On August 1st, 2009 the FACTA Red Flag Rule goes into effect. If you're the average small business owner you haven't even heard about the Red Flag Rule. You might also think it only applies to financial institutions. However, these new regulations affect almost every business. The rules can be onerous to comply with and come with sharp teeth. Not a good combination for small businesses struggling just to stay afloat.

So what is the Red Flag Rule?

In short it requires businesses to develop and… Continue

Wednesday, July 8, 2008 (reprinted with permission)

This morning, I'm announcing big changes that will take effect on January 1, 2010, concerning the documentation necessary to obtain a driver's license or state-issued identification card. The program, called "SecureID," allows Indiana to comply with recommendations from the 9/11 Commission Report and will improve the BMV's ability to protect your identity from theft and fraud.

Beginning January 1, 2010, every person renew… Continue

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nde4j3AsL98&feature=related

Identity theft, while not as common as generally perceived, is still a serious matter that deserves your attention. Learn to spot the signs, and if you suspect you’ve been victimized, you’ll be prepared to take immediate action.

On this page

• What is identity theft?
• How does identity theft work?
• How can Access help?
• How can I reduce my risk of identity theft?
• Where can I learn more about how Access can… Continue

Most employers’ investment in the benefits packages they provide to employees is significant. According to data from the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employee benefits account for close to a third of employee compensation costs, an average $8.63 per hour worked (includes legally required benefits such as Social Security). With such an investment, employers of all sizes want these benefits to engender loyalty within the workforce. In smaller businesses, benefits do play this… Continue

The Bible has some great advice for those facing tough challenges of any kind. Do you have:
*Work goals that seem to be too difficult?
*Relationships in need of healing?
*Struggles that seem beyond you?
*Feelings of inadequacy in your position (at work or in your family or other role)?
*Feelings of being overwhelmed by your volume of responsibilities?

Who doesn't feel weak or inadequate some days? Paul has words of wisdom as he also felt times of doubt and struggle. He said, "I delight in weakn… Continue

At some point as a business owner you will likely need to have your company appraised. In the event you decide to sell or merge the business, create or update a buy-sell agreement, or devise or refine your estate plan an appraisal is essential. To help prevent you from having uncertainties during the appraisal process a good thing to learn is some basic valuation terminology.

Here are some terms you should know:

Fair market value. This is a term you may associate with selling a car, but… Continue

Financial Check List.wps.doc

Please check out the attached file for a Biblical "Financial Check List."
I welcome your feed-back!

Blessings,
Jim Harris

Almost three-quarters of wives have considered leaving their husbands at some point, according to a Women’s Day and AOL Living Poll. CNN.com reports it’s a wonder anyone ends up walking into the sunset as “geriatric lovebirds.” Because each stage of life offers new challenges, CNN.com provides nine ways you can protect the health of your relationship no matter which stage you’re currently in. Read a brief summary of the tips at… Continue

Are you taking steps to protect your business information like you do for your social security, credit card and bank account numbers? If not, here are 12 tips to assist in preventing business fraud.


1. Password-protect laptops and encrypt sensitive files. Keep passwords
protected - don't allow employees to write them down and leave them on
their desks.

2. Install, use and regularly update anti-virus and anti-spyware software on
your computers / network. Use a firewall to prevent… Continue

Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July". It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States. Many people display the American flag on their homes. The celebrations have deep roots in the American tradition of political freedom.

What do people do?
Very few people have to work on Independence Day. It is a d… Continue