Self-Funded vs Level-Funded vs Fully-Insured Health Plans: How Small Employers Cut Premium Costs Without Taking on Catastrophic Claim Risk
A funding-model guide for small employers comparing fully-insured, level-funded, and self-funded group health plans, with the math on stop-loss coverage, ERISA fiduciary exposure, Form 5500 filings, and when each model actually saves money.
The Connelly Trap: How a Unanimous Supreme Court Decision Broke Decades of Buy-Sell Agreements—and What Co-Owners Must Do Now
Connelly v. United States, decided unanimously on June 6, 2024, ruled that company-owned life insurance proceeds count toward a deceased shareholder's estate—adding $889,914 in federal estate tax for one Missouri family. This guide explains why redemption-funded buy-sell agreements now backfire and walks through five workable alternatives, including cross-purchase structures, insurance LLCs, and ILITs.
Cyber Insurance for Small Businesses in 2026: MFA Requirements, Ransomware Coverage, and Premium Benchmarks
S&P forecasts a 15–20% rise in cyber insurance premiums for 2026 after a 126% jump in ransomware incidents. A guide to the controls underwriters now require, typical small business pricing ($1,000–$7,500 for $1M of coverage), and the exclusions behind the 40%+ claim denial rate.
Key Person Life Insurance and Section 101(j) Compliance
Key person life insurance pays the company, not the family, when a founder, rainmaker, or specialist dies. IRC Section 101(j) makes the death benefit taxable unless written notice and consent are completed before the policy issues — a step most small businesses skip, turning a $1M tax-free benefit into roughly $600K–$700K after tax.
Disability Insurance for Self-Employed and Small Business Owners: A Practical Income-Protection Guide
A working-age self-employed professional is roughly three times more likely to become disabled than to die before 65, yet most carry no disability coverage. This guide explains the four policy types, the clauses (own-occupation, elimination period, benefit period) that decide whether claims pay, 2026 premium ranges of 1–4% of income, and the after-tax-vs-deductible premium choice that can shift net benefits by six figures.
Section 831(b) Microcaptive Insurance: A Small Business Guide to Risk Management Without IRS Scrutiny
Section 831(b) microcaptive insurance lets small businesses retain underwriting profit on hard-to-insure risks, but the IRS's 2025 final regulations treat captives with loss ratios under 30% as listed transactions. Here is how to structure one that survives an audit.
Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction: A Complete Guide
Self-employed filers can deduct 100% of qualifying health insurance premiums above-the-line via Form 7206 and Schedule 1 line 17, provided the business is profitable and neither spouse had access to subsidized employer coverage. The guide covers S corporation W-2 requirements, ACA marketplace subsidy circular calculations, age-based long-term care caps, and the five most common errors that trigger IRS disallowance.
Business Insurance: Essential Coverage Every Small Business Needs
Nearly 40% of small businesses carry no insurance. Learn about the essential coverage types—from general liability to cyber insurance—average costs, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose the right policies for your business.
Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Businesses: How to Protect Your Financial Data
Learn 8 essential cybersecurity practices to protect your small business financial data from phishing, ransomware, and data breaches—plus free resources and a guide to building a security-first culture.
Professional Liability Insurance: A Complete Guide for Service-Based Businesses
Professional liability insurance is essential for service-based businesses, providing crucial protection against client disputes and legal claims. Learn what this coverage entails and how it can safeguard your business from financial ruin.
Workers Compensation Insurance: A Complete Guide for Employers
Understanding workers' compensation insurance is crucial for employers to protect their businesses and employees from the financial burden of workplace injuries. This guide covers what it is, its costs, and how to navigate the claims process.
Small Business Insurance: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Company
Understand the essential types of small business insurance, legal requirements, and how to safeguard your company from financial risks. This comprehensive guide provides insights into coverage options and common pitfalls to avoid.