“Cybercriminals are opportunists and, sadly, events like Harvey and Irma are prime examples of their preying on humanity’s empathy and trust,’’ says Zack Allen, manager of threat operations at security consultant ZeroFox. “People all over the world quickly rushed to their social media accounts to find the best avenues to donate to victims, but these […]
Equifax Data Breach – 143 Million U.S. Consumers Affected
Equifax is one of three major consumer credit-reporting agencies, with data on more than 820 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide. “Given the kind of data, the potential for financial fraud, and identity theft is quite high,’’ said cybersecurity expert Mark Nunnikhoven of security software firm Trend Micro. Equifax has created a website (equifaxsecurity2017.com) where consumers can […]
Wells Fargo Finds More Suspicious Accounts
The company said it is taking steps to make amends and already has paid more than $3.7 million in refunds and credits to customers who’ve gone through the bank’s complaint and mediation process. Victims may receive additional compensation from a $142 million class-action settlement, which was approved by a judge in July. Over the next […]
Helping Women Over 50 Face Their Financial Fears
After hearing too many stories of women who had ignored their finances until they became widows, a publicist and an insurance executive decided to get them talking about it. Source: NYTimes Helping Women Over 50 Face Their Financial Fears
Protect Social Security Number, Avoid Identity Theft
Leave it Home. Never carry your Social Security card — what if your wallet or purse is stolen? The same goes for your Medicare card (which includes your Social), unless you’re seeing a health care provider for the first time. If you like the security of having an ID on you, carry a photocopy of […]
Forecast for Fall Foliage Promises Beautiful Views
“It’s the most optimistic forecast I’ve had in a couple of years,” Jim Salge, who tracks annual autumn foliage for Yankee Magazine, told the Associated Press. “The biggest thing that can go wrong with foliage is a really wet couple of weeks leading up. We’ll really need that typical fall weather in New England — warm, […]
Orlando and Naples Ranked Amongst Best Cities to Retire
WalletHub also provided rankings on factors important to older Americans. Plano, Texas, for example, has the highest percentage of older people in its workforce, while Los Angeles offers the highest share of recreational and senior centers. Laredo, Texas, has the lowest cost for home health services. In its rankings, SmartAsset focused on a narrower range […]
Amazon Slated to Cut Prices on Whole Foods Groceries – AARP
Other foods that are now cheaper: avocados, kale, baby lettuce, tilapia, almond butter, organic eggs and rotisserie chicken. And the company announced that the cost of more items will be cut soon. Amazon plans to offer the Whole Foods Organic 365 line of generic brand products — along with Whole Paws pet products — through […]
$1M in Retirement Savings Lasts 20+ Years in Mississippi
The spread was significant: According to the study, $1 million will run out in less than a dozen years in Hawaii (which has extremely high food and housing costs) but will last more than 26 years in Mississippi (which, not unexpectedly, has exactly the opposite situation). The gap between Hawaii and the second-most-expensive state (California) […]
Impostor Scam Tells Victims They Won the Sweepstakes – AARP
“This is just a scheme using the well-known names of Make-A-Wish and the FTC to rob thousands of dollars from people,” the FTC warns on its website. “Once you wire money or send banking information, you will never see your money again.” The agency provides these tips to protect yourself: “If someone asks you to […]
Places to Visit – Best Vacation Spots, Travel Destinations – AARP
Avis & Budget Members save up to 25% off base rates, plus get a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability). Grand European Travel Members save $100 per person on guided vacations and river cruises, plus receive a free gift. Hilton Hotels Members save up to 10% off the best […]
Car Rental Deals for Trips Down South – AARP
A number of rental car companies have dropped some one-way East Coast rentals to as little as $5 per day. There are some additional fees and taxes, but it’s still a good deal. During a quick search, we found Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar all running specials for weeks in the fall. For example, a three-day rental from Portland, Maine, to […]
States Mandating Access to Retirement Savings Plans
But there is a hitch: These attempts are likely to be challenged in court for allegedly violating federal pension laws. According to the Journal, Oregon and other states are hiring lawyers to declare that their plans don’t hold the employer liable if something goes wrong and employees sue. Some experts say the courts may ultimately […]
New Scam Mimics National Institutes of Health
NIH does dispense grant money to researchers who apply for it to serve a public purpose. But Uncle Sam does not call people out of the blue to give them grants, and the money isn’t for personal use, officials say. “If you get a call like this from someone asking you to pay money to […]
10 Facts About the History of Social Security Benefits
In honor of its 82nd anniversary, here are 10 interesting facts about Social Security. (Sign a birthday card to help keep the program strong.) 1. When Social Security legislation was approved in 1935, the minimum monthly benefit was $10 and the maximum was $85. Average monthly benefit check in 2017: $1,323, or about $15,881 a year. For […]
Five Key Questions To Ask When Creating Law Firm Equity Agreements
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Doug Bend Doug Bend is the Managing Partner at Bend Law Group, PC, a law firm focused on advising small business owners. Shutterstock </div> </div> <p><span>When drafting an equity agreement, partners need to […]
FTC Partners With Phone Carriers to Block Robo-Calls – AARP
Complaints about the calls have been pouring into the FTC — so much so that they are the No. 1 complaint the agency receives. The FTC plans to process your complaint within one business day and immediately turn over information you gathered from the caller to phone carriers and other industry partners. As part of the partnership, the […]
Iceland Vacation Ideas – Destinations to Visit in Ireland – AARP
Vacation Deals Members save up to $570 on vacation packages at the AARP® Travel Center Powered by Expedia®. Liberty Travel Members receive discounts on select vacation packages and assistance from travel agents. Hotel Discounts Members save at Best Western, Hilton Hotels, La Quinta, Wyndham and more. Source: AARP Travel Iceland Vacation Ideas – Destinations to […]
What to Expect at the Taste of West Cork Food Festival – AARP
The festival, which runs this year from Sept. 8 to 17, is increasingly known as a must-do for foodies, yet it’s also an opportunity for any visitor to dive into local culture in a unique (and tasty) way. Events are spread out through eight islands and 33 towns and villages. They include walking tours and street […]
Employers Slash Retirement Benefits Spending
The retirement cost cuts came as employers shifted from defined benefit retirement plans to defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s. “Beyond the overall increase, there has been a seismic shift that can be characterized as a tale of two benefit programs,” John Bremen, managing director of human capital and benefits for Willis Towers Watson, said […]
Cooking Classes and Cuisine Tours Around the World – AARP
“Today’s travelers are experiential,” says Erik Wolf, executive director of the World Food Travel Association, a nonprofit educational organization whose community of food-focused travel professionals numbers 48,000, according to Wolf — up from 18,000 in 2013. “People want to get out of the bus or the car and actively participate and learn and do.” Epitourean, a Colorado-based […]
Social Security COLA Projected to Rise 2 Percent
It would be the largest increase since 2012, when the COLA rose 3.6 percent. Social Security recipients received no cost-of-living adjustment in 2016 and just 0.3 percent in 2017. If the trustees’ projections are correct, on average, beneficiaries would receive an additional $28 a month. The Medicare Part B standard monthly premium is expected to […]
Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Tips, Where to See Eclipse – AARP
Homestead National Monument, Neb. (eclipse: 1:02 Central Time) Bill Nye the Science Guy leads the cheers on eclipse day at Homestead, which is about 50 miles south of Lincoln. Visitors can make pinhole viewers to safely watch the partial phases of the eclipse. NASA scientists will talk about subjects like space exploration and astronaut training, and another […]
Midwest States Best for Adults Near Retirement Age
The top-ranked state is Nebraska, which scored A ratings in financial issues and community quality of life, though it pulled C’s in health care, employment and housing. Runner-up Michigan scored B’s in financial issues and health care, and C’s in the rest. The remainder of the top 10, in order: Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Tennessee, […]
8% of Multi-Employer Pension Plans At Risk of Defaulting
Rich worked from 2013 to 2016 for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC), the federal agency that insures pension plans. He predicted problems in particular for multiemployer plans, in which employers in unionized industries contribute to a single plan. Rich said he expected that close to 8 percent of those plans will default over the […]
2 Essential Paths to a Secure Retirement
Our interactive guide helps you see into your financial future. If you stay on the green path as you move down the page, congratulations, your retirement plan is sound! If you find yourself on the red path, don’t worry — there’s still hope! Just follow the tips in the guide and at aarp.org/retirement to get you back […]
The Top Mistakes Of Selling A Business And How To Avoid Them
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Doug Bend Doug is the founder of Bend Law Group, PC, a law firm focused on advising small businesses and startups. Shutterstock </div> </div> <p>If done correctly, selling your business, just like selling […]
More Boomers Aging in Place, Not Retiring in the South
The study, by Washington, D.C.-based real estate research firm CoStar Group, looked at data from 17 major real estate markets. CoStar found that over the past seven years, 80 percent of people 55 and older who’ve moved to another home stayed within their county or state. As a result, a rising number of boomer retirees […]
Ace Your Retirement With New Digital Coaching Tools, Resources …
“Retirement planning can sometimes leave people anxious, confused or even paralyzed,” said Debra Whitman, AARP executive vice president and chief public policy officer. “This campaign will break down retirement savings into easy, actionable steps for all Americans.” AceYourRetirement.org features a digital retirement coach named Avo, a chatbot that will ask the user questions about their […]
Is Text Messaging The Next Frontier In Marketing For The Legal Industry?
Chair of Stevens & Lee’s Energy, Communications and Public Utility Group and creator of The Connection College. Shutterstock </div> </div> <p>Attorneys are now using SMS (short message service) to communicate with clients and prospects. Before you start thinking that lawyers are on the cusp of a cutting-edge communications style, let me remind you that SMS is […]
Cryptocurrencies As Legitimate Asset Protection Tools
Shutterstock Despite some misconceptions, using bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for asset protection in connection with offshore planning may be an effective strategy. A crucial facet to using foreign trusts to protect wealth is ensuring that the trustee and trust assets remain outside of any jurisdiction where the grantor might be sued. Some U.S. states may […]
How the Wealthy Talk to Their Children About Money
Some children don’t want to hear about it, and others want to know more than their parents would like to divulge. Source: NYTimes How the Wealthy Talk to Their Children About Money
Here’s Why You Need An Estate Plan
Great video resource from the Wall Street Journal & MarketWatch on the reasons why an estate plan is so critical to your family’s essential needs. Originally posted on July 13th, 2016, here is what Andrea Coombes, a columnist for MarketWatch reports on getting your estate plans in order. Do You Have An Estate Plan? You […]
Wills Can Avert Family Warfare, but Have Their Own Hidden Traps
Without a clear, updated estate plan, there can be chaos after an accident or a death. Here’s how to avoid common problems. Source: NYTimes Wills Can Avert Family Warfare, but Have Their Own Hidden Traps
The Myth Of Using Cryptocurrencies For Asset Protection
The Great Recession of the mid-2000s forced us to view economics, banking, wealth and security in new ways. The concept of asset protection, already a growing area, saw an explosion in popularity, which has given rise to an ever-evolving cat and mouse game between creditors and debtors and their respective advisors. Meanwhile, distrust in banks […]
Five Ways Lawyers Can Add Value To Their Client Relationships
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Doug Bend, Joshua Lenon, Lawrence Buckfire, Linda […]
Four Negotiation Tactics Leaders (And Lawyers) Can Use To Their Advantage
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Matthew Digesti, Peter Minton, James Goodnow, Anthony […]
Five Reasons A Legal Expert Should Be Reviewing Your Business Documents
As a business owner, it’s easy to want to sign off on every last document that comes across your desk. But scanning through contracts and agreements that affect your own business could cause you to have a narrow view — focusing too much on the little details and not enough on the important details. Below, […]
Filing A Large-Loss Insurance Claim? Six Things You Can Expect From Your Attorney
Bringing his expertise to the practice of residential, church and commercial insurance law in the Houston area. The Voss Law Firm, P.C. <p><strong>2. They’ll be your guide through the process. </strong>When you hire an attorney to help you with your claim, he or she should be there to answer all of your questions, provide you with […]
Six Of The Top Pitfalls Of Buying A Business And How To Avoid Them
Doug Bend is the founder of Bend Law Group, a law firm focused on advising small businesses and startups. <p><strong>3. Research the company’s financial history. </strong></p> <p>Have a CPA "kick the financial tires" of the business to make sure the purchase price is supported by the company’s revenue and expenses. A solid CPA can not only help you determine […]
Why You Should Get Around to Drawing Up a Will
Many Americans don’t have wills, but should. You can do it yourself online, but consulting a lawyer is often a safer bet. Source: NYTimes Why You Should Get Around to Drawing Up a Will
Five Steps You Can Take Now To Protect Your Company's Trademark
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: David Nied, Brian Igel, Victor Cardona, Doug […]
Death Is Inevitable. Financial Turmoil Afterward Isn’t.
Preparing for the death of a spouse or partner and its ramifications may be an unhappy task, but doing so can ease some avoidable financial sorrows. Source: NYTimes Death Is Inevitable. Financial Turmoil Afterward Isn’t.
Respect Your Clients' Time: What Every Law Firm Should Learn From The Four Seasons
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Jeffrey Unger Jeff Unger is the founder and CEO of eMinutes, a law firm. He is a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree and a graduate of Babson College. <p><span style=”font-weight: 400″>Here are some ideas […]
Six Things Lawyers Want Business Owners To Know About Them
Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Jeff Coppaken, Linda R. Evers, Dan Hussain, Anthony Johnson, Victor Cardona, David Nied. All photos courtesy of the individual member. </div> </div> <p><strong>1. Not All Attorneys Are Created Equal </strong></p> <p><span>Attorneys are a […]
How To Successfully Transition From A Law Firm To A Solo Practice (According To The Experts)
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: David Nied, Victor Cardona, Doug Bend, Anthony […]
How Technology And Automation Enable Lawyers To Deliver Personalized Service
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Jeffrey Unger Founder and CEO of eMinutes, a law firm. Jeffrey is a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree and a graduate of Babson College. <p>I had no idea that I would end up spending that […]
Plans for Uncertain Times
An introduction to the industrial certainty complex, a reminder to stay the course on investments and thoughts on retirement savings. Source: NYTimes Plans for Uncertain Times
The Future Of The Legal Industry
From automation to concierge-level support of clients, the legal industry is changing, and changing fast. In the last several years, employment opportunities have fluctuated, with the number of legal jobs pre-recession still down by 55,000. We asked three prominent leaders in the field to comment on where they see the legal industry going. Peter Prestley, […]
Supreme Business: Why The Justices Picked By The Next President Will Impact Your Business
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by James Goodnow Attorney James Goodnow, a Harvard Law graduate, is a shareholder at Fennemore Craig, P.C., and a member of the firm’s management committee. <li><strong>Scope of intellectual property rights</strong>. Regardless of the nature […]
Five Ways Law Firms Can Develop New Business Opportunities
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Linda R. Evers, Doug Bend, Lawrence Buckfire, […]
The Four Layers Of Defense For Your Small Business
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Doug Bend Doug Bend is the founder of Bend Law Group, a law firm focused on advising small businesses and startups. Our firm has counseled hundreds of business owners. But the ones who sleep […]
Five Things To Remember When Updating Your Company's Privacy Policy
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Jeff Coppaken, Linda R. Evers, Tracy Gray, […]
It Pays to Be Wary When Hiring an Estate Sales Agent
After their mother’s death, two siblings found that an agent they hired to conduct a sale of belongings did not keep up her end of the bargain. Source: NYTimes It Pays to Be Wary When Hiring an Estate Sales Agent
Six Common Pieces Of Legal Advice That No Longer Apply
Whether it’s about your cybersecurity plan or your business entity, you probably hear a lot of advice when it comes to running your business. But from a legal standpoint, what you hear isn’t always true (or at least not anymore). Laws change, and what was once a sensible solution for your business may not do […]
How Business Leaders Can Attract And Motivate Millennial Workers
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by James Goodnow Attorney James Goodnow, a Harvard Law graduate, is a shareholder at Fennemore Craig, P.C. and a member of the firm’s management committee. ” readability=”49.615682895304″> Millennials, like myself, have gotten a bad […]
Just Starting Out As A Lawyer? Seven Tips From The Experts
Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Doug Bend, Lawrence Buckfire, Victor Cardona, Anthony Johnson, Fatima Khan, Matthew Digesti, Peter Minton. All photos courtesy of the individual member. </div> </div> <p><strong>1. Give Before You Take</strong><span> </span></p> <p><span>The best way to […]
Five Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Own Law Firm
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Doug Bend, Victor Cardona, Lawrence Buckfire, Anthony […]
How a Will Treating Children Differently Can Still Be Fair
Dividing an estate unevenly is likely to result in hurt feelings at the least. But honest discussions ahead of time can solve many problems. Source: NYTimes How a Will Treating Children Differently Can Still Be Fair
Six Compliance Issues Your Business Could Face
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. From top left to right: Matthew Digesti, Fatima Khan, Lawrence Buckfire, Doug Bend, Kelsie Ackman, Steven Heath. Photos courtesy of the individual member. </div> </div> <p><strong>1. Distinguishing Contractors Versus Employees</strong><span> </span></p> <p><span>In today’s environment, businesses need to […]
Hiring A Contract Worker? Avoid These Five Common Mistakes
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. From top left to right: Victor Cardona, Lawrence Buckfire, Brian Draves, Kelsie Ackman, Tracy Gray. Photos courtesy of the individual member. </div> </div> 1. Not Starting With An Intellectual Property Agreement If your outsourced project is a […]
Prince Needed a Will, but Maybe You Don’t
Wealthy people with complicated estates need much more than a simple will. But many Americans don’t need a will at all. Source: NYTimes Prince Needed a Will, but Maybe You Don’t
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Here's How Much You Should Have Saved At Every Age
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Retirement and Social Security Benefit Resources
Close You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Got it! Please don’t show me this again for 90 days. Source: AARP Retirement Retirement and Social Security Benefit Resources
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