Jennifer Morrison
Featured Finance and Travel Contributor. As a finance professional with more than 26 years of experience, I am a Certified Treasury Professional, a former cash manager/treasurer, and am a practicing Risk Manager. I also teach classes at the local community college for professionals seeking the Certified Treasury Professional designation. I'm also a wife, mother, co-worker, and friend. I am a sports fan extraordinaire.
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Sandy Sends Snow to Central Ohio, Obliterating Political Yard SignsCentral Ohio is covered by political yard signs for every race in virtually every community. Sandy brought an early snow this morning obliterating politics for a brief time.
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First Person: The Big Business Tools That Help Our Small BusinessLarge business operations are looking to Six Sigma, kaizen, and other management tools to cut costs and bring efficiency to operations. Small businesses can use these techniques too. We applied 5 S's in our small business and saw some immediate results.
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First Person: Student Loan Do's and Don't'sCollege tuition and costs continue to rise, in part due to student aid availability. But if you are not poor or rich, what's a parent to do? Some thoughts from a parent who has gone through the process twice.
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This Voter's Response to Mitt Romney's SpeechThis man looked into the camera as if to say, this isn't what we want for our country and to ask, can you trust me to lead the country?
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This Voter's Response to Paul Ryan's RNC SpeechBig stage, big moment and he hit a bases loaded home run
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This Voter's Response to Chris Christie's RNC SpeechThis registered Republican liked the energy and message of Chris Christie at the RNC
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First Person: Is My Bank Safe?There's a new financial news item every day about financial conditions here or in Europe. Should you worry about your money in a bank, in your retirement account, or in the stock market?
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First Person: Should I Re-Examine My Credit Card Use?The announced settlement between a number of retailers and Visa and MasterCard will allow merchants to charge fees for credit card use. Are you ready to pay more?
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Best VP Pick for Mitt Romney? Condi Rice Fulfills a lot of NeedsIn my opinion, the best VP pick for Mitt Romney might be the unconventional, perhaps controversial selection of a woman.
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Shifting the Narraative from Jobs to TaxesOn July 9, President Obama announced his support for extending the Bush tax cuts for families earning under $250,000, hoping to shift the campaign narrative away from Friday's dismal jobs report.
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Dividend Yields and StocksActive participation by the Fed in the bond market has kept interest rates very low for some time to the detriment of savers everywhere. But, there are some stock options for those who love yield.
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First Person: How I Manage Fixed Costs for My Small BusinessOne of the key successes in managing my small business through the financial crisis has been managing down my fixed costs. Now several years in, here are some tips for continuing to be vigilant.
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First Person: The Business Risks of Social MediaSocial media is proving to be a valuable tool in the business world. However, social media sites have also proven to be breeding grounds for reputation risk.
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Jobs Report Confirms the Lack of Economic Enthusiasm in OhioPresident Obama campaigned yesterday before a decidedly favorable union audience in Ohio. But are Ohioans better off than they were 4 years ago thanks to the president?
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Drop in Net Worth: a Personal StoryThe Great Recession began in 2007. With two jobs in the financial services industry, employment was threatened but also our net worth dropped and has yet to recover.
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First Person: What's Next for Berkshire Hathaway?On April 17, 2012 Warren Buffet announced that he has stage I prostate cancer. As the 81-year-old iconic Oracle of Omaha, what does his cancer news mean for Berkshire Hathaway investors.Also published on:
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First Person: Should I Sell My Oversized Home Now?My youngest will be going to college this fall and the home is proving to be too large for just the two of us and the dog. But is now the time to sell?
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Romney Pulls Out Key Ohio WinKey swathe across Ohio brings victory to Romney.
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Who Got My Ohio Super Tuesday VoteAs a resident of Ohio, I voted in Super Tuesday. Here is how I voted and why.
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The Pros and Cons of Credit CardsWhile credit cards often rightfully get a bad rap, there are benefits to credit cards if used responsibly and with prudence.
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First Person: Points of Optimism for the Central Ohio Housing MarketCentral Ohio anchored by Columbus, Ohio is showing a mixed bag for the housing market in 2012.
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First Person: My Investment Outlook Is Getting More CautiousLow interest rates are said to be tempting investors to move away from safe investments and into more risk. Here is how I am resisting the temptation.
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First Person: Low Interest Rates Mean No Growth for My Small BusinessThe Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee announced that it intended to keep interest rates low through 2014. As a mortgage broker, low rates for an extended period means consumers see no rush to get a mortgage.
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First Person: Protecting Myself From Payment Systems FraudPayment systems fraud is a key theme for financial institutions because the incidence of such crime continues to escalate.
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First Person: The 4 Keys to Being a Successful LandlordWe continue to expand our rental housing portfolio. Here are a few tips that make us successful as landlords.
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First Person: Take Advantage of 'Showrooming' While You Can"Showrooming" is a new term in retail. The proliferation of smart phones and apps have made it difficult for retailers to compete with online deals. While bad news for brick-and-mortar retailers, it is good news for consumers and small businesses.
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First Person: I'm Juggling 4 Different JobsIn these rougher economic times and with one in college and one soon to be in college, it is necessary for me to work several jobs. Here is how I manage.
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First Person: Risk Management Works for My Small BusinessOne need only look at the stock market to see that business is volatile. But volatility does not mean my small business is vulnerable.
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First Person: Is it Really a Buyers' Market for Real Estate?Here's how I did the analysis to find out it is time to buy in my local real estate market.
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First Person: I Resolve to Buy a Home in 2012Real estate is local. In my community of choice, the analysis is telling me to buy a new home vs. rent. Here is the analysis I used to make my decision to buy this year.
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My 2012 Financial To-Do'sIt is the start of 2012. With the start of a new year, here are three year-end "to-do's" on my list to start up the year with some good financial moves.
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First Person: The Payroll Tax Holiday Won't Mean Hiring at My Small BusinessMy small business is not hiring because of the payroll tax holiday, period.Also published on:
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First Person: My Retirement Plans Are ChangingMarket volatility and economic uncertainty, losses in the markets, and tax uncertainty have forced me to change my retirement plans.Also published on:
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First Person: Taking My Year-End Financial InventoryJust like many retailers and manufacturers take a year-end inventory, I'm taking a personal financial inventory at year-end.
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First Person: Making Our Married Finances WorkMoney can be at the heart of marital disputes more often than not. Here's how I have managed to keep finances in marital bliss for over 26 years.
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First Person: Our Small Business Is Not Quite Hiring YetAs a small business owner, we are still focused on keeping fixed costs low and not adding overhead. We won't hire heads unless they are on 100% commission.
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First Person: Keeping My Holiday Spending in CheckKeeping a holiday budget will keep me out of debt to begin the new year.
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First Person: I Pay My Credit Cards in Full Each MonthAvoiding the high interest rates on credit cards can really benefit your personal budget. Here is how I pay my credit card debts in full every month.
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First Person: Using My Business Credit Card for Business and Personal BenefitAs a business owner, I have been able to earn some nice perks using my business credit card.
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First Person: Choosing My New BankMany banks have rightfully been singled out by the media for their relatively high monthly service charges, especially for their small depositors. Selecting a new financial institution can be confusing. Here are the steps I took.
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First Person: A Step-By-Step Guide to Changing Bank AccountsIn the recent focus on bank fees, here is a step-by-step guide to changing bank accounts.
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First Person: Black Friday and Grocery Gift Cards Don't MixMy husband is a stickler for maximizing every incentive and promotion on Black Friday. His grocery gift card obsession nearly ended his pursuit of bargains two years ago.
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First Person: We Won't Be Hiring in 2012As a mortgage broker, pending and new mortgage regulation and risks of volume downturns will keep us from hiring in 2012.
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First Person: Finding a Few Extra Dollars on the SideIf you are looking to make a few extra dollars on the side, here are four ideas from my personal experience that have earned me and continue to earn me another thousand plus dollars per year.
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First Person: Saving Money During Open EnrollmentMost companies conduct an open enrollment period in the fourth quarter of each year for employees to make changes and accept changes to company benefit packages. In the past year, I realized savings through some savvy choices and you can too.
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First Person: Keeping My Small Business Safe From CyberthreatsCybercrime remains an expensive threat to anyone using technology. We took a look at our small business and took some measures to help protect our confidential and private information.
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First Person: A Look Inside Our Small Business Accounting ProcessMy strategy for completing the accounting activities at our small business is to following the principle of KISS - "keep it simple stupid."
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First Person: The Time to Refinance Is NowWhile underwater mortgages and stricter mortgage underwriting might still keep you from refinancing your mortgage, do some investigation first. Don't assume. This rate is just too good.
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Italian Travel Started Without DelightAn Italian family vacation that began as a near-disaster.
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First Person: I Don't Carry Debt ... At AllSince college, I have employed a money secret that has led to financial security.
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First Person: Risk Management and My Small BusinessSmall businesses like mine do not have the financial resources for back-up systems and considerable spending on business continuity. My advice: Risk assess your situation before spending.
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First Person: Why the Jobs Bill Won't Get My Small Business to HireThe proposed jobs plan has tax incentives and other features thought to stimulate hiring. In the case of my small business, I do not see it making any difference. I'm not hiring.
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Preparing for Retirement: What to Do in Your 40s and 50sIt's not too late to plan for retirement! Here are four strategies to employ now in preparation for retirement.
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September 11 - My Generation's Pearl HarborThe many, unexpected impacts of 9/11 remain in place today.
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First Person: Monitoring Your Accounts Can Save YouAs a VP of Risk Management at a major financial institution, I am constantly amazed at the fraud perpetrated against our members ... but more appalled by the lack of oversight by our own customers that allows fraud to continue.
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The 5 Questions Renters Should AskProspective renters should ask some key questions before renting. The answers to the questions might save cost and agony later.
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First Person: Could the U.S. Downgrade Be a Boom for Our Small Business?The US rating downgrade by S&P may mean very little for our small business - or it may mean a lot.
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First Person: Being the Landlord, in Good Times and BadLandlord-tenant relationships can be difficult during good economic times. In this period of high unemployment and economic uncertainty, we have had some experiences to learn from.
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First Person: What to Do With All Those Credit Card SolicitationsYoung college graduates are getting inundated with credit card offers. Here's how to be judicious in selecting the offers to accept.
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First Person: The $200 Dorm RoomKeep your new college student in-style and on a budget!
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How I Found Savings in the Back to School Supply ListsIt is not uncommon to see a household walk away from an office supply store with $100 or more in school supplies in their bag. Here is how I saved money shopping for school supplies for my high school daughter. -
First Person: Having the Retirement DiscussionHusbands and wives might be on different pages when it comes to retirement. Better hash it out now.Also published on:
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First Person: How I Manage My Key Business VendorsMost business have key vendors responsible for supplying key components that may directly affect your business and its success. Managing these relationships is critical to your success.
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Money Management Primer for Young AdultsThere are five basic skills all young adults must have in order to be successful in managing their personal finances.
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Indebtedness: When Is Debt Appropriate?Assets come in the short- and long-term variety. When is debt appropriate for the acquisition of assets? Think about a matched book of assets to find your answer.
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Financial IndependenceFinancial discipline can lead to personal financial independence. Here are three precepts to meeting this personal goal.
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First Person: Making Money in a Low Interest Rate EnvironmentWhen 2-year CDs are earning 1%, it is hard to earn a return that will provide for retirement. Here are a few tips for making money where you can.
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Financial Discipline for Young AdultsYoung adults need to learn a few basic behaviors in order to be successful managing their money with that first "real" job.
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First Person: Why I Keep Money Secrets From My SpouseI keep money secrets from my spouse in order to keep the peace at home. I'm willing to wager that most couples keep some money secrets too.
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Summer Travel Horror Stories - ItalyInternational travel can be frustrating. Language issues, differences in policies, delays, customs, etc. But our problems began back in the US.
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First Person: Spending Graduation Money the Smart WayIt's graduation season and around the country high school and college grads are raking in the dough. Making some good financial choices with that money will put young adults on a good financial footing.
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First Person: How I Cut My Small Business Rent in HalfI was able to cut my rent expenses in half by approaching my property manager and requesting a rent concession.
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First Person: Moonlighting to Make Ends MeetOnce my company stopped paying an annual bonus, I saw 15% of my annual pay disappear. Here's how part time work has helped make ends meet.
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First Person: Why the Credit Union Makes Sense for UsDating back to the early 20th century in the US, credit unions have a long history of providing financial services to the under-served. More recently, credit unions have a great reputation for providing economical financial services.
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Credit Cards for College StudentsThe Credit CARD Act of 2009 largely outlawed the issuance of credit cards to young adults. However, credit cards can still be obtained by college students through a parent. Are credit cards useful to your young college student?
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How Low Can They Go?There are mixed signals in the economy right now. How much lower can interest rates go?
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First Person: The Foreclosure Pitfalls to AvoidForeclosed properties abound in many markets, but buying a foreclosure can be tricky and risky. Through personal experience, here are a few tips and traps.
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First Person: The Budget Cuts That Just Aren't Worth ItEvery family wants to save money, but scrimping in some areas can end up costing you more in the long-run. Here are 5 budget cuts that just are not worth it.
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Gas Prices: Have You Changed Your Driving Habits Yet?It has been often said that Americans love their cars and that gasoline prices do not affect driving much. However, my own experience at work this week tells me otherwise.
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5 Household Money-Savers - Things You Can Do Today to Save MoneyHere are 5 easy things you can do today to cut down on your household expenses.
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First Person: Teaching Our Kids About Investment Returns and Tuition CostsThere will be many times in our children's lives when they are faced with large financial outlays. Tuition is one of the biggest. A lesson in basic ROI is appropriate when it comes to selecting a college.
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Marketing Your Small BusinessTo be successful, a small business needs to get customers. Marketing can be expensive and ineffective. Here are some ideas that have worked for us and that are free!
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First Person: Credit Unions and Internet Banks May Boost Your Savings RatesA little extra interest can be made by seeking out higher rates at your local credit union and perhaps through an internet bank.
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Conducting Our Rental Business with the Un-Banked and the Under-BankedThe Un- and Under-banked refers to those individuals who operate largely without a banking relationship of some kind. Many of our tenants and local contractors operate without bank accounts, often presenting challenges to our operations.
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Visiting Winston-Salem, North CarolinaWinston-Salem, NC is a mix of a historic downtown and arts district with the business district anchored by BB&T Bank. The charm of the South mixes nicely with the nearby college campuses but its the city's history that makes it an interesting visit.
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Summer Weekend Travel Suggestion - Kings Island in OhioKings Island is a family-friendly amusement park located in the heart of the Midwest. Opening soon for the season, now is the time to make your summer travel plans.
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Summer Weekend Travel Suggestion - Cedar Point in OhioThe self-described Roller Coaster Capital of the World prepares to open for the 2011 summer season.
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First Person: How the Local Large Employer Affects My Rental BusinessThe earthquake in Japan has now affected the local Honda plant in the community where I own a number of rental units. Previous downturns at Honda have directly affected my tenants and potentially will again this time.
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First Person: Negotiating Office RentRent expense is one of the key fixed costs to reduce when you want to make your business more profitable. Here are a few suggestions for reducing your rent right now that you can use to reduce any fixed expense.
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Steps to Get a Mortgage for a First-Time HomebuyerHere is a step-by-step approach to getting a new mortgage if your are a first-time homebuyer. The steps can be followed even if you have not gotten a mortgage for a while, as some things have changed.
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Five Suggested Interview QuestionsGood interview questions are ones that put a job candidate in a position to expose their critical thinking skills to an interviewer, and questions that result in the non-canned answer.
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Minors Are Exempt from Local Income Tax in OhioA common error young people make when getting their first job is not understanding the local tax laws. My daughter's experience with her employer can put more money in your child's pocket too.
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First Person: Keeping Our Mortgage Business AfloatOwning a residential and commercial mortgage broker business was difficult during the recession and remains difficult due to the regulatory changes that resulted from the financial crisis.Also published on:
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First Person: Keeping My Rental Business in the BlackTraditionally, inflation has benefited home owners and owners of real estate. However, might inflation bring about more housing misery?
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Personal Budgeting Requires Analytical ToolsPersonal budgets are not particularly useful unless accompanied by the analytical tools necessary to measure performance against the budgets themselves. In other words, a budget must be more than the spreadsheet it is written in.
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How Consumers Respond to Higher Gasoline CostsFollowing a better-than-expected holiday season for many retailers, consumers are now seeing increasing dollars flowing from their wallets for gasoline leaving discretionary spending in the lurch again. What might this mean for the economy?
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Travel to Disney World for the Epcot International Flower & Garden FestivalWhile Epcot is a Disney park with something for all ages and interests, the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is a wonderful time to see Epcot.
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Got Student Loans? The 2012 Budget Bill Might Have a Nugget for YouThe Obama Administration's budget bill has a request embedded that would provide incentive for borrowers with both FFEL and Direct Student Loans to convert their FFEL loans to Direct Student Loans with a benefit of up to 2% of the loan balance.
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Funding Your Retirement With Your HomeThe financial crisis beginning in 2007 finally showed the fallacy of counting on your home for funding your retirement.
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School Employment for High SchoolersHigh schoolers are often venturing into the work force for the first time. Arguments in our family have ensued over how to save and how to spend this new-found income. Here are some tips from my experience.
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5 Tips for Visiting a College on a BudgetEvery year high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to visit prospective colleges, but travel can be expensive. Here are 5 tips for success and savings.
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What Steeper Yield Curves Might Mean for Small BusinessesWhile geo-politics are certainly unsettled, the yield curve has steepened since the start of 2011. What does this potentially mean for the small business owner?
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More Expense Cutting Ideas for Small BusinessesA month or more into the new year. Do not forget to keep an eye on expenses and keep cutting.
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What to Do When a Long-Term Associate LeavesWhat do you do when a long-term associate leaves your company? After you are done grieving, be sensible.
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Self Employed and Seeking a MortgageThe mortgage market has changed, but the self employed can still get a mortgage. Here are some tips for taking the first steps in getting a mortgage if you are self employed.
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Disney's Old Key West Suits a Large FamilyDisney built its Old Key West Resort in concert with launching its Vacation Club concept. At the time, Disney thought that premium-sized rooms would be necessary to sell its timeshare product. Instead, the large rooms suit a large family quite nicely.
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Ten Tips for the Business TravelerBusiness travel can be a necessity as much as it is a nuisance. Here are 10 useful tips for keeping your sanity on the road.
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Use the Temporary Payroll Tax Reduction to Raise Your Retirement SavingsCongress and the President recently gave employed individuals a 2% raise through a 2% payroll tax reduction. Make good use of the temporary raise in 2011 by increasing your retirement savings.
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How I Manage Social Media Use at My Small BusinessAs a small business owner, should you care about your employees' use of social media? Yes! And here are a few suggestions on how to monitor it.
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Four Days at Disney World for Under $500 Per PersonWith hotel and meals included, you can enjoy four days and three nights at Disney World in a Disney hotel for under $500 per person. Here's how.
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First Person: Communications and the Cubicle CultureIn the age of instant messaging, the Internet, and all forms of instant media, have we lost the ability to communicate one-on-one in the workplace?
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Interpreting Credit SpreadsCredit spreads are a measure of credit risk in a bond or security. But spreads are not the only measure. Fundamental credit analysis is still needed and here are some thoughts on why this is true.
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The Basics of Mutual Fund InvestingIf you are a mutual fund investor and hold individual stocks, make sure you know what your mutual funds own if you want to maximize your diversification of investments.
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First Person: Your Small Business as a Good Community NeighborSmall businesses can be as good a community partner as their larger counterparts. Why should the "big guys" get all the credit? Be a contributor to your community in 2011.
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My Personal Budget for 2011Looking into 2011, my budget needs to accomplish a few things: handle another year without a raise, manage higher gasoline costs, and put savings aside for another one about ready for college.
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Travel Tips for the Sports TeenTravel can be expensive for a family. But what if you have teenage athletes in your family needing to travel for tournaments and camps? Here are some ideas to manage your costs.
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"The Mentalist" - "Bloodsport" EpisodeSome background on supporting cast is emerging - to what end?
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Consumers Continue to DeleverageEvidence from November and December 2010 indicates that consumers are quite averse to revolving debt (credit cards) but are borrowing for what consumers consider necessities - auto purchases and education.
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2010: A Tough Year for Some, But No One Is ComplainingThe year just ended will not go down in history as among the most successful for many small businesses. That being said, many small businesses are seeing a better year just ended than 2009 and prospects for a better 2011.
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Disney's Yacht and Beach Club ResortsYou can visit the deluxe Beach Club Villas on the cheap. The amenities are among the best that Disney has to offer and the proximity to Epcot is unsurpassed. Check this option out.
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New Year's Resolutions for Your Small BusinessThe new year brings with it a time for resolutions. Here are three resolutions that might be useful for small business owners.
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Columbus Zoo for the HolidaysThe Columbus Zoo celebrates the holiday season in LED lights. Visit "Wildlights" at the Collumbus Zoo in Columbus, Ohio now through January 1, 2011 each evening.
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First Person: 401(k) Limits for 2011 Remain UnchangedEmployees are completing their 2011 benefit selections. Don't forget to take advantage of 401(k) plans and maximize your contributions.
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First Person: Personal Income Tax Season Will Be Here Before We Know ItWith year-end comes the prospect of completing your annual personal income tax return. What can you do now to prepare?
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First Person: The Importance of Managing Your Income at Year EndIf you are self-employed or otherwise able to manage your income in the final month of the year, the upcoming tax votes coming in Congress might guide your behavior.
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First Person: What's Selling in Real Estate? Low RatesAs an owner of a mortgage brokerage company, customer activity picked up considerably in the second half of 2010 as mortgage interest rates hit historic bottoms and the homebuyer tax credit neared its end.
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Visit Disney's Animal KingdomVisit Disney's Animal Kingdom. Less crowded than the traditional parks, it's not a zoo, but it's not a traditional theme park either.
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'The Mentalist': Jane is Made HumanPatrick Jane is humbled at the hands of the psychotic daughter of a killer. While Jane emerges with his life, his slights of mind nearly get him killed.
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First Person: Refinance Your Mortgage With No Closing CostsNo closing cost programs are available. Ask your mortgage broker or lender about how you can refinance your mortgage without closing costs.
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First Person: How Paying Off Your Credit Cards Equals a Risk-Free Rate of ReturnIf you are carrying balances on your credit card, but have idle cash, you are missing out on an instant return on your money and the return is risk-free.
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'NCIS: Los Angeles' Keeps to International ThemesThe 11/9/10 episode of NCIS: Los Angeles keeps to its international themes with an episode involving the Taliban and covert operations.
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Everyone Has a Part in the Cast of 'Glee'There is so much about the show of high school angst that everyone can relate to - that's where the love and admiration for the show comes from - plus its entertainment value.
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The Annual Ritual: The Self AppraisalThe start of the new year is often a time when companies start the employee appraisal process with the self-appraisal. Here are three tips for completing a thoughtful self review.
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First Person: How Our Small Business Spreads Holiday CheerWhen you own a small business, the budget doesn't usually allow for an all-out holiday party. How to celebrate the season without breaking the bank.
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What to Look for When Selecting a Mortgage LenderResidential mortgage lending has undergone consolidation, regulation, and faces competition. Know what to look for when selecting your mortgage lender.
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First Person: What Does Easier Credit Mean for the Average American?The October Federal Reserve Survey is telling us that credit might be getting easier. What does it mean to us?
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'CSI': Gorey but Good'CSI' continues its reign among the best CBS dramas, but the show is increasingly for the strong-stomached among us.
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First Person From a Landlord: Self-Manage Rental Units or Use a Property Manager?Owning rental properties can be a heavy time burden and often requires knowledge, skills, and even experiences with the trades. Can you manage your properties on your own or should you hire a property manager?
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First Person: Teaching Money Management to TeensCollege freshmen are often away from home for the first time only to find out that they don't know the first thing about managing their finances. Here are some tips for teaching your teen about money now, before they leave home.
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First Person: Money Management for the HolidaysThe holidays can be a budget buster - from parties, to family dinners to gifts. Here are some ideas to keep spending in line during the holidays.
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First Person: Your Credit Record is Never More Important Than NowWith historically low mortgage rates, it has never been more important to have a good credit record.
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Why Now Might Be a Good Time to Buy a HomeHistorically low mortgage rates now offset the risk of lower home prices next year if mortgage rates rise in 2011.
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First Person from a Finance Professional: Rent vs. Purchase Home DecisionsThe decision to rent versus purchasing a home are local, just like the residential real estate markets.
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First Person from a Finance Professional: 3 Financial End-of-Year Clean-up Tips to Consider NowAs the end of the year approaches, a little financial housekeeping might be in order.
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10 Office Work Tips for the HolidaysStaff often takes remaining vacation days during the period between Thanksgiving and year-end. Here are 10 ideas for making the time productive.
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First Person from a Finance Professional: Insurance Risk Retention - What it MeansSmall businesses continue to look for ways to cut expenses. Cutting insurance by raising deductibles/retention may not be the best course of action.
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Five Risk ControlsBusinesses face risks every day. But businesses do not stop operating just because of risk. Rather, the savvy business owner will understand risks and learn to control them. Here are five methods of managing risk.
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First Person: How Our Mortgage Company Survived the Great RecessionOwning a small business is tough at any time. Owning a small mortgage broker company has been even harder through the mortgage crisis.
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Velocity: Where the Economic Formula Might Baffle EconomistsVelocity is not measured by economists or agencies; it is always measured in terms of the other terms in the basic economic equation and it has long been considered to be stable.
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Expense Cuts a Small Business Can Make TodayWith fewer than a dozen telephone calls, a small business can cut its fixed expenses and overhead, putting it on firm footing to reap profits.
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Home Banking - Tips and TrapsHome banking systems can save consumers on postage, the cost of checks and mailing supplies, but if used improperly home banking systems can cost consumers money too. Here are some tips for avoiding the potential traps.
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Risk-Based Pricing's Demise Due to the CARD ActThe CARD Act has brought unintended consequences upon a number of consumers - card rates have risen while credit card lines and inactive cards have been cut.
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What Football Can Teach About Personal Financial ManagementIt's football season. Football teaches a number of life lessons but did you know there are at least five lessons football can teach about personal financial management?Also published on:
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The Future of the 30-Year Fixed Rate MortgageHow has the traditional mortgage market changed and how can you benefit.
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The QuantsWall Street Journal staff reporter Scott Patterson tells how programmed trading and complex financial models increasingly were running the trading operations at the huge financial houses of Wall Street.
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Opt-In Might Be Right for YouOpt-In or Opt-Out? Sounds confusing in any venue, but put this language into banking and every one finds their eyes glossing over. What an Opt-In decision might mean for you.
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Credit Unions for Small Businesses?Credit Unions have recently found new popularity given the plight of the big Wall Street and national banks. But is a credit union a good choice for a small business? Yes ... and, no.
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What Consumer Spending Metrics Mean for Small BusinessesThe Commerce Department publishes a number of metrics. One of the most important is a measure of consumer spending, a metric reported on a monthly basis. What can consumer spending tell you for business planning purposes?
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Interchange Limits from FINREG May Be Another Blow to Consumers and BusinessesFINREG may be billed as consumer-friendly, but banks will find the missing fee income somewhere.
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A Kid's PurpleFrom a storybook crayon to a child's favorite monster book, the color is such fantasy. But, at the end of the day, where does that purple crayon always land?
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Systemic Risk - An AssessmentThe financial overhaul proposed by Sen. Banking Chairman Chris Dodd creates a systemic risk council. It will force financial institutions of a certain asset size to craft their own systemic risk policies. How might a financial institution approach this.
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BP, Market Volatility Impact Investor's Retirement PortfolioThe unsettled financial markets make it difficult to maintain or make progress building a portfolio for retirement.
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Crafting in ColumbusInto mixed media? Try a class at a local craft shop in Columbus Ohio.
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Mortgage Rates May Be Moving to Stimulate a New Refinance WaveOne beneficiary of the recent Greek bailout and stock market turmoil has been the US bond market. When US Treasury bonds rally, mortgage rates fall. It might be time to consider refinancing your mortgage.
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Stock Market Making You Nervous?On May 6, 2010, the US stock market established a single trading session loss of nearly 1,000 points before recovering nearly 600 points as quickly. There is one central rule to stock market investing to follow, if you are nervous.
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Financial Management Suggestions for College StudentsAs graduation approaches, it's not too early to make financial decisions with the new college student in the family.
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The Index of Leading Economic IndicatorsThe index of leading economic indicators is a series of economic measures that helps tell us the direction the economy will likely take.
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Tax-Free Investing: When it Makes SenseTax-free investing becomes front-of-mind on Tax Day, but it is not right for everyone and for every investor.
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Three Things You Can Do with Your Tax Refund to Help Your FinancesMany Americans will be receiving or have received their tax refund. The money, even a small amount, can help your household finances.
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Green Columbus Celebrates Earth Day in Central OhioGreen Columbus has been endorsed by Columbus' Mayor Michael Coleman for their leadership.
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Book Review: The Quants, How a New Breed of Math Whizzes Conquered Wall Street and Nearly Destroyed It, by Scott PattersonScott Patterson, staff reporter from The Wall Street Journal, has written a fascinating view of the Great Recession, placing much of the blame at the feet of the mathematical geniuses whose quantitative models were "too good to be true."
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Big Ten Should Fare Well in Big DanceCall the conference what you will ... big, slow, defensive-minded ... the Big Ten made a splash last year with Sparty getting all the way to the tournament final. Expect a Big Ten team to make a dent in 2010 too.
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Rainy WeatherAn Original Spring Haiku
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How to Write a Business PlanWhen starting a business or when doing your annual strategic planning, a solid business plan is a great place to begin the process.
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Goal Setting for a Small BusinessHow do you know if your business is successful? Well, most would look at the bottom-line. But if you want your business to be an on-going enterprise, goal setting is key. But measuring your progress against those goals is just as key.
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Bank Failures 2010: More to Come - Should I Be Concerned?Bank failures continue unabated from the 140 failures posted in 2009. How do you protect yourself and how do you know if your bank is at risk?
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Lessons the Olympics Can Teach Our ChildrenThe Olympics are a special time when parents and their children can enjoy television together. But family time can be a teaching moment too.
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A Small Business' Experience with the New CARD ActOne small business in Columbus, Ohio feels the effects of the CARD Act first hand.
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Lacrosse - Two Key Exercises for PreparationLacrosse requires endurance but quickness is at a premium in many positions. Running is a key year-round approach to fitness, but drills for quickness are required for peak play.
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Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival: Free Event in Central OhioThe Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival is one of Central Ohio's largest and best-attended community arts events. With activities for all ages, mark your calendar for September 7, 2009.
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London HighlightsLondon is a city with thousands of years of history, yet the London Eye fits right into Bankside and the Globe Theatre without missing a beat. -
The Roman Baths Give Bath, England Their Name and LegacyThe English city of Bath derives its name from the oldest thermal baths in the UK. The historic site is interesting and the newly built spa from the same natural source still rejuvenates. -
StonehengeNo one knows why it was built or who built it, but Stonehenge and its massive wedges of stone fascinate its visitors. -
Ohio State 2010 Football Recruiting Class Has 9 CommitmentsThe early recruiting commitment is increasingly the norm in college football. What does that tell you about the program and upcoming seasons?
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What to Do with Your Credit Cards - Now!The recently signed credit card legislation places a number of consumer protection measures on the credit card issuers. How can you protect yourself against the negatives in the legislation before next year.
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LaGuardia/DaVinci Airport - the Vacation that Almost Wasn'tA travel nightmare happened to my family last summer on our way to Italy. I will share with you how to avoid the same trauma on your family's next European adventure.
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Girls Lacrosse Club National ChampionshipThe best of girls middle school and high school club lacrosse will hit the fields of Maryland the weekend of July 17-19, 2009.
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Buckeye Football: Will Tressel Let Pryor Loose in 2009?While Jim Tressel is widely considered one of college football's top coaches, just listen to Gameday and Ohio State's own Kirk Herbstreit and his criticism of the "vanilla" offense.
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The Tower of London: Thousands of Years of HistoryThe Tower of London proved to be the family favorite in our recent trip to London. From the interactive Beefeaters to the special display of Henry VIII and his armor, the trip was enjoyed across the generations.
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Free Things to Do in Columbus, OhioAmong the free things to do in Columbus, Ohio is to enjoy the metro parks system and shopping areas.
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Recession Hurts E-CommerceRetail sales have declined in this Recession, but this includes weakness in E-Commerce, as well.
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US Credit Card Issuers Must Prepare for February 2010With the passage of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act (the Credit CARD Act) by Congress, meaningful protections will be enacted for consumers.
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Who's Kidding Who on Credit CardsCredit card legislation passed overwhelmingly in the House on 5/20/09 following Senate's overwhelming passage. But the bill differs little from changes already proposed by the Federal Reserve.
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Spring/Summer Vegetable Special: Asparagus ViniagretteThis is a simple recipe for asparagus.
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Angels and Demons - the MovieWhile a suspenseful movie, the latest Dan Brown book brought to the big screen is unfaithful to the original book.
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Restaurant Review: Natty Greene's Brewing Co., Greensboro, North CarolinaNatty Greene's Brewing Co., named for the same Revolutionary War hero that gave the city its name, is a wonderful neighborhood watering hole with so much more!
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Foothills Brewing in Winston Salem, North Carolina: Great Beer and Great AtmosphereFoothills Brewing, established in 2004, housed in the re-developed old downtown, brings the neighborhood feel to the brew pub style ... and then some! Come and enjoy seasonal brews with family, friends, or a special someone and kick-back and relax.
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How Investment Diversification Could Have Spared Madoff Investors from Losing it AllOne of the first lessons a good investor learns is to diversify his/her investment portfolio between different types of assets, tenures and to consider liquidity.
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Eggplant Parmesan-Mozzarella CasseroleThis is an easy recipe that can also be frozen in small casserole dishes for later.
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Memorial Day in Upper Arlington, OhioThe Upper Arlington Civic Association presents the 38th annual 5 miler in honor of Memorial Day in Upper Arlington, Ohio.