Posts Tagged ‘tough times’

Don’t Let “Sunk Costs” Lead To Poor Decisions

Emotions add zest to life. They propel us to our feet when our favorite running back scores a touchdown. They warm us at an inspirational concert or movie. But in the realm of business and investing, emotions sometimes hinder good choices. In fact, businesses and individuals often let emotions dominate the decision-making process. (more…)

Protecting Your Company Is In Your Hands

 

2011 has been a tumultuous year. We have seen plenty of evidence of nature at its worst and the economic decisions made by various parties haven’t made for a jubilant time either. (more…)

Protect Your Family From These Investment Scams

News of yet another investment scam is alarming enough, but when the victim is elderly, the crime seems especially offensive. Senior citizens are a favorite target of con artists for a variety of reasons. Here are some popular schemes to look out for. (more…)

Make The Right Pricing Decision

In business, making pricing decisions is always tough — and even more so when the economy is slow and sales are slipping. It’s tempting to cut prices hoping to generate higher sales volume. But sometimes that just produces lower margins on a low volume. What do you do if you’re being squeezed by cost increases? Can you increase prices in a slow economy? How do you respond if your customers complain? Can you justify holding prices steady if your competitors cut their prices? (more…)

What’s New: IRS Expands Innocent Spouse Relief

If you file a joint income tax return with your spouse, you are considered “jointly and severally” liable for the payment of all taxes owed. The IRS can come after either you or your spouse for the entire amount of tax due, plus any penalties and interest due. (more…)

What’s New: Debt And Needy Children Cloud Financial Picture For Retirees

Recent research reveals that Americans are finding it hard to retire in financial comfort, thanks to too much debt and adult children needing financial assistance. (more…)

Tips For Preventing Shoplifting

Whether your business sells petticoats or barbells, tobacco or jewelry, DVDs or carburetors, shoplifting can hurt your bottom line. One independent study found that over 20 million people steal from retail stores each year at an annual cost of more than $10 billion. (more…)

Stay Alert To Spot Employee Theft

Employee theft happens more frequently than you hear or read about. It’s believed that only a small percentage of cases of employee dishonesty are reported and prosecuted. Too often, the employee is just dismissed and moves on to steal from someone else. In other cases, especially where financial controls are weak, the employee may steal small amounts for years without being detected. (more…)

A Website That Works

Small business owners often find themselves discouraged with their websites and their inability to attract a large amount of clientele. There are two main things to remember when creating your website: to attract and engage. Without both of these features working for you, your site will not be working to your advantage. (more…)

Is Borrowing From Your 401(k) A Smart Financial Move?

In recent years, as banks have tightened credit requirements and home equity has dwindled, many people are contemplating the ready source of cash in their 401(k) retirement accounts. (more…)