This challenging economy and stagnant job market have left plenty of qualified and capable Americans without work. And when qualified and capable people suddenly have time on their hands, many of them will think about starting their own business.

Almost everyone knows that you need a business plan, but one of the most difficult questions to answer when developing that business plan is how much start-up costs will be. There are so many factors to consider, including business licenses and incorporation fees, patents and trademarks, business insurance, leases for an office or production facilities, and many more.

So many, in fact, that it is almost impossible to accurately calculate business start-up costs. Even adding a new location to an existing business can produce wildly different start-up costs when compared to the original start-up experience.

So is it useless to plan? Not exactly, says Theodore Bolema, a professor at South University’s Novi, Mich. campus and director of the business program. Bolema, who holds a Ph.D. in business as well as a law degree, says planning is important – but so is being realistic about the accuracy of your forecast.  ”A decent rule of thumb is to figure out what you think your costs will be. Then double it,” Bolema says.

There is a good reason that it is nearly impossible to accurately predict these costs, according to Bolema. “Determining fees, equipment purchases, inventory and the like is relatively easy for most businesses. What’s much more difficult

is knowing what your cost of time will be.”

The “cost of time” is an important concept for all businesses, but especially for start-ups. If a business is obligated to pay an office lease or employee salaries while it is not yet able to do business – or a regulatory agency is holding up its ability to do business – then start-up costs will add up quickly.

And don’t expect government agencies to operate with your costs in mind. Even the best-run agency will not move with the same urgency you would like, Bolema says. After all, it may be your lifelong dream and your life’s savings at risk, but to them, you are just another file folder stacked on the desk.

So while you are waiting for an agency to act, or a supplier to supply, or an advertising firm to get that mailer in your customers’ mailboxes, you’ll be paying building leases, business loan payments, utility bills, payroll and all the rest – all without any revenue to offset those expenses.

It can be frustrating, but it certainly will be less frustrating if you build a business plan realistically and raise capital accordingly.

“It’s better to tie up capital in a cash reserve than to have an inadequately funded business plan,” says Bolema. As in life, there is plenty of uncertainty in business. So hope for the best and plan sensibly, including how long things will take, not just

how much they will cost.

(ARA) – Whether you are male or female, you likely have some key elements to your health routine like exercise, good food, rest and regular medical and dental check-ups. Taking care of your skin probably isn’t a part of this important list – but it should be. Your skin is a living organ and a first line of defense against the outside world. Your skin protects you from environmental toxins and pathogens, gets rid of waste, regulates healthy body temperature and is ultimately the picture of health the world sees.

Men are often guiltier of neglecting healthy skin care than women. Maybe skin care isn’t considered manly enough, or maybe it’s simply felt that beyond a good scrub and shave nothing else is needed. And the barrage of high-priced, celebrity-endorsed anti-aging products sold by powerhouse cosmetics companies for women contributes to the notion that skin care is a luxury for well-to-do women rather than an important aspect of a healthy everyday lifestyle.

One hundred percent pure and natural essential oils from a reputable company such as Aura Cacia provide a natural way to scent your own healthy skin care products. For more information and valuable skin care tips, visit www.auracacia.com.

(ARA) – Few things say “fall” like the crispness in the air, the bright colors of changing leaves and the warm, comforting foods that come with the season’s harvest. While the classic recipes that you rely on year after year will always have a place on your menus, simple twists on a beloved vegetable will keep everyone clamoring for a prime spot at the dinner table.

Seven unique potato types mean you can try a new one every day of the week for a fun and varied menu plan. Not only that, potatoes are a healthy addition to your menu. At just 110 calories per serving, they’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals and are a good source of potassium. A medium-size (5.3 ounce) skin-on potato has almost half your daily value of vitamin C, and no fat, sodium or cholesterol.

Try these recipes from www.potatogoodness.com to give your family new ways to enjoy a perennial favorite.

* Yellow potatoes – These buttery delights have smooth, golden flesh under a thin golden skin. They’re dense enough to stand up to grilling, and using that method will give you crispy skins and a hint of sweet, caramelized flavor. Recipe to try: Grilled Potato Planks.

* White potatoes – Varieties with light tan skin and creamy white flesh are a great choice for making classic mashed potatoes. Because their flesh is dense, it becomes thick and rich when mashed. Because the skin is thin, there’s no need to peel before mashing. Spice up your favorite mashed dish with new flavor additions. Recipe to try: Chipotle Mashed Potatoes.

* Russet potatoes – They’ve likely been a fixture on the dinner table since you were young, but russets have more to offer than just the basics. Indeed, they’re great for baking, because their flesh comes out light and fluffy, and the skin stays tasty and crisp. Recipe to try: Baked Potato Nachos.

* Petite potatoes – Kids love the mix of colors and adults love them for their concentrated flavor and quick cooking times. Prep is simple for potato salads – cook whole and unpeeled potatoes your preferred method until they’re fork-tender, toss with your favorite potato salad ingredients, and you’ll have a dish that tastes as good as it looks. Recipe to try: Red, White and Blue Potato Salad.

* Fingerlings – Small and slender, these are popular on the menus of gourmet restaurants throughout the country. A secret – they’re easy to cook at home, too. They come in a range of colors and have a firm texture that’s great for pan frying, which brings out their natural nutty or buttery tastes. Recipe to try: Pan Fried Fingerlings with Wild Mushroom Sauce.

* Purples – The vibrantly colored skin and flesh of these potatoes look like something out of your child’s favorite fantasy book, but they’re a healthy, delicious choice for everyday meals. They hold their shape well with cooking and their nutty flavor is a unique addition to salads or other side dishes. Recipe to try: Blackened Blue Potato Salad.

* Reds – Preparing roasted meals is much more appealing in fall’s cool temperatures, and red potatoes are ideal for that cooking method. They stay moist and flavorful even after roasting. They retain their color, making a visually appealing addition to your table. Recipe to try: Roasted Pesto Potato Salad.

Experimenting with different types and preparations of potatoes may just help you find a new family favorite – it could even help you fully accessorize your kitchen. By entering “Better Homes and Gardens” magazine’s Prize Tested Recipe contest, you could win a $500 monthly prize or even a grand prize of $10,000 in Frigidaire kitchen appliances. For more information, go to BHG.com/ptrcontest. Deadline for entry is Oct. 23, 2011.

Visit www.potatogoodness.com and www.facebook.com/PotatoesTatersAndSpuds to see more healthy potato recipes and how-to videos for inspiration.

(ARA) – As October marks Cyber Security Month, many consumers may be asking themselves, why do I care about cyber security? The truth is … you should, because it’s about protecting your financial, medical and other personal information. Every month the FBI-affiliated Internet Crime Complaint Center receives 25,000 complaints, from identity theft to online scams, and everyone is a potential victim. But you can take action. Financial services companies, top targets for cyber attacks, are fighting back to protect consumers and are encouraging consumers to join in the fight.

Cyber criminals often target consumers who are least protected. Gary McAlum, chief security officer at USAA, a leading financial services provider that serves members of the military and their families, offers five simple tips that will help every consumer be less attractive to a cyber criminal and ultimately be better protected against cyber attacks.

1. Put up a strong fence

The “fundamental three” of computer security consists of a firewall, anti-malware software and automatic updates. Chances are you already have these installed on your machine. Modern computers and routers have firewalls built in, and you can download a reputable anti-malware program online, often for free. Cyber criminals are constantly advancing their techniques and their abilities, so updating your protection software is critical to keeping your wall strong. Do your research before downloading any programs from the Internet. Some viruses are disguised as anti-malware programs.

2. Get complicated

Passwords are the first line of defense to protect your sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands. Whenever money is involved, toughen up. If a hacker gets your email password, what’s the next stop? Your bank. Take extra care with your financial account passwords. Do not use simple words or anything like your last name or a pet’s name. Incorporate numbers and special characters, and change passwords every six months.

3. Authenticate your devices

Companies are employing new tools to make their website more secure. In fact, a new breed of website security adds an extra layer of protection beyond usernames and passwords by registering your computer and/or smartphone’s unique thumbprint when you first login. Why? The website is more confident it’s you doing the driving instead of a cyber-thief. If the site detects a computer you don’t normally use, expect extra questions to prove your identity.

Want to get proactive? Check with your financial institution to see if they offer tools to help you protect yourself. USAA offers an additional protection mechanism, called CyberCode, in case your username, password, and PIN get into the wrong hands. Easily installed on any smart phone, this app sends members a new, randomly generated code right to their phone that they must use to access their accounts.

4. Be alert

Most credit card issuers allow you set parameters so your provider can send you a text message or email if a large charge hits your card. For example, USAA has a two-way, instant text system that will allow you to confirm any purchase while you’re at the checkout register – or if it’s not your purchase, you can deny it instantly. Also be sure to review your statements for abnormal activity.

5. Be suspicious

Most people get scammed by offering too much personal information. Cyber criminals may try to disguise themselves as trusted entities. Be wary, and don’t give away your password or credit card number if you’re contacted by anyone posing as your financial institution. Even if an email or a phone call appears to be legit, be suspicious. Remember, no legitimate financial institution will ask you to provide personal or financial information in response to an email. In fact, USAA has developed an email system called “Security Zone” that ensures each email is tagged with each member’s unique identification information, so people can have confidence that these emails are in fact from USAA.

Cyber crime is prevalent, and the perpetrators are constantly improving their techniques. By following these steps, you will be better equipped to help combat potential attacks. For more information about how to protect yourself from cyber crime, visit the Security and Privacy Center on www.usaa.com.

(ARA) – If you’ve seen the movie or trailer for “Contagion,” or you’re thinking ahead to the winter germ season, chances are you may be placing a little more priority on hand hygiene and wellness these days. While it’s not always good to take life lessons away from what you see on the big screen, health experts agree that hand hygiene is one of the best steps you can take to prevent yourself from getting sick.

Hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of common illnesses, food-borne pathogens and other communicable diseases related to the passing of germs. By cleaning your hands frequently, you can be sure you’re doing all you can to make it through the peak season for many common ailments without getting sick.

We’ve all been told that hand washing is important, but it’s not always easy to remember – or take the time – to wash your hands properly. So now is as good a time as any to review the guidelines for proper hand washing as laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Of course, there are times you need to wash your hands but you aren’t anywhere near a sink. In that case, the CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, such as PURELL. Pump bottles, portable options, sanitizing wipes and sprays are all offered by PURELL, so you can have hand sanitizer available whenever and however you need it.

“Learning the simple steps of everyday good hand hygiene will make it routine during the germ season,” says Kathleen Hooker, Global PURELL Brand Director. “Global health organizations promote hand hygiene because four out of five diseases are spread by contact with humans. It’s easy, and learning a song to go with it, can make it fun, too.”

By paying special attention to hand hygiene, you’ll give yourself the best chance to make it through the fall, winter and spring happy and healthy. For more information on the different types of PURELL hand sanitizer products available, visit www.purell.com.

(ARA) – Regardless of the size of your workspace – be it large or small – you can take a number of steps to lighten both your environmental footprint and that of your organization.

You can make a real difference by taking the time to consider how work routines influence the health of the planet. By evaluating everyday actions and cooperating with your office manager and colleagues, you can get your office on track for a greener future.

Of more than 1,000 business professionals surveyed for the Tork Report: Healthy People, Healthy Planet, commissioned by SCA and conducted online by Harris Interactive in 2010, results revealed that 59 percent of respondents have started to make small changes to become greener when making lifestyle or business decisions.

You can also work with your facility manager to see what green initiatives are being executed at a higher level and encourage further efforts. Find out if your building is LEED certified or if there is a corporate sustainability plan in place. Your facility manager can also share if third-party certified products are being used in building operations, such as toilet paper, facial tissue and paper towels made from 100 percent recycled fibers.

Here are some ways you can put green into action throughout your workday.

* Commute to work. While hopping in the car may be an easy option, taking public transportation, biking or even carpooling can start off your day in an environmentally conscious way. With high gas prices, it may even help save a penny or two.

* Rethink drinking containers. Before you grab that cup of joe, reconsider the type of drinking container you’re using each day. Get into the habit of reusing a mug or glass for water at the office. Avoiding the use of disposable cups can make a big difference and help set a positive standard in your office.

* Get some small indoor plants. If you’re lucky enough to have an office with a window, put your green thumb to work and bring in a plant. If you work out of an interior office or cubicle, do a little research to determine which plants can survive without direct sunlight.

* Do you really need a lift? While taking the elevator may be easy, save that energy by taking the stairs instead. Picking this alternative can make a sizable difference in your everyday energy consumption. It’s also a great way to get some exercise.

* Watch your printing habits. If you have to use large quantities of paper, suggest your office buy recycled paper and make it a habit to print on both sides to cut use in half. If you’ve printed off too many copies, be sure there is a recycling bin nearby to dispose of the extra paper.

* Evaluate the restrooms. Take a close look on your next bathroom break to see if one-at-a-time paper towel dispensers are being used. These dispensers help cut down on the use of excess paper and will help your organization save money. Remember to bring this up with your facility manager if they’re not currently using energy saving technology.

* Turn off the lights. Avoid leaving the light on in the copy room if it’s going to be unused at night. The same goes for other common areas in your office. Be sure to turn off your computer and power strip at the end of your workday and encourage others to do the same.

Take green to the next level in your organization by working with those around you. Your office manager can be a key player in executing office efforts to go green. As the decision maker for purchases and processes for your office, it is important to voice your desire for environmentally conscious practices with him or her.

You can also work with colleagues interested in implementing green initiatives. Establishing a team to drive green programs can be a great way to raise awareness of their importance in your organization, says Josh Radoff, co-founder and principal of YRG sustainability consultants and a member of the Tork Green Hygiene Council.

For more information on how to incorporate sustainability into your way of life, visit www.torkgreenhygienecouncil.com.

(ARA) – When you’re a kid, a day packed with activity usually means lots of fun. For parents, finding different ways to keep your kids enriched and energized is the key to ensuring that their days are wholesome and enjoyable.

As your children head back to school and into the fall season, there’s no shortage of activities to keep them occupied. Here are a few tips to help keep the fun going when your schedules are full:

* Keep play simple. Take breaks to let your children play outside. Remember the fun you had at the neighborhood park, simply going down the slide over and over or even just running around and playing tag? Even in today’s technology-filled world, there’s still nothing that beats good old-fashioned outdoor play time. You might find it especially fun to teach your kids some simple games, like “Kick The Can,” that you might have played when you were young. Encourage your kids to use their imagination when playing, as imaginative play can help foster their creativity.

* Keep an on-the-go bag stocked with fun, convenient and wholesome snacks. For example, all-natural GoGo squeeZ is a no-spoon, no-mess way to enjoy fruit on-the-go. It’s 100 percent fruit, squeezable applesauce for kids that is packaged in convenient resealable pouches that require no refrigeration. It is possible to find convenient snacks with no refined sugars or preservatives. To learn where you can find GoGo squeeZ, visit www.gogosqueez.com.

* Find some time to volunteer. Introduce your kids to the power of doing good for others by signing your family up to volunteer somewhere that will provide a fun and fulfilling experience for everyone. You could offer to walk dogs at the local animal shelter or see if your local senior living facilities have an activity day where children are invited to play. Sites such as www.volunteermatch.org can help match you up with child-friendly opportunities in your town.

* Sing. Especially when you have younger children, nothing can brighten up an ordinary car ride like some of your favorite songs. Let each child – and even mom and dad – take a turn picking favorite tunes and you’ll be at your destination before you know it.

Keeping things simple and fun is a surefire way to keep busy days with your children delightful for everyone. The little things like packing easy yet delicious snacks, helping someone else or hopping out of the car for a no-fuss outdoor activity can keep you and your children energized and feeling good.

(ARA) – For many, summer means warm weather, hot dogs and baseball games with friends and family. And depending on which team you’re rooting for, an umpire yelling “strike” usually leads to cheering. During the 2011 Major League Baseball season, strikes are a reason to cheer no matter which team you’re cheering for.

Speed Up Your Relief is a new campaign from the makers of Bayer Advanced Aspirin, the “Official Pain Reliever of Major League Baseball,” that turns fast strikes into donations for the American Red Cross. Bayer has pledged to donate $10 to the Red Cross for every strike 95 mph and over thrown during the 2011 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular and post season, up to a total of $150,000.

But you don’t need to be a professional baseball player to help make the Speed Up Your Relief campaign a home run. While the pitchers generate donations with fast strikes, fans can pitch in by making donations on SpeedUpYourRelief.com. They also can track fast strikes resulting in donations and play an online fantasy baseball game developed by MLB.com for a chance to win $10,000 or an all-inclusive dream baseball vacation, courtesy of Bayer.

“The makers of Bayer Advanced Aspirin and the Red Cross share a long-standing history in providing relief to those in need,” says Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Disaster Services, American Red Cross. “Beyond monetary donations, Speed Up Your Relief will also help raise awareness of the importance of fast relief for those affected by disasters and encourage others to get involved.”

Donations raised through Speed Up Your Relief will help the Red Cross provide fast relief in the form of food, shelter, emotional support, health services, clean-up supplies and comfort items to those in need. In fact, donations of $150,000 can provide one hot meal to as many as 15,000 disaster victims. The Red Cross relies on generous donations like those provided through the campaign to help those affected by the nearly 70,000 disasters each year. Since March 2011, the organization has launched 46 relief operations in 31 states.

Earlier this summer, Bayer Advanced Aspirin was introduced as a new pain relief option clinically proven to relieve pain twice as fast as previous Bayer Aspirin tablets. As Major League Baseball athletes share the same qualities of the new pain reliever – speed and strength – Bayer and the MLB teamed up to designate Bayer Advanced Aspirin the “Official Pain Reliever of Major League Baseball.”

Visit SpeedUpYourRelief.com to learn how you can step up to the plate to speed up relief and make a donation to the American Red Cross.

(ARA) – In recent years, many people have focused on simply getting or keeping a job – and given the persistently high unemployment figures, that has been a reasonable reaction. But focusing on simply maintaining can cause problems in the long run of your career. Those who are focused on the future, whatever their line of work, know that to really be secure, the key is to develop and expand your career.

If you’re facing a tough job market in your chosen field, it might be time to consider looking elsewhere for better prospects. But even for those who are in high demand, like physicians and other medical professionals, a change of location can offer new opportunities to grow their career – and have a bit of adventure at the same time.

To make the big move, research is a requirement. Be prepared to spend some time exploring the benefits of moving to and living in other cities or states. Look into housing prices, job rates, the diversity of companies offering jobs in your field and the local economy. And because you won’t be spending all of your time in the work environment, it’s important to look into the kind of lifestyle that’s available to you in different destinations.

For Dr. Christopher Jensen, the high demand for physicians in Alaska was a draw, as was the opportunity to explore a new lifestyle in America’s last frontier. “I took a road trip to the Yukon as a medical student,” Jensen explains. “That planted the seed of the idea to move to Alaska once I finished with training.”

When it comes to moving away from where you currently live, the experience is different for everyone. If you are already a transplant, it might not be hard to move again, but if you’ve grown up in the area, you might feel strong ties to your current location. However, even if the process is challenging, consider how it could pay off – literally and figuratively – in the long term.

Dr. Raymond Wilson, who had been practicing medicine on the East Coast, decided to look elsewhere because of the unique local challenges he faced in his profession. “I was interested in moving my practice from a location considered to be a relatively physician-unfriendly environment,” Wilson says. “I was hoping to find a new location with both a more reasonable environment for professional practice and a great location for lifestyle in my leisure time. Alaska fit both of those very well. The professional environment is much improved.”

When you’re seriously considering a move to bolster your career, it’s a good idea to establish a contact in your new destination. On a personal level, you can ask your friends if they know anyone in the area that you might want to meet.

And on a professional level, consider using a service that can connect you with local jobs. For instance, Alaska Physician Jobs is staffed by local Alaskans who help connect physicians moving to Alaska with jobs and other professional resources. And since they’re familiar with the area, they can also help by giving advice on adapting to it. “The physician recruiting team absolutely facilitated the process,” Wilson says. “They also employ outside consultants to help identify community needs, and I was fortunate to meet with the consultants during a visit.”

Jensen concurs, saying that having a resource on local lifestyle helped him adapt. “I moved here from the East Village in Manhattan,” Jensen says. “It was a huge culture shock. Although I expected that this would be the case, it was still more significant than I had anticipated. Everything is more difficult to do up here because you are effectively and literally off the map as far as the rest of the U.S. is concerned.”

It’s well known that adaptability is a desirable attribute that companies look for in their employees – making a move to further your career immediately singles you out as someone who’s willing to take on a challenge and make improvements. A change of location can open up the possibility of professional – and personal – growth, which can lead to better job security, improved earnings and even a better work-life balance.

(ARA) – As the economy struggles to recover, many American workers continue to fear being laid off. And with good reason – with millions of Americans still out of work from one of the worst recessions in U.S. history, the competition to find jobs is fierce.

Regardless of your age, gender or the work you do, it pays to prepare yourself in the event that you are laid off. It’s critical to understand what you should do in the minutes, days and weeks after being told that your job has been eliminated.

Here are some tips from FindLaw.com, the No. 1 website on the Internet for legal advice and information, on what you should do to increase your odds of getting back to work in the event of a layoff.

Don’t wait. If layoff rumors are running rampant throughout your organization, don’t wait to find out if you’re part of the headcount or not. Instead, be proactive. Get your resume updated and in shape. Identify three to five people who might be good job references and invite them out for coffee to reignite your relationships. Start looking at various online job boards, attend local professional society meetings – do anything you can think of to kick-start your networking into high gear.

Negotiate your layoff package. Depending upon your position, you may have the opportunity to negotiate your layoff or early retirement package, including compensation, bonus, health-care benefits, stock options and other benefits. It’s important to make sure you receive everything you are entitled to, including compensation for unused vacation. It may be useful to employ an attorney specializing in employment law to help you negotiate your package.

Leave on good terms. You may be angry that you’ve been laid off, but make sure to leave on good terms with your coworkers and even the manager who had to let you go. Any of these people could potentially steer you to a new employment opportunity, and could serve as a job reference.

Know your unemployment benefits. Don’t feel ashamed about being laid off. File for unemployment immediately. Benefits vary by state; however, in order to receive unemployment compensation, workers must meet the unemployment eligibility requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period, according

to Findlaw.com.

Take advantage of outplacement counseling. If your employer offers outplacement job counseling as part of yourlay-off package, take advantage of it to fine tune your resume, practice interviewing and conduct research on potential employers.

Track job search costs. If you are currently seeking employment, it’s crucial to keep track of your job search expenses. Some of these costs may be tax deductible. If you’ve been unemployed recently, you also will need to report your unemployment compensation as income. According to IRS Publication 529, you can deduct expenses such as employment and outplacement agency fees, resume fees, travel and transportation expenses, as well as phone calls.

Don’t get scammed. People desperate to find work can be easy targets for scammers. Steer clear of websites and job interviews that come with a fee. Pay attention to where your emails are coming from, and whether or not the businesses sound legitimate. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Get digital. Set up a LinkedIn account that is focused strictly on your career. Executive search firms and corporate recruiters search for potential job candidates on LinkedIn based on keyword searches. LinkedIn and other online networking forums also can help you stay connected with former coworkers and others in your network of friends, family and colleagues.

Take contract and freelance work. In these tough times, consider contract or freelance employment for a set period of time. Depending on the job, these positions typically last anywhere from one month to a full year. Most contract employees are paid by the hour, instead of receiving a salary. You may or may not receive other benefits, such as health insurance, that are typically offered to salaried employees.

Step up and volunteer. It’s important to stay positive when you’ve just been laid off. You need a positive attitude to project to a prospective employer. One of the best ways to re-build a positive attitude after being laid off is to volunteer your time or creativity to a non-profit cause.