Blog
November 2019 Market Insight
What happened in November? U.S. stocks continued to have positive returns. Large cap stocks, measured by the S&P 500 were up 3.63% in November. Small stocks, measured by the Russell 2000 were up 4.12%. International stocks, measured by the...
6 Ways to Cut Your Everyday Expenses
Many people dream of making more money, but cutting expenses can have the same effect. Identify unnecessary expenses with these six money-saving ideas and help free up some cash
Tips to Improve Your Credit Score
Your credit score is more important than ever. Once viewed as a necessity when applying for a mortgage, it now factors into renting an apartment, paying for utilities, buying a cell phone, and determining the amount you pay for home and auto...
The Power of Cultivating Gratitude
What are some ways you can make gratitude part of your everyday life? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Reminder: Major Employment Tax Deadlines
Handling employment taxes can be complicated, especially when you’re required to file important tax documents throughout the year. Here's a list of key forms and deadline dates to help keep you on track.
2020 Social Security Benefits
Take a look at how Social Security benefits have changed and learn a little more about retirement benefits and taxes.
Save Money With These Year-End Ideas
There's still time to reduce your potential tax obligation and save money this year (and next). Here are some ideas to consider
October 2019 Market Insight
The so-called “Great Recession” ended more than 10 years ago. Since then, the U.S. economy has been in the longest recorded expansion in history. But good times don’t last forever. Because you’ve probably been hearing a number
5 Ways Payroll Services Boost a Business
Is a payroll provider right for you and your business? While it is an added expense, there are good reasons to add a partner to help with this service. Here are five things to consider.
Reminder: Time to Start the Financial Aid Process
If you have a child in college or entering college during the next school year, you need to read this. You can now fill out your required Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) for the next school year.
Amazon and eBay Sales Tax ALERT!
If you or your business sells product on Amazon using the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, you are well into the multi-state sales tax mess ... even if you are not aware of it.
Bill collector calling? Know your rights
Maybe you're behind on paying your bills because of circumstances outside of your control. Or perhaps there's been an error in billing. Either way, these scenarios may lead to a run-in with a debt collector.
Another Year, Another New 1040
In 2018, the government attempted to “simplify” the tax-filing process by drastically shortening Form 1040. The result was six new schedules that created a lot of confusion.
Another Interest Rate Drop and Progress in U.S.-China Trade (for Now)
Many investors recouped losses from August thanks to perceived progress in the U.S.-China trade saga and the Federal Reserve dropping their short-term interest rate another 0.25% to 2.00%. While investor sentiment waxed and waned...
Consider the Tax BEFORE You Sell
In times of market volatility or when a financial need arises, it is only natural to consider selling some investments. Understanding the tax consequences is key to making an informed and planned decision. Here is what you need to know BEFORE you sell.
How to Handle Negative Reviews
With all the rating services on sites like Amazon and Yelp, it's not a question of whether your business will receive a negative review, only when. Every business or service must know how to handle these negative reviews. Here are some hints.
Help Older Adults Stand Up Against Scams
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently reported in financial exploitation cases that older adults lost an average of $34,200. Unfortunately, these funds are often never recovered. You can ensure this doesn't happen by learning more...
Why You Need to Read the Fine Print
According to a recent Deloitte survey, 91 percent of people agree to terms and conditions without reading the legal agreement. While reading through the legally complex language may be slow and painful, it’s more important than you think.
Select the Right Health Insurance for Your Business
If you have employees, you know how important health insurance is for your benefits package. It also takes a big bite out of your budget. Selecting the right insurance for your company is extremely important for employee retention and...
The IRS Is Not Always Right
A letter in the mailbox with the IRS as the return address is sure to raise your blood pressure. Here are some tips for handling the situation if this happens to you.
The Trade War Drags on and the Yield Curve Inverts
August was a mixed bag of emotions as volatility spiked in the market, fueled by trade war escalations (and de-escalations), global growth concerns, and the infamous yield curve officially inverting for the first time since 2007.
No Excuses. Time to Lower Your Tax Bill
It's easy to push tax planning to the sidelines when tax laws are ever-changing and hard to understand. Here are some common (but often unfounded) reasons for avoiding tax situations, plus tips to help get past them and start paying less tax
Cash Flow Concepts That Can Save Your Business
A sad and oft-repeated truth is that half of all new businesses fail within the first five years. Although many factors contribute to business failure, a common culprit is poor cash management. All businesses, large and small, must deal with
Smart Tactics to Manage Student Debt
According to the Federal Reserve, U.S. student loan debt is now $1.5 trillion with more than 44 million borrowers. Only mortgage debt currently has bigger numbers among types of consumer debt. Even worse, more than 10 percent of these loans are...
I Owe Tax on That?
Wages and self-employment earnings are taxable, but what about the random cash or financial benefits you receive through other means? If something of value changes hands, you can bet the IRS considers a way to tax it. Here a
Business Advice: Every Impression Matters
With competition abounding for virtually every product or service, businesses need to hone every advantage available to them. One of the ways you can set your business apart from the pack is to create an awesome customer experience starting with
July 2019 Market Recap
Those who followed the adage “sell in May and go away” might be kicking themselves now. Markets continued to power up in July, supported by positive Fed expectations, a decent start to the earning season, and relative improvements in
Basic Customer Retention Questions You Need to Answer
Your business’s ability to retain customers is one of the most important components to sustain growth and profitability. Here are the three retention questions every business owner should be able to answer
How To Protect Your Social Security Number
Very few things in life can create a higher degree of stress than having your Social Security Number (SSN) stolen. This is because, unlike other forms of ID, your SSN is virtually permanent.
Make Setting Salaries Easier With These 5 Steps
Whether you are hiring for the first time, filling an open position, or conducting annual performance reviews, finding a salary range that attracts and retains valued employees can be a difficult task. Here are some suggestions
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