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You may believe that since all the owners of the business are family members that you do not need a buy-sell agreement. That's not the case. Every business that has more than one owner, whether the owners are related or not, needs a buy-sell agreement. A proper buy-sell agreement can assure that the business remains in the family. Without such an agreement, family members could transfer their ownership interest to outsiders or, in the event of a bitter divorce, the ex-spouse could become an owner. Read this article and learn other reasons family-owned businesses should have a buy-sell agreement.

THE CARD ACT: CONGRESS DEALS OUT RESTIRCTIONS ON THE CREDIT CARD INDUSTRY

The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 ("CARD Act") was passed in May 2009 in an effort to provide protections to credit card users greater protection including requiring that credit card statements and other information be provided in "plain language in plain sight" and ensuring that credit card issuers engaging in deceptive practices involving are held accountable. On February 10, 2010 the CARD Act became effective. The CARD Act addresses a number of issues of concern to consumers including a consumer's ability to repay debt, limits on credit card issuers to increase credit card fees and finance charges, disclosure requirements on monthly credit card statements, limits on penalties for going over the limit amount on the card, and gift card expiration.