Before Launching a new Business: Test the Waters
Its easy to get carried away when the light bulb goes on and a great business idea pans out in our minds. Experienced entrepreneurs warn: text the waters first. Here are some ideas of ways you can “test the waters” before diving in to a new business venture. Check the Waters Before getting in too deep, survey the scene. Are their already companies selling the same or a very similar product or service? How will your product/service be different and attract customers? Survey the Scene Talk to people: Hunter Walk, former YouTube executive suggests you ask people standing next to in...
Read More10 Ways to Save You Money: Tax Season
Easy ways you could be saving money on your tax bill and around town this tax season. 1. Commuter Benefit: Employees can use pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to pay for certain commuting expenses including mass-transit passes and parking. Maximums are set at $250/month for parking and $130/month for mass-transit, assuming a 40% tax rate, setting aside the maximums could save you over $1800 annually. 2. Homeowners Insurance: You could possibly save 25% annually on premiums when you raise your deductible to $100 from $500 3. Time Car Buying Right: You can save $500-$2000 off the sticker...
Read MoreA Pet Trust: Estate Planning for Fido and Fluffy
A Pet Trust: Estate Planning for Fido and Fluffy Gary’s dog Rusty (1998-2011) Sixty-eight percent of US households own a pet. Many pet owners consider their pets as part of their family. If you love Fido and Fluffy like family, read on to see how you can make sure they are taken care of, even if you’re not around. The Pet Trust California is one of 46 states that allow for a Pet Trust as part of an Estate Plan. While many people do mention their furry friends as property in a Trust and even leave money to a caretaker for the continued care of the pet, there is nothing that...
Read MoreIt Pays to Be a Small Business
It Pays to Be a Small Business Sometimes small business owners feel like they’re left in the shadow of bigger businesses but that’s not always a bad thing. Small businesses are flexible businesses, that flexibility is a competitive advantage. Larger institutions mean larger risk and more complexity so big businesses often struggle to change, even when the market calls for it. Small businesses can adapt and change to meet the current market needs as they arise. Small Businesses also have the advantage when it comes to customer relationships. In our world of online communication...
Read MoreCyber Security Follow Up: I Got Phished
Less than 24 hours after publishing my last post I (almost) became a victim of phishing myself. What interesting timing! Read on to see how they tried to get to me and what classic phishing signs I recognized. I will not post complete phone numbers below but did receive everything in full 10 digit phone numbers. Here’s how I got phished. At 6:45pm this evening I received the following text message: PleaseContact[US-Bank]SecDept@(323)647-25*0 My first thought was “Oh no! Somebody got my credit card information!” My phone had made the phone number, essentially, a clickable...
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