Setting up and participating in a retirement plan are important parts of an architect’s financial future. When you have a retirement plan, it is important to name a beneficiary. Understanding the options involved in setting a retirement plan beneficiary is an important part of your decision-making. Selecting beneficiaries for retirement benefits is different from choosing…
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Employee Benefits Safety & Other
New Member Benefit: Save Money
We are pleased to announce that GEICO is now part of the special AIA member benefit offerings offered to you by the AIA Trust for members and component staff of the American Institute of Architects. With a track record of more than 75 years, GEICO now extends its low rates along with a special membership…
Read MoreWhat Can You Do About Your Cash Flow?
One major effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is its effect on the economy and the cash flow issues it is creating for small business owners of all types–including architectural firms. Should you consider borrowing from your 401(k) now? As an architect, if you have a 401(k) plan at work and need some cash, you might…
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How the CARES Act May Assist Self-Employed Architects
The new Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) that was just made into law may provide economic assistance for architects who are self-employed. Under Title II, Assistance for American Workers, Families, and Businesses the Unemployment Insurance Provisions Eligibility, the new law expands the scope of individuals who are eligible for unemployment benefits…
Read MoreThe Threat is Real: Cyberattacks Against Architectural Firms
Many architectural firms are tempted into believing they’re safe from cyberattacks because they don’t consider their data to be “sensitive” enough to attract criminals. A new article published by the AIA Trust is filled with real case studies and highlights how very attractive architectural firms are to cybercriminals, the most successful attack vectors currently in…
Read More5 Reasons Why Smart Women Architects Buy Life Insurance–or More of It
One of the most harrowing experiences I’ve ever had was during the sixth month of my pregnancy. My husband was out late, hadn’t called, and I was, of course, angry at his thoughtlessness. But this very evening, he had misjudged a bend in a rural, mountain road—and plummeted off the side of it into a…
Read MoreIndemnification Clauses: All You Need to Know
Most architects prefer to design the built environment rather than learn about legal concepts such as indemnification. While you should always engage your attorney to review contract language, this legal concept can significantly increase your risks on a project, especially if poorly written. An indemnification clause is your promise to cover the losses of the…
Read MoreBusiness Coverage Life & Health
AIA Trust Programs Assist Members
AIA Trust insurance programs are making efforts to assist AIA member insureds during this uncertain time. For example, New York Life Insurance Company has temporarily extended premium payment periods to ensure that impacted members continue to remain insured even if they are having difficulty making premium payments now. AIA members under age 50 can now…
Read MoreNever Too Soon to Start
If you’re relatively new to practice, you may think that you can deal with retirement planning much later. But it takes years to accumulate the savings you’ll need for an ideal retirement. It’s well worth spending time now to strategize how you’ll get from here to there–even if retirement is many years in your future.…
Read MoreIs Life Insurance for Single People?
Many people assume that life insurance is only for married couples and those with kids. While it is true that all single people may not need life insurance, there are some important reasons to consider it. You have student loan debt. Debt doesn’t die with you. While the loans through the federal government are…
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