Find the gifts within every challenge…

December 1, 2009 Blog No Comments

 

Here in metro Atlanta, Ga. autumn has descended upon us as the leaves continue to fall. It seems amazing to me that a year or so ago we all spoke about the serious drought we were facing and now a year later many are looking at the devastation left behind by massive flooding. Finding the balance between the two would be ideal going forward!
Many of you have heard me speak about my mantra, “Find the gifts within every challenge.” Recently I made a discovery that rings true to that message ironically in my own backyard. When we moved here several years ago I was told that there had been an active spring here once that had since dried up from the drought. So while cleaning and clearing the massive mess left behind from the flooding I was delighted to find a little blessing that made me smile…our spring has sprung again!
 
This was truly symbolic for me because when times were tough in my life I used to envision living in a place where there were towering trees and a small stream that I could sit by and just be. You know, a special place where the troubles of the world melt away. When we moved here I found everything I had hoped for except, the water, and now here it was replenished by the ravages of a storm!
 
This month my special teleseminar series, “Divorce Speak” features Joanie Winberg, founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children. She will be sharing information on the do’s and don’ts of getting through the holidays while dealing with divorce. One quick tip is to find the gratitude in every challenge as I wrote about above. Want to make sure you have happier holidays despite divorce? Sign up today to listen in and find out more!
 
- Sign Up Here -

 

Need some support this holiday season?

November 25, 2009 Blog No Comments

With the holiday season upon us, the stress of divorce is compounded. The article below is from “Parental Alienation Hurts,” by Chrissy. I hope this article is helpful to anyone going through a difficult time. Happy Thanksgiving to All. I am thankful you are here.   ~ Lisa

24 November, 2009 (18:21) | Reflections | By: chrissy
The holiday season has arrived as it does every year. The season is one that is recognized for family celebrations and children opening presents with food and laughter. In some houses there will be a silence that will remind of us of the term parental alienation. These homes will be reminded of memories past and the old traditions that brought smiles and warm fuzzy emotions that are affiliated with Christmas.
During these weeks the pain threshold is increased to unlimited reminders of the time you don’t have with your children. While we are hiding from the holidays we are constantly prompted by the visions of lights, commercials, and children in our midst.  We have friends and family that understand to a limit and we feel alone in a whirlwind of tears that we alone cry. It is painful to be a non custodial parent and while it is healthy to grieve there needs to come a time when we say life goes on. There is nothing selfish in this thought process.
Below are some helpful suggestions that might make your holiday season more manageable and easier to cope with. It will be an easier process if you plan ahead and know this is a task that needs your assistance to help others.
·         Open your home to other non custodial parents
·         Don’t be home alone spend it with family and friends if possible
·         Spend some time at a homeless shelter and help serve their needs
·         Help under privileged children
·         Put together an outing with others so no one is an “orphan” for the holidays.
·         Take a vacation with a friend
·         Plan a new project
These are not easy transitions to acquire and will take time. You will still have emotions of sadness but they will not be over cumbering to you.  Sometimes we isolate ourselves in our own misery and we make it harder to climb out of the trenches of our pain.  We must remember in divorce children also have mixed emotions about the holidays. 
On Thanksgiving night Parental Alienation Hurts and Get Your Justice Live will have our annual Holiday Support Call. Many of us come together to share memories, tears, and yes even a few laughs in the process.  The call is takes place from 8pm EST: To call in live during the show dial 724-898-1660
 Join us via the computer FREE LIVE CHAT STARTS AT 8PM EST  http://budurl.com/liveshowtimechat
I hope to see some of you there to know you’re not alone this holiday.
 

 

Last Chance to Sign Up for Tonight’s FREE Teleseminar!

October 28, 2009 Blog No Comments

 

There’s still time to register for tonight’s call about Breaking Up Your Marriage and Your Business.  Don’t miss my teleseminar series where I will be interviewing Marty Varon, a skillful business valuator and sensational CPA who will be sharing information on issues that anyone going through the divorce of your marriage and your business should know. Join us to find out how to get your best settlement possible. 
Sign up Here

 

Breaking Up Marriage and Business?

October 27, 2009 Blog No Comments

 

You know every where you turn these days it seems we hear bad news about the economy and business. Going through a divorce and trying to sell a business in the midst of this economy is challenging to say the least. Depending on which side of the bargaining table you sit on, you may be able to use this down economy to your advantage. If business is down, then it’s generally worth less and if you are the one keeping the business after your split that’s in your favor. However, being on the other side where you will likely be selling your portion out at a low point means being especially careful, and needing extra knowledge and attention to get your best deal as well.
 
Check out my special teleseminar series, “Divorce Speak” this month featureing Marty Varon, a skillful business valuator and sensational CPA who will be sharing information on issues that anyone going through the divorce of your marriage and your business should know. What one clause MUST you have in your settlement agreement to protect yourself if you’ve got both your marriage and a business to split? Be sure to listen in to find out!
 
Sign Up Here
 

 

Assistance Available for Flood Victims in Georgia

October 14, 2009 Blog No Comments

This information below is from a recent email I received from Senator Johnny Isakson regarding flood relief for the recent victims in Georgia.  More rain has happened this week and is still raining today.  Prayers go out to the victims of all this flooding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Recently, our state witnessed a series of severe storms that resulted in flooding across much of north Georgia and the metro Atlanta area. As a result, Gov. Sonny Perdue requested a federal disaster declaration from President Obama to assist the affected areas.

On September 24, 2009, President Obama issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Georgia, triggering the release of federal funds to help individuals recover from the severe storms and flooding that began September 18, 2009, and continuing. Currently, the counties of Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker have been designated for Individual Assistance, and all counties are eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Individual Assistance can include temporary housing assistance for eligible applicants such as rental assistance and repair assistance. If you sustained damage during these storms and live in one of the designated counties, I encourage you to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585 for individuals with speech or hearing disabilities. If you have Internet access, you may apply for disaster assistance online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov <http://www.disasterassistance.gov> .

In addition, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cobb, Douglas, Gwinnett, Paulding, Stephens and Walker counties are also now eligible for Public Assistance. This assistance provides funding on a cost-sharing basis to local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for the repair or replacement of damaged roads, dams, bridges, water treatment facilities, publicly-owned utilities and other types of infrastructure.

I have been in communication with state emergency officials as well as local government officials in counties affected by this severe weather and flooding. Last week, I toured some of the damaged areas with Vice President Biden, Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Fugate. I believe it was very important for the administration to see firsthand the destruction that has taken place, and I hope it helps them understand the urgency of getting help to all of Georgia’s affected   communities.

I have compiled the latest information on disaster response and recovery activities on my website. Please visit http://www.isakson.senate.gov/flooding.html <http://www.isakson.senate.gov/flooding.html>  for more information, including a list of local disaster relief centers.

Help for the Silent Victims of Domestic Violence

October 3, 2009 Blog No Comments

Thanks to Susan Cadley, LPC, CSC of Living from Within LLC Counseling & Coaching Services, Suwanee, GA 678-296-1278 for sharing this information.

Did you know there is a resource available for the family pets of victims of domestic violence? When a family or person leaves a domestic violence situation, leaving an animal behind is yet another loss and can be dangerous for the pet. Ahimsa House is a resource that will foster, vet and care for family pet where safe shelter is required.

Last year Ahimsa House paid for 3000 room nights for animals from domestic violence situations - cats, dogs, horses, etc. There is always a need for foster homes and fund raising activities cover the organizations costs. This month Ahimsa House presents Walk `N Wag on 10/10/2009. Consider supporting them by bringing your dog(s) out of a walk or visiting the event.

Lenox Park Buckhead
Saturday, October 10, 2009

Fun, Food and Entertainment
 for the Whole Family!

Saturday, October 10, 2009 o 10:00am-2:00pm
Registration begins at 9:00am
Ahimsa House Attractions:

* One Mile and One-Half Mile Walks
* Silent Auction
* Micro chipping & Nail Clipping by a Vet
* Pet Contests with Celebrity Judges
* Vendor Booths (click here <http://www.ahimsahouse.org/walk-n-wag-vendor-list> to see current list of vendors)
* Entertainment
* Food
* Doggie Art Station
* Prizes
* Demonstrations

… and Much More!

www.ahimsahouse.

org <http://www.ahimsahouse.org/>

Ahimsa" is a Sanskrit word meaning non-violence.
 

Happening Tonight - Surviving the Credit Crisis teleseminar!

September 30, 2009 Blog No Comments

Would you like to learn about recent changes in credit card laws and how they affect you? 

  • Are credit worries keeping you awake at night?
  • Would you like to improve your credit rating, but don’t know how?
  • Do you believe you are powerless to keep more money in your pocket when it comes to your credit cards?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions then you don’t want to miss this teleconference:

“Surviving the Credit Crisis –

What’s New and What You Can Do to Overcome

Credit Challenges and Changes!”

 

You still have time to sign up for the call happening tonight at 7:00 pm!

http://divorcemoneymatters.com/considering-divorce/events/surviving-the-credit-crisis-teleseminar/

 

Learn more about Cindy’s Pay Debt Quickly kit that clients are raving about!  Learn how to create your personal debt payoff plan!!

Banks to Bailout Government?

September 23, 2009 Bailouts, Banks, Blog, Credit No Comments

From the Center for media and Democracy weekly ezine 9-23-09

Banks to Bailout Government?
Source: New York Times, September 21, 2009

Steve Labaton of the New York Times reported that senior regulators at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) are seriously considering a plan to have the nation’s "healthy banks" loan money to the government to replenish the FDIC insurance fund that protects bank depositors. The fund, which has been tapped to protect deposits in close to 100 failed banks, is rapidly running out of money. Generally federal agencies are wary of using funding mechanisms that might give the appearance that they have been "captured" by the very institutions they are charged with regulating. But apparently FDIC chair Sheila Bair would rather pursue this cockeyed strategy than ask sparring partner — Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner — for a government check. Not surprisingly, banks welcomed this development with open arms. The Independent Community Bankers of America’s Karen Thomas claimed, "Borrowing from healthy banks instead of the Treasury has the advantage of keeping this in the family. It is much better for perceptions than having the fund borrow from someone else." If the banksters really think we are all one great big family, perhaps they’ll start giving consumers a break on 27% credit card interest rates.

 

Is this a set up or just a bad movie?  What will they conjure up next!  ~Lisa

A Readers Question - When the Responsible Financial Party Isn’t Acting Responsibly?

September 4, 2009 Blog, Credit No Comments

 

Lisa,
 
In my divorce judgment my former husband was given the financial responsibility of paying for and selling a time share in which both our names are on the loan.  He is in default of payment and this has affected by credit score.  What if anything can I do to straighten this out with the credit bureaus so that it doesn’t continue to lower my credit score.
 
Sincerely,
 
E.W.
 
 
 
Hi E.W.,
 
Unfortunately, this is an all too common scenario in divorce when splitting liabilities.  I always counsel my clients to pay off any joint debts when possible BEFORE the divorce is finalized to prevent these kinds of problems in the future.
 
In situations where that may not possible, then at least request that the mortgage, auto, credit card or other company you are indebted to, send copies of the statements to you,  as well as to the spouse that is supposed to be responsible for paying off the debt.  This will give you the ability to stay on top of seeing that the payments are being made on time and avert further problems if they are not.
 
First of all, you can take your husband back to court and sue him for breach of contract in not living up to the terms of the divorce settlement agreement.  This will likely entail hiring an attorney so factor in the cost of legal fees and see if you can recover those costs as well.  If he is in a position of not paying due to financial constraints then it may be difficult to collect even if you are successful in court.  Weigh the cost vs. benefit before rushing into court.
 
As to your credit:
 
  1. You can take over and start making the payments to prevent further problems.
 
  1. Contact the mortgage company on the loan and let them know the situation.  Ask them how much he is in arrears and will they consider going back in and correcting the credit history, in essence wiping off the issue on your credit report, if you make up the payments?  Some will, some won’t….doesn’t hurt to try.  Ask to speak to a supervisor if necessary.  These days most will be happy to reclaim the money and be accommodating to your needs as well.  Get any agreements from the mortgage company in writing before you make any payments.   
  2. Have your husband quit claim his interest to you and then try to sell your interest in the time-share on your own.  Time shares are a bit tricky to sell, so you may have to come up with some creative options.
 
  1. If you are not in a position to do these things then I am afraid there is not much more you can do other than let them foreclose on the loan.  Unfortunately, that will have a further negative credit rating on you as you have found.  You could put a note in your credit files stating the terms of the divorce, but as you now likely know, courts do not have authority to make lenders comply with the terms of the divorce decree.
 
I am sorry you have found yourself in this unfortunate situation and hope that this information helps in some way.  Good luck with it.
 
Best regards,
 
~ Lisa ~

 

A special thanks to Cindy Morus, the Money Mender, for some of the information contained above.   Cindy is my next teleseminar guest for September!  More details coming soon…. 

 

BofA Gets Away with Highway Robbery of the American Public

August 10, 2009 Blog No Comments

Crime does pay…in this case it pays $5.8 Billion.  Executives that caused the financial crisis write themselves a check for $5.8 Billion and then walk away without recourse.  Those that authorized this travesty then pay a paltry in comparison $33 Million in penalties.

Form http://www.investmentadvisor.com/News/2009/8/Pages/BofA-To-Pay-SEC-33-Million-Over-Merrill-Bonuses.aspx


BofA to Pay SEC $33 Million Over Merrill Bonuses 

Shareholders not told of bonus payouts when they voted on merger 

 

8/4/2009 

 

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