4 Tools for a More Efficient Office

Featured

Posted on

You don't have to work on a train to maximize your time. Uses tips for a more efficient workplace.

With today’s economy it’s important that your office is doing the best it can to be efficient in order to get work done. The company Google does a fantastic job in creating an environment that allows employees to work to the best of their abilities. Their offices are filled with slides, beanbag chairs, and free pizza! However, you don’t have to make your office a playground in order to be efficient. Here are four tools to help your office out. Continue reading →

5 Things You Should Do with Your Tax Return

Featured

Posted on

Despite the fact that we all hold our breath before April 15, most of us get a pretty good tax return. But what do you do with it? Depending on the amount you might want to consider just stocking it away for a while, or paying off the last of that credit card bill. But for those of you who find yourself with a little extra pocket money here are some of my key ideas for what to do with it: Continue reading →

How to Pay for College

Featured

Posted on

With the costs of attending college rising each year, paying for it has nearly overshadowed the college experience. There are a number of methods to help pay for higher education. However, the process takes a great deal of short-term (working during college) and long-term (paying off student loans) planning. Continue reading →

Saving Large Sums of Money in Small Steps

Featured

Posted on
Cut the coffee, Save the money

Buying coffee is one of the easiest ways to waste money daily

The recession has made getting raises or better-paying jobs difficult. However, reducing your debt is a priority. Look within. Nowadays, the easiest way to get extra money for bills is to steal a little away from your neglectful habits. Continue reading →

The Right Time to Re-Fi

Featured

Posted on
House in California

Is now the time to refinance your home?

At the time of this article, the interest rate was rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage down to 4.09%. However, this article is more about whether or not to take advantage of a low interest rate. With that in mind, when rates are this low (among the lowest in 60 years) you should at least consider refinancing your home loan. Continue reading →

Money Market Accounts: What Are They and Why Should You Have One?

Featured

Posted on

Banks offer a money market account (MMA), which is a useful financial tool for investors to maintain liquidity in their investment portfolio. They are compared to money market mutual funds, which are managed by brokerage firms. The goal of these accounts is to invest in government and corporate securities such as US Treasury bills and commercial paper. Continue reading →

Post-College: Internship or Start-Up Business?

Featured

Posted on

College graduates are entering the worst job market for young people since the Great Depression. Today’s new job force has to make a tough decision whether to begin a career search or strike out on its own. Here is what you should consider. Continue reading →

Financial Lifeboat: Importance of a Savings Account

Featured

Posted on

Orange Lifeboat

Having a checking account is a good way to keep cash from burning a hole in your pocket, but swiping that card can become a wasteful habit. Rule number one when it comes to financing is paying yourself first. Establishing a savings account shows you are ready for a rainy day, for any emergency cash expense that just might clean out your checking. Continue reading →

Reduce Your Debt, Marriage and Money- How to make it work.

Featured

Posted on

You’ve heard money is the root of all evil. A lack of it makes couples argue. An offering of it makes politicians turn crooked. And not enough of it causes businesses to close their doors. It may be evil, but it’s a necessary evil and one that we revolve our lives around in obtaining or saving. Continue reading →

Home Ownership: What to Consider When Buying a Home.

Featured

Posted on

Home ownership is a great option for building wealth but it comes at a cost. Buyer beware!

Are you fed up with renting; tired of living with the rules of a landlord? You might be willing to accept a piece of the “American dream.”

Home ownership can be a source of pride, as well as the first step in building long-term wealth. Yes, you may think you are ready, but how can you be sure? Continue reading →

What are Mutual Funds and Why you Should Consider Them?

Featured

Posted on

Wall Street and its practices are difficult to navigate, so why would anyone want to take the time to learn how to properly invest in something that could potentially lose them a lot of money? Why not try something a little more controlled and with a little less risk than the norm, like mutual funds. Continue reading →

How to Avoid Common Money Arguments

Featured

Posted on

Everyone has different money habits. People spend differently, save differently and budget in entirely unique ways. This can create some conflict in relationships, particularly when expenses are shared and earnings combined. If you and your spouse argue about who spends what, you are not alone. Continue reading →

Companies Building Communities

Featured

Posted on

Companies that build communities have an impact on the future as well.

The economic recession has got everyone in kind of a greedy mood. So much in fact that some companies have forgotten about the benefits of giving back to the community. There are so many options available for businesses to get involved in their community. Most of them take very little money, if any, take no time away from regular business hours and can provide free publicity and marketing. Continue reading →

Six Tips for Buying A Used Car

Featured

Posted on

Can you afford it?

Buying a used car is a serious purchase—whether you’re the first timer, among the experienced or simply the 18-year-old buying a first vehicle. With a little preparation, the process can be much less stressful. Be mindful of these six steps when shopping for a used car. Continue reading →

Small Business Tips and Tricks for Success

Featured

Posted on

Take care of the little details in your business and you will always be smiling.

The economic landscape has created many challenges for small businesses, but there are also opportunities. The small businesses that are sure to succeed are those who can be flexible and forward-thinking when it comes to managing their products, services and staff. Whether you are wondering how to take your company to the next level or struggling to stay alive while profits decline, consider some of these tips and tricks to help you succeed. Continue reading →

The Supermarket Sneak

Featured

Posted on

The supermarket is an essential place for all consumers. Everybody’s gotta eat! However, supermarkets are out to make money just like every business. Everyone has a food budget, how is it that you always leave the store spending more than you had hoped? Here are a few things that stores do to get you to sway from your original budget. Continue reading →

Finding Health Insurance as a Contractor

Featured

Posted on

You… DO have insurance, right?

There are pros and cons to self-employing as an independent contractor. While you probably get to set your own hourly rate and work according to your own schedule, you also need to sacrifice certain perks that come with full time employment, including health benefits. With the passage of President Barack Obama’s new healthcare law, everyone will eventually be required to have health insurance. This means that you need to cover yourself as a contractor. Continue reading →

How To Better Invest In Your Time

Featured

Posted on

Clock

The most effective tool in your life is your time, and the secret of success is in how you use it to achieve your goals. A plan to invest your time is a essential goal; a good way to start is by understanding what makes up your life. Continue reading →

What to Do if you Win the Lottery

Featured

Posted on

Just about everyone entertains wild dreams about winning the lottery. The idea of being able to quit your job and follow you dreams, free of any financial worries is enticing. But there are logistical concerns to keep in mind, and a lot of planning that is required. If you actually do win the lottery, you will have to limit your initial impulse to celebrate, and think about making plans for your financial future. Continue reading →

Don’t let your new house become an old nightmare

Featured

Posted on
new homes

Make sure your dream home isn't a nightmare!

Buying a house is probably the largest investment you’re ever going to make, so of course you’re out to get the one that says “dream house.” Continue reading →

5 Tips for a Successful College Experience

Featured

Posted on

As a recent college graduate, I could compose a whole novel on what to do and not to do during college tenure. It was an eye-opening experience, which I learned many lessons, and not just academically speaking.
Continue reading →

Recession-Proof Jobs

Featured

Posted on

Jobs in Information Technology are consistantly the highest paying and in the highest demand of all sectors.

No one wants to spend four years of their prime life toiling away for a degree that ends up being near worthless. When was the last time you sought out the wiles of a philosopher for your business? Continue reading →

Fiverr: Good for Building, Beginning Businesses

Featured

Posted on
$5.00

What can five dollars get you? Besides a Subway sub? Quite a bit actually.

Remember that kid in school that would do just about anything for $5? Now there’s a whole website of those people with a little more to offer than eating a plate full of green beans, chocolate milk and ketchup.
Continue reading →

The Purpose of a Living Will

Featured

Posted on

Before you decide why you need a living will, you might want to know what it is first. A living will is also known as an advance directive. It is a clear-minded individual’s directions for their future health care, should they be found in a state that does not allow them to make medical decisions. Continue reading →

The Best Things On Craigslist

Featured

Posted on

Craigslist is famous as a place to find things—people, jobs and items. You may be familiar with Craigslist, but have you used it? Some of the best things to do, to buy or to sell on Craigslist: Continue reading →

Dirty Jobs: The Unglamorous Side of Necessities

Featured

Posted on

Cleaning up after Shep isn't pleasant, but your willingness to put your pride aside can make you money.

When debts sneak up to a dangerous level, it’s time to start thinking about how you can supplement your income. Another full-time job is probably out of the question, and this is not the economy to be banking on another job to give you that income boost. Explore the underbelly of the less glamorous job world, and you’ll soon be reaping the financial benefit.
Continue reading →

How to Make Money During the Holidays

Featured

Posted on

Babysitting for parents going to holiday parties is one of the many ways you can make a little extra cash this holiday season.

The holidays are expensive. There is food and drink to buy, travel expenses to consider and gifts and wrapping to pay for. Not to mention the cost of extra ibuprofen if your family is anything like mine. Continue reading →

Separate Your Stress: Keeping Personal Stress out of Work

Featured

Posted on

Thanks to the laptop, iPhone, Blackberry and other technological wonders of the world, separating our work and personal lives is nearly impossible. Sometimes during meetings at work my eyes glaze over, not because I am bored, but because I am preoccupied with how my daughter is doing on her math test. And how can anyone focus on spreadsheets and sales goals if you are fighting with your spouse or stressing over your leaking water heater? Continue reading →

Black Friday: There’s An App for That

Featured

Posted on

There is so much to keep track of on Black Friday. Where to go, who is opening the earliest, which store has the best prices on TVs, and which locations have the least amount of “crazies.” This year, and in past years, smart phone developers have come up with a few apps that might help you focus on certain items, where they are on sale, when they open, and turn by turn directions to help you get there. Here are a few apps that you might want to consider before your late night/early morning ventures. Continue reading →

5 Must-Have Apps for Kindle Fire

Featured

Posted on

The Kindle Fire is the latest version to hit Amazon as well as the tablet competition table. This will be a holiday top sell for sure, there are cheaper tablets available; however, what separates the Fire is its size, the ability to link to Amazon for books, movies, and music; and its app store. Here are five apps Amazon says are must-haves. Continue reading →

Can Facebook Lead to Divorce

Featured

Posted on
facebook logo
And the “F” is for fail.

Facebook has evolved into the most popular social networking platform in the world. But should all of your dirty laundry be posted, shared, poked, or liked by everyone on your friends list. There is no doubt that users are posting things of extreme personal nature, which don’t just involve them. The economy is already leading to a higher divorce rate, could Facebook be adding to the extinction of marital bliss as we once knew it? The next time you update your status, instead of worrying about how many comments you will get, think about whether or not your relationship status will change. Continue reading →

Teach your children well: the fine art of giving back

Featured

Posted on
You’re playing with your kids one day, and you don’t like what you see. Junior is hoarding all the toys and gives none to his little sister. Or perhaps he’s “divided” the room in half with an imaginary line, and siblings who cross it get walloped.

Hmm. Time to teach your kids about charity. But how do you teach this complicated concept (Wheres MY reward, mommy?, What do I get out of it, Dad?) to young kids when they barely know the value of anything? Continue reading →

A Google Plus Primer

Featured

Posted on

If you are not spending enough time on Facebook and Twitter, there’s good news. The newest and coolest social networking website is Google + and you need to be there. The goal of Google is to provide an online community that feels less digital and more like the real world. You can share your thoughts, links, photos and videos with your own circle of friends. Continue reading →

Minding Your Manners: Office Party Etiquette

Featured

Posted on
office party

Make sure that the band is the only ones on the table this goliday party season.

How you behave at the office holiday party could make or break your career, at least with the company that currently employs you. While it might seem like a relaxed opportunity to nosh on some nibbles and throw back a drink or two with your colleagues, remember that you are being watched. Whether the party is on company time or after hours, you are still expected to act in a responsible, professional manner. So skip the vodka shots and mind your manners. Continue reading →

Worst Office Gift Exchanges

Featured

Posted on

 Calvert Cafe and Catering

I haven’t been in an office environment that long. For one holiday season, so far, I was part of an office gift exchange. We did secret Santa and to be honest I don’t think I saw an unhappy face in the crowd, but I can only imagine that through the years someone has gotten something that has made them scratch their head and think “what did I ever do to you,” or “how can I regift this to someone.” Continue reading →

Financial Bucket List

Featured

Posted on

At my age there isn’t anywhere for me to go financially, but up. However, this economy isn’t forgiving of those who had nothing to do with its crash. As a child my bucket list might include living in a mansion, driving a shiny pink convertible, going shopping any time I wanted to, or throwing big parties complete with bouncy castle and all the cake and ice cream I want. But now, it has aspired to be more about practical investments and moving forward with adult financial resources and decisions. Continue reading →

Mortgage Applications: Reasons for Rejection

Featured

Posted on

Whether you are trying to buy a new home or refinancing an existing one, your mortgage application is more likely to get rejected now than ever before. We exist in unusual financial times right now, and lenders are rather leery about making loans. Foreclosures are still a problem, and banks and lending institutions are trying harder than ever to mitigate their risk. This means getting a mortgage is more challenging than ever. Unless your credit score gives you bragging rights and your financial house is in sound order, prepare for a possible rejection. Continue reading →

WordPress, Tumblr, & Blogger

Featured

Posted on

If you have ever worked on websites before, you know the value of a good content management system. You want something that can be used with all coding formats, something with a friendly interface, and easy to log into. But how do you choose from all the available programs? What are the true differences between Tumblr, WordPress, and Blogger? Continue reading →

Professional Humiliation: How to Handle Heat

Featured

Posted on

Not knowing the answer in this situation is a killer. Learn how to combat it.

Being embarrassed at home or by friends is a completely different feeling than when you are mortified on the professional level. Plus, having to maintain your composure and cool in such a situation is a hard thing to do when you simply feel like crawling under the table to die or cry uncontrollably.
Continue reading →

5 Financial Life Goals

Featured

Posted on
great dane

Financial goals come large and small. This Great Dane is a big one.

In less than 25 years, you don’t exactly get to build up a financial portfolio that is capable of much. However, you do get the chance see what your habits will allow you to do. I have always prided myself in the ability to save and the quest for financial independence. These qualities have allowed me to do a few things like buy a new car and pay for a trip to Europe, but what the future holds in store only I can control. Here are 5 things, within my current financial means, I want to accomplish. Continue reading →

Justify My Love: Rationalizing Frivolous Spending

Featured

Posted on
sunglasses

Ten dollars baby!

They were Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, and they were fantastic. They cost more than my monthly grocery budget, and I had an unpaid cable and electric bill sitting on my desk at home. But I had to have them, do you understand? I had to. The spending half of my mind flew into overdrive, trying to convince the saving half of my mind that this purchase was justified. I deserve those sunglasses. I work hard all week. I am a good person. I was nice to my mother on the phone this morning. GET ME THE GLASSES. Continue reading →

Pay-per-Performance? Think twice

Featured

Posted on

If you’re thinking about instituting a pay-per-performance program for your employees, stop and think about it carefully. There are many pros and cons to a pay-per-performance system, and there’s a reason for that; according to the experts, no one has ever made a perfect pay-per-performance system, ever.

And when we mean perfect, we mean one that can hold on to top performers, prevent theft, and keep morale up all the time. These programs need to be constantly examined and tinkered with to keep employees performing at their best.

And that’s because you’re dealing with employees, and not robots. So let’s break down the good and the bad, shall we?

Pros

1. Makes for happier employees, who will be less likely to leave.
2. They can be a great way to improve the company’s whole performance

3. A great morale booster with unlimited opportunities for employees to earn money and rewards.
4. An easy way to identify who the stars are in your company, and who might not be pulling their weight.
5. Pay-per-performance is also a very flexible and common sense way to measure the non-traditional worker. For instance, freelancers and salesman, work different hours and on commission.

Cons

1. A pay-per-performance program, if done wrong can be seen by employees as just another instrument that emphasizes their inferiority to your superiority, thereby decreasing morale instead of boosting it
2. It can cause departments and individuals to sabotage each other for the reward, in which case everyone loses, especially the company.
3. A pay-per-performance program can stifle creativity. Why risk thinking outside the box and risk losing the “reward?
4. Managers of pay-per-performance may tend to blame employees for missing quotas when the problem may lie elsewhere in the process of bringing the product to market.
5. Any rewards program tends to become old after awhile, even the best ones. Employees get used to it, and after a while it’s no longer enticing. Therefore, you have to constantly maintain it.

Overpriced Grocery Store Items

Featured

Posted on

grocery carts

You always like to think you are getting the best possible deal. But a lot of people don’t take into account the profit margin needed to pay for manufacturing and processing. However, some items you may frequently buy will have a much heavier overhead than they should. The following article outlines the most overpriced grocery items, most of which are essentials in any home. So how will you get the best bargain or will you have to find another consumer avenue? Continue reading →

Apps to Help you Stick to your New Year’s Resolutions

Featured

Posted on

Morning Run

Need a little digital help with your New Year’s Resolutions? Good news, there’s an app for that. Keep your resolutions close and keep yourself accountable by downloading one of these helpful apps. Sticking to your goals and resolutions is easier in 2012 than it ever has been before. Continue reading →

Credit Cards for Small Businesses

Featured

Posted on

Maybe not all, but there cards are great for your business.

Everyone has a credit card nowadays, and the need certainly extends for small business owners. Though menial compared to corporations, small businesses still need a reliable and handy method to order supplies, upgrade equipment and extend their business.
Continue reading →

Best Cities to Start A Business

Featured

Posted on

I am Small Business

Starting a business is probably the most crazy thing a person could do right now because of the capital needed to get things off the ground and keep them there. And the economy is not so accommodating for new businesses right now. However, that all depends on where this business gets it start. Here are some of the best places to start a fresh new business venture. Continue reading →

For Richer or Richer: Marrying for Money

Featured

Posted on

marry rich by USACE Europe District

People get married for a lot of reasons, and at the risk of sounding unromantic, financial security is a very good one. Endeavoring to marry for money is actually far more rational than marrying for “love,” whatever that is. Some people do fall madly in love and stay that way for the rest of their lives, and I am so pleased for them. But it’s not that way for everyone. Take it from me. And Kim Kardashian. Continue reading →

Bringing Your Invention to the Market

Featured

Posted on

Being a great inventor isn’t what it used to be. Inventors today are more like scientists and computer wise guys. But if you think you have something as good as Apple or Windows, how might you put it out on the market? Careful ground work needs to be laid in order to take your cocktail napkin idea to the top of your industry’s market. There are four basic steps you should take in order to bring your invention to store fronts. First, define your product. Second, define your market. Next, define the business. Lastly, understand why the opportunity is now, for your invention. Continue reading →

Small Business Gurus on Twitter

Featured

Posted on

People use Twitter for a variety of reasons. Some of you like to share information, including every thought that comes into your head, some of you like to market your latest e-book or must-have technology, and some of you like to stalk celebrities like Kanye West. Twitter is where I learn how to do things. I have found so much advice, encouragement and motivation from the people that I follow, I feel like I should be paying something to belong to this online community. It can be especially useful to people who are launching or growing a small business. If you possess an entrepreneurial spirit and you want to turn your ideas into profit, make sure you are following these small business gurus. Continue reading →

How to Get Healthcare When You Can’t Afford Insurance

Featured

Posted on

Most people get their health insurance through their employer or their spouse’s employer. However, if that is not an option, you will need to find a personal health insurance plan that will cover you and any of your dependants. This can be a huge expense. Even the most basic health insurance plan will charge you a premium every month, and most of them will require you to meet an annual deductible before your insurance even starts to pay for certain medical procedures and doctor visits. What do you do? Continue reading →

Unusual Tax Deductions

Posted on

I heard on the radio once that Kim Kardashian was able to deduct her iPad, iPhone, and any other electronic device that allowed her to tweet. I guess when you make over $50,000 every time you tweet, you might get to claim those as “business tools.” As tax season approaches and everyone starts filing and getting back their returns, you can’t help but take a second look at your return and think about what other crazy deductions you could have taken advantage of. These are just ones that could benefit the rich and famous, these are deductions that John Smith could claim. Continue reading →