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Emergency-300x200Everyone is breathing a sigh of relief these days. It seems the worst of COVID-19 has moved on, and business and public life are more open and more unrestrained. It is only natural to feel more relaxed, but we are not out of the woods. There are stories and rumors of new variants of COVID-19 surfacing, and they are disturbing. We all know the damage a pandemic quarantine can bring to a household.

No one wants to be taken by surprise. Planning, preparing for what could be the worst, is the best strategy. Employees must look at their finances and figure out ways to deal with possible restrictions a second pandemic might bring. Those who have significant credit card balances must reduce those balances, and other people must think about financing medical treatments. Wise employers are aware of the need for expert help. They also know that employees greatly appreciate the help. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services has an excellent employee benefit that addresses financial wellness. Continue reading

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stockfresh_8439488_keyboard-with-blue-keypad-consumer-protection-3d-illustration_sizeS-300x200People who shop indoors can be a little bit skeptical about the product. They can examine it and discover whether there is a problem with what is on the shelf. In online shopping, a lot of buyer trust is placed only on looking at a picture of what is being offered. That is the type of trust that goes against the caveat emptor principle of the marketplace. We trust merchants who might not be selling a good product, and there is a severe chance of consumer fraud.

Being Careful

The Federal Trade Commission is aware of online fraud and urges those who shop online to proceed with caution. The Commission’s reminders are intended to prevent fraud from occurring in online transactions, and these recommend the following: Continue reading

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stockfresh_548333_people-standing-around-of-money-isolated-3d-image_sizeS-300x225There is a sense of optimism once again in the workplace. People are getting back to the office and others are working from home. Productivity is going up and so, too, is morale. Employees are looking ahead to future purchases and vacations. The challenge is how to afford it all.

Saving Money Is Not Easy

People have become more sensitive to financial wellness issues. There are more cost-conscious and mindful of credit card balances. That is all good, but many got into debt during the pandemic and are having trouble paying down the balances. Wise employers know that if employees can save some money, that will boost morale. Advice that allows an individual to have surplus cash for savings is appreciated. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services has a financial wellness benefit to promote fiscal responsibility. Continue reading

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stockfresh_862586_identity-theft-and-social-security-card_sizeS-300x200Cyber Security is a significant issue in America. We rely on using online shopping for buying opportunities and use financial platforms for banking and investment. We are told those websites are secure, but that is not always true. Cybercrime is a billion-dollar business.

It is Large and Small

Everyone has been horrified by the stories of Russian hacking and the assault on the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, ransomware struck the University of California, and there are other stories of cyberpiracy. But please don’t think that these thefts center on large organizations or only come from the Internet. The little guy is caught as well. Continue reading

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stockfresh_138092_read-the-fine-print-magnifying-glass_sizeS-300x240We all have a terrible habit of going too fast. Moderns society conditions us to move quickly to get the job done or take advantage of an opportunity. That can seem efficient, but there are situations when immediate steps produce unexpected, negative consequences. Unfortunately, it happens too often with legal documents.

Renters will fall into a speed trap. The pandemic has required people to move to new apartments, and employees right out of college will relocate to that excellent career opportunity. Getting a place to live is essential, and the sooner, the better. Unfortunately, an individual will often sign a lease without bothering to read the papers. That is dangerous. Continue reading

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stockfresh_469655_road-to-recovery-words-on-pavement-up-arrow_sizeS-300x300People will make mistakes, and some are harmless and easy to correct. Unfortunately, others are not and can lead to terrible consequences. COVID-19 has generated situations that led to poor decisions that can threaten the well-being of a person.

Changes Made People Desperate

Household incomes went down despite the stimulus checks. Ordinary expenses became challenging to manage as employees struggled to make ends meet. Getting necessary cash forced hard-working folks to take actions they would usually not even think of doing. These included:  Continue reading

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It is the 800-pound gorilla in the living room. College debt has ballooned in the last few years, and it is a fact of life for many young employees. These tech-savvy workers paid for their education with loans that were in the figures and more. The repayment schedule will be a part of their lives for many years and will influence the timing of significant life decisions. Continue reading

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banner-300x114Service is a vital part of the business world, and that includes employee benefits. More people are working remotely and can no longer go around the corner to the HR Department for information. Some companies prefer to use websites and chat rooms for employee benefits, but that is insufficient. Remote workers sometimes feel alienated and want a face-to-face meeting. Those personal conferences must be high-quality encounters in which employees can get substantive service. Unfortunately, some group legal plans are not keen on communication and provide only the bare minimum. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services is not one of those. We think communication is an essential part of superior service, and we have it as a top priority. Continue reading

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stockfresh_6387113_gavel-and-stethoscope-on-table_sizeS-300x200COVID-19 has put the fear of God in many employees, young professionals included. Mortality is no longer an avoided topic but is now on the bucket list. This means more than working on simples wills and estates. Living wills, documents that are concerned with medical treatments, are no longer being swept under the rug.

It sounds a bit morbid, but the increased awareness about hospital procedures is healthy. An individual has the right to specify the health care they will receive. Unfortunately, anyone in an extreme situation such as a coma cannot convey their wishes. COVID-19 has caused health care providers to adopt automatic actions that they will initiate unless the patient gives other instructions. Clarity is critical. Continue reading

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stockfresh_636353_stethoscope-laying-on-stacks-of-money_sizeS-300x200Employees appreciate those benefits they can use. The services that help them solve problems mean a great deal. People coming back to work from COVID-19 may be encountering many challenges they never had before. Medical bills may be on top of the list.

Scary Invoices

High deductibles and copayments are now part of many group health plans. These obligations must be met before the insurance company pays anything. The amount owed can be frightening. Many employees come close to panicking. They are not sure how to deal with the figures. Healthcare providers will not hesitate to use collection agencies to get what is owed. Threats from bill collectors are frightening and do not go away. Continue reading