Drug Use Among the Youth in America and The Need for Legal Representation
Drugs, both illegal and legal, have always been abused by a certain percentage of the population. In recent years, teens and students have made up an ever-increasing percentage of this population. According to recent statistics by the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), the rate of illicit drug use among youths ages 12-17 has increased to 10.1 percent in 2010, a large difference from 2008′s rate of 9.3. Marijuana was found to be the most commonly used illicit drug, followed by psychotherapeutic drugs used for non-medical purposes (sedatives, analgesics, stimulants and tranquilizers).
Not surprisingly, the current illicit drug use rate was much higher among young adults aged 18 to 25. 21.5 percent of this age demographic admits to using marijuana, psychotherapeutic drugs for non-medical purposes, hallucinogens and cocaine. The study also showed that the illicit drug use rate varied by the educational status of adults age 18 and over, with the rate being lower among college graduates than the lifetime rate for high school graduates.
The rate of illicit drug use among college students, even full-time students, is similar to the rate among other persons aged 18 to 22. These numbers point to the fact that illicit drugs are being sold and distributed on college campuses. Students have admitted to obtaining prescription drugs used for non-medical purposes “from a friend or relative for free”. A follow-up question revealed that the friend or relative had obtained the drugs from one doctor. Only 2.3 percent reported that the friend or relative had bought the drugs from a dealer or other stranger. Vicodin, OxyContin and Adderall are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs.
What Are Capital Gains or Losses? (Canada)
You have spent all your life building your business into an enterprise worth millions. After years of hard work, you finally decide to retire and spend time with your family or better still, decide to venture into a different business. The value built up in your business will be taxed. However, the income tax act provides you with an opportunity to save on taxes through the capital gains exemption.
Exemption
Small business owners can take advantage of the capital gains exemption when you sell your business. The exemption is $750,000 of the gross capital gain which is equal to $375,000 of the taxable gain. Capital gains are the proceeds you receive when you sell your business less the amount you paid for it. In Canada, only half of the capital gains are taxable. In order to qualify for the capital gains exemption, you have to meet following criteria;
Qualified Small Business Corporation
First of all, the business must be a qualified small business corporation. Certain conditions must be met before you sell your business and at the point of sale. These conditions include the following;
* The shares must not be owned by anyone else other than your spouse or your partner at common law in the 24 months preceding the sale.
* 24 months prior to the sale, at least 50% of the assets must have been used (directly or indirectly) in active business in Canada or used to finance an active business in Canada. If you have invested more than 50% in a foreign country, then you will not qualify for the capital gains exemption.
* At the time of disposition, 90% of your assets must be used (directly or indirectly) in an active business in Canada.
Debt Consolidation Through Online Credit Counseling
The importance of debt consolidation cannot be overlooked today when people are used to spending extravagantly even before they have earned the money. Before the turmoil, loans and credit cards were distributed in abundance and there is a natural tendency of purchasing more with credit cards more than what is your actual capacity. The interest rate is so high that it becomes difficult to pay even the minimum amount due and the finance gets messed up.
Many people have more than one card and forget to pay the monthly due, which increases the debt further. Debt consolidation will not only help them consolidate their debt into one account and remember it but also decrease the rate of interest. The debt consolidation companies generally have contact with the loan providing organizations, which are ready to pay consolidation loan at a low rate of interest. This is because the financial companies that provide these loans get good amount of customers who make them happy and you can pay off all your debts that make you happy. These debt consolidation loans are generally provided for unsecured debt consolidation that resulted from credit cards and personal loans.
There are some companies, which provide the debt consolidation service online. For them online credit counseling is given where you can understand what is your credit requirement and what should be the proper way to go. It is very important to select a credit service provider properly because some of the credit counseling website just guides you toward taking loan. There are other possible ways out though and the company, as a measure, should also offer that. Check their services first before actually taking any counseling.
A Review of Debt negotiation Help
In 2012 Should You Consider Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Whether or not someone should file bankruptcy is a big question. Everyone’s financial situation is different so this requires a lot of careful consideration. When determining if bankruptcy is the right choice for you, there are some things to consider. If you have a large amount of debt that is making it impossible for you to pay your regular monthly expenses such as your mortgage, food, utilities, etc., then you may consider bankruptcy. If you stopped charging on all of your credit cards and made the minimum payments, if you could not have the debt paid off in 5 years then bankruptcy is a viable option for you. If you are experiencing tremendous stress from aggressive creditors that are constantly calling to collect money that you can’t afford to pay, then you should consider filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy it allows you to get a fresh financial start and have all of your unsecured debt discharged. Unsecured debts include credit cards, gas cards, cell phone bills, store charge cards, medical bills, personal loans, and payday loans. Once an individual’s unsecured debts are wiped out, they may be in a better financial position to allow them to get caught on their mortgage or car payments. If they can afford it and want to keep a secured item or property such as their home or car, then they can reaffirm that debt and keep it. Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy can temporarily stop foreclosure on your home until the individual has a chance to work out with their bankruptcy attorney if they want to keep their home or surrender it in the bankruptcy and have any deficiencies wiped out in the discharge. When someone files a Chapter 7 bankruptcy rarely do they lose any personal assets since their bankruptcy attorney will use all of the applicable exemption laws to benefit their client and prevent any forfeiture of assets to the court. Filing bankruptcy will also put an immediate stop to all collection attempts by the creditors through the automatic stay. The automatic stay is a powerful legal tool to give the debtor some breathing room and peace of mind while the bankruptcy case is proceeding. If a creditor violates the automatic stay they can face harsh penalties and fines from the court.