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Today’s Market Action

Today’s Market Action

U.S. stocks are extending losses after the latest economic data showed factory orders fell in April for a second month, adding to evidence that U.S. economic growth is slowing.  The S&P 500, the U.S. benchmark equity index is now down 10% from its 2012 peak of...

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Picking the loan that works for you

Picking the loan that works for you

Reports and surveys all seem to say that small business lending is on the decline for April and that going forward owners should consider alternate funding options.

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Are Your Personal Finances on Solid Ground?

Are Your Personal Finances on Solid Ground?

Stock market volatility, the struggling economy, job losses, and a variety of other factors have left many individuals feeling less than totally comfortable with their personal finances these days. If you’re among them, maybe you would benefit from reassessing your...

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Getting money where your business’ mouth is

Getting money where your business’ mouth is

Over the last few years the economy hasn’t been quite what it used to be. Consumer Reports said recently that spending was down even though people were feeling more optimistic about how the market was doing.

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Overseas Election Results Stunt Stocks

Overseas Election Results Stunt Stocks

Equity markets closed sharply lower on Friday and on the week after the April payrolls report showed the U.S. economy created just 115,000 new jobs, the fewest in six months.  The S&P 500 lost 2.4% last week, its largest weekly retreat since mid-December.  The Dow...

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Fighting the debt fight

Fighting the debt fight

Recent credit card usage is up among small businesses, according to CreditCards.com, with numbers soaring above those from 10 years ago.

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Jumpstart your business cash flow

Jumpstart your business cash flow

Your small business is just starting out and you need a way to get some extra cash flow. A new law makes finding money online much easier, and not just with online banking.

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No Left Turns!

No Left Turns!

On Your Way to the Right Mortgage You want to find the perfect house, but first you should look for the right mortgage. If you feel lost before you even begin your search, let us help guide you.   Check Your Credit Report Right Away Many mortgage lenders require...

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Four common money mistakes

Four common money mistakes

When it comes to staying out of the red and keeping control of your finances, there are several common errors people make time and again.

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Deducting Points

Deducting Points

You just bought a house and paid one “point” on your home loan. A point, which is the interest lenders charge up front, is 1% of the mortgage loan amount. If you itemize your income-tax deductions, points are deductible. First Time Around Points paid for a mortgage on...

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Tips for better managing your cash flow

Tips for better managing your cash flow

Cash flow management involves balancing small business expenditures with revenue collection to ensure your company has the funds it needs to pay bills, cover unexpected expenses and generally stay afloat.

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Small Businesses, Big Tax Mistakes

Small Businesses, Big Tax Mistakes

In the face of business pressures, keeping up with IRS rules and regulations can be difficult. But the consequences of noncompliance can put a small enterprise out of business just as easily as poor economic conditions can. While you can’t control the economy, you can...

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Today’s Market Action

Today’s Market Action

U.S. stocks opened mildly higher, extending gains into a sixth day on follow-on strength from yesterday’s surprise Fed stress test results which allowed a dividend-increase melee among banks.  The actions reiterate the Fed’s view that strains in global financial...

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Crowdfunding vs. community bank loans

Crowdfunding vs. community bank loans

Despite tentative positive trends suggesting traditional small business financing will be easier to come by this year, many experts predict that 2012 will see the continued rise of alternative sources of funding.

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College and Retirement

College and Retirement

Two Goals, One Pot of Money There’s no doubt that college costs are high — and getting higher. So, if you expect your child to go to college, it probably makes sense to start saving as early as possible. There’s also no doubt that if you plan to retire someday, you’re...

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U.S. 4Q GDP Expands to 3% Growth

U.S. 4Q GDP Expands to 3% Growth

Broad market gains yesterday sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average to close above the 13,000 mark for the first time since May 2008 and the S&P 500 ended the day at its best level in nearly four years.  Investors overlooked falling home prices and a 4% drop in...

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Creating Your Financial Plan

Creating Your Financial Plan

Creating a financial plan may seem like a task for only the very wealthy. But anyone with goals for the future, such as buying a house or saving for a child’s education, will benefit from having a plan to help reach those objectives. Successful financial planning...

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Clean Up the Clutter

Clean Up the Clutter

If piles of financial documents have taken over your home, it’s time to clean up the clutter. Here are a few ways to clean your financial house. Get Organized Sort through the piles and arrange documents into groups. For example, put all your tax records into one...

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