benefits with Marsh & Mclennan companies?
449495
Judging by their lay off's at the moment - probably not much.
71574
Probably "Professional Association" or something like that, depending on what state you're in.\n\nAttorney's were forbidden to incorporate to obtain a liability shield, so in the 70s or 80s states devised corporate-like organizations (P.C., P.A., etc) which gave the tax benefits, enabled them to put together health insurance plans within the office, etc., that they could get by incorporating without the corporate designator (Inc.) or liability shield.
664771
Many companies will not write insurance in the state of FL. The risk is so great for storm damage. Call some local mortgage brokers and ask them who will issue insurance in FL most will be willing to help. Then just call and ask for quotes. Be sure to check out the companies as to there standing and reserves. The last thing you wish to do is buy a cheap policy and if ever needed, they declare BK and you get nothing. When Andrew hit Many companies very large companies were BK on paper. They survived. Good luck to you!
1182465
Check with a broker that has multiple outlets for writing new business, possibly with a surplus & excess line insurer, or Lloyds of London.  Many of the larger companies have suspended binding authority in the state of Florida due to all the hurricains.  Best of luck to you.
265561
Subscribers to FT.com (I suppose WSJ as well) get dedicated M&A updates. Check out http://news.ft.com/companies/financial or http://online.wsj.com/public/us
714731
Dave Ramsey, a radio financial guru, offers a list of "Endorsed Local Providers" (ELP's) on his website. You can type in your zip code and get the name of someone in your area. The plus here is that he requires that honesty and integrity be at the forefront of that person's business. Also, the company I work for has done very well by me. I ususally don't promote them on this site, but in this case, I will say that H&R Block financial advisors have been great. (Please know that I get no financial gain from telling you this - I work on the tax side, not with investments) I'll provide you with both links, and please let me know if I can be of further assistance :)
685179
Look into organizing a limited liability company (LLC).  LLC's will protect your personal assets like a corporation, and you get taxed like a partnership (no double tax like corporations).  LLC's have less paperwork generally, but the owners (members) still need to abide by the Organization Agreement and Articles of Organization.\n\nA corporation is an option, and an IRS subchapter S election may be the way to go, and if so, will save you taxes.  And yes, the corporation will protect your personal assets so long as you observe the distinction between the corporation and yourself.\n\nAs you have noted, a partnership will expose you individually to the partnership's liabilities.\n\nThe botton line is that you need legal and tax advisors.  The information you get here are mere talking points that you can use for discussion with real professionals.  It will cost some money, but it is worth it because you will be laying the foundation for establishing your future tax and legal liabilities.  Make sure that your lawyer is licensed by the California Bar and that your accountant is a licensed CPA in California.
170351
what aspect? overtime? work hours? benefits?
416212
Keep in mind all of the campanies you mentioned are corporations.  Their main objective is to make as much money as possible for its shareholders and senior executives.  They may offer a glitzy reputation, a slightly higher salary than lesser known ones and other marginally tangible perks like discounted cell phones and free t-shirts, but rest assured your welfare is not their primary concern, so the term 'best' company does not apply to how well they look after or treat you as an employee.
550201
What a great question!  A lot of people don't understand that the benefits a company offers will increase your total compensation package.  \n\nAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, benefits\naccount for nearly 35%of an employee’s total compensation. Yet, more than half of all employees don’t understand or\nappreciate the value of their employer-paidbenefits.\n\nBenefits include items such as insurance and health benefits,\nsocial security, Medicare, unemployment insurance, workers’\ncompensation, defined contribution, defined benefit, retirement and savings, supplemental pay vacations, holidays and sick leave.
244611
I haven't gotten it myself, but more info can be found here and it looks like you may be able to get a quote:\nhttp://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?prodid=11094671&whse=&topnav=&cat=41624&hierPath=589*41624*\n\nOne thing to note is that Costco is running an insurance agency for small businesses.  That means that they won't be the company making the rates or the underwriting rules.  So, you may also want to check with them and see what company they would be quoting you coverage through.\nI hope that helps, good luck.
733123
Check out a comparison site that has several annual plans from different companies.\n\nhttp://www.squaremouth.co.uk\nhttp://www.squaremouth.com
646608
Honestly, the answer is, only if it is local.\n\nIt really depends on the company.  I've gone to some that were full of fireworks (the company had not done well that year), and others that were extremely boring.  The smaller companies are probably more interesting...\n\nThe biggest benefit of going is getting a real feel of the current climate.  That's hard to explain, but in being there one can get a handle on the mood of the company.  Ask yourself, did they seem excited about upcoming opportunities, or did they seem exhausted fighting aligators?\n\nIf you go listen to their words, AND how they say them.
391481
Heh, I knew I'd heard of this HBS case before.  I'm pretty familiar with Kevin Rock, too.  Unfortuntately, I don't remember this exact case much since it's been so long.\n\nUsually on these HBS cases, they don't expect you do come up with anything novel or new.  They really care more about financial analysis that you'll probably have to do in the B case, if you have to do that.  I don't have the case handy, but really all you have to do is read it carefully and summarize what's in there.\n\nFor M&A, it usually comes down to synergies if they're in the same business.  Other things to consider might be the optimal capital structure of the newly formed companies and how they might benefit from tax savings.
956327
I am a Realtor and I am also a Corporation....Now sure why.....That is just what my accountant said would be best....That way if I get sued they can only go "personally" as deep as my Corporation and not my cut me through my personal (protects my family)....Talk to your accountant about it....IT is a nice protection to have.....
131495
OK, alot of the info coming here is right, alot is wrong.\n\nAn EIA is a deferred annuity (allowing you to invest money now and defer the taxes on the growth until withdrawal) whose performance will be tied to some market index. There are three main benefits to an EIA.\n\n1) Growth on invested money is not taxed. Whenever a mutual fund or ETF makes any portfolio changes (to mark changes in an index, for example) any capital gains tax burden is passed through to shareholders resulting in that 1099 you get each year. Same goes for any dividends paid by the underlying investments.\n\n2) Downside protection - In very simple terms, an EIA tracking the S&P 500 would work like this. Typically the EIA will have a cap on returns at, say 10%. In a year where the index returns over the cap, your account is credited with 10%. If the index return falls between 0% and the cap, your account is credited with that rate of return. If the index suffers a loss, your account stays flat. Your account value is protected from the loss. Essentially, you give up the top end for a guarantee of not losing money in a down year.\n\n3) Annuitization options - When you get to retirement you can annuitize the contract. This is essentially trading in the account value for a guaranteed stream of income guaranteed to last at least as long as you are alive. Taxation on non-qualified (Not an IRA) annuities is ordinary income, but only on the gain in the contract.\n\nThe downside of EIA's(and annuities in general) is the extra layer of cost. You don't get anything for free, the guarantees associated with annuities have to be paid for.\n\nDepending on your age, tax situation and attitudes towards risk, an annuity might be the right investment for a portion of your money. I would consider a good Variable Annuity before an EIA. You can get better downside risk while retaining the chance to participate in above average market returns when they occur.
297362
I've been a financial planner for 9 years. For the first 8 years I worked for the big insurance/financial services conglomerates. I learned very quickly that your clients are not doing business with the logo on your business card, they are doing business with you.\n\nWhile the big name may help a little if you are mass marketing or cold calling, it will mean very little to your clients as long as you are providing trustworthy, accurate and insightful advice. \n\nMore importantly, does Foresters have the same level of support and resources for you practice as Mass does? If you are new to the business go where you will get the most training and support. Like I said, I spent 8 years between two different "massmutuals" and I learned alot of valuable lessons. I have since gone independent and I have never been happier. Good luck.