Phyllis Law - April 2020

SUDOKU BREAK Solution on pg. 4

The No. 1 Thing You Should Not Do During a Financial Struggle I have been practicing consumer bankruptcy and debt settlement law for 15 years, and there is one thing that pains me the most in a bankruptcy consult: when someone dumps his or her whole life savings into a failing business or trying to maintain a household after a job loss. Only after everything is gone do they come see me for advice. If they had come to see me earlier, I would have told them to seek bankruptcy protection before everything is gone. The struggle comes because people are trying to do the right thing. They believe that if they just try hard enough, things will turn around. People want to satisfy their obligations, and they don’t think it’s fair for them to keep any assets. But that is exactly why the bankruptcy code exists — to help people restart who cannot, despite their best efforts, dig out of the hole. And we know that it is very difficult to start over with nothing. That is why the bankruptcy code allows for the exemption of certain essential assets. All ERISA-qualified retirement accounts — such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs (with limitations), Keoghs, profit-sharing plans, money purchase plans, and defined benefit plans — and pensions are exempt from creditors in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, savings plans, stock plans, and mutual funds will not be exempt. So, it makes sense to stop trying to dig once you get to the point that your retirement accounts are all you have left. It makes sense to cash out stocks and mutual funds to try to meet your obligations but not your retirement account. If you are struggling financially, please contact me for a consult now. Do not wait until it is too late. And NEVER use funds from your retirement account until you have gotten some legal advice. We are in the business of brokering second chances and would be honored to help you get yours.

Vegan Spring Rolls

Inspired by SimpleVeganBlog.com

Nothing says spring quite like these easy-to-make vegan spring rolls!

Ingredients

• • • • • • • •

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

● 4 cloves garlic, sliced

● 1 onion, julienned

● 2 large carrots, julienned ● 4 leaves cabbage, julienned

● 1 oz soybean sprouts

● 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce ● 8 sheets spring roll pastry

Directions

1.

In a wok over medium-high heat, add olive oil, vegetables, and tamari or soy sauce. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Set aside filling mixture.

2. Place a pastry wrapper on a flat surface and tilt it to be in the shape of a diamond. Scoop 2 tbsp of filling onto the lower corner of the wrapper. 3. Tightly roll the wrapper and fold in the left and right corners. Brush the top corner with water and close the roll. Repeat with all wrappers. 4. In the wok, heat a generous amount of olive oil. 5. Add the rolls when hot, cooking for 1 minute or until each side is golden brown. 6. Place rolls on a paper towel to drain oil and cool before serving.

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