Risk Management for Small Business

Every organization’s business plan should include a section on risk management. If your business plan doesn’t address your risks, take a look at the following areas to start. Continue reading “Risk Management for Small Business”

7.5 Million Americans Paid a Penalty for Lacking Health Coverage

According to the Internal Revenue Service, almost 7.5 million Americans have had to pay a penalty for lacking health insurance in 2014 – and the tax season isn’t over.

As of mid-July, the IRS had processed approximately 135 million of the approximately 150 million individual tax returns it expects for tax year 2014. In 2014, the Affordable Care Act’s “individual responsibility” provisions went into effect, requiring most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty. Continue reading “7.5 Million Americans Paid a Penalty for Lacking Health Coverage”

Insuring Your Boat

A survey by one insurer found that 29 percent of all boat owners did not have a separate watercraft insurance policy. This could be a mistake.

 

 

Many boat owners mistakenly think their homeowners or personal auto policy will provide coverage; however, the standard homeowners policy limits property damage coverage for boats to $1,500—far less than the value of most recreational boats. Continue reading “Insuring Your Boat”

Will Medical Marijuana Send Your Employment Policies up in Smoke?

Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia now allow the medical use of marijuana. Colorado, Oregon and Washington have also legalized its recreational use and possession. How will this affect your employment policies?

Continue reading “Will Medical Marijuana Send Your Employment Policies up in Smoke?”

Intern-al Affairs

With the jobless rate for people ages 20 to 24 still higher than 10 percent, many college students might be willing to trade their time for an unpaid learning experience. But there is a legal difference between an employee and an intern. Knowing the difference can help you avoid breaking the law. Continue reading “Intern-al Affairs”

Identity Theft Insurance = Reputation Protection

A survey by one vendor found that 39 percent of employees want to buy identity theft insurance through their employer. Are you providing this valuable benefit?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses an individual’s personal identifying information Continue reading “Identity Theft Insurance = Reputation Protection”

Annuities vs. Life Insurance

Most life insurance companies sell both life insurance policies and annuities. Both require you to be in good health to get the best rates. And both provide financial security. But they play very different roles in your financial portfolio. Continue reading “Annuities vs. Life Insurance”

The Property Risks You Might Have Overlooked

You buy homeowners insurance to protect your home from damage or loss due to fire, theft, vandalism and more. But without certain important coverages, your policy could leave you short of the funds needed to rebuild and recover. Continue reading “The Property Risks You Might Have Overlooked”

Renting Out That Extra Room: Know Your Risks

Home rental clearinghouses such as Airbnb and VRBO make it easy for homeowners to rent out a spare bedroom or a second home when they aren’t using it. This might sound like a good way to earn extra money. Before diving in, consider the risks and your insurance coverage. Continue reading “Renting Out That Extra Room: Know Your Risks”