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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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.
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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.
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First Person: Part-Time Work and Unemployment BenefitsIf you qualify for unemployment benefits, but would like to supplement them with part-time work, proceed with caution. Depending on the rules in your state, taking part-time work could result in a cut in or elimination of benefits.
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First Person: My Unemployment Benefits Are Running Out. Now What?If your unemployment benefits have run out or will end soon, here are some things that you can do to protect your financial future.
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First Person: What Not to Do When You Are Laid OffIf you are laid off, try to avoid actions that could actually make your professional situation worse. Here are 7 things not to do when you are laid off.
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First Person: Layoff Warning SignsWith economic growth slowing and the risk of a double-dip recession increasing, now is the time to be on the lookout for clues that your employer could be considering layoffs. Here are some red flags that your firm could have to let some employees go.
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First Person: Starting a Seasonal BusinessIt is not too late to start a seasonal business for this year’s Christmas season, but the sooner you get started, the better your chances of success.
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First Person: Seasonal Work for the UnemployedIf you are looking for a full-time job but not having any luck, taking a seasonal job could help to pay the bills and perhaps beef up your resume. Here are five tips for using a seasonal job to bridge the gap until you find permanent employment.
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First Person: Finding a Seasonal Job Before the SeasonIf you are planning on working a seasonal job during the upcoming holiday season, it is not too soon to begin your job hunt. Here are 7 tips for finding a seasonal job this year.
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First Person: Asking Questions at an InterviewWhen you go for a job interview, don’t just be prepared to answer questions; be ready to ask some yourself. Here are 7 tips for asking questions at an interview.
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First Person: 6 Tips for Hiring a Financial PlannerWhen you hire a financial planner, it is important that you find someone who is capable, ethical and professional, since a mistake could be costly. Here are six tips for picking the best financial planner for you.
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First Person: 4 Questions to Ask After Getting FiredBeing fired, while certainly a miserable experience, could give you insights that will pay off in the future. Here are four questions to ask yourself after being fired and the lessons your answers could teach you.
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First Person: Networking When Working at HomeOne of the disadvantages of working from home is feeling disconnected from colleagues and other professionals. You can avoid this problem by making networking a priority.
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How to Estimate Your Retirement BenefitsEstimating your retirement income can take some time, but it is worth the effort, since it can give you an indication as to whether your retirement planning is on track or needs adjustment. Here are five steps for estimating your retirement benefits.
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First Person: 5 Reasons to Hire a Financial PlannerYou may need a financial planner if you don’t’ have the time or confidence for do-it-yourself financial planning, if you are worried about your financial future or if there has been a change in your financial situation.
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First Person: Should I Share Business Information With My Employees?While some business information should be kept confidential, it can be a good business strategy to keep your workforce well informed.
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Choosing the Perfect Annuity For Your NeedsChoosing the perfect annuity depends on a variety of factors, including your age, risk tolerance, and financial needs.
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Components of a Balanced Financial PlanThe main components of a balanced financial plan include budgeting, saving, retirement planning, investing, insurance, and estate planning.
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Do You Need a Financial Planner?Many American turn to professional financial planners to help them plan their financial futures, but there are both pros and cons to hiring a financial planner.
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First Person: 4 Reasons to Network Even If You Aren’t Looking for a JobNetworking isn’t just for job seekers. In fact, there are many good reasons to network even if you have a good job and no immediate plans to leave it.
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First Person: Four Strategies to Reduce Job Interview StressIf you believe that a fear of job interviews is hindering your job hunt, try these strategies to reduce job interview stress.
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First Person: 6 Steps to Prepare Financially for a Stay-at-Home ParentIf you are planning to start a family or if you have a baby on the way and are considering becoming a stay-at-home mom (or dad) once your bundle of joy arrives, do some serious financial analysis and preparation first.
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First Person: Does Your Business Need Key Man Insurance Coverage?Your small business might need key man insurance if its success is dependent on a few key individuals and the loss of one or more of them would negatively affect its operations, perhaps even putting its continuity at risk.
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First Person: The Top Small Business Tax Bookkeeping MistakesKeeping accurate tax records for a small business is essential, since mistakes can be costly. Here a five top tax bookkeeping mistakes that small businesses sometimes make.Also published on:
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Retirement Planning Checklist for Your 20s and 30sIt is never too soon to start saving for retirement. Here are 5 retirement strategies to implement in your 20s and 30s that can help to ensure that you are on track for a comfortable retirement.
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Planning for Retirement After Age 50Your 50s is the perfect time to take a serious look at your retirement plan and to make necessary adjustments. Here are the top 10 retirement planning tips for those aged 50 and up.
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Protecting Seniors from Financial ScamsSadly, seniors often are easy targets for financial scams, since they may be lonely, naive, trusting and worried about running out of money. Here are five ways to protect seniors from financial scams.
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First Person: Planning for Retirement in a Tough EconomyIn a tough economy, retirement planning may not be high on your financial to-do list. However, not tackling retirement planning now could cost you later, so take these steps to keep your retirement on track.Also published on:
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First Person: Life Insurance and Disability for Small Business OwnersAs a small business owner, you need to consider what insurance coverage you need to protect your family, income and business, including life insurance and disability insurance for small business owners.
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First Person: Starting a Collectibles BusinessIf you are thinking about starting a collectibles business, here are seven tips for managing those aspects that make this business unique.
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First Person: Looking for a Job in Another StateLooking for a job in another state is challenging in the best of times, but especially in today's difficult labor market.
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First Person: Small Business Tax ManagementAccounting for and paying taxes is one of the chores that many small business owners dread the most. Based on my experience, here are some tips for handling small business tax management.Also published on:
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First Person: How Joining a Career Club Could Help With a Job SearchIf you are looking for a job or considering a career change, a career club (or job club) could be a valuable tool to help you achieve your goals.
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First Person: 9 Questions Before Taking a Second JobMany Americans now work two jobs in order to make ends meet. Sometimes working a second job is a necessity; other times it is a choice. Here are 9 questions to answer before taking a second job.
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First Person: Networking for IntrovertsIf you are an introvert, you may never relish the idea of networking, but these networking tips for introverts can help build your confidence so that you get the most out of it.
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First Person: Using a Headhunter to Find a JobThere can be many advantages of using a headhunter to find a job as long as you are realistic about his role and motivation. Before deciding to work with a headhunter, know the pros and cons.
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First Person: Job Hunting on the SlyJob hunting on the sly while working full time is difficult at any time, but it can be done. Here are seven tips for keeping a job search secret.
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First Person: The Reality of Working Two JobsIn today's difficult economy, many Americans are working two jobs to make ends meet. Holding down two jobs can be tiring and stressful. Here are five tips to help you manage working two jobs.
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First Person: Growing a Business Through Word of MouthOne of the best ways to grow a small business is through word of mouth, since it is both inexpensive and effective. Here are 4 tips for generating positive word of mouth for your small business.
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First Person: Cutting Storm Related CostsWhile storm proofing a home requires some investment, it can be money well spent. Here are some steps you can take to cut storm related financial losses.
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First Person: The Must-Have Insurance Policies for College StudentsAs you head off to college, be sure that you have the coverage you need to protect your health, property and car by getting this must-have insurance for students.
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First Person: 8 Ways to Cut Extracurricular Activity CostsOne of the many challenges faced by parents today is the rising cost of extracurricular activities for their children. Here are a few tips for cutting extracurricular activity costs.
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First Person: Selecting Home Upgrades That Pay Off FinanciallyAs long-time homeowners, we have learned some valuable lessons about which home upgrades are worthwhile financially and which aren’t. Based on our experience, here are a few tips for selecting home improvements that pa
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First Person: Jump Starting a Small Business During a SlowdownInevitably there will be times when your small business experiences a slowdown in demand. While such periods can be discouraging, there are steps you can take to jump start your business during a slowdown.
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First Person: Improving Accounts Receivable CollectionsEffective accounts receivable management for a small business is not difficult. It just takes discipline and organization.
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First Person: Building a Good Small Business ReputationThere is a saying that a good reputation is more valuable than money. Use these four strategies to build a good business reputation.
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First Person: Defining Small Business SuccessDefining what business success means to you can be an important exercise that helps you determine whether your business is on track or whether you need to make changes.
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First Person: Facing the Stigma of Being UnemployedUnfortunately, some employers prefer the employed over the unemployed when filling a job. Fortunately, there are some strategies you can use to overcome the stigma of being unemployed when looking for work.