In April 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King penned his famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.”

For years, savvy business owners have supplemented company-sponsored retirement plans by making contributions annually to Individual Retirement Accounts, or IRAs.

Thinking about relocating or expanding your business? Maybe you are a developer or contractor thinking about building or rehabilitating houses or apartments.

A recent survey by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners suggests businesses have more reasons than ever to be concerned about fraud. But businesses can take action to address this serious problem.

The everyday tasks associated with running a business can be daunting. I have seen many people get into a business for which they have a passion only to get the wind snatched from their sails after realizing the amount of work it takes to make it a success.

Important changes are taking place in the administration of employee benefit plans. Two of the most important changes are the new accounting rules for measuring and reporting fair value of plan investments and compliance issues and audits for 403(b) plans.

President Barack Obama’s proposed budget, presented to Congress on Feb. 26, provides a concept of how he intends to raise taxes to pay for significant changes in education, health care and energy. Without providing details on how these concepts will be implemented, the proposed budget appears to have the greatest impact on mid-sized businesses and individuals with corporate and individual taxation as the primary tool for increasing federal revenue.

Much has been written about the negative aspects of today’s economy, but maybe we are looking at it the wrong way. Being an accountant and financial adviser, I have seen and heard firsthand how the economy has impacted our clients’ lives.

Individual retirement 401(k) plans made the news recently when it was announced that some retirees who are required to make minimum distributions from their plan every year will be given a reprieve for the 2009 tax year.

Combine environmental concern with a desire for an increase in the bottom line and companies are looking at coloring up their business practices with “green” ideas.