Is weather more important than healthcare costs? According to a new national research from Longevity Alliance and conducted by Harris Interactive, U.S. adults aged 40+ who plan on relocating after they retire may overlook how their healthcare costs could change from one location to another. Actually, about three in four (76 percent) of adults planning to relocate after retirement say that they consider the cost of healthcare as important or very important in their decision. But, the cost of healthcare is ranked number three of five behind the overall cost of living, and climate, and just ahead of ease of transportation and proximity to friends and family. What this means is that overlooking the cost of healthcare and health insurance can have real consequences for retirees. Costs vary from one part of the country to another and insurance premiums, Medicare health plans, Medicaid, and long-term care rates can also change exponentially. As an example, consider that the average annual premium for a Medicare Supplement insurance policy in New York could be around $3,700; yet that same policy holder moving to Phoenix will find the premium to be as low as $1,200. Quite a difference. According to Longevity Alliance president Steve Zaleznick, too may times, people considering retirement and relocation don’t give any thought to how it could affect their healthcare and insurance costs. “As retirees grow older, those costs grow larger, so choosing a region that makes those costs affordable is a key component of a sound retirement strategy.” Zaleznick offers five specific tips before anyone moves:

Private sector employment increased by 40,000 in December, according to figures released by payroll processor ADP.

The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department have released final regulations and a revenue procedure requiring tax preparers to obtain consent before they can distribute taxpayer information to third parties, along with a proposal to restrict the marketing of refund anticipation loans and similar products.

James E. Koenig, the former CFO of disposal giant Waste Management, was ordered to pay over $4 million in penalties for committing 60 securities law violations over a five-year period.

Banking giant HSBC USA has said it would sell its Wealth and Tax Advisory Services USA business to some of its managing directors for up to $65.9 million as part of a management buyout.

The Government Accountability Office has issued a guidance document to help auditors comply with the new requirements of the July 2007 revision of government auditing standards.

This free, new webinar details how practitioners are implementing the new audit standards that change how non-public company, not-for-profit and governmental audits are performed.

The Securities and Exchange Commission said the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota has entered final judgments against the former CFO and controller of Buca Inc., the corporate parent of the Buca di Beppo restaurant chain.

The American Institute of CPAs has issued guidance defining terms for describing the professional requirements of accountants who perform a compilation or review.

The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department have implemented enhanced standards of conduct for tax preparers.

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board has proposed two new standards focusing on enhancing auditors’ consideration of controls at service organizations, along with a third standard that addresses the communication of deficiencies in internal control to those charged with governance.

Deloitte & Touche has agreed to contribute $38.25 million to settle claims in a securities class-action lawsuit against bankrupt auto parts maker Delphi.

Snodgrass, Dunlap and Co. plans to merge its office in Iola, Kan., with Jarred, Gilmore & Philips, an accounting firm based in Chanute, Kan., on the first of the year.

This free, new webinar details how practitioners are implementing the new audit standards that change how non-public company, not-for-profit and governmental audits are performed.

The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department have proposed two sets of regulations relating to pension plans.

In the event you just came in from Mars, you will note that we are getting ready to launch into the year 2008. This is generally the time of year when everybody and his dog begin to hit us over the head with all kinds of financial advice. It’s also the time of year which is usually referred to as “housekeeping time.” That’s where you take an annual review of your total financial picture. Not everybody does this, which is kind of unfortunate. Most people don’t seem to realize that during the last year, things have changed such as personal goals, financial plan, even life circumstances. According to Stoker Ostler Wealth Advisors (formerly Private Wealth Management), a fee-only wealth management firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona, this is the time to revisit key areas and see if changes need to be made that will better serve your needs. Cody Amis, senior financial planner at the firm, says “Just like getting an annual physical, doing maintenance on your house or having your car tuned up, you want to take a look at your total financial picture at least once a year. Accounting for life changing events can help steer you on the path to your dream of a secure future.” Amis is a firm believer that organizing financials annually will set the right tone for financial success. “It’s a myth that this is only for people who are older or wealthy,” he adds. “I can’t emphasize enough how important this process is for young families, single mothers, retirees, and anyone who owns a house or property.” He offers five tips to help people get organized: 1) Create a Statement of Net Worth. This, he says, serves as a snapshot of all of your individual assets and liabilities. 2) Review your Estate Plan. Amis advises that it is important to have a will, Revocable Living Trust, Durable Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Powers of Attorney. 3) Risk Management. He notes that it is also important to identify any significant changes to your family or your assets that may warrant an adjustment to your insurance policies. In other words, the advice is to make sure that your property, liability, and health insurance policies offer coverage consistent with your needs. 4) Review Your Retirement Plan. Amis says that the new year is an ideal time to maximize your retirement plan contributions or revisit the plan’s investment allocation. 5) Don’t Procrastinate. Make a commitment to have your financials in order by the end of January so that you can get the most out of 2008. In short, the sooner you get organized, the better. And a Healthy and Happy New Year to you and yours. See you in ’08.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a final rule on accepting financial statements prepared by foreign companies in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards without reconciling them with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Five jobs in the accounting and finance field are expected to be especially well positioned for salary increases next year.

The Government Accountability Office has released a report on the possibility of using accrual budgeting instead of cash budgeting to bring more attention to the nation's long-term fiscal challenges.

The Securities and Exchange Commission introduced an online tool that allows investors to compare executive pay at 500 of the largest American companies.