Author Archives: Peter D

Five Tips For Safely Spending In Retirement

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Just about everyone from financial gurus to employers to the government will encourage workers to sock away a portion of their hard-earned cash each pay period for retirement.

While there are some studies that indicate quite clearly that many have either been unwilling or unable to do so, there are other Americans who have been able to save a nice nest egg for their golden years. Recommendations on how to spend down this stash of cash are a bit less common. Here are some tips that can help you ensure that you do not run out of cash in retirement. Continue reading →

The Beginner’s Guide To The Stock Market

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You may have heard of the Dow or even know what a stock is. However, do you know what it means to invest in the stock market?

While this may surprise you, you may already be invested in the market if you have a 401k or have company stock options or some other ownership stake. What should you know about the market before you start investing to help you make better decisions? Continue reading →

Five Options For Financing Your Startup

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Starting a new business is both exciting and challenging, and It can also be overwhelming trying to come up with financing to get the venture off the ground.

Where should you turn for the help that you need to get going?

Business Loan

Taking out a loan from a bank or a credit union is the most traditional route for obtaining funding. While banks are sometimes the source of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, the conventional loans that banks handle may be a better option in some cases.

For starters, SBA loans are backed by the government, which means there are often stringent terms attached to the loan. Without government involvement approval time is usually faster. Continue reading →

When Is It Time To Hire A Tax Professional?

Here is my second stock photo attempt, just in time for tax season. This one didn't require any expensive props either but I did have to use my son's glue stick to hold the sheets together. Feel free to use this image, just link to www.SeniorLiving.Org Here is my second stock photo attempt, just in time for tax season. This one didn’t require any expensive props either but I did have to use my son’s glue stick to hold the sheets together. Feel free to use this image, just link to www.SeniorLiving.Org

Filing taxes can strike fear into the heart of even the bravest people. After all, no one wants to come under the scrutiny of the Internal Revenue Service or be flagged for an audit.

When income is low and taxes are simple, preparing your own return with the help of tax preparation software is relatively straightforward and the risks of being chosen for audit is usually very minimal. However, there are many cases, even when your annual income is low, that hiring a tax professional to prepare your tax returns is a much smarter and safer option. Continue reading →

What To Look For In A Potential Accountant

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As your business starts to grow and expand, you might consider hiring an accountant. Depending on how badly you need one, you might be tempted to hire the first or second one you come across. However, this could be a critical mistake. Accountants play a vital role in your business, and any mistakes could be devastating.

Accounting mistakes could result in lost profits or legal trouble. Thus, it is important to ensure your potential accountant is reliable and dependable.  Be sure to check their education, work history, and references. Continue reading →

Five Seemingly Small Slip-Ups That Can Sink Your Business Before It Gets Going

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Every business, no matter how big or small, comes with its own set of considerations. From management to finances, employees to inventory, there are many things to worry about on a daily basis.

That’s why you don’t want to gamble your chance for success on the smallest possible pitfall. Every year, thousands of new businesses fail because of tiny missteps that could easily be prevented.

Missteps such as… Continue reading →

The benefits of sustainable buildings go well beyond the financial

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Investing in a green office building proves to be a growing trend in the business culture today. Focus has shifted from viewing a building as a necessary place to perform work to understanding the environmental impact of the structure and the way it operates.

Also known as sustainable buildings, green buildings are defined as a structure and process that are environmentally responsible from location and construction to use and demolition.

Continue reading →

Last Minute Tax Tips For Small Businesses (And Some For Next Year)

Feel free to use this image, just link to www.SeniorLiving.Org

Feel free to use this image, just link to www.SeniorLiving.Org

Small business owners often face stiff competition, demanding customers and rising labor costs. When tax season arrives, it may cause unnecessary stress over financial worries.

Following these tips below will help small business owners prepare to file taxes this year and plan for the next year.

Continue reading →

Six Reasons You’re Not Productive In The Morning (And How To Fix It)

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If you feel tired and demotivated in the first half of your day, you’re not as productive as the morning person in your workplace. Even worse, you may end up taking work home or working overtime as a result.

Thankfully, there’s no need to envy morning people because a change in your habits will lead to you feeling productive and energized in the morning as well. Here are six reasons that contribute to lack of productivity in the morning and what you can do to fix them. Continue reading →