2014’s Last Column

Tom McCutcheon – Attorney at Law

Many of you will read this article on Christmas so here are the ideas I want you to take into the New Year and stick this to your refrigerator or bulletin board:

1. If you reach an agreement with someone to loan or borrow money or for work around the house put the agreement in writing.  If you do hire someone to do work on your house, don’t pay them until the work is complete.  If they can’t afford the materials with which to do the work and you don’t otherwise know them, don’t hire them.

2. If you co-sign a note at the bank for someone, remember that you may have to pay back the debt.  There is a reason the bank requires a co-signer.  Will the person you are co-signing pay the debt no matter what?  You better hope so because you don’t have a choice.

3. Have a Will made, it makes your wishes clear and it saves your estate the cost of buying a bond.

4. Have a Living Will made that informs your loved ones and medical professionals of your desires should life support become necessary.  Your family will appreciate this more than you will ever know.

5. Take care of your personnel business.  Pay your bills on time, deposit checks when you receive them and balance your checkbook.

6. Always be polite to police officers.  No matter what their attitude is at the time, say “yes, sir” and “no, sir”.  Police officers have odd and difficult jobs.  Some of them are great and others are stinkers, but always be polite.  This always helps when a lawyer is asked to help.

7. Do not take out payday loans or title loans.  Any loan that charges more than 9.5% is too high and you need to shop for a better deal or don’t borrow the money.

8. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors over the Christmas Holidays.

9. Remember a green light doesn’t mean go.  It means look both ways before you go.

1. Be careful all the time.  If you are injured on the job promptly report your injury.  If you are injured in an automobile accident, call us or another attorney, but do not give a recorded statement until you have spoken with an attorney.

1. Take care of your health.  Everything in moderation, except moderation.

2. Resolve to do better in 2015 than you did in 2014 in some way whether it be a large charge or a small change, but whatever the change is, make it for the better.

Buckle up and drive safely.

McCutcheon & Hamner, P.C.
2210 Helton Drive
Florence, Alabama 35630
Telephone: 256-764-0112
Facsimile: 256-764-1124