Most of us are glad to see 2008 finally come to a close.  So much has taken place, including the historic election of a new President and records set in all directions on the economic front.  The economy is indeed what most of us will remember for years to come, especially those last few months of the year when we were hit hardest by the mortgage crisis, the stock market crash, rising unemployment, and the latest recession (twice in the past 10 years).

As the new year begins, we need to do everything within our grasp to maintain control over our own personal and professional situations.  That means protecting identity, securing and protecting assets, and maintaining employment and income in our personal lives.  For businesses, we need to be especially conscious of our bottom lines and not allow potential problems to infiltrate our organizations, whether it be employee theft, mismanagement of records, or employee conduct that could adversely affect the company's performance.  When individuals are faced with the reality of having lost up to 50% of their savings, retirement accounts, or college education funds, or if they are faced with foreclosure on a home, unemployment, or bankruptcy...  Well, desperation causes people to take irrational measures to combat these hardships.

Let us know if we can assist or support your efforts to maintain balance in your personal or professional situations as we work through the months ahead.

Best wishes for a prosperous 2009!

 -  Lou