We cover the basics and more about personal finance, answering frequently asked questions about credit and debt, identity theft, saving for college, retirement, estate planning, insurance, taxes, job hunting, and raising money-savvy kids. Check out the articles, columns, blog posts, radio shows and videos for tons of personal finance advice.
Five Tips for Establishing a Business Network that Works
Building up your business network might seem like a daunting task, especially as you manage all of the other responsibilities that come with starting and managing a small business. However, whether you are sending a client a thank-you note, setting up a meeting with someone you met at a party, or signing up for a [...]
Tax Tips: Four Ways to Write off Gifts on Your Taxes
Most people are generous by nature. We love to see the look on someone’s face when he or she gets the perfect gift—especially when that someone is a business associate with whom we’re eager to keep a good relationship. Unfortunately, the IRS tax laws limit tax deductions for business gifts to a total of $25 [...]
Hire Power: How to Hire Good Employees for Your Small Business
“I wish I could clone myself.” As a small business owner, you’ve probably said this before—I know I did at one time. When you’re starting a small business, it’s tempting to think that you know it all and that you simply need to hire more people like you. But smart hiring is exactly the opposite: [...]
Five Tips for Updating Your Small Business Marketing Materials
Your mission is the driving force of your company. It guides how you develop products or services, what materials you use, and the office culture you create. It should also guide the way you market your small business. Here are five tips for incorporating your mission into your small business marketing materials: 1. Evaluate all [...]
Small Business Advice: Create a Business Plan for Tax and Profit
Over the years, I have worked with all kinds of wild and wonderful clients. Some of them have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams, while others have failed miserably. What’s the big difference between the successes and failures? A business plan. Small business advice: Tips for creating a business plan Creating a business plan is well [...]
When Do I Pay Taxes on the Interest Earned from Savings Bonds?
At one of my jobs long ago, I arranged to have $25 taken out of each monthly paycheck to buy a $50 U.S. savings bond. The money wasn’t missed, and the savings added up to $600 worth of long-term savings for only a $300 annual investment. These days, my clients and readers don’t ask about [...]
Best Pre-Paid and Store Gift Cards to Give and Receive
Gift cards are often the best gift to give but not always to receive, even when they are prepaid gift cards or store gift cards. Finding the best gift card will make a great gift. The highest-ranked gift cards with no fees will be a good gift to give and receive. Review our list for [...]
How to Lower Your Property Taxes
Many homeowners face increased property taxes, even as the value of their home has fallen. If you’re one of these homeowners, you’re probably wondering how to lower your property taxes. [Scroll down for video] It takes work, but it can be done. Here are three things you need to do in order to lower your [...]
Data Breach Red Flags Every Small Business Owner Should Know
As more customer information is stored online, data breaches pose an increased risk to business owners and consumers alike. A data breach often involves the loss of personally identifiable information. “Think about any information that is unique to you as an individual, or when combined becomes unique,” says Scott Mitic, senior vice president of Equifax [...]
Does My Credit Score Affect My Insurance Rates?
With a solid credit score, you are able to borrow money at the most competitive interest rates. But that’s not all—creditworthy behavior could also help you save hundreds of dollars on your insurance policies annually. How does my credit affect my insurance? Most auto and homeowners insurance companies use a type of credit score—known as [...]