A new study conducted by the ING Retirement Research Institute has found that women generally are not investing as much as men in their retirement plans.  While there are many reasons for this apparent disparity among the genders, the study is disturbing.  “It is clear that many women –...

Since the economic downturn of 2008, there has been a steady uptick in the number of employment-based lawsuits against small businesses, some of which are based on the employers’ alleged mis-classification of a worker’s status.  Are they exempt or non-exempt?  Does this type of work properly qualify to be...

From 2010 to 2011, the number of employees filing wage-and-hour lawsuits across the country climbed by 15%.  This is particularly significant once you consider the tight job market during that period.  Human Resources departments can help your company avoid such lawsuits by paying attention to the following: Due to...

The governing board of Citizens Insurance has decided to postpone an insurance rate increase for new businesses.  Citizens had been under pressure from Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and state Senator Mike Fasano to postpone an increase in rates for new businesses.  “The removal of the cap for new business...

US Secretary of Transportation Ray Lahood called for a federal law banning all cell phone use while driving.  The ban would include talking on the phone as well as texting while driving.  Lahood noted that law enforcement officials require such a strong federal law in order to write tickets. ...

Directors and Officers (D&O) liability insurance rates remained within a category of 10% up or down in premium rates for the first quarter 2012.   This is potentially good news for those considering purchasing a D&O policy or changing their current policy. Directors and Officers insurance provides protection against lawsuits...

Health care will undoubtedly cost more in 2012 but there’s good news in the recently released projections-the projected cost increase will be less than 10% which marks the first time since 2001 that these costs will not cross the 10% mark.  Of course, these projections are contingent on the...

The Insurance Journal recently published an article about wedding day mishaps, accidents, and losses that occur on the big day that may be covered by insurance.  According to the article, Traveller’s Insurance recently analyzed their own wedding loss claims and found that 31% of the claims concerned vendor and/or...

Recently, a question was raised concerning what determines pricing for a new small business that wants to enroll its employees in a group health insurance plan.  That’s a good question that is an important one to consider for any start-up small business venture.  Many employees and potential hires must...

While the media’s coverage of Florida’s PIP reform was extensive, there were also significant changes to Florida’s unemployment law for both unemployed workers and employers.  Here are some of the changes: Related to Benefits The bill makes several changes related to benefits, including: Requiring the Department of Economic Opportunity...