out
more information, so you will know if it is your best option.
Lawsuit Settlement Funding can be good option if you have
no other resources, or if you have exhausted all your other
options, to turn to when you need cash immediately.
More information can be found at
http://advancelawsuitfunding.com or call 888-414-4260.
Money Resources - May 3, 2006
Continuing our discussion on ways to come up with money, if
in need, or if looking to start your own business.
You might consider using your credit cards. This isn’t a
recommended resource, but people do it all the time. Your
business might not bring in money immediately, and this
makes it hard to pay back the credit debt – this is never a
good idea unless there is full assurance of a good return on
your investment. The bad thing is - you won’t know until
after you go this route, and perhaps ring up quite a large
amount of debt.
Avoid using a credit card if you can - try to find another
resource, or you might find yourself in a bigger hole if
the business doesn't take off.
See http://www.doubleii.com/credit.html
Need money to start a business? - May 2, 2006
Need money to start a business? There are options that
we will cover for you along the
way on this blog. The first option we'll discuss is to
take out a loan – personal loan, line of credit, refinance your
home, or other. Taking out a loan is an involved process – you will
need to show the ability to pay a loan back. If you are
looking for a business loan, you will need to show a full
business plan and show market research that proves a need
for your business offering. Putting together a PowerPoint
presentation is a good idea. If you refinance your home,
you don’t need to produce a business plan, and you don’t
have to admit what the funds are for in any detail. You
may or may not get approved, however, so you may be back
to square one.
See http://www.doubleii.com/loans.htm
Business Funding Essentials - May 01, 2006
We’ve seen many types of business funding applications
come in – most are incomplete “dreams” that have no real
basis, and are poorly written up and put together. We’ve
had an entire portfolio of guys who model, who’ve had no
experience but “knew” they could model – they didn’t need
a business loan, they needed a modeling agent, and to work
their way up, gaining credibility first. We’ve seen a lot of
types of applications – the ones that were looked at by our
funders were the ones that included a PowerPoint
presentation, a complete business plan, a full 3-10 year
financial break-down and projection. If you are going to
start your business, you need all this same information. Make it
complete and convincing before you approach a funding resource.
See http://www.doubleii.com/financebusiness.html
Car Accident? - April 23, 2006
Car accidents can leave you in a monetary jam - your car isn't working, you may have injuries,
perhaps you cannot go to work. Maybe you can't afford to get the medical attention you need.
Even if the insurance companies are settling, you may not get paid for quite some time, longer
than you can afford. Don't let them pressure you to settle earlier, for less. You can get enough
of an advance on your insurance settlement to get you by until the settlement gets paid. Don't
wait until you are in deep trouble - get what you need to get over your mometary crisis, and
push for your full entitled amount. For more information, see
See http://advancelawsuitfunding.com
Cash in your assets to raise money - March 30, 2006
Cash in your assets if you need some cash now. If you truly value these assets, don’t use them for
something risky – chances are you’ll never get them back. Cashing in assets can be done in several ways –
you can go to a pawn shop, you can hold a garage sale, you can sell on eBay or other type of auction.
You can run classified ads, you can go to a store or broker which deals with your type of asset. Assets
can include things like: property, things in your home, jewelry, antiques, inheritance, a car, your home,
stocks, bonds, land, inheritance, or whatever else you might want to let go of, that someone else might want.
More assistance and ideas are at
See http://advancelawsuitfunding.com/cashnow.html
Advance Funding is an Old Concept - March 2, 2006
Advance lawsuit funding is an old concept - people have lent
relatives and friends money to help them get by until a lawsuit
or insurance settlement pays - and then the relative or friend
gets paid back from the settlement.
Now anyone who qualifies can get an advance from funders -
making it less personal, causing less stress on relationships,
and allowing those without the option of friends or family to get
the monetary help they need. This type of advance has only
been available since the 90's - once court constraints were
figured out in how to handle an advance.
Unlike a loan, advance funding is at no risk to the client. As an
added benefit - if for some reason the lawsuit or insurance
case doesn't win (and each case is scrutinized to make certain
it is strong before being funded), you need not pay back the
advance - this is called non recourse funding (all the risk is
on the funder).
No more asking relatives for money (to pay off credit bills,
make house payments, etc.) to get you through bad financial
times. If you need an advance on your pending (or settled)
lawsuit or insurance case, be sure to look into getting
funded for your settlement. It can make a difference between
your financial health and your relationship with family and
friends.
Getting Hounded by Creditors? - February 9, 2006
When a credit card company gets tired of dealing with your
debt, it often sells the debt asset to another agency, often a
credit collection company. The new company may start to
hassle you for payments – but first you need to figure out
what your correct amount of debt is, and to whom you
owe it.
You may not be liable for the debt, and they might be
pressuring or threatening you - you might be getting
scammed, or you might need to work out terms legitimately -
in either case, be wary of creditors who call - and read
more about this at http://www.doubleii.com/credit.html
Can't Afford Surgery? - February 7, 2006
If you've been injured in a car accident, or some other
circumstance that involves a lawsuit or insurance claim -
and you need surgery, but cannot afford it, you may
qualify to get advance lawsuit funding toward your surgery
and be able to pay for the surgery now, and if needed, get
additional advance funding after the surgery. Advance
lawsuit funding is meant to help you get through a
financial crisis or setback while you wait to be awarded
your lawsuit or insurance settlement. If we can get your
surgery taken care of, it can often make your case stronger
and more valuable. This helps you with our determination
of the case worth and strength when you are looking for
advance funding. See how we can help you get advance
funding toward your surgery.
http://www.advancelawsuitfunding.com
Advance Funding - Better Terms and Rates - January 26, 2006
When searching for advance funding for your lawsuit or insurance payment, find a company that
will give you the best rates possible. Check around - many companies still keep high rates and
gouge people -this isn't right. Our rates, for instance, have dropped to as low as 2.99% (many
car accident cases qualify at this rate), and medical malpractice is generally around 4.5%, with
more risky cases in the 5-6% range. Don't accept higher rates unless you've checked out other companies -
we don't want you to pay more than what you have to. We've also streamlined our process, getting your
applications in and out of underwriting much faster. You can get your advance funded very quickly - auto
accidents often as fast as 24 hours, or even less. Find out your options and make a good choice for you.
http://www.advancelawsuitfunding.com
Need Cash for the Holidays? - December 6, 2005
If you are having a hard time making ends
meet this holiday season, you are not alone.
The economy has forced the closures of many
companies, the lay-off of thousands, and the
pay reduction of many. There are a large
number of people who have been injured and
are unable to work. This is a tough holiday
year for many.
There maybe options available to you,
however, if you have certain situations
that can be worked with. There are cost-
cutting measures, as well, in which you
need not spend do much money this season.
Alternatives for holiday gift giving –
make gifts yourself – a gift basket with
baked goodies, a wood carving, a sewn
item, or something that you are good at.
Give stamps and stationery. Or alternate
family members you will give gifts to –
and not give to everyone.
Other possibilities you can explore is
the sale of some of your assets and
property – do you have things you really
do not need and are like new? Do you have
things you can take to consignment
stores? Do you have a legal or insurance
settlement that is paying soon or paying
in installments (you can sell those off
to get the cash now)? Do you carry a note
on a mortgage or have an annuity you would
like to cash in – in whole or on part?
Can you sell an extra car? Do you have a
pension you would like to get cash from?
Do you have excess inventory you want to
get rid of?
Have you called your credit card
companies to try to make a payment
arrangement with them? Many are
sympathetic if you try to cooperate with
them, and can often hold out a payment,
perhaps a month from now. There are debt
consolidation services which can do this
for you, giving you one monthly payment
at a reduced rate. You can also negotiate
a credit card settlement – pay it off in
an agreement, at a potentially huge
reduction (you may have to pay taxes on
the portion you are forgiven, so be
prepared in April 2003).
You can also get an advance on your
paycheck that you know is coming but
not here yet when you are needing the
money. There are places you can get to
loan you cash for that check – it will
cost you, but any of the options above
will cost you – weigh out if it's worth
it to you.
Find out more holiday cost saving tips at
http://www.doubleii.com/holidaycashneeds.htm
Did Your Card Buy Someone Else's Groceries? September 27, 2005
I bought groceries last week, exactly $10 worth of on-sale granola bars and Sobe drinks for a whopping total of $10.
I used the self scan service, and walked out with my receipt and groceries. I was looking at my account balance to see
what checks and debits had cleared, and I did not see my $10 amount, several days later (and this grocery store always
posts on same or next day to my account). Well, in looking at the receipt - it was not my card that was charged, but an
American Express card, which I do not have one of. Nor did I have any card ending in the last 4 digits of 8007 as was on
the receipt. I went to the store and the management was baffled - perhaps the checkstand had held onto the previous card
and paid for the purchase I made? They had not seen this happen before, and it had not happened to me, either, but the
amount was correct, the items were correct, and the American Express pruchase was wrong. It was my receipt, with correct
date and time and items, but no charge was made to my account. This type of situation may not be readily reported to a store -
since most people tend to throw away receipts, or not look at them like I do. If they don't see a charge come through, they
don't worry about it. If they see a receipt with a wrong card, most people would not report it since it won't show up on
their card. So, who knows how often this might happen? Check your balances and keep your receipts - it's the only way to
prove that your amounts match the amounts that come through as charges. If you get charged twice at the same store (and did
not make 2 purchases) and have the correct receipt, perhaps a scanner held onto your card information and used it to buy for
the next person in line? You can take your receipt in and let the store know the other charge must be wrong. This is the only
way the store can start looking into the potential problem. Until then, no one knows if there is a problem.
http://doubleii.com/credit.html
Keep your credit/debit card receipts - September 14, 2005
My husband regularly throws out receipts as soon as he uses his credit or debit card. This is dangerous
in more than one way. The receipt can be picked up by someone who can try to pull up information on it -
perhaps even going back to the store with receipt in hand, and somehow finding a way to get more information or
perhaps to increase the amount of purchase - who knows? Many places only put the last 4 digits of a card on the
receipts, but it's scary how scammers can still figure out a way to use these receipts. The other problem is that
when the charge comes through the bank or credit agency, it may or may not be in the same amount as you remember -
sometimes a decimal point is entered in the wrong place, or the number is keyed in wrong. The only proof you have
that it's wrong is the receipt. I have had this happen in the past, and having the receipt made it easy to both track
and correct. So remember - keep all your debit (although I hope you are running all your debit card purchases as "credit")
and credit receipts until you can check your account - then shred the receipts.
http://doubleii.com/credit.html
Katrina Scams - September 12, 2005
There are many scams floating out there concerning Katrina, as there are every time there is a disaster or
some event that tugs at people's hearts. There are bogus sites set up to collect funds (for the site owner -
not Katrina victims), there are panhandlers who physically say they are collecting funds, there are emails
being sent asking for money, asking for help in finding relatives, offering to look for lost relatives, telling
you they found one of your long lost relatives, and much more. DO NOT FALL VICTIM to these scams!!! They are set
up to make money for the scammer only. They are trying to work your emotions and will stop at nothing to do so.
Do NOT reply to these solicitations, do NOT click on site links, do NOT give any money. Links you hit may take you
to a porn or viagra site, or worse yet start a download that will allow the scammer access to your information in the
computer. Go ONLY to the Red Cross site (or one that is approved by the Red Cross as stated at the Red Cross site)
at www.redcross.org, or to the U.S. Humane Society site at www.hsus.org - don't bother with scams that take your money
and don't give it where it is needed.
http://www.doubleii.com/alerts.html
Check your bank accounts daily! - September 2, 2005
Check your bank accounts daily! Report any charges that you do not recognize. I found a charge of $703 made in
my account and I did not make the charge. I called my bank immediately and my card was canceled right away, and
they told me that the charge was made in a store in Texas - I was in Colorado the entire time. I called the business
(they had a website that I found on a search). The purchase was made on the Internet and the part was picked up the
next day. I asked what matching information they had - they used my credit card number, my address, my phone number,
my name - but not the 3 digit number on the back of the card. The store owner asked me if I was white or black, which
I thought odd, but said white. He said the people who picked up the part were black. I called the bank with the information
and they began an investigation. The bank provisionally credited me back the $703 within days. Having made the purchase as
a Visa credit card, I was covered by the Visa fraud protection. I made a police report as well, and the officer said
there is a sophisticated device that is handheld - it scans a credit card and takes all information on it. Then the thief
only need to pull up phone and address information - easy to do if you are in the phone book, or have information available
on the Internet. The only protection you have is to monitor your accounts diligently and run all your transactions as credit
(not debit). Keep track of who gets hold of your card, and if possible do not lose sight of your card when you use it -
don't let anyone take it away or under a desk area to process it - have it processed in front of you.
http://www.doubleii.com/identitytheft.htm
Use "credit" option - August 12, 2005
When making purchases using your debit card, use the "credit" option, not the "debit" option with
PIN. Using it as a "credit" card protects you from fraud. The "credit" option provides charge-back
protection - Visa & MasterCard have this protection and you can get your money back when there is a
dispute with the merchant or if you are not satisfied with the service you get. Using the PIN based
"debit" option runs the the funds through an electronic funds transfer - not through a credit card
network with protection.
http://doubleii.com/credit.htm
Don't try to get out of paying back when you win.... - June 1, 2005
We've had one instance of a client who, just prior to getting her lawsuit settlement check, fired her attorney and
redirected the payment to herself. She then did not pay the funder back, and tried to hide the settlement news. This
can only get people into much more trouble - she now has legal action placed upon her, will be in serious trouble,
and also her attorney is in danger of being disbarred for not notifying the funder. Do not try to trick the system.
It will only hurt you tremendously. When you sign papers for the lawsuit cash advance, you sign a lien which places a
priority on whom gets paid back and in which order - the attorney collects the check and pays back himself, then the
liens, and then whatver is left goes to the client. In this case, the client fired her attorney before the check was
sent out, and covertly had the settlement check signed over to herself. That is wrong. The funder will come after the
client in this case, and all of our funders are either attorneys or work with attorneys on the funding. Remember - the
funder is risking his or her money for you - believing in the strength of your case. If the case doesn't win, you don't
pay the funding back. If your case wins, you are obligated to pay the funder back. The funder took a chance on you - you
need to follow the rules and procedures as signed to do.
http://www.advancelawsuitfunding.com
Want more funds, or a lower rate? - May 25, 2005
If you have received advance funding already for a lawsuit, and would like to receive a lower rate, or need yet more money,
we can look into your situation. We just got word that one company we work with is willing to look over cases that have been
funded, to buy out previous funding and perhaps allow more funding. Call or email us to check this option out. 888-414-4260
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