David Lyman Spalding will spend the next 15 years in a federal prison after scamming almost $4 million from unwitting investors. The 62-year old Colleyville businessman promised 97 investors across 11 states they would earn generous returns on money invested in a wind farm. Unfortunately, it did not exist. Prosecutors say Spalding spent the funds…
If you’ve ever read an obituary, you know that laughter may be the last thing you can expect. We speak of those we’ve lost with hushed, reverent tones – even if they left behind a mountain of debt, enemies, and a trail of empty Jack Daniel’s bottles. One family took the opposite tact when it…
With the increased use of smart phones and tablets, along with the countless social media apps and sites that are springing up left and right, people are more connected than ever before. We’re sharing more and more online, without necessarily stopping to consider the long-term consequences that their Facebook post, Tweet, Snapchat message, or Facebook…
To answer the second part of the question first, yes, everyone should have PIP. And I encourage you to get as much as your carrier will provide you. It’s generally offered in increments of $2,500.00, up to about $10,000.00, although I have seen it higher than $10,000.00 on at least one occasion. My suggestion is…
In a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, Herbalife has agreed to overhaul its business practices as well as provide $200 million in consumer compensation. This is an interesting story because, despite having executed a settlement agreement, both sides view its meaning quite differently. The FTC sees the settlement agreement as a way to force…
If you do a basic Google search for “con man gets prison for email scam,” you will find page after page of frightening results. The general public continues to falls prey to email scams, with individuals losing anywhere between a few hundred to millions of dollars per year. In a scheme perpetrated as recently as…
Even when you request a low-risk, conservative investment, an investment adviser can lead you down the wrong path. And even those with the time, money, and ability to provide oversight can be taken for a ride. That was the case for NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez, MLB pitcher Jake Peavy, and former MLB pitcher Roy Oswalt….
Image Courtesy of Ikea.com With 39 locations across the United States, Ikea is one of the most popular retail stores offering affordable and ready-to-assemble furniture, home accessories, and appliances. On June 28, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ikea announced it will voluntarily recall about 29 million chests and drawers. Since 1989, six…
At the beginning of each tax season, the IRS publishes a list of highly scrutinized tax matters, generally referred to as the “Dirty Dozen.” In 2015, the IRS added to this Dirty Dozen list a category for Abusive Tax Shelters. Within that category, the 831(b) Captive Insurance arrangements are the basis for very serious IRS…
An Arlington attorney, Dwain Downing, has changed his mind after threatening to sue Our Place Restaurant in Mansfield, Texas. The incident took place last weekend when Downing ordered a Saturday special – an entrée, two sides and a cup of soup. The soup is considered a “freebie,” kind of like bread. The soup was not…