Category: Uncategorized
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Reporting changes that affect health insurance
The federal government says: “Once you have Marketplace coverage, you must report certain life changes. This information may change the coverage or savings you’re eligible for.” Millions of people say: “Dear Healthcare.gov: I am one of the 75% of individuals who bought coverage on the exchange paid for with tax credits. I understand that I…
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The problem with crowdfunding
The euphoria building over the possibilities that crowd funding will have on small businesses is premature. All of the media hype seems to be centered on the cash recipient; the business that will benefit from increased availability of funds. But what about the funders? Without investors, there is no cloud funding market. So far, I…
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communication with my homeowner’s insurance agent
A form letter received from my homeowner’s insurance agent prompted tis blog post: Tony Novak: As your Allstate agent, I’m concerned… I’ve just learned that you were sent a notice of Cancellation for Nonpayment of Premium of your Allstate policy… Dear Agent: I’m glad that you are concerned. So am I. I noticed that the…
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Helping clients achieve the important things
“To thrive as an accountant today you need to be the kind of partner who helps clients find success, community, legacy and even happiness.” -Sage
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We probably shouldn’t be saying “online security”
This is an email I sent to a person at my CPA association that handles industry publications. “May I propose coverage of a hot industry topic that seems to deserve more attention than it is getting: “Online security”, particularly with regard to the Microsoft Exchange platform and Google Doc platforms used by so many CPA…
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Survey released on motivation for using a Health Savings Account
Why do people choose Health Savings Accounts? A new survey by Fidelity Investments showed four reasons. 48 % of respondents cited carry-over of remaining funds year to year as a reason, 45% said lower insurance premiums, 38 % said the tax savings, and 25% cited a savings vehicle for their anticipated health care expenses in…
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When something bad happens
When something bad happens, you have three choices: 1) you can let it define you, 2) you can let it destroy you, or 3) you can let it strengthen you. – source unknown
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Proposed Sandy tax relief for individuals and businesses
These measures are proposed June 2013 and appear to have a strong chance of passage. (My source is NJSCPA.org). Individuals: Waiver of Adjusted Gross Income limitation for theft/loss deduction, so individuals can deduct the cost of uninsured losses. Increased Charitable Contribution Limits: The legislation increases charitable deduction limits of taxpayers with respect to cash…
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Simplified 1040
I think that the feds might consider using this format as the prototype of the new federal health insurance application on the 2014 exchanges.
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Surprising study results on social medial use
I am surprised by several factors revealed on the Pew research: 1) how low these numbers are across all age groups (I tend to assume "everyone" uses social media), 2) how older people, (i.e. those with the financial assets and decision-making power relative to my business) are still now using social media in significant numbers,…