| Keeping track of online passwords is wise to do
Dear Abby: Allow me to draw your readers' attention to the importance of keeping track of their online log-in information. We all know it's smart to keep photocopies of our driver's license, credit cards, etc. With as much time as some of us spend online, in addition to the billions of dollars we spend there as a nation, it's wise to keep track of sundry log-in details as well. I keep track of the various Web sites from which I make purchases -- the Web site name, user name and my password -- because various Web sites require different information. Please suggest that your readers compile this information in a single document and print it out from time to time. Keep a hard copy in a safe place with other important papers. That way, if anything should happen to them, family members will be able to access these Web sites, delete saved credit card information and close the accounts.
Dear Abby: Keeping track of passwords is word to the wise online
Dear Abby: Allow me to draw your readers' attention to the importance of keeping track of their online log-in information. We all know it's smart to keep photocopies of our driver's license, credit cards, etc. With as much time as some of us spend online, in addition to the billions of dollars we spend there as a nation, it's wise to keep track of sundry log-in details as well. I keep track of the various Web sites from which I make purchases — the Web site name, user name and my password — because various Web sites require different information. Please suggest that your readers compile this information in a single document and print it out from time to time. Keep a hard copy in a safe place with other important papers. That way, if anything should happen to them, family members will be able to access these Web sites, delete saved credit card information and close the accounts.
Credit card scam warning
This one is pretty slick since they provide Y O U with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself. One of our employees was called on Wednesday from “VISA", and I was called on Thursday from “MasterCard". The scam works like this: Person calling says, “This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London?" When you say “No", the caller continues with, “Then we will be issuing a credit to your account.
As scanners shrink, their tax uses grow
It's tax time, and for management consultant Eric Ochieng, that used to mean spreadsheets, receipts, and other scattered documents. But now Ochieng handles his digital record-keeping with a portable document scanner that comes with software for categorizing images, whether it's a business card or a credit card statement. Ochieng says he also tracks all of his travel expenses, scanning in receipts and recording out-of-pocket and business costs. And at the end of the year, he runs ad hoc reports that he gives to his accountant. "I have up-to-date information about expenses incurred, and immediate access to receipts and related notes, which are saved on my laptop," says Ochieng. That clunky scanner, formerly a heavy flatbed machine, has downsized to portable document scanner that can easily fit into a briefcase and is typically made to scan receipts, business cards, and other small papers, as well as for letter-size documents.
Ex-library official files suit
The former finance director of Sacramento's Public Library filed suit this week, saying he was wrongfully fired from that position after raising concerns about $650,000 in payments to a library staffer's company. Former finance director Anil Paul also alleges he was fired for refusing to approve directors' taxpayer-funded credit card expenses, including one official's $293 meal at The Palm restaurant in Boston and a $202 spa treatment in Orlando, according to the lawsuit and library documents. "I was concerned about my (accounting) license," said Paul, 59, who lives in Walnut Creek and earned $180,000 annually from the library. "I should not allow anyone to jeopardize my livelihood." .
WSI board: Time to get cracking and correct the mess
Could anyone who has followed the months-long soap opera not believe that serious action - including administrative restructuring - needs to take place now?There is enough blame to go around, but this is not a blame game. Sometimes it is best to start over, and the management culture and structure at WSI must be changed. The agency directors are the only ones who can do it.The North Dakota Century Code is clear: "The board shall appoint the director of the organization. The director is subject to the supervision and direction of the board and serves at the pleasure of the board."This is where Gov. John Hoeven also is involved. More from the Century Code: "The governor shall make the necessary appointments to ensure the term of office of members (of the board) ... ."While there doesn't seem to be a mechanism for the governor to fire members of the board, he needs to strongly encourage them (or continue to do so) to take action that will stop the juvenile nonsense at WSI.
Wanted in Michigan: Entrepreneurs
Schox spent six years as an attorney with Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione in Ann Arbor before starting his own practice. He accumulated several Michigan clients, including companies like Accuri Cytometers and NeuroNexus Technologies, before moving to San Francisco a few years ago and continuing his practice. Every six weeks or so, Schox travels back to Ann Arbor for about five days to meet with clients and occasionally teach at U-M. He has a firsthand look at the differences between the entrepreneurial environment in California and the environment in Michigan. One of the key differences, he said, is that Californians applaud entrepreneurial spirit and generally accept failure. Schox has never had a Michigan client go out of business. Several of his Californian clients have.
Intuit Completes Acquisition of Electronic Clearing House
The integration of ECHO's technology and operational assets is expected to help accelerate Intuit's growth and strengthen its expanding small business ecosystem that includes the fast-growing payments segment. ECHO's products and services will be available on a standalone basis and as part of Intuit's small business financial services portfolio.
About Intuit Inc.
Intuit Inc. is a leading provider of business and financial management solutions for small and mid-sized businesses; financial institutions, including banks and credit unions; consumers and accounting professionals. Its flagship products and services, including QuickBooks®, Quicken® and TurboTax® software, simplify small business management and payroll processing, personal finance, and tax preparation and filing.
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