SmallBusinessNewz

We've moved a little bit beyond the point at which the economic powers that be tell everyone to indiscriminately "spend, spend, spend"; after all, even $700 billion put in all the right places might not fix the system.  However, some experts still think small businesses can do themselves a favor by making buys just now.

We've already discussed how the real estate market is ripe, with all sorts of properties lying around at discounted prices.  A great many businesses are in a position to be bought, too.  And a New York Times article tosses everything else into the mix.

Office equipment?  Check.  Jan M. Rosen writes, "The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 allows businesses to take an immediate write-off of up to $250,000 for equipment purchased this year, double the amount allowed in 2007. Businesses that place the assets in service this year are entitled to an additional 50 percent depreciation."

How about vehicles?  No problem.  "[T]he stimulus act grants a special first-year depreciation allowance for business vehicles in 2008.  For cars it is $10,960; for trucks and vans, it rises to $11,160.  Both limits are $8,000 higher than the previous first-year depreciation limit."

This might even be the time to introduce tax-deferred retirement plans.  But keep your business's specific situation in mind, of course, as wild spending won't help anyone.