Recently, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conducted several surveys of their members. In one, 20 percent of organizations reported leveraging benefits packages to retain workers. That number is surprisingly low given how effective desirable benefits can be for keeping staff happy, engaged and committed to their employers.

Of all the gifts you give your child, the ability to understand and handle money is probably the most valuable. The tools and lessons you give them to create a solid financial foundation will help them throughout their entire life.

You’ve poured your heart and soul into your business—shouldn’t you protect it? Evaluating your insurance needs is a critical part of business planning, one that will help you protect your investment by minimizing risks, liabilities and losses. Of course, it’s also a difficult road to navigate alone. Whether you’re just starting up, hiring your first employee, or planning for future growth, enlist the assistance of a reputable insurance advisor. He or she will help you review a number of factors to select the right insurance for your company structures, activities and locale.

Once upon a time, large desktop computers were the golden standard of computing and portable devices were the exception. Today, almost the complete reverse is true. Laptop computers have grown more powerful and less expensive. Where college students considered typewriters to be mandatory equipment a generation ago, most today would not dream of attending college without a laptop. Businesspeople employ a variety of devices, including laptops, PDAs, tablets, and smart phones. Electronic book readers, led by the success of the Amazon Kindle, are becoming more popular. These devices are convenient, easy to carry, easy to use for information, entertainment, and communication, and very trendy. They are, however, also very susceptible to theft or damage, and their replacement costs can be substantial.

While a solid benefits package will help your company attract and retain top talent, setting one up incorrectly can subject you to fines and even criminal prosecution. Benefit planning is a complicated undertaking, and it’s all too easy for busy business owners to make mistakes. Consider the following potential legal pitfalls you need to avoid.