Run a UCC Lien Search Before You Buy a Business
A UCC lien search shows which lenders hold security interests in a seller's assets. Search the state of organization, then run a bring-down before closing.
#risk-management
Risk Management
Strategies for identifying and mitigating business risks including insurance
A Certificate of Insurance Isn't Coverage: What Additional Insured Status Actually Gives Your Business
A certificate of insurance confers no rights — only the endorsement does. What additional insured status covers, the CG 20 10/20 37 forms, and what it costs.
The Federal Bonding Program: Free $5,000–$25,000 Fidelity Bonds for Hiring At-Risk Workers
The US Federal Bonding Program issues free $5,000–$25,000 fidelity bonds covering an at-risk hire's first six months — no premium, no deductible.
Concentrated Stock Risk: When Your Business Is Most of Your Net Worth
About 70% of a business owner's wealth sits in the business; measure the ratio, then diversify with staged sales, Section 1202 QSBS, and outside accounts.
AI Deepfakes Now Drive 40% of Business Email Compromise: The AP Controls That Stop a Cloned Voice From Approving a Fake Wire
40% of business email compromise now uses AI deepfakes. Out-of-band callbacks, dual approval, and locked vendor records stop voice-clone wire fraud.
Authorized Push Payment Fraud: The Invoice Scam Your Bank Won't Reverse
Because you authorized the wire, US banks rarely refund APP fraud — $8.3B lost in 2024. Out-of-band vendor verification and dual approval stop it.
Why Your Insurer Paid Less Than the Repair Bill: ACV vs. Replacement Cost and the 80% Coinsurance Penalty
An 80% coinsurance clause pays $36,750 on a $50,000 loss when you carry $600,000 on a $1,000,000 building. Here is the math, and four ways to avoid it.
Sponsoring a 401(k) Makes You Personally Liable: What Fiduciary Liability Insurance Covers That Your ERISA Bond Doesn't
An ERISA fidelity bond protects the plan from theft, not you. Fiduciary liability insurance covers 401(k) breach-of-duty claims for $500–$2,500 a year.
License and Permit Bonds Are Not Contract Bonds: What License Bonds Cost, How Claims Work, and Why Your Bid Bond Won't Satisfy the Board
A US contractor license bond protects the public and costs 1–3% a year; a bid bond protects one project owner and will never satisfy a state licensing board.
Mutual NDAs for Small Businesses: Define It, Mark It, and Sign Before You Share
A mutual NDA binds both sides — and the residuals clause, the marking rules, and two separate clocks decide whether yours survives a dispute.
Tech E&O Insurance: What Software Developers and IT Consultants Are Actually Covered For
Tech E&O insurance pays your legal defense and damages when buggy code, bad advice, or missed deadlines cost a client money — solo policies run $60–$110/month.
Domestic Asset Protection Trusts: How Business Owners Shield Personal Assets From Lawsuits Before They Happen
A domestic asset protection trust shields personal assets from future lawsuits, but only if you fund it while solvent, years before any claim arises.