The Cost Of Healthcare
by Takara Alexis
Health care prices for small businesses keep skyrocketing across the board. And as big companies and small businesses continue struggling to maintain low costs, it is commonly small businesses that get hit the hardest. Health care costs are constantly rising, sometimes with double-digit increases each year.
But that does not mean that there are not other possible options. Recently, more light has been shed on added options to assist small businesses with saving money and still have health care available.
Several options are out there that can help small companies minimize expenses. One of very popular option is encouraging employees to get individual health insurance. Instead of the employer subsidizing a large percentage of it, the to price of health care is left to the employee. And on average, individual premiums are less expensive than those of group plans.
And employers are able to help the employee out by giving a reimbursement to cover a portion of the costs, or by helping the employee take care of their Section 125 deduction. Either way, the employer can lower costs a a significant amount by using this method and frequently it can be a less expensive route than the one currently used.
In addition, an increasingly utilized option is to offer Section 105 plans to employees. Section 105 plans grant the employer permission to buy a higher-deductible, (but lower cost), insurance coverage for their employees. The high-deductible is compensated through an employer-controlled, tax-advantage fund that pays claims to the employees for medical costs below the deductible. The result is savings for both employer and employee.
But not every company will benefit from a Section 105. Just like all plans, it's important to talk with a financial professional to figure out what type of health care savings could be achieved in your small business.
Section 105's and advising the purchase of individual insurance are two ways to possibly save your small business money, at a time when small businesses are getting crushed by health care costs. Making the tough choices in every aspects of your business, and viewing all your health care options to minimize expenses as much as possible might just be one of the things that keeps you in the surviving 20% of small businesses.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Napping On The Job
Napping On The Job
by Takara Alexis
Falling asleep on the job could be turning into office protocol-not grounds for termination. An increasing number of companies are realizing the health benefits of a quick sleep, including heightened alertness, improved brainpower, and less sick days. While naps are not essential for those who get the advised eight hours of sleep each night, they might be key for those who lose out on sleep.
A lot of companies are offering assigned rooms for taking naps and some are setting up tents or lofted beds. You can close your eyes for 10 or 15 minutes and wake up with a completely refreshed feeling. Many companies, including British Airways, Pizza Hut, Google and Nike, offer "renewal rooms" and reclining chairs.
Most employers who permit people to take naps say they do so because of their employees well-being, which research shows is a good idea. People who take 30-minute naps everyday are 37% less likely to die of heart disease than those who do not take naps, according to a recent study.
Taking naps can also improve the immune system-theoretically leading to less sick days- and propel employees into their most alert, active, and imaginative states, say nap advocates. Also, if you are sleep deprived, you're going to be in a bad mood. And if you need to interact in meetings, or if you are a marketing person and have to convince someone to purchase your product, that might create a problem.
Some companies are outsourcing their napping. Time Warner, Hearst, and Yahoo!, for example, employ Manhattan-based YeloSpa. This offers power naps in personal rooms that come equip with customized aromatherapy, music or nature sounds, and lighting. A 20-minute nap costs $15, and a 40-minute nap is $28. Most of those companies allow employees to visit YeloSpa during their lunch breaks and have negotiated discounted rates.
Extended naps equate to deeper sleep, making waking up difficult. Some experts talk about warnings of sleep inertia, an effect that feels like a hangover that makes shrugging off sleepy feelings pretty much impossible. But there is a warning: For people who have been up all night and are extremely sleep deprived, a longer nap for at least 90 minutes is necessary to catch up.
For now, workplace naps remain the exception, rather than the rule. If you want to bring the trend to your non-napping workplace, draft a proposal that lets your employer's see the arrangement. Explain that napping minimizes absenteeism and research shows that employees tend to miss work because of fatigue. Get together with coworkers and suggest an experimental period.
by Takara Alexis
Falling asleep on the job could be turning into office protocol-not grounds for termination. An increasing number of companies are realizing the health benefits of a quick sleep, including heightened alertness, improved brainpower, and less sick days. While naps are not essential for those who get the advised eight hours of sleep each night, they might be key for those who lose out on sleep.
A lot of companies are offering assigned rooms for taking naps and some are setting up tents or lofted beds. You can close your eyes for 10 or 15 minutes and wake up with a completely refreshed feeling. Many companies, including British Airways, Pizza Hut, Google and Nike, offer "renewal rooms" and reclining chairs.
Most employers who permit people to take naps say they do so because of their employees well-being, which research shows is a good idea. People who take 30-minute naps everyday are 37% less likely to die of heart disease than those who do not take naps, according to a recent study.
Taking naps can also improve the immune system-theoretically leading to less sick days- and propel employees into their most alert, active, and imaginative states, say nap advocates. Also, if you are sleep deprived, you're going to be in a bad mood. And if you need to interact in meetings, or if you are a marketing person and have to convince someone to purchase your product, that might create a problem.
Some companies are outsourcing their napping. Time Warner, Hearst, and Yahoo!, for example, employ Manhattan-based YeloSpa. This offers power naps in personal rooms that come equip with customized aromatherapy, music or nature sounds, and lighting. A 20-minute nap costs $15, and a 40-minute nap is $28. Most of those companies allow employees to visit YeloSpa during their lunch breaks and have negotiated discounted rates.
Extended naps equate to deeper sleep, making waking up difficult. Some experts talk about warnings of sleep inertia, an effect that feels like a hangover that makes shrugging off sleepy feelings pretty much impossible. But there is a warning: For people who have been up all night and are extremely sleep deprived, a longer nap for at least 90 minutes is necessary to catch up.
For now, workplace naps remain the exception, rather than the rule. If you want to bring the trend to your non-napping workplace, draft a proposal that lets your employer's see the arrangement. Explain that napping minimizes absenteeism and research shows that employees tend to miss work because of fatigue. Get together with coworkers and suggest an experimental period.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Basics On Fixed Annuities
The Basics On Fixed Annuities
by Takara Alexis
There are a lot of annuity products attainable today. One of these great products is the fixed annuity. Fixed annuities come in two main forms. Some have a deferred payout and those that have an immediate payout. Immediate annuities seek to payout income upon inception, while deferred annuities defer payment until a later date.
Fixed annuities are usually compared to certificates of deposit (CDs) by those investors looking for safety. Just like many other financial products you must evaluate the pros and cons in deciding which might be more appropriate for your financial needs.
Both CDs and fixed annuities usually base their rates on current market conditions and time of maturity. Generally, the longer you wait for it to mature, the higher the yield you will receive. Fixed annuity rates have been traditionally higher than CD rates because of longer maturities and rate circumstances. Fixed rate annuities might have the edge in longer-term returns, but they aren't short-term investments. The usual deferred fixed annuity ranges in periods from 3 to 10 years.
It's very substantial that you comprehend the liquidity issues as they may relate to your CD or fixed annuity investing. CDs may provide for a shorter time, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're liquid. When buying a CD you are obligated to that CD's time period, most commonly twelve months. If you prematurely withdraw any amount of your principle, you'll be subject to interest fines.
Tax deferred fixed annuities are precisely that-deferred from tax. Which means that income within your annuity isn't taxable until it is withdrawn. As time goes by, tax deferred growth outpaces taxable investments being as earnings compound without current income taxation, yearly. It's very important to note that annuities are taxed just as regular income, so it is better to take out withdrawals when income taxes are lower, such as retirement.
Fixed annuities are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the issuing insurance company, and they are not contained or supported by the government. The higher rated insurance companies have to meet stringent capital requirements to back up annuity and life insurance obligations. You should choose the higher rated company while comparing fixed annuity rates. If you go with a lower rated annuity company for an insignificant increase in rate just isn't worth the extra risk.
Because of the Internet you are able to get a number of competitive fixed annuity quotes simply by clicking the mouse. This is a good way to locate the best fixed annuity rate, but you have to proceed with extreme caution. Working with a trusted independent agent is recommended here, because they can give the much-needed guidance, as well as the top fixed annuity rate you are looking for.
by Takara Alexis
There are a lot of annuity products attainable today. One of these great products is the fixed annuity. Fixed annuities come in two main forms. Some have a deferred payout and those that have an immediate payout. Immediate annuities seek to payout income upon inception, while deferred annuities defer payment until a later date.
Fixed annuities are usually compared to certificates of deposit (CDs) by those investors looking for safety. Just like many other financial products you must evaluate the pros and cons in deciding which might be more appropriate for your financial needs.
Both CDs and fixed annuities usually base their rates on current market conditions and time of maturity. Generally, the longer you wait for it to mature, the higher the yield you will receive. Fixed annuity rates have been traditionally higher than CD rates because of longer maturities and rate circumstances. Fixed rate annuities might have the edge in longer-term returns, but they aren't short-term investments. The usual deferred fixed annuity ranges in periods from 3 to 10 years.
It's very substantial that you comprehend the liquidity issues as they may relate to your CD or fixed annuity investing. CDs may provide for a shorter time, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're liquid. When buying a CD you are obligated to that CD's time period, most commonly twelve months. If you prematurely withdraw any amount of your principle, you'll be subject to interest fines.
Tax deferred fixed annuities are precisely that-deferred from tax. Which means that income within your annuity isn't taxable until it is withdrawn. As time goes by, tax deferred growth outpaces taxable investments being as earnings compound without current income taxation, yearly. It's very important to note that annuities are taxed just as regular income, so it is better to take out withdrawals when income taxes are lower, such as retirement.
Fixed annuities are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the issuing insurance company, and they are not contained or supported by the government. The higher rated insurance companies have to meet stringent capital requirements to back up annuity and life insurance obligations. You should choose the higher rated company while comparing fixed annuity rates. If you go with a lower rated annuity company for an insignificant increase in rate just isn't worth the extra risk.
Because of the Internet you are able to get a number of competitive fixed annuity quotes simply by clicking the mouse. This is a good way to locate the best fixed annuity rate, but you have to proceed with extreme caution. Working with a trusted independent agent is recommended here, because they can give the much-needed guidance, as well as the top fixed annuity rate you are looking for.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Avoiding A Tax Audit
Avoiding A Tax Audit
by Takara Alexis
Taxpayers' have a big fear of being audited by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Even if you're confident that you have filed your taxes accurately, in the back of your mind, you wonder if you are going to hear from an IRS representative. You don't have to worry as much this tax season. Here are some helpful ways you can avoid a tax audit.
There are types of taxpayers that are more likely to be audited than others. These also involve taxpayers who earn more than $200,000, small business owners and self-employed taxpayers, and taxpayers who could be hiding taxable income overseas.
Make sure you check your math. Common reasons for tax audits are simply addition and subtraction errors. They are also simple to fix and avoid. Check and re-check your numbers to make sure you have included the right ones.
Use tax preparation software such as TurboTax or H&R Block. These software's can remove math errors that might lead to an audit. They can also do an analysis of your tax return to let you know any items that could trigger an audit. Be aware that even tax software can't completely eliminate any chances at being audited because the IRS computers audit a number random taxpayers yearly.
The IRS software does a inspection to make sure the income reports on the 1099s it received for your social security number coincides with what you reported. Differences might trigger an audit. If you are sure the amount on your 1099 is wrong, get in touch with the issuer and have it changed. If that doesn't work, try contacting the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040 for help.
If you can, file at the last minute. The IRS receives a lot of returns on April 15th and they can not scrutinize them in the same fashion as those that are filed on February 1st. That's does not mean you can avoid an audit all together by filing later. You just reduce the risk.
Report each source of income. This includes alimony, child support, and cash receipts. Any child support and alimony that you receive will be tied to your social security number, so the IRS will already know about it. Though you might think getting paid under the table will keep you from paying taxes, the IRS can find out about cash receipts.
No matter what you think or feel about paying taxes, you are required by law to do so, so you might as well just pay them. Avoiding paying taxes is a crime and if you're caught, you'll face criminal charges and monetary penalties. Either way, you will still have to repay the taxes you didn't pay.
by Takara Alexis
Taxpayers' have a big fear of being audited by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Even if you're confident that you have filed your taxes accurately, in the back of your mind, you wonder if you are going to hear from an IRS representative. You don't have to worry as much this tax season. Here are some helpful ways you can avoid a tax audit.
There are types of taxpayers that are more likely to be audited than others. These also involve taxpayers who earn more than $200,000, small business owners and self-employed taxpayers, and taxpayers who could be hiding taxable income overseas.
Make sure you check your math. Common reasons for tax audits are simply addition and subtraction errors. They are also simple to fix and avoid. Check and re-check your numbers to make sure you have included the right ones.
Use tax preparation software such as TurboTax or H&R Block. These software's can remove math errors that might lead to an audit. They can also do an analysis of your tax return to let you know any items that could trigger an audit. Be aware that even tax software can't completely eliminate any chances at being audited because the IRS computers audit a number random taxpayers yearly.
The IRS software does a inspection to make sure the income reports on the 1099s it received for your social security number coincides with what you reported. Differences might trigger an audit. If you are sure the amount on your 1099 is wrong, get in touch with the issuer and have it changed. If that doesn't work, try contacting the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040 for help.
If you can, file at the last minute. The IRS receives a lot of returns on April 15th and they can not scrutinize them in the same fashion as those that are filed on February 1st. That's does not mean you can avoid an audit all together by filing later. You just reduce the risk.
Report each source of income. This includes alimony, child support, and cash receipts. Any child support and alimony that you receive will be tied to your social security number, so the IRS will already know about it. Though you might think getting paid under the table will keep you from paying taxes, the IRS can find out about cash receipts.
No matter what you think or feel about paying taxes, you are required by law to do so, so you might as well just pay them. Avoiding paying taxes is a crime and if you're caught, you'll face criminal charges and monetary penalties. Either way, you will still have to repay the taxes you didn't pay.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Chamber Of Commercer Partners With Rapid Recovery Solution
ChamberofCommerce.com Partners with Rapid Recovery Solution:
Providing Small Business Owners with a Source for Reliable Debt Collection
ChamberofCommerce.com connects over 1 million merchants with Rapid Recovery Solution’s outstanding debt collection services.
Bohemia, NY (November 9, 2010) – ChamberofCommerce.com has agreed to an exclusive marketing partnership with Rapid Recovery Solution, a reputable and proven Federal attorney-based debt collection agency. The partnership will give over a million small business owners on ChamberofCommerce.com a dedicated and professional option for recovering unpaid debts. Rapid Recovery Solution knows that uncollected debts hurt a business owner’s bottom line and their lawyers will work effortlessly to recuperate the money you are rightfully owed.
“At ChamberofCommerce.com we provide our small business owners with an array of financial services to help them reach their business goals,” said David Bayer, CEO of ChamberofCommerce.com. “It’s hard to grow and succeed as a business when you aren’t being compensated for the services you are providing. Rapid Recovery Solution knows that, and they are dedicated to recover the funds that are rightfully yours in a professional and lawful manner.”
"Rapid Recovery Solution is excited and honored to be the collection company chosen to help the members of ChamberofCommerce.com recover the money that is rightfully owed," said John Monderine, CEO of Rapid Recovery Solution. "It is hard enough to do business in this economy, the last thing you need is for somebody to think they can take advantage of you. RRS will help you focus on running your business and ease your worries about getting paid."
Rapid Recovery Solution will be contributing informational guides on ChamberofCommerce.com covering an array of topics regarding the laws and regulations of debt collection, the rights of an unpaid business owner, and techniques on how to legally and safely attempt to recover your lost wages on your own.
About ChamberofCommerce.com:
ChamberofCommerce.com is dedicated to helping local business owners grow their business and their web presence online while also facilitating connectivity between local businesses in more than 7,000 Chambers of Commerce worldwide. ChamberofCommerce.com works with local business owners by providing tools and education to them develop, manage and grow their business and their web presence. CoC.com also helps increase membership within local Chambers of Commerce. They provide technology, tools and education to local Chambers of Commerce to help them communicate more effectively with their members online and provide them with more efficient and expedient customer support. CoC.com also works with industry-leading business-to-business solutions providers to introduce innovative products and services to more than one million small, medium and enterprise businesses.
About Rapid Recovery Solution:
Rapid Recovery Solution is a Full Service, Federal Attorney Based, Debt Collection Agency serving business customers worldwide. RRS offers a NO Collect, NO Fee program that is guaranteed to get you results or the service is free. RRS also has an extensive network of Attorneys in every jurisdiction that will file lawsuits on your behalf. RRS will become an extension of your business and they will do everything possible to maintain a working relationship with your debtor.
Providing Small Business Owners with a Source for Reliable Debt Collection
ChamberofCommerce.com connects over 1 million merchants with Rapid Recovery Solution’s outstanding debt collection services.
Bohemia, NY (November 9, 2010) – ChamberofCommerce.com has agreed to an exclusive marketing partnership with Rapid Recovery Solution, a reputable and proven Federal attorney-based debt collection agency. The partnership will give over a million small business owners on ChamberofCommerce.com a dedicated and professional option for recovering unpaid debts. Rapid Recovery Solution knows that uncollected debts hurt a business owner’s bottom line and their lawyers will work effortlessly to recuperate the money you are rightfully owed.
“At ChamberofCommerce.com we provide our small business owners with an array of financial services to help them reach their business goals,” said David Bayer, CEO of ChamberofCommerce.com. “It’s hard to grow and succeed as a business when you aren’t being compensated for the services you are providing. Rapid Recovery Solution knows that, and they are dedicated to recover the funds that are rightfully yours in a professional and lawful manner.”
"Rapid Recovery Solution is excited and honored to be the collection company chosen to help the members of ChamberofCommerce.com recover the money that is rightfully owed," said John Monderine, CEO of Rapid Recovery Solution. "It is hard enough to do business in this economy, the last thing you need is for somebody to think they can take advantage of you. RRS will help you focus on running your business and ease your worries about getting paid."
Rapid Recovery Solution will be contributing informational guides on ChamberofCommerce.com covering an array of topics regarding the laws and regulations of debt collection, the rights of an unpaid business owner, and techniques on how to legally and safely attempt to recover your lost wages on your own.
About ChamberofCommerce.com:
ChamberofCommerce.com is dedicated to helping local business owners grow their business and their web presence online while also facilitating connectivity between local businesses in more than 7,000 Chambers of Commerce worldwide. ChamberofCommerce.com works with local business owners by providing tools and education to them develop, manage and grow their business and their web presence. CoC.com also helps increase membership within local Chambers of Commerce. They provide technology, tools and education to local Chambers of Commerce to help them communicate more effectively with their members online and provide them with more efficient and expedient customer support. CoC.com also works with industry-leading business-to-business solutions providers to introduce innovative products and services to more than one million small, medium and enterprise businesses.
About Rapid Recovery Solution:
Rapid Recovery Solution is a Full Service, Federal Attorney Based, Debt Collection Agency serving business customers worldwide. RRS offers a NO Collect, NO Fee program that is guaranteed to get you results or the service is free. RRS also has an extensive network of Attorneys in every jurisdiction that will file lawsuits on your behalf. RRS will become an extension of your business and they will do everything possible to maintain a working relationship with your debtor.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Personal Liability Insurance
Personal Liability Insurance
by Takara Alexis
Senseless lawsuits and outlandish settlements got people's blood boiling recently when a judge - yes, a judge - sued a little, family-owned dry cleaners for $65 million for misplacing a pair of his pants. Small businesses, this goes to show, are just as open to attack as their deep-pocket peers. A recent study by NERA Economic Consulting concluded that small businesses pay for 69 percent of civil lawsuit liability costs, even though they generate only about 19 percent of business profits.
Not a small business owner or big business executive? You could still face significant loss of property from damages and court costs in a liability claim. You get some protection through your homeowners, renters and auto insurance, but every policy has limits and your policies may leave you exposed where you least expect it.
Umbrella policies give more, overall coverage past these specific policies. Commonly, amounts go from $1 million to $5 million and usually cover losses more then your other policies. The coverage goes with you where you go because it is not tired to your vehicle or property. Typically, it doesn't cover business activities, even if the business is operated from your home.
The need for personal liability insurance can depend on two different factors: the amount of equity you have and the risks that are associated with your particular lifestyle. Is there a pool on your property? Allow hunting on your farm or ranch? Have people employed at your home like a nanny or housekeeper? These factors can expose you to risks that go past those policies of a typical homeowner.
Do other factors make you a bulls eye for lawsuits? Even trivial claims can cost you in time and perceptual distress. Any public knowledge about your assets, family inheritance, land holdings, winning the lottery or income - or even assumptions about these certain things - could bring out claims to more elaborate tricks.
Typically, umbrella liability coverage extends to your kids, your spouse and relatives that live in your household, being cared for by you or under the care of a family member living with you. That can be a big reassurance especially if you have teenagers that drive or college students living away from home.
Umbrella liability insurance can guard what you have put away for a rainy day. Your financial advisor or insurance expert could help you take a look at your current coverages and possible risks to decide how large your umbrella has to be.
by Takara Alexis
Senseless lawsuits and outlandish settlements got people's blood boiling recently when a judge - yes, a judge - sued a little, family-owned dry cleaners for $65 million for misplacing a pair of his pants. Small businesses, this goes to show, are just as open to attack as their deep-pocket peers. A recent study by NERA Economic Consulting concluded that small businesses pay for 69 percent of civil lawsuit liability costs, even though they generate only about 19 percent of business profits.
Not a small business owner or big business executive? You could still face significant loss of property from damages and court costs in a liability claim. You get some protection through your homeowners, renters and auto insurance, but every policy has limits and your policies may leave you exposed where you least expect it.
Umbrella policies give more, overall coverage past these specific policies. Commonly, amounts go from $1 million to $5 million and usually cover losses more then your other policies. The coverage goes with you where you go because it is not tired to your vehicle or property. Typically, it doesn't cover business activities, even if the business is operated from your home.
The need for personal liability insurance can depend on two different factors: the amount of equity you have and the risks that are associated with your particular lifestyle. Is there a pool on your property? Allow hunting on your farm or ranch? Have people employed at your home like a nanny or housekeeper? These factors can expose you to risks that go past those policies of a typical homeowner.
Do other factors make you a bulls eye for lawsuits? Even trivial claims can cost you in time and perceptual distress. Any public knowledge about your assets, family inheritance, land holdings, winning the lottery or income - or even assumptions about these certain things - could bring out claims to more elaborate tricks.
Typically, umbrella liability coverage extends to your kids, your spouse and relatives that live in your household, being cared for by you or under the care of a family member living with you. That can be a big reassurance especially if you have teenagers that drive or college students living away from home.
Umbrella liability insurance can guard what you have put away for a rainy day. Your financial advisor or insurance expert could help you take a look at your current coverages and possible risks to decide how large your umbrella has to be.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Protecting Your Identity
Protecting Your Identity
by Takara Alexis
It only takes one stolen check from your mail box and some acetone to empty your entire bank account. A piece of cellophane tape covers the front and back of your signature, and then the check in place in a pan of acetone. This is a process known as "check washing" and it takes only about a half hour to rinse everything except the printer's ink from the check. The things that remain on the check are your tape covered signature and the printer-inked information.
Invest in a safe pen. A certain type of ink-the kind in gel pens made by Uni-ball-resists acetone and various solutions used in check washing. Rather than writing your whole account number on signed checks, write only some digits, such as the last four numbers of the credit card account. Or you can write down none at all. Companies routinely ask you to put your entire account number, but there is no need to abide.
To further protect your privacy, don't put phone numbers on your checks. If you have to list one, make it your work number, not the number to your home. Another good idea is to get a Post Office Box number and use that instead of a street address as your mail-delivery point.
Of course, you should never display your Social Security or driver's license number on any checks. To prevent new checks from being stolen from your incoming mail, let them know that the check needs to be sent not to your home but to your bank.
Stealing your identity is not that hard, but stealing your face is. Take advantage of a great option that is offered by various credit card companies and retail stores that sponsor their own plastic: Your picture can be added to your credit card.
If a company asks for your maiden name or your mother's maiden name, tell them that you want to also use an alternative password to that one. Alternatively, you can fabricate an easy to remember bogus birthday or make up a maiden name.
by Takara Alexis
It only takes one stolen check from your mail box and some acetone to empty your entire bank account. A piece of cellophane tape covers the front and back of your signature, and then the check in place in a pan of acetone. This is a process known as "check washing" and it takes only about a half hour to rinse everything except the printer's ink from the check. The things that remain on the check are your tape covered signature and the printer-inked information.
Invest in a safe pen. A certain type of ink-the kind in gel pens made by Uni-ball-resists acetone and various solutions used in check washing. Rather than writing your whole account number on signed checks, write only some digits, such as the last four numbers of the credit card account. Or you can write down none at all. Companies routinely ask you to put your entire account number, but there is no need to abide.
To further protect your privacy, don't put phone numbers on your checks. If you have to list one, make it your work number, not the number to your home. Another good idea is to get a Post Office Box number and use that instead of a street address as your mail-delivery point.
Of course, you should never display your Social Security or driver's license number on any checks. To prevent new checks from being stolen from your incoming mail, let them know that the check needs to be sent not to your home but to your bank.
Stealing your identity is not that hard, but stealing your face is. Take advantage of a great option that is offered by various credit card companies and retail stores that sponsor their own plastic: Your picture can be added to your credit card.
If a company asks for your maiden name or your mother's maiden name, tell them that you want to also use an alternative password to that one. Alternatively, you can fabricate an easy to remember bogus birthday or make up a maiden name.
How You Can Make Your Money Last In Retirement
How You Can Make Your Money Last In Retirement
by Takara Alexis
If you are like most people, you have put a substantial amount of time and effort into putting money away for retirement. But you have probably put less thought into how gradually you will spend the money and in a way that will make it last--a possible disaster.
There are steps you can take to make your money last. Spend less and work longer, of course. But even then you can't know how long you're going to live. You only have the odds: for a married couple at age 65, there's a 58% chance one person will live to 90; a 50% chance one will live to 92; and a 25% chance one will live to 97.
If you have a melancholy-era mentality, insert your nest egg in savings accounts and certificates of deposit with no more than the FDIC-insured limit of $250,000 in any of the banks. It will always be there for you regardless of how the markets are doing plus it's safe.
If you do not just so happen to have $5 million lying around, you will need to take some more risks to have any type of chance of producing that $100,000 a year you long for. One alternative is to place money in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds and real estate that pays dividends. If you begin with $3 million and the market acts like is has been for the past 70 years, you should have no worries. But if the market moves slowly or if companies cut their dividends, there is a chance your money won't last.
Another good reason to think about deferred annuities is that they allow you to keep saving tax-deferred after you have maxed out your 401(k) and your IRA. You'll still need to pay taxes as you take out the money. Unlike with an immediate annuity, if there is a balance when you pass away, it goes to your heirs.
The problem with deferred annuities are the lockups and often enormous fees. You pay an average of 2.15% a year, according to one study, and you could pay up to 4% annually in fees. Unless the tax deferral is really important, you could be better off investing in tax-efficient mutual funds or ETFs until you need the money, and then take it and put it into an immediate annuity. This isn't risk free but it can save you a decent amount of money.
by Takara Alexis
If you are like most people, you have put a substantial amount of time and effort into putting money away for retirement. But you have probably put less thought into how gradually you will spend the money and in a way that will make it last--a possible disaster.
There are steps you can take to make your money last. Spend less and work longer, of course. But even then you can't know how long you're going to live. You only have the odds: for a married couple at age 65, there's a 58% chance one person will live to 90; a 50% chance one will live to 92; and a 25% chance one will live to 97.
If you have a melancholy-era mentality, insert your nest egg in savings accounts and certificates of deposit with no more than the FDIC-insured limit of $250,000 in any of the banks. It will always be there for you regardless of how the markets are doing plus it's safe.
If you do not just so happen to have $5 million lying around, you will need to take some more risks to have any type of chance of producing that $100,000 a year you long for. One alternative is to place money in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds and real estate that pays dividends. If you begin with $3 million and the market acts like is has been for the past 70 years, you should have no worries. But if the market moves slowly or if companies cut their dividends, there is a chance your money won't last.
Another good reason to think about deferred annuities is that they allow you to keep saving tax-deferred after you have maxed out your 401(k) and your IRA. You'll still need to pay taxes as you take out the money. Unlike with an immediate annuity, if there is a balance when you pass away, it goes to your heirs.
The problem with deferred annuities are the lockups and often enormous fees. You pay an average of 2.15% a year, according to one study, and you could pay up to 4% annually in fees. Unless the tax deferral is really important, you could be better off investing in tax-efficient mutual funds or ETFs until you need the money, and then take it and put it into an immediate annuity. This isn't risk free but it can save you a decent amount of money.
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