S. H. Wallick
S. Wallick is an equity research specialist with more than 25 years of experience as a senior equity research analyst at leading investment banking and independent research firms. She currently is President of her own independent research firm, Wallick Research Inc.
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Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)Interests
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First Person: Understanding the Cost Basis of a StockAs an investor relations specialist working with public companies, I sometimes get calls from individuals want to sell a stock but don't know its cost basis for tax reporting. Here are my six suggestions for dealing with this situation.
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First Person: Translate New Year's Resolutions Into Small Business SuccessMaking New Year's resolutions for a small business is easy. What's hard is actually accomplishing these goals during the year. I have found that I can increase the odds of success by taking a few specific steps.
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First Person: My Personal 12-Month Financial PlanThis year, I intend to make financial planning a priority by creating a 12-month financial plan, including the following monthly goals.
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First Person: My Small Business New Year's Resolutions for 2013For me, as for many small business owners, year end is the time when I make New Year's resolutions for my business. Here are my three top 2013 New Year's resolutions for my small business.
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First Person: My Best Advice for Entrepreneurs Starting a Small BusinessWith my business now more than five years old, I have been reflecting on some of the things that I wish I had known before starting a small business. Here are my six top recommendations to entrepreneurs starting a small business.
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First Person: Strategies for Managing Stock LossesI believe that managing stock market losses often is overlooked or ignored rather making it part of an overall investment strategy. Here are some of the ways I manage stock losses to lower taxes and improve returns.
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First Person: My Small Business Is an S CorporationWhen I was planning to start my business, one of my first decisions was which business structure to chose. After researching my options, I decided to make my business an S corporation Here's why.
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First Person: I'm Accelerating My Tax-Deductible Medical ExpensesWhen tax planning for 2012, I'm paying special attention to deductible health care expenditures, since the hurdle to deduct them will be much higher in 2013.
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First Person: Preparing College Students for Success at WorkLanding my first job after I finished college was a challenge, and I suspect it is even more difficult for today's graduates. However there are steps students can take to improve their odds of success in the workplace.
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First Person: Dividend Stocks and the Fiscal CliffWith the fiscal cliff fast approaching, investors must decide what to do with their equities, including dividend-paying stocks. Here are my tips for how investors should evaluate fiscal cliff risks.
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First Person: What If My Employer Eliminates Its 401(k) Match?Taking advantage of an employer 401k match just makes good financial sense. But if my employer, after offering this benefit for years, discontinued it, here's what I would do.
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First Person: Last Chance (Probably) to Take Advantage of the 0% Capital Gains RateIn the past, I have written about the 0% rate on capital gains and dividends. This can't-be-beat rate expires at the end of 2012 so taxpayers must act fast to benefit from it. Here's how to take advantage of the 0% capital gains rate.
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First Person: A Modest Proposal to Avoid Going Over the Fiscal CliffInstead of capping deductions for high-income taxpayers, as some have proposed, allowing a tax credit rather than a deduction has significant advantages and could be a win-win for both sides in the fiscal cliff debate.
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First Person: Is Working in Retirement the New Normal?My advice for potential retirees is to strive toward that goal, but, at the same time, to prepare to keep working after retirement. Here's how I would go about it.
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First Person: 4 Things Every Small Business Owner Should Do Before Year EndHigh on my small business to-do list this year are budgeting, tax planning, and business plan review. Completing these tasks before yearend will help to position my small business for success in the coming year.
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First Person: Three Myths About Credit ScoresI recently obtained one of the 3 free credit reports that I'm entitled to each year, and looking over it brought to mind credit scores, which are not included in these reports, and in particular, some credit score myths that can hurt consumers.
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First Person: How I Survived an IRS AuditBeing subjected to an IRS audit, even one that is just by mail, can be scary. It happened to me a few years ago, and, although it was resolved in my favor, the experience was nerve wracking. Here's how I handled my IRS letter audit.
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First Person: The Alternative Minimum Tax Could Steal Your RefundUnless Congress acts, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) could hit millions of middle class tax payers in 2012. However, there are strategies taxpayers can use to minimize its effect on their income tax liabilities.
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First Person: Investing in Dividend Paying StocksInvesting in dividend stocks is a popular strategy anytime, but especially now with interest rates so low. This article highlights four issues for risk-averse investors to think about before buying dividend-paying stocks.
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First Person: Christmas Spending Could Get a Boost in 2012For more than 10 years I covered the retail industry as an equity analyst and made projections for holiday season sales. This year I am cautiously optimistic that it will be a solid season for retailers given the following factors.
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First Person: 5 Qualities of Successful Financial AnalystsA recent article identified financial analyst as one of America's in-demand jobs in 2012. Based on my experience as a financial analyst for more than 25 years, here are five tips for those interested in pursuing a career as a financial analyst.
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First Person: Do I Have the 'Right' Homeowners' Insurance Coverage?When renewing our homeowners' insurance, I noticed a list of add-on coverage options, some that were new to me. As a result, I reviewed all aspects of our coverage to be sure that it was still appropriate and complete, including the following.
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First Person: Should You Participate in a Company Stock Purchase Plan?When I worked for large corporations I was able to buy company stock at a discount through stock purchase plans, but the decision to participate wasn't easy. Here are some of the issues I considered before enrolling in a stock purchase plan.
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First Person: Get a Raise by Making the Right Benefits ChoicesIf my employer offered me a $1,500 raise or a 25% discount on healthcare spending, I wouldn't turn it down, but many employees do just that with poor benefits choices. Here are 4 ways to get a raise by making the right benefits decisions.
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First Person: 5 Rules for Selling Covered CallsAn investment strategy I sometimes use is to sell covered calls on stocks I own. While selling covered calls can generate income and reduce downside risk, it isn't for everyone. Here are five lessons I have learned about selling covered calls.
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First Person: Risk Averse Investing StrategiesMany financial advisors argue that equities should be a part of any retirement plan. That's fine, but, since I worry about potential stock market volatility, I have sought out defensive investment strategies, including the following.
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First Person: 5 Financial Benefits of Open EnrollmentI am sometimes asked by family members and friends how best to manage the open enrollment process for employee benefits. The best advice that I can give them is to take their open enrollment decisions seriously. Here are five reasons why.
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First Person: Financial Considers When Buying a CondominiumIn many ways, purchasing a condominium differs from purchasing a home and, as a result, it can have different financial ramifications. Here are some tips for understanding some of the financial considerations when buying a condominium.
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First Person: 5 Things I Wished I'd Known About Taxes Before Starting My BusinessWhen I started my business, I found that I didn't know nearly enough about business taxes as I needed to. Here are five things I wish I had known about small business taxes before opening my business's doors.
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First Person: Why I Love Flexible Spending AccountsI think that any employee who doesn't contribute to flexible spending accounts offered by his employer is foolish. Here's why I love flexible spending accounts for healthcare expenses (and you should too).
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First Person: Taking the Mileage Deduction for TaxesMy guess is that one of the most underused tax deductions is for mileage. That's too bad, because, based on my experience, the potential savings can be meaningful. Here are the three reasons why I take the mileage deduction.
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First Person: I Don't Carry Store Credit CardsIt is rare that I am not offered the option to apply for a store credit card when I make a department or specialty store purchase. I politely decline. Here's why I don't use store credit cards.
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First Person: Using Appreciated Stock for Charitable ContributionsWith the stock market up sharply so far in 2012, I think that this could be the perfect time to take advantage of a little-known strategy to reduce your taxes: using appreciated stock for charitable contributions.
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First Person: The Secret to Productive Business MeetingsI hate business meetings. As a small business owner, I have neither the time nor the patience for meetings that drag on too long and accomplish too little. Here are my 6 best tips for productive business meetings.
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First Person: Financial Planning on an Irregular IncomeI have found that financial planning advice often assumes steady income. However, as a small business owner, my income varies widely. Based on my experience, here are my five top tips for financial planning with erratic income.
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First Person: The Financial Benefits of LayawayI have been very pleased to see layaway make a comeback at many retailers in recent years. Not only does layaway have nostalgic appeal, I also believe that using layaway can be a smart move financially. Here are six reasons I love layaway.
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First Person: How to Network More Effectively When Job HuntingWhen job hunting, most of us start networking with friends, family and close business relationships. While that makes sense, don’t overlook ways to network more effectively by reaching out to acquaintances and even strangers.
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First Person: 6 Essential Facts About Social SecurityI’ve recently been doing some research on Social Security retirement benefits. Here are six facts I learned about Social Security benefits that I believe will help me (and maybe you) get the most out of Social Security.
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First Person: Making Working at Home Work for YouI have worked from home for more than five years and I love it. However, the transition to working at home can be challenging. Based on my experience, here are my top five tips for making working from home work for you.
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First Person: The Surprising Value of Social Security BenefitsSocial Security retirement benefits may be worth a lot more than you realize, based on how much you would have to save to duplicate this stream of income. Here’s how I arrived at that conclusion.
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First Person: 6 Steps to Lower Property TaxesWe recently successfully applied to lower the assessment on our home, and I learned a lot in the process. Here are my six top tips for how to cut property taxes by lowering your home’s assessed value.
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Sun Care Tips for SeniorsWhile sun protection is necessary for everyone, it is especially important if you are a senior because of the changes that occur in your skin as you age. Here are five sun care tips for seniors.
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First Person: The 3 Keys to Garage Sale ShoppingNow that garage sale season is here, I wanted to pass on my best overlooked tips to help garage sale shoppers make their efforts a financial success.Also published on:
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First Person: Checking Social Security Benefits OnlineAt a time when most of us have to plan for our own retirements, I believe that it is important to use all the tools available to make that process as easy and accurate as possible, including the online Social Security benefits calculator.Also published on:
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First Person: Why I Don’t Prepare My Own Small Business TaxesWhen my business was a sole proprietorship, I handled its taxes myself, but when I made the transition to an S corporation, I turned this chore over to an accountant. Here’s why I prefer to leave small business tax preparation to a professional.Also published on:
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First Person: Why I Don’t Take the Home Office Tax DeductionAs the owner of a home-based small business, I might be able to qualify to take the home office tax deduction. However, for me, taking the steps necessary would be too costly, inconvenient and time consuming.Also published on:
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First Person: The Many Options for Workplace MentoringAlthough I never benefited from formal mentoring, I found plenty of ways to get the help I needed during my career by using informal or nontraditional mentors.
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First Person: Informational Interviews Are a Smart Career StrategyI believe that using informational interviews can be a very savvy career strategy for these reasons.
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First Person: Small Business and the Mileage DeductionAs a small service business operated from home, my company may not seem like a good candidate for the business mileage deduction. However, I find that it is worth the time and trouble to track business mileage for these 5 reasons.
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First Person: Tax Tips for Small Business OwnersSince I started my small business nearly four years ago, I have learned a lot about business taxes and have developed my own small business tax management strategies. Here are my seven top tax tips for small business owners.
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First Person: 5 Reasons to Avoid Store Credit CardsIt is rare that I purchase anything at a department store and I’m not offered a store credit card at checkout. I always politely decline. Here are the five reasons why I don’t apply for store credit cards, no matter how tempting the offer.
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First Person: Rules for Personal Loans to Family or FriendsI believe that it is a good idea to set a few ground rules before making personal loans, in order to protect both my own financial position and my relationship with the borrower. Here are my personal loan ground rules.
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Types of Annuities and Choosing the Best One for YouThe large number of annuities offered by insurance companies can make this investment product confusing and intimidating. You can simplify the process of choosing an annuity by first understanding the types of annuities.
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6 Common Questions About Indexed AnnuitiesIndexed annuities are a hybrid annuity product with the potential for higher returns than fixed annuities and for less volatility in returns than variable annuities. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about indexed annuities.
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First Person: Positioning My Business to Benefit From a Stronger EconomyIn recent months, there have been a growing number of signs that the U.S. economy is improving. Here are four steps I plan to take so that my business can benefit from a stronger economy.
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First Person: Working With a HeadhunterWorking with a headhunter differs from searching for a job on your own, since a good headhunter can be a partner, booster and mentor. If you plan to work with a headhunter, here are some steps I would take to get the most out of the relationship.
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First Person: Value-Adding Strategies Helped Grow My Small BusinessMy small business provides services to other small businesses, so I am always looking for ways to help my clients grow their businesses or improve their bottom lines.
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Easy Ways to Contribute to Your Grandkids' College FundAs a grandparent, you may want to help pay your grandkids’ college expenses. There are a number of ways for you to contribute to grandkids’ college funds, including some with tax and estate benefits for you and/or your grandkids. -
Common Travel Discounts for SeniorsFor many Americans, one of the joys of becoming a senior is the opportunity to travel as never before, often at discounted prices. Here are some of the most common discounts for senior travelers and some tips on how to find them. -
First Person: How the Recession Strengthened My Small BusinessDuring the recession and its aftermath, I learned some valuable lessons that I believe will help my small business succeed in the long run and that may be useful to other small business owners as well.
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First Person: A Budget-Friendly Valentine’s DinnerIf your budget is too tight to spring for an expensive Valentine’s Day dinner with your sweetheart, why not plan a romantic meal at home. Here’s how I make an inexpensive Valentine’s dinner at home a success. -
State and Local Tax Obligations for Small BusinessesSmall business tax obligations vary by state and, within a state, by locality. Nevertheless, based on my experience, here are a few state and local tax obligations that might apply to your business and that can be confusing.
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First Person: Why I Set Up My Business as an S CorporationOne of the first things that I did before starting my business was to research the types of business structures so that I could make the best choice. Here are 5 questions I asked myself before choosing a business structure.
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First Person: Insuring Valentines Day JewelryIf you give your spouse expensive jewelry this Valentines Day or propose to your sweetheart and present her with an engagement ring, be sure that her gift is properly insured. Here are 6 tips for insuring jewelry to be sure that it is fully covered.
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First Person: Start Planning a Holiday Seasonal Business Early in the YearThe beginning of the year may seem too soon to start planning a seasonal business startup for the next Christmas holiday season but planning early could position your seasonal business to maximize its revenue and earnings later in the year.
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First Person: Money Saving Tips for Valentines Day FlowersYou can save money on flowers and make your sweetheart happy with these tips for buying Valentines Day flowers that will look great on February 14 and for quite a while after.
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First Person: 4 Health Benefits That Are Worth Asking for at WorkEven if your employer can’t afford health insurance coverage, there are other ways he can help cut your health care costs, but you may need to be proactive in asking for them. Here are four health-care benefits employers can offer at little or no cost.
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First Person: A Financial To-Do List for Small BusinessJanuary sometimes is slow for my small business, so I find it can be a great time to prepare for the year ahead.
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First Person: Estate Planning as a Small Business OwnerWhen I think of estate planning, the first things that come to mind are wills, powers of attorney and health-care proxies, but there are other small business owner estate planning tools to ensure that the business is handled as you wish.
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First Person: Tax Tips for the UnemployedIf you were unemployed during 2011, there may be tax implications when you file your return for the year. Therefore, be sure to do some homework, so that you don’t overlook taxable income or deductions. Here are 7 tax tips for the unemployed.Also published on:
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First Person: IRA or 401(k)?Before my small business introduced a retirement plan, I researched its plan options and discovered that some worker can contribute to both an IRA and a 401(k). Here’s how to decide which is best for you.
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First Person: The Rules of Small Business GivingAs a small business owner, I know that sometimes it makes sense for a small business to make charitable contributions even if it has a tight budget. Here are 7 tips for charitable giving by small businesses.
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First Person: Young Technologies for Older Job SeekersA strategy that may help an older job seeker land an interview is to supplement his resume with the latest technology so as to send a message that he is not only aware of but proficient with today’s communications and technology applications.
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First Person: What Is the American Dream Now?At one time, the American Dream was owning a home with two cars in the garage, which represented security and prosperity. Today, while I think that the American Dream is alive and well, it has been downgraded somewhat.
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First Person: Using Up Those Unwanted Gift CardsOccasionally we all receive a gift card that we can’t or won’t use. Here are five ways I’ve found to realize value from unwanted gift cards.
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First Person: Small Businesses CAN Compete on PriceChances are your small business will face price competition at some point. Give that likelihood, your best strategy is to prepare for a price war before it begins.
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First Person: Why Job Seekers Still Need Cover LettersI believe that a good cover letter can be make a real difference in the success of a job hunt, especially for younger or older job seekers whose resumes don’t provide a complete picture of their qualifications for a particular job.Also published on:
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First Person: Maximizing the Value of My Charitable GivingOne way to get the most out of your charitable giving is to give more to fewer groups. Here are five reasons why taking a more focused approach to charitable giving makes sense.
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First Person: Can Stay-at-Home Moms Still Get Credit?A change in the law has made it harder for stay-at-home moms to get a credit card without a co-signer. If you are a stay-at-home mom (or dad), here are 3 suggestions for maintaining your credit rating or building a credit rating of your own.
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First Person: Why I Update My Business Plan at Least Once a YearI find that the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to step back and review the outlook for my small business for the coming year, and I start by updating my business plan.
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First Person: Should I Tell the Boss About My Startup?I think that the decision about whether to tell your boss about a business start up must be made on a case-by case basis, but it is not a given that you must. If the following situations apply, you may not be obligated to tell your employer.
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First Person: 6 Reasons to Focus on Small Business Tax Planning Early in the YearOne of the most important chores I do at my small business at the start of each year is tax planning. There are six reasons I think it makes sense for tax planning to be a small-business priority early each year.Also published on:
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First Person: Finding the Best Employer, Not Just the Best JobIn a period of high unemployment, I believe that many job seekers make getting any job their principal goal rather than targeting companies as well as jobs. While that is understandable in a competitive market, it may not be the best strategy.
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The Value of My MBAFor me, an MBA definitely turned out to be the right degree and being able to earn it at night while working full time was the right strategy.
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First Person: The Home Office Deduction and My Small BusinessBased on the research I did to determine whether my small business qualified for the home office deduction, the requirements are stringent, but not insurmountable. If your business qualifies, taking it could result in significant savings.Also published on:
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First Person: What Insurance Does My Small Business Need?As a small business owner, one of the issues I’ve had to deal with is insurance, both for myself and my business. Based on the research I did on insurance options, here are a few thoughts about three types of insurance for small business owners.
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First Person: I Give Myself an Adult AllowanceI believe in budgeting as part of a personal financial plan, but I think that too many budgets are like strict diets that are doomed to failure. Therefore, I believe one of the best tips for making your budget work is to give yourself an allowance.
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First Person: Renting My First ApartmentIf you are a young adult planning to rent your first apartment, here are a few tips, based on my experience, which may help to improve your chances of getting the apartment you want and to ensure a good experience when you do.
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First Person: Start Your Summer Job Hunt EarlyIf you are a college student who wants a summer job, starting your summer job hunt early in the second semester could pay off. Here are 7 tips for college students starting their summer job hunt early.
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First Person: Writing a Small Business Mission StatementWhen writing a business plan for your business, many experts suggest that you start by creating a mission statement.
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First Person: The 80/20 Rule and My Small BusinessThe 80/20 rule says that in many endeavors, 20% of the effort results in 80% of the results. As a small business owner, I believe that the 80/20 rule can be applied to many aspects of a business’s operations to boost sales.
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First Person: 7 Ways to Protect Gift CardsYou will probably purchase or receive one or more gift cards in the coming year. Just as you take steps to protect your cash, you should take steps to protect your gift cards from fraud or loss.
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First Person: 3 Growth Strategies for a Maturing Small BusinessIf your business is experiencing a growth plateau and/or if you are looking for ways to reinvigorate your business’s growth, here are three growth strategies for small businesses as they mature.
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First Person: Does Your Small Business Need a Lawyer?There are many times when every small business needs the assistance of a good corporate lawyer, including during its start-up phase and when it hires its first employee, must protect intellectual property or needs an ironclad contract. -
First Person: The Whys and Hows of Small Business LogosAlthough many small businesses get along well or even thrive without a logo, at some point, having a business logo may make sense. Here are 3 reasons to consider creating a logo for your small business and 6 characteristics of a great logo.
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First Person: Why to Start Your Career at a NonprofitIf you are a college senior beginning to search for your first job, don’t rule out working for a nonprofit. Here are five reasons to take a look at a nonprofit for a first job.
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First Person: 8 Ways to Cut Mailing and Shipping Costs for Your Small BusinessIf mailing and shipping is a large expense for your small business, it is good idea to periodically review these costs. Here are 8 ways you may be able to cut mailing and shipping costs and perhaps improve efficiency at the same time.
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First Person: Before Starting a Small Business, Find a MentorYou may think of a mentor as someone who will provide career guidance. However, if you are an entrepreneur who is planning to start a business, you may benefit from working with a mentor as well.
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First Person: Building a Small Business BrandAs a small business owner, you may think that brand building is only for Fortune 500 companies with enormous marketing budgets. In fact, branding can be a powerful strategy for a small business.
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First Person: 4 Ways to Cut Taxes With Non-Cash DonationsWhile most tax-deductible donations to charities are made in cash or by check, many non-cash donations can be deducted as well. Here are four ways to boost charitable deductions and cut taxes with non-cash donations.Also published on: -
First Person: Lower Taxes by Donating Appreciated PropertyDon’t overlook donating appreciated property as a way to boost charitable deductions and to lower taxes. Here are seven tips for using this strategy.Also published on:
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First Person: Using Inventory Turnover to Improve Small Business Sales and Cash FlowOne of the most useful figures that you can use when analyzing your small business’s inventory is inventory turnover. If you aren’t already using it, here are five reasons you should.
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First Person: Don’t Miss Out on the Sales Tax DeductionOne of the most overlooked income tax deductions is sales tax, possibly because whether and how to use it can be confusing. However, skipping the sales tax deduction could cost you. Here are 5 things you need to know about the sales tax deduction.Also published on:
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First Person: 9 Reasons to Put Your Resume OnlineHaving an online resume, as well as a paper resume, could give your job search a jump start.
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First Person: Holiday Strategies for Small BusinessThe holidays can be a productive time for small businesses if they make the right moves. Here are five of the best holiday strategies for small businesses to finish the year strong and prepare for an even better new year.Also published on:
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First Person: The Career Value of 'Reverse Mentoring'If you are a young employee, mentoring an older one could be a good career move. Here are five reasons to become a mentor to an older employee.
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First Person: Networking Tips for Job Seekers Over 50Whatever your age, networking should be part of your job-hunt strategy. The good news is that networking for those over 50 can be even more productive than for younger job hunters.
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First Person: You’ve Retired but Want to Return to Work. What Now?If you retired, but now want to return to the work force, you are not alone. Many retirees go back to work every year. Before returning to work from retirement, here are five things you ought to do.Also published on:
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First Person: Cash Flow Troubleshooting for Small BusinessIf your small business never seems to have enough cash even though its revenue is growing, it may be time for some serious cash flow troubleshooting. Here are four areas where changes could boost your business’s cash flow.
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First Person: Niche Marketing for Small BusinessOften one of the most effective strategies for a small business is to think small and target a market niche. Here are six reasons that niche marketing can be a winning strategy for small businesses.
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First Person: The Rules of Holiday Gift Giving for Small BusinessIf you are a small business owner, you may find holiday gift giving intimidating and sometimes confusing. Here are five holiday gift giving tips to simplify the process for your small business.
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First Person: The Career Benefits of 'Reverse Mentoring'The typical mentor relationship involves an older, experienced executive working with a younger employee. However, for older workers there can be significant advantages to reverse mentoring, or working with a younger mentor.
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First Person: Holiday Networking for Small BusinessesAs a small business owner, you don’t have to stop networking during the holiday season, but you should adjust your strategy so that it is appropriate for the spirit of the season. Here are 7 tips for effective networking during the holidays.
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How to Deal with Negative Customer Reviews OnlineOne of the lessons I have learned as a small business owner is that we all have to deal with negative feedback at some point, whether online or off. Here are my top tips on how to deal with negative customer reviews online. -
Finding Ideas for a New BusinessIf your dream is to start your own business, here are some strategies to help you find the right business idea to turn into a successful startup.
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6 Best Financial Strategies for College GraduatesIf you are a college graduate about to begin your first job, get your post-academic life off to a good start by making smart financial moves. Here are six of the best financial strategies for college graduates.
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Best Financial Advice for WomenAs a finance professional, I believe that the best money management advice for women today is to take control of your financial future. These are my 7 top personal finance tips to help women accomplish that goal.
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First Person: 3 Reasons to Avoid Store Credit CardsChances are that at some point this Christmas shopping season you will be asked to apply for a retail store credit card in order to qualify for a discount on your purchase. Before you accept, consider these cons of store credit cards.
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First Person: Improving Small Business ProductivityAs a small business owner, you may wear many hats and often feel there isn’t enough time to get everything done. Here are six tips for improving small business productivity.
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First Person: The Upside of Negative Client ReviewsWhile no small business owner likes to get negative reviews for products or services, you can learn from this criticism and maybe even turn it into a positive. Here are four lessons from negative client reviews.
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First Person: Getting Great Small Business Customer TestimonialsCustomer testimonials can be a valuable marketing tool for a small business website or in its marketing materials. Here are seven tips for getting great customer testimonials.
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First Person: The Value of Financial LiteracyIf you are a woman who is somewhat clueless about your family’s finances, make changing that one of your New Year’s resolutions this year. Here are five reasons why you owe it to yourself to become more financially literate in the coming year.
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First Person: A Small Business' First WebsiteIf your small business doesn’t have a website, it may be time to address this shortcoming. Here are 11 tips to help you create an effective business website.
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First Person: Choosing a Small Business Credit CardThere are many reasons for your small business to have a credit card and many cards to choose from, including business, personal, store and rewards cards. Here are six issues to consider when choosing a small business credit card.
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First Person: Better Invoicing, Better Cash FlowWhen it comes to running a successful small business, cash flow is king, and one often-overlooked strategy to boost cash flow is to improve your business’s invoicing policies.
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First Person: Competitive Intelligence Gathering for the Small BusinessAs a small business owner, you probably try hard to stay on top of competitors’ activities. Today, you have more ways than ever to gather competitive intelligence.
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First Person: New Year’s Resolutions for Small BusinessesWhen you make your personal New Year’s resolutions this year, don’t stop there. Also make New Year’s resolutions for your small business.
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First Person: A Year-End Tax Checklist for Small BusinessAs a small business owner, fall is the time of year when I begin to go through the year-end tax checklist for my company.
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First Person: Is It Time to Raise Your Prices?For small businesses that provide consulting or other services, it can be difficult to know when to raise prices. Here are seven signs that may indicate that it is time to review your pricing.
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First Person: The Financial Truth of Renting Out Your HomeFrom a financial standpoint, whether to rent out a home may seem fairly straightforward. In fact, the financial considerations when renting out a home can be complex, so do your homework first.
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First Person: Is Renting Out Your Home the Right Move?If you, like many Americans today, have a home that you can’t sell at an acceptable price, perhaps you are considering renting it out instead. Here are a few factors to consider, before taking the plunge and renting out your home.
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First Person: Your Employer As Switching to High-Deductible Health Insurance. Now What?Your employer is switching to a high-deductible health insurance plan. Now what? Here are six tips for getting the most out of your health care spending and possibly keeping health care costs well below that lofty deductible.
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First Person: A Year-End Financial Checklist for Small BusinessesAs we approach the end of the year, it is the perfect time to give your business its annual checkup and to begin to plan for the coming year. Here are eight items that should be on the year-end financial checklist for your small business.
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First Person: Preparing a Small Business Cash Flow BudgetAs a small business owner, you may prepare a budget each year showing anticipated revenue and expenses, but it may not reflect your business’s cash flow. Therefore, it is essential to prepare a cash flow budget as well. Here’s how.Also published on:
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First Person: 3 Lessons From a Business FailureWhen I started my small business, I worked closely with a client that seemed to be doing extremely well, but ultimately failed. I learned some lessons from this business failure, lessons that I believe apply to many other small businesses.
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First Person: The Importance of Disability Insurance CoverageAn employee benefit that often gets overlooked is disability insurance. Here is why you should pay attention to this important benefit and how to take steps to be sure that you have adequate coverage.
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First Person: The Many Ways to Deduct Mileage ExpensesYou may be able to deduct the cost of using your car for business, education, job search, charitable and medical purposes. Here are six business and personal mileage deductions that could reduce your tax bill.
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First Person: The Pros and Cons of Going 'Bankless'Has the recent furor over bank fees made you long to close your bank account and go bankless? Here are some pros and cons of leaving your bank, and some options for dealing with the disadvantages of not having a bank account.
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First Person: The Two Disadvantages of Credit UnionsHave you joined in the stampede to leave big banks and switch to a credit union? Here’s how to deal with two disadvantages of credit unions: fewer ATMs and linked accounts.
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First Person: Preparing Employees for the Holiday SeasonIf your small business experiences a spike in business during the holiday season, here are five tips for preparing employees for and helping them to achieve a successful holiday season.
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First Person: Media Gift Lists as Small Business Marketing ToolsGetting one of your business’s products or services in a gift list store in local media may be one of the best holiday marketing strategies that your small business hasn’t tried.
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Year-End Tax Tips for Small Businesses: Save on Education SpendingIf your business has educational expenditures, now is the time to do some year-end tax planning to take advantage of valuable tax deductions and credits. Here are three ways for small business owners to save on education spending.
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First Person: Hiring a Small Business AccountantWhen I started my S Corporation, one of the first things that I did was to hire an accountant. Based on my experience, here are eight tips for making the right choice if you are considering hiring an accountant for your small business.
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First Person: 3 Lessons for Small Businesses From the Bank of America Debit Fee FiascoSometimes small companies can learn a lot when large companies stumble. As a small business owner, I believe there are three lessons that small businesses can learn from the Bank of America fiasco.
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First Person: Making a Business Partnership WorkFor many entrepreneurs, one of the most satisfying and productive business structures is a partnership. Here are five tips for making a business partnership work.
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First Person: The 3 Types of Job InterviewsWhen you begin a job search, be prepared for a variety of different types of interviews, including phone interviews, video interviews and one-on-one interviews.
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First Person: Must-Have Job Skills for New Colleges GradsIf you are a college graduate, you can improve your chances of landing a good job if you focus on improving your writing and speaking skills and understanding business basics.
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First Person: Preparing a Partnership Agreement for a New BusinessIf you are planning to form a business partnership, do yourself a favor and create a formal partnership agreement first. Here are six tips for preparing a partnership agreement.
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First Person: The $100 StartupDon’t let finances stop you from starting a small business, because some businesses can be started with little or no capital.
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First Person: Should Your Spouse Be Your Business Partner?There are many successful business partnerships between spouses, but not all work out well. If you are considering a business startup with a spouse, ask yourself these 7 questions first.
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First Person: Year-End Tax Planning for Small BusinessThe fall should be year-end tax planning season for your small business, since making the right moves well before year end could save your business money. Here are six year-end tax planning tips for small businesses.Also published on:
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First Person: Open Enrollment Season Is Here, Time to Give Yourself a RaiseIt’s open enrollment season at many firms, and there may be hidden financial gold in your company’s benefits programs if you know where to look. In fact, you may be able to give yourself a raise with smart benefits choices.
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First Person: Passive Job Hunting and Social NetworkingWhen employers have a job opening, they may proactively search the web to identify possible candidates. This is great for you as a job seeker, but only if you can be found.
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First Person: Saving With Transportation and Parking Savings AccountsDoes your employer offer transportation savings accounts and parking savings accounts? If so, be sure to sign up to save on money you already are spending.
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First Person: When You Can't Afford Health Insurance for Your EmployeesIf your business can’t afford employee health insurance, there are other options to help your employees with their health care costs, including health care flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement accounts.
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First Person: Free Resources for EntrepreneursIf you are planning a small business startup or need help growing your business, free advice from business experts may be available if you know where to look.
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First Person: Should I Offer Flexible Spending Accounts to My Employees?A valuable benefit for your small business to offer employees is a health care flexible spending account. There are both pros and cons to offering flexible spending accounts, so consider the following before introducing this benefit.
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First Person: 7 Reasons to Sign Up for a Flexible Spending AccountIf you have not signed up for a flexible spending account in the past, perhaps this is the year you should. Here are seven reasons to seriously consider taking advantage of this valuable benefit.
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First Person: The 10 Advantages of Federal Student LoansIf you will be borrowing for your college education, seriously consider maxing out your federal student loan options before you take out private debt.
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First Person: Putting a Dollar Value on Employee BenefitsWhen comparing jobs, don’t overlook the value of benefits. They may be worth more than you think.
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First Person: Year-End Tax Planning TipsThe early fall is the perfect time to do some year-end tax planning. Reviewing your charitable giving, retirement plan contributions, medical expenses and tax withholding could pay off now and later.Also published on:
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First Person: Work From Home, Save $9,500 a YearDo you have a job that could just as easily be done at home? If so, leaving the office behind could be a smart financial move. Here are five ways that working from home could save you money (and result in a stealth raise).
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First Person: Choosing a Bookkeeper for Your Small BusinessHave you have been keeping your small business’s books yourself, but now you’re ready to outsource this important function to a professional? If so, here are 8 tips for hiring a bookkeeper for your small business.
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First Person: Are You Headed for Financial Disaster?Unexpected financial emergencies can ambush any of us. Sometimes, though, they are preceded by warning signs of danger ahead. Watch for these signs that it is time to stop procrastinating and get your financial house in order.
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First Person: The Value of Business Cards for StudentsIf you are a student who will be looking for a job in the next few years, you should start networking now and, to network effectively, you need a networking business card. Here’s what you need to know about networking business cards for students.
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First Person: Networking For College StudentsIf you are a college student, building a network of contacts while you are in school could pay off when you start your job search, And it isn’t as hard as you think.
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First Person: Handling a Financial EmergencyIf you are faced with a financial crisis, there are steps you can take to deal with the short-term and long-term repercussions. Here are 5 tips for handling financial emergencies.
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First Person: 6 Reasons to Rent Instead of BuyingHome ownership is part of the American dream, so, for many people, there is no question that buying a home is preferable to renting. In fact, sometimes the many advantages of renting make it the better financial and personal choice.
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First Person: Questions to Ask Before Refinancing a MortgageWith interest rates at historically low levels, this can be a great time to refinance a mortgage. However, refinancing a mortgage is not the right financial move for all homeowners. Answer the following questions before you refinance a mortgage.
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First Person: 8 Tips for Controlling Holiday Gift SpendingDo you exit the holidays each year, not just with a bigger waistline but with a bigger debt load from excess spending? Then make this the year you put your gift budget on a diet with these tips for controlling gift spending this Christmas.
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First Person: Lessons for Small Business From the Netflix FiascoIn recent months, Netflix infuriated customers with price increases and a plan to divide its business in two. There are some lessons for small business from the Netflix fiasco.
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First Person: Small Business Publicity and the Local PressWith a little effort, you may be able to increase your business’s visibility in the local press at little or no cost.
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First Person: The 6 Advantages of LayawayIn recent years, many retailers have reintroduced layaway for their customers. Here are 6 reasons to consider using layaway this holiday season.
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Setting Up Bookkeeping for a Small BusinessHaving strong bookkeeping systems in place when you start your small business can save you time and money. Here are some tips for setting up bookkeeping for a small business.
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First Person: Dealing With a Lowball Offer on Your HomeYou’ve received a lowball offer on your home and must decide what to do soon. Here are six things to consider before deciding on a lowball offer.
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First Person: The Mistakes Lowball Buyers MakeGiven today’s weak housing market, many buyers make lowball offer below a home’s list price. You can improve the odds that your lowball offer will be accepted by avoiding these 7 lowball offer mistakes.
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First Person: Making a Successful Lowball Offer on a HomeGiven today’s sluggish housing market, you may be able to purchase a home at below its offering price. Here are 6 tips for making a successful lowball offer on a home.
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First Person: Small Business Pricing MistakesOne of the most difficult and important decisions for a small business is how to price its product. Position your small business for success by avoiding these common pricing mistakes.
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First Person: Improving Small Business Pricing PowerOne of the challenges for a small business is developing pricing power for its product or service so it doesn’t have to compete solely on low prices. Consider these pricing strategies aimed at enhancing your business’s pricing power.
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First Person: Rolling Out a Small Business Credit ProgramIf done properly, extending credit can be a winning small business strategy; if not done well, it can cost you time and money. Before you roll out a small business credit program, plan your credit strategy with care.
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First Person: Time for a Small Business Bookkeeper?As your small business grows and its bookkeeping becomes more time consuming and complex, you may begin to wonder whether you need professional help. Here are some signs it may be time for your business to hire a bookkeeper.
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First Person: Estimating Small Business Start-Up CostsBefore you start a small business, be sure to take the time to estimate start-up costs so that you can ensure that the business is well capitalized.
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First Person: Starting a Holiday Decorating BusinessInstead of taking a seasonal job this Christmas, why not start your own seasonal business? Here are 7 tips for starting a holiday decorating business.
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First Person: The Myths of Home OwnershipWhile home ownership makes sense for many people, it isn’t the only way to go. Don’t be fooled by these home ownership myths.
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First Person: Should Small Businesses Extend Credit to Their Customers?If you are considering offering credit to your customers, the answers to these questions may help you make the right decision for your small business.
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First Person: Should You Get a Store Credit Card?If you are like me, you may automatically refuse offers for store credit cards, but that may not always be the wisest move financially. Here are some pros and cons of getting a store card.
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First Person: Understanding Marginal Tax RatesMarginal tax rates can be confusing and that confusion can sometimes cause taxpayers to make poor financial decisions.Also published on:
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First Person: Excelling as a MentorWhen you agree to be or choose to be a business mentor, start by setting some ground rules so that you and your protege have the same expectations for the relationship. Here are six tips for excelling as a mentor.
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First Person: 8 Ways to Avoid Excessive Bank FeesWhile bank fees, like airline fees, may seem like an unavoidable fact of life today, there are steps you can take to minimize them.
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First Person: Working With a MentorHow successful your relationship with a mentor is will depend, in part, on how you approach it. Here are eight tips for getting the most out of working with a mentor.
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First Person: 4 Reasons Not to Quit a Job You HateBased on my experience, sometimes it is worthwhile to stick with a job you hate, at least for a while.
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First Person: Why Job Descriptions MatterAs a small business owner, when you are planning to hire your first employee it's important to take the time to write a job description first.
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First Person: Managing References During a Job SearchWhen you are looking for a job, your references can make the difference between a job offer and a pass. Therefore, how you handle job references is important and should be taken seriously.
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First Person: How to Be a Great Job ReferenceChances are at some point in your career you will be asked to be a job reference. While this can be flattering, it also is a big responsibility.
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First Person: First Job Mistakes to AvoidYou have landed your first job after graduating from college and your first day at work is fast approaching. Get off on the right foot by avoiding these first job blunders.
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First Person: Making a Successful Transition From College to WorkMaking a successful transition from school to work can be tricky, especially if you aren’t realistic about what to expect. Here are six things you need to know to successfully transition from college to career.
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First Person: Building a Work Wardrobe on a BudgetWhen I had just graduated from college and was starting my first job, I needed a work wardrobe but had very little money to spend on it. Here are 7 tips to make get the most out of limited funds when buying new clothes for work.
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First Person: What to Do After a Job InterviewWhen you go for a job interview, have a plan for your post-interview follow-up to enhance your chances that you will be offered the position.
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First Person: You Haven’t Heard Back After an Interview. Now What?You interviewed for a job that seems to be a perfect fit for you, and you thought it went well, but you haven't heard back. Now what?
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First Person: Avoiding a LayoffWhen companies are eliminating jobs because sales are soft and costs must be cut, it can be difficult to avoid the ax. However, there are steps that you can take to avoid getting laid off.