Fashion critic Cojo’s wallet malfunction
IRS agents normally don’t get to walk down the red carpet — unless they’re chasing after Hollywood fashion critic Steven Cojocaru. Cojo owes the IRS more than $41,000 in delinquent taxes, according to public records.
What’s owed:
- The IRS filed a $41,430 tax lien against Steven Cojocaru on Nov. 18 with the Los Angeles County Recorder.
The address on the lien is a Los Angeles office building. Here’s Cojocaru’s $940,000 home:
His side:
Cojocaru’s manager Konrad Leh didn’t dispute or explain the tax lien.
“The matter is being resolved,” Leh wrote in an email Monday.
Is Capital One seeking to collect on discharged debts?
One of the primary advantages of either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that otherwise crippling debts — such as credit card debt — can be eliminated. Accordingly, a person who files for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 under the United States Bankruptcy Code not only gets a fresh financial start, but also sees the door on debt collection efforts effectively closed.
Interestingly enough, one of the nation’s larger banks is now facing claims that it has attempted to collect upon debts that were previously discharged in either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 proceedings.
According to a recent report filed by a court-appointed auditor, Capital One — the nation’s 10th largest bank known for its “What’s in Your Wallet” credit card campaign — stands accused of trying to collect upon at least 15,500 “erroneous claims.”
The investigation into Capital One began back in 2008 after a U.S.
Personal bankruptcies drop in 2011
A recent analysis from the National Bankruptcy Research Center shows that personal bankruptcies decreased in 2011. Last year, 1.35 million people in the U.S. filed for personal bankruptcya 12 percent decrease from the 1.5 million personal bankruptcies filed in 2010.
Based on this information, approximately 1 in every 175 Americans filed for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2011. 17 percent fewer Chapter 7 bankruptcies and 25 percent fewer Chapter 13 bankruptcies were filed in the U.S. last year.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are the most frequently filed types of bankruptcy. Under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, individuals liquidate some of their assets to pay off their debts, and under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, filers create a repayment plan to repay creditors over a certain time period.
5 Tips for Giving Your Boss the Right Gift This Holiday Season
Giving a gift to a boss can become a tricky situation if not handled properly. The wrong gift or present can send the wrong message or even insult your employer. However, this problem can be safely defused with a thoughtful, well-timed present. Therefore, it is important to spend a considerable amount of time picking the best gift possible.
It may be difficult to find the perfect gift for your employer, but there are certain “gifts” that should be avoided at all costs. First of all, an employee should not give cash as a gift. A present comprised of money bills has negative connotations, and may cause your boss to have a negative reaction. A better alternative is a gift card or gift certificate. In addition, an employee should never give favors or promises as a present. An IOU or a promise of a gift in the future conveys a negative impression; one that will likely affect your relationship with your employer.
When choosing a gift for a boss or employer, it is important to spend some time and give it some thought. Wit
Tips for Eliminating Debt in 2012 with Help from a Chicago Bankruptcy Filing
For the countless Chicago families struggling with money, 2012 represents the chance for a fresh start.
There’s no doubt that the past few years have been a rough ride. Unemployment in the Chicago area hovered around 10%, while incomes of those fortunate enough to have jobs rose less than 1%, the Chicago Tribune reports. Many folks are stuck with underwater mortgages – i.e., they’re making monthly payments greater than the current value of their home. Or, worse, they’re already caught up in a lengthy and draining foreclosure process.
When money is tight, it can be easy to feel like you’re at the mercy of the economy. But the choices you make this year can change the direction of your financial future, say Chicago bankruptcy lawyers.
Reduce your mortgage payment
That’s right: you don’t have to settle for a mortgage payment worth more than what’s fair. We’re entering 2012 with interest rates at historic lows.