Stay Ahead!

You don’t need a law degree to protect yourself — just the right tips at the right time. These bite-sized legal insights can save you time, money, and frustration in life and business.

Contracts & Agreements

1. If it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen.
2. Always date your contracts.
3. Never sign a contract you don’t fully understand.
4. A handshake is not a legal strategy.
5. Use plain language. Confusing contracts lead to confusing court cases.
6. Define payment terms clearly — “Net 30” isn’t just a suggestion.
7. Always specify who owns the final product in freelance contracts.
8. Include an exit clause in every agreement.
9. Read the fine print — it’s usually there for a reason.
10. Use electronic signature tools with audit trails for extra security.

Tenant & Landlord Tips

11. Take photos of your apartment before you move in.
12. Save all communication with your landlord in writing.
13. Pay rent using traceable methods (bank transfer, not cash).
14. If your lease says “no pets,” get it amended in writing if needed.
15. Know your local eviction laws before issuing or receiving a notice.
16. Landlords: Always use a written lease, even with family.
17. Tenants: Security deposits must often be returned within 30 days — check your state law.
18. Document repairs and maintenance with photos and dates.
19. Keep copies of your lease and rent receipts.
20. Don’t withhold rent without understanding your legal right to do so.

Starting or Running a Business

21. Register your business name and structure before taking payments.
22. Get an EIN — even if you’re a sole proprietor.
23. Keep personal and business finances separate.
24. Every business needs a privacy policy, especially if you collect emails.
25. Use NDAs when sharing your business idea.
26. Record business income and expenses from day one.
27. Know your local licensing requirements.
28. Get general liability insurance — even home-based businesses can be sued.
29. Use independent contractor agreements for every freelancer.
30. Don’t rely on DMs or texts as official agreements.

Digital, Privacy & Website

31. Every website needs a privacy policy and terms of use.
32. Use cookie consent if your site tracks user data.
33. Link your legal pages in the website footer.
34. Don’t copy someone else’s privacy policy — laws differ by location.
35. Collect only the data you actually need.
36. If you sell online, include a refund and shipping policy.
37. Disclose sponsored content and affiliate links.
38. Be GDPR-compliant if you collect data from EU users.
39. Include disclaimers if your content offers financial, medical, or legal advice.
40. Use HTTPS to encrypt user data.

Family & Personal Life

41. A Power of Attorney is useful before it’s urgent.
42. Update your will after major life events — marriage, divorce, kids.
43. Prenups protect both parties, not just one.
44. Name legal guardians in your will for minor children.
45. Talk to family about your end-of-life wishes while you can.
46. Keep copies of key documents — will, POA, ID — in a fireproof box.
47. Don’t store your will in a bank safe deposit box unless someone else has access.
48. Make digital copies of legal documents for backup.
49. You can write your own will, but it must follow your state’s rules.
50. A notarized document is stronger than a signed one — when in doubt, notarize.

Employment & Freelance

51. Always sign an employment contract — even as a freelancer.
52. Clarify “work-for-hire” terms in creative work.
53. Use time tracking tools if you’re paid hourly.
54. Invoices should include terms (e.g., “Due in 7 days”).
55. Late payment? Follow up professionally — then escalate in writing.
56. Be clear about whether revisions are included in your scope.
57. Include jurisdiction (which state’s laws apply) in your contracts.
58. Keep communication professional — even on social media.
59. Don’t work for “exposure.” Exposure doesn’t pay legal fees.
60. If in doubt, consult a tax professional before signing a contract.

Buying, Selling & Transactions

61. Use a Bill of Sale when selling vehicles, equipment, or furniture.
62. Don’t pay large amounts in cash without a receipt.
63. Buying secondhand? Check for liens on big items like cars or trailers.
64. Always inspect before you accept.
65. Don’t accept contracts marked “as is” unless you understand the risks.
66. Use a lawyer for any real estate purchase over $10k.
67. Pay with traceable methods — Venmo isn’t always enough.
68. Ask for warranties in writing — verbal promises don’t count.
69. Keep all receipts, screenshots, and texts for large purchases.
70. Know your state’s return and refund laws.

Court & Legal Processes

71. Show up. Failing to appear can lose you the case — or get you fined.
72. Dress like you respect the court — it matters.
73. You have the right to remain silent — use it until your lawyer arrives.
74. Never admit fault in writing after an accident.
75. Don’t sign court documents you don’t understand.
76. Keep all legal documents in one place and in order.
77. If served, don’t ignore it. Deadlines are serious.
78. Always read jury duty notices — skipping could land you in trouble.
79. Mediation is often cheaper than going to court.
80. Get legal advice early — not after it’s too late.

Bonus General Tips

81. A legal document template is a tool — always adjust it to your situation.
82. “Free legal advice” on forums isn’t always correct — verify.
83. Know what your signature binds you to.
84. Deadlines matter in law. Set reminders.
85. A friendly agreement can go sour — always document it.
86. Notarize important personal documents like wills and POAs.
87. Your rights vary by state — always check local laws.
88. Keep your ID and emergency legal docs on your phone, password-protected.
89. You don’t need a lawyer for everything — but some things you absolutely do.
90. Double-check everything before hitting “submit” on legal forms.
91. Ask for clarification — legal jargon isn’t meant to confuse you.
92. Even free legal templates should be read line by line.
93. Document everything. Your memory fades, but the paper trail doesn’t.
94. When emotions run high, bring in a neutral third party.
95. If a deal feels too good to be true, the contract probably reflects that.
96. Read your insurance policies like a contract — because they are.
97. Stay organized — legal chaos is expensive.
98. Protect your IP — logos, taglines, and content can be trademarked.
99. Legal doesn’t have to be scary — just informed.
100. When in doubt, get legal advice before signing, not after.