If you’ve been thinking seriously about starting a business, you’re probably well aware that you should write a business plan. It is, after all, one of the first steps most experts will advise you to take on your entrepreneurial journey. The Small Business Administration calls the business plan “an essential roadmap for business success” and places it at the top of their suggested 10 step process to starting a business. Surely, if the SBA says the...
Buying a home is a big decision. This holds true no matter if you are doing so for the first time or have made such a transaction in the past.There are some questions that could hold you back, with the biggest one being: which home is best for you?No matter where you live, there is a good chance there are many homes for sale in your area. This is particularly true if you live in or...
Have you come to the conclusion that you want to work for yourself at some point in the future? Like many, this may be something you have been dreaming of for quite some time.Rather than put this off any longer, the new year is a great time to consider what the future holds. You may not take the leap into self employment on the first day of 2015, but it could be the right time to...
With only a few days left in 2014, it is time to look towards the future. What will your budget look like in 2015? Are you going to make changes, or will you keep things pretty much the same? Regardless of your position, there are a few budget related questions you should ask as the calendar year turns. What areas of your budget can be improved in the new year?What areas of your budget should remain...
With 2015 right around the bend, there is no better time than now to think about the steps you can take to maximize your savings potential. By implementing a few simple strategies, it won’t be long before you are saving more money than you ever imagined possible.Here are three ideas to consider:1. Automate your savings. You can’t spend money you never see. For this reason, you should have a portion of your paycheck deposited directly into...
As you search for a bank that can help you open a checking account, many questions will come to mind. While it is easy to believe that one bank and account is the same as the rest, nothing could be further from the truth. Your job is to make an informed and confident decision, and this often times means spending some time researching all your options. As you do so, keep these three tips in mind:...
Once the holiday break comes to an end, college students all over the country will return to campus and hit the books once again. Not only does this mean more studying for most students, but it also means spending more money.If money is on your mind and you are concerned about overspending during the second semester of the year, it is time to take a step back to review your budget.Here are some of the many...
With the new year a few weeks away, many people are beginning to set a variety of personal and career related goals. Is 2015 the time for you to make a career change? If this is on your mind, you must consider the financial impact and whether or not you are prepared for what could come your way.Here are three ways your financial situation could be impacted by making a career change:1. Earning less money. Money...
Regardless of your position, if you have employees who work for you it is important to say thanks during the holiday season. For some, this is easier said than done.While you want to show your thanks, it goes without saying that you don’t want to break the bank while doing so. Here are three cheap ways to thank employees this holiday season:1. A greeting card. This may sound “too cheap” but it is anything but that...
While some people prefer to spend the holidays around home, others enjoy taking a vacation during this time of the year.If you are in the process of booking a last minute holiday getaway, there are a few things you can do to ensure success. And in this context, success means booking the best accommodations at the best price.1. Keep an open mind. While you may be interested in one particular destination, don’t overlook others that may...
