(Family Features) For some, tax season represents the opportunity for a return and some much-needed relief for their bank accounts. Yet for others, it’s time to write a check to Uncle Sam. Ensure you’re up to date on all things 2025 taxes with this guidance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the IRS. Tax Deadlines If you’re unable to file before the traditional April 15 deadline, you do have a few options. Filing for an extension provides an extra six months until Oct. 15, however, if you believe you will owe taxes, you’re required to estimate how much you owe and pay that amount alongside your extension form. Filing Your Taxes Each person’s tax situation is unique, but there is an assortment of options when it comes time to file. Some people (an estimated 100 million) are eligible to file their returns for free, such as seniors, those who speak English as a second language, those with incomes of less than $60,000, servicemembers and more. Be sure to check your eligibility for services like IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, The Tax Counseling for the Elderly, MyFreeTaxes, GetYourRefund, IRS Free File, MilTax and more. Accessing Your Refund Electronically filing and choosing direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund. The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days, but issuance of a paper check may take 4-6 weeks. Make sure to have your account and routing numbers ready when filing your return. One alternate solution is to have your refund issued to a prepaid card that accepts direct deposit, but there may be fees involved. Check with the card provider to determine any applicable fees. Watch for Scams The IRS will not contact you by email, text message or social media to request personal or financial information. Scammers may impersonate the IRS to convince you to share personal information through the mail, telephone, email and beyond. Find more tax tips and information at irs.gov and visit eLivingtoday.com for additional financial advice.   Photo courtesy of Unsplash   SOURCE: eLivingtoday.com

If you’ve recently discovered that your paycheck is smaller than expected, it’s possible you’re dealing with wage garnishment—a distressing situation that affects millions of Americans every year. This means a portion of your hard-earned money is being taken before it ever reaches your bank account, making it incredibly challenging to manage your budget, especially during tough financial times.

Understanding how wage garnishment works can help you navigate this rocky terrain. It usually occurs after a creditor has sued you, won a judgment, and obtained a court order to garnish your wages. However, certain exceptions—such as unpaid taxes, child support, and student loans—allow for garnishment without a court order. Regardless of how you found yourself in this situation, it’s important to know that there are steps you can take to mitigate or even stop the garnishment altogether.

If you’re facing wage garnishment, don’t lose hope. Acting quickly can be crucial. Here are six steps to help you address this issue and potentially find relief:

1. Verify the Garnishment Is Legal

It may feel overwhelming to see your paycheck impacted, but the first step is to confirm the legitimacy of the garnishment. Federal law mandates that you must receive a garnishment notice prior to any wage withholding. Carefully review this document to ensure that the debt belongs to you and that the creditor followed all proper legal protocols. Garish mistakes can occur, and verifying each detail can empower you to challenge any discrepancies.

2. Check for Violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

It’s disheartening, but some debt collectors may engage in questionable practices throughout the garnishment process. If you have not been properly notified or if your wages have been garnished beyond what is legally allowed, this might constitute a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Knowing your rights can be the first step in seeking justice. If you notice any irregularities, document your experiences—this could be crucial in seeking damages or legal fees.

3. Know Your Legal Protections

Understanding your legal protections can provide significant relief. Federal law stipulates that creditors can only garnish a limited portion of your earnings—typically 25% of disposable income or the amount by which your income exceeds 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less. Additionally, certain income sources, like Social Security and disability benefits, are generally exempt from garnishment. Familiarizing yourself with these protections can bolster your confidence as you navigate this process.

4. File an Objection or Exemption Claim

If the garnishment is causing you severe financial hardship, you have the right to file an objection, often referred to as a “claim of exemption.” This usually involves submitting a formal request to the court that issued the garnishment order. It might feel daunting, but many courts are willing to reconsider garnishments that pose a significant burden on your ability to support yourself or your dependents. Advocating for your rights can lead to a modification or even termination of the garnishment.

5. Negotiate Directly with the Creditor

Even after wage garnishment begins, there’s still room to negotiate with the creditor. A direct conversation can sometimes open the door to negotiating a more reasonable payment plan or even settling for a lesser amount of what you owe. Many creditors are willing to work with you rather than endure the complexities of garnishment procedures. Approach this conversation with transparency about your financial situation and be prepared to offer a realistic, sustainable payment option.

6. Consider Bankruptcy as a Last Resort

When all else fails, it might be time to consider bankruptcy. While this option can feel intimidating, it offers a pathway to eliminate debts and stop wage garnishment. However, bankruptcy comes with its own set of complexities and consequences, so it’s essential to seek guidance from a qualified financial advisor or an attorney specializing in bankruptcy law.

Conclusion

Finding out that your wages are being garnished can evoke a whirlwind of stress, uncertainty, and fear. Remember, you’re not alone in facing this issue—millions are battling similar challenges. It’s critical to know that there are legal steps you can take to protect your rights and alleviate the strain of garnishment. By verifying the garnishment, understanding your rights, and taking action, you can work toward regaining control of your financial situation. With determination and the right approach, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

If you want to read more on this topic, check out the story from CBS News that highlights important steps to take when facing wage garnishment. It provides valuable insights and information that can help you navigate this challenging situation. Don’t miss it!

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-to-do-debt-collector-garnishing-paycheck/

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

SAN DIEGO, CA, USA /EINPresswire.com/ — Missing teeth can have obvious consequences for your smile, but many people are not aware of how tooth loss affects their oral health, general well-being, and even their facial shape. Once a tooth is detached from the gums, there is no tooth root to stimulate the underlying jawbone; unfortunately, this often causes the bone structure to recede and lose volume. Bone loss can raise a number of aesthetic and functional concerns — particularly when a tooth has been without a replacement for a significant amount of time — including the shifting of surrounding teeth, an increased risk of gum disease, and changes in your jaw structure. In general, greater bone loss is experienced the longer an absent space remains unfilled. While jawbone recession can be debilitating, San Diego cosmetic dentist Landon Libby, DDS discusses potential solutions for bone loss to prevent further damage and regenerate additional bone density.

According to Dr. Libby, implant dentistry can offer a myriad of benefits for individuals with missing teeth, including the ability to maintain bone volume and preserve the full integrity of the jawbone after tooth loss. Using dental implants, implant dentistry aims to replace a missing tooth with an artificial tooth root and a custom-made restoration indistinguishable from a patient’s natural teeth. A titanium post is implanted into the jawbone during treatment, which serves as the “replacement” tooth root. Unlike other tooth replacement options that are not surgically affixed to the underlying bone, dental implants and implant-supported restorations promote new bone regeneration. Not only can this enhance a patient’s oral health and strengthen their jawbone, but implant restorations are also considered to look and feel the most similar to natural teeth. Best of all, implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth in a row, or even a full dental arch.

It’s important to understand that every patient may not be a good candidate for dental implants, and bone grafting may be necessary prior to treatment to provide more support for implant placement. As a multi-stage process involving oral surgery, Dr. Libby stresses the importance of selecting an experienced, compassionate, and qualified dental team to place implants and provide a seamless patient experience.

About Landon Libby, DDS
Dr. Landon Libby is a Mission Valley-based cosmetic dentist who provides cosmetic, restorative, and family dentistry treatments for patients in and around San Diego. As a DOCS-certified dentist with training in sedation dentistry, Dr. Libby strives to enhance patient comfort during every stage of treatment and redefine what it means to “go to the dentist.” After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Dr. Libby went into private practice and has been serving the dental needs of the San Diego community for years. Dr. Landon Libby is available for interview upon request.

To view the original source of this release, click here: https://www.sandiegodentist.net/practice-news/san-diego-cosmetic-dentist-discusses-how-to-prevent-bone-loss-after-losing-a-tooth/

Source: Rosemont Media