My wife just got a letter titled "Repayment Schedule Change" for Mohela and in the letter it says that they are making changes but it doesn't clearly say what the change is but after digging through the info in the letter, 5 of her loans are doubleing in the monthly amount due and now the total number of payments is 47. I am not sure what the total number of payments was before but the other loans that haven't changed is 120. It doesn't anywhere in the letter say why this is happening.
We did not change the repayment plan. It is still on the level plan. We had been paying 353 per month and now it will be over 500 per month. Any ideas why these 5 loans changed?

Did anyone else see this?!?!?! I just got the letter and can't fucking believe it.
The Biden administration announced May 1 that the Department of Education (ED) would automatically forgive all remaining federal student debt for people who attended any Art Institute campus between Jan. 1, 2004, and Oct. 16, 2017. ED will also refund all payments borrowers made toward student debt used to pay for an Art Institute education.
ED worked with attorneys general from Iowa, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania to make this decision. Investigations from these states found that the Art Institute and former owner Education Management Corporation (EDMC) misrepresented job placement rates, post-graduation salaries, and job opportunities for graduates during a nearly 14-year period.
https://www.bestcolleges.com/news/biden-admin-forgives-six-billion-in-debt-for-former-art-institute-students/#:~:text=The%20Biden%20administration%20announced%20May,16%2C%202017.

I have around 30,000 dollars of credit card debt.
One of my debts is being payed down but they are raising the amount I owe next month... which I am worried about. They issued a lawsuit against me....
So I have other creditors mostly credit cards and now I have another notice from the same company above (MIDLAND) that sent me a pre- legal notification. ..
this debt has been sold at least twice before but I haven't been able to act on much of any of my debt due to crippling health injuries. (Long term Covid / brain fog, hospitalization etc).
I am feeling a bit better to deal with this matter but I know I am deep in the hole.
SO for this one creditor... should I bother sending them a letter asking for more information. I know where the debt originally came from but I am concerned about how many times it has bounced around . Is it worth it sending them a letter requiring them to give me this information?
The other issue... I am honestly unable to pay off the entire amounts. I can maybe pay $10 dollars a month on this particular card .. (which is is around 3,000 dollars).
I had a tough time negotiating with Midland once the lawsuit on the other card occured. .. but I cannot reasonably afford another $100 dollars a month on this debt.. as of now.
I have lost a few years since the pandemic and have struggled to get back on my feet. Things have just not lined up the way I had hoped they would and now with inflation I can barely afford food.
Recommendations? Tips.
Here is the sample letter I pulled..
"To whom it may concern.
I am responding to your contact about a debt you are trying to collect. You contacted me by
Mail on May 1^st, 2024 and identified the debt as from \*****S Bank. Please supply the information below so that I can be fully informed:*
~Why you think I owe the debt and to whom I owe it, including:~

• The name and address of the creditor to whom the debt is currently owed, the account number used by that creditor, and the amount owed.

• If this debt started with a different creditor, provide the name and address of the original creditor, the account number used by that creditor, and the amount owed to that creditor at the time it was transferred. When you identify the original creditor, please provide any other
name by which I might know them, if that is different from the official name. In addition, tell me when the current creditor obtained the debt and who the current creditor obtained it from.

• Provide verification and documentation that there is a valid basis for claiming that I am required to pay the debt to the current creditor. For example, can you provide a copy of the written agreement that created my original requirement to pay?

• If you are asking that I pay a debt that somebody else is or was required to pay, identify that person. Provide verification and documentation about why this is a debt that I am required to pay.

~The amount and age of the debt, including:~

• A copy of the last billing statement sent to me by the original creditor.

• State the amount of the debt when you obtained it, and when that was.

• If there have been any additional interest, fees or charges added since the last billing statement from the original creditor, provide an itemization showing the dates and amount of each added amount. In addition, explain how the added interest, fees or other charges are expressly authorized by the agreement creating the debt or are permitted by law.

• If there have been any payments or other reductions since the last billing statement from the original creditor, provide an itemization showing the dates and amount of each of them.
• If there have been any other changes or adjustments since the last billing statement from the original creditor, please provide full verification and documentation of the amount you are trying to collect. Explain how that amount was calculated. In addition, explain how the other changes or adjustments are expressly authorized by the agreement creating the debt or permitted by law.

• Tell me when the creditor claims this debt became due and when it became delinquent.

• Identify the date of the last payment made on this account.

• Have you made a determination that this debt is within the statute of limitations applicable to it? Tell me when you think the statute of limitations expires for this debt, and how you determined that.

~Details about your authority to collect this debt.~

• I would like more information about your firm before I discuss the debt with you. Does your firm have a debt collection license from my state? If not, say why not. If so, provide the date of the license, the name on the license, the license number, and the name, address and telephone number of the state agency issuing the license.

• If you are contacting me from a place outside my state, does your firm have a debt collection license from that place? If so, provide the date of the license, the name on the license, the license number, and the name, address and telephone number of the state agency issuing the license.


I have asked for this information because I have some questions. I need to hear from you to make an informed decision about your claim that I owe this money. I am open to communicating with you for this purpose. In order to make sure that I am not put at any disadvantage, in the meantime please treat this debt as being in dispute and under discussion between us.


In addition to providing the information requested above, please let me know whether you are prepared to accept less than the balance you are claiming is owed. If so, please tell me in writing your offer with the amount you will accept to fully resolve the account.

Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely,

Is this a golden email? Text:
On April 19, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced several changes that will help borrowers get closer to or achieve forgiveness under income-driven repayment (IDR) regardless of whether or not you have ever participated in an IDR plan. With these changes, you are now eligible to have some or all of your student loans forgiven because you have reached the necessary number of payments under IDR.
The U.S. Department of Education will work with your servicer to process your IDR forgiveness over the next several months. If you would like to opt out of IDR forgiveness for any reason, contact your loan servicer no later than 06/05/2024 and tell them that you are not interested in receiving IDR forgiveness. Some reasons why you might want to consider opting out include concerns about a potential state tax liability.
If you decide to opt out of IDR forgiveness, you will be expected to continue paying your loan(s).
Loan Servicer Information
Don't know who your loan servicer is? Log in to StudentAid.gov, find "My Aid," and select "View loan servicer details." You can also call us at 1-800-4-FED-AID, and we will connect you with your servicer.
If you have federal student loans with multiple servicers—or if your loan(s) is being transferred—and you want to opt out of IDR forgiveness, you should contact all your servicers with eligible loans.
If you don't opt out, here's what happens next: 1 We will send your information to your loan servicer(s) after 06/05/2024.

2 

Your loan servicer(s) will notify you if and when your IDR forgiveness has been processed. It may take some time for your loan servicer to process your forgiveness and for your account to reflect this change.

3 

If you have loans with multiple servicers, each servicer will notify you if and when they have applied forgiveness to your account with them. President Biden and the U.S. Department of Education are committed to supporting borrowers and ensuring they get the credit towards loan forgiveness that they are entitled to. Learn more about IDR forgiveness and the one-time account adjustment actions the Biden-Harris Administration announced last year.
Note: This letter is not an attempt to collect a debt or a demand for any payment.

I have lurked on here for months now and this sub has provided me with a great amount of resources that are beginning to help me out of the situation I have long been in, finally able to see some progress.
Back in February, I received notification that my loan had been transferred to Treasury for collection. Despite my repeated attempts to reach out, contacting them proved futile. Even regular conversations with the SBA yielded no solution to reclaim my loan.
Recent posts here mentioned successfully moving loans back to the SBA using the EIDL Dispute template
https://docs.google.com/document0/d/1QMkBpRqO1T2JT0J6QqPFvivp-OeqEjXCciLNpETycMs/mobilebasic?pli=1
Personalizing it with assistance from both Chatgpt and Gemini, I crafted what I thought was a good enough letter. I sent it to [CovidEIDLServicing@sba.gov](), among other suggested emails. Only this particular email acknowledged receipt through Mailtrack and responded.
It took 9 days to receive the response. It included the hardship application and instructions to send it back to the email above. The application also requires to include your YTD P&L for loans over $200. Both were provided the same day. One hour later, I received this auto response
"Thank you for contacting the U.S. Small Business Administration Covid EIDL Servicing Center. We have received your request and forwarded it to the appropriate department for review. Please allow 7 -10 business days to process your request. Repeat submissions to [CovidEIDLServicing@sba.gov](mailto:CovidEIDLServicing@sba.gov) may result in a delay in your request being processed.

This email box is not currently providing status updates. If you have questions regarding the status of your request or require further assistance, please call 1-833-853-5638 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time) or, if you are hearing impaired, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The MySBA Loan Portal is now live! The MySBA Loan Portal is a new portal where borrowers can view their loan balance, make payments, view statement, and contact customer support in one place. Borrowers can visit https://lending.sba.gov to login or enroll."
Though I'm not one to frequently engage in comments or posts, having experienced firsthand the anxiety and hardship this situation can induce, I felt compelled to share my experience. I hope it offers a ray of guidance to those facing similar challenges.

I'm entering the CreateButton code to the letter from the documentation, but the button just doesn't show up. I restarted Studio. I combed carefully through my code to make sure it's IDENTICAL to the sample in the documentation, but I get no button; just the plugin in the debugger with no way to use nor test it. Can anyone help? Please?

I have received an email today from a loan company who I settled my account with last month. Asked for a settlement quote and paid it off. All legit etc…
The letter states as they are monitored by FCA they need to know :
Please confirm the payment of £xxxxxx came from savings Please confirm these savings were accumulated during the agreement Please confirm how much was saved each month
Do I actually need to provide the information or are they just “fishing”. I’m of a mind just to ignore the email but don’t want to get into hot water about it? They did also try to call me .
Any advice welcome and TIA

I have received an email today from a loan company who I settled my account with last month. Asked for a settlement quote and paid it off. All legit etc…
The letter states as they are monitored by FCA they need to know :
Please confirm the payment of £xxxxxx came from savings Please confirm these savings were accumulated during the agreement Please confirm how much was saved each month
Do I actually need to provide the information or are they just “fishing”. I’m of a mind just to ignore the email but don’t want to get into hot water about it? They did also try to call me .
Any advice welcome and TIA

We bought into an HOA community....had no idea the level of power we were ACTUALY agreeing to. We thought the rules in place were a bit much, but meh....had no idea that the HOA could change the terms of the agreement with absolutely no agreement on our part....yet we are legally bound to follow any/all new rules passed. We thought the rules in plav place were "it" until we moved. Our bad, yeah...we didn't fully understand the implications of the agreement we signed on. Anyway - I Texas is there any way to extract a property from an HOA once it is subject to the unyielding power of their authoritarian whims? I dont want to ove, but the number of new rules and the level of crap is driving me mad.
We got a letter to refinish our front door (needed it...no beef with that)...we hired a company to come do the work. They took the door and put in a temporary door. Got a letter about a work truck parked in our driveway. Then got a letter about a work truck parked out front and it leaked some oil. Then got a letter about the company advertisement/sign in the yard. Then got a letter about the door not meeting community standards (temp door). Then got a letter that we did not get architectural review board approval to make exterior changes to our home (that they TOLD ME TO MAKE). Said I needed to file an arc request to make the change, submit color sample and summary of proposed changes. I told them that the only change was that it was restoring the door to orihlginall....not "changing" anything. .... then, I replaced three boards in our fence that got damaged (kids...) - yep. Letter that my new boards don't match the old boards....sigh. pressure washed old boards, they looked almost like new boards....letter...I didn't get arc approval to change the color of my fence.
I think they hate me as much as I now hate them....

Understanding Market Demand and Trends

A crucial initial step in sourcing products for Amazon FBA is conducting thorough market research to identify lucrative niches and trending products. Leveraging tools such as Helium 10, and Google Trends, we can analyze market demand, competition levels, and seasonal trends to pinpoint high-potential product opportunities. By staying abreast of emerging consumer preferences and market dynamics, sellers can make informed decisions to source products that resonate with their target audience.

Assessing Profitability and Margins

While identifying popular products is vital, it's equally essential to assess their profitability and potential profit margins. Sellers should conduct a meticulous cost analysis, factoring in product sourcing costs, Amazon's FBA fees, shipping expenses, and other overheads to determine the viability of each product. H10 has invaluable tools for evaluating historical pricing data and estimating future profit margins, enabling sellers to make data-driven decisions and optimize their product sourcing strategies for maximum profitability.

Evaluating Product Quality and Supplier Reliability

Maintaining high standards of product quality is paramount for ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term success on Amazon FBA. When sourcing products, sellers must prioritize working with reputable suppliers and manufacturers known for their reliability, consistency, and adherence to quality standards. Conducting thorough due diligence, including factory audits, product samples, and supplier background checks, can help mitigate risks associated with subpar product quality and ensure a seamless fulfillment experience for customers.

Navigating Amazon's Policies and Requirements

Amazon imposes stringent policies and requirements for sellers participating in its FBA program, covering aspects such as product authenticity, compliance with safety regulations, and packaging standards. Sellers must familiarize themselves with Amazon's guidelines and ensure full compliance to avoid potential account suspensions or penalties. Utilizing resources such as Amazon Seller Central, Seller University, and seeking guidance from experienced FBA consultants can help sellers navigate the intricacies of Amazon's policies and uphold the highest standards of seller performance.

Optimizing Product Listings for Visibility and Conversion

In the competitive landscape of Amazon, optimizing product listings is crucial for maximizing visibility, driving traffic, and ultimately, converting shoppers into buyers. Sellers should invest time and effort in crafting compelling product titles, bullet points, descriptions, and high-quality images that highlight key features, benefits, and unique selling points. Implementing relevant keywords strategically throughout product listings, leveraging backend search terms, and utilizing tools like H10 can enhance discoverability and organic ranking on Amazon's search results.

Implementing a Scalable and Diversified Sourcing Strategy

To sustain long-term success on Amazon FBA, sellers should adopt a scalable and diversified product sourcing strategy that encompasses a broad range of products, suppliers, and sourcing channels. By diversifying their product portfolio and sourcing from multiple suppliers and regions, sellers can mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, changes in market demand, and competitive pressures. Embracing automation tools, establishing robust supplier relationships, and continuously monitoring market trends can empower sellers to adapt and thrive in the dynamic landscape of e-commerce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sourcing products for Amazon FBA requires a strategic and multifaceted approach that encompasses market research, profitability analysis, supplier evaluation, compliance with Amazon's policies, and optimization of product listings. By diligently considering these key factors and leveraging data-driven insights and tools, sellers can position themselves for success and capitalize on the vast opportunities offered by Amazon's global marketplace.
Understanding Market Demand and Trends
A crucial initial step in sourcing products for Amazon FBA is conducting thorough market research to identify lucrative niches and trending products. Leveraging Amazon tools and Google Trends, we can analyze market demand, competition levels, and seasonal trends to pinpoint high-potential product opportunities. By staying abreast of emerging consumer preferences and market dynamics, sellers can make informed decisions to source products that resonate with their target audience.

Assessing Profitability and Margins

While identifying popular products is vital, it's equally essential to assess their profitability and potential profit margins. Sellers should conduct a meticulous cost analysis, factoring in product sourcing costs, Amazon's FBA fees, shipping expenses, and other overheads to determine the viability of each product. H10 has tools for evaluating historical pricing data and estimating future profit margins, enabling sellers to make data-driven decisions and optimize their product sourcing strategies for maximum profitability.

Evaluating Product Quality and Supplier Reliability

Maintaining high standards of product quality is paramount for ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term success on Amazon FBA. When sourcing products, sellers must prioritize working with reputable suppliers and manufacturers known for their reliability, consistency, and adherence to quality standards. Conducting thorough due diligence, including factory audits, product samples, and supplier background checks, can help mitigate risks associated with subpar product quality and ensure a seamless fulfillment experience for customers.

Navigating Amazon's Policies and Requirements

Amazon imposes stringent policies and requirements for sellers participating in its FBA program, covering aspects such as product authenticity, compliance with safety regulations, and packaging standards. Sellers must familiarize themselves with Amazon's guidelines and ensure full compliance to avoid potential account suspensions or penalties. Utilizing resources such as Amazon Seller Central, Seller University, and seeking guidance from experienced FBA consultants can help sellers navigate the intricacies of Amazon's policies and uphold the highest standards of seller performance.

Optimizing Product Listings for Visibility and Conversion

In the competitive landscape of Amazon, optimizing product listings is crucial for maximizing visibility, driving traffic, and ultimately, converting shoppers into buyers. Sellers should invest time and effort in crafting compelling product titles, bullet points, descriptions, and high-quality images that highlight key features, benefits, and unique selling points. Implementing relevant keywords strategically throughout product listings, leveraging backend search terms, and can enhance discoverability and organic ranking on Amazon's search results.

Implementing a Scalable and Diversified Sourcing Strategy

To sustain long-term success on Amazon FBA, sellers should adopt a scalable and diversified product sourcing strategy that encompasses a broad range of products, suppliers, and sourcing channels. By diversifying their product portfolio and sourcing from multiple suppliers and regions, sellers can mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, changes in market demand, and competitive pressures. Embracing automation tools, establishing robust supplier relationships, and continuously monitoring market trends can empower sellers to adapt and thrive in the dynamic landscape of e-commerce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sourcing products for Amazon FBA requires a strategic and multifaceted approach that encompasses market research, profitability analysis, supplier evaluation, compliance with Amazon's policies, and optimization of product listings. By diligently considering these key factors and leveraging data-driven insights and tools, sellers can position themselves for success and capitalize on the vast opportunities offered by Amazon's global marketplace.
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We had a mortgage with Flagstar for a while. Back in 2021 we refinanced with them and our original loan had a $2k refund. Our new loan has since been sold to a new company. I don't know if it got lost in the mail, or lost in the pile of communication from them, but it was never cashed. We received a letter 2 months ago stating that the money would go to the state unclaimed property, or we could request the check to be reissued.
I filled out their form and mailed it back. I called to confirm that they received it and a new check would be issued. Once again, we never got the check.
I've since called back 8-10 times and every time I get a different story from them. First person said they would remail the check. Second person said we needed to fill out a new form before they could mail it. Third person said we didn't need to fill out the form, they would reissue the check. Still no check.
At one point I asked to speak to a supervisor, and was transferred to a different person who assured me everything was in order and a new check would issues shortly and they would follow up personally. When I call back requesting for that supervisor, one of the other agents let it slip that the person I talked to wasn't a supervisor and that she was just a different agent.
Now they're saying they have to go through an escalation process because their claiming I need to contact our new loan servicer because they aren't responsible for the check that they already issued twice.
I just checked my mail today and had a letter regarding stop payment on the second check which was dated 2 weeks after they said they originally sent it. It had the second check's issue date and number, but the supervisor needed me to send a picture of it because she couldn't find any record of it.
So to my question - I feel like I'm getting the run around at this point and they don't plan on sending me my money. Is there any advice on how to get my money back?
Edit: Not sure if this is the best place for this type of post, but when I search for Flagstar, most posts were in this subreddit.

Hello everyone! As always, thank you for your upvotes and comments on my last post about the Sussex County Jane Doe- I hope that her identity will be given back to her soon.
Today I'd like to highlight a Doe case from a neighbouring state.
TRIGGER WARNING: This case involves a young child (3-5) whose body was found in a gruesome state. There are no graphic images for this case, but there will be descriptions and speculation, so proceed at your own risk.
DISCOVERY
On the 5th of February, a 47-year old nurse, Cecilia Davis, has been walking her dog with a friend at Rockaway Beach (specifically near Beach 112th Street) in New York City, New York, USA, around 4:55 PM. When she was collecting seashells, she noticed a bedsheet with a pattern of letters and Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck, which was tangled in seaweed, tattered and mixed in with debris and horseshoe crabs. Intrigued, she came closer, only to discover that a body of a young child was wrapped in the fabric- she called out "This is a child!" to her friend, after which the two women called the authorities. The boy was nicknamed "John Valentine" as the investigators tried to find his identity.
When Davis managed to catch a glimpse of the body from shoulders down when she found the bundle, she assumed that the child was a girl, about a year old, whose skin had the color of "aged yellow foam"- after a proper medical examination, it turned out that it was actually a boy, and aged 3-5 at that. One of the child's knees was bent, with his foot tucked under his body.
The boy was determined to be white and/or Hispanic. He was 3'0" (36 inch / 91 cm), and his weight couldn't be estimated. He had brown, slightly wavy hair, and his eye color was unknown. His foot was size children's 5. Several bones in his torso were broken- I'm not sure, however, if it happened post-mortem or if it could've been a sign of abuse in life (but I have to say, it would be quite likely that he was abused). The body was headless, but it wasn't cut off- it likely detached during the decomposition and got washed away and eaten by marine life. His cause of death is unknown.
The sheet John was found in was called a "blanket", but it would appear that it is actually a crib sheet. The pattern could've been dated back to the 70s, so there's a possibility that it was a hand-me-down or thrifted. It was also mass-produced, so tracking it down was impossible. The body and the sheet were found inside a duffle bag, which was described as "yellow plasticized canvas duffle bag with one side pocket with a snap enclosure. There are multiple grommets for top closure of the duffle bag. No string is present. The bottom of the duffle bag is made of a heavy white canvas. There are 2 approximately 2” wide canvas straps attached to and surrounding the duffle bag. The duffle bag is approximately 30” tall with a top circumference of 34”. The side pocket measures 10 inches wide and 8 inches tall". It was also described as "nautical-style" and was wrapped with duct tape, and might've had a drawstring on top at some point. No known photos of the bag are available, but there are ones of the crib sheet. I'm assuming that the bag must've opened in the water or deteriorated enough to open, revealing the contents.
Due to a lack of leads, police theorized that the boy might've been thrown into the ocean from a boat or overseas and washed up in New York. A local on websleuths theorizes that the child might've been dropped from Atlantic Beach Bridge by Beach 2nd St and taken to Beach 112th St- Apparently, a lot of people drown in the area, and their bodies are taken up to 169th St (Marine Parkway Bridge).
CONCLUSION
Discovering the body of John Valentine has impacted everyone involved. The precinct involved in the investigation collected funds to sponsor the boy's funeral, so that he wouldn't wind up in a Potter's Field. The Children of Hope Foundation also contributed, and now John is resting at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury, L.I, in a section called Island of Hope, with (at the time) 80 infants who have been found abandoned or murdered by their mothers at birth. John was one of the older children buried there.
Cecilia Davis, the woman who found John's body at the beach, has passed away from cancer sometime before 2013. According to her sister-in-law, Emilia Arvai, it has impacted Cecilia twice as much, as she wasn't able to have children. She was allegedly never the same after that incident. According to Arvai, Davis would say "How could someone be so cruel to throw a baby away like that when there’s people around the world who can’t have a baby. (...) There’s a million people who would take that baby."
I think that it's pretty much a given that some kind of violence was involved in this case- why else would someone throw away the body of a child? John wasn't an infant or a newborn, he was as old as five, so it wasn't a case of post-partum psychosis or someone giving birth unexpectedly and panicking. The broken bones made my eyebrow raise- if he really was thrown into the water from a high place like a bridge, then I can see bones breaking on impact, but they could've also been a result of physical abuse; We don't really know much about this detail. It's unfortunate that John's head wasn't recovered- it would probably tell us more about him, maybe a bust or a sketch could've been made and circulated and maybe someone would recognize him.
People on websleuths speculated that John might've been Jesus Alvarado Martinez, a four year old who was probably abducted by his father after he killed his mother in Texas in October of 2004. The age and ethnicity fit, as does height, plus Jesus vanished shortly before John was discovered. There is a lot of distance between Texas and New Jersey, but it is technically possible that Jesus' father could get there in the few months between October and February.
There are no dentals available of John (of course), no fingerprints (which might've been erased due to prolonged exposure to water and decomposition) and, suprisingly, no DNA. This case is relatively recent (forensic development-wise)- I'm suprised that no DNA was taken. Perhaps the investigators expected that it will be solved soon? Still, there are good news- thanks to the department's care over the boy, he was buried (and not cremated), and we even know where he is. Digging up the coffin, taking a sample and performing genetic genealogy on it seems to be very possible, and only needing the funds and public interest to re-open the case. I think that if someone like Othram will take the case in, John being identified is a case of "when" and not "if". I have high hopes for young John Valentine getting his name back at some time in the future and, hopefully, that justice will be served to anyone who took his life and discarded his body in the ocean almost 20 years ago.
If you believe you have any info about John Valentine's case, contact the Office of Chief Medical Examiner New York City at (212) 447-2030 (case number Q05-00731).
SORCES:

1. NamUS.gov (includes photos of the crib sheet)
2. doenetwork.org
3. nydailynews.com (paywalled)

John Valentine's websleuths.com thread

I would appreciate if people who have been in the same situation or work for the bank answer.
I might be changing jobs in a few months but I have taken out a loan from CBQ a few months ago, and the outstanding amount is quite sizeable. I wanted to ask what happens with the loan if I change my employer and provide letters from my new work place? Do they only take my end of service or they force you to pay whole balance immediately even if you can continue paying through your new job.
Another thing to note is that with my savings and EOS I will be able to pay it off in full but I simply don’t want my account to take such a hit and I feel way more comfortable paying the installments and using my account for other things.

The title of the previous Bankedex has been making people think it only contained offers for NI. So here it is again, with all the current offers and with a more generic title. There are currently 5 active bank switch offers (and only one is specific to Northern Ireland!).
*****************
Here is the the ultimate guide to UK bank switch offers - the collective knowledge of ~140k BeermoneyUK members. Switch your bank account, get a cash reward for doing so. But don't switch your main account, open up a second account and switch that to get the money!
​
Updated 15/05/2024:
​
The most commonly asked bank switch questions:

1. I started to switch to XXX bank before the offer ended, am I still eligible for the bonus?

Yes, usually, most terms will state that a switch just has to be started (or applied for) before the end date or before an offer ends.

1. Do I have to transfer the required amount in all in one go, and does it matter if I pay money in before my switch is complete?

No and not usually, as long as the amount you pay in adds up to the required amount, and as long as you pay it in before the deadline stated in the terms. There has been one exception to this - Co-op - so check individual terms.

1. I need to switch "active" direct debits, does a payment need to have been taken before I switch?

According to Nationwide, an active direct debit is one that has been set up or had a payment taken from it in the past 13 months. So no, according to this. But why not just wait for the direct debit to be taken? You'll not have to worry about it then.

https://twitter.com/AskNationwide/status/1442939781491486720

1. How do I set up and switch an additional Chase current account?
   

   • See Chase instruction here to open an additional account.
     
   • The second account will be linked to the same card as your main Chase account.
     
   • Use the secondary account details and your original card details when switching.
     

2. What are the easiest/best direct debits to use for bank switching?
   

There are many: Paypal, Ebay, Moneybox savings account, Plum savings account, your credit card, Sprive Mortgage auto savings, Wealthify Robo Saving. We recommend ones that save money into an account in your own name. Here’s useful ones that have additional bonuses available via beermoneyuk

Site/App	Offer	Comment
Park Christmas (Search)	Save for Christmas via direct debit
Plum (Search)	A very useful direct debit	Easy and fast to set up
Sprive (Search)	Autosavings for mortgage overpayment direct debit (£5 bonus)	Easy and fast to set up
Wealthify (Search)	A very useful direct debit (£1/month min)	Easy and fast to set up

Questions about Bank Switching should generally be asked here. Posts on the subreddit asking questions about bank switching will probably be removed.

As always with the Bankedex, we need your help.

The post has been updated with the newest offers, and tips commented in the previous Bankedex posts, and those in other posts on beermoneyuk. But it is a difficult task keeping on top of all the questions. Please continue to share your experience with Bank Bribes. I will add questions/answers to this post. Your help is much appreciated - thanks to you all.

Current bank switch offers (£551 in total)

Bank	Bonus	Offer Deadline	Comment
Barclays	31k Avios for £48 spend	None	£100 profit, Requires premier banking
First Direct	£175 to switch	None
Danske Bank	£175 to switch		Northern Ireland only
Santander	£175 to switch	None	£15 extra available
Virgin Money	£100 to switch	31/05/2024	10% gross interest rates boost to 12% on £1k for 1 year (~£120 total) + extra £30 via Snoop

No switch, just sign up bank switch offers

Bank	Offer	Comment
Tide (click for details)	Spend £100, get £75 cashback	A beermoneyuk staple
Monzo (click to search)	Spend £1, get £5 or £50	£50 is for a business account
Starling (click to search)	Free National Trust Day Pass

Never switched a bank account before?

You should consider it. It is one of the easiest and most efficient ways of earning a little beermoney. It is advised to leave your main bank account alone. Instead, switch a secondary bank account, or open a new account at your current bank to be used just for switching. Recommended steps:

1. Open a second current account with your main high street bank (must be part of CASS service)
2. Set up direct debits on the second account (if required).
3. Add £1 to your second account. This will be transferred to your new account, allowing you to see when the switch has been completed.
4. Apply for a new account and arrange to switch to your second bank account (sometimes this is during the application process, other times it is after the account is opened).
5. Let the current account switch service take care of everything.
6. Make sure all other terms are met (e.g. pay in money if needed).
7. Receive your bank switching bonus.

You will hear about lots of people rushing through all of the switch bonuses available. These offers have been coming and going for years, my advice is to do an offer that tickles your fancy and try out a new bank. Then, if you decide you do not like your new bank you should sample another bank and get paid again!
​

Are there some bank accounts worth keeping?

Why yes. Some are quite good, and give ongoing rewards. For example, Club Lloyds gives free Disney Plus. See the "don't leave us please" bank rewards post. Some also give access to the best savings accounts (e.g. regular savers).

Detailed switch offer information

Whilst we do our best to make sure things are correct, sometimes errors do slip through. Always do your own research. Also, it may not be possible to work through all of these.
​

Barclays

Current offer: 31k Avios for full switch to Premier Banking, and paying £12/month for “Avios Rewards” for 4 months - works out around £100 profit when converted to Nectar points.

Direct link to offer (scroll down)

• You must switch to Premier Bank account.

These are premium accounts, supposed to be for those with £70k+ salaries. However, cycling £4201 each month also appears to do the job

Offer end date: None listed
Requirements:

• Open a Barclays Premier bank account & join Avios Rewards (£12/month fee), or
  
• Complete a full switch from a different bank (you do this from within the app, after opening the account).
  

Reward payable by: 1.5k Avios each month for Avios Rewards, 25k Avios paid in month 4 for the switch.
Available to existing customers: No.
Additional notes: it can be worth doing the Barclaycard Avios Plus offer at the same time, as you will get a discount on the credit card fee.

​

Danske Bank

Current offer: £200 for full switch

Direct link to Danske Bank offer

• You can switch to their Danske Reward, Danske Choice or Danske Freedom current account.

Offer end date: No end date given, may be removed at any time.
Requirements:

• Full switch (no direct debits mentioned).
  
• After opening account, pay in £1000 within 60 days (can be multiple deposits)
  
• You cannot have had a Danske Bank reward since 01/01/2024
  

Available to existing customers: only if you are a new personal current account customer. .
How long does it take to pay the bonus: paid within 10 days of meeting requirements.

​

First Direct

Current offer: £175 when you switch

Direct link to First Direct offer

• You can switch to their First account.

Offer end date: No end date given, may be removed at any time.
Requirements:

• Full switch (two direct debits or standing orders are required).
  
• After opening account, log in to mobile banking, pay in £1000, and make 5 debit card payments within 30 days.
  
• You cannot have had a 1st Direct account before.
  
• You cannot switch if you have an HSBC account opened after 01/2020
  

How to do it: Once your first direct account is open, simply log into your first direct app, select the account you wish to transfer into, tap ‘switch to us’ from your account menu and follow the instructions.
Available to existing customers: No. Also can't have had a HSBC account opened since January 2018.
How long does it take to pay the bonus: paid by the 20th of the month following that in which you met all of the criteria.

​

Santander

Extra £15: You can get an extra £15 by signing up to a Santander Edge account via Topcashback. If you don't have a Topcashback account, you can sign up here:

Topcashback sign up

Current offer: £175

Direct link to offer
You can switch to any of these paid current accounts: Santander Edge current account, Edge Up, or the Private Current Account

Offer end date: None given
Requirements: Full switch.

• Apply to switch when you apply to open the account (or existing customers can just switch into an existing qualifying current account).
  
• Complete switch of a non-Santander account, set up 2 active direct debits, and pay in £1500 within 60 days of applying/telling Santander you want to switch. Must keep direct debits active on account
  
• Cannot have had a Santander-group bonus previously (Santander, Cahoot, Cater Allen)
  

Reward payable by: between 60 and 90 days after opening the account.
Available to existing customers: Yes (can switch a non-Santander group current account into a new or existing Santander account). Existing customers may need to visit a branch.

​

Virgin Money

Current offer: Extra 10% interest on £1k for a year (~£100 bonus)
Extra £30: You can get an extra £30 by signing up to Virgin via Snoop (you need to connect your Virgin account to Snoop). If you don't have a Snoop account, you can sign up here for an additional fiver too:

Snoop £5 sign up bonus
Direct link to Virgin Money offer

• You can switch to their M Account (free, ~10% interest total, gross), M Plus Account (free account, ~12% interest total) or Club M Account (costs £12.50/month for insurance and stuff, ~12% total, is one of the best value package accounts - especially if a joint account)

Offer end date: apply by 31/05/24
Requirements:

• Full switch (two direct debits required as part of the switch).

Available to existing customers: No. And can't have closed an account since 30/04/2024
How long does it take to pay the bonus: interest is paid monthly, so a a year to get it all!

​

General Bank Switch Questions

Current Account Switch Bribes - Why do they offer them?

They want your business. Banks like fighting each other for customers. Most of them know they can't win by highlighting their outdated systems and products, so they fight each other by offering potential customers cash bribes (or equivalent) to switch their "main" bank account.

Can I switch any bank account to get a bribe?

No. You must switch a bank account that is part of The Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Most high street banks are included. But some Neo Banks are not (e.g., Kroo, Revolut, & Monese are not included). You should try to avoid switching your main bank account. You can always open an additional account just to switch.
See here for a full list of CASS banks.

Is it too much hassle?

No. The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) makes switching your account between most banks smooth and effortless. You do not have to do anything apart from apply for and set up a new account at a different bank and tell them you want to switch your account to them. Everything is transferred automatically (except recurring card payments).

Is there the best route to sample all the banks with switch offers?

Do the offer ending soonest first. Then you might switch again. If you complete all offers in this post, you could earn yourself >£1000.

Some of these end soon. Will the offers come back?

Banks have been offering bribes on and off for many years. We can't predict the future. But this is not a new thing.

How long does a bank switch take?

Approximately one week.

Do I have to switch my main account?

You could. But you don't have to. Many people have second bank accounts. One option may be to open up a second account with your current high street bank, add some direct debits to this second account and then switch it to the new bank you want to try out. On the sub, people also like Starling or Monzo as they are easy to set up (but you might want to switch back to them at the end - their functionality wins vs any usual high street bank).
High-street banks also let you open multiple accounts. If you already have an account with one, you might want to open an additional one with your current bank first (Halifax, NatWest etc are reported to allow several current accounts and to be fast to open).

I have savings accounts at the same bank as my current account. Can I still switch to this current account?

Yes. Only the current account will be closed (some linked regular savers may be converted to normal savings accounts). You might want to consider if switching to a secondary account is a better option.

I have linked savers attached to my current account. Can I still switch it?

Possibly.

Which banks let me open a second bank account?

Most of them.

Do I need to activate the card on the account I am going to switch?

Just do it anyway. Some banks require it

What details do I need to switch?

• Sort code and account number.
• Debit card information.
• Usually, but not always, 2 active DDs on the account you are switching.

Do you need to have money in the account you are switching?

No. But it might be a good idea - this will allow you to see when the switch happens (i.e. when the money is transferred!).

I do not have a bank card with my old current account as it is very very old, can I still switch it?

Most online forms require card details, but you can usually switch such accounts over the phone.

My new bank has not given me my account number (e.g. NatWest).

Usually, these are sent via post/email when you sign up. But some banks don't have the account numbers on the card, or maybe letters get lost in the post. If this happens, wait for the card to arrive and contact their support. If you get a bot on the chat thing, type "speak to a human" repeatedly.

My new bank account is a premium account and it has a fee. Do I need to keep paying for this?

No. You can downgrade the account. But you should probably wait until you have been paid the bonus.

I don't like my new bank, do I need to wait for the bank card before switching again?

Yes. See question above. Most banks require the card details of your existing account.

I made an account just to switch. Can I switch before my new bank card arrives?

Best not to. You are asked to enter the debit card information as part of the process.

The offer says I have to pay in £xxxx. Does it have to be in one go?

No. You can transfer in and out. The total sent in has to be equal to or greater than the stated amount. You should be careful with this though, sending money in and out of an account can trigger anti-fraud measures.

The offer says I have to pay in £xxxx. Can I pay it in before the switch completes?

Yes. You can pay it before, after, or during. You can manually transfer it, or it can be transferred automatically from your old account.

I've been asked to verify my identity. Is this normal?

Sometimes automated checks fail. If this happens, you may be asked to manually verify your application by visiting a branch or sending in a copy of your ID.

I switched from Monzo/Starling and want to return, can I?

Starling does not let you return within 12 months. With Monzo, it's possibly a shorter one month that you have to wait.

Do I have to switch direct debits?

Check individual offer terms.

What is an "Active" direct debit?

An active direct debit is usually one where a payment had been taken in the last 13 months. But some bank switch terms require direct debits to have been paid out of the account. If an offer requires an active direct debit, it's safer to switch to an account that has already paid out direct debits.**

What are good direct debits to set up on a second account?

There are many: Paypal, Ebay, Moneybox savings account, Plum savings account, your credit card, Sprive Mortgage auto savings, Wealthify Robo Saving.

I recently switched to XXX Bank, and I do not like it. Can I switch again?

Yes. If you are not happy with the new service, you may want to switch to a new bank that will pay you to give them a try.

Do I have to stick with my new bank for any length of time?

No.

If I switch away, will the bank claw back the bonus?

Very unlikely. They would have to specify this in their terms, and none have ever done so.

My switch is complete, but I have not yet received my bonus. Will I still get the bonus if I switch this account before it is paid?

Probably not.

My most recent switch is not quite complete, but I have already received the bonus. Can I start another switch?

You should probably wait for the switch to complete.

Can I get more than one bribe from each bank?

Sometimes. With some banks (e.g. Nationwide), you can get a bonus for switching one sole and one joint current account. Other banks will pay you to switch again, as long as you have not had a bonus in a specified amount of time. You will need to check individual offer terms.

XXX Bank gave me a bonus before, can I get a bonus again?

You need to check the individual offer terms.

Will this affect my credit score?

Credit scores are a funny thing, What is more important is what is actually in your credit file. Obviously, if you apply for an overdraft then it will affect your "credit score". However, if you do not have an overdraft or you make sure that you have paid off any overdraft before switching banks, then a single current account switch should not negatively impact your credit score. Nevertheless, typically all major banks (excepting Monzo and Starling) do a hard credit search, and this will be recorded on your file. If you plan on applying for a new mortgage soon then you may wish to exercise caution in switching between a load of banks. This is because the hard searches performed by banks will appear on your report and may have an effect for 6-12 months.

Which banks do hard searches and which do soft searches??

See here. Most banks do hard searches.

• Hard searches: Bank of Scotland (first account only), Barclays, Co-op, Clydesdale, Halifax (1st account only), First Direct, HSBC, Lloyds (1st account only), Monzo, Nationwide, NatWest, RBS, Santander, TSB, Ulster, Virgin Money.
  
• Soft searches: Starling, Metro Bank, and Chase
  

I have a bad credit score, will I be accepted to XXX bank?

Unfortunately, we do not know the acceptance criteria of the banks. You might be unlucky with one bank, but lucky with another.

My application was rejected. Why?

Nobody here knows. You could try appealing, but your only way to find out more is to contact the bank.

After switching my account, I still have online banking with my old provider. Do I need this?

No. You do not need to keep the online access (you could shut it down). But you may wish to retain these details in case your old bank suddenly appears with an offer that makes you want to switch back. Or open up a savings account.

Has anyone else been paid for switching to XXX Bank yet?

Check the terms of the offer you signed up for. Some banks have long deadlines and stick to them (e.g. Santander, TSB). Some are quicker. If you haven't been paid within the stated terms, then you should contact the bank's support.

Current state of technology enables creating small and simple communication devices offering high level of privacy and security. A good example may be Meshtastic devices. However, a necessity to use smartphone (possibly infected with a spyware) may break both privacy and security. It would be much better if the text message could be entered on the Meshtastic device itself, and then have it encrypted internally before transmission. Unfortunately, most Meshtastic device do not offer a full keyboard. An option could be entering the text as a Morse code, using the key of capacitive pad. The Morse code however covers only a limited set of characters, and its knowledge in society is limited. Therefore, I'd like to propose another method for entering text. It is based on two digital inputs. They may be two capacitive pads, or a double paddle Morse key. Please note that I have developed the below described procedure from scratch. I have not investigated if similar procedures are implemented (or may be even patented?) by anybody. So if you would like to use it in a commercial product, please make the necessary investigations yourself.

What we may generate with two inputs?

Below I put the ASCII diagrams of possible events that we can send with two inputs. I mark low level (_) as "inactive" and high level (‾) as active. The inputs are marked as In1 and In2.

Event Wavevorfm E1 In1: __/‾‾\__ In2: ________ E2 In1: ________ In2: __/‾‾\__ E1i2 In1: ___/‾‾\___ In2: _/‾‾‾‾‾‾\_ E2i1 In1: _/‾‾‾‾‾‾\_ In2: ___/‾‾\___ E1f2 In1: _/‾‾‾‾\_____ In2: ____/‾‾‾‾\__ E2f1 In1: ____/‾‾‾‾\__ In2: _/‾‾‾‾\_____ 

So we have 6 elementary events: Event 1, Event 2, Event 1 in event 2, Event 2 in event 1, Event 1 followed by event 2, Event 2 followed by event 1. Each of them may be easily generated with two independent switches, two capacitive pads or double Morse paddle.
We may also generate more complex sequences, like:

Multiple E1i2: E1i2 In1: ___/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\____ In2: _/‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾\__ Multiple E1i2 finished by E2f1: E1i2 In1: ___/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾‾‾\__ In2: _/‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾\____ Multiple E2i1 E1i2 In1: _/‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾\__ In2: ___/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾‾‾\__ Multiple E2i1 finished by E1f2: E1i2 In1: _/‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾\____ In2: ___/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾‾‾\__ 

Using of possible events for entering text.

First, with E1i2 and multiple E1i2 we may select an appropriate group of characters (for example we may have four groups: "upper case letters", "lower case letters", "digits", "special chracters").
Then, the selected group is split into two equal subgroups, and the first and last character of each subgroup is shown. Then the selected group is handled in the same way, until only one character is left. This character is then selected and added to the created message.
Below is the sample code showing the proposed procedure:

#!/usbin/python # The demonstration code for two-key character selection. # Written by Wojciech M. Zabołotny (wzab01@gmail.com) # This is a public domain code (under CC0 1.0 license) c=[] for i in range(ord('A'),ord('Z')+1): c.append(chr(i)) # We have three indices: # start, end, split start = 0 end = len(c) while True: split = (start + end) // 2 if start == split: # The character is already selected, print it print("Chosen:"+c[start]) break if split > start + 1: line = "["+c[start]+" "+c[split-1]+"]" else: line = "["+c[start]+"]" if split < end - 1: line += "["+c[split]+" "+c[end-1]+"]" else: line += "["+c[split]+"]" #print(start,split,end) print(line) sel = input("sel:") if sel == "1": end = split else: start = split 

Below is the process of selection of the K character.

$ python [A M][N Z] sel:1 [A F][G M] sel:2 [G I][J M] sel:2 [J K][L M] sel:1 [J][K] sel:2 Chosen:K 

Of course the user should be able to correct the character entered. That can bee achieved with E2i1 event. Double E2i1 event may be used to clear the whole text.
When the whole message is assembled, it may be sent with E1f2 event.
The above procedure does not use E2f1 event, which may be used to leave the whole procedure.

Example implementation

I don't have an implementation for microcontroller yet. A simple demo function with Python running on a PC and using numbers instead of the above events is shown below:

#!/usbin/python # The demonstration code for two-key character selection. # Written by Wojciech M. Zabołotny (wzab01@gmail.com) # This is a public domain code (under CC0 1.0 license) # Create groups of characters uc_letters=[] for i in range(ord('A'),ord('Z')+1): uc_letters.append(chr(i)) lc_letters=[] for i in range(ord('a'),ord('z')+1): lc_letters.append(chr(i)) digits=[] for i in range(ord('0'),ord('9')+1): digits.append(chr(i)) specs=list("\"\'{}[]!?@#$%^&*()-+=/\\,.<>") groups=[uc_letters, lc_letters, digits, specs] # Main loop # We have three indices: # start, end, split grnr=0 c=groups[grnr] start = 0 end = len(c) txt = "" while True: split = (start + end) // 2 if start == split: # The character is already selected, print it txt += c[start] start = 0 end = len(c) continue if split > start + 1: line = "["+c[start]+" "+c[split-1]+"]" else: line = "["+c[start]+"]" if split < end - 1: line += "["+c[split]+" "+c[end-1]+"]" else: line += "["+c[split]+"]" #print(start,split,end) print(txt) print(line) sel = input("1-1st half, 2-2nd half, 3-del char, 4-clear text, 5-send text, 6-next group:") if sel == "1": end = split elif sel == "2": start = split elif sel == "3": txt = txt[:-1] elif sel == "4": txt = txt[:-1] elif sel == "5": print("Transmitted msg:"+txt) txt = "" start = 0 end = len(c) elif sel == "6": grnr = (grnr + 1) % len(groups) c = groups[grnr] start = 0 end = len(c) else: print("Unknown key") 

I'll send a link to the microcontroller implementation as soon as it is ready.

My husband has filed for divorce and we have only had one court date since filing late last year. I checked the court information online and found out I have a contempt hearing next Monday, I haven’t been served papers yet. He’s submitted a notarized letter stating I’m 3 months behind on my mortgage but it’s not past due at all and the proposed remedy is to sell the house, I pay $750 for the contempt hearing, and we split the equity. I think I need to mention that he’s been harassing me to sell the house since he moved out, threatened to have me evicted, which I know he can’t do but it’s becoming overwhelming. All of the bills I was ordered to pay in our initial hearing are current, however the vehicle loan in both of our names that he was ordered to pay because he has possession of it, is now 3 months behind on payments and I’ve heard some of his credit cards are in collections because he hasn’t paid them. I’m overwhelmed and frustrated because he has a lawyer and I don’t so I feel like he’s taking advantage of that situation. There is so much more going on than this but this is my immediate concern. Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed? I can’t afford to hire a full time lawyer, but wondering if there is someone that I could hire or get a consultation on paperwork or if you beautiful redditors have any other helpful suggestions I’d appreciate it! Thank you!

I logged on to make my payment which WAS due on May 16, and this is what I'm seeing
Total Amount Due:$0.00
Next Payment Date:
Current Amount Due:$0.00
Past Due Amount:$0.00
It also says my loan balance is $0. How am I supposed to know when and where to pay? It the letter they sent me for the switch it says:
Q5: To whom will I make federal student loan payments after EdFinancial is my servicer? A5: After ED transfers your federal student loan account to EdFinancial, you'll make payments to that servicer. EdFinancial will let you know when your payments will be due.
And I haven't received any communication from EdFinancial. I tried to log into EdFinancial and they said I don't have an account. Should I assume I am in some type of administrative forbearance?

I've been helping my wife try to take advantage of the double-consolidation option to get the Parent Plus loans her father has onto the SAVE plan.
We started the process beginning of April by mailing in this Direct Consolidation Loan Application and Promissory Note form along with a Repayment Plan Request form to two different servicers.
We chose Mohela and Nelnet as all 5 loans were through Aidvantage.
We filled out the consolidation applications fully and accurately (pages 1 thru 5).
For the Repayment Plan Request we selected the plan for ALL loans with a Standard repayment plan.
This is where confusion starts for us.
NELNET
April 23 we get an email from Nelnet saying our loans won't be consolidated because we "did not provide the missing information from your application, as requested." We never got a notice for missing information.
My wife called Nelnet and they claimed we were missing an address for one of the references. Absolutely not true but my wife was able to provide it on the phone and the agent claimed that would allow the application to continue.
We have yet to follow up on that but haven't received any other notices from Nelnet.
MOHELA (AidVantage)
Then, this past week we get a letter from AidVantage (Mohela's servicer) saying we need to re-sbumit the consolidation application because the one we sent was missing pages. Again - absolutely not true.
My wife and I both double checked the printed documents several times before mailing them because we KNEW this is a clusterfuck nightmare of a process and didn't want to have to deal with this type of crap.
Question
Is this normal? Have others experienced this level of difficulty getting the servicers to process mail in consolidation applications?
I know the immediate thought it "these idiots didn't print off all the pages of their app" but I assure you that is 100% not the case.

As you guys know, walang kasiguraduhan sa freelancing so eto nanaman ako ngayon naghahanap ng bagong client/agency/company. For context, I used to have one client earlier this year (from Upwork) and we had a very easy partnership but nagkaron siya ng personal issues so I was offboarded ng April 30. Right after the I found out nagstart agad ako maghanap ng clients and companies I could apply to and so far ito ang breakdown ng mga application na pinagdaanan ko.

1. Upwork - Since dito ko nahanap young last client ko, dito rin ako nagstart ulit maghanap. I have a Top Rated badge in upwork so naisip ko why not use it as much as I can. I sent out 12 proposals and bought 200 connects (around 100 lang nagamit ko) which got me 2 interviews and 1 contract after a week.
   
2. CoconutVA - I've heard lots of good things about this agency so I sent in my application along with a video recording of myself through loom. Di naman mahirap yung application process, medyo time consuming lang kasi kailangan maligo (lol) and mag-ayos for the recording. Di naman required, pero syempre best foot forward. I asked ChatGPT to give me a sample script and used it as an outline for the one that I actually used. After three days (I think) I got an email back saying they included me in their potential talent pool but no guarantees pa that I'll get matched so they encourage entertaining other offers for the meantime - which is a great sign na di sila nangggatekeep ng opportunities.
   
3. FlexJobs - I found a Remote Office Assistant role from a US-based digital marketing agency na yung rate is around $2k/month. May exam din silang pinagawa and excel skill test na medj mahirap. Haven't heard from them so far pero if you guys want to apply rin (I think they're still pooling) send me a DM for the link haha.
   
4. FreeUp - The thing with FreeUp is it's like a cross between an agency and a freelancing platform. Medyo lengthy rin ang application process nila kasi maraming questions na need sagutan in paragraph form. And then I was sent an email with a module and a super easy short quiz, tapos nung pasado na they sent me an interview invite with one of their reps. After pumasa, proceed na sa account creation (just received this email an hour ago and di ko pa ginagawa so mag update ako after)
   
5. VirtualElves - I sent in an initial application and I got an email back after a few days asking me to fill out a Candidate Profile Form pero I don't think I'll be proceeding with the application at this time kasi parang di ko siya priority right now and ang dami ko pang hinihintay to hear back from.
   
6. Athena - This was one of the most grueling application process I've ever experienced, but everything was quite quick after I passed the exam last week. The interview was scheduled kaninang umaga then a few hours later I received another invitation for a training offer at 10PM tapos this coming Monday start na daw ng training. Medyo surprising lang kasi form what I've seen and heard, this process usually takes weeks prior to training.
   

Special mentions: OLJ - First time kong icheck tong platform na to just to see kung magkano ang usual rates na inooffer nila doon, tapos nanlumo ako sa nakita ko so di na ko nagaksaya pa ng oras sa site na to.
This pinned thread dito sa BuhayDigital subreddit. Pakiramdam ko ang daming nagooverlook into pero is a to as mga una kong chineck na resource when I started looking for jobs. Jan ko nahanap yung FreeUp and FlexJobs. Very useful!
One thing that I like to do is to use ChatGPT as much as I can, but I do heavy editing to not make it sound like it's written by an AI because I'm always deathly afraid that the recruiters might find out - because THEY WILL and bestie that's going to be embarassing.
The biggest tip I can give to anyone who is looking for clients right now is learn how to OPTIMIZE EVERYTHING. Optimize your resume, optimize your cover letters, optimize your online profiles, and most importantly, optimize your skills. Check mo kung among pinaka in-demand na skills and industries, then pivot accordingly.
Good luck sa mga kasabay kong naghahanap ng clients, wag tayo papa-lowball!

Hi there!
I'd like to discuss the topic of personalized advertising and how consumers perceive it. Personalized ads are currently the hot topic, with everyone emphasizing their importance. But in which cases does it work, and when does it backfire? Let's separate the hype from the "hold my beer, I'm about to unsubscribe" reality.
From our focus group, we gathered insightful feedback on what annoys and delights consumers in personalized advertising:
What Annoys Consumers
Irrelevant Ads: Irrelevant ads can frustrate and feel intrusive.

• "I get love novels recommended on Facebook, which I’ve never searched for and definitely won't read."

Inappropriate Content: Poorly targeted suggestions involving sensitive products can be uncomfortable and off-putting.

• "I bought lingerie on Amazon, and now my screen is flooded with underwear ads, some quite explicit. It's uncomfortable, especially when sharing screen during company meetings."

Repetition Fatigue: Seeing the same types of ads repeatedly after a single search can be irritating and lead to ad fatigue.

• "I looked at one skirt on Instagram, and now every ad is about skirts from different stores. It’s overwhelming. Apparently, one skirt means I want to revamp my entire wardrobe."

Age-Specific Targeting: Consumers feel targeted based on their age, which can feel intrusive and discriminatory.

• "Ads for anti-aging serums, pension plans, and arthritis ointments started showing up after I turned 40. Feels like they’re rubbing my age in my face. They could just say, "Happy Birthday!"

Monotony in Ads: Lack of variety can make personalized ads feel stale and uninspired.

• "Seeing the same products repeatedly is boring. Offer something new once in a while!"

General Ad Aversion: Some consumers are inherently averse to ads, regardless of how personalized they are.

• "I hate ads in general, so I use ad blockers and pay for ad-free services wherever possible."

But not all is bad! What Consumers Appreciate:
Valuable and Informative Content: Providing useful, educational content can demonstrate that you care about helping the user, not just selling to them.

• "I was looking for hair loss treatments and got an email with research, explanations, tests, and recommendations. It felt genuinely helpful."

Relevant Product Suggestions: When ads are closely aligned with user interests, they are more likely to be well-received.

• "If Instagram shows me products similar to what I’ve been searching for, I’m all for it."

Personalized Deals and Special Prices: Personalized promotions can enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction.

• "I love getting personalized offers from grocery stores based on my shopping history. It makes me feel valued as a customer."
• "My gym sends me news on fitness programs, discounts, and loyalty programs. This is useful."

Discounts and Promotions: Special offers and freebies can effectively engage and retain customers.

• "Discount emails from my favorite stores are a big draw for me. I also love getting free samples—it keeps me coming back."

Recommendations Based on History: Curated suggestions based on past behavior can enhance user experience and satisfaction.

• "Recommendations based on what I've previously watched or listened to are great—I often find new favorites this way."

Timing and Context Sensitivity: The timing of ads can significantly impact their reception.

• "Ads don’t bother me when I have money, but they do when I’m broke. Maybe timing them around payday would be better?"

Classic Examples:

• Starbucks: Using your name on the cup instead of a number. Because nothing feels quite as personal as your name scribbled on something. Toy Story vibe's turned on.
• Spotify Wrapped: Offering a personalized summary of your listening habits. A yearly reminder of just how eclectic your music taste really is.

It's clear that while personalized ads can be incredibly effective, they must be handled with care. The key is to balance relevance with sensitivity and avoid the pitfalls of over-targeting and repetition.
What are your thoughts on personalized advertising? What aspects do you find irritating, and which ones do you appreciate? Share your ideas—we're eager to hear from the pros!

Location: Colorado, USA
In August 2023 I agreed to be primary on a car loan for my boyfriend of 3 years because his car broke down and he needed a vehicle for work, and his credit wasn't good enough to qualify on his own.
On the vehicle purchasing paperwork it says we both own the car. I am the primary borrower, he is the co-borrower.
We have since broken up, and it was messy. I will provide context as I don't know if we would be considered common law in Colorado and whether that affects things. We were together for 4 years. He cheated on me, and she was his gf a week later. I had stopped working full time 6 months prior to help care for his son and 2 godchildren, who we had temp custody of. I wasn't able to move out right away and he seemed okay with me saving money for a few months to move out... until he wasn't. He became more verbally aggressive, blocked access to the internet so I couldn't work, cancelled my car insurance even though I was halfway into a 2 week driving test to qualify for new car insurance, cancelled my phone line. He threatened to evict me (he couldn't do this because it was his parents house) multiple times because he felt like I wasn't trying hard enough to find another job. I eventually was able to save up enough to move out.
Last month, he was arrested for domestic violence against his new gf, he tried to kill himself that same night. It turns out he was heavily abusing his ADHD medication and alcohol, as well as other drugs like cocaine and hiding it from everyone for over a year, at least. He admitted to me that he stole ADHD medication from me. I had medication go missing in 2022 and 2023 but I could not confirm it was him. I even messaged his therapist and she was unable to give him a UA because he was also on ADHD medication and so the drug test wouldn't prove he was taking my medication. I plan on filing a police report, but I want to get the car loan situation sorted out because I'm worried about retaliation on his end. The police told me I don't need to file the report right away and that I can wait.
I continue to get notifications when he is late with his payments. He also has an EZ Pass and if he doesn't make the payments on those, the letters get sent to me in my name because I am primary. I called EZ Pass and they said if it doesn't get paid then it could prevent car registration.
When I email him and ask him where he is at on requesting the loan be taken out of my name and put into his, he says he's working on it but won't give me any other information or any sort of timeline. My credit score went down 50 points with the vehicle loan. I was luckily able to move into a private residence that did not require me to do a credit check, but I might need to move again and I will likely struggle to find an apartment with my current credit score.
The last email I sent, I told him if we can't figure it out we can get a mediator but it would be at his expense. He hasn't responded.
The current loan is approximately $30k. Payments are around $600/mo.
Questions
Are there ways I can get off of the loan that do not require him to have good enough credit to qualify? (Edit: specifically wondering if the situation (him having stolen from me) changes whether or not I can get off the loan.)
Can I repo the car? What does that look like? I don't have the title or a key.
Does he have to be in agreement with my decisions?
I don't even know if I'm asking the right questions. I am lost in this situation but really need to buck up and get educated on what I can and can't do. He is someone who makes threats and I think what he did to me after we broke up would be considered emotional and financial abuse. I am definitely concerned about retaliation, and so I need to understand what am able to do so I can make the best decision.
Thank you so much in advance

We had a big storm two days ago and my neighbors oak tree and several other of their trees are dangling precariously over my property. The neighbor said because they’re hanging over my property that they aren’t responsible for having them cut. I called my insurance company and they said because the trees haven’t fallen yet that I should send the neighbor a certified, notarized letter saying their trees are posing an imminent threat to my property and they need to have them trimmed. If they fall and damage my property they will have to cover it, too. Insurance said until I serve the notice or damage is done then nothing can be done aside from me forking out the money to have them trimmed. She advised me not to do that. Meanwhile, I can’t use my yard or my driveway. She was going to do further research and call me back. Does all this sound right? If so, does anyone have a sample letter? I’m in Louisiana if that matters. Thanks in advance