From the monthly archives: November 2015
Earlier in 2015 when we filed our taxes for 2014 with our tax adviser, either in person or online, we were asked if we had individual medical insurance. Everyone was on the honor system; the individual mandate of the law states you will have to pay an annual fee or fine for not having health coverage. The penalty or fee is related to gross wages and family size. However, the IRS had no way to track this information until now. Welcome to the filing requirements under the ACA. Continue reading
Small businesses report that the cost of benefits is the number one operating challenge, and close to 90 percent of employers are prepared for insurance costs to rise each year. These facts suggest that a way to offer health insurance without concern about rising costs can be a huge benefit to any business – regardless of the size. Continue reading
Many states across the country are unprepared to face the risks posed extreme heat, drought, wildfires, inland flooding, coastal flooding and other extreme weather events, according to a new report card.
Only a small number of states – Alaska, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania – have taken strong action to prepare for future risks across the threats they face, according to the report card. Continue reading
More than half (56 percent) of the 1,135 drivers participating in an Insurance Research Council (IRC) public opinion survey said they have made changes in how they drive since installing a telematics device provided by their insurance company in their primary vehicle. Continue reading
It is estimated that the average American will spend at least $700 on gifts this holiday season. For the commercial industry that is good news. From importers, manufactures, distributors, wholesalers to retail stores, products have a long road to travel before they end up in American homes for the holidays. Product liability insurance plays a huge role in all entities that create products because defects can rest with any party in the products chain of distribution. Continue reading
The passing of the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare) usheredin an era of all Americans being put in charge of their own health insurance. Those without insurance are now required to purchase it, and some are eligible for help from the government. The real question for small businesses is how does Obamacare affect us? For small and medium-sized businesses, the following facts may be important to you. Continue reading
Businesses and organizations should expect cyber criminals to attack through wearable devices, employees’ home systems, cloud services and automobiles within the next year, according cyber experts at Intel’s McAfee Labs.
By 2020, individuals could be receiving payment for sharing their personal data and hackers could be manipulating markets in their favor through financial intelligence gathering, the experts also predict. Continue reading
The weather outside is frightful… ok not quite here in Las Vegas, but it is chilly. The holidays are around the corner and, with many Americans already holiday shopping, the busiest retail season has begun. Yes I hate to admit it, I am one of them. While consumers are more driven to buy early, save money, and get the deal before it is too late, one should consider safety when it comes to holiday shopping. If you venture out on black Friday to score some major deals like me, be sure to take precautions when “stuffing” the car. Continue reading
