Theresa Lynn

We are looking at software to prepare benefits adminstration forms and to assist with the applicable filing requirements. What are your thoughts on Accudraft? How does it compare with other administration/filing software?

President Bush says that if we don't fix social security, there will be 30% cuts in benefits because the fund is inadequate. Yet, under the Bush proposal, the cuts will be approximately 27% for the middle class and all but the very poor. The wealthy already are capped, so they probably would not be affected. So, perhaps my background as a math teacher, a CFP certificant and tax lawyer is inadequate....could someone explain why this is a FIX? I don't follow the logic. Thanks! Theresa Lynn

When you are developing your own benefits administration forms for participant communications and elections as well as other reporting and disclosure requirements, what sources do you use for getting sample/model forms to develop? Any recommendations?

According to her website http://www.form5500help.com/ it is now available through Aspen/Panel. http://www.aspenpublishers.com/product.asp...cookie%5Ftest=1 Theresa Lynn

As you know, only a profit-sharing plan, a stock bonus plan, a pre-ERISA money purchase pension plan, or a rural cooperative plan can include a 401(k) feature (CODA). Are any of you aware of any pre-ERISA money purchase pension plans that include such a feature? Although not indicate in the IRC, Announcement 93-105 indicates that the plan had to include a CODA when ERISA was enacted. Do you know of any that have been amended to other types of plans to provide increased flexibility to the employer (and in some ways to the employee) and thus are dwindling in numbers? Thanks!

Banality, The following is an excerpt from an email that I received from Bedford, Freeman & Worth. I thought of you when I read it, based on what you shared about your experience. I hope it is of some help. Theresa Lynn ----snip SEEKING CONTENT REVIEWERS! Are you or anyone on your staff involved in the teaching or decisionmaking in the areas of English/Communications, Testing/Assessment software, Psychology or History? Then consider becoming a Bedford, Freeman & Worth reviewer! You typically receive an honorarium for your feedback and input on our products and you have a hand in helping shape and create better products for your classroom. If interested please contact George Cook at gcook@bfwpub.com ----snip George Cook National Accounts Manager Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishing Group tel: (800) 470-4767 x 595 fax: (773) 935-4926 Faculty Services: (800) 446-8923 Tech Support: (800) 936-6899 Website: http://www.bfwpub.com/nationalaccounts

For what it is worth, I don't hear the negativity that jsb, GBurns, and WDIK seem to read in Banality's ability to "let down her guard" and reveal herself--flaws, gifts, and all. Perhaps we all need to be more open to listening without judgment when someone has the self-confidence and honesty to be oneself, like Banality. Perhaps we could all learn from her that we need not put up false walls and show false egos for fear of being criticized for one's honesty and candor. When we re-directed the discussion to looking at what Banality's goals were and how her gifts fit with those goals and actually listened--yes listened--we got to know a very gifted person. If we continue to make quick judgments based on words and not the messages that we explored behind them, we lose out on getting to know a valued individual who is now exploring opportunities ahead. We need to listen with an open mind, not with our own value judgments. For example, I confuse a lot of people because I am driven by how a project makes me feel (is it exciting, does it involve creativity, does it help others), not how much it pays...If you judge me based on "money" I am a failure in your eyes although I feel very blessed. Thanks for letting me share. Theresa Lynn

I follow with great interest the releases from Treasury, DOL, and other agencies on the efforts to assist individuals with financial education (and as I call it, financial empowerment through education). However, I am an individual, not a nonprofit. I keep looking for ways to assist and become involved in this effort in a professonal manner-this is a passion of mine. Any ideas on how to get involved with the federal, state, and local governments with these efforts? How do I lose my invisibility and let the powers know that there actually is an individual who is a financial planner (CFP certificant), lawyer, and financial educator/writer (and thus qualified professionally) who wants to do this professionally (for modest pay) and is not interested in the multi-millionare client. thanks! Theresa Lynn

banality, I have found this thread very interesting. I struggle with much of what you discuss. I have worked for a number of employers with ethical standards that do not measure up to my own. I also have turned down jobs where I felt that the ethical and moral code was lower than what I could accept. I also have worked with co-workers that abused me and others and the management refused to acknowledge the improper action, much less do anything about it. After many months of prayer for her to leave, she got an offer at two to three times my pay, but it was bliss. Those who abuse and use are rewarded for their assertiveness and lack of ethics and those who live their ethical standards are punished. I would love to continue this discussion here or off line, as you might wish. Theresa Lynn

You are very welcome...

Banality, You also might want to look at http://www.thejournal.com/ as a source for some good resources and educational providers. Univerisity of Phoenix is a major educational provider. Also check out ETS, now Chauncey Group, and I hear soon part of Thomson Corporation (Thomson Learning). The companies that administer and test the validity of the SATs, GREs, etc., might be able to use your talents. Good luck! With your many talents, you should be able to find something that fits with your interests, talents, and needs. Theresa Lynn

Banality, I was wondering what topic or instructional areas in which you might be interested in teaching. Since I am involved in a number of professional groups, teach online, and am married to a faculty member of a conventional institution, I might have some ideas of where you might direct your efforts. We all need people who are content experts in certain areas. With the push to get more degrees and certifications, the teaching profession is a booming place to be. I have high confidence that the past obstacles will be in the past and that the rainbow of opportunity is just ahead! I look forward to hearing more from you and brainstorming together. Theresa Lynn

Banality, I don't know anything about instructional design. I am a former public school teacher, turned lawyer, CFP® certificant and graduate/law faculty member in tax and benefits. I agree that a positive attitude is helpful, but sometimes it is hard to do at the time. We all have obstacles along the way, except that it seems like yours may be a bit more than the average. Perhaps getting a distance education position and then exploring instructional design consulting opportunities might be a good plan. You might want to check out these sites: Higher Education Directory of Online Schools Teachers Support Network Chronicle of Higher Education If you wish to converse further, feel free to email me privately. Best wishes with your new endeavors (I think positively--the number of distance learning opportunities is mushrooming currently, so I believe that you will find the right one). Theresa Lynn

I know that this sounds like a cop-out. (I don't mean it to be. I am petite and people think I am much taller than I am until we meet. I then get questionable comments and questions in interviews about my mental ability as if being short affects one's brain.) But have you considered doing any distance education teaching? You mentioned that you used to teach. I am a distance learning teaching for a fairly large distance education institution, and there are 100s now in the business. The pay is not too good, but if you combine it right, it might add up to something you can do until or on top of whatever else you can put together. I wish you much luck. I also can understand your frustrations with physicians as well. Theresa

I am trying to locate a person willing to be the administrator for a one-person FSA for a retired clergy person who has no employees. His accountant was willing to provide this service in the past but no longer is maintaining the administrative software license after 2004. Thus, the clergy person needs to find another independent person to provide this minimal service. Where do I look? Do I look to other accountants, a TPA (which is unlikely to want to deal with a one-person situation in a cost effective manner), a financial planner, an insurance broker, an enrolled agent, or what? The clergy person is exceptionally thrifty so any charges will need to be minimal (as an example, he always does take out food and orders only one meal to share when traveling with his spouse, and it is never at supper time). Thank you for any suggestions. Theresa Lynn