An Investing Insurance Alternative

Segregated funds are the insurance company’s answer to mutual funds. There are many differences and similarities but if you are putting together a financial plan that includes insurance and investments, you’ll probably want to consider a segregated fund.

Segregated funds are also called individual variable insurance contracts (IVIC’s) and they’ll be offered by a many insurance companies. Like mutual funds, they are investment vehicles, but like insurance, they have guarantees and tax advantages.

How are they like mutual funds?

Like mutual funds, you can choose to put your segregated fund money into any number of different types of segregated fund. For example you can choose growth oriented funds or bond funds or some combination of both, which provide you with an investment vehicle that matches your goals.

How are they like insurance products?

But there are four insurance-related aspects of segregated funds that make them an attractive product for many people.

1. First, is the maturity guarantee. A segregated fund offers a guarantee of at least 75% after 10 years (although some segregated funds offer maturity guarantees of 100%!).

2. As well, segregated funds offer attractive death benefits, which work in a similar way to the maturity guarantee: your survivors will receive the difference between the guaranteed amount and the market value of the fund at your death.

3. Because segregated funds are insurance products, they also offer creditor protection, so that if creditors seize your assets, they cannot touch your segregated fund.

4. Lastly, segregated funds bypass probate so that you can easily transfer the money to a beneficiary upon your death without the costly fees associated with probate.

Like all insurance and investment vehicles, segregated funds are not for everyone. For example, the guarantees do bring a higher cost in order to enjoy the segregated fund. However, segregated funds are growing in popularity, so many people feel that the guarantees are worth the cost.

These are just highlights of segregated funds. There are many more aspects you should be aware of. But, if you’re interested in a segregated fund and what one can do for your financial portfolio, contact your insurance company and see if they sell them. If they do not, you can probably find another insurance company that will be able to help you if you look around.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Insurance Information a website providing information on Insurance

[tags]finance[/tags]

Homeowner Insurance Online Quote Things to Consider

The homeowner policy has so many benefits and features. The online shopper can get confused in all the details when trying to compare policies. There are some basic benefits and there are a variety supplemental benefits and riders. The rates are calculated based on two different methods of claim settlement. The homeowner needs to understand these two methods in order to select the appropriate policy.

Two Types of Claim Settlement

1. Actual Cash Value - This type of claim settlement uses depreciation when determining the amount paid after a loss. For example: If a property has a current replacement value of $100,000 and has depreciated by 30% due to age and use, the actual cash value of the property would be $70,000. Actual cash value policies are usually written on older homes that depreciate.

2. Replacement Cost - This type of claim settlement does not use depreciation. Replacement cost is defined as the cost to replace with like kind and quality at today’s replacement cost without any depreciation. Replacement cost policies are generally purchased on newer homes.

The next thing to consider is how to determine the proper value of your home. Insurance companies use a calculator to find the appropriate amount of insurance. It will make your online experience a lot easier if you can have some of these details available.

1. Square Footage - Insurance companies always use square footage to calculate replacement cost. The square footage is available on your appraisal.

2. Finished Basement - This adds to the replacement cost value of your home. What percentage of your basement is finished?

3. Detached Structures - The homeowner policy has protection for other structures. The amount of protection is 10% of the dwelling amount. You may need more added to this 10% if you have some larger detached structures.

There are other things to consider like air conditioning, decks, and fireplaces. These all add into the final calculation. There are discounts for smoke detectors, fire and burglar alarm systems. Please view our recommended insurers for details.

View our Recommended Insurance Company This site is simple and easy to fill out a quote and has a lot of great info about Home Insurance and Affordable Health Insurance

[tags]homeowner,insurance,online,quote[/tags]

Estate Planning - Estate Taxes

Estate tax, or the death tax as it is sometimes referred to, is an issue often bandied about at election time. If the innuendoes of the sound bites are to be believed, the instant someone dies, the government collects a huge amount of tax from the estate just as a general principle. The specter of estate tax is looming in the corner of every hospital room in America, or so goes the story, waiting to deprive widows of their husbands’ hard-earned pensions and children of their college funds, if Mr. X is not elected to Congress or the White House.

While it is true that a decrease in estate tax benefits the wealthiest two percent of Americans, it is also true that only the wealthiest two percent of Americans are subject to estate tax to begin withat least under present law.

Estate taxes are taxes assessed on property transferred at the time of death. They are based on the gross estate, including real estate, insurance, trusts, annuities, cash, business interests, securities, and all other assets. The items are not assessed at their value at the time they were purchased, but rather at their fair market value at the time of death. For example, if you purchased a home for $50,000 in 1970 and the value of the property has appreciated in the meantime to be worth $175,000 based on sales of comparable properties in the same neighborhood, estate taxes would be assessed on the present worth of $175,000.

Once the gross estate is calculated, applicable deductions are subtracted from that value. Deductions include property that passes to surviving spouses, mortgages and other debts, and estate administration expenses. In some cases the value of operating business interests or farms may be reduced, according to the IRS, “for estates that qualify.” The value arrived at after deductions is referred to as the “taxable estate”. Lifetime gifts are added back in and an available unified credit is applied before the estate tax is actually assessed. The good news for most of us is that your taxable estate, as an individual, must exceed $1,000,000 for estate tax to apply, as the law currently stands.

The federal Tax Act of 2001 changed several provisions of the law regarding estate taxes. The rate at which estate taxes were assessed in 2001 was 55% of the gross estate less all applicable exemptions. The 2001 Tax Act began stepping estate taxes down gradually in 2002 to the present rate of 46% in 2006 and on down to 0% in 2010.

The premise behind the 2001 Tax Act is that some of the revenue lost to the U.S. Government through reduction and eventual abolishment of the estate tax will be recouped by capital gains taxes that your heirs will have to pay if and when they dispose of the property bequeathed to them. Prior to 2001, heirs automatically received a “full basis step-up” to fair market value on inherited property and did not have to pay capital gains tax when they sold the property. At present, heirs do not enjoy that benefit. If, for example, you paid $60,000 for five acres of land in 1965 and you leave it to your son or daughter when you die. The son or daughter sells the land for $200,000 in 2006 and has to pay capital gains tax on $140,000, or the difference between what you paid for it at the time of purchase and the fair market value at the time it was sold.

Needless to say, estate tax issues are extremely complicated and, if you fall into the category of wealth that would require payment of estate taxes on your demise, be sure to discuss them with your attorney or other estate planner.

Ronald Hudkins is a retired U.S. Army Military Police member that was assigned as a staff researcher. He has coordinated with military and criminal investigators, set on court marshals and worked closely with the Staff Judge Advocate Generals Office (JAG). He has a keen sense of legal matters - their interpretation, initiatives and guidelines. For imperative financial planning needs he suggests his book “Asset Protection and Estate Planning for All Ages.” Additionally, he offers a Free Newsletter, Articles and Financial Newsfeed at his web site: http://www.AssetProtectNow.com

[tags]estate tax issues, death tax, estate tax,gross estate,real estate,insurance,trusts,annuities,taxable[/tags]

Auto Repair Insurance Extended Warranties

How much insurance does one need? You have the big four: home, health, life, and car insurance. Then there’s a second category, which starts getting a little hazy with credit card insurance, purchase protection plans, fraud insurance and more. Extended warranties, also called extended service contracts, or extended service policies fall into the mist of this second category.

Extended warranties are supposed to pay (in full or in part) for specified repairs for a specific period of time after the expiration of the factory warranty. They can be a great value. They can also be a significant waste of money. It gets quite foggy in the details. What exactly is covered? How long? How much? Are there hidden charges?

There are numerous extended warranty companies and an even wider variety of warranty packages available: silver, gold, platinum, platinum-plus, and a host of other confidence-building words. What’s the best plan, and are extended service contracts worth the money?

Extended warranties, like life insurance policies, are a numbers game. They’re a gamble. You pay $2500-$4500 for a 2 year, 100,000-mile protection plan and hope that you get at least that back in warranty repairs. The provider on the other hand, hopes to pay out less than it insured.

There are three major types of plan providers: The manufacturer, the dealership/third party, and third party providers. Each one has its assets and liabilities (discussed ahead).

What exactly is covered in an extended service plan? As mentioned above, what’s covered depends on the package purchased. Some plans only cover the power train: the mechanical components of the engine, transmission, and rear-end. Others cover the power train plus some electrical components. Still others cover electrical, advanced electrical, and computer components. Some only cover what’s listed in the contract. This is called a “Stated” or “Named” contract. This means that if it’s not stated, it’s not covered. Some cover bumper-to-bumper, similar to a manufacturer warranty, except trim pieces, upholstery, exterior components, cosmetic items, and a number of other exclusions.

Never before has the adage, “The devil’s in the details,” been so applicable.

Manufacturer Extended Plans: Extended service plans from the manufacturer are the best in terms of coverage, convenience, and quality. Coverage is similar to the warranty while the vehicle was under its original factory warrantywith similar exclusions stated above. The billing is direct, meaning you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket, except for a deductible, if applicable. Quality is great too, as an extended warranty from the manufacturer will only use factory parts. They also have money, so there’s less risk of bankruptcy.

The down side of manufacturer extended service plans is that they are not cheap. These plans are generally the most expensive, require low mileage standards, and necessitate servicing your vehicle at a dealer for coverage.

Dealership/Third Party Plans: Extended warranties from a dealership are actually from a third party insurer. These providers are generally reputable, but not always. However, if there is an issue (such as the warranty provider filing chapter 11, which is quite frequent in the extended service contract business), the dealer may step in to cover any repairs that would have been covered under the defunct plan. Also, claims are easier: billing is direct because the dealership has a working relationship with the provider, and there is usually agreement on price.

Some dealers set up their own “internal extended warranty,” which is honored by the selling dealer. This is rare, and should not be confused with a manufacturer warranty.

Important: extended warranties are often passed off as “manufacturer” warranties. They’re not. This is a sales trick. Also be aware that there is a significant mark up, as the dealership is merely acting as the middle man. Lastly, extended warranty companies often go bankrupt without warning.

Third Party Plans: These plans are called third party plans because they are outside the responsibility of the manufacturer and the service center performing the repairs (unless there’s a working relationship with a repair shop as stated above).

There are hundreds of extended service contract companies. Some have good reputations, some don’t. Third party plans are frequently sold by used car dealers. You may also receive an official looking notification in the mail stating that your warranty is expiring, and directing you to call an 800 number ASAP. This is a marketing tactic by an independent warranty provider. Despite the “official” appearance of the postcard or envelope, it’s not from the manufacturer. Manufacturers do not send out reminders about warranty expiration.

Given the wide-variety of third party plans there are numerous red flags.

1) Claims: Extended warranty companies will be quick to tell you that filing claims is easy, and that the service center gets paid immediately via a credit card. Thus, there’s no out-of-pocket expense for you. However, the warranty company can’t dictate a service center’s policies. Some service centers will only accept payment from the repair customer. Thus the burden is on the repair customer to fill out the forms, contact their warranty company, and await reimbursement via check, which can take 2-8 weeks.

It is the service center’s responsibility to contact the extended warranty company to let them know what’s wrong with the vehicle and to check coverage. This process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 20 days, sometimes more, depending on the degree of repairs and especially the amount. (See $1000 and Adjusters ahead)

Service centers and extended warranty companies frequently battle over the “fair” price of repairs. Many repair shops no longer negotiate, and just state the price, leaving the contract holder (i.e., the service customer) responsible for the difference.

2) Rentals: Rental coverage is a great benefit. However, there are fixed rates and time limits. In other words, the warranty company is not going to pay to have you drive a Mercedes-Benz, even if you drive a Benz. Rental allowances range from $25 to $35 per day. Also, rental coverage is based on the number of hours it takes to repair the vehicle, NOT the number of days your car has been at the shop.

3) $1000 and Adjusters: Repairs that approach $1000, or that require a significant amount of work, will be cause for the warranty company to call in an adjuster to confirm the diagnosis. This will delay the repairs by a minimum of 24-48 hours. It may cost you additional money when an adjuster is involved. You may be charged to have your vehicle pulled back into the shop for inspection, as well as for the time spent with the adjuster.

4) Tear-down Charges: In many cases, an extended warranty company will require that a particular component be taken apart for inspection to determine if the repair is indeed needed and covered. This puts the service customer in a very awkward position. The customer will have to authorize potentially hundreds of dollars of tear-down expense in the hopes that the repair is covered. If it’s not, the customer is out the hundreds in tear-down PLUS the actual repair. This does happen!

Common Myths About Extended Service Plans:

Extended warranties cover maintenance services and brake work.
No. Extended warranty plans do not cover maintenance or wearable items. Brake pads and rotors are wearable parts. Maintenance such as coolant, brake and transmission flushes, tune-ups, services, oil changes, bulbs, wipers, and more are not covered.

They told me it’s bumper-to-bumper, so it covers everything, right?
Wrong. Not even a factory warranty covers everything. When pitching the sale for the extended warranty, one is very often lead to believe that he or she will have nothing to worry about. This is just not true on so many levels. For example, if your bumper falls off it’s not covered.

I don’t have to pay anything, right?
Wrong. Despite the claims of 100% coverage, there are many factors involved. The labor rates, labor hours, diagnostic times, parts prices, and machine work are just a few items that often conflict with a service center’s policies. Some extended contracts only pay a maximum of $55 per hour, and only allow one half hour for diagnostic time. This is generally unacceptable to the service center, as labor rates have skyrocketed to over $100 per hour at many dealerships, and average $75 at local shops. Moreover, with the complexity of today’s vehicles, diagnostic time is at a premium. The customer pays the difference.

If I have an expensive problem, I can just purchase an extended service contract.
It’s unethical, but it’s an option many attempt. However, most service contracts have a minimum time requirement before the first claim can be filed: usually three months. Also, many contracts require that your vehicle be inspected by a service center to check for pre-existing conditionsjust like life insurance.

My contract lasts up to 100,000 miles.
Only if the time limit doesn’t run out first. All extended warranty plans have a time limit. For example, a typical contract will state that the vehicle is covered for two years or 100,000 miles, which ever comes first. During the sales pitch, however, the emphasis will be on the 100,000 miles, not the time.

If my car breaks, it gets fixed like new.
Actually, depending on the contract, an extended warranty company can insist on installing remanufactured or even used parts.

Items commonly not covered by extended warranties:

• Any component with a pre-existing condition
• Any component related to a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)
• Many components that has been updated by the manufacturer
• Extra components necessary “due to manufacturer updates” to complete the repair
• Trim pieces: molding, cup holders, dashboard, console, body parts, glass
• Many accessories: radios, DVD players, TVs
• Many expensive electronics: climate control units, navigation assemblies

Extended service contract positives: Some service contracts are transferable, and may thus increase the resale value of a vehicle. Many come with trip interruption reimbursement, towing and 24-hour road side. Some plans can also be financed, or have E-Z Pay Plans. Others offer a money-back guarantee.

What should you do? You’ll get lots of advice about doing the research, comparing plans, and reading the fine print. This is all sound advice. But what about doing the math?

Let’s say a plan costs $2500 for 2 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. To break even you’ll need a minimum of $1250 per year in covered repairs, excluding regular maintenance. Remember covered is the vital word here.

Another way to break it down is to anticipate having to pay $104.17 per month over the next two years in “covered” repairs. Do you want to take that bet?

What could happen? You could double your money or more in repair work. You could conceivably get a new engine and transmission (or used ones anyway). You could also easily spend $2500 for a service contract, and still have to pay another $2500 for repairs, which for a variety of reasons, were not covered under your plan. Now you’re out $5000.

Alternatively, you could keep the initial $2500. In many ways all an extended warranty does is prepay for repairs. You could stick the money in the bank and collect interest. Then you could withdraw the money for repairs as needed.

Another consideration that’s rarely discussed is the cause of the problems. Many car repairs problems are the result of wear and tear, neglected maintenance, physical damage, or acts of Godsuch as flood damage. None of this is covered. The gamble only covers failed components.

If the vehicle you’re driving does cost $2500 to $4500 in repairs due to outright failed components, is it a vehicle you even want to consider keeping? A vehicle that needs this kind of repair work due to mechanical, electrical, or computer failures may not be worth it. The $2500-$4500 would be better spent on an upgrade to a quality vehicle rather than insuring a lemon.

There’s no question that auto repair is expensive, and even quality cars break from time to time. But do they breakdown to the tune of $2500-$4500? That’s a hefty bet on a “possibility.”

Terence O’Hara from the Washington Post makes an excellent assessment about extended warranties in general. He writes:

extended warranties play upon a basic human trait to avoid loss, even if it means sacrificing a possible future gainthe gain is all the other things of value that a consumer could buy with the money that was spent on a warranty

What’s the best plan? Money in your bank account!

-Theodore P. Olson (Ted)
Making Sense of Car Repair Prices

Ted holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, and ASE. Over a twenty-year period in the automotive service industry, he has served as a technician, shop foreman, shop manager, shop owner, service advisor, service manager, and service industry consultant. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry.

Other Works by Ted Olson Include:

• ARREST the Automotive Service Industry!
• Maintenance Myths: A Step-by-Step Guide to STOP Getting Ripped Off!
• Auto Repair: The Shocking Truth About Who’s Ripping You Off and Why!
• Automotive Service Pricing Strategiesa fair pricing guide for service centers
• Being the Besta comprehensive customer service handbook for service advisors
• Service Center Personnelan auto repair informational for general service staff
• Service Mission Statementa philosophical proposal to improve customer service

[tags]car, repair, prices, auto, info, help, vehicle, maintenance, software, common, price, guide, tune-up[/tags]

Is Electronic Billing The Best Way To Send Your Medical Claims

There is so much hype out there about electronic medical claims billing. If you are not sending your claims electronically yet, you are probably too embarrassed to admit it. And if you are, you are probably wondering if the method you are using is the best. What is the real truth behind electronic billing?

Many of the larger insurance companies are really pushing providers to submit their claims electronically. Some are even calling the provider’s offices and telling them that they are mandating electronic submissions by a certain date and that they will no longer accept paper claims. Others offer incentives to submit electronically, such as faster payment, or even no authorization required for services if claims are submitted electronically.

Bottom line, the real question for a provider is “is electronic billing really necessary for my practice” and “what will it require of me.”

For the first question, I think that everyone must realize that with the changes in technology electronic submission of medical claims is inevitable. Today’s society is moving towards paperless transactions in many ways.

The second question will depend upon many things such as how large, or small, your office is, how much equipment you already have and how up-to-date it is.

One of the biggest misconceptions of electronic billing is that it makes the billing in your office a lot simpler. In some ways it does, but it presents you with a whole different set of tasks that you didn’t have before. I’m not implying that it makes anything harder. Just that there are things that go along with electronic billing that you did not have to do before such as reading and acting on reports and maintaining and updating the electronic software.

When you submit a claim on paper, the claim is both received and processed, or you never hear a thing. Hopefully in the latter case, your staff will call and check status on it after 30 days. Whether your paper claim has complete and accurate information on it or not, it will be handled the same way. You will either receive payment for the claim, or an explanation of benefits showing a reason for denial.

When you submit claims electronically, it is not quite so simple. First, you will receive a report letting you know if your batch of electronic claims was accepted or rejected. If a claim has incorrect data such as an incorrect date of birth, it will be rejected before it ever reaches the insurance companies claims processing system. You will receive a report, usually within 24 - 48 hours showing all rejected claims, and the reasons for the rejections. You will also receive a report showing the claims that were accepted with no errors.

It is very helpful to receive notice so quickly that your claim had incorrect information; however, you now have to make sure your staff is able to check on this report and take the time to find and correct the needed information.

What electronic billing is actually doing is letting you know sooner that you have problems with specific claims. When you are submitting them on paper, you generally don’t find out about the problem claims until you are doing a follow-up report and calling the insurance companies. So by submitting your claims electronically, you are not eliminating all the problem claims, you are finding out about them sooner.

Once you decide to take the plunge into electronic billing, there are still choices to be made. Is the practice management system you are currently using capable of submitting claims electronically? If not, you will need to update or change your software. You will need to determine how you will submit your claims to the insurance companies. A clearing house may be the best option, or if you are a larger practice, or billing service, you may want to consider software that allows you to act as your own clearing house.

In any case, if you are not already submitting your claims electronically, it probably would be wise to start researching your options. A good place to start is by contacting your practice management system support and asking them if they recommend any method in particular. Another way is to ask your colleagues. Electronic claims submission is a big step and it should not be taken lightly.

Copyright 2006 Michele Redmond

Michele Redmond is co-owner of Solutions Medical Billing and has been in business since 1994. She has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Science and is responsible for the electronic claims submissions for over 50 providers. For more information on clearing houses and other alternatives for electronic claims submissions visit her website at http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

[tags]electronic medical billing, electronic billing, medical billing, medical insurance claim billing[/tags]

10 Ways To Reduce Tax Burden For Your Small Business

An ideal lawyer will not just have a string of impressive credentials or gold lettering on his door. He or she will be caring, concerned, and devoted to their work. You need to think carefully before laying your trust in a lawyer after all in some cases your life, future, money or property will be in his hands.

Apart from doing extensive research to short list possible lawyers you must ensure that there is not conflict of interest, that you understand everything the retainer agreement states, and that you have checked the references and details regarding the practice.

You will know the lawyer you have chosen is the perfect one if:

1. He makes an effort to spend time to understand your case himself. He will not assign a legal assistant to take facts of the case down.

2. From experience and knowledge he will know what is relevant and what is not. He will set aside and ignore irrelevant facts, opinions, and personal emotions that cloud the case on hand.

3. He will insist that the footwork for the case be done thoroughly. All facts must be checked for accuracy and solid arguments jotted down with backing of earlier rulings.

4. He will not just focus on the problem at hand but examine the problem from all sides. This will create a complete picture highlighting all factors of relevance and the different ways one can approach the case.

5. He will use his foresight and anticipate moves by the opposition or opinions of the jury or judge and plan way ahead. Like a master chess player he will plan the case not by the day but by many hearings ahead.

6. He will not waste time beating around the bush or create verbose statementsmany words strung together which look impressive but mean nothing. He will insist that the case and its arguments be clearly stated.

7. He will be self-disciplined, thorough, and self confident. Courteous at all times he will respect you as well as all the staff who work for him.

8. He is recommended by not just his friends and relatives but by other professionals of good standing and from his field.

9. He will not just present to you his victories but be happy to tell you why and how he lost certain cases.

10. He will lay the cards on the table and tell you clearly whether your case stands to win or loose. He will not claim that winning is guaranteed. He will be honest and upfront about his opinions and advice.

The bottom line is that the lawyer must be worthy of your trust. Use your inborn instincts and don’t go by the lawyer’s good looks or fancy car or office. After all it is competence in law and in court that is of essence to you.

Everyone worries about taxes and looks for ways and means of reducing the tax burden. When you have a small business of your own you must up date your knowledge of tax laws that pertain to “small businesses.” As a business owner you must understand clearly about accounting systems and tax planning. Sit down with your accountant and plan on ways of maintaining business expenses, filing receipts, planning on “tax saving” investments, and a strategy for running the business in the most beneficial way.

Did you know that:

1. According to law you can reduce your tax liability by hiring family members to carry out work in your business. Pay your children and spouse to perform assigned duties. This way you can shift from higher tax rates to lower ones.

2. Consider hiring independent contractors instead of employees. You will save on payroll taxes. However ensure that you meet the IRS’s criteria.

3. Think about “deferring income” postpone receiving money to January instead of December. This means that payments received will be up for “tax” calculations a year away. However ask your accountant’s advice as the benefits are dependant on profit and losses for the year and your corporate legal structure.

4. Take advantage of tax deductions allowed for charitable donations. Make donations in November or December instead of January so that you can include the donations for tax deductions in the current year.

5. Maximize your expenditure on equipment and office supplies. Buy in advance for a quarter and use the tax deductions allowed in the current fiscal year.

6. Include expenses of business related travel in the current year.

7. Pay all bills due before the end of the year. Payment to cell services, rent, insurance, and utilities related to the business can be included for accounting and applicable tax waivers.

8. Plan a retirement plan and make payments before the end of the year. This will reduce your income for the year and proportionately the tax due. Be sure to check on the limits. Plan a feasible and beneficial strategy with your accountant.

9. Be sure to deduct from your taxable income money paid to licensing fees, businesses taxes, and annual memberships to businesses related organizations. Be sure to deduct interest paid on borrowings for running the business and related fees. Insurance premiums paid to insure the business office and machinery are eligible for tax deductions. Make a list of your memberships and check which ones are eligible for tax deductions.

10. Check whether you have deducted management and administration expenses as well as money spent on maintenance and repairs of equipment.

Decide whether a cash accounting system or accrual one will benefit your business. The tax deductions are different depending on the system you use. When setting up your small business take the advice of a tax and accounting professional as to which accounting system would be most suitable.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/legal-advice/, the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Legal including topics on legal advices, information, lawyers, laws, tax, insurance and more. He also freelances for the premier Taxes Article Submission Directory site http://www.1888Articles.com/taxes-articles-44_4.html

[tags]Legal Advice Forum, legal advices, legal information, lawyers, laws, tax, legal insurance[/tags]

Everyone Wants The Cheapest Automobile Insurance Quote

When you are looking for an automobile insurance quote, the first thing you usually do is pick up the phone and start calling the various insurance companies in your local area. Then you have to wait for them to call you back with a quote, which quite often is very similar to what you are already paying. The funny thing is that no one bothers about getting an automobile insurance quote until they receive the notification for their renewal and then they start scrambling to find ways to save money.

When you are looking for an automobile insurance quote online, you need to look through all the online insurance companies. Most of these companies will give you a free automobile insurance quote. All you have to do is fill in the necessary information on the form provided and you will receive the quote in an email within 24 hours. Of course, it many take a bit longer if you request the quote on a weekend.

In order to be able to choose the cheapest automobile insurance quote online, you should request a quote from at least three online insurance companies. Then wait for all the automobile insurance quotes to come in. You can print them off and compare them to find the best quote for your needs.

Comparing automobile insurance quotes does not just involve comparing the total prices. You have to look at each online quote to make sure that each one offers the same coverage. You may find that some automobile insurance quotes online do not provide adequate coverage for medical expenses should you or someone else get hurt in an accident. You also have to look at the quotes to see whether or not they provide for loss of use if your automobile is getting repaired and of course you have to have coverage for uninsured drivers that just might cause an accident.

With automobile insurance quotes online, you don’t have to spend time on the phone trying to contact the different agencies during business hours. Now you can get the automobile insurance quote you need at any time of the day or night from your computer. You don’t have to speak to anyone to get the quote you need. Once you find an automobile insurance quote that meets your needs in terms of cost and coverage, then you can have the representative call you to make the arrangements.

You can find automobile insurance quotes online, and it saves you quite some time.

For a website totally devoted to Car Insurance visit Peter’s Website Car Insurance Answers and find out about Car Insurance as well as Cheap Car Insurance and more, including Online Car Insurance Quotes, UK Car Insurance, Car Insurance Rates and Car Insurance Quotes.

[tags]automobile insurance quote, automobile insurance quotes online[/tags]

Consumer Directed Health Plans

Most of you have heard about “consumer directed health plans”. The Bush administration has been a strong supporter of this concept as a way to get a handle on soaring healthcare costs. The recent inaugeration of Mr. Bush signals that consumer directed health plans will increasingly make up a larger percentage of group medical plans over the next several years. In the past, consumer directed plan designs have taken on many forms: Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Many experts consider HRAs and HSAs to be the first generation of viable consumer directed health care products. HRAs are typically paired with a high-deductible health plan and are employer-funded Section 105 defined contribution plans. HSAs are the latest version of consumer directed health care plans. The core components of HSAs include a high deductible insurance product and a cash spending account. HSAs combine the pre-tax treatment of a FSA, the portability and roll-over characteristics of a 401(k), and the tax-free distributions of a Roth IRA.

One of the main goals of any consumer directed health plan should be to get the consumer more involved in both the cost and statistical outcomes of certain healthcare procedures. Informed healthcare consumers will make wise healthcare decisions and typically these decisions will result in both lower costs and improved quality.

Although the advantages of HRAs and HSAs can be substantial, employers will want to do their homework prior to setting them up. Effective implementation will require a clear understanding of the consumer directed healthcare plan that best fits your organization as well as the administrative requirements. Employee education will be essential. Companies will also need to look into how the creation of a HSA or HRA may affect their HIPAA medical privacy compliance requirements.

Just like most endeavors, the successful implementation of a HSA or HRA will greatly depend on how much research your organization does on the pro’s and con’s of each alternative. The type of consumer directed health plan that best fits your company will depend on a combination of your corporate structure as well as the overall objectives of your group health insurance plan.

Although consumer directed healthcare plans are becoming very familiar to human resource managers and other benefit professionals, remember that your employees and their dependents will need a substantial amount of education and communication.

Michael Ertel is the President of Ertel & Company ( http://www.ertelandcompany.com ) and has over 15 years of experience in the health insurance business. He is the founder of http://www.MedicalInsuranceNow.com which is an internet based service that assists individuals, families, and small business owners by providing side by side comparisons of health insurance alternatives and the convenience of applying for health coverage online.

[tags]health,insurance,medical,savings,accounts,HRA,HSA,HRAs,HSAs,PPO,reimbursement,consumer,directed,HMO[/tags]

A Report on Cheap Term Life Insurance

People will always search for the best life insurance schemes with cheap premium cost to reduce the burden of the installment. Most of the insurance companies realize the requirement of the people and they are offering different kind of policies with affordable premium value to match the financial background of the customers.

The term life insurance policy carries very low premium value than the whole life insurance policies. The term life insurance policies also have many other options to reduce the premium by selecting lesser coverage and a lower span of the term.

Many insurance companies will not even test your health conditions, if the person is selecting the term life insurance policy with a short span. Otherwise the premium value will be decided depending on the health condition of the person.

The term life insurance can be taken for the period of ten, twenty or thirty years, as you opt to take. The premium of the policy depends on the coverage and the span of the term life insurance.

The term life insurance is most preferred as it is beneficial for many reasons as well as the coverage for the family of the insured person. In addition to the after-death benefits the term life insurance is more valuable for the protection of the person.

It can also be utilized for the buy & sell agreements, credit guarantee, and asset plans. If the insured person does not pass away during the term, he will get back the face value of the policy as an additional fund for his life in the latter years.

The term life insurance policies are cheaper than the whole life insurance policies. The coverage of the term insurance policy will be lesser than the whole life policy however it is more beneficial to the insured person as well as his family.

The term life policy covers the life of the insured person and some times the person may be alive even after the expiry of the policy term. In such cases the insured person can receive the face value of the insurance.

The renewable term life insurance can also be picked with an affordable premium value. This type of policy is having the facility to renew for another extended period, regardless of the age and health condition of the insured person.

Find more Cheap Term Life Insurance articles and information on how to save money when buying life insurance by visiting LifeInsuranceAdvice.info. Dominique Gillard, a well respected writer and web developer, created this site for those needing additional advice.

[tags]Cheap term life insurance,affordable life insurance,term life insurance,whole life insurance[/tags]

Roofing Insurance Claims for Storm Damage

As homeowners, we are vulnerable to mother nature every day. When misfortune lands at our doorstep or, in this case, our rooftop, we can be thankful for insurance coverage and the availability of roofing insurance claims for storm damage. When purchasing insurance, it is always advisable to check with your insurance agent about your policy’s coverage as it relates to roofing insurance claims storm damage.

If you live in an area where storms, especially those known to create a lot of damage, occur frequently, ask your agent to explain exactly what is covered in the event of a loss. For instance, if you live in an area that is known for hurricanes, tornadoes or flooding, these are all factors that could cause major damage and the policy regarding roofing insurance claims for storm damage needs to be clearly defined. At times, there are reports of individuals who suffer extensive storm damage to their home only to learn that their policy did not cover roofing insurance claims for storm damage. There is no doubt that storm damage can cause a lot of problems with your roof in particular, so it’s extremely important to make sure your insurance policy covers any problems that may arise in the event that the unexpected should occur.

When you think about it, our roof is the only thing that protects us from rain, snow, sleet or, in the worst case, a natural disaster. It is expected that, at some point, our roof will be in need of repair. Our roof is essential to a home because, without it, we would be left out in the rain - literally.

If your roof is damaged during a storm, the first thing to do is contact your insurance agent. You will need to ask about their policy regarding the filing of roofing insurance claims for storm damage. Your agent will then advise you in proper procedures and deadlines. Explain to your agent, in detail, exactly what damage was caused and the date of the occurrence. If your roof is leaking, it will need to be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid further damage to the interior of your home. It’s important to inform your agent of any repairs that need to be made without delay. This information is crucial in the processing of roofing insurance claims for storm damage.

After the initial contact with your insurance agent, you should receive a letter or telephone call from their department, which handles roofing insurance claims for storm damage. Following that, an adjuster will likely contact you. In most instances, the adjuster will want to see the damage, take photographs of the loss and will provide the insurance company with an estimate on the cost of repair or replacement. It is not advisable to sign a contract or make any agreements until your hear from your insurance agent. The adjuster may, however, provide you with an estimate on the cost to repair any damage that your roof has sustained during a storm.

Once you receive an estimate from your insurance company, you may begin the process of contracting the work out to a professional. If you choose to hire a professional, ask them to provide you with a projected cost once they have reviewed the damage. During your initial conversation, explain that the funds will come from your insurance company’s claims department, which handles the payment of roofing insurance claims for storm damage. Provide the projected cost information to your insurance company for processing. Depending on the company’s policy, the funds may be paid upfront or after the job is complete. If the money is held until completion, have an invoice sent to the insurance agent for final payment.

As Long Island Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Does your website need more exposure to the search engines? Add Your Site Today to our free directory.

[tags]roofing insurance claims for storm damage, insurance claim, insurance claims, homeowners insurance[/tags]