Coca Cola's marketing genius has naturally extended into the realm of social media
Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, You Tube, and more. There are so many social media outlets for retailers to use in order to connect with consumers. But what makes them stand out in the vast sea of the Internet? Creativity. Here are five examples of retailers using social media in creative ways. Continue reading
Admit it, so many of us love to use the coffee shop as an office. There is nothing like getting out of your place for the afternoon, taking your laptop down to the coffee shop, ordering a large latte and curling up in the corner for a few hours to get your work down. For those of us who act like we’re moving into the shop, we pick a place by an electric plug so we can juice up our laptop when needed. Well what if those plugs were blocked? What if we were restricted from using the electricity? Continue reading
Car dealers are one step above lawyers, and that is only because they don’t cost you anything. I bought my first car this past year and I couldn’t believe the lies, silly jokes, and unbelievable compliments I was drowned in before I even mentioned the idea of purchasing. However, I got lucky. There are some customers who don’t get away with just some cheesy lines; they get mobbed by some of the worst dealership tactics in the business. Don’t lose your wheels by some of these nasty sales procedures. Continue reading
It seems that all of us fit into two categories; those who are responsible with their finances and those who aren’t. If you fall into the latter category you’re stressed about bills and making ends meet. You long for that day when your finances allow you have “fill in the blank.” What the latter group doesn’t realize is that what separates them from the former are not jobs, class or race, but the decisions they made at key moments. Continue reading
There is a certain allure to buying stock, whether you hearken to the late 80’s Gordon Gecko “greed is good” mantra or just trying to secure your financial future. However, many people are confounded by it. There are intimated by the numbers or scared off by the risk of financial loss. Nothing is as intimidating as it seems. Continue reading
It’s easy to overcome the socially embarrassing faux pas of the denied debit card. Climbing out of the hole of overdraft fees can be a lengthy process and counterproductive to improving your credit rating. Banks can charge between $25-$50 per overdraft and these can pile up on consumers if they are not careful. Here’s how you can avoid these situations and stay on top of your finances: Continue reading
College students have scholarships, grants and loans to take care of the big stuff like tuition and books. How should students get money for the small expenses like gas money for the road trip without working a dead end part time job? Continue reading
The technology to run your business and manage your bank accounts can fit in your pocket. Get control of your finances wherever you are in the world. Continue reading
You should not take money out of your retirement plan unless you absolutely must. In these trying economic times, covering the home mortgage or car payment may require some individuals to do this. Here’s what to look out for. Continue reading
"Credit myths have the same dangers as handing your information over to hackers."
There are a lot of misconceptions about credit, how to make it better, or maintain it. If you are constantly fooled by these myths you could find yourself in a world of financial chaos. Continue reading
Keeping track of your finances can prevent you from losing all you have
The economy is taking some time to bounce back, and many people are finding that their personal finances are continuing to struggle as well. More and more people are declaring bankruptcy because they are unable to pay their bills or dig themselves out of debt. There are sudden and unexpected reasons for going broke, such as a divorce, job loss or major medical bills. However, some people find themselves bankrupt because of poor financial planning. The rule that the rest of us need to follow is simple – do not spend more than you earn. Continue reading
The time may arise when you realize your aging parents will need help with their personal finances. What makes it particularly difficult is if they live out of town.
There are ways to encourage your folks in their later years, even if they are not close by.
Here are a few tips: Continue reading
If there were laws of likeability for Shep, he'd be successful in everything he did.
In “11 Laws of Likeability: Relationship Networking…Because People do Business with People they Like,” author Michelle Tillis Lederman demonstrates what is likeable about each of us, and how we can use those traits to create beneficial opportunities and relationships in all aspects of our lives. Those 11 laws include the following: Continue reading
The dollar just doesn’t go as far as it used to. Inflation has made things more expensive and taxes have only increased over the years. On the other hand, the life expectancy of humans has fortunately increased, which means we need more money to survive longer. Most people are aware of the on-going issues with government funds and things will only get worse before they get better. So how do you make your retirement funds last as long as you? Continue reading
You do not have to be an expert in finance to put together a business plan. All you need is a good idea for a business that you think will succeed. Once you have conceptualized the business, write it down so you can share it with investors and potential funders. Continue reading
I hope things get better for you son.
Financially speaking, absolutely not. For lessons such as how to determine when you’ve had enough to drink, then sure.
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When deciding to go for a college degree, you will put yourself on the path to an exciting future. For all those thinking of a degree, the first issue should be—which degree is the way to go? Continue reading
Credit is not something to be taken lightly, nor is it something that is easy to understand. How to maintain a good credit score? How to repair a bad one? How to protect your credit? What agency do I report to? A bad credit score can easily ruin your personal finances, a chance to buy a car, or rent an apartment. Continue reading
Could a financial storm be lying ahead?
The U.S. Misery Index is reportedly at the highest level since 1983. Just how miserable are we? Continue reading
“The Great Stagnation (How America Ate All the Low-Hanging Fruit of Modern History, Got Sick and Will (Eventually) Feel Better)” is an e- book by Tyler Cowen, a professor of economics at George Mason University. The book describes the ‘economic malaise’ of the country, which is the absence of growth that has all but halted any attempts for a recovery.
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With the unemployment rate refusing to drop, it can be tempting for business-minded individuals to sit out of the job market for a while and concentrate on furthering their education instead. A master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) is a degree that once seemed to promise a good job with a nice salary immediately upon graduation. That perception is not quite accurate anymore. Here are five reasons to keep working and put off that graduate degree. Continue reading
BREAKING NEWS: Money can make you happy. It's all about what you spend it on.
We have all heard the saying “money can’t buy happiness.” However, for many it is not what you spend money on for a happier life, it is how you spend money. Five ways to use your money to establish a happier life: Continue reading
The Durbin Amendment refers to a piece of the Consumer Protection Act of 2010, known as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Bill, which went into effect October 1, 2011. The act represents an ambitious attempt to change the way big business deals with Main Street. Continue reading
Few things do I hate and love more than money. I despise having to work five out of seven days a week for a paycheck that just barely clears my expenses. But, I do enjoy our new vehicle, HBO shows on Sundays and air conditioning.
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Take the time to invest your money.
Being a 26-year old gal who’s fresh out of college and newly mortgaged, I could not possibly be less qualified to explain the secrets of amassing glorious amounts of wealth.
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There are plenty of ways to support non-profits that don't involve giving money, like giving of your time and talents.
Being charitable can be difficult in these unrelenting tough economic times. Most of us just don’t have the extra funds to spare for our favorite organizations anymore.
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Earning your master’s degree in business administration is an impressive accomplishment in itself. Earn your degree overseas, and you may be increasing your value to a hiring company.
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As an employee, one of the benefits that may be available to you at work is the opportunity to invest in the company’s stock plan. This is especially beneficial if you are able to purchase shares of stock at discounted prices. The first step is to be knowledgable in how to buy stock. There are good reasons to take advantage of buying company stock, and also reasons to be cautious. Here are some quick pros and cons to investing in your company’s stock plan. Continue reading
There is a common problem with beginners in the stock market. They always seem to find the people who give them unsuitable advice—perpetuating investing myths that have no basis in reality. Unfortunately, these novice investors end up going down the wrong path.
Five investment myths that should be busted—now—are: Continue reading
Grab your passport, going global is not as hard as you think.
Many small businesses think they aren’t large enough to participate in the world marketplace. Actually, the numbers do not bear that out. Ninety seven percent of all U.S. exports are through small businesses. Continue reading
Life insurance? who needs life insurance? we mean, won’t your stock portfolio, death benefits and savings be enough in case you die? Unfortunately, no. Continue reading
After months and years of paying off your auto loan, you may find yourself wondering if you aren’t paying too much in interest payments. Auto loan refinancing may be on your horizon, but be sure to do your homework before jumping into the endeavor.
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Parents have many options today when it comes to educating their children. Sometimes, the choices can be overwhelming. Where you send your kids to school is a personal decision, and one that often depends on your school district and your family’s budget.
I grew up in Connecticut, during a period of time when public schools were well-funded. Continue reading
We often feel there is no avoiding a busted budget during the holidays. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Good planning and mindfulness of the traps of the season, can keep you from falling back in the next year. Here is a list of the biggest Christmas money wasters, and the way to avoid them. Continue reading
The holidays are unquestionably the most important time to be money-wise; that means we spend less and enjoy the true spirit of the season! Here are some excellent ways to save significant money, so you can have Christmas fun: Continue reading
In every workplace you will find someone that you aren’t necessarily compatible with. It won’t be the first time, it won’t be the last time that someone comes along that you just don’t mesh well with. But the job has to get done, so how can you deal with a co-worker that puts all the blame on you, gives you more work than others, commits to a team project and doesn’t complete their portion, or comes in late every day? Continue reading
We all try to teach our children the value of a dollar. Whether it’s by making them do chores or suggesting the American tradition of a lemonade stand, learning to earn their own money is a vital life lesson. Teaching entrepreneurship can also assist them in their later life choices. For instance, what major to pick in college, to work for the “man” or start their own business. Entrepreneurship practices like time management, self-discipline, budgeting, and self-education can assist in their future. But how do you foster those practices into your child’s early life? Continue reading
The best time to buy a new car is when you clearly need one; but if you are in the market, here are some things to think about: Continue reading
When looking for a job, most people search only the opportunities in their area, ignoring the fact that the perfect job may be out of town. With the rise of the Internet, a national (or international) job search has never been easier. More people now have the opportunity to relocate just about anywhere in the world. Continue reading
Sometime, it’s difficult to promise a good time when everyone is strapped for cash. Between the food, drinks, invites, decorations, entertainment, and the stress of keeping the place clean throwing a fun, budgeted party can be stressful. Here are a couple of quick things you can do to keep the good times rolling and the piggy bank happy.
Despite winters in snowy climates, I do not know how to ski.
I wish I was so ambitious that my bucket list included things such as climbing Mount Everest or swimming across the English Channel. But my life is far simpler than that. Here are five of the things I do hope to accomplish before the end of my days. What’s on your bucket list? Continue reading
Reselling products online is one way to break away from financial concerns and build a positive cash flow, as well as give you the pleasure of owning your own business. To create your own resale business, here are a few things to consider: Continue reading
The bathroom, beautiful but it's the creator of awkward moments in offices nationwide.
You will never get through life by living in fear of embarrassment. Aside from living the life of a hermit, there are ways you can turn embarrassment into something more positive or at least know when to make a joke about it. There is no shame in tripping over your own two feet, toilet paper being stuck to your shoe, or ripping your pants right down the seam when you bend over. Really, there isn’t. If anyone ever tells you that they have never been embarrassed they are lying. Continue reading
Gobble gobble?
When you grow up in a family like mine, it really is so much better to give than to receive. Giving is easy, it makes you feel good, and people seem generally happy with the gifts they open up. Receiving is harder, especially when you have an Aunt Ginnie, who insists on selecting the most embarrassing thing in the store, wrapping it up, and forcing you to try it on once you open it “just to see that it fits.” Continue reading
New York City has a wealth of food, arts and cultural options, but it comes at a price.
Many people dream of a life in the center of activity—in the arts, trade or business. Unfortunately, that usually means in a region with considerable drawbacks. Continue reading
Happy New Year, small business! Whether this is the year that you finally launch the business you have been planning for years, or you want to grow your small business into something bigger, there are some trends you need to be ready for. Don’t be stuck on the sidelines wondering how these hot ideas passed you by. Pay attention, and get on board. Continue reading
Your credit score is important, especially when you want to qualify for loans or buy things such as homes, cars, and insurance. Make sure you check your credit report every year, and if it looks a little shaky, do what you can to make it stronger. Here are five things that can damage your credit score the most. Continue reading
We have all dreamed about what we would do with limitless income. We all have a secret wish list of items we would buy, places we would travel to, and people we would help take care of if that darn lottery ticket would have those lucky numbers on it. But sometimes it doesn’t always work out that way. The following is how the rich and fabulous spend their riches. Continue reading
Use these tips to prevent a nightmare in your home.
Ask any homeowner, they will tell you that there are costs beyond the cost of home—including money going for restoration and repairs. The best way to save cash on the upkeep of a home is by regular maintenance. Continue reading
It's not enough to just open up shop anymore.
These days, you have to be a bit proactive when it comes to customer service. Gone are the days when you could afford to have a few negative Nellies in the mix. But you can’t please everybody, right? Continue reading
Don't let vampires suck the life out of 2012.
Here we are again, saying goodbye to a whole year. How are you feeling about 2011? Was it successful? Fun? A total bummer? I thought it was a pretty great year, and I am expecting 2012 to be even better. There are some trends I think should be left behind, however. What do you think – can we avoid carrying these trends into a fresh new year? Continue reading
Bartending is a cool job. Even better if you can learn this trick.
When money is a bit tight and you need extra funds, part-time jobs may need to fill in the space between college classes. Also, having a few part-time jobs in lieu of one full-time job will certainly keep you interested and busy in your work. Continue reading
Some say a job is a job, but is it?
Is anyone else obsessed with the show Extreme Couponing? People go into the grocery store and fill up carts and carts of food and then end up paying like $4 after redeeming their well-organized coupons. I love getting a deal. It makes me feel like I have beaten the system, somehow. There are many items that I refuse to pay full price, or even half price for. Here are some of the best ways to get the things you need for cheap, You don’t always need a coupon.
In this election season, candidates are using every “trick” to woo voters. However, exactly what are those methods? In the study of politics, there have been many ways to get the vote, some more effective than others.
Job hunting in an economy like the one we are faced with today can make even the best and the brightest feel a little desperate. Don’t let the pressure make you settle for just any job, however. Recent unemployment numbers show that more people are working, and businesses are feeling better about hiring. There are plenty of opportunities to be found in today’s work world, but you must be patient and strategic. Consider your happiness as well as your financial security when you are looking for a workable job. Continue reading
The good, the bad, the ugly—but tax season really needs its own category. There are some tax payers that are relatively happy come April 15th, and others that seem to purposely wait until the very day at 11:59 pm to file. But what is the best way to get the most of taxes, should you file yourself, pay someone to do it, use an online service, or even file at all? Honestly, the last option will just have you looking over your shoulder for the men in black suits and sunglasses. But deciding whether to file your own taxes is a bold step that more and more individuals are taking. Continue reading
According to many, an expert salesperson is born that way—with an ability and disposition for the art of selling. It is true that many in a sales career claim they have been selling “all their lives.”
In reality, not all great salespeople are born with a gift. Continue reading
Think your hospital bill is written in stone and non-negotiable? Think again.
In the billing offices of hospitals and medical centers all over, insurance companies and individuals just like you are negotiating away thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars off their medical bills. This results in a nationwide savings of millions of dollars a year. Here’s how you too can do it. Continue reading
Okay guys. You’ve probably come across all those how-to articles for women seeking rich men. Well, here’s your how-to article for you, men seeking rich women. Continue reading
Machines like this augmented reality one, help enrich the customer experience.
If you’ve ever “friended” your favorite restaurant on “Facebook”, praised your florist on “Yelp!” or got a discount on a new pair of Nikes using the QR scan app on your phone, then you already know some of the ways retailers are taking advantage of the latest technology. Continue reading
Measuring the return on investment (ROI) for your marketing campaigns can be complex. This is mostly because it is difficult to define what your return is, and how it impacts your profit. Your investment is often monetary and depends on the type of marketing campaign you have launched. Investment costs can include printing costs, technical costs such as an email or web platform, and the time it takes for someone to manage the marketing campaign. Continue reading
To maintain your good credit, paying bills on time is essential—most people do. However, many other things affect your credit score that are not as obvious. Continue reading
Every year the feeling’s the same, whether it’s you or someone else who does your taxes. “Isn’t there some sort of tax deduction I’m missing, I can’t owe this much,” you think to yourself.
Perhaps you were laid off, or had some sort of mishap that cost you thousands of dollars of income directly out of your pocket. Surely they have breaks and failsafes for stuff like that, right?
Well, surprisingly they do. Here are some tax deductions that you might have overlooked. Continue reading
As the economy shows signs of bouncing back, interest rates remain low. This is a great thing if you need to borrow money, but not such a great thing if you are trying to save it. Interest is set by the Federal Reserve. Keeping interest rates low should drive the lending market, and speed economic recovery. At least that’s what the Federal Reserve’s chairman, Ben Bernanke hopes. Continue reading
There is nothing like getting a bill in the mail, then having to fight for hours on the phone with customer service representatives just to find out you signed something without reading the fine print. And now you are paying for it. You may not always need a lawyer present when signing things, but how about taking the measly five minutes to read everything you are agreeing to. An argument won’t always hold up in court, but ink on paper will always trump a he-said-she-said case. Here are five situations you might want to bring your reading glasses for. Continue reading
A new year has started, and while we are still in the beginning stages of our resolutions, companies are looking into the future to see if their 2012 plan needs to be tweaked in order to achieve success. Companies are looking for people who are qualified, and those who make a direct connection between their skills and what the employer wants. Those on the job hunt need to display what they call emotional intelligence, which is defined as a set of competencies demonstrating the ability one has to recognize his or her behaviors, moods, and impulses, and to manage them according to the situation. Continue reading
Romance isn’t the only thing that can wax and wane several times over the course of one lifetime. What starts as an exciting and rewarding career can drag over the years to become an arduous and dreaded task. Since jobs in the present economy are especially scarce, and most professionals are thankful for whatever livelihood they can land, starting anew is rarely a realistic option. Here are some approaches you might want to try in order to rekindle that flame of ambition and pride you once felt in your work. Continue reading
