It's Not Too Late For 2008 Retirement Plans

Just because 2008 is over you can still impact your 2008 tax situation with retirement plan contributions. Check out the tidbits below you may not be aware of. They could be helpful to you or to someone you love.        More...

Eight Annuity Myths Exposed!

A new report reveals annuity critics are often biased and incorrect in their perceptions of annuities. While annuities have played a crucial role in retirement planning throughout most of the last century,  this latest account reveals that the average consumer is now ten times more likely to be fed information designed to discourage annuity purchase rather than encourage it.  Unlike other investments, annuities are designed to provide a reasonable rate of growth while preventing the loss of principal.     More...

Bad Economy Makes Business Owners Targets of Employee Lawsuits

It’s no surprise that when the economy takes a nose dive, people get extremely anxious about money.  And what do we do in this country when we are low on cash?  That’s right, WE SUE!  All of a sudden seemingly normal people start paying closer attention to all those lawyer ads on TV.  After all, somebody must be responsible for this.   Since most lawyers know that suing the government is a big waste of time (and money), who is the most logical choice?  Why employers, of course.     More...

The Top 6 Workers Comp Insider Secrets

For most organizations, employee related costs are one of the biggest drains on the bottom line.  And workers compensation insurance is often the main drain.  Unlike the price of gas, however, understanding these six workers compensation insurance industry secrets can help owners and managers aggressively control these costs.  So what are they?    More...

The Not So Independant Contractor

Employers who willfully choose not to carry workers comp on their employees are subject to both criminal and civil penalties.  The employer also loses its immunity from employee initiated lawsuits.  All in all, the downside of non-compliance is generally unpleasant enough to get most organizations to comply.   More...

Using “Illegal” Subcontractors Makes You a Target for Prosecution

Of all the employment issues we advise our clients on, the subject of proper hiring practices is becoming more and more critical.  Just the other day in Des Moines, Iowa, 390 people were arrested for immigration violations at a meatpacking plant.   According to ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) this was the largest workplace raid in US history.  The Associated Press reports that the raid was aimed at seeking evidence of identity theft, stolen Social Security numbers, and people who are in the country illegally.   More...

Why Assuming Your Workers Comp Experience Mod is Correct Could be a Dangerous Calculation

Quick Mr./Mrs./Ms. Business Owner!  What does the following formula mean to you?
     M = AC+E(LC)+E(1.00-C) / E
No, it has nothing to do with Einstein’s famous equation.  However, it could mean the difference between a fat bottom line or permanently hanging up the “closed” sign.  Give up yet?  It’s the calculation that determines your workers compensation experience modifier (mod).  You know, the number that can save you or cost you thousands on your workers comp premium.    More...

No Plan Estate Plan

There’s an old adage that a person either devises his own plan in life or ends up as part of someone else’s.  Because 50%-60% of the population never executes a Will, the majority of us will allow our state legislature to determine who is most deserving of our money, belongings, and real estate when we die.  Why do otherwise intelligent people who work and save their whole lives fail to plan for the inevitable?  Are we that trusting, that apathetic, that fearful, that cheap?  More...

Determine if your Workers’ Compensation Company Owes You a Misclassification Refund

The consequence of misclassification could mean that a business unknowingly paid far more in workers compensation premiums than they should have. Just think if you found out that your company overpaid and could be entitled to a refund? How could use this “found money”? This article will serve as a “How To” guide to see if your company has overpaid and deserves a refund due to employee misclassification. How you spend the money is up to you!  More...

Workers Comp Misclassifications Cost Companies Millions

How do you know if your business or organization is being charged the correct amount for workers compensation insurance? I’m not talking about whether or not you think your premium is too high. I’m asking what procedure do you have in place to confirm that what your business actually does is properly reflected in your rate classification? More...

No Workers Comp? Go to Jail! Go Directly to Jail!

Having just returned from the annual Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Practice and Procedure symposium, it’s evident that the only constant in the workers comp arena remains what a huge headache it is for employers. Sure, the price for workers’ compensation insurance has been declining recently, but proper compliance remains a challenge. These are not minor issues folks.  Screw up here and you may find yourself out of business, in jail, or both!   More...

Three of the Biggest Blunders People make when Buying Homeowners Insurance in Pennsylvania

In general, we do a terrible job of assessing the risks we face in everyday life.  But let’s not be too hard on ourselves.  After all, recent research indicates that much of this is due to our genetic hardwiring.  We’re simply predisposed to miscalculate the odds that this or that event will occur.  And I suppose if we sat around all day trying to imagine what horrible disaster was lurking around the next corner, we’d never get much of anything accomplished anyway. More...

Don’t Miss this Overlooked Tax Deduction!

With April 15th looming in the near future, many folks are scrambling to give Uncle Sam a good reason not to confiscate their hard earned pay.  And while there are an assortment of arguments and deductions available to the creative taxpayer, an often overlooked one is the deduction for unreimbursed Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts. More...