Alone in the Car: Leave My Marriage Alone

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The first time the word "marriage" appears in the English language is around 1300.

It came from Old French--"mariage", from the verb "marier" (to marry).

There is nothing in the English etymology dictionary to define it between man and woman or between same genders. I can only assume it means between a man and a woman, befitting the centuries of Western culture and religious traditions. It would be assumed the reader would know marriage would mean between a man and a woman since civil and religious authorities would only approve of a marriage between a man and a woman. Certainly this author grew up in a law abiding,  church-going community where "marriage" meant between a man and a woman.

Therefore, it is a rather recent question for most in the United States to determine what constitutes a legal marriage. I am not here to debate other cultures or religions and their interpretations of the definition. I am merely bringing up the fact that defining marriage to include 2 people of the same gender is new for those of us living in America. And those who want to include the same gender into the definition have gone to the civil authorities to do so, not to those authorities who may include the "traditions of our fathers". Civil authorities, it could be argued, have to stay with the facts. Those who rely more on traditions and churches, may be on the side of "what does your gut tell you?" 

And that is the simpler side of the debate. Here is another one. If we really look at this from a panoramic view, why break down marriage in the first place? What is so wrong about marriage between a man and a woman? And to follow this out further, what is so wrong about families, making a firmer promise, a commitment if you will, to stand by each other no matter what? Service is the heart of any culture. One must think of someone other than yourself in order for a culture to survive. Marriage means you have decided to give service under your roof to someone else. A man and a woman forming and forging a new family with love and service to each other, and then also when children arrive.

I bring to you evidence that the movement to include same gender marriage is not about the simple right to include that in the definition. It is to break down families. Families are essential to the healthy well being of every child and an inalienable right given to everyone by our Creator. That is why there must be a father and a mother. A child receives teachings from each for survival, development, and encouragement. They approach subjects from different angles and the child learns structure, discussion, and challenge from each.

Here is one of the leaders of the same gender movement discussing why she wants the change of marriage definition. The experiments of children being raised outside of a family structure have failed. The basic unit of a father, mother, and children has proven through the test of centuries to be the best.
theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/29/lesbian-activists-surprisingly-candid-speech-gay-marriage-fight-is-a-lie-to-destroy-marriage/#

Working Wednesday: Updates on Previous Posts

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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:

http://www.shrm.org/Publications/HRNews/Pages/Employers-Food-Reward-Motivate-Workers.aspx

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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.

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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:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/03/this-chart-will-tell-you-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-crisis-in-cyprus/

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.

Working Wednesday: Cyprus and It's Lessons For Us

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I have been watching the bank situation in Cyprus recently and then the European Union for quite some time. I believe our world is quite small when it comes to finances. I suppose my readers have also seen where Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa have formed an institution (BRICS) similar to the World Bank and will be its competitor.

Back to Cyprus, which is an island where those with Greek heritage and the Turks have argued about ownership for years. Turkish troops occupy 40% of the northern part of this little piece of land in the Mediterranean Sea. Now the government has another crisis on its hands-going bankrupt.

The two news articles at the end of this blog gives details to the problem, but essentially this has been coming for a long time. As soon as the Greece banks fell, Cyprus knew they would be next since their banks held major deposits in that country too. Russian backed banks have a presence on the island and they are having problems also.

Bailout or Bail-in? The European Union has bailed out banks in Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Greece.
What they are planning for Cyprus--have personal accounts bailout the banks. In other words, a "bail- in". I couldn't quite understand if this will go through, but people cannot get all of their money out at one time. They are limited to a daily quota. The regular "Joe on the street" is bailing his own bank out by not being able to access his funds. So far, people are not rushing their banks and getting only what they need. Perhaps the seriousness of the situation has sunk in since the Orthodox Church has announced they will loose about $130 million from their deposits. But they are ready to stand with the people as the people loose too.

Lessons Learned
1. Have an emergency fund on hand. And make it cash, in small enough bills to transact anywhere. I know this may be hard depending upon where your business is located, so make arrangements, find a location you can travel to, etc. where you can access cash that is not in a bank. Banks fail. Take precautions. In fact, think of several emergency scenarios (weather, etc.) and plan ahead.

2. How dependent are you on credit card transactions? How many transactions can you make with the cash you have on hand? Likewise, would you insist on cash from customers if banks fail like in Cyprus? If not when? Start working with some of your more solid suppliers and customers with basic discussions. Perhaps an emergency 7-14 day plan can be put into action due to the forethought of yourself and them. 

3. Diversify your funds. Think of opening several accounts in different financial institutions. Check out what each offers, what and how they lend to small business, and to you as a person. Don't keep all your funds in one place.

4. Ask yourself how many steps back can I take? Write it down. How close are you to shutting your doors? Get help now if you need to and/or ask questions to steady your business foundation. Take the time to seek for ways to improve your business now. I know this is hard because there is always something that needs your attention. I know there is always critical mass when you are a small business owner. That is why I talk about the "panoramic view" so often. Being too close deflects what you need to see. Step away every once in awhile and give the other side of the brain something to think about. Planning is just as important as action. It is a partnership, a relationship that has to have balance. If done right, it is one you can always count on.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/03/26/186997/in-cyprus-financial-crisis-even.html

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-03-27/cypriot-banks-to-open-for-first-time-in-2-weeks-with-cash-curbs#p2

Alone in The Car: Almost Time to Pay Our Federal Taxes. Oh, Yea.

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April is almost here. Where I live the snow won't go away. Lucky for us, the white stuff does melt quickly this time of year, but we really don't want any more. April is also the time to pay taxes. Oh, joy.

Once again Congress is thinking about how to pay for all the programs the federal government funds.
I think it has been interesting how different agencies, etc. have decided to cut 2% during the sequester period we are now in. No more White House tours? Really? That was the best you all could do? There were other examples to catch the public's attention, but you understand Federal decision makers didn't take the cuts seriously. Guess I don't have to either.

Well, each chamber of our Legislative Branch has passed a budget. Wow, after 4 years way to go! Of course the federal fiscal year ends September 30th. The question is, "Can the Senate and the House be able to form a conference committee, make compromises, send it back to the House and Senate for a vote to approve the revision budget before September 30th?"  Good luck with that, because then they will have to start all over again for next year's budget.  Oh, by the way, the Senate version wants to raise taxes for the top wage earners (I wonder where they will move to?)

In keeping with my last blog about the Middle Class (Middle Class and Their Discretionary Money )
here is a website about low wage earners, http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865576307/Minimum-wage-workers-cant-afford-their-rent.html This news article describes how tough it is for low wage earners to pay basics such as rent. What does this have to do with taxes?

I believe if everyone pitched in and paid taxes, better programs could assist those who really need help. Americans are known for their charity and are willing to give to the truly poor and needy. But I am not sure if we have all the best programs right now. Government has gotten so big, the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. Sequester could have set a model for eliminating, even a little bit, the programs that don't work. But what do the people inside the Beltway do instead? Make a mockery of it while those like the poor continue to suffer.

How do we get everyone to pay their fair share? A Federal sales tax. I know, I wasn't for this either awhile back. But that was before illegal immigration was such a problem, before drug dealers were stealing farmers' fertilizers, and before my grandchildren will have to fund their great-grandparents' Social Security checks. Everyone contributes by eliminating income tax and beginning a sales tax.

Right now many illegals don't file income taxes, but they make purchases daily. Drug dealers create profits all the time. Do they pay taxes on their businesses or personally? No, but they would with a sales tax. High, middle, and low income members of our society would be treated exactly the same. Isn't that what all the controversy is about anyway? I purpose 10 percent. It is easy to understand, partners better with our consumer based economy, and doesn't have exceptions for certain lobbying groups. Government: you live within your means just like everyone else. You don't get a "bye" just because you are government. Ten percent is your budget, period.

Other solutions:
1. Federal agencies are required to cut their programs. Just like when you are organizing your home:
keep if you are using it, trash what is broken, donate to charity what you no longer use. In this case, coordinate/turn over to non-profits parts of programs that were working, but not enough to justify funding anymore with citizens' money. Ultimately this means more funding available to efficient and successful Federal programs.

2. Get the Federal Hand out of every cookie jar. I know, the Federal Government feels their view from the top can make a contribution. Wrong. We simply don't have the extra cash for this. If you think of how many people "touch" income taxes going all the way up to the Feds and then all the way down again to fund programs in a city/town, it is just not worth it. Keep Federal programs that make sense at the Federal level. The states should do the same. This again would release more funds to reduce the debt or give to successful programs.

3. Inform the public. I bring this up because I believe some of the "low information public" will start to pay attention again if they are part of the equation. Once cash in their wallet is less than before by paying a federal sales tax, they will want to find out why, discuss with others, and evaluate what is going on. What will happen when the poor pay taxes? Hopefully become more informed, better their circumstances, and vote for people who will engage with those across the aisle. The ones that really have dire situations? Well, we Americans will gladly support them. We all know friends, family, and those we care about who need a helping hand.

Middle Class and Their Discretionary Money

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Have you ever heard of the Bell Curve? Basically, it is a symmetrical graph with low ends on either side and high in the middle. Much like looking at a cross section of a bell. For our discussion today, I am going to assume the Middle Class sustains the economy. Yes, the wealthy do their share. I just think that because the Middle Class has more people, they influence the consumer-based economy more.

That is why I found the article on the zerohedge website interesting. Please see:
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-03-02/guest-post-16-signs-middle-class-running-out-money

Now I am aware this blog could be long if I wrote about all 16 signs individually and quite frankly I don't want to. So I have picked a few themes to comment on and please bear in mind I have done so because they relate best to the Panoramic View. The numbers correspond to the list in the article.

2. / 6. / 7. / 8. / 9.  These all discuss retail chains such as J.C. Penney, Best Buy, Walmart, etc. They are all struggling. The next time you go into a large retail establishment, look at their shelves. Are they stocked as well as they were even a year ago? The article also mentions transportation. If no one is buying, no trucks are rolling, and no products are moving through the manufacturing and distribution process. Cash flow has become a problem because the consumer is not buying.

4. Subway Restaurants have seen a dip in sales. Really? To me, you can't beat a 12 inch sandwich for $5.00. I get 2 meals out of that. The founder believes it is the taxes that is hurting their business, but people will eventually come back. Now granted, their subways are a good deal. But people are cutting back on all restaurant eating from their budget. Necessities and nothing else. Subway falls into the "nothing else" category. I am not sure former customers will return.

1. / 10. A quarter of Americans have more credit card debt than savings in the bank. I was surprised at this one. After the 2008 fiasco, people learned they must trim down their debt. And they did. They paid off credit cards, use cash more, and stay within their household budgets. Likewise, Small Businesses knew they had to create profits differently too. Many deleted costs where they could, diversified their products and services, and paid close attention to where they could establish new contacts. But maybe number 10, College Debt, has driven people to use credit cards because a portion of their salary is dedicated (or vice versa) to paying this debt. Maybe this is a much larger problem, not only for the amount of debt but also for the length of pay-off time. Maybe we should be more concerned about this from a panoramic view and its implications to our economy as a whole.

Whether you are part of the Middle Class, your products and services are used by the Middle Class, or you recognize the importance of this topic, you need to understand how our economy is influenced by the purchasing power of the Middle Class. Don't be fooled by the stock market. It is more important to watch the retail quarterly earning reports. It is vital to continue to watch this in the upcoming months and next few years. Prepare yourself and your business for any trends you see coming. The domino effect of the Middle Class purchasing power, or lack thereof, will affect your company. Plan now for that eventuality.

Working Wednesday: Small Business Continues To Lead, Even Without Headlines

I keep looking for major media outlets to give the "large" small business sector credit where credit is due. Something flashy for once. An in-depth look at all the positives small businesses make to Community, USA. They are everywhere, keeping economies going and people employed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration states that:
99.7% of employers are small businesses
50% of the GNP (Gross National Product) comes from small businesses
75% of new jobs come from small businesses

Take for instance a new survey that has interesting facts about small business.
See: http://smallbiztrends.com/2013/02/positive-aspects-of-small-businesses.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=positive-aspects-of-small-businesses&goback=.gde_91651_member_214819775

In this survey:
88% of adults said they view small businesses favorably.
80% of adults said they would view a company negatively if a company sent jobs overseas.
I would think small businesses invest in the town where they "grow up" and stay for a long time.

These statistics show once again:
1. Customers want to have strong, trusting relationships. Continue to go out of your way to answer their questions. Practice reading people's behavior so you know when to invest in a little expenditure for a big pay-off later.
2. You have many resources when you are ready to hire. Check out your customers for potential employees, suggestions from current employees, and those you know through outside contacts, besides those that apply. Also let those you trust know you are hiring. Perhaps they will have ideas.
3. Being honest and hard working will pay off in many ways. It keeps customers coming back. The best want to work for the best and will apply for jobs with you. And small business owners are entrepreneurs. Hopefully you want your employees to be team players and introduce new ideas.  All of these ideas, and more, create a successful attitude and environment able to weather the storm and soar through blue-sky days.

Working Wednesday: How Much Will the Flu Cost You?

 
Most Business Owners have a question before them when deciding a benefit package for their employees. How many, if any, paid sick days should I give them? That is a real serious question.

1. If you give paid sick days, will your workers take them the first week in January? I have actually observed this. Luckily, the company was a large one, could absorb the workload for those calling off, and most employees were smart enough to save the days later in the year when they were really sick. Those that had taken off "sick" immediately then had to come to work later when they felt lousy.

2. Are sick days a luxury? Some owners believe so. It is the fault of the associate for getting sick in the first place. They should be at work every day they are scheduled. No excuses. Sick days are not like vacation days whereby the employee has earned them for successfully completing scheduled time at work.

3. Should a person with a fever come to work? You remember the rules of a childcare facility or school. Do not bring a child to childcare or to school until the fever has been gone for 24 hours. Does this apply to adults?

4. When does contagious symptoms/illnesses apply? Currently the United States is going through a flu epidemic. Do you want a person to come to work and infect others? Are they spending more time in the bathroom than at their work station/office? Will productivity be affected? Will some employees have to go home, or not show up at all?  These are tough questions to answer.
To see the interactive map of how states have/are affected through this flu season,
see: http://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/fluview/main.html
 To see full information, see http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/

5. Here are some suggestions to think about.
A. NUMBER ONE: Take time to hire the best people. Not just people with the best skills for the job, but just plain best people. Look at the total picture. Can the best person who has just a little less skills be taught the difference? Ethics do count. Look at the total picture. Who has common sense already? Do you want to spend your whole time lecturing people about when to show up for work or do you want people to already know about responsibility?

B. Look at when you give out benefits package. Do you want to start it at Day One or after Probation has been completed? There are positives/negatives to both. If you have done your job with (A), then Day One shouldn't be a problem. Paying a decent salary to start with/attracting the right kind of people for your company is a discussion for another day. In the meantime, Please do not reward your employees for attendance. When they shake your hand and agree to work for you, they are agreeing to show up for work. Rather, take that "bribe" fund and use it for good wages.

C. Respect goes both ways. Things come up. No one really plans to get sick. I would rather have one person out than a whole department working at half strength. I had an employer who gave paid sick leave but let it be known they expected everyone to come in anyway, except for unusual health problems. So I came in and got 7 people sick over the course of several days. They wanted to get back at the employer for being so unkind and all went home with the contagious "creeping crud". Work slowed down to a trickle. The virus ran its course, they all returned when the symptoms stopped. I did what was required of me. I even tried to stay away from my co-workers, to no avail.
Think of your employees not just with productivity in mind, but as human beings. Also, be practical.
Tell people if they have the flu, etc. to stay home. Practice good hygiene at work. That will help those that are healthy to stay healthy. Buy lunch or snacks during a flu epidemic for example, that have good vitamins and liquids that will help those stay healthy or are recovering. It can be simple, it doesn't have to break the bank. But it will show you value their work and you value them as people. And they will try harder to accomplish the tasks at hand while people are absent and the workload is tighter.

It is a return on your investment because you understand "The Panoramic View".

Alone in the Car: Congress, I Need a New Credit Card

I have been watching the Lo-o-o-ong debate in U.S. Congress concerning the "Fiscal Cliff". The Fiscal Cliff is a phrase describing certain tax cuts and spending cuts that were to expire Dec. 31, 2012. Both houses of Congress couldn't come to an agreement whether to extend the personal tax cuts or what if any government spending cuts would also occur. President Obama also tried to influence the vote with discussions at the White House. There was something of a compromise at the end.

The President now wants the debt ceiling to be raised by Congress. He has issued many Executive Orders and not sure why he can't issue one to grant a higher ceiling, but nevertheless, at this writing Congress is still required to pass a law to raise the government debt ceiling. Currently the U.S. Government debt is $16,432,632,102,288.69.  
Here is the web site for the debt clock: http://www.davemanuel.com/us-national-debt-clock.php

In the President's News Conference (full print coverage: http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-01-14/we-are-not-deadbeat-nation-full-obama-transcript), Obama wants the ceiling raised so bills can be paid for services and merchandise already rendered. His words: "We are not a deadbeat nation".

Don't you just love word smithing? We are trillions of dollars in debt!! All he wants is the capability to go to creditors/other nations and borrow more money to pay the bills we shouldn't have spent in the first place.

Hence, the title "Congress, I Need a New Credit Card". That is what it means to us regular Main St. folks. When one credit card is maxed out, just get another credit card. Then another and another until finally it catches up and bills must be paid.

But not the U.S. Government. Congress just keeps approving programs. Sometimes the law lists no funding and leaves it up to the States to figure out where the money will come from. They have to comply, it's the law. But the feds don't give them any money to see that the law is fulfilled. It is called "an unfunded mandate".

Well, now we have a BIG credit problem in Washington, D.C. And who is going to pay it? From what I can see, no one. 1. They argue about stop spending. 2. They argue about raising the debt ceiling. 3. But no one is arguing about how to pay off the current creditors. So the amount due just keeps going up and up and up. What happens when they knock on Washington's door? All 3 problems are huge.

Make sure you have reliable friends, relatives, groups you belong to. They may become very important in the days and short years ahead. Plan with them and organize yourselves to grow a garden, discuss financial planning, etc. Combine your small resources in making purchases together.

Look out for each other in times of weather emergencies, etc. Any practice of this kind now will prove to be so important in the future.

Alone in the Car: U.S. Birthrate Goes Down, Way Down

The Pew Research Center, along with the Center for Disease Control, released a report on this country's birth rate. They researched  U.S. census data along with CDC's  statistics that were collected from 1990 through 2010. (See: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57556442/u.s-birth-rate-lowest-since-1920-blame-the-economy/)
1. The U.S. birth rate declined 8 percent from 2007 to 2010, and for 2010(the last year they could research), the birth rate is at 63.2 births per 1,000 women(of childbearing age). That's the lowest number recorded since 1920 when reliable statistics were first kept.
2. The U.S. birth rate's peak was in 1957 during the "Baby Boom," reaching 122.7 births per 1,000 women. The baby boom is mostly attributed to the high number of marriages after WWII.
3. The birth rate held steady at around 65 to 70 births per 1,000 women since the mid-1970s, but has been falling since 2007.

These facts are generally accepted. The causes and theories for the decline in the birthrate are numerous: 1. the economy. 2. the decline in marriages. 3. immigrants having fewer births. 4. couples choosing not to have children. 5. More people deciding to stay single without children. And of course there are other ideas as well such as divorce rate, environmental/chemical, "angry" world, etc.

I wish I could write about the affect of future business without people. This is true, but this is not where my heart is today. Alone in the Car blog gives me the opportunity to explore where my ponderings and thoughts are traveling, and profit margins are far away today.

I am a married woman who has grown children. I would do it all over again. There is nothing like watching small children discovering the world. They bring joy, laughter, appreciation, and exploration into the home. They also have automatic trust, faith, love, hugs, and confidence in those around them. They have no prejudice, no pre-determinations, they know no laws that have to explain unalienable rights. They love everyone and everything.

To deny oneself these opportunities is to deny Santa. Just like Virginia asking if there is a Santa Claus (see: http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/) or watching "Charlie Brown Christmas" on t.v., there are things way beyond ourselves. One of them is children.

You can enclose yourself in a cocoon and never feel a little hand pat your face and look into your eyes, OR you can take part of yourself and sacrifice for a much higher priority. Someone worthy of that  devotion. A baby. Your baby. There is nothing greater than giving of yourself to a precious little one.

Working Wednesday: Check Out Your Banking Account

The Great Depression (approximately from 1929 - 1939) in the United States is still something people discuss. It had such an indelible mark on American society and culture. Not just from a cash flow aspect, but left a lasting impact on how families and industry would work to stay alive and plan for their future.

That was definitely true in mine. My parents were children of the Depression and how my mother cooked our meals reflected the lessons she learned growing up in a kitchen where one used what you had available to feed the family. No supermarkets with their aisle upon aisle of various brands from items near and far came to her town or cities yet.

I was taught that a penny was just as valuable as a dollar because I was to save all my money not spend it. Needs were much more important than wants. I remember buying a record (CD equivalent) in my teenage years for the first and only time, and getting the discussion about how usually I was a level headed girl when it came to finances, so why would I buy such a luxury item like that?

Generally I am glad I grew up with this training. It not only came from my parents, but from my grandparents and their siblings. The stories they told about themselves, other relatives, and their friends painted a colorful visual of what it was like when the banks fell and how they lived during those trying years. Those times lasted even longer as they supported the WWII effort and the rationing that went along with it.

I have tried to live my life remembering what these generations have taught me. This posting is about one of those lessons. Let me bring it up to current times. Remember the financial crash of 2008? I can't recall all the institutions that collapsed beginning in August of that year, but some were Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, Wachovia , Countrywide, AIG, and Bear Stearns.

They set off a domino effect that lasted for a long time and hit banks throughout our nation. This post is not to discuss the whys, but to prepare us for the next go round of the banking shut down. We have seen financial instability in other nations and with our federal government, the largest employer in the United States $16 trillion dollars in debt, we can expect changes.

Economists aren't predicting a happy new year even in the best of ideas. See: http://www.cnbc.com/id/49898014/Morgan_Stanley_s_Doom_Scenario_Major_Recession_in_2013

So after writing this blog, here is the bottom line for small business: look at where you have your banking accounts. When was the last time you compared and got price quotes just like you do anything else for your company? Some things to consider:
1. The generations' stories I heard discussed types of banks. Consider community v. national.

2. Remember how people used to have cash or gold on hand, even stories about "burying it in the backyard"? Consider a modern day version of keeping cash on hand.

3. Here is another reason for cash: remember Hurricane Sandy or another devastating disaster.
Electricity goes out, ATMs go down, banks and other establishments are gone/closed. Protect your investments, be ready to open as soon as you can, etc.

4. Interview your own older generations. What do they remember about the Depression? What lessons would they pass down? What do you remember about the Recession? What have you changed or want to change while you still have time financially?

5. Finances are different than budgets. You may be good at paying the bills, but may need help with  the other part. Have someone give you advice, hire a CPA, etc. to get you started. You may not need them constantly depending upon how big your business is right now. But see that you aren't too far down the road before you have to make adjustments and regret not getting advice sooner.

We can wait until we have another October 29, 1929,  August, 2008,  or......we can prepare. Either way, it's coming.

Alone in the Car: Now We Know The Direction

 

The United States of America has something special held each 4 years in November. It is an opportunity for men and women to vote for their president of their country. We have no violence in the streets. No military take-overs. I did not receive a bribe of any kind for voting one way or another. No one watches me as I make my selections. I can choose to vote different from my husband.

My husband and I take our privilege of voting seriously. We look at all sides of an issue, discuss its relevance, effectiveness, how it will affect us and our extended family, and then vote. This goes on for some time. Research is done, not completed through commercials or ads, but through serious sources of information. Likewise, we conduct the same process for people who are running for office and want to represent us. To me, the word "represent" is defined as: a person who can work on a daily basis in that capacity since I am too busy to do it myself.

The Presidential Election vote declared Obama to have 62,820,778 votes and Romney 59,274,599.^[2]
President Obama was re-elected for another 4-year term. In my view, the election was, relatively speaking, a close one. The results were not a mandate, but a majority was declared. As a sidebar, Congress saw no real changes either. The Senate chamber will still be in the hands of the Democrat Party majority and the House of Representatives will remain with a Republican Party majority.

If we were looking for change, we did not get any. The President, of the Democrat Party, also stayed the same. What we saw in the last 4 years of public service from both parties will most probably continue. However, for small businesses, families, and as just one person, this means plans and actions can now be put into place. You know what their past behavior was, can expect about the same behavior to continue, and act accordingly.

Here are some suggestions to think about:
1. Read the news. I read several news sources from around the country to get a comprehensive view.
You may also want to choose several types of sources. Then form your own opinion.

2. Families are something to cherish. No matter what culture, what era, what geographic location, this is what survives. Look at what you are doing to support physically and mentally your family. Remember the elders in your family as you grew up. What did you learn from them? Now it is your turn to return the favor. Find the time to teach the next generation how to be self-supporting.

3. Hope. It is a 4-letter word that doesn't get used very often. Or if you prefer a 5-letter word: Faith. Either one needs to be part of your life. You need Purpose which is really #2. It's partner is #3. Sooner or later, there will be a brighter time. We need to teach that too but After you believe it yourself. That I can't help you with. You have to find this yourself. I have found my path, so I know you can find yours.

Be informed. Know what is going on. Prepare your family accordingly. The hustle and bustle of our day is taking over. We have got to make sure our families know they are important. The sun will shine through. It may not be today, tomorrow, or the next day. But it will come. Every day I will do something to prepare for that first sunbeam that breaks through. For another will follow and soon the sky will be filled with precious light.

Working Wednesday: Just Waiting Now

I know I haven't written much about small business in the last few months. It's not that I have stopped researching or networking for my readers. I continue to read through as many sources as I usually do for new, updated, and/or interesting news to assist you in your small business success. Even though your sphere of influence may not be huge in your particular business sector, you still want to and need to know what is going on.

The years just preceding the American Civil War were hard. Those with clearer heads and minds still tried to keep the states united. But it became pretty convincing to most: what the Founding Fathers had tried to avoid in order for all states to agree to a Constitution was finally here. The conflicting ways of life and ways of conducting business in the Northern and Southern states were going to battle each other. Now it was just anyone's guess as to where the first engagement would be. Now we know it was Fort Sumter, South Carolina.

Do you feel between 2008 and 2012 you have been in a battle to stay afloat? Do you feel you have won? You may have seen some of your weaker comrades not make it through, and there may be those you know who truly tried their best but it just wasn't meant to be. I send my regrets and am sorry for their loss. I believe many of the small businesses who have made it thus far have changed their business plans, operations, number of employees and/or their training and/or job description. Many have looked at and ventured into new business sectors, conducted energy audits of their buildings, and gone "green". You have done so because you had to help/add to the bottom line. At the very least, small and large companies have been storing away funds. They are unsure of the future, waiting for what is to come next, as if the story still has one more chapter to write.

Like the years before the Civil War and this Recession, I too feel there is more to come. Could be because China, Japan, and Taiwan are fighting over several uninhabited islands with oil and gas deposits. China needs 10% growth per year in their economy or they go bust. The government must keep the masses concentrating on something else other than the economy or the government will be the ones to go bust.

Or will it be because Europe is bankrupt? Yes, not every country is bankrupt...yet. But the few strong countries can't keep floating all the bad ones. And right now, there are more countries in the red than there are in the black.

Or will it be because of the Middle East. The Middle East. The region of the world where for thousands of years NO ONE has been happy. They are always arguing, fighting, overtaking. Doesn't matter if it was before oil was discovered or not. It doesn't matter how many diplomatic missions have been sent or by whom. If you believe past behavior predicts future behavior, then don't you think thousands of years is enough to predict what is going to happen next?

This time it is with nuclear weapons. Will Israel strike before Iran has the capability of nuclear bombs? Will Iran decide the Jews don't deserve a homeland?

And then there is our American Presidential and Congressional elections. Probably the last piece of the puzzle. All has been quiet in the business world waiting to see who wins. Companies have been saving money, not investing in new employees, machinery, technology, etc. until we know who will submit for consideration, legislation and who will vote on the laws of the land.

We have all taken in a deep breath. We all have our lives and the way we make our living on hold. What are we waiting on? We are waiting on the big event that will change our lives. As stated above, I just don't know the location of the first engagement. Let us pray we are ready for it. Let us hope we can team together to solve it. Let us make sure we have the vision to endure it. Let us always, always turn around and grab the hand of the person behind us and pull them up.

It Is Hard To Be a (Future) Queen

Ah, to live in a perfect world where everyone knows what is proper. For example, not spying on people with long range camera equipment. Or, not spying on people with long range camera equipment when said people are off the clock. Or, cover your body modesty, whether in private or in public. Or cover your body modestly whether in private or in public once you step out of certain rooms (i.e. bedroom/bathroom).

When I first started writing this blog, it became sexual in nature quite quickly. But I deleted the paragraph. That is not the Panoramic View of the problem. The Panoramic View is Individual Responsibility. The photographer was irresponsible. It (can't really call them human) had one thing in mind: greed. Sneaking around important people's private lives to get a "first photo" for gillions of dollars is unacceptable and rude behavior. The Princess had one thing in mind: pride. She wanted to to be beautiful with a "no line" tan. Apparently in Europe, many women go topless when sunbathing. She should be able to sunbathe on a private estate as part of her job, representing the Crown, right?

French law is very strict and if not already, will come down hard against the photographer and magazine(s). Aside from French law, which I consider a Civil Law based on the French culture and its own evolution of acceptability, I would rule against them both with fines. The photographer would be fined based on Decency, Common Sense, and Charitable Acts. Therefore, "It" would have to attend Miss Manners Etiquette classes for 6 months, wear an electronic anklet bracelet for one year, and take portraits of children while they are cancer patients.

The Princess would be fined based also on Decency Act, Royal Family Act, Discreet Act, and through The Female Example and Responsibility Act. She will be assigned a lady-in-waiting much older than her for the next 6 months to "mentor" the Princess in all wardrobe functions and "malfunctions". The princess will have to take the course "How to be a member of the Royal Family since you were raised a commoner" again since she obviously failed the first time. She will also need return to an etiquette class on Discretion. Though this time it is about nudity and her misjudgment regarding such, coming so soon after her brother-in-law's fun time in the city, she obviously failed this course too. Remember, Princess, Kings either put their Queens in a nunnery or on the chopping block if they failed 3 seminars.

And in my opinion, you have come very close. You failed us women all around the globe. You broke the most important law of all: The Female Example and Responsibility Act. Yes, Princess, you should be able to do what you want, when you want. But again I say, this is not a perfect world. Women MUST stand on higher ground. If women don't, we humans become barbarians or worse. You lay half naked (3/4 naked) in the sun while Egyptian women can't even walk outside to get to market to buy food without being sexually assaulted. They are covered from head to toe as is their tradition, yet you get upset over a photo because you are outside. Where was your security? How can they protect you if they cannot look at you? Where were your manners for them?

Since the dawn of time, men look at women with a determination to continue the species. And thankfully so. Humans would have died out long ago. HOWEVER, that determination can be in an imbalance. It is up to women to add to men's lives the striving to "walk up the mountain", to think beyond themselves, to understand there are other vistas to see, to reach below and pull someone up. Without us, indeed without Eve, Adam would have only thought of not eating the fruit, because that was what he was told to do. It was the directive. But Eve knew she had to leave in order to become a mother. She eventually came to understand her own Panoramic View. And they left together.

Princess, your last fine is to study and ponder The Female Example and Responsibility Act. Look for women throughout history who knew this law existed. Interview others. This fine does not have a time period. It is everlasting. Teach it to the generations that come after you. Don't let us down.

Working Wednesday: How Many Companies Are In Your Distribution Chain?

Sometimes it is an advantage to be a small company. One of those advantages is face-to-face business dealings. You work directly with others. You shake hands, a bill of sale, a form of payment, and a receipt is handled between the two of you. Problems can be resolved without third parties. Trust had been established some time ago and a list of solutions is thorough with an end result satisfactory to both. Likewise, new ideas are just an e-mail or phone call away.

But what if you are part of a bigger chain? You have pieces and parts coming in the front door and finished products shipping out the back to another company as part of a much larger picture. You figured out a service that is unique but dependent upon others doing their jobs. What then?

Cardinal Health was fined for not reporting something suspicious about drug shipments to certain pharmacies. The pharmacies were becoming "pill mills".See: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2012/08/24/cardinal-facing-more-dea-scrutiny.html

Now I am definitely not an expert on drug manufacturing. That is way too complicated for me on many levels. But it appears Cardinal Health did not contact DEA as they should. They are a large corporation and should have had enough employees to have the expertise to know better. But again, I did not follow the lawsuit. I am only interested in this from a small business perspective.

Here is my point: Know your distribution chain. Know the whole chain not just your part. Be aware of ethics, laws, liabilities, and anything else that could put your business on the wrong side of the law. Get advice if you have to. Cardinal Health was not the pill mill, but they still got in trouble.

In this case, it sounds as if Cardinal Health was selling directly to the pharmacies, a one-on-one transaction. Normally, you would think this would give you some safe guards. But the drugs were quite potent, which got C.H. into trouble, and there were extra regulations with those drugs. So don't be fooled either. Even your "bff"s need to be checked out every once in awhile.

Alone in the Car: London Olympics Opening Ceremony

I love the Olympics! A time when the earth's geography takes a pause and respects all countries and their representatives equally. Whether they are male, female, tall, short, fast, methodical, strong, or whispy, they and their sport have a place in the sun for a few short days.

The athletes enter the stadium with smiles on their faces regardless what the official uniform looks like. (photo from http://addins.whig.com) They did not choose it but they are all glad to be here, waving to the crowd, perhaps responding to specific cheers. They want to do their best. They are all patriotic. Some know perhaps that they have an even higher responsibility to those who will be watching their performance back home.

Then who in the world do those who are hired by their media company, in this case NBC, feel they need to comment on strife, negative politics, how many are starving, etc. etc. ?? I have watched others do the same: ABC was terrible too. I sit down to watch a beautiful coming together of our countries and the "journalists" blow it every time. IF YOU CAN'T SAY SOMETHING NICE, BE QUIET!

I really don't want to hear you at all, except to explain who is carrying the flag, who is making their first appearance, and/or who holds the current record. That is logical and pertinent. I also like to know a simple "social studies" lesson about the unknown countries say how many people they have, their most popular sport, etc. Some countries wear their native dress and I find that interesting and want to know how to pronounce it or how it is made. BUT DON'T TELL ME ABOUT THEIR DICTATOR.

P.S. To NBC: I know you wanted to wait until the very last moment to show what you considered the most important competition of the day, even though we already knew the results. May I remind you:
1. showing other countries' competitions is not interesting as a filler. 2. I can record it and watch later. 3. There are so many sports, so many Americans competing, why not show them winning?

P.P.S. Costas has got to go. What does he have over you guys anyway, huh?

Working Wednesday: Workplace Safety

Small Businesses may leave themselves vulnerable by not taking this subject seriously. We have violence in our culture virtually all over as witnessed by the attack in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. At one time violence was contained (or at least so we thought) to people who lived and fought full-time, community areas with a certain code of conduct, and to those who thought violence was a means to power.

Now violence is crushing our way of life. Children are being taught at a young age to be belligerent and aggressive (see my blog: Women in Need, Women Can Cure. http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8117903041843459966#editor/target=post;postID=4949962648275693474 )
Politeness and consideration is not part of everyday living. Egotism is the priority now, not helping your neighbor. This is translated to: "What is mine is mine and what is yours is mine too".

The once assumed borders of ownership, whether they be of cash, items, property, or through electronic means are getting fuzzy and erasable. Business owners need to protect themselves, employees, and property. Property here defined is building inside and out, equipment, and supplies.

Most companies have insurance policies. They protect against Mother Nature, theft, and liability.
If you don't have an insurance policy get one. If you are so small that you are not incorporated yet, consider this too. Becoming a LLC will help with some of these issues.

But the real reason this blog is written today is about safety, everyday safety.
1. Do you have an escape route plan if someone enters your office with thoughts to harm others? Who will call the emergency in to the authorities? Who has a list of all the employees and makes sure there is a head count once everyone is safely out of the building? (This is also good for fire drills).

2. Who has been given crisis management training? What if a person gets inside the building? What if a person is inside, it is a "regular day", then gets angry and agitated? What if it is not a visitor but an employee who is out of control? What are your plans for those trained to reach and diffuse the situation?

3. Each employee needs to know enough to arrange their offices so they will be closer to their door than visitors. Give them other suggestions(bring in a consultant) to help an angry visitor(s) before escalation happens and the crisis management team has to be called for assistance.

4. How secure is your building? Lighting, landscaping, signage, locks on doors, etc. all need to be reviewed to give you maximum advantage. Hallways, inside doors, key fobs, etc. should also be evaluated to assist in overall security measures.

5. Can you have flexible hours to give employees the best times to enter/leave for the day? Have supervisors bring their groups together and ask employees what are their uppermost concerns. Then be prepared ahead of time to address them, even if cost is involved. It is better in the long run to fix things in the short run when safety is concerned.

You cannot assume you live in a safe town/community/county anymore. Tragedy strikes in rural and cities just the same. Combining with other businesses may help reduce certain costs and definitely show the community that you are serious. Most importantly, your employees will know you respect them enough to want to keep them safe from harm.

Alone in the Car: Guns are Inanimate Objects

Tragedies seem to be around us in our everyday life: schools, at work, and now movie theaters. You want to absorb the sadness so you don't become numb to senseless killings. You want to participate in the memorials, even from where you live and maybe just by your thoughts, because you know the victims are part of someone's family and you place value on home, family, and safety.

 Our world moves at a very fast place. It requires that all people, regardless of age, gender, religion, race, skills, hobbies, or favorite color keep up. I wonder what Benjamin Franklin or Abigail Adams would think of our day. Would they be able to keep up with our times? Could I live in theirs? I would like to try some days for sure!

I often wonder of those who commit such crimes like the man who shot the people in Aurora, Colorado if he could have lived in a different time and been ok. A slower, more melodic time where the brain had more time to process and decompress between intervals of high speed work. We are bombarded with information nowadays that the brain constantly has to decide what to keep and what to throw away, what is a priority and what should be stored, and how to categorize information. Do you give this machine of yours enough cool down time or even turn it off long enough so when the brain is working it can work at full capacity?

Guns are inanimate objects. They cannot move by themselves, think by themselves, shoot by themselves. Someone has to load bullets into the chamber in order for the gun to fire. It has to be in good working condition to operate effectively. This it cannot do by itself.

People make guns work. People decide if guns will be used for a good purpose or an evil one. People can be trained to respect a gun and its power and use it for the right reason.

If guns are banned, then I say ban fire. Fire has good and bad purposes. People have been trained to use fire for good. I have a stove and oven in my kitchen. I know what to do with a stove and an oven. It is about common sense, training our children from the beginning, and punishing the people who use fire the wrong way. Not everyone who has a stove and an oven should be penalized for the wrongs of a few.

I truly believe if guns were allowed through better concealed gun laws, less tragedy would occur. Again, it is about common sense, training our children from the beginning, and punishing just the people who use guns the wrong way. Not everyone who has a gun should be penalized for the wrongs of a few.

Alone in the Car: Women in Need, Women Can Cure Part II:

Here is the rest of Alone in the Car: Women in Need, Women Can Cure

What can we do about this?
1. If you are a woman who sees to it that the next generation knows about manners and charity, find others such as yourself and form a group. Become the majority. Become the leaders in your PTOs, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and other your organizations. Let it be known that parents who allow their children to hit others because of the "me first" rule is not a rule in your organization and they will be asked to leave.

2. This is an election year. Turn off the audio. Watch the candidates by non-verbal communication. Make observations with audio too. What do you observe? Not the political rhetoric, but observations. First, what is their etiquette, their general manners to others? Second, are they really paying attention to those who will elect them? Third, what are their values? Because when the hard/tough times come(and we all know they will), this is what they will rely on and fall back on.  These are what they know, what they feel comfortable with, and find others who have the same value system. Do you want politicians who do not value or respect women or do you want ones who do? It is up to us, from the very beginning, to show our children to respect and love one another.

Working Wednesday: Supreme Court Ruling on Health Insurance: Small Business Assistance

This blog will not be about the politics of the decision. Yes, I have an opinion. No, small business owners really don't have time to read my opinion or others. They have too many other things going on, like keeping the front door open and having a solid profit margin. So let's get to it, shall, we?

There may be some very small businesses that don't feel that they are part of the discussion. Wrong, and wrong again. You business owners are always part of the private business landscape and you count. You are a piece of the panoramic view and combined, small businesses make up approximately 80% of companies in America. You need to know what is going on in the private sector, in your business sector, and in your community. So read on.

Attracting good employees is not just about salary but about a benefits package. Most companies assume part of the package includes health coverage. Health coverage in this case is defined as eye, dental, and overall body health care.

Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Car Act(PPACA) and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law. The Society of Human Resource Management(SHRM) has a few items that are worth exploring to help businesses. Please see: http://www.shrm.org/publications/hrnews/pages/courtupholdsmandate.aspx?homepage=mpc for a good summary as to what this means for employers.

SHRM called upon Mr. Gary B. Kushner, SPHR, CBP, president and CEO of Kushner & Company to address their members on this issue. He wrote:
"Organizations need to review their plans and seize this opportunity to create better strategies around their health plans, both in design and employee communication.
For human resource professionals, the message here is very clear — move forward with implementing and complying with PPACA, since major portions of it take effect in 2014 (a mere 18 months away) and other provisions take effect later this year and in 2013.
For example, many employers soon will be required to report the value of employer coverage on IRS Form W-2, and all employers must issue a summary of benefits and coverage. Employers who were waiting to begin planning on how to comply (or whether to even offer or continue to offer health coverage) need to begin performing quantitative and qualitative analyses on their plans.
More importantly, they need to begin looking at their health plans as part of an overall HR strategy for their organizations." 

He suggested these steps:
Key Steps Employers Need to Take Now to Plan for 2014:

1. Determine the strategic implications of whether or not to offer a plan. Health benefits are just one part of an overall total rewards strategy.  How does an organization’s having (or not having) health benefits impact other talent acquisition and talent management strategies?
2. Review the Supreme Court decision as to its impact on your organization.
3. If a plan is offered, perform a qualitative analysis on whether it makes sense to remain a grandfathered plan or become nongrandfathered by examining the seven PPACA provisions that apply only to nongrandfathered plans.
4. Perform a qualitative analysis to determine if existing plans meet qualifying eligibility and affordability standards.  In order for employers to avoid potential penalties, ensure that any health plans offered meet both standards.
5. Determine the true organizational costs of either offering or not offering health coverage after 2013.  For many organizations, this is not the "no-brainer" that it may at first glance appear.
6. Perform a quantitative analysis to project the so-called "Cadillac tax" set to begin in 2018

Take time to review your policies. Take time to ponder how to retain your best employees. Take time to think about how benefits fit into your business plan, possible expansion plan, and future recruiting plans. These have all changed now that the Court has upheld the law. Get with your contracted experts too such as your accountant, attorney, etc. for additional advice as you make your plans for the next couple of years. As listed above, you need to do this right away. Good luck.