NZ still in the top 20, but only just: IMD

May 17th, 2010

May 19 () – Weak capital markets, management skills, and export performance are the biggest factors behind New Zealand’s slide five places down the rankings on the IMD World Competitiveness Index, released tonight, on the eve of the John Key-led government’s second Budget.

But the country scores well on its capacity to weather the storm of debt created in the “old industrialised nations” by the global financial crisis, thanks to relatively low public debt to Gross Domestic Product.
The IMD Swiss business school’s annual survey of businesspeople and policymakers in 54 developed or emerging economies is a widely watched indicator for the quality of country governance and public investment, as well as the investment environment. The survey

Read more…

Hartford pays disability benefits for 12 years and then uses video surveillance to deny benefits

May 16th, 2010

Retirement Savings Account with Tax Deductions

May 16th, 2010

When you divert money into a retirement savings account you’re not only planning for your future, but you’re also racking up some tax benefits in the process. The specifics of tax deductions you can obtain on the contribution amounts you make to your retirement savings account depend on the type of retirement account into which you’re making contributions–Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or 401k. Both types of accounts, however, do allow you to take tax deductions in the current tax year.

Traditional IRAs and 401ks

Traditional retirement savings accounts permit you to deduct your contribution amount in the current tax year. When yo

Read more…

Microsoft Advertising lands NBC as display ads rebound

May 15th, 2010

NBC has tapped Microsoft Advertising to do a broad, multiplatform campaign for promoting the network’s fall television lineup, the companies announced Thursday.

The U.S. campaign, kicking off May 17, will include ads across all “three screens,” as Microsoft puts it: TV, computer and mobile phone. Microsoft Advertising will surface NBC’s “More Colorful” ads on Xbox 360, MSN, Bing and Windows Mobile.

“We are able to tailor NBC’s content for each property and screen, from MSN to Xbox and Windows Mobile, and flex our targeting muscles to tell a cohesive story of NBC’s brand and fall lineup,” Robin Domeniconi, Microsoft’s vice president for U.S.

Read more…

How to Save on Rental Cars

May 14th, 2010

Sooner or later, just about everyone ends up needing to rent a car. Whether it is because they are on vacation and need a set of wheels, or their own car is in the shop and a rental becomes a necessity.

If you have looked at prices lately you know that getting a car, even for a short period, can be expensive. Advertisements may imply that you can rent something for $19 a day, but once you tack on extras, the price skyrockets.

The Not-So-Complete Daily Rate

When you go online, which is the best place to compare rates, you find that cars are advertised by the daily rate. That rate includes nothing but the car and in some cases, mileage.

Read more…

Video – First Critical Mistake In Alabama Ejectment Lawsuit – Failing To Answer The Complaint

May 14th, 2010

If we don’t answer the lawsuit (the complaint) then the mortgage company wins. Even if the foreclosure was bogus. Even if the foreclosure came about by fraud.

Read more…