Latest news with #SteveWright
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee couple gets creative recouping their $8.1K from cabinetmaker after he disappeared with their deposit
When Steve and Tammy Wright had the idea to renovate their kitchen in 2024, they likely never imagined a civil lawsuit would be part of the process. The Wrights's renovation disaster began when they placed an order at Riverwoods Home Furnishings in Tennessee for $16,200 worth of custom cabinets. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Since the company was well-known for offering custom-made cabinets and handcrafted furniture, the retired couple had no reason to doubt Ronnie Wheelock, the company's owner. In fact, as WATE reports, the Wrights happily gave Wheelock an $8,100 deposit upfront. But the delivery date for the cabinets came and went before the couple discovered the store had unexpectedly closed in October 2024. And while some people might have given up in this situation, the Wrights took a different approach — one that required a little creativity and some legal expertise. When Wheelock closed his store for good, he reportedly left a handwritten note on the door at his warehouse stating that 'all orders will be fulfilled or deposits returned.' But the Wrights's order was never fulfilled, and despite telling WATE over the phone that he'd give the Wrights their money back, Wheelock never returned the $8,100 deposit. The Wrights then decided to file a civil lawsuit against Wheelock for breach of contract, and despite the fact that they won, they soon realized their issue with Wheelock was far from over. 'We got our civil judgment, but that's all they do,' Steve Wright shared with WATE. 'So we figured out, hey, we need to do work on our own.' Taking matters into their own hands, the Wrights decided to do their own reconnaissance, looking for opportunities that could help them enforce the court judgment. Turns out both Steve, a retired firefighter, and Tammy, a retired Sheriff's deputy, are quite familiar with the law. 'We had actually taken pictures of the vehicle,' said Steve, referring to Wheelock's company van. 'I never thought anything about it when I did it.' And to their pleasant surprise, those photos ended up giving Tammy all that she needed. 'From the plate number, I was able to gain the VIN number,' Tammy shared with WATE. 'With the VIN number I was able to go to the secretary of state and file a motor vehicle lien. Then took that paperwork to the clerk's office and filed the execution. Then the sheriff's department picked it up and sent it to auction, where it sold for $24,000.' Read more: No millions? No problem. With as little as $10, here's of diversified assets usually only available to major players A car lien is typically used when someone finances a vehicle. When a borrower finances a car, the lender will place a lien on that car until the borrower can pay off the loan. If the borrower were to fall behind on their payments, the lien allows the lender to repossess the vehicle, sell it at auction and use the profits to cover the rest of the loan balance owed. But this is not the only use for a car lien, as there are other types of liens that can come from legal claims and unpaid debts. For example, a judgement lien allows a creditor to put a lien on your car if you fail to pay off a court-ordered debt. And since the court ordered Wheelock to pay the Wrights back, the Wrights went about enforcing the court's ruling by placing a lien on Wheelock's van. Once Wheelock's van was repossessed and sold at auction, the Wrights got their $8,100 deposit back — plus $600 for legal fees — while the remaining $15,300 went to Wheelock. The latter was then charged with theft and remains in jail as he's been unable to make bond ahead of his next court appearance in July 2025. 'I warned him karma was coming,' said Steve. While the Wrights got their money back, many others who run into similar home renovation issues aren't as lucky. According to the Federal Trade Commission, a total of 81,925 home improvement scams were reported in 2024, with the average combined financial losses from such scams coming in at $13.8 million per year, according to Inspection Support Network. The FTC, however, has some tips on how to spot a shady contractor before giving one your business. Here are a few things to look out for: People showing up at your door offering their services. These contractors often say they're already doing work in your neighborhood, or that they have materials left over from another job. Someone that pressures you into making a quick decision about home improvement work. Contractors that ask you to pay for everything up front or request that you pay in cash. Contractors asking you to apply for any required building permits. Contractors advising you to borrow money from someone they know. If you've hired a shady contractor for home improvements and they're refusing to give your money back, you can take a page from the Wrights's playbook and file a civil lawsuit. You have rights, and as the Wrights demonstrated, there are ways to push back when a contractor tries to walk away with your money. This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee couple gets creative recouping their $8.1K from cabinetmaker after he disappeared with their deposit
When Steve and Tammy Wright had the idea to renovate their kitchen in 2024, they likely never imagined a civil lawsuit would be part of the process. The Wrights's renovation disaster began when they placed an order at Riverwoods Home Furnishings in Tennessee for $16,200 worth of custom cabinets. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Since the company was well-known for offering custom-made cabinets and handcrafted furniture, the retired couple had no reason to doubt Ronnie Wheelock, the company's owner. In fact, as WATE reports, the Wrights happily gave Wheelock an $8,100 deposit upfront. But the delivery date for the cabinets came and went before the couple discovered the store had unexpectedly closed in October 2024. And while some people might have given up in this situation, the Wrights took a different approach — one that required a little creativity and some legal expertise. When Wheelock closed his store for good, he reportedly left a handwritten note on the door at his warehouse stating that 'all orders will be fulfilled or deposits returned.' But the Wrights's order was never fulfilled, and despite telling WATE over the phone that he'd give the Wrights their money back, Wheelock never returned the $8,100 deposit. The Wrights then decided to file a civil lawsuit against Wheelock for breach of contract, and despite the fact that they won, they soon realized their issue with Wheelock was far from over. 'We got our civil judgment, but that's all they do,' Steve Wright shared with WATE. 'So we figured out, hey, we need to do work on our own.' Taking matters into their own hands, the Wrights decided to do their own reconnaissance, looking for opportunities that could help them enforce the court judgment. Turns out both Steve, a retired firefighter, and Tammy, a retired Sheriff's deputy, are quite familiar with the law. 'We had actually taken pictures of the vehicle,' said Steve, referring to Wheelock's company van. 'I never thought anything about it when I did it.' And to their pleasant surprise, those photos ended up giving Tammy all that she needed. 'From the plate number, I was able to gain the VIN number,' Tammy shared with WATE. 'With the VIN number I was able to go to the secretary of state and file a motor vehicle lien. Then took that paperwork to the clerk's office and filed the execution. Then the sheriff's department picked it up and sent it to auction, where it sold for $24,000.' Read more: No millions? No problem. With as little as $10, here's of diversified assets usually only available to major players A car lien is typically used when someone finances a vehicle. When a borrower finances a car, the lender will place a lien on that car until the borrower can pay off the loan. If the borrower were to fall behind on their payments, the lien allows the lender to repossess the vehicle, sell it at auction and use the profits to cover the rest of the loan balance owed. But this is not the only use for a car lien, as there are other types of liens that can come from legal claims and unpaid debts. For example, a judgement lien allows a creditor to put a lien on your car if you fail to pay off a court-ordered debt. And since the court ordered Wheelock to pay the Wrights back, the Wrights went about enforcing the court's ruling by placing a lien on Wheelock's van. Once Wheelock's van was repossessed and sold at auction, the Wrights got their $8,100 deposit back — plus $600 for legal fees — while the remaining $15,300 went to Wheelock. The latter was then charged with theft and remains in jail as he's been unable to make bond ahead of his next court appearance in July 2025. 'I warned him karma was coming,' said Steve. While the Wrights got their money back, many others who run into similar home renovation issues aren't as lucky. According to the Federal Trade Commission, a total of 81,925 home improvement scams were reported in 2024, with the average combined financial losses from such scams coming in at $13.8 million per year, according to Inspection Support Network. The FTC, however, has some tips on how to spot a shady contractor before giving one your business. Here are a few things to look out for: People showing up at your door offering their services. These contractors often say they're already doing work in your neighborhood, or that they have materials left over from another job. Someone that pressures you into making a quick decision about home improvement work. Contractors that ask you to pay for everything up front or request that you pay in cash. Contractors asking you to apply for any required building permits. Contractors advising you to borrow money from someone they know. If you've hired a shady contractor for home improvements and they're refusing to give your money back, you can take a page from the Wrights's playbook and file a civil lawsuit. You have rights, and as the Wrights demonstrated, there are ways to push back when a contractor tries to walk away with your money. This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
North Wales Chronicle
30-06-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Firefighters urge Government to tax polluters to fund struggling services
The union, which represents more than 30,000 fire responders in the UK, has joined the Polluters Pay Pact – a Greenpeace initiative that brings together climate-hit communities, concerned citizens, first responders and political leaders. The pact urges governments around the world to make high-emitting firms pay their fair share for the climate damage caused. In the UK, the Energy Profits Levy was implemented in May 2022 in response to skyrocketing profits made by oil and gas firms amid a sharp rise in energy prices. After being increased in the most recent UK Government budget, oil and gas producers are currently paying a headline tax rate of 78%. The levy will end when prices fall to or below a set price floor, or in March 2030. However, the Fire Brigades Union warned that a decade of funding cuts has left the fire and rescue service fragmented, overstretched and chronically underfunded. According to the union's analysis of official figures, the service has lost one in five firefighting posts since 2010 – equivalent to 12,000 full-time roles – while 82 fire stations and 17 control rooms have been closed. It comes as the number of incidents fire services responds to has risen by 20% since 2014, according to a separate National Fire Chiefs Council analysis of Government data. The analysis also found response times are now the slowest on record, with the time it takes for a first appliance to reach a fire having risen by three minutes since the 1990s. Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: 'While oil and gas giants profit from pollution, firefighters are left to deal with the sharp end of the climate crisis – and all too often without the resources they need to protect lives. 'It's frontline workers and vulnerable communities paying the price. 'Governments must get serious: make polluters pay, fund public services, and back a transition to clean, green energy. 'The UK and global leaders must be braver and bolder in holding polluters to account, starting with signing up to the principles set out in the Polluters Pay Pact.' In July 2022, during a record heatwave, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported its busiest day since the Second World War, but dozens of fire engines sat idle because there were not enough firefighters to crew them. And in April this year, the Global Wildfire Information System found that wildfires in the UK had burnt an area larger than the overall annual record for the last decade, while drought has been declared for the North West and Yorkshire. Greenpeace UK climate campaigner Maja Darlington said: 'As more heatwaves, wildfires and floods hit the UK and countries around the world, we need well-funded, well-staffed emergency services to protect homes, businesses and lives. 'And if ministers are looking for revenue, they must tax the massive profits Big Oil is still making from cranking up the planet's thermostat and devastating the lives of millions.' A UK Government spokesperson said: 'The Energy Profits Levy already ensures the oil and gas sector contributes towards our energy transition while taking a responsible approach to tax which recognises the role the sector will have in the energy mix for decades to come.'
South Wales Guardian
30-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Firefighters urge Government to tax polluters to fund struggling services
The union, which represents more than 30,000 fire responders in the UK, has joined the Polluters Pay Pact – a Greenpeace initiative that brings together climate-hit communities, concerned citizens, first responders and political leaders. The pact urges governments around the world to make high-emitting firms pay their fair share for the climate damage caused. In the UK, the Energy Profits Levy was implemented in May 2022 in response to skyrocketing profits made by oil and gas firms amid a sharp rise in energy prices. After being increased in the most recent UK Government budget, oil and gas producers are currently paying a headline tax rate of 78%. The levy will end when prices fall to or below a set price floor, or in March 2030. However, the Fire Brigades Union warned that a decade of funding cuts has left the fire and rescue service fragmented, overstretched and chronically underfunded. According to the union's analysis of official figures, the service has lost one in five firefighting posts since 2010 – equivalent to 12,000 full-time roles – while 82 fire stations and 17 control rooms have been closed. It comes as the number of incidents fire services responds to has risen by 20% since 2014, according to a separate National Fire Chiefs Council analysis of Government data. The analysis also found response times are now the slowest on record, with the time it takes for a first appliance to reach a fire having risen by three minutes since the 1990s. Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: 'While oil and gas giants profit from pollution, firefighters are left to deal with the sharp end of the climate crisis – and all too often without the resources they need to protect lives. 'It's frontline workers and vulnerable communities paying the price. 'Governments must get serious: make polluters pay, fund public services, and back a transition to clean, green energy. 'The UK and global leaders must be braver and bolder in holding polluters to account, starting with signing up to the principles set out in the Polluters Pay Pact.' In July 2022, during a record heatwave, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported its busiest day since the Second World War, but dozens of fire engines sat idle because there were not enough firefighters to crew them. And in April this year, the Global Wildfire Information System found that wildfires in the UK had burnt an area larger than the overall annual record for the last decade, while drought has been declared for the North West and Yorkshire. Greenpeace UK climate campaigner Maja Darlington said: 'As more heatwaves, wildfires and floods hit the UK and countries around the world, we need well-funded, well-staffed emergency services to protect homes, businesses and lives. 'And if ministers are looking for revenue, they must tax the massive profits Big Oil is still making from cranking up the planet's thermostat and devastating the lives of millions.' A UK Government spokesperson said: 'The Energy Profits Levy already ensures the oil and gas sector contributes towards our energy transition while taking a responsible approach to tax which recognises the role the sector will have in the energy mix for decades to come.'
Rhyl Journal
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Firefighters urge Government to tax polluters to fund struggling services
The union, which represents more than 30,000 fire responders in the UK, has joined the Polluters Pay Pact – a Greenpeace initiative that brings together climate-hit communities, concerned citizens, first responders and political leaders. The pact urges governments around the world to make high-emitting firms pay their fair share for the climate damage caused. In the UK, the Energy Profits Levy was implemented in May 2022 in response to skyrocketing profits made by oil and gas firms amid a sharp rise in energy prices. After being increased in the most recent UK Government budget, oil and gas producers are currently paying a headline tax rate of 78%. The levy will end when prices fall to or below a set price floor, or in March 2030. However, the Fire Brigades Union warned that a decade of funding cuts has left the fire and rescue service fragmented, overstretched and chronically underfunded. According to the union's analysis of official figures, the service has lost one in five firefighting posts since 2010 – equivalent to 12,000 full-time roles – while 82 fire stations and 17 control rooms have been closed. It comes as the number of incidents fire services responds to has risen by 20% since 2014, according to a separate National Fire Chiefs Council analysis of Government data. The analysis also found response times are now the slowest on record, with the time it takes for a first appliance to reach a fire having risen by three minutes since the 1990s. Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: 'While oil and gas giants profit from pollution, firefighters are left to deal with the sharp end of the climate crisis – and all too often without the resources they need to protect lives. 'It's frontline workers and vulnerable communities paying the price. 'Governments must get serious: make polluters pay, fund public services, and back a transition to clean, green energy. 'The UK and global leaders must be braver and bolder in holding polluters to account, starting with signing up to the principles set out in the Polluters Pay Pact.' In July 2022, during a record heatwave, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported its busiest day since the Second World War, but dozens of fire engines sat idle because there were not enough firefighters to crew them. And in April this year, the Global Wildfire Information System found that wildfires in the UK had burnt an area larger than the overall annual record for the last decade, while drought has been declared for the North West and Yorkshire. Greenpeace UK climate campaigner Maja Darlington said: 'As more heatwaves, wildfires and floods hit the UK and countries around the world, we need well-funded, well-staffed emergency services to protect homes, businesses and lives. 'And if ministers are looking for revenue, they must tax the massive profits Big Oil is still making from cranking up the planet's thermostat and devastating the lives of millions.' A UK Government spokesperson said: 'The Energy Profits Levy already ensures the oil and gas sector contributes towards our energy transition while taking a responsible approach to tax which recognises the role the sector will have in the energy mix for decades to come.'
