Medical savings accounts: counting on (and coating up!) the benefits

Article Abstract:

Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) offer significant benefits to self-employed individuals and small businesses with two to 50 employees. MSAs were mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and introduced on Jan 1, 1997. These are tax-exempt and feature a combination of high-deductible insurance policy and savings account. Savings in premium from a higher deductible are deposited into a tax-deferred savings account. Deposits can then be used to pay for medical expenses less than the deductible while the insurance company pays for covered expenses if medical expenses are higher than the annual deductible. MSA deposits also earn interest, are tax-exempt when used for qualified medical expenses and can be saved as supplemental retirement income.

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Counting greenhouse gases

Article Abstract:

The City of Melbourne, Australia is participating in the international Cities for Climate Protection program, which is aimed at reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases by the city. The Australian Greenhouse Office funds the program in Australia.

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Counting for local experience

Article Abstract:

Research into the use of Balanced Scorecards by Australian firms, as a method of reviewing their performance, is presented. Some 50% of firms which had used the scorecard approach for five years found it was very useful.

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