Suggestion boxes can work wonders. They cost little to set up and, over time, at least a few of your employees' ideas will likely save your company money and help it operate more efficiently. This article offers eight steps to a successful suggestion box program. A sidebar provides a brief history of the suggestion box, which starts in 1894.

Some business owners invest in the most expensive piece of equipment available only to later learn it was beyond their needs or the expertise of their employees. Then again, other business owners don't upgrade their equipment or buy only used assets, which may lead to all sorts of other problems. This article offers a five-point plan for buying assets in a safe, savvy manner.

From childhood savings accounts to retirement plan distributions, age can affect federal tax obligations and planning opportunities throughout one's life. Knowing when key milestones will arrive is critical to choosing optimal strategies. We journey through major age-based tax rules and considerations that taxpayers may encounter from birth through their 70s.

Many employers offer an employee assistance plan (EAP) which provides counseling benefits. Employers may wonder if these plans are subject to the rules under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). This article discusses the issues involved in EAPs.