Monday Morning Money Minute

Posted by Mark Matney of Holcomb Law, PC Newport News, VA
www.matneylawpllc.com
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Monday Morning Money Minute

Today we move from Baby Step 1, setting up an emergency fund, to Baby Step 2: Pay off all non-mortgage debt as fast as possible. One of the fastest ways to do this is to pay off the smallest debt and then add the money you were paying to the next smallest debt. This is often referred to as the debt snowball. If you continue this process, then you will have more and more money going to the successive debts. I also use software that factors in interest rates and minimum payments and would be glad to share that with you. Dave Ramsey teaches that getting out of debt should be done with gazelle intensity. “Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler” (Proverbs 4:6).

November 15, 2021

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Mark Matney

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Monday Morning Money Minute

Posted by Mark Matney of Holcomb Law, PC Newport News, VA
www.matneylawpllc.com
__________________________________

Monday Morning Money Minute

Budget is not a 4 letter word! Maybe 10% of us are so disciplined that we don’t need a budget and perhaps 10% have enough income to spend what they want. Everyone else needs a budget. It doesn’t seem like it at first, but a budget frees you to spend money. What?! Once you know your income and expenses, you can allocate money for recreation without worrying. In a nutshell, the steps for a budget are: Determine your total monthly income and expenses, subtract your expenses from your income, assign your income dollars to your expenses, and keep track. You may find that you need to increase your income or cut your expenses to achieve a balanced budget. A book like Your Money or Your Life can help you focus your money on what is really important to you.

November 11, 2021

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Mark Matney

DUI - DWI Lawyer

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Call Attorney Mark Matney at
(757) 703-4556

Successfully Challenging Radar Certificates

Posted by Mark Matney of Holcomb Law, PC Newport News, VA
www.matneylawpllc.com
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Successfully Challenging Radar Certificates

In the past week, I have had two cases where the police officer was unable to show accuracy of his radar. So they were both dismissed, right? Wrong. Sometimes, even when the officer cannot prove accuracy of the equipment, the case is not dismissed.

In the first case, my client was charged with reckless driving by speed, 81/55 (26 mph over the limit). In that case the officer seemed upset when I asked him for his calibration record and then provided a certificate for a calibration that was performed after my client was stopped. To demonstrate accuracy at the time of the stop, the certificate must be dated during the six-month period before the stop. When I told the judge that I challenged the calibration certificate and explained the reason, the judge granted my motion to dismiss.

For the second case, with a different judge, my client’s summons was for reckless driving by speed, 97/65 (32 mph over the limit). This case involved a cordial trooper who shared all of his documents and discussed them with me. We found that he had certificates that were too recent and a certificate that was too old, but he did not have one for the six-month period before the date he stopped my client. The judge agreed with my challenge to the certificate, but said that he would not dismiss the case since the speed was so high. I argued that without the certificate the trooper could only establish speeding and not reckless driving by speed since he could not show that my client was driving more than 20 mph over the limit or over 85 mph (the two grounds for reckless by speed). The judge told me I could appeal and ruled reckless driving. The sentence was more lenient and did not include the jail time he was giving to drivers with similar speeds, but it was not the result I wanted after successfully challenging the radar.

Although I believe that the second judge was incorrect in finding my client guilty of reckless driving, he was right about her right to appeal. She now has a second opportunity to avoid the criminal misdemeanor.

November 9, 2021

Monday Morning Money Minute

Posted by Mark Matney of Holcomb Law, PC Newport News, VA
www.matneylawpllc.com
__________________________________

Monday Morning Money Minute

Recently I helped lead Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. We discussed how to build a strong financial house during a series of nine meetings. I will share some of what I learned each Monday for the next several weeks. The foundation is setting up an emergency fund. Many people are realizing how essential this is as they face cutbacks and layoffs. Dave Ramsey recommends starting with $1,000. I prefer $1,500 because it seems like often things happen in sets of three and that they cost $500 each. Car repair cost? $500. Pet to the vet? $500. Plumbing issue? $500. The important thing is to start somewhere, $250, $500, $1000. The idea is to have some money on hand so that you can avoid any additional debt. If you have to use your emergency money, then don’t be upset. Be thankful that you had the money available and replace it as soon as you can.

March 16, 2020

Mark Matney

DUI - DWI Lawyer

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5 Steps to Succeed With Your New Year's Resolutions

Posted by Mark Matney of Holcomb Law, PC Newport News VA
www.matneylawpllc.com
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Did you set financial goals for the New Year? As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2020 are you on track? Many people use the change of year to start something new. Unfortunately, few follow through. Think of all the new gym memberships and budgets that end up unused as January rolls into February. Here are 5 steps to success:
1. Choose Reasonable Goals: The best first step to accomplishing a new goal is to set a target you can reach within a reasonable period of time. If you are in debt, tackle the smallest one first. If you are starting or building your retirement savings, then set a monthly goal. Setting up an automatic investment plan is a worry-free way to keep you on track.

2. Write Your Goals Down: When you write down what you want to accomplish, you are 200% more likely to achieve it. When it is just a thought, then it is only a wish. Working with a financial coach will help you identify how much money is needed to reach your goals. A good coach will make sure you account for inflation and estimated rates of return.

3. Don’t Judge Yourself Too Severely. There will be ups and downs as you work toward your goal, don’t be discouraged. Maybe you had to use all of your emergency fund savings. Be excited that you had the money available and recommit to your original plan.

4. Focus On How You Will Feel When You Succeed. How will you feel when you become debt free, fully fund your emergency savings, or save enough to have the option to stop working? Imagine crossing the finish line! It will be 100 times better than you think!

5. Reward Yourself Along The Way. Did you pay off your first debt, finish building your emergency account, achieve a milestone in your retirement savings? Congratulate yourself and share with others what you achieved. You will be amazed how you can encourage others.

Mark Matney is a financial and legal services professional who helps families and businesses throughout Hampton Roads to get their money working for them so they can worry less about money and enjoy their lives more. Call him for a free consultation at (757) 703-4556.

February 15, 2017

Legal Services - Attorney Mark Matney

The Lawyers at Holcomb Law PC defend people against driving related charges, including DUI, DWI, reckless driving, speeding, driving with a suspended license, driving without a license, running a red light or stop sign, hit-and-run accidents, and passing a stopped school bus. Our attorneys serve the Virginia Peninsula and the surrounding areas, including Newport News, Hampton, York County, Williamsburg, James City County, Gloucester, New Kent, Surry, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk.

Call Attorney Mark Matney at (757) 703-4556 for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation!

A Coach and an Advocate

To defend you traffic violation case, I will act as your coach in preparation for your court date. I will advise you of the steps the local judges want to see in order to consider dismissing or amending your charge. I will also make sure you are ready for any questions that may be asked at your hearing. I will be your advocate in the court hearing. I will speak with the officer or trooper and examine records. I will also have the opportunity to cross-examine the officer or trooper and to present your side of the case. My goal is to ensure that you have the best possible result based on the circumstances of your case.

Handling a wide array of traffic violation cases

I regularly represent clients charged with traffic violations, including:

Reckless driving
Speeding
Expired registration
Expired license
Running a red light or stop sign
Failure to signal when changing lanes
Failure to wear a seatbelt
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Driving without a license or with a suspended license
Leaving the scene of an accident
Violating license restrictions
Hit-and-run accidents
Passing a Stopped School Bus
Failure to Yield
Unsafe Lane Change
Following too Closely
Whether you have been charged with a moving or nonmoving violation, I possess the knowledge needed to protect your best interests in traffic court.

November 5, 2016

Mark Matney - Holcomb Law

Mark Matney is an attorney at Holcomb Law in Newport News Virginia who's mission is to help you obtain the best possible result for your traffic-related case. Attorney Matney will answer your questions, coach you on trial preparations, and advocate for you on your trial date. Great results come from great preparation. Mark Matney (Virginia's Top Ranked Traffic Court Defense Lawyer) has offices in Newport News and Williamsburg, Virginia, but serves clients throughout Hampton Roads. He has the experience and the systems needed to prepare you and your case for the best outcome. Visit (Avvo Reviews) for testimonials of clients who were charged with reckless driving, DUI / DWI, speeding tickets, driving with a suspended license, driving without a license, hit-and-run, and other serious traffic charges. Our attorneys focus on the traffic courts in Newport News, Hampton, York County / Poquoson, Williamsburg and James City County and beyond. We defend everyone from high school students to our military.

DUI Defense Lawyer - Matney Law defends people in traffic court - Newport News VA

Introduction to the lawyers at Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC - Your DUI defense

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Amazing Representation

I hired Mr. Matney to represent me in court for a Reckless Driving charge. I was going 95 in a 65. The other five lawyers who I spoke to all essentially stopped listening to me after they heard my speed and were all but certain I was going to jail. Mr. Matney heard me out, and shot very straight saying there was a possibility I could go to jail, but there was also a chance I could avoid jail if I followed his plan. Mr. Matney gave me a clear plan of what to do and how we would defend my case. With Mr. Matney help, I was able to get my charged reduced a simple speeding, for 79 in a 65. I paid a $100 fine and did not have to go to jail. This was the best possible outcome. I would highly recommend Mr. Matney and his legal services.

scales-of-justice

Mark Matthey was an awesome attorney
5.0 stars

Posted by Hannah
February 16, 2022
I had a reckless driving charge. Mark told me exactly what I needed to do and got my charged changed to a defective speedometer with no points on my license. I'd recommend him to anyone

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Excellent, Highly Recommended!
5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
January 31, 2022
Mr. Matney worked with me, the public attorney, plaintiff, and judge to find a resolution that was not only reasonable but actually solved issues and concerns from both parties. The outcome was just as expected in terms of achieving desired goals from both parties. I highly recommend Mr. Matney as an attorney at law to anyone with Speeding and traffic ticket, DUI and DWI, Criminal defense cases.

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ATTORNEY ENDORSEMENTS

James DePasquale,
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mark Matney is a great attorney. When a family member of mine caught a reckless driving ticket in Virginia Mark was referred to us by a family friend. Mark did a great job helping my relative and in the end there was a great result. He is a wonderful person and a man of faith. He is hands down the best traffic/DUI attorney in the area. He knows the law and he knows the system. I would recommend no one else in Hampton Roads for a driving matter. I fully endorse Mark Matney.

DUI and Traffic Defense Attorney

DUI Attorney Mark Matney of Holcomb Law, will defend you throughout the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. The lawyers at Holcomb Law defend people in traffic court charged with DUI, DWI, Reckless Driving, and other driving related charges. They also help those who need to reinstate their licenses after habitual offender or felony DUI. We encourage you to read the reviews of former clients. They reflect our approach to helping you obtain the best possible result based on the facts of the charges you are facing. We give the time necessary to evaluate, research, and prepare for trial for your case. We involve you by recommending steps you can take to help us prepare and by discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence with you. We will show you your rights and show you that there is hope.