You are a contractor. You know your trade, and you're good at it. But what about the unique financial and legal concerns of running a construction business? Do you have the right tools for dealing with money and the law? Attorney Jim Kramon provides all the information you need to turn your hard work into greater financial security.

You'll learn how to:

• price your work and keep track of expenses
• resolve contract disputes
• get all the tax benefits you're entitled to
• work effectively with an accountant or a lawyer
• plan for retirement

Introduction

CHAPTER 1 Money Matters: Pricing, Billing, Collecting

How to Price Your Work
Using the Hourly Rate Approach
Keeping Track of Expenses
Billing and Collecting Payments for Your Work

CHAPTER 2 Putting It in Writing: Contracts and Beyond

Estimates and Contracts
Following through after the Contract
Contract Disputes

CHAPTER 3 Running and Growing Your Business

Setting Up Your Office
Working Smart
Getting Help
Growing Your Business

CHAPTER 4 Managing the Paper Chase

Getting Motivated
What Is a Record?
What Records to Keep and How to Keep Them
When It's Time to Use the Records
Getting Help with Record Keeping

CHAPTER 5 Drawing the Line: Business vs. Personal Finances

Legal Reasons for Separating Business and Personal Finances
Good-Sense Reasons for Separating Business and Personal Finances
Methods for Separating Business and Personal Finances

CHAPTER 6 Sizing Up Your Options: Corporations, Partnerships, Employees

Look to the Future First
Should I Incorporate?
Business Expansion: Employees, Job Sharing, Subcontractors
Taking on a Partner
Hiring a Lawyer

CHAPTER 7 Taxes: Plain and Simple

Tax Estimating and Reporting Requirements
For the Do-It-Yourselfers
Tax-Related Issues for Contractors
Selecting the Right Accountant

CHAPTER 8 Insurance: Money Well Spent

Types of Insurance
Insurance to Protect Your Business
Insurance for Employees
Including Insurance Costs in Your Prices
Filing Claims
Working with an Agent or Broker

CHAPTER 9 Medical Insurance: How to Live with It

Basic Medical Coverage
Group Medical Coverage
Types of Medical Insurance Plans
Selecting the Right Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance and Taxes
Making the Best Use of Your Health Care Coverage

CHAPTER 10 Disability: Anticipating the Solution

Disability: A Clear and Present Danger
Disability Insurance
Other Solutions for Dealing with Disability

CHAPTER 11 Retirement Planning: Never Too Early

Getting Started
Defining Your Objectives
Estimating Your Future Expenses
Retirement Income: Putting Together the Pieces
Balancing Income with Expenses
Medical Care during Retirement
Retirement and Estate Planning

Glossary

Index