Question:

http://www.time.com/time/personoftheyear/2003/story.html

Response:

http://www.time.com/time/personoftheyear/2003/story.html

It’s about fucking time, Time

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m in my forties, but I’ve never before even _considered_ buying a new car or truck.  I probably haven’t even been on a new car dealers lot more than a 1/2 dozen times in my life. But now I’m thinking seriously of buying a new Toyota pickup truck. I’ve got a good idea of what to expect to pay.  And I’m not desperate for a new toy, so I feel I can walk away from any dealer and keep living with my current car. First, the financial scenario: I’ve got a decent amount of money socked away and could pay cash for the truck I have in mind.  Still, I’ll probably finance maybe $10k of the purchase.  My credit union will easily finance this amount on a new car and at a very good rate. Not a 0% or 1% promo rate, but I’m not even sure I want to talk with a dealership’s financing guys and I don’t think promo financing like this is available currently from Toyota anyway. Some questions that I’ve got in the back of my mind – probably kinda silly, but here they are: – Is it feasible to actually walk into a dealership with a checkbook, a letter of credit, make a deal, then drive away with a new vehicle?  Yes.  All you really need is the checkbook as long as they have  reason to believe the check will be good. If so, how long could I expect the ordeal to take?  And can this be done during the evening or on a weekend as well?  I’ve done it in one hour.  With the disclaimer that I had already  been there once before on the initial fishing expedition and had  test driven on that tour and spoken to the salesman, the sales  manager, and the finance manager on the earlier trip to let them  know that if I came back to buy, it would be on a short lunch  hour.  Granted this was from a rather candid dealership who was  more interested in free lot space and money than mind games.  If you have multiple dealers, picking one by the sales tactics  that least piss you off is just as valid as anything else. Plus  you may want to wander into the service area and sorta estimate  how many stalls, mechanics, parts space etc. is there.  The dealer may try to finance you for extra profit.  The dealer  may try to cool you off.  If you have a cell phone and an  accomplice this is easier to deal with, as you’ll have a reason  to be more insistent that they get on with it without being  as obnoxious.  If you can get a price on a sales contract, the next cooloff  will be trying to sell undercoating and/or extended warranty.  If you want neither, just ask if you can tear up the sales  contract.  And don’t let the contract out of your physical hands no matter  what, as it ain’t final until the dealer signs it and most will  try to get you to sign first.  Once you sign, if the salesman  tries to go to the sales manager, pick up the contract and carry  it with you.  A nice big pair of heavy scissors may come in  handy, or a cigar lighter when your patience runs out.  Sadly, Toyota dealers, at least around here, are amongst the  snakiest.  If the salestype starts the mind games when you walk  on the lot, so are yours.  You might want to consider a domestic… in some areas the domestic  dealers are a bit less snaky. It’s not clear to me how the dealer would contact my bank to verify the loan, or how I’d arrange the state-mandated insurance for the vehicle during non-business hours.  Even during business hours, how would you finalize the loan with your bank so that you could immediately take possession of the vehicle?  Depends on your state.  The dealer has no need to verify the  loan if you take your checkbook.  This may not stop them from  trying to use this as a delay…  As for the loan from your bank, have it pre-set.  If you have  lotsa cash, you might want to consider *not* using the vehicle  to guarantee the loan… use the cash.  That way you can already  have the loan in your bank account.  If you do use the vehicle,  your banker can tell you how to proceed [and may suggest a dealer.]  As for insurance, if you have insurance already, it should cover  the new vehicle automatically on most policies and is required to  in some states.  Talk to your insurance company so you are  prepared in advance… as in some states the dealer is allowed  to sell insurance and will may try to get you into their  possibly more expensive policies. – What fees beyond the amount paid to the dealer (including the prep and destination fees) can I expect to pay?  I’m thinking along the lines of sales tax and licensing.  Would I pay these directly to the dealer?  Seperate check to the county?  Usually the dealer collects those on your behalf.  You’ll be asked to sign  a power of attorney restricted to allowing them to submit paperwork  on your behalf to the DMV.  In some states, you may need to apply for  the plates yourself.  The finance folks at the dealer can give you  accurate estimates. During the negotiation of a price, can I get the sales guy to quote me the _exact_ amount of tax and licensing costs for the vehicle?  It’s all well and good to know I’m paying $X for the truck, but I want to know exactly how much lighter my checking accounting is going to be _before_ I start righting checks.  The finance folks can do this.  You might want to stop by the  dealer(s) and ask the finance folks for some good guesstimates  which any honest dealer will be glad to do.  Hopefully there  is at least one in your area.

Thanks, Lon.  Appreciate the detailed reply.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m in my forties, but I’ve never before even _considered_ buying a new car or truck.  I probably haven’t even been on a new car dealers lot more than a 1/2 dozen times in my life. But now I’m thinking seriously of buying a new Toyota pickup truck. I’ve got a good idea of what to expect to pay.  And I’m not desperate for a new toy, so I feel I can walk away from any dealer and keep living with my current car. First, the financial scenario: I’ve got a decent amount of money socked away and could pay cash for the truck I have in mind.  Still, I’ll probably finance maybe $10k of the purchase.  My credit union will easily finance this amount on a new car and at a very good rate. Not a 0% or 1% promo rate, but I’m not even sure I want to talk with a dealership’s financing guys and I don’t think promo financing like this is available currently from Toyota anyway. Some questions that I’ve got in the back of my mind – probably kinda silly, but here they are: – Is it feasible to actually walk into a dealership with a checkbook, a letter of credit, make a deal, then drive away with a new vehicle?

  Yes.  All you really need is the checkbook as long as they have   reason to believe the check will be good. If so, how long could I expect the ordeal to take?  And can this be done during the evening or on a weekend as well?

  I’ve done it in one hour.  With the disclaimer that I had already   been there once before on the initial fishing expedition and had   test driven on that tour and spoken to the salesman, the sales   manager, and the finance manager on the earlier trip to let them   know that if I came back to buy, it would be on a short lunch   hour.  Granted this was from a rather candid dealership who was   more interested in free lot space and money than mind games.   If you have multiple dealers, picking one by the sales tactics   that least piss you off is just as valid as anything else. Plus   you may want to wander into the service area and sorta estimate   how many stalls, mechanics, parts space etc. is there.   The dealer may try to finance you for extra profit.  The dealer   may try to cool you off.  If you have a cell phone and an   accomplice this is easier to deal with, as you’ll have a reason   to be more insistent that they get on with it without being   as obnoxious.   If you can get a price on a sales contract, the next cooloff   will be trying to sell undercoating and/or extended warranty.   If you want neither, just ask if you can tear up the sales   contract.   And don’t let the contract out of your physical hands no matter   what, as it ain’t final until the dealer signs it and most will   try to get you to sign first.  Once you sign, if the salesman   tries to go to the sales manager, pick up the contract and carry   it with you.  A nice big pair of heavy scissors may come in   handy, or a cigar lighter when your patience runs out.   Sadly, Toyota dealers, at least around here, are amongst the   snakiest.  If the salestype starts the mind games when you walk   on the lot, so are yours.   You might want to consider a domestic… in some areas the domestic   dealers are a bit less snaky. It’s not clear to me how the dealer would contact my bank to verify the loan, or how I’d arrange the state-mandated insurance for the vehicle during non-business hours.  Even during business hours, how would you finalize the loan with your bank so that you could immediately take possession of the vehicle?

  Depends on your state.  The dealer has no need to verify the   loan if you take your checkbook.  This may not stop them from   trying to use this as a delay…   As for the loan from your bank, have it pre-set.  If you have   lotsa cash, you might want to consider *not* using the vehicle   to guarantee the loan… use the cash.  That way you can already   have the loan in your bank account.  If you do use the vehicle,   your banker can tell you how to proceed [and may suggest a dealer.]   As for insurance, if you have insurance already, it should cover   the new vehicle automatically on most policies and is required to   in some states.  Talk to your insurance company so you are   prepared in advance… as in some states the dealer is allowed   to sell insurance and will may try to get you into their   possibly more expensive policies. – What fees beyond the amount paid to the dealer (including the prep and destination fees) can I expect to pay?  I’m thinking along the lines of sales tax and licensing.  Would I pay these directly to the dealer?  Seperate check to the county?

  Usually the dealer collects those on your behalf.  You’ll be asked to sign   a power of attorney restricted to allowing them to submit paperwork   on your behalf to the DMV.  In some states, you may need to apply for   the plates yourself.  The finance folks at the dealer can give you   accurate estimates. During the negotiation of a price, can I get the sales guy to quote me the _exact_ amount of tax and licensing costs for the vehicle?  It’s all well and good to know I’m paying $X for the truck, but I want to know exactly how much lighter my checking accounting is going to be _before_ I start righting checks.

  The finance folks can do this.  You might want to stop by the   dealer(s) and ask the finance folks for some good guesstimates   which any honest dealer will be glad to do.  Hopefully there   is at least one in your area. — Fan of the dumbest team in America.

Response:

I’m in my forties, but I’ve never before even _considered_ buying a new car or truck.  I probably haven’t even been on a new car dealers lot more than a 1/2 dozen times in my life. But now I’m thinking seriously of buying a new Toyota pickup truck. I’ve got a good idea of what to expect to pay.  And I’m not desperate for a new toy, so I feel I can walk away from any dealer and keep living with my current car. First, the financial scenario: I’ve got a decent amount of money socked away and could pay cash for the truck I have in mind.  Still, I’ll probably finance maybe $10k of the purchase.  My credit union will easily finance this amount on a new car and at a very good rate. Not a 0% or 1% promo rate, but I’m not even sure I want to talk with a dealership’s financing guys and I don’t think promo financing like this is available currently from Toyota anyway. Some questions that I’ve got in the back of my mind – probably kinda silly, but here they are: – Is it feasible to actually walk into a dealership with a checkbook, a letter of credit, make a deal, then drive away with a new vehicle? If so, how long could I expect the ordeal to take?  And can this be done during the evening or on a weekend as well? It’s not clear to me how the dealer would contact my bank to verify the loan, or how I’d arrange the state-mandated insurance for the vehicle during non-business hours.  Even during business hours, how would you finalize the loan with your bank so that you could immediately take possession of the vehicle? – What fees beyond the amount paid to the dealer (including the prep and destination fees) can I expect to pay?  I’m thinking along the lines of sales tax and licensing.  Would I pay these directly to the dealer?  Seperate check to the county? During the negotiation of a price, can I get the sales guy to quote me the _exact_ amount of tax and licensing costs for the vehicle?  It’s all well and good to know I’m paying $X for the truck, but I want to know exactly how much lighter my checking accounting is going to be _before_ I start righting checks. Thanks, J

Response:

Question:

Hi, all.  I’m not sure if this is the right place to find an answer to my question, but I think it is, so here goes…… The company I work for is deducting $100 per pay period to be deposited into my 403(b) account (this is the equivalent of a 401(k), but for non-profits) but they are sometimes not depositing the money for 3 to 6 weeks after they have held it out of my check.  My question is……is there a law that states limits on deposit delays of employee withholdings? Thanks, Michelle

Response:

Here in Massachusetts, and depending on the details of how the plan is set up, employers must make deposits to the plan monthly, by the 15th of the month following.  So in theory, yes, they can legally not deposit your withholdings for 6 weeks. Part of the problem is in all the reporting paperwork that goes along with administering these plans and in tracking all the eligibility requirements, dollars, percentages, etc., for the participants and potential participants. Some really big companies have programs in place that automatically track all this stuff and they send in deposits every pay period.  Most companies are smaller, and there’s one overworked person in a corner somewhere tearing their hair out every month in an effort to get all the deposits credited properly, the check out, and the reports updated by the deadline of the 15th of the month following. Hope this helps. Catherine Grant – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, all.  I’m not sure if this is the right place to find an answer to my question, but I think it is, so here goes…… The company I work for is deducting $100 per pay period to be deposited into my 403(b) account (this is the equivalent of a 401(k), but for non-profits) but they are sometimes not depositing the money for 3 to 6 weeks after they have held it out of my check.  My question is……is there a law that states limits on deposit delays of employee withholdings? Thanks, Michelle

Response:

Most companies are smaller, and there’s one overworked person in a corner somewhere tearing their hair out every month in an effort to get all the deposits credited properly, the check out, and the reports updated by the deadline of the 15th of the month following.

Thanks, Catherine.  I should have told y’all I’m in Texas.  I didn’t think of different laws for different states before I sent the post.  I wonder…..is the law about the 15th of the month a Federal law or state law? We are a small to medium non-profit but our deposits are delayed because they don’t have the  money, or choose to pay vendors instead, not because the person responsible for making the deposits has to get it straightened out. Thanks again, Michelle

Response:

To the best of my knowledge, the requirements for the 15th of the month following are ERISA requirements — in other words, part of the Federal 401k/403b gaggle of rules and regulations regarding retirement plans.  Many states add their own nuances to the lists….. Catherine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Most companies are smaller, and there’s one overworked person in a corner somewhere tearing their hair out every month in an effort to get all the deposits credited properly, the check out, and the reports updated by the deadline of the 15th of the month following. Thanks, Catherine.  I should have told y’all I’m in Texas.  I didn’t think of different laws for different states before I sent the post.  I wonder…..is the law about the 15th of the month a Federal law or state law? We are a small to medium non-profit but our deposits are delayed because they don’t have the  money, or choose to pay vendors instead, not because the person responsible for making the deposits has to get it straightened out. Thanks again, Michelle

Response:

Thanks, Catherine.  I should have told y’all I’m in Texas. I didn’t think of different laws for different states before I sent the post.  I wonder…..is the law about the 15th of the month a Federal law or state law?

Federal. We are a small to medium non-profit but our deposits are delayed because they don’t have the  money, or choose to pay vendors instead, not because the person responsible for making the deposits has to get it straightened out.

Well, unless you actually work with the numbers you most likely don’t know what the issues are.  That being said, there isn’t any "pot of money" with your name on it that they are dipping into to pay other vendors.  The General Funds of the organization are just that, and can be, and most likely will be, used for any number of things throughout the month. As long as the withheld (and any matching) amounts are paid by the due dates, then you have nothing to worry about and certainly nothing to complain about. — Paul A. Thomas, CPA Athens,  Georgia http://www.pat-cpa.com

Response:

Well, unless you actually work with the numbers you most likely don’t know what the issues are. That being said, there isn’t any "pot of money" with your name on it that they are dipping into to pay other vendors.  The General Funds of the organization are just that, and can be, and most likely will be, used for any number of things throughout the month.

Actually, I do know that the funds are not being transfered because they are not available, and that they are not available because they were spent paying vendors (I’m not a vendor).  I know these things because I talked to the person responsible for making the deposits. Actually, the money withheld from my paycheck is my money and they would have to pony it up if I weren’t contributing it to a retirement account. Isn’t there some rule/law about setting aside undistributed monies, deducted from employee paychecks, until which time they are distributed?  I mean, what if the company spent all the 403(b) money and then for whatever reason is not able to replace it (revenue ceases, etc.)?  Wouldn’t there be legal ramifications? As long as the withheld (and any matching) amounts are paid by the due dates, then you have nothing to worry about and certainly nothing to complain about.

The due dates is what I was asking about.  Since Catherine indicated things might be different from state to state, I asked if the laws regulating this are Federal.  Nobody in our payroll or accounting department seems to know what the laws are so they also don’t know if they are following them.  Of course, if they are within the law, then I wouldn’t complain, but that doesn’t mean I have nothing to worry about.  I’m not earning interest on "my" money while the company is using it to pay their bills. Michelle

Response:

Hi again Michelle; First to clear up a misunderstanding — sorry if I was not clear.  The due date is Federal and no state can change it.  The nuances that states add are their _own_ requirements, on top of the Federal ones, for more information that needs to be tracked and kept as reports. That said, as long as the funds are being sent in by the due date, the company is well within it’s rights to use "your" withholdings for payments to vendors, as long as when they send out the check by the 15thof the following month, they include some of "their" money to replace what they used of "yours".  (All the quotes are because this is still in the general funds and impoosible to differentiate — "your" withholdings are not tagged or highlighted in any way.) There is no requirement to pay you any interest in the time between the withholdings and the date the check is sent.  Then why should you bother? Because you are still getting to invest this money of yours on a tax-deferred basis.  So you are getting to invest more money more painlessley than any other way you can invest (unless they were gifting you with retirement funds — extremely rare these days!). Now, if the company does not send in the withholdings because they have no cash, they’re going under, whatever, yes there are legal ramifications.  If this is a real concern of yours, watch your quarterly statements from the investment management company that holds your 403(b) like a hawk.  Make sure you know exactly how much money was supposed to go in and that it got there.  If something doesn’t seem right, call them first to make sure a last deposit didn’t make a statement because it was posted a day too late or something like that. If the payment never got there, ask the person in charge what happened.  If you don’t like that answer (for example, "We didn’t have the funds" as opposed to "Ooops!  Oh my God, thanks for telling me!!!") then you can talk legal. One other thing if you’re really concerned about all this — if/when you leave this employer, look into the possibility of rolling over this 403(b) into your own rollover IRA so the money is more in your control.  This shouldn’t be a big thing, though — once the investment company has the funds, they are yours and in your name and your employer can’t touch them. Catherine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, unless you actually work with the numbers you most likely don’t know what the issues are. That being said, there isn’t any "pot of money" with your name on it that they are dipping into to pay other vendors.  The General Funds of the organization are just that, and can be, and most likely will be, used for any number of things throughout the month. Actually, I do know that the funds are not being transfered because they are not available, and that they are not available because they were spent paying vendors (I’m not a vendor).  I know these things because I talked to the person responsible for making the deposits. Actually, the money withheld from my paycheck is my money and they would have to pony it up if I weren’t contributing it to a retirement account. Isn’t there some rule/law about setting aside undistributed monies, deducted from employee paychecks, until which time they are distributed?  I mean, what if the company spent all the 403(b) money and then for whatever reason is not able to replace it (revenue ceases, etc.)?  Wouldn’t there be legal ramifications? As long as the withheld (and any matching) amounts are paid by the due dates, then you have nothing to worry about and certainly nothing to complain about. The due dates is what I was asking about.  Since Catherine indicated things might be different from state to state, I asked if the laws regulating this are Federal.  Nobody in our payroll or accounting department seems to know what the laws are so they also don’t know if they are following them.  Of course, if they are within the law, then I wouldn’t complain, but that doesn’t mean I have nothing to worry about.  I’m not earning interest on "my" money while the company is using it to pay their bills. Michelle

Response:

Thanks so much for the thorough explanation  I am definitely watching the quarterlies, which is how I found that things didn’t seem quite right. The organization isn’t going under, it’s just a non-profit with cash-flow problems sometimes.  We are in the process of being taken over by a more business oriented lot so maybe some of this will improve. Thanks again. Michelle

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi again Michelle; First to clear up a misunderstanding — sorry if I was not clear.  The due date is Federal and no state can change it.  The nuances that states add are their _own_ requirements, on top of the Federal ones, for more information that needs to be tracked and kept as reports. That said, as long as the funds are being sent in by the due date, the company is well within it’s rights to use "your" withholdings for payments to vendors, as long as when they send out the check by the 15thof the following month, they include some of "their" money to replace what they used of "yours".  (All the quotes are because this is still in the general funds and impoosible to differentiate — "your" withholdings are not tagged or highlighted in any way.) There is no requirement to pay you any interest in the time between the withholdings and the date the check is sent.  Then why should you bother? Because you are still getting to invest this money of yours on a tax-deferred basis.  So you are getting to invest more money more painlessley than any other way you can invest (unless they were gifting you with retirement funds — extremely rare these days!). Now, if the company does not send in the withholdings because they have no cash, they’re going under, whatever, yes there are legal ramifications.  If this is a real concern of yours, watch your quarterly statements from the investment management company that holds your 403(b) like a hawk.  Make sure you know exactly how much money was supposed to go in and that it got there.  If something doesn’t seem right, call them first to make sure a last deposit didn’t make a statement because it was posted a day too late or something like that. If the payment never got there, ask the person in charge what happened. If you don’t like that answer (for example, "We didn’t have the funds" as opposed to "Ooops!  Oh my God, thanks for telling me!!!") then you can talk legal. One other thing if you’re really concerned about all this — if/when you leave this employer, look into the possibility of rolling over this 403(b) into your own rollover IRA so the money is more in your control.  This shouldn’t be a big thing, though — once the investment company has the funds, they are yours and in your name and your employer can’t touch them. Catherine Well, unless you actually work with the numbers you most likely don’t know what the issues are. That being said, there isn’t any "pot of money" with your name on it that they are dipping into to pay other vendors.  The General Funds of the organization are just that, and can be, and most likely will be, used for any number of things throughout the month. Actually, I do know that the funds are not being transfered because they are not available, and that they are not available because they were spent paying vendors (I’m not a vendor).  I know these things because I talked to the person responsible for making the deposits. Actually, the money withheld from my paycheck is my money and they would have to pony it up if I weren’t contributing it to a retirement account. Isn’t there some rule/law about setting aside undistributed monies, deducted from employee paychecks, until which time they are distributed?  I mean, what if the company spent all the 403(b) money and then for whatever reason is not able to replace it (revenue ceases, etc.)?  Wouldn’t there be legal ramifications? As long as the withheld (and any matching) amounts are paid by the due dates, then you have nothing to worry about and certainly nothing to complain about. The due dates is what I was asking about.  Since Catherine indicated things might be different from state to state, I asked if the laws regulating this are Federal.  Nobody in our payroll or accounting department seems to know what the laws are so they also don’t know if they are following them. Of course, if they are within the law, then I wouldn’t complain, but that doesn’t mean I have nothing to worry about.  I’m not earning interest on "my" money while the company is using it to pay their bills. Michelle

Response:

"Michelle Fulton" wrote Actually, the money withheld from my paycheck is my money

True. and they would have to pony it up if I weren’t contributing it to a retirement account.

Then don’t participate. Isn’t there some rule/law about setting aside undistributed monies, deducted from employee paychecks, until which time they are distributed?

Nope. I mean, what if the company spent all the 403(b) money and then for whatever reason is not able to replace it (revenue ceases, etc.)? Wouldn’t there be legal ramifications?

There certainly would.  But that doesn’t mean they have to "set it aside" or otherwise account for it during the time it gets withheld and the time it gets deposited. I’m not earning interest on "my" money while the company is using it to pay their bills.

The stop participating in the 401K.  It’s that simple.  You have your money to invest as you see fit. Have you ever thought that they "use your money" from paycheck to paycheck? Just a thought. — Paul A. Thomas, CPA Athens,  Georgia http://www.pat-cpa.com

Response:

Question:

In addition to epinions, where is a good place to get word out on on truly dishonest and unresponsive conduct by a resort and some of its accounting staff? – in this case the Wyndham Rose Hall resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. (my account below).  Thanks —- Six months ago I was there for a week of business conference, and haven’t been there before or since.  This month a phone charge (about 40USD) appeared on my AMEX account for a call I obviously didn’t make (to somewhere in New Jersey).  This doesn’t happen by accident. Now I have to either change my AMEX account or vigilantly scan my bill every month to ensure more charges do not appear.  This is not my only experience to report. While there a business associate left a package for me at the desk (two bottles of liquor).  Of course it was nowhere to be found when I went to pick it up. Then upon checkout I found many extra and redundant charges.  I barely had enough time to argue, have them removed, and make it to the airport on time. Staying at the Wyndham Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica was by far the worst hospitality experience of my life, and the effects are still coming to my AMEX account. By the way, I called them to ask how the phone charge happened.  They said to send a fax, and someone would get back to me and explain.  I did so just out of curiosity, but of course no response at all. After the bogus phone charge, stolen liquor, extra/redundant charges, and lack of response on this inquiry, I wonder if there is an honest person working at the place. If anyone doubts my claim of dishonest phone charge, I can email a scanned copy of the bill.

Response:

It depends how hell bent you are on getting the word out. Why not register a domain name (wyndhamsucks, wyndhamlies.com etc) and put your report up there? You could put your bill, your transcripts etc. Emailing them the site address might push things along a little bit.

Response:

It’s not a crusade and I certainly don’t have that much time. Re emailing them the site, I couldn’t even get them to respond to my inquiry on bogus phone charge.  I don’t expect them to respond as a better managed property would. But a few posts on sites could alert other visitors.

It depends how hell bent you are on getting the word out. Why not register a domain name (wyndhamsucks, wyndhamlies.com etc) and put your report up there? You could put your bill, your transcripts etc. Emailing them the site address might push things along a little bit.

Response:

The Southern Region Chapter of the American Sociaty of Travel Agents (ASTA) just completed their conference there, haven’t heard of complaints…

Response:

I do not suggest every person or group has experiences like mine, nor do I think my experiences were isolated incidents. Also I would suspect they would be on their best behavior with such a group, no?

The Southern Region Chapter of the American Sociaty of Travel Agents (ASTA) just completed their conference there, haven’t heard of complaints…

Response:

Welcome to Jamaica Mon ! We fix problem soon mon!  No problem mon!

Response:

Question:

Hi all i run a small business in the UK – marketing services – and I’m wondering whether to use MYOB or SAge instant for my account.  does anyone have any experience of either or views on which is better? thanks philly

Response:

MYOB is your first choice. It is user friendly and its report can be export to MS excel. Philly Desai

Question:

Hi Everyone, A couple of weeks ago, I asked a question about which accounting software was most preferred by accountants. The concensus was that the client chooses–Quickbooks most likely–and the accountant lives with it.  You all answered several questions I had (some I didn’t realize I had) and in the final analysis made me realize that I’d rather work for the accountants than the clients.   As a bookkeeper, I always thought that door was closed to me….that anyone working directly for an accountant is an "accountant in training".   However, now I’ve come across a school here in Toronto that offers a course called "Accounting Technician". It includes two computer progams (I think one is "Caseware").  I don’t know much more about it. .  I want to go into something new but related to my bookkeeping experience and this seems to be a viable direction, but ???  I’d really appreciate your views.  Thanks. Judy

Response:

It sounds as though you have some prior bookkeeping experience.  May accounting firms not only prepare taxes but also do accounting work for clients as outsourced services.  These can include A/P, P/R, G/L, etc.  If you have experience in these areas no new training may be needed for you to assume a position with a local accounting and/or bookkeeping service.  Of course I’m always the first to encourage additional training/education so don’t let that stop you from pursing the additional education.  I mention that only because you may already be ready for one of these positions and then you may get some educational assistance from your new employer both financially and guidance.  Truly good firms will help you by helping you set goals and then in meeting them, but of course the real work is up to you. Good Luck Don   Regards,   Donald A Haney, MBA   Emergency Care Specialists, PC   "Learning occurs in the mind, independent of time and place." – Plato   Hi Everyone,   A couple of weeks ago, I asked a question about which accounting software   was most preferred by accountants. The concensus was that the client   chooses–Quickbooks most likely–and the accountant lives with it.  You all   answered several questions I had (some I didn’t realize I had) and in the   final analysis made me realize that I’d rather work for the accountants than   the clients.   As a bookkeeper, I always thought that door was closed to   me….that anyone working directly for an accountant is an "accountant in   training".   However, now I’ve come across a school here in Toronto that   offers a course called "Accounting Technician". It includes two computer   progams (I think one is "Caseware").  I don’t know much more about it. . I   want to go into something new but related to my bookkeeping experience and   this seems to be a viable direction, but ???  I’d really appreciate your   views.  Thanks.   Judy

Response:

Hi Jude! As Donald mentioned, depending on your experience as a bookkeeper, you may have a good foundation for moving into the "Accounting Technician" area of Public Practise.  One CA firm I used to work for had "Technicians" that had been employed for 15-20 years in the same capacity.  They were valued for there practical knowledge, and ability to clean up "messes" brought in by clients in a quick and efficient manner.  Many firms provide payroll, and general and general monthly/quarterly/annual bookkeeping services to their clients in addition to year-end and tax work.  That is where the career technicians (the  non-accountants in training types) come in and really shine. One word of warning though… The salary scale for technicians may not be as prosperous as it is for the self-employed person. Regards, David Spence

…As a bookkeeper, I always thought that door was closed to – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -me….that anyone working directly for an accountant is an "accountant in training".   However, now I’ve come across a school here in Toronto that offers a course called "Accounting Technician". It includes two computer progams (I think one is "Caseware").  I don’t know much more about it. .  I want to go into something new but related to my bookkeeping experience and this seems to be a viable direction, but ???  I’d really appreciate your views.  Thanks. Judy

Response:

Hi Don…..Hi David You’ve both given me some food for thought.  I’ve been told by the school here that, with my extensive bookkeeping experience, I could expect to earn about $25/hr as a "Technician".  Although you don’t indicate which country you’re in, do you know if that’s BS?? Thanks Judy

Response:

$25 an hour as a technician sounds reasonable in the Toronto market. from halifax, robin

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi Everyone, A couple of weeks ago, I asked a question about which accounting software was most preferred by accountants. The concensus was that the client chooses–Quickbooks most likely–and the accountant lives with it.  You all answered several questions I had (some I didn’t realize I had) and in the final analysis made me realize that I’d rather work for the accountants than the clients.   As a bookkeeper, I always thought that door was closed to me….that anyone working directly for an accountant is an "accountant in training".   However, now I’ve come across a school here in Toronto that offers a course called "Accounting Technician". It includes two computer progams (I think one is "Caseware").  I don’t know much more about it. .  I want to go into something new but related to my bookkeeping experience and this seems to be a viable direction, but ???  I’d really appreciate your views.  Thanks. Judy

Judy I live in England and in 1995 I enrolled on course for computers (total basics) in 1996 I enrolled on a book keeping course in 1997 I enrolled on course A.A.T (Association Of Acounting Technicians) The course consisted of 3 stages(Foundation,Intermediate and Technician) The Foundation I did not have to do . because of my book keeping course So i went in for the Intermediate (passed) In 1998 I went into the final stage (Technician) and got my results on 28 aug 1999 (and passed) I have been out of work for a while and now I Hope to find employment The course was intense although it was only one day a week but I hope it will see me in good stead You know more about the real world than me because I have never worked in an Accounting environment ever GO FOR the course it will give you so much more knowledge and insite at best it will get you a higher paid job at worst you will know alot more about them things that other people thing are way above your head Andy

Response:

Thanks for the info, Robin.  Looks like this might be worth going for. Judy

Response:

Thanks, Andy……this looks like a viable direction for me to go, too. Congratulations and good luck with your job search. Judy

Response:

Question:

Right now we are using ACCPAC, but to become Y2K compliant, we have to upgrade it or get another accounting package. So here’s what we have:  150 room hotel, restaurant, lounge, and banquet facilities.  ACCPAC is currently handling payables and general ledger (receivables ledger is on the custom software provided by our franchise and the payroll is done through ADP).  I would like to find something along the same lines as ACCPAC that is perhaps simpler to use, lower cost, and has more statistical functions. Suggestions?

There are 2 hotel accounting Quickbooks add-ons on my web site.       Mike Block, Tax Fighting C.P.A.                  World’s #1 QuickBooks Top Tester QB add-ons/seminars http://www.blocktax.com        Ft Lauderdale FL 954-566-7540

Response:

Right now we are using ACCPAC, but to become Y2K compliant, we have to upgrade it or get another accounting package. So here’s what we have:  150 room hotel, restaurant, lounge, and banquet facilities.  ACCPAC is currently handling payables and general ledger (receivables ledger is on the custom software provided by our franchise and the payroll is done through ADP).  I would like to find something along the same lines as ACCPAC that is perhaps simpler to use, lower cost, and has more statistical functions. Suggestions?

Response:

Right now we are using ACCPAC, but to become Y2K compliant, we have to upgrade it or get another accounting package. So here’s what we have:  150 room hotel, restaurant, lounge, and banquet facilities.  ACCPAC is currently handling payables and general ledger (receivables ledger is on the custom software provided by our franchise and the payroll is done through ADP).  I would like to find something along the same lines as ACCPAC that is perhaps simpler to use, lower cost, and has more statistical functions. Suggestions?

If you decide to stick with ACCPAC, there is a hotel system designed to work with it. Check out the site at http://www.unisoft-system.com/UniResMan/uniresman.htm Cheers, John

Response:

Question:

Has anyone worked with a program called Construction Manager.  A client of mine uses QuickBooks and says it is not giving him detailed job costing reports which he needs. He wasn’t specific but did mention budget vs. actual in QuickBooks is awkward.  We work with QuickBooks, but am not all that familiar with the Job Costing section. My client is subdividing one lot and building 3 houses.

Response:

    You might suggest he look at Red Wing (which I resell) which has a job costing module. It’s noticeably more than QB, but you get more.     The demo version includes job costing and is construction oriented. It can be downloaded. Luck,  Dana To reply, please remove NOSPAM from the address Visit our web site at http://www.tailored-computing.com

Response:

The two leading products, as best I know, are American Contractor and Timberline.  Timberline is probably superior.   I think you can get a demo or trial version. Actually, most prospects don’t want detailed job cost, they want semi-automated job cost.  That is, they want the computer to do the maximum work so they can pull relevant reports with less effort. If this makes sense, I can offer a few alternative suggestions. Respectfully,  - Carl Dick 949-261-2694 www.cpaccess.com Has anyone worked with a program called Construction Manager.  A client of mine uses QuickBooks and says it is not giving him detailed job costing reports which he needs. He wasn’t specific but did mention budget vs. actual in QuickBooks is awkward.  We work with QuickBooks, but am not all that familiar with the Job Costing section. My client is subdividing one lot and building 3 houses.

- Carl Dick 949-261-2694 800-997-7944 www.cpaccess.com

Response:

Ron, I do a lot of contractors, but I am not familiar with "Construction Manager". If all your guy intends to do is subdivide one lot and build three houses, you might want to check out some of Mike Block’s workarounds and stay with QB.  It can take longer to set up a specilized system than it will take to do three houses. In case he has more serious things in mind, I’ve included a couple of useful sites. http://www.ctsguides.com/construction/body.html http://www.dirtpile.com/texis/index/Computer_Software/Accounting/ Jim Hudspeth, a Washington CPA Has anyone worked with a program called Construction Manager.  A client of mine uses QuickBooks and says it is not giving him detailed job costing reports which he needs. He wasn’t specific but did mention budget vs. actual in QuickBooks is awkward.  We work with QuickBooks, but am not all that familiar with the Job Costing section. My client is subdividing one lot and building 3 houses.

Response:

The two leading products, as best I know, are American Contractor and Timberline.  Timberline is probably superior.   I think you can get a demo or trial version.

Yes, Timberline is a GOIN CONCERN!  Very competent. I got a free demo CD the latest version this week simply by asking for it on the webpage. Todd

Response:

The two leading products, as best I know, are American Contractor and Timberline.  Timberline is probably superior.   I think you can get a demo or trial version. Yes, Timberline is a GOIN CONCERN!  Very competent. I got a free demo CD the latest version this week simply by asking for it on the webpage. Todd

Todd, I have at least one client running Timberline.  It is indeed a "goin concern" and very competent. It is also a bit expensive, both in terms of purchase and setup – not what I would recommend to a person who wants to subdivide one lot and build three houses. Best Regards, Jim Hudspeth, CPA

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Question:

Hi, I have quickbooks 5 and I was hoping that someone could tell me how to set it up so each customer has a different rate for each item, instead of typing it in everytime. Thanx, Shawn

Response:

QuickBooks can only have one price per item. If this feature is a must have for your business then you should look into higher end accounting systems. Many of these accounting systems have multiple price lists as well as the ability to adjust the sales price by a discount percentage or markup based on the type of customer you are selling to. In addition many have provision for special sales prices that have start and end dates.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi, I have quickbooks 5 and I was hoping that someone could tell me how to set it up so each customer has a different rate for each item, instead of typing it in everytime. Thanx, Shawn

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Question:

I have a client that desperately needs a better software package for their not for profit organization.  It would be nice if the software could keep two years open until the y/e audit is completed and then do automatic closing entries.  Also would be nice if the software could handle some donor/membership database capabilities, but not a requirement.  This company can only afford to budget about $1,000-$1,500 for this.  Any suggestions? B.MacLaren CPA — # Netscape folder cache

Response:

Hello I would like everyone to know about our new products, Painless Accounting & Painless Payroll.  Come to our web site and look over our reviews, read what our customers think of our product and down load a demo version to try out. http://www.computek.net/public/kpierce/ Jim Ness Voice: (507) 386-1334 Beeper: (507) 386-9571

Response:

I would like to tell you about our products Painless Accounting and Painless Payroll.  Here is our web site, you can down load a free trial version of the software, read some reviews, and see some testimonials from some of our customers. http://www.computek.net/public/kpierce/ I hope to hear from you soon. Jim Ness Voice: (507) 386-1334

Response:

I have a client that desperately needs a new software package for their not for profit organization.  I’m looking for a package that would allow them to keep two years open at the same time until y/e audit is completed and would then close the year after posting closing entries automatically.  It would also be nice if the package had some donor/membership database capabilities, but not a requirement.  The only catch is they only have $1,000-$1,500 available for this purchase.  Would appreciate any suggestions.  Thanks. B. MacLaren CPA

  Hello, As per your post, may I tell you about DataPro Financial Systems? We have been serving the Not for Profit arena for over 13 years and have amassed all happy customers. I recently included a full demo version on DataPro’s site. Take a look at it, you won’t be sorry. The software will do everything your client wants now and in the future. We also provide an midrange accounting package for the AS/400 if you should need this platform. If you should have technical questions, please address them to Gary Green 616 685-9214 or you would like additional information please call MBA Information Systems at 616 534-7000 as they are our sales and marketing force. Regards, Gary — Gary Green DataPro Inc. 616 685-9214 http://www.data-pro.com

Response:

I have a client that desperately needs a better software package for their not for profit organization.  It would be nice if the software could keep two years open until the y/e audit is completed and then do automatic closing entries.  Also would be nice if the software could handle some donor/membership database capabilities, but not a requirement.  This company can only afford to budget about $1000-$1500 for this.  Any suggestions? Berta MacLaren, CPA

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