Would you like to make calls from your cell phone but don't want your number showing up on caller i.d.?

It's easy. Press *67 and then the number. That should block their caller i.d. from displaying your number.

Bookkeeping and Taxes
For Administrators...

Only 50% of meals and entertainment expenses can be claimed on your taxes. However, networking expenses are 100% deductible. So if the meal is included as part of a networking event, the cost for the meal and meeting are 100% deductible.

If you'd like to know more, contact me.

The Dozen Do's for Setting Fees
For Attorneys...

Summarized from "How to Start & Build A Law Practice" by Jay G. Foonberg (5th Edition, Revised & Updated), pp. 321-323.

7.  Don't be tempted by the Client who wants you to take a case at a reduced fee with the promise of more cases later. There won't be any later cases. Tell the client that in your office, every piece of work has to stand on its own and pay its own way.
8.  Be sure you bring up fees at your first meeting (meeting, not call, email or letter). Try to limit your first meeting to one hour. After 40 minutes, ask the client "Would this be a good time to discuss fees?" Don't wait until the end of the meeting - you may need to modify work based on the client's willingness or ability to pay.
9.  Use the number "5" in quoting fees. Professional marketers have determined that people prefer odd numbers such as 3, 5, 7, and 9 over even numbers when setting prices. $195/hour is more acceptable than $200/hour.

To be completed next week...

To automatically place the filename and path into your word processing documents, follow this shortcut:

Word: Insert, AutoText, Header/Footer, Filename & Path. The filename and path are automatically inserted into the footer.

WordPerfect: Insert, Other, Path & Filename. The filename and path are automatically inserted wherever the curser is placed in the document.

IRS Announces 2007 Mileage Rates
For Administrators...

The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2007 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

48.5 cents per mile for business miles driven;
20 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and
14 cents per mile driven in service to a charitable organization.

The new rate for business miles compares to a rate of 44.5 cents per mile for 2006. For more information, go to IRS Announces 2007 Standard Mileage Rates.

The Last of the Dozen Do's for Setting Fees
For Attorneys...

Summarized from "How to Start & Build A Law Practice" by Jay G. Foonberg (5th Edition, Revised & Updated), pp. 321-323.

10.  Suggest, when appropriate, that the Client borrow fees from a credit union or relative. If the Client doesn't want to go to relatives, be wary. They may not intend to pay.
11.  Suggest, when appropriate, that the Client give you collateral or security for payment of fees. This may be important when the client may be defunct, bankrupt or jailed if the case is lost.
12.  Suggest the Client use a credit card. The credit card can belong to the client or a friend/relative. Get written approval for future charges by your authorization.