If you're retired or close to retiring, then you've probably got nothing to worry about--your Social Security benefits will likely be paid to you in the amount you've planned on (at least that's what most of the politicians say). But what about the rest of us?

We thought that you would find the following article of interest. Click here to read “How Secure is Social Security.” 

Keeping your cool can be hard to do when the market goes on one of its periodic roller-coaster rides. It's useful to have strategies in place that prepare you both financially and psychologically to handle market volatility. Here are 11 ways that we have found helpful to help keep yourself from making hasty decisions that could have a long-term impact on your ability to achieve your financial goals.

To read a more detailed explanation of each of these tips, click here to read the full article.

• Have a game plan
• Know what you own and why you own it
• Remember that everything's relative
• Tell yourself that this too shall pass
• Be willing to learn from your mistakes
• Consider playing defense
• Stay on course by continuing to save
• Use cash to help manage your mindset
• Remember your roadmap
• Look in the rear-view mirror
• Take it easy

With budgets tighter than ever before, everyone is looking for ways to reduce costs while at the same time improving operating efficiency. When it comes to your company's phone system, there may be no better way to accomplish both of those goals than by implementing a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system.

On behalf of Skoda Minotti and Fidelity Voice and Data, we would like to invite you to join us for an informative seminar - "Creating Value, Efficiency, and Savings using VoIP." The seminar will be led by Fidelity Voice and Data's Ron Kohn.

In addition to an overview of the technology and its benefits, Ron will also be covering real-life case studies of companies that have implemented VoIP and the results that they have seen.   

Event Details

Date:           February 12th, 2009

Time:          11:30am - Noon: Registration and Networking

                    Noon - 12:45pm: Luncheon Seminar: "Creating 
                    Value, Efficiency and Savings Using VoIP"

                    12:45-1:00pm: Q&A

Location:     Lockkeeper's (Formerly Restaurant Dante)

                    8001 Rockside Rd

                    Valley View, OH 44125

                    Click here for directions

Cost:            $25

Click here to register online before Monday, February 9th.

We look forward to seeing you at this event. Please do not hesitate to contact Bob Goricki (bgoricki@skodaminotti.com) or Vanessa Carter (vcarter@fidelityaccess.com) with any questions that you may have.

Critical Security Update for Internet Explorer

On December 17, Microsoft issued a security update for all versions of Internet Explorer with a maximum severity rating of critical. This security update was released outside of the usual monthly security bulletin release cycle in an effort to protect customers.

For more information on this security update, please click here.

To ensure that you receive this critical update, simply run “Windows Update” and the file should be downloaded automatically.

Holiday E-card Caution

The holiday season is prime time for e-cards sent between friends and business contacts. We’d like to offer a word of warning that in the past, e-card viruses have been popular at this time of year. Please be cautious when opening an e-card, even if it appears to be from a trusted source.

For more information on e-card viruses, please click here.

We are very pleased to announce that on December 1st, we will be opening the doors to our new Akron office. The office will be located at 3875 Embassy Parkway, Suite 200, in Fairlawn.

With an increasing portion of our clients and employees based in the Akron area, we realize the significant potential for growth that the area holds. An Akron office will allow us to serve our Akron client base more efficiently and effectively. Additionally, this office will further our goal of continuing to attract the best and most talented staff in order to continue delivering on the promise of outstanding client service.

Our new Akron office will be fully integrated with our current Mayfield Village office and our professionals will be able to fully serve clients from either location. If you are in the Akron area this December, we invite you to stop by and check out our new office space. Click here for directions. 

Whether it is from our Mayfield Village location or from our new Akron Office, we look forward to continuing to deliver on the promise to you now and in the future.

We're pleased to announce the availability of our Northeast Ohio Real Estate and Construction Survey. The survey covers more than 40 questions regarding the real estate and construction industries. In addition, the survey offers more in-depth coverage of timely topics in the real estate and construction industries such as green construction, cost segregation and the Economic Stimulus Act.

For a sample of the survey results, please see this article from September's issue of Smart Business Cleveland.

If you would like to request a complete copy of the survey results, please contact Roger Gingerich at 440-449-6800 or rogergingerich@skodaminotti.com.

Please note that Ohio’s sales tax filing requirements have changed. Starting with January 2009 sales tax (due 2/23/09), the state will no longer accept paper monthly sales tax forms. You will now need to file electronically using Ohio Business Gateway. To view the complete notice, click here.

You can find more information about electronic filing methods at www.tax.ohio.gov.