1. I know I have written
several times how important it is to "break bread" together. This
helps people relax, allows ideas to flow, gives them something to do with their
hands while they are listening and thinking, and if necessary lets them be
active during awkward moments of silence. Some people believe this requires a
large budget, but it does not. I found this article on the SHRM website which confirms that food can enlist your company in moving forward in-house as well
as making connections in the community with the goal to improve your business's profits. The article
is full of ideas. See:
2. I am almost hesitant to write about
this, knowing some small business owners will take this information and use it
the wrong way, but I am hoping there will be some good that comes out of it
too. Every February, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issues
new Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, commonly called "poverty
levels". Many charities, education, state and federal sponsored programs
determine who is eligible for their programs by using the poverty levels
charts.
They look at how many people are in a
family and how much income the family has from various sources. Each program
decides what sources they will use to determine family income. If the family
falls at or below the income on the poverty level chart, the family is
allowed/not eligible for the program.
Some employers keep salaries low so
their employees can be eligible for programs. I do not concur with this line of
thinking. It is not the local citizenry's responsibility to pick up the tab for
groceries, immunizations, childcare, or housing (to name a few) for capable
people in their community because the owner wants a much higher rate of profit.
A business owner should honor certain commitments with business ownership and
one is to give a fair wage.
But to those who truly need a helping
hand, and we all know at least one person who does, here are the new income
guidelines. Many programs will allow people to have more income than 100% of
the FPIG income rate. These are listed also for your convenience.
2013 Federal Poverty Income
Guidelines:
Family FPIG 150% of 200% of 250% of 300% of
Size
1 $11,490 17,235 22,980 28,725 34,470
2 $15,510 23,265 31,020 38,775 46,530
3 $19,530 29,295 39,060 48,825 58,590
4 $23,550 35,325 47,100 58,875 70,650
5 $27,570 41,355 55,140 68,925 82,710
6 $31,590 47,385 63,180 78,975 94,106
7 $35,610 53,415 71,220 89,025 106,830
8 $39,630 59,445 79,260 99,075 118,890
Each $ 4,020 5,347 6,030 8,040 12,060
Add.
Person
I am sorry about the chart. I tried numerous times and ways to correct it. The blog application just did not "like" the graph. My apologies.
3. Cyprus. The fall of the banks in this
country will require any of the wealthier accounts to give 60% of their funds
to the government to stabilize the banks. This will include the major church of
the island, the Orthodox church, to do the same thing. They will loose over $130
million. But of course there is more to the story. Please see the graphic from
Glen Beck's website that describes some of the reasons for the financial
destruction of Cyprus. See:
Now ask yourself, can the same reasons
happen here? Are the same things
happening here? France is purposing a 75% tax on their richest inhabitants.
What really is the difference between this tax and the bail-in imposed by
Cyprus leaders? Think about the taxes Congress is considering for us.
As we watch others making decisions,
always remember to take care of what you have stewardship over. What is within
your sphere of influence? What can you do to be prepared? Act. Now. You have a
plan. Start now to implement it.
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