Seeking information can be dangerous – as anyone who has ever opened an email with a virus can attest. Valuable information is best when it’s local and timely, when it addresses real-life concerns and comes from a trusted source. And it doesn’t hurt if it comes packaged so it is easily consumed – meaning in a format that is handy and “hits the spot.” That’s what I was thinking when I decided to start this weekly question-and-answer “Financial News” – as a reader who wants to share timely information about financial issues I find newsworthy and trustworthy.

And since this is the first article of the series, I will ask the first question, which we imagine to be: What do readers really want to know about money and finances?

Maybe it needs to be something more personal like, “How can I get out of debt given so many changing and uncontrollable factors in the economy?” Yes, that’s more like it, even if it is a huge subject which requires at least a book chapter to answer.

How about if we narrow the focus instead to information about the Sacramento area economy– would readers like that? Not necessarily – readers are not always scouting for information that informs, even if it contains scientific data, especially if it paints pictures of contradiction, ambivalence, or gloom. Hey, cliche or not, no news is still good news!

How about information that is upbeat, entertaining, inspirational and motivational. . . whoa! This is a possibility, and I will be sharing some interesting information about current financial topics which make particular sense to you because it’s filtered through my education and experience in the bankruptcy law field. We can talk about how to stop wage garnishment, foreclosure, how to rebuild your credit and much more.

So send me your specific financial questions. Let’s focus on a topic together, specifically financial issues that you are facing if you are facing financial stress. You can email your questions to feedback@sacramentopress.com.

Kaushik Ranchod is a local bankruptcy and immigration law attorney.  His offices are located in the Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Area.  For more information please visit www.california-bankruptcyattorney.com.