February 28, 2012
Since the brokerage houses are now starting to release their Forms 1099B for 2011, investors are noticing they look a little different than in past years. The change in the Form 1099B is the result of a requirement that brokerage houses report cost basis of certain securities to the IRS. Investors will discover significant changes [...]
February 23, 2012
I drove 45 minutes the other night (one way!) for a 30-minute swim lesson. This was my first swim lesson so I was a little apprehensive about it. (For the record, I can swim but my intent is to try to learn to swim more “efficiently” for triathlons). I even showed up 10 minutes early. [...]
February 15, 2012
Throughout our working lives, we pay into the Social Security system so that we will have a lifetime annuity that will be use to supplement our living needs in retirement. There are many questions to consider when it comes to determining the appropriate time to claim one’s Social Security benefits and unfortunately, there is no [...]
February 8, 2012
In many of the small businesses I’ve worked with — and in our business too — marketing consistently is challenging. I’m not telling you what type of marketing you should do for your business, because every enterprise should have their own marketing plan and approach based on their company goals, target demographic, etc. What I [...]
January 31, 2012
Tax season is upon us and as you are gathering all of your tax documents together, please read this if you have children who have earned income (received a W-2) in 2011. They may be anxious to file their return to “get their money back.” However, please make them aware of the impact if they [...]
January 25, 2012
What are your favorite companies to buy from? Do you have loyalty to a certain brand or store? What causes you to choose between buying a TV from HH Gregg and Best Buy? A t-bone steak from the local butcher instead of Kroger? Sure, location and price can play a short-term role. But in the [...]
January 21, 2012
Business owners of all types and in all industries tend to address tasks and projects as they are absolutely needed. New customers coming in slow? Set up a website to enhance your marketing. Cash flow tight? Apply for a line of credit. Paying too much in overtime to employees? Hire another producer. There are some [...]
January 17, 2012
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” -found on a poster in Tim Tebow’s childhood bedroom Last weekend, New England unceremoniously ended Tim Tebow’s season behind Tom Brady’s 6-touchdown passes. Tebow has become a polarizing sports figure as half the nation appears to be infatuated with him — both on and off [...]
January 3, 2012
The new year brings a renewed sense of optimism and an eagerness to achieve all of our newly set resolutions. Something often overlooked or misunderstood in our society is what number it will take to retire comfortably. Do you know what your number is? Is that number achievable? Are you doing the things needed to [...]
December 23, 2011
The difference between performance and outperformance often comes down to not what you buy, but how you buy it. Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s Mad Money Over the last several years, the equity markets have offered much to investors in terms of risk and volatility but little in absolute positive returns as the S&P 500 [...]
