Archive for October, 2009

The Right Stuff – Part 1

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Have you decided to start your own business?  Generally, people who start their own businesses can be grouped into two broad categories. The first group consists of people who know exactly what they want to do and are merely looking for the opportunity or resources to do it. Usually, these people have already developed many of the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen field. They are also likely to be familiar with industry customs and practices, which can help during the startup phase of a new business.

The second group consists of people who want to start their own business, but don’t have any real definite ideas about what they’d like to do. While these people have developed skills in the course of their employment or education, they may not be interested in opening a business in the same field of endeavor. (more…)

I’m In Business, Now What?

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

In a recent survey, many of you stated that you could really use some help with Business Start Up, so this article is for all of you out there that have taken the plunge with a new business.

Remember don’t attempt to do it alone; surround yourself with experts! Tap into the wisdom of legal expertise in your particular field, accounting expertise, tax strategists for small business and other successful business owners to avoid some of the common pitfalls. (more…)

Spending Plan

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

No one likes a budget because it sounds too much like a diet for your finances and conjures up visions of lack. Instead of using the ‘B’ word, we focus on a proactive Spending Plan. It is a habit that you will form to make concise and well-informed decisions about where your money goes. (more…)

Money Talks – But Our Beliefs Speak Louder

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

When is the last time you sat down and thought about your money beliefs? Perhaps many of you are thinking, “I haven’t sat down lately, let alone had much thinking time.” It may be time to stop and take a serious look at the current relationship between you and your money. Take a moment and answer this question: How do you feel about money? Sounds simple enough, but for most people it is a very emotional subject. And unfortunately for many, it is the lack of money (or even perceived lack) that causes the most stress in their lives. (more…)

Insurance Part 5 – How To Get the Best Policy for the Best Price

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

If you are purchasing term life insurance, it is pretty simple to evaluate costs of different life policies. Compare the premiums charged by each company for the same amount of coverage.

It is more complicated to determine actual cost of whole life policies since cash values, dividends, interest you could have earned in other investments, and the number of years a policy is kept in force all play important roles. (more…)

Life Insurance Part 4 – What Kind Should You Buy?

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

One of the more confusing aspects of picking the right life insurance is deciding which kind of policy best fits your needs. It seems there are endless variations and names to choose from—universal life, variable life, Irreplaceable Life, The Champion, The Solution. It’s important to know that all are actually variations on the two basic kinds of coverage: term insurance and whole-life insurance (also called cash value or permanent). (more…)

Life Insurance Part 3 – How Much Do You Need

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

For most people, it’s pretty simple deciding whether or not you need life insurance. Figuring out how much you need may be a lot more difficult.

Many people simply guess at a figure that seems reasonable and settle on that. Some use a rule of thumb that says you need six to ten times your annual income. Forbes.com has a simple life insurance calculator lets you enter how much annual income will be needed for a certain period of time after death of the policy holder. (more…)