Laws Empower Owners To Collect on Bad Checks
April 01, 2009
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Every business owner who has been paid with a bad check has felt the panic and anger that event creates.
A bounced check can start a chain reaction that has widespread consequences, especially in difficult economic times when everyone’s accounts...
Estate Plan Guides Proper Transition of Assets After Death
March 15, 2009
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Estate planning is something everyone needs, but no one wants to think about. The key to passing your business or other assets along to your loved ones is planning.
Many people only think about estate planning after they have lost someone close...
Advance Planning Makes Business Succession Easier
March 01, 2009
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Business founders spend their lives building up their businesses but often fail to plan for succession.
This failure to plan can invite unfavorable consequences for the owner’s financial picture, his or her family, the business itself and its...
Transparency Steps Into Spotlight For Nonprofits, Too
March 01, 2009
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
A seat on the board of a nonprofit corporation can bring many benefits, ranging from an opportunity to support a valuable community service to goodwill for your private business.
Such positions also come with obligations. The basic obligations of...
Employee Exits Raise Competition, Trade Secret Issues
February 15, 2009
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Most small businesses have encountered a situation in which a key employee indicates he is leaving, either to start his own competing business or to take a similar position with a competitor.
How an employer responds to this announcement is...
Use Caution to Spot, Prevent Identity Theft
January 15, 2009
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
In "Romeo & Juliet," the question was asked, "What's in a name?" Although Juliet thought little of Romeo's name, she would feel differently today.
Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America. Over the past year, over 10...
Nursing Home Moves Raise Critical Issues
December 15, 2008
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Many families must rely on the U.S. government’s Medicaid program to pay the costs of a loved one’s lodging and care at a nursing home.
Qualifying for Medicaid can be a difficult process, full of financial, legal and emotional challenges.
Honesty Fosters Good Banking During Bad Times
December 01, 2008
If there ever was a time to think about your banking relationships, it’s now.
In these difficult times, having a strong relationship with your banker is critical.
Before you need to borrow money, you should work to enhance your relationship with your banker so that borrowing will be...
ADA Amendments Raise Challenge For Employers
November 15, 2008
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
New amendments to the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act will dramatically expand the population considered to be “disabled” and thus increase the burden on employers to provide reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
Here’s a look four of...
Good Planning Limits Mistakes During Startup
November 01, 2008
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
The startup of a new business is likely to involve some mistakes along the way. But good planning and a good understanding of what is involved can help you avoid as many of those mistakes as possible.
Here is a quick list of issues that are...
