Wedding Disputes

You have painstakingly plan the perfect wedding but as you know there's always some things that can go wrong.

If you were disappointed in a service or a product provided you at your wedding what is your recourse? Well first you would try to solve the problem with the contractor of the service or product. If this does not work you could take the company to your local small claims court. This court will handle cases of $5000 or less.

Let us say that you contracted a photographer take photos of your wedding. When viewing the final product you were very disappointed. What to do you have already paid him? If the company refuses to help you or give you a refund or even a partial refund you probably have a case for small claims court.

Remember the person who goes to court with a well documented case and all the necessary evidence to prove it will generally be the winner. So make sure you have the sign contract you entered into with them as well as the final product you ended up with. If you have a witness who can testify to the quality of work of the defendant it would also be very helpful. If you win your case you will not only be reimbursed with initial money that you laid out but also for the legal fees that you have incurred while processing your claim to the court. So keep in mind be well prepared when presenting your case.

Roommate Agreement

Having a roommate is a great idea that will allow you to have a much better place to live. Let's face it splitting your expenses two ways is definitely is an advantage.

When searching for a suitable roommate you have to be careful and check this person out thoroughly as you don't want to end up with the roommate from hell. One way to do this is check with his or her previous landlord to see what kind of a tenant they were. Did they pay the rent on time? Did they leave the property in good condition? These are important questions that you should know the answer to before entering into any kind of roommate agreement.

When renting a condo, apartment, or a house remember that the lease you sign will be in each person's name and you will be held liable for the full rent or damages. This means that if you get the wrong roommate and they fail to pay their rent you will be responsible for the entire amount.

This is why you should have a separate roommate agreement. The agreement should state that if they fail to pay their part of the rent you will have the legal right to evict them from the property. This contract would give you leverage if you would have to sue your roommate in a small claims court for nonpayment of the rent or damages. This agreement would not stop the landlord from legal action against you for the rent money. It is to your advantage to have an agreement like this to recoup funds you could lose if your roommate defaults on his commitment. This is a simple contract that you can pick up in any office supplies store and fill out yourself. It is a good idea though to have it notarized in case your roommate disputes that they signed it.

Best Neighbors Ever

Guest post of the week by Brittany Booker:

I am so fortunate to have good neighbors. When I moved into my apartment about a year and a half ago, I figured that living here would be the same as living in my old apartment. I barely saw any of my neighbors. I actually had no idea who lived in any of the apartments around me. I was pleasantly surprised when I got a knock at the door one week after I moved in. It was my neighbor, Jim, Inviting me out to a neighborhood happy hour. Since I moved in he has helped with so many things. He helped me train my puppy, which was so nice. It was a really difficult job, and I needed the help. When I had trouble with my cable company, Jim suggested I go to directstartv.com and get satellite instead, which was great advice. I have also met a bunch of people in the neighborhood through him, which has made my social life so much better. It was definitely the right move to leave my old apartment. I finally found the social scene I am looking for at my new place.

San Pedro, Belize

When planning your honeymoon you might want to consider the island of San Pedro located in Belize.

If you like sandy white beaches, lush rain forests and exotic adventures then you will love the island of San Pedro. The island is rated one of the 10 best dive destinations in the world. It is the home of the Belize barrier reef that runs along the entire coast of Belize. The reef is located only a quarter a mile from the beach so it is easily accessible. There also many bars and restaurants to enjoy while listening to reggae and Latin music. There are also tours available to the Maya archaeological sites. So check with your local traveling about honeymoon tours to the island.

Bill Collectors

If you are a newlywed couple for some reason or another you might have gotten behind in your bills. This happens to many of us.

I am sure you have been called by a bill collector. In 2010 there were over 10,000 bill collecting agencies registered. They have collected approximately $9 billion dollars.

If you are being harassed by one of these agencies you do have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This abuse can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and also your local state attorney generals office.

When you are contacted by the debt collecting company you have to remember they really don't care about your circumstances the bottom line is to get as much money out of you as possible. Their philosophy is all debtors are habitual liars and will say anything. They will make such ridiculous suggestions as borrow the money from your friends, take the money out of your retirement plan such as a 401(k), use another credit card. All of these ideas are horrible and go against any advice that you would get from a financial planner. I am not saying that you should not pay your debts but don't be intimidated into doing something foolish by one of these agencies. These companies will even call you at work and try to intimidate you. All you have to do is simply state do not call me at my place of employment anymore they must stop that is the law. So if you are intimidated by a debt collecting agency contact the government agencies mentioned above and file a complaint you do have your rights.

Disadvantage of Low Credit Score

There are many disadvantages of having a low credit score. The most obvious one would be approval when applying for a loan.

Having a low credit score can add much stress to your life and even affect your relationships. When you have a low credit score businesses such as banks consider you a high risk when making a loan request. If you are eventually approved for a loan you can be sure it will be at a high rate of interest. Another disadvantage would be high deposits that companies such as utilities and cell phone compaines will require of you if you have a poor credit score. Many apartment complexes will check your credit score before renting to you this could cause you not to be approved.

There are ways to improve your credit score such as applying for a credit card with a security deposit make sure this company reports transactions to the credit bureau. If you keep up your payments it will reflect well on your credit score. There are many organizations that have programs to give free financial advice for people with imperfect credit. You should go to one of these and get some tips on improving your credit worthiness.

Debt Statue of Limitations

Did you know that many states have statue of limitations on the debt that you owe. If your state has this debt collectors cannot sue you or put your debt on your credit report if the limitations have run out.

You must be careful when a debt collector calls you do not agree to any partial payments or repayment plan or even admit remember knowledge the debt as this may start the clock over on your statue of limitations. If you are threatened or a debt collector uses profanity or keeps harassing you after 9 PM you do have some options. You can report this company to your state attorney generals office and also the Federal Trade Commission as these are violations of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. Remember we do not have a debtors prison in this country and you do have rights you must be aware of them and study your options.

The Marriage License

While you're planning your wedding it is very important that you secure your marriage license in a timely manner.

The regulations governing the application to marry license varies from state to state. For example in some states there is no waiting period once you have applied for your license. In others it could be as much as three-days. You will also have to show proper ID such as a drivers license, state ID card or a passport. If you are marrying a person who is a nonresident of the United States you might want to check out if there's any special requirements required by the state. So before making that trip down to City Hall just call ahead and see what requirement and regulations you will have to follow.

Wedding Scams

You have to be very careful while planning your wedding especially if it is taking place in a hotel.

Not all but some hotels will use some very devious tactics and hidden costs to add to their bottom line. When negotiating with the hotel make sure that you have an ironclad contract for exactly what the cost of the ceremony or reception will be so there will be no hidden cost or tacked on fees.

When you receive your bill you must go over with a fine tooth comb to detect any out of place service fees that may have been added. An example of this would be a fee for cutting the cake or a cork fee for opening the champagne. Also make sure that the gratuity service charge is correct and nothing has been added to it. One remedy to this problem would be to have some of your friends cut the cake and serve the champagne. The bottom line is have a good contract and review it to make sure nothing has been added.

The Dispute of Walgreens and Express Scripts

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

I had a call from my friend today and she expressed total disappointments. She is now looking for a new pharmacy that offers more savings and it saddened her because she reads the press release about the dispute between Walgreens and Express Scripts.

Both of us are customers of Walgreens and we like this establishment because they offer affordable prices. My friend has her prescriptions from them and she took advantage of the special discount provided for the annual membership on Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens. She told me about the dispute, and she as a patient under the Express Scripts plan was caught in the middle. She finds it convenient to have her prescriptions picked up at Walgreens and with this dispute, she feels bad about it. She created a personal rapport with the employees of Walgreens pharmacy but now, she will have to find another pharmacy. It would mean, she had to drive further and conform with the business hours for prescription pick-up. Having used to a 24-hour service from Walgreens Pharmacy, this change brings her inconvenience and a big hassle. I hope that Express Scripts will think about the patients and what's good for the majority of their clients. Tricare, the health and prescription drug program for the military is also affected greatly.

How about you? Share your opinions at Walgreens on Twitter and Walgreens on Facebook and express your dissatisfaction for Express Scripts. You can leave your intellectual points in the comment section below.

Wedding Scams

How would you like to wake up one day and find that you are married to a foreigner? This actually happened to a woman in California.

This is why you must protect your identity and be aware of your surroundings at all time. A citizen of Nigeria claimed he was married to a US citizen when filling out the paperwork for his green card. He turned in a fake marriage certificate to the Alameda County records office and also to US immigration. His plan was foiled when the so-called wife discovered her name on a marriage certificate on file at the county courthouse needless to say she was not a happy newlywed and immediately call the authorities. The man was arrested and later tried and convicted of immigration fraud, and identity theft. This situation just points out the importance of constantly monitoring your bank accounts and public records to make sure your name doesn't appear on some bogus paperwork. This is actually the first time I heard of a scam like this remember the con men are always out there thinking of new ways to get over.

Have A Picnic

Being a newlywed you are always looking for different things to do with the man or woman of your dreams. Let me suggest a picnic.

The original idea of the picnic was a group of people getting together with each one bringing their own distinctive dish to the social gathering. Today the modern-day picnic is defined as they pleasurable excursion where a meal is consumed outdoors. Most picnics take place in a pleasant landscape such as a park, in the mountains or at the beach.

Picnics have graduated into a special event. In the old days you would take your picnic lunch spread it out on the blanket and enjoy. Today's picnic offers more luxury such as designer Picnic baskets that feature beautiful plates and place settings. They are many different blankets and mats that come in many colors and are designed especially for using on the ground. Picnics have come a long way from the wicker baskets with a sandwich or fried chicken to portable grill and folding tables to blankets that match your dishes. So if you're having a old-fashioned picnic sitting on your blanket and eating your sandwich or a designer picnic with all the fancy accessories I'm sure you will still enjoy being in the beautiful outdoors.

Pay Cash

As a newlywed you are always looking for ways to save money. Whether you collect grocery store coupons or shop at the discount stores.

There is another way you may save money I call it the old-fashioned way pay cash now isn't that a unique idea. Many small businesses such as the mom-and-pop store on the corner would rather you pay cash then use a credit card. Why you might ask? Credit card companies charge businesses a certain percentage for the use of their card. Instead of paying this percentage the business would rather give the customer a small discount for paying cash. I have often been this scenario play out in gas stations where they have one price for credit card users and one for cash customers. Some businesses will even take checks if you have the proper identification this is still considered cash. Sometimes it is a hassle to show your ID but in most cases is well worth it. So remember when shopping for bargains and discounts cash is king.

Cancel Credit Cards

If you have lost your credit card of course you want to cancel it immediately. Informed the company that has issued it to you as soon as possible so you will not be charged or held liable for any amounts charged on them.

This is not the only reason that you would cancel a credit card. If you have cards that you do not use this may interfere with you getting a credit card that you do want. Creditors sometimes feel that having too many credit cards you may overextend yourself. Therefore it is better to just go ahead and cancel the unused cards.

There is a simple solution to this problem even though there are telephone numbers you may call to cancel your card is also wise to put in writing. This can be done with a simple letter. Just send a letter title request to cancel credit card.

In your letter you will request that the credit card be canceled and also reported to the credit bureau that your account has been closed. You might also add that the card has been destroyed and will not be used again. It would be wise to send this letter registered so that you would have some proof of your request. This is a simple letter that you might do yourself. I

Wedding Insurance

You are planning your wedding this can be one of the most exciting times of your life. It can be one of the most stressful times.

There are many things to attend to and plan to put on the best wedding possible. You have to be fitted for your wedding dress, arrange for the floral displays, the wedding photographer, and plan the location of the wedding.

The last thing on your mind is what if something goes wrong hopefully it won't but you never know. This is the time that you may think about obtaining some wedding insurance. What if on the big day your wedding dress is damaged, or certain supplies do not show up even the terrible event that the whole wedding was cancel. Wedding insurance can help you offset some of these financial responsibility.

Wedding insurance comes in a different variety of packages and each package will give you a certain amount of coverage. Such coverage as stolen wedding presents, damage bridal gowns, and personal injury of someone while attending the wedding. This type of insurance is relatively inexpensive so contact your insurance company and give yourself peace of mind.

Inexpensive Dining in New York

If you are on your honeymoon in New York City and are limited on funds you might try substituting one of your meals from a restaurant to what one of the street food vendors in the city.

You are now asking yourself sounds like a good idea but how healthy and clean is it to eat from a food cart. Believe me most of these carts are cleaner that some of the restaurants you have been dining at. You can't see what goes on behind closed doors of a kitchen at a food cart it is out in the open where nothing can hide the customer can see and smell and nothing can hide. Most of the carts are stainless steel and small which makes them easier to clean. In a restaurant kitchen you cannot see how clean it is and in some cases you really don't want to. The customer service at one of these carts is very good because this vendor needs you to return. When you see a carts without a line of people this generally means the food stinks. So if you want to save a little money substitute one of your meals probably lunch and check out these carts I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Number One Honeymoon Destination

If you had to guess what do you think would be the number one honeymoon destination in the USA The answer would be Hawaii.

According to a poll taken by travel agents Hawaii was ranked as the number one honeymoon destination and declared the ideal spot for a romantic getaway. You can book and all-inclusive honeymoon at many hotels located in the islands. Hotel catering to honeymoon getaway are distinctive different in a couple of ways. Number one and absence of children. Number two most of the hotels have a private beach for romantic swims, beautiful sunsets and romantic stroll along the beach. In most cases your food, hotel, and entertainment are included in the price. Many times you can also get a discounted airfare. So when making plans for your honeymoon check with your travel agent about an all-inclusive honeymoon package and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Living Together

If you are in a long-term relationship but are not engaged but living with someone you might want to enter into a co-habitation agreement.

Not too many legal issues will arise while a couple is happily living together. The problems arise when one of the partners may die or are they agree to split up.

When you are having a long-term relationship as a couple you will acquire certain properties and also certain debts. When a couple splits up the problem arises as to who owns what property and also who will pay certain debts.

The best way to protect you and your partner is to draw up a cohabitation agreement. This will define who owns what and who is responsible for certain debts. This will make it much easier to distribute the property and also the responsibility of who owes what.

This agreement usually will list what property is owned jointly and what each party will claim separately as their own. It will also point out who will pay what expenses during the relationship. As far as the property goes you should list what property belongs to who on a separate sheet of paper and mark it as exhibit A and B pointing out clearly each person's personal property and exactly who owns it.

Agreement like this also protects you from any palimony claims. This agreement should stay that either party does not promise any support in the event of a separation. Changes in this agreement must be in writing. So if you want to make your life much simpler when having a long-term relationship and living with a partner checked into the cohabitation agreement for peace of mind.

Family Contract

Back in the 18th century many families lived together in one house as many as three generations all in one place.

We proceeded into the 20th. The trend became just the opposite. The younger generation wanted to strike out on their own by obtaining their own apartment or condo. Same with the older generation they generally moved into a smaller place that was more manageable and less expensive.

Now it seems like the trend is reversing again. Children who are not married in their 30s and 40s many times are moving back in with their parents. Elderly parents moving back in with their children.

If you are getting married in the near future and are planning to live with your in-laws or your own parents you might want to consider a family contract. This does not have to be a legal agreement just a signed formal statement that can be used pointing out the expectation of each party.

Here is a guide line that might help you in drawing up your statement. How long will this arrangement last? Will it be open ended or have a termination date. What areas of the home will be designated for your use for example the basement, attic, or garage? How much you will contribute financially to the household? Is smoking allowed? Are any pets allowed? Any overnight guest allowed? What are the parking arrangements for your automobile? These are just a few examples of what you might put it your family contract. By drawing up this statement you will a void stress and tension that could end up in bitter fights.