In recent months, news surrounding international bank secrecy has taken center stage across various media outlets and government discussions. From the UBS probe to the Stanford scandal, bank secrecy has been attacked and shrouded as illegal tax evasion or unsavory business practice. While certain individuals, including those at the heart of the UBS scheme and Alan Stanford, use offshore bank secrecy to break laws, many just business owners seek bank secrecy and offshore advantages for legitimate, legal reasons. Switzerland is just one nation currently on the chopping block regarding its bank secrecy laws. Swiss officials are playing a delicate balance of providing legal alternative banking options to principled persons while complying with international economic laws to avoid criminal activity.Why is Bank Secrecy Under Attack?
For many high-tax, big-government nations, like the U.S. and U.K., issues surrounding bank secrecy have always been controversial. When scandals arise, like the UBS issue of late, those who oppose bank secrecy come out in force. UBS was indeed acting in opposition to U.S. laws regarding the ability for U.S. citizens to seek private, offshore accounts in order to hide income from the IRS. However, the question became whether the Swiss government had a responsibility to turn over the names of U.S. account holders, and, more importantly, whether it had the legal right to do so.Until recently, Swiss law has been very clear that tax fraud is a crime while tax evasion is not. To the IRS, both are crimes. Tax fraud is knowingly filing incorrect or illegal documentation to avoid taxes; tax evasion, on the other hand, is the intentional non-payment of taxes. This small distinction in Swiss law upholds the bank secrecy of those who are acting to evade taxes regardless of their status of citizens in other countries. The question with UBS was whether or not Swiss authorities could legally turn over names of individuals who, under their current laws, had not committed a crime.Several factors elevated the significance of bank secrecy laws in recent months, drawing what is rarely more than a blurb on page 12 to the front page of major papers. First, this discussion came at the heat of multiple financial scandals which have been plaguing the world financial system. Additionally, a new Presidency in the U.S. has weighed in heavily on the issue of tax haven abuse; President Obama sponsored a bill as a Senator entitled the “Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act.” Finally, issues of private tax havens will be discussed in the upcoming G-20 summit this April.Because of these factors, the age-long question of legality of bank secrecy has again become a priority. Nations which have historically provided bank secrecy must rethink their practices to encourage international commerce and positive standing of their financial systems.How Will Bank Secrecy Change as a Result?
While many of us are participating in the bank secrecy discussion for the first time, there is a rich background of debates that took place before our current concern. Historically, despite these many debates, little has changed. The reluctance to change is mostly due to the fact international commerce relies on competitive advantages each nation can provide. For example, the U.S. acts as an offshore banking center for many foreign investors seeking both bank secrecy and tax reduction. Because every nation needs these competitive advantages to participate, particularly undersized nations like Switzerland and Lichtenstein, over the years, most discussions have ended in a stalemate.This time, however, there are some small, significant changes taking place in bank secrecy laws. The Wall Street Journal recently published a story on the current pledges taken by Andorra and Liechtenstein to relax their bank secrecy laws. According to the article, both Liechtenstein & Andorra are “committed to changing their laws to ensure bank transparency and to allow legal assistance according to OECD standards.” With the pending G-20 summit threatening to blacklist and sanction these nations, which it previously determined were compliant, changes are coming.In Switzerland, authorities have announced they will exchange information of those who are guilty of tax evasion in their host countries. This will require renegotiation of tax treaties with a multitude of nations. Sharing this information marks the first time Swiss authorities have stopped distinguishing between fraud and evasion, and it is likely other nations will follow suit. You will no longer be protected if you implement practices that allow you to avoid paying taxes you owe at home by setting up a private, offshore account.What Legitimate, Legal Options are there for Bank Secrecy?
If you intend on committing tax evasion, there are no legal options for you. If you, however, are concerned with bank secrecy to protect your private assets, your clients’ personal information, or other, non-tax-related strategies, not much will change.Switzerland has taken the lead in assuring the Swiss Banking Act of 1934 will not be amended in terms of bank-client confidentiality. Other nations cannot simply request a list of all bank customers who have accounts in Switzerland. Rather, they must first submit a request that details evidence a crime has been committed, names the individual suspected of the crime and details the branch of bank it has been committed in.At least in Switzerland, there are still no “fishing expeditions” for foreign account holders. If you have no intention of committing a crime, you will still be protected by Swiss privacy laws, and your bank secrecy will ultimately be upheld.As specialists in private banking with over 18 years in the field, we have seen many of these debates come and go. Most of the time, few changes result from the fist-waving of angered Senators. In some cases, though, like this current case, small changes are implemented to stop illegal abuses. Ultimately, changes that make it harder for people to break laws and avoid taxes have a positive influence on international bank centers. The more compliant these centers become in regards to tax evasion and money laundering, the more legitimate, offshore business will be seen for what it is: a legal strategy to provide private banking services for businesses with unique needs.

When treatments for Autism are being considered, medication is usually first attempted. For many reasons, including concerns about the side effects of medication, this is changing. More people are searching out natural solutions. Here are some alternative treatments used for Autism.

Nutritional
Autistic children are often sensitive to certain foods. Behavioral problems or meltdowns can occur when these foods are eaten. Sometimes just very small amounts trigger the symptoms. Some diets that have been used to help treat Autism include gluten-free and dairy-free. Rotation diets may also be used to identify the triggers.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 has been found to be helpful in treating Autism, as well as many other disorders. Omega 3 supplements are claimed to aid in better quality sleep patterns, improved social interaction, and general health and well-being. The most potent forms are found in fish oil which is available in capsule or liquid form. There are many brands which have enhancements that reduce, conceal, or remove the fishy taste.

Music Therapy

Several studies have found music therapy to be very beneficial to the Autistic child. Sometimes an Autistic individual will sing along with music even though they will not speak. Music therapy can be used as a calming tool or a way to help the Autistic person work on skills such as speech, muscle development, or sensory issues. The music can also be beneficial in social interaction through group activities.

Sensory Integration

Autistic individuals can be very sensitive to sounds, tastes, textures, and smells. Sensory integration therapy helps the child to deal with these heightened and often overwhelming responses to their own senses.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is important for any child with Autism. Children with Autism usually misuse words, and they often have difficulty understanding the meanings of words. Speech therapists can help teach gestures and communication skills to nonverbal children and can recommend special equipment to help your child communicate.

Play Therapy

Play therapy can be a very useful treatment. Play therapy allows the child to relax and focus on things they enjoy. A therapist will play on the floor with the child and will give the child various toys to see if the child takes a liking to one of them. If the child begins to play the therapist will then try to interact with the child.

After the therapist has formed a relationship with the child they might include other children into play therapy. This can open doors for the child to interact and increase their ability to relate with others. Usually a therapist does the play therapy, however the parent can engage their child in the therapy after they have learned the techniques used.

These are just a few of the many alternative treatments available for Autism. They can also be combined with medication to build a better treatment plan.

If you are entrepreneurial by nature and looking for a great home business opportunity, you may want to consider setting up a property tax consulting business.Since this is a somewhat obscure area of consulting, even for many entrepreneurial types, you may be wondering why I would suggest it in the first place. In a word, the answer is “opportunity.” There has never been a better time to become a property tax consultant.In fact operating your own home based consulting business offers so many attractive benefits that you probably haven’t thought about before that it would be silly for you not to at least check it out. This is especially so if you are already on the search for a great home business but haven’t yet found the perfect fit for you.In this article I’d like to highlight five reasons to consider launching your own real estate tax consulting business.1. You Are Paid Very Well for Specialized KnowledgeIn his classic self-help book “Think and Grow Rich,” Napoleon Hill makes the point that the accumulation of wealth requires one to apply specialized knowledge to solving problems for others. As a property tax consultant that is exactly what you will be doing.Because you are applying specialized knowledge (knowledge that others could easily learn for themselves but in fact few are willing to learn) you are rewarded handsomely for it.How much can you expect to earn?As a highly compensated independent consultant you can expect to earn a third or even half of the tax savings you accomplish on behalf of a client. And once you’ve learned the basics of how to do this for clients, you’ll understand that most cases will involve just a few hours of your time to complete.Obviously no one (including myself) can predict what you will actually earn. This is your own business after all and your results will be largely based on your work ethic and overall effort. But it’s fair to say that your own real estate tax consulting business has true six figure potential if you are willing to operate it like a real business.2. You Can Learn the Basics QuicklyUnlike becoming a licensed real estate broker for instance, there are generally few barriers to entry as a property tax consultant. Overall there are no licensing requirements to become a property tax consultant. Some locations may require that you have a simple business operating license for example. If you aren’t sure just check with your local town or city hall to find out what requirements exist.Several good low-priced home study courses exist that will supply you with everything needed to get started, and it is totally possible for you to complete one of these courses within a few days.3. Business is Strong and Getting StrongerThe meltdown in the real estate markets in recent times has created the “perfect storm” of opportunity for property tax consultants.Property assessors are increasingly unable to keep up with changing real estate values, with the result that huge numbers are now incorrectly assessed for tax purposes. And the likelihood is that far more are over assessed than under assessed, meaning their owners are paying more in property taxes than they ought to be.Plus your competition will be low or non-existent in many areas. All of which means unlimited opportunity for you once you set up your own property tax consulting business.4. You Have Very Low Start Up CostsYou probably already possess all the tools you’ll need to get started, with the possible exception of a home study course in property tax consulting. All you really need are a computer, a cell phone, somewhere to set up a home office (even if that’s just the kitchen table to get started), and the dedication to operating your business seriously.5. You’ll Enjoy Professional RespectThere is immense personal satisfaction that comes from creating and operating your own professional property tax consulting business. As a recognized true professional in this field you’ll gain the respect of others in your community. And best of all your success will truly be based upon offering a much-needed service to others.So what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to learn more about how you can get started building your own wildly successful property tax consulting business.

There are many types of yoga that you might be very confused on which version you are to follow. Well, having brief but concise background knowledge about the famous types of yoga can be beneficial for you to come up with the best and most suitable version or “school” of yoga for you.Ashtang YogaAlso called “astanga”, Ashtang Yoga was established by Sri K. Patabhi Jois. In an overall sense, Ashtang method includes tough physical demand as it requires progressive, synchronized breathing with frequent yet systematic changes in postures and positions. The result? A very powerful heat combined with sweat that is believed to be wastes that come from muscle and internal organ detoxification. During and after this method, users report that they feel a greater stamina, stronger body and a better blood circulation. But, hold your horses. If you are a beginner in yoga, it may not be suitable for you since it is described by many as an “athletic” type.Mantra YogaMantra is defined as a word that is sacred and is believed to uplift the physical, mental and spiritual levels of a person. In mantra yoga, mantras are chanted in the belief that doing so causes the formation of positive vibrations, which then bring the person closer to the power of divinity inside of him. It aims to unite the body, mind and the spirit through repeating mantras throughout the exercise program. This type, therefore, mainly utilizes meditation through chanting of mantras.Bikram YogaFrom the improvement of muscular strength to a significant weight loss, Bikram yoga is a comprehensive fitness workout that aims to enhance the muscular system as well as the cardiovascular system. Founded by Bikram Choudhury, this system makes use of the 95-104 degree temperature, an intense heated environment for a faster and more efficient way of body detoxification.Hatha YogaOne of the most basic forms of yoga, Hatha yoga includes performing foundational yoga poses and styles. Regulated breathing or “pranayama” is accompanied by postures or “asanas”, as well as meditation or “Dharana & Dhyana”. It is a basic but complete system that delivers the user to the brink of self-actualization.Iyengar YogaAbout 60 years ago, B.K.S. Iyengar, a well-acclaimed yoga master created the Iyengar yoga. This type improves the flexibility, balance, strength and endurance of the person by way of yoga poses and synchronized breathing patterns. It is also known as a slow-paced version which is suitable for elderly, disabled and/or sick people.Kundalini YogaOne of the traditional types, Kundalini makes use of a combination of chanting, synchronized breathing and meditation to awaken the energy that is believed to come from the base of the spine. The aim of this method is to draw the energy towards the upper part of the body.Vinyasa YogaVinyasa yoga includes the synchronization of breathing and movement in a fast-paced manner of execution. Unlike other types of yoga, breathing is much more emphasized in Vinyasa yoga. Another notable feature of this type of yoga is the achievement of a balanced movement through a counter pose.