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Travel Tips that are Legal

This is the time of year that many New Englanders are getting ready to pack it all in and head south for a tropical vacation with their kids. But before you leave for the airport, there are some bases you need to cover – or you may find yourself never getting past the boarding gate. Most travelers know that new regulations have been put into effect requiring a passport or other approved identification for traveling outside of the country, but what many people don’t realize is that they may need more legal documentation than their passport.

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Don’t Get Burned In Your Summer Rental Deal

For many New Englanders, summer vacation means heading off to a rental cottage for a week or more of sun and relaxation. But if you’re not careful, you can get burned in your summer rental deal. When you rent a vacation home or cottage you are entering into a contract, and whether you are the one who owns the cottage or the person renting it, the deal should be in writing to legally protect everyone involved. We all know someone who’s had a nightmare experience – the family who ended up with a summer rental that looked the Adam’s Family’s house, or the owner whose property got trashed by unruly seasonal tenants. There are basic contractual terms of the rental deal that need to be spelled out, and depending on which side of the fence you’re standing on, there’s additional language you’ll want to include to cover yourself.

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Thinking About Starting A Home-Based Business?

Maybe being home with kids is your dream job, but you still have the desire to be in the business world. Well, you really can have it all and without ever leaving home! Every year thousands of New Englanders start home-based businesses. No matter what type of home-based business you may be cooking up – being legally savvy is a key ingredient to success. (more…)

Work at home jobs may not be all they seem

With high unemployment and a competitive job market, more people than ever are looking for a way to make money.  But before you apply online for employment or consider buying into a “work-at-home” job, think again.  Online job scams are out there and they’re dangerous! If you get scammed you can loose money, be the victim of identity theft, even find yourself legally liable for perpetuating fraud!

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Making money by being hired or hiring a consultant (Independent Contractor)

Whether you’ve always dreamed of being your own boss and starting a business, or have recently been laid off and need to earn an income while you’re looking for new employment, you might want to think about being a consultant (someone who is self-employed).

Common terms you may have heard that essentially mean the same thing are independent contractor, free agent, freelancer, freelance worker, and sole-proprietor. No term is really more legally correct than another. The important difference is being self-employed vs. being an employee. In the legal field, we typically use the term “independent contractor.” Legally, you are an independent contractor if you offer your services for hire to the public, various people or companies hire you and pay you a fee, but you control how you do your work. Employers supervise not only the outcome, but also how an employee performs his or her job.

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How forming strategic alliances with other businesses can get your own business off the ground

If you’re thinking about starting a business you’re going to need to think about the bottom line and making a profit as quickly as possible. Working with other businesses can help you quickly build your own business.

Aligning yourself with other business owners or companies can help you :

  • shorten your learning curve;
  • boost your new company’s credibility;
  • expand your sales or distribution channels; and
  • make it more difficult for competitors.

If you are a small business owner you can “team up” with one or more other small business owners, or you can “team up” with big companies! You might want to work with another business that does what your business does, or a business that provides products or services that are complimentary to your business. The opportunities are endless. (more…)

Before You Start a Home-Based Business

Once you know what your business is going to be, what you are going to call it, and the products or services you will be selling – you need to make sure you won’t be infringing on someone else’s protected idea or name! But before you spend money on hiring someone to do research for you, you can save money by doing some of the legwork yourself. Depending on where you plan on doing business and what your business will be, you may then need a professional to do further research and/or give you advice on your options. For example, just because a name is being used or trademarked by someone else, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t own it for another purpose.

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Small Business Guide

1. Be sure you are genuinely enthused about the idea of “making it work” with a home-based business. Being an entrepreneur is an exciting but challenging venture.

2. Research your product or service to determine if it will be a viable business and make you the money you need.

3. Make sure your new business’ name is available before you invest in product development or marketing. Start out by going on-line, calling your Secretary of State’s Office, and searching the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s website.

4. Protect your ideas! Consider asking people you share information with to sign a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement before you reveal specifics.

5. Think twice before you offer others ownership in your business. Plan for a “business divorce” before you commit to a “business marriage.”

6. Surround yourself with the right legal and tax advisors. These individuals should not only have the necessary expertise, they should be passionate about your vision.

7. Make sure you determine what the right business entity is for you. There are several options available that can minimize your liability and protect your assets.

8. Work with a knowledgeable insurance professional to identify what type of insurance you need and the best policies available to you.

Navigating Your Way Through A Flood Insurance Claim

If you were one of the many Massachusetts residents whose home was recently hit hard by water damage, you might soon find yourself drowning in paperwork. Even if you have a great insurance agent to help you with the claims process, you still need to be legally savvy. And that starts with pulling out your homeowners and/or flood insurance policies and reading the fine print. (more…)

Working Out the Kinks in Your Health Club Contract

If your New Year’s Resolution is to get into better shape, you might be thinking about joining a gym or health club. But before you run with the idea, you’ll want to carefully review any contract you are asked to sign. Actually getting to the gym isn’t the biggest challenge, it’s bringing yourself up to speed on what to look for and look out for when dealing with a fitness center.

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