A new survey from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) indicates that the vast majority of CPA’s in executive positions, such as corporate chief executive officers (CEOs), chief financial officers (CFOs) and Controllers, believe American companies can’t continue providing pensions that adequately cover their employees’ retirement years.

The new bankruptcy legislation enacted on October 17, 2005, apparently only had a temporary effect on the number of bankruptcy filings.

Tip jars are turning up everywhere in America these days. Don’t feel guilty if you ignore the ones at fast food establishments, even coffee shops, if they don’t bring food or beverages to the table. Tip jars are often placed so conspicuously that employees at self-serve businesses, from gas stations, convenience stores, hot dog carts, coffee houses and fast food restaurants, are being rewarded for service they are not providing. In the meantime, people who do provide service are often overlooked, especially when we travel around the country.Tips are not just rewards for good service.

That’s what management is telling staff at Rachlin Cohen & Holtz, Florida’s largest accounting firm. Over the firm’s 51 year history, they have created a culture of year –round tax planning that allows the firm to close the office at 3:00 p.m. today, rather than burning the midnight oil.“The concept of April 15 is only important if you haven’t preplanned,” Rachlin Cohen & Holtz’ Managing Partner Larry Blum told AccountingWEB.

Widely advertised and promoted by U.S. tax preparation companies, refund-anticipation loans are a $1.6 billion market in this country. Jackson Hewitt has seen their latest quarter, ended January 31, beat their quarter revenue estimates. The Asbury Park Press reports that their Money Now loan program has helped the price of its shares swell by more 8.8 percent in a year.

A survey of 122 Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) by Grant Thornton showed that 84 percent support the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) proposal to report the level of pension funding on the balance sheet. The response came as a surprise to many, but “because corporate pension information is already disclosed in the notes to the financial statements,” said John Hepp, a senior financial professional-standards manager at Grant Thornton, according to CFO.com, finance executives would not object to the new rule.

Tax time can leave many people, both accountants and taxpayers, feeling overwhelmed. For a quick break and to put life into perspective, visit www.YourMoneyYourWay.com. This short movie was developed by Tracy Piercy, CFP, for those facing financial challenges, but at this time of year it serves as a great reminder, for anyone needing a reminder, of what it is that is really precious in life.For the curious, providing a name and email address in the form at the end of the movie signs you up for MoneyMinding’s ongoing email financial management tips and strategies.

Parents who forget to do their homework before choosing a state-sponsored college savings plan are being sold funds with the highest fees, according to a survey of state-sponsored 529 college savings plans just published in the Journal of American Taxation Association. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is investigating the sales practices of 529 plans and has reportedly requested a copy of the article.“Our results are consistent with the fact that it’s so difficult to choose the right plan that people ask investment brokers for advice, and brokers are selling investors

Flying is hazardous. It not just the one in thousands or one in millions chances of crashes or terrorism, it’s physical effects of travel that are far more common and potentially just as serious. Whether traveling on business or pleasure, here are some tips from Harvard Men’s Health Watch for reducing the health hazards of flying: Air pressure: Prevent sinus and ear problems by chewing gum and swallowing often.