Blog
Be careful of big banks with big pitfalls
There’s a misconception that large banking entities are more trustworthy and reliable because they managed to get to the scale they’re at today.
Healthcare helping or hurting HR
Reviewing costs and benefits would be a good idea before deciding which direction to go with your financial plan.
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.
How to make smart investments with ETF
There’s been a lot of buzz recently surrounding exchange-traded funds (ETF) options, but while appeal may be high in some areas, you may want to get some unbiased financial investment advice before putting money into one.
Finding ways to do what you love or love what you do
A slew of recent studies has found employees by-in-large aren’t happy with their current job, but with a stagnant hiring field and unemployment rates holding steady it may be worth it to look around the office again before taking a leap out the door.
Getting an early start on retirement planning
It may seem like you have a lot of time before you hit 65, plenty of good years to work and save, but there are a lot of factors to take into account when planning for those golden years.
There may be more cash in your pockets than you think
Finding more cash flow without getting a second job may sound impossible, but there are a few things you can do to free up money you may not have known about.
Staying on top of your business’ money
It may seem like a simple concept, but more businesses are saying they have to adjust their financial calculator due to customers who don’t pay what they owe.
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...
Not as much competition for startup small businesses
Right now the economy seems to be a bit stagnant, and some are pointing to a lack of small business startups as the root of the problem.
Finding a friendly place for your business to call home
One of the biggest steps in a new business’ financial plan should be figuring out where to set up shop. It may not be as simple though as looking for a vacant storefront; you might want to consider first the different speed bumps state and federal governments could throw in your way.
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.
Smart business through technology growth
As a small business, your cash flow is strong and consistent and you’re starting to think about where you might want to put money back into your company to help it grow. If you’re still running on old technology you might want to consider an update; you might actually be hurting your productivity.
Keeping your head in the investing game
The Investing Sentiment Survey (ISS) released recently shows most investors are feeling overwhelmed and confused by the variety and complexity of products, so if you’re looking for good financial advisement, don’t be afraid to look for help.
The one kind of insurance you should have but probably don’t
According to Marvin H. Feldman of the LIFE Foundation, you may be taking a terrible risk every day with your finances and it could be because you don’t know to look for it yet.
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...
Making money count for the 20-somethings
College graduation is a landmark, a time for family and friends to rejoice a major achievement and wish you well as you truly set out into the world for the first time.
Group-Term Life Insurance as an Employee Benefit
Employers know that the employees of a business will effectively determine whether the venture will be a success or not. Committed employees who are satisfied with their jobs, and the rewards their jobs bring, are a significant asset of any successful business. That...
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.
Looking for Funds in All the Wrong Places
Your business might be feeling the pinch this year as prices on goods keep going up but consumer spending doesn’t keep up. Before you put in all your savings, talk to My Bank about your financing options.
Is now a good time to hire?
Your small business has come a long way but maybe you’re noticing more often that you just don’t seem to have enough time to get everything done anymore.
Make the most of your summer vacation
Schools will be letting out for summer vacation in a few short weeks and there will be plenty of time for fun in the sun. Be sure you’re ready with all the right toys and tools to make lasting memories.
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.
Are you a casual financial planner?
Americans are casual planners when it comes to their personal finance, according to a recent study from Northwestern Mutual.
It’s time to ramp up your financial fitness
One of the hardest parts of adjusting to life after college is realizing you’re now a “real adult.”
The core of cash flow management
From a financial perspective, April is a big month.
Study offers insight into common cash flow pitfalls
Research sponsored by small business coaching firm Advicoach found that as many as half of entrepreneurs running their own firms use personal credit cards to compensate for poor cash flow caused by a lack of funding or revenue.
Taking the next step: Tips for small business employee recruitment
So, your small business financial plan is solid.
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...
Tips for quick and easy cash flow management
According to Les Masonson, financial services expert and author of Cash, Cash, Cash: The Three Principles of Business Survival and Success, the path to effective, successful cash flow management is a simple one.
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.
How long can your small business operate in the red?
Even small business owners who think they have a thorough financial plan in place that will help their companies remain solvent can fall victim to unfortunate circumstances.
Become a standout entrepreneur
Small business owners are notorious for being the first through the door in the morning and the last to leave at night.
Keeping your cash flow consistent and your company afloat
Effective cash flow management – the term for adequately facilitating the stream of money coming in and going out of your company – is crucial to keeping your small business afloat.
Organizing your small business’ to-do’s and not-right-now’s
Small business owners are historically busy people.
As Easter Approaches, Don’t Put All Your Financial Eggs in One Basket
Easter Sunday typically falls in April, which also happens to be Financial Literacy Month.
How to be a strategic entrepreneur
For small business owners like you, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks associated with running your own company.
Strategies for business cash flow management
As the Business Finance Store recently noted, effective cash flow management is an important part of operations for small businesses across industries.
In order of priority: Auto loans, credit cards, mortgages
A predominance of consumers regard making car loan payments as more important than paying off credit cards and mortgages, according to a recent TransUnion study.
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...
So, you’re facing a shortfall
You crunched revenue and expenditure numbers, put together a realistic financial plan, and yet, you’re facing a shortfall.
Improving receivables and managing payables
Cash flow management is all about striking a balance between expenditures and revenue, then basing your company’s financial plan off these projections.
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.
Cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs
As a community-oriented business owner (COBO), running your own enterprise is about more than just making money – although that’s nice too, of course.
Study identifies successful entrepreneurial practices
A recent report from the Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute examined the practices of small business owners (SBOs) who saw revenue increases in 2011.
Unpacking the recent Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity
According to the most recent Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, the rate of small business creation fell last year.
Boosting productivity and achieving momentum
When it comes to getting things done, people tend to get caught up in what they’re doing, rather than taking a step back to look at what they’ve already accomplished and where they plan to go next.
Prioritizing your priorities: Small business 101
For small business owners like you, every aspect of running your company can seem like a priority.
Discussing your financial plan with your spouse
As a community-oriented small business owner, you have to juggle the responsibilities of financial management both at work and at home.
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...