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Doris Said:

What are the begining expenses and actions for a new business?

We Answered:

Like the previous answer said, the for Dummies books are great. However, I think the human touch is even better. I think the best route is to find people already in business doing either what you aspire to or close to it. You can check you local yellow page or the local Chamber of Commerce website. Contact these people, at least three, if available, and ask them to mentor you, or in the very least, allow you to treat them to lunch to crunch numbers. It is highly advisable to work for someone who is successfully doing what you want to do in order to gain better insight into that world. You may find that the business is not very profitable or enjoyable, thereby saving you money in the long run. Or, you may realize that this is a pot of gold and all you need to do is twink the system. Either way employment in the field and contact with the business leaders therein, is the way to go.

Victor Said:

Why does the President "vilify" the Health Insurance Industry?

We Answered:

Simple answer: When you want to sell something, one of the marketing techniques is to make the other side look bad.

My personal view: Health Insurance Profits are too high and there services are becoming too expensive for anyone to afford. Time for the government to step in. When health care becomes a too much of a business there's a lot of danger there. I feel like I shell out $250 a month to see a doctor for my illness because my insurance refuses to cover anything for it, and I'll be Damned if my doctor doesn't feel out the paper work I need or give me the script I want. I'm shelling out $250 that's a lot of money, on top of the insurance I pay a month at $220!

Monica Said:

Involved in an car accident with a business man who wont fork over his insurance info.?

We Answered:

All you need is the police report. It would have his drivers license number, and plate number. Hand that over to your insurance comapany and let them investigate it. It is extremely easy for them to get this information, and that's what they're there for. They will be happy to go after his company to keep from paying and taking time to find his info will not cost them hardly anything.

Doris Said:

Is AARP trying to establish it's own New World Order?

We Answered:

Yes-they want to be an EMPIRE!-Oh, how will we ever know how to be Seniors if we're not a member? I have to laugh at the ads; how they assume everyone is going to join-we'd be crazy not to want all those perks-such as lower car rental fees and motel rates. Oh! my AARP card application is here-I'd better hurry and get that in! I HAVE to be an AARP member-EVERYONE is a member-they won't recognize me as a Senior if I don't have the AARP card!........no, I'm not a member.

Stacy Said:

If i am starting a tiny magazine that you pay to put your place of business in to advertise it but its free?

We Answered:

Well unfortunately you will need a a businesses license,, both city and state. But you will also need to find a publishing Co. that will print your paper. You will need a good computer, as well as some up to date publishing programs, such as Quark, or MS Publisher, and others, like Photoshop, Freehand.
You will also need to have a market, or target a certain type of reader/ advertiser you are tying to reach. Then you will also need to consider distribution.

Sue Said:

Where can I research more about the pros and cons of getting a company car for my small business?

We Answered:

If you are established I would simply recommend that you consult your accountant.

If your are not established I would recommend the following:

1) By the car in your name: Works out better if the company fails. You will not need business insurance, $$$$$$$!

2) Use standard insurance unless you are hauling people. Do what ever you have to do NOT to carry business clients. Have them meet you somewhere. If you are going to carry clients then you need business insurance. Other then that if you had an accident then that's all you have is an accident. But if you have clients then you better have business insurance. I do not carry clients and I do not carry business insurance. Which maybe a good reason not to rap your vehicle.

3) Basically the IRS either allows your to claim all your receipts...gas, maintenance, insurance, etc...or you can just take the mileage write off. I would recommend the mileage write off. All you do is keep track of your mileage and then at the end of the year you just give that to your tax preparer and your done. Remember that the IRS does not allow you to write off personal miles or miles to the office...everyone has to get to work.

4) You need to consider whether to buy or lease. If you lease you can write off the amount of the lease...opposed to a % of the purchase price and I think that is only for 3 years (worth of depreciation.) Be careful if you lease. Leasing fits my business needs great but that can be a monkey on your back if leasing is not good for you. In reference to miles, get at lest 15,000 per year and if you think you are going to need more then buy them up front. If you buy them at the beginning of the lease they are a fraction of the price as opposed to buying them at turn in.

Hope I was helpful. I recommend that you talk with a tax professional in your state.

The site below -- I thought it might interest you, a graphic arts person.

I have learned to keep business simple...word of mouth is still the best...it just takes time!

Remember this one word...integrity.

Best of Luck & God Bless!

Oscar Said:

I am looking for information on where to look and go about starting up a Straight truck business?

We Answered:

The Small Business Administration will send you all the information you need---they also will help you get a l.oan to start up a business.....another place where you can ask is the Chamber of Commerce....Good Luck