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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Resolve to Have a New You in the New Year


At Least a Healthier, More Relaxed You


(Washington, December 15, 2008)—Seventy-five percent of respondents polled in a survey conducted by VacationBetter.org this month, did not take all of their vacation this year, often foregoing it due to economic or work issues. As the New Year approaches, many of us make resolutions to lose weight, exercise more or do something that makes us look or feel better. The best resolution this year is to commit to taking an annual break to reconnect and recharge. Giving up vacation may actually cost you more in healthcare costs in the long run.


Perhaps it is time to follow New Year advice from a group of people that do tend to keep their resolution past January: timeshare owners. Studies show that there are undisputed, long-term benefits associated with taking regular vacations that contribute to better health, relationships and job performance. 2008 was the year of the “Staycation,” a new idea designed to make staying home sound like a good use of vacation time. Unfortunately, staying confined to the normal routines of daily life will not produce the long-lasting benefits of a traditional vacation.
“Put away the cell phone and laptop and disengage from the daily hassles of your life,” says John de Graaf, executive director of Take Back Your Time, an initiative encouraging time outside of work. “Our goal is to make 2009 the year we all actually take our vacations.”


Although Americans are experiencing tighter budgets, vacations should be viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury. Traveling with timeshare eases the necessity of vacation by taking the stress out of planning for one while accommodating every traveler’s desires. And, vacation ownership accommodations provide for better family time because people can participate in activities at their own leisure. Timeshare ensures this process will happen at least once a year, every year, which means a healthier, more relaxed life.


Everyone deserves a vacation in 2009, and not just a good one, but a better one. Go to http://www.vacationbetter.org/ to take a survey on your New Year’s goals.
Then go to:
AMS Travel Related Services and start planning today, book that special trip.

Friday, December 12, 2008

What to do should you need Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment is on the rise with more job cuts likely for 2009. Most economists believe this recession will continue until 2010. We hope they’re wrong and that this and that you or someone you know will need this information. If you or someone you know does then we hope this will help you or them.

A common question receive has to do with unemployment benefits and how to file for them.

There are a few things you should know that will help you get your benefits sooner.
First, make sure you’re eligible. To get unemployment benefits you must have been an employee, not a private contractor or any other type paid by 1099. If you received a W-2, you’re likely considered an employee.

Regulations and enforcement vary by state. California, for example, is very pro-employee while more conservative states like Ohio could side with the employer for some disputes.
Second, if you know that you’re eligible, submit the paperwork as soon as you can. There is a period of time between the request and the first check arriving so the sooner you apply, the better for your cash flow.

Third, be prepared to show you’re looking for work and to take a mandatory class. Unemployment classes are typical. They provide assistance in finding a job and also show that you’re being proactive with your search. If you don’t go to the class, you will not qualify for benefits. Check with the unemployment office in your state to see if there is a required class.
Fourth, know that your unemployment check is much less than your standard paycheck.

Unemployment is meant to keep you on your feet while you look for a new job.
Last, obviously unemployment does not last forever. You’ll eventually need to find a job because benefits will stop. The sooner the better.

*During this financial crisis some states’ unemployment funds are running dry. This would be a disaster for many. Although unemployment benefits have been a sound program for many years, we recommend not counting on it to pay the bills. Funds could run out depending on your state.

To find the local unemployment office in your state, search Google for unemployment office and state name. This search for the state of California returned this link to file a claim.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Health Care Costs Slowing and how each $ is spent!

Rates increased by 6.1 percent from 2006 to 2007, compared with 8.8 percent from 2004 to 2005 and 13.7 percent from 2000 to 2001. The growth rate for premiums can be attributed to general inflation (64 percent), health care price increases in excess of inflation (30 percent), and increased utilization of services (25 percent), according to the report.

The report also found that 87 cents out of every dollar goes toward medical services, including 10 cents that is dedicated to medical liability and defensive medicine. The remaining 13 cents is divided between consumer services such as health information technology (4 cents), administrative costs (6 cents), and profits (3 cents).

How to save on your health care costs with Consumer Directed Plans:

Health Savings Account Plans Explained …click here!

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Get Ready for the Newly-Revised FMLA Regulations

The federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has been a significant and often challenging compliance obligation for many businesses nationwide. Recognized as one of the most crucial workplace issues for 2009, however, specific recent FMLA developments are anticipated to provide employers with new tools to help administer this type of leave more effectively. Within only about 3 months, employers subject to FMLA need to get familiar and get ready based on the revised regulations which become effective on January 16, 2009.

The FMLA Basics:
FMLA is governed by Federal law. Employers with 50 or more employees must grant up to 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA leave to their employees for certain qualifying events; health care benefits must be continued during FMLA leave; and the employee must be reinstated to his or her former position or an equivalent position at the end of the leave. Employees are eligible for FMLA leave if they have worked for the employer for the 12 months, have worked 1,250 hours or more in that period, and are at a work site where there are at least 50 employees within a 75 mile radius.


Employees must follow the company’s call-in policies if they plan to miss work “absent unusual circumstances.” Currently, employees have up to two days after an absence to notify the company about their need for leave.


An employee’s time spent performing light duty does not count toward FMLA entitlement.
Employers may consider additional medical information obtained through ADA, paid leave, or workers’ compensation procedures.


Employers may account for FMLA absences to determine bonus and incentive rewards.
The regulations interpret and implement the Military Family Leave Amendments enacted earlier this year.


The application of FMLA to professional employer organizations also is addressed.

In the midst of current economic uncertainties, incorporating and applying the revised FMLA regulations may be very frustrating for many employers. At the same, businesses simply cannot afford to ignore the issue. Employers must prepare, review, and update their policies, forms, etc. as needed to communicate clearly and effectively – verbally and in writing – with and for all of its employees.


Learn More by clicking on the HR Link:
A Value Added service available to AMS Clients.