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	<title>My Bank 4 Me | Helpful financial articles and support for everyone!</title>
	
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	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 17:54:18 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyBank4Me" /><feedburner:info uri="mybank4me" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://superfeedr.com/hubbub" /><media:copyright>(c) My Bank! First United Bank &amp; Trust</media:copyright><media:thumbnail url="http://www.mybank4.me/logo.png" /><media:keywords>banking,finances,money,management,investing,insurance</media:keywords><media:category scheme="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd">Business/Investing</media:category><itunes:owner><itunes:email>customerservice@mybank4.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="http://www.mybank4.me/logo.png" /><itunes:keywords>banking,finances,money,management,investing,insurance</itunes:keywords><itunes:subtitle>My Bank First United</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary>Helpful financial articles and support for everyone!</itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Business"><itunes:category text="Investing" /></itunes:category><feedburner:emailServiceId>MyBank4Me</feedburner:emailServiceId><feedburner:feedburnerHostname>http://feedburner.google.com</feedburner:feedburnerHostname><item>
		<title>Develop an effective financial plan</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyBank4Me/~3/ud25v-JiYLA/</link>
		<comments>http://mybank4.me/develop-an-effective-financial-plan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 17:54:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>customerservice@mybank4.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Banking and Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online banking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mybank4.me/develop-an-effective-financial-plan/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today's challenging economic marketplace makes it more important than ever before for company officials to make smart decisions. In fact, many business administrators are considering myriad options, including the benefits of developing a financial plan.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today&#039;s challenging economic marketplace makes it more important than ever before for company officials to make smart decisions. In fact, many business administrators&nbsp;are considering myriad options, including the benefits of developing a <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">financial plan</a>.</p>
<p>With a budget in place, business administrators can use an outline to control their daily, monthly and annual expenses. Meanwhile, company leaders can also account for potential busy seasons and allocate their resources accordingly months in advance.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Company leaders who are ready to create financial strategies should consider the following tips from Business Standard to help them <a href="http://www.business-standard.com/article/pf/make-your-financial-budget-more-effective-113052000273_1.html" target="_blank">quickly accomplish their goals</a>:&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>1. Make the most of online services</strong><br />
<a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">Online banking</a> tools are great for company leaders who must manage their budgets on the go. Learning how to optimize these solutions could deliver far-flung benefits to a company and may help ensure that it becomes one of the top firms in its industry without delay.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Bank officials are often happy to teach business administrators about online banking platforms. By using these tools regularly, company leaders can control their expenses and ensure that their employees and customers receive the support they deserve at all times.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>2. Take responsibility for your actions</strong><br />
Unfortunately, mistakes will happen, even for long-time business operators. By minimizing the impact of these errors, however, company officials can transform problems into opportunities.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Taking responsibility for mistakes is crucial for company leaders, and as many business officials already know, the customer is always right. Spend plenty of time learning about your company to avoid possible errors down the line, but if problems arise, remain accountable for your actions.</p>
<p><strong>3. Keep accurate records</strong><br />
Even a minor budgetary miscue can affect your company for years, but business officials who focus on keeping accurate records can avoid financial issues.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Expense reporting software is helpful for businesses of all sizes. Company leaders can use this platform to manage budgets on their own. In fact, the cost savings offered by an expense reporting solution could make it worthwhile for a variety of firms, and the system may even pay for itself within a short period of time.</p>
<p>Additionally, business officials could consider hiring accountants to handle their finances. Employing these professionals can also benefit a company for years, but firms should evaluate an accountant&#039;s credentials before hiring him or her. Your company wants to be viewed as an industry leader, so find an accountant who you feel will help your firm achieve its immediate and long-term goals.&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Become a confident business leader</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyBank4Me/~3/-Q0LdCswT8g/</link>
		<comments>http://mybank4.me/become-a-confident-business-leader/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 17:53:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>customerservice@mybank4.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Running Your Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial plan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mybank4.me/become-a-confident-business-leader/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Team members could struggle without an effective leader who can motivate them to achieve long-term goals. However, you can make the most of your opportunity to run an effective business by becoming a top-notch supervisor.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A company official wants his or her employees to do their best every day. Unfortunately, team members could struggle without an effective leader who can motivate them to achieve long-term goals. However, you can make the most of your opportunity to run an effective business by becoming a top-notch supervisor.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It takes time to become a dependable leader, but the following tips can help you understand what it takes to motivate large groups of workers to consistently do their best.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>1. Use facts</strong><br />
Entrepreneur magazine points out that facts <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/226606" target="_blank">can help a business official</a> build confidence. Getting the most out of your employees can be a major challenge, especially for company administrators who cannot support workers&#039; requests. Confident supervisors possess the skills and know-how to complete tasks without delay and can share their knowledge with team members.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Learning about your business is crucial to be a successful leader. Company officials should connect with their work teams, dedicate the necessary time and resources to understand how each employee contributes to an organization and find ways to maximize every staff member&#039;s potential.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>2. Be a dependable presenter</strong><br />
As a business leader, you may have already done the legwork to launch your company. Over the past few years, you&#039;ve developed a <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">financial plan</a>, devoted resources to learning about your rivals and are ready to take the next step.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Relaying information to employees may sometimes be difficult, particularly for those who are uncomfortable speaking in front of workers. Practice makes perfect, however, and you can become a dependable presenter by working hard to improve your skills. A confident leader should be able to get his or her employees motivated and excited about work, so build your skill set to ensure that your messages are heard by team members at all times.</p>
<p><strong>3. Keep your self image up to date</strong><br />
A company official, like his or her employees, is a reflection of a business as a whole. Acting like a confident business leader is vital, but you&#039;ll want to look the part as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Licensed psychotherapist Marci G. Fox said that business administrators should consider their past accomplishments. By focusing on the positives, company officials can promote their firms to employees and patrons quickly and effectively.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&quot;Often, we&#039;re so focused on what we haven&#039;t done that we can&#039;t accurately see our progress,&quot; Fox told the news source. &quot;Give yourself credit for everything along the way.&quot;</p>
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		<title>How should small business operators approach banking?</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyBank4Me/~3/rBX0XN1cYYw/</link>
		<comments>http://mybank4.me/how-should-small-business-operators-approach-banking/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 16:59:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>customerservice@mybank4.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Banking and Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial investment advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mybank4.me/how-should-small-business-operators-approach-banking/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Small business operators often have limited resources, which may restrict their choices when it comes to investing in their firms. However, business professionals should evaluate their options in advance before selecting a financial institution to help them achieve their long-term goals.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Small business operators often have limited resources, which may restrict their choices when it comes to investing in their firms. However, business professionals should evaluate their options in advance before selecting a financial institution to help them achieve their long-term goals.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Choosing the right bank is rarely quick and easy. Myriad factors should be considered, including:</p>
<p><strong>1. Minimum-balance checking accounts</strong><br />
In today&#039;s economic climate, money is tight for all businesses. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">financial investment advice</a> is readily available from banking experts&nbsp;who can help your company make the most of a minimum-balance checking account.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With this account, your business will be properly equipped to manage its expenses. Running a company is incredibly challenging, particularly for small business operators who face a wide variety of challenges every day. By opening a minimum-balance checking account, your company can firmly establish itself, monitor its spending and put itself in position to make good decisions regularly.&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>2. Online research</b><br />
The internet offers numerous helpful tools&nbsp;for small business owners who want to review their banking options. For instance, company&nbsp;leaders can learn from their peers through online forums and discussion groups, which may help them make the best banking choices for their firms.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Additionally, banking experts may be available to provide live online support. Business administrators can connect with these financial experts and understand how to effectively manage their companies&#039; finances.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>3. The importance of a strong banking relationship</strong><br />
In a recent banking industry survey of small business operators, study officials found that more than 81 percent of these company leaders stated their relationships with their banks were &quot;very important&quot; or &quot;somewhat important.&quot; Meanwhile, researchers also discovered that fewer small business owners needed financial aid in 2013 than they did in 2012, and instead, relied on banking industry experts for guidance over extended periods of time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Building a strong relationship with a bank is crucial for many small business owners. These administrators have invested significant resources into their operations, and as a result, expect the best from their banks.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Finding a bank that you are comfortable with is of the utmost importance, especially in today&#039;s challenging economic climate. Being able to receive consistent assistance could help your company manage its finances and avoid serious problems down the line. Your business may also avoid the financial pitfalls that doom many firms from the start, as your company will devote the necessary time to get the banking support it needs.&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Stay ahead of rivals in a competitive marketplace</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyBank4Me/~3/ACmLFYDixB4/</link>
		<comments>http://mybank4.me/stay-ahead-of-rivals-in-a-competitive-marketplace/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 16:51:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>customerservice@mybank4.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Running Your Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial plan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mybank4.me/stay-ahead-of-rivals-in-a-competitive-marketplace/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The current market can make it difficult for many business operators, including those who are just getting their feet wet. Company leaders may consider myriad options to help their firms thrive in today's economic climate, but unfortunately, there are no guarantees that business plans will reap immediate rewards.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The current&nbsp;market can make it difficult for many business operators, including those who are just getting their feet wet. Company leaders may consider myriad options to help their firms thrive in today&#039;s economic climate, but unfortunately, there are no guarantees that business plans will reap immediate rewards.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Late American entrepreneur Steve Jobs illustrated how a successful business should be run even in tough times. Entrepreneur magazine&nbsp;recently highlighted some of the ways that Jobs <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngreathouse/2013/05/15/steve-jobs-6-tried-and-true-business-tips/" target="_blank">helped Apple boost its profits</a> and become globally recognized.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>1. Accept only the best</strong><br />
A company is only as strong as its employees, and each worker should be a vital contributor to his or her organization. By devoting the necessary time and resources to their everyday operations, company administrators can help their firms differentiate themselves from competitors.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While there is no standard formula for every business to succeed, company officials should consider the available opportunities to promote their brands to large groups of patrons. If business leaders find ways to effectively interact with clients, they can develop world-class marketing plans to engage their target audiences.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>2. Stay committed to a company vision</strong><br />
Business officials should stay true to their ways, and developing goals and values in advance is crucial. If company leaders are committed to a mission, they can share this vision with clients and employees through their products and services.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To get started on the right foot, business&nbsp;administrators should develop a <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">financial plan</a> to help them achieve their goals. Devote plenty of attention to company initiatives, and customers and workers will notice firms that are devoted to delivering quality support.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>3. Find top talent</strong><br />
To be viewed as an industry leader, business officials must attract top talent. However, job seekers are commonly drawn to well-established businesses, so it can be incredibly difficult for company administrators to garner attention from highly talented professionals.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Thankfully, the job market is filled with skilled applicants, and company administrators simply need to know where to look. Social networks such as LinkedIn are often ideal for business administrators, particularly for those who are on tight budgets. Additionally, company officials can attend conferences and trade shows to find like-minded job seekers to add to their teams.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Comprehensive recruitment and training programs are also valuable for many company leaders. By showing applicants that a firm is devoted to first-rate results, a business may quickly fill its vacancies by hiring talented professionals.</p>
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		<title>How to avoid common business mistakes</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyBank4Me/~3/FURdzDMdWi8/</link>
		<comments>http://mybank4.me/how-to-avoid-common-business-mistakes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 17:13:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>customerservice@mybank4.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Running Your Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business banking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial plan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mybank4.me/how-to-avoid-common-business-mistakes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Running a small business can be difficult, but your company can thrive if it considers its opportunities.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Running a small business can be difficult, but your company can thrive if it considers its opportunities. Your company wants the best for its customers, and as such, will devote plenty of time and attention to making your business work. Meanwhile, you might even develop a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">financial plan</a> and consider&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mybank4.com/business.htm" target="_self" class="dnautolink">business banking</a> solutions to help your firm grow quickly, but there are only so many resources at your disposal.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the road to building a successful business is filled with hurdles, but the following tips can help you avoid common mistakes that frequently prevent many company leaders from achieving their long-term goals.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>1. Learn about finance</strong><br />
CNBC contributor Pat Kiernan notes that business operators may fully understand basic finance concepts, but <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/100731741" target="_blank">getting into the nuts and bolts</a> is vital for a firm to succeed. To give your business a head start, create a budget and establish milestones you hope to accomplish over extended periods of time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Additionally, company leaders should be unafraid to ask questions and get support when they need it. Numerous banks are available to assist business owners, and you can receive dependable support from financial professionals who can help your company thrive.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>2. Get plenty of capital</strong><br />
Applying for a small business loan can be daunting, especially if you are worried about your credit score. However, financing is often available to small business owners in need, which is reflected in recent data.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Inc. magazine noted that a 2011 survey of financial professionals showed that roughly 85 percent of business operators <a href="http://www.inc.com/guides/201106/small-business-loans-new-rules.html" target="_blank">were able to receive financial aid</a>, which bodes well for company leaders today. Erring on the side of caution is also helpful for business officials, as these administrators can put themselves in position to get additional financial support if they are able to boost their credit scores and have collateral in advance.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>3. Find out what sets your business apart from the competition</strong><br />
The current marketplace is filled with businesses that are looking to differentiate themselves from rivals. If your company can promote a unique vision to clients, it may immediately gain an upper hand over competitors that could help it thrive for years.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Determine the most profitable aspect of your business and effectively promote your products and services to customers. By engaging clients in unique ways such as online giveaways or in-store promotions, your firm may quickly become an industry leader.&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Make better money decisions with personal finance software</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyBank4Me/~3/5EzwNlqTr4Q/</link>
		<comments>http://mybank4.me/make-better-money-decisions-with-personal-finance-software/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 15:59:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>customerservice@mybank4.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Banking and Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial services]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mybank4.me/make-better-money-decisions-with-personal-finance-software/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here's a look at what software can do to help you manage your money.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Everyone, regardless of their age, income level or walk of life, must occasionally endure financial difficulties. Even if one lives comfortably and has no trouble paying the bills, there are still sometimes logistical headaches concerning money matters.</p>
<p>Luckily, you don&#039;t need to go it alone. To iron out a simple financial quibble, sometimes a bit of arithmetic using pencil and paper will do, whereas if you&#039;re facing a tremendous level of economic hardship, it might be worth sitting down with a financial professional to work out your difficulties. But for a medium-sized problem &#8211; one you can&#039;t figure out alone but don&#039;t want to bother explaining at a local bank &#8211; financial planning software might be the answer.</p>
<p>There&#039;s a growing perception these days that software is dead, as given the proliferation of money management tools online, there&#039;s no longer any reason to purchase applications for <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">financial services</a>. But U.S. News and World Report says there are <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/05/09/who-says-personal-finance-software-is-dead" target="_blank">multiple reasons to distrust that myth</a>. First of all, sharing your private financial information over the internet can be hazardous, and besides, software tools still offer a range of benefits with which web-based tools can&#039;t compete.</p>
<p>Here&#039;s a look at what software can do to help you manage your money.</p>
<p><strong>Making a budget</strong><br />
If you&#039;re living from paycheck to paycheck, you can use software tools to plan out how each dollar is allocated each week or month. You know how much you&#039;re paid, how much you owe for rent, and how much you need to pay bills, buy groceries and handle other expenses, so it&#039;s best to have a plan.</p>
<p><strong>Paying off bills</strong><br />
If you have a million different bills to pay, it&#039;s nice to have software for paying them all off quickly and conveniently. Rather than logging on to a dozen different websites, find a program that can pay them all in one place.</p>
<p><strong>Debt management</strong><br />
If you&#039;re dealing with massive long-term debts &#8211; such as student loans, for instance &#8211; it&#039;s crucial to have a big-picture plan for paying them off without drowning financially. There are software tools to help you crunch the numbers.</p>
<p><strong>Retirement planning</strong><br />
It&#039;s never too early to start thinking about retirement. The millennial generation is looking likely to be on its own for retirement funding, which means it&#039;s time to start setting aside a few bucks from each paycheck. Sit down at a computer and figure out what amount works for you.</p>
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		<enclosure url="http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/05/09/who-says-personal-finance-software-is-dead" length="2046" type="application/octet-stream" /><media:content url="http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/05/09/who-says-personal-finance-software-is-dead" fileSize="2046" type="application/octet-stream" /><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:subtitle>Here's a look at what software can do to help you manage your money.</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary>Here's a look at what software can do to help you manage your money.</itunes:summary><itunes:keywords>banking,finances,money,management,investing,insurance</itunes:keywords><feedburner:origLink>http://mybank4.me/make-better-money-decisions-with-personal-finance-software/</feedburner:origLink></item>
		<item>
		<title>Health insurance tax may prove troublesome for small businesses</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyBank4Me/~3/o-0x31J5Ttw/</link>
		<comments>http://mybank4.me/health-insurance-tax-may-prove-troublesome-for-small-businesses/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>customerservice@mybank4.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Banking and Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Running Your Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business banking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mybank4.me/health-insurance-tax-may-prove-troublesome-for-small-businesses/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For owners of small businesses, every employee comes at an enormous expense. Paying salaries and providing benefits is only one piece of the puzzle - new legislation is constantly coming along that threatens to disrupt entrepreneurs' business banking status quo.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For owners of small businesses, every employee comes at an enormous expense. Paying salaries and providing benefits is only one piece of the puzzle &#8211; new legislation is constantly coming along that threatens to disrupt entrepreneurs&#039; <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/business.htm" target="_self" class="dnautolink">business banking</a> status quo.</p>
<p>According to the Washington Post, the latest unnerving trend to emerge in small business legislation is a <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/on-small-business/health-insurance-tax-scares-the-daylights-out-of-some-small-business-owners/2013/05/12/40bf58fe-b8ca-11e2-92f3-f291801936b8_story.html" target="_blank">new tax on insurance providers</a> in the proposed federal overhaul of healthcare. Under the new law, the insurance companies would owe more, and businesspeople fear that they may charge their clients higher premiums to compensate. The law is designed to rein in insurance companies, but it may hurt other, smaller enterprises instead.</p>
<p>Ryan Thorn, owner of a small insurance planning firm near Salt Lake City, says that the insurance companies themselves will have little to no role in dealing with the financial burden of the new tax.</p>
<p>&quot;Insurers have confirmed back to me that the tax will be passed down to consumers, and the direct impact will be staggering,&quot; Thorn said, according to the Post. &quot;It disproportionately hits individuals and small-business owners, the people who have been hurt most by these challenging times.&quot;</p>
<p>The reality of the new healthcare system will make things difficult for present and future small business owners. Here are a few tips to keep in mind moving forward.</p>
<p><strong>Hesitate before starting a small business</strong><br />
If you&#039;re not a small business owner yet but you&#039;re considering becoming one, think twice. The Wall Street Journal cautions that between 50 and 75 percent of entrepreneurs <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324059704578471122746420826.html" target="_blank">fail to get their companies off the ground</a>, and with the changing healthcare landscape, that figure may rise. Proceed with care, knowing that startup companies often find themselves in precarious financial situations.</p>
<p><strong>Be careful with hiring decisions</strong><br />
If you do run a small business, be mindful that every hire you make will be a serious burden financially. Only add new staff when you&#039;re absolutely sure you can afford to do so &#8211; not only in the short-term, but down the road as well. You don&#039;t want to add a valuable team member but lay them off in a year because of the tax burden.</p>
<p><strong>Consider running independent&nbsp;insurance programs</strong><br />
The Post points out that 82 percent of large firms choose to run their own healthcare programs, thus circumventing the insurance tax issues. Is this viable for your business? Maybe not, but it at least merits consideration.</p>
<p>The potential for steep healthcare taxes in the future is daunting for the small business world. Entrepreneurs should proceed with care.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Young adults need financial guidance more than anyone</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyBank4Me/~3/LtHKfDYd5LY/</link>
		<comments>http://mybank4.me/young-adults-need-financial-guidance-more-than-anyone/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 12:30:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>customerservice@mybank4.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Banking and Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community and Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mybank4.me/young-adults-need-financial-guidance-more-than-anyone/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While people of every age and income level can benefit from some financial guidance, young adults are especially in need. Managing money is often toughest for young Americans - they're frequently earning lower incomes, dealing with expenses like student loan payments and struggling with their lack of experience with financial matters.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While people of every age and income level can benefit from some financial guidance, young adults are especially in need. Managing money is often toughest for young Americans &#8211; they&#039;re frequently earning lower incomes, dealing with expenses like student loan payments and struggling with their lack of experience with financial matters.</p>
<p>For any family banker, it&#039;s important to check up with individuals between the ages of 18 and 30, making sure they have a good handle on their savings, their debts and their day-to-day budgets. Money matters can be difficult for young people, but if you fall into this age group, you&#039;ll be much better off if you bear in mind the following <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">financial tips</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Learn self control</strong><br />
First, sit down and do some math &#8211; take your monthly income, subtract your rent and other bills, and come up with a monthly budget. Know how much disposable cash you have to spend, and stick to that number. You&#039;ll always be tempted to purchase a new car or go on an exciting vacation, but if you can&#039;t afford it, you can&#039;t afford it. Don&#039;t overextend your budget &#8211; gratification now is nice, but it might not be&nbsp;worth the financial hardship it brings later.</p>
<p><strong>Learn the ropes of taxes</strong><br />
It&#039;s important to have a <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/younginvestors/08/eight-tips.asp" target="_blank">solid understanding of tax laws</a> and how they affect your finances. Investopedia gives the following example &#8211; if you make $35,000 a year in California, that&#039;s about $27,600 after taxes, or $2,300 a month. If you get a raise to $41,000, that&#039;s not an increase in $6,000 net pay &#8211; after taxes, it&#039;s only about $4,200, or $350 monthly. The more you make, the more it&#039;s taxed, and you need to be mindful of this sliding scale. The news source notes that you&#039;re better off in the long run handling your tax return yourself than handing it off to a professional, as there&#039;s a lot of bad tax advice floating around out there.</p>
<p><strong>Start saving early</strong><br />
Even if you&#039;re still young and not making much money, it&#039;s never too early to begin saving. The New York Times notes that given the changing landscape of Social Security, it&#039;s now looking very likely that today&#039;s young people will have to <a href="http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/15/financial-tips-for-younger-people/" target="_blank">fund their own retirements</a>. That means it&#039;s imperative to begin saving as soon as possible. Don&#039;t think of saving as optional &#8211; set aside a mandatory amount of money for yourself each month or each year, and stick to that mandate.</p>
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		<title>Middle class struggles to find sound financial advice</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyBank4Me/~3/CG-akTsD17w/</link>
		<comments>http://mybank4.me/middle-class-struggles-to-find-sound-financial-advice/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 12:29:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>customerservice@mybank4.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Banking and Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community and Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mybank4.me/middle-class-struggles-to-find-sound-financial-advice/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Managing finances is a difficult endeavor for middle-class Americans, but here are a few tips on how to be wise with your money.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wealthier Americans are inundated with advice on how to manage their finances &#8211; investment opportunities are always popping up, giving them chances to turn their money into more money. As for those on the other end of the spectrum, there are advocates out there to help them find sustainable jobs and affordable housing.</p>
<p>But those in the middle need help as well, and all too often, there&#039;s a dearth of reliable resources out there to offer <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">financial tips</a> to middle-class Americans. Sheryl Garrett, founder and CEO of the Garrett Planning Network, says that the middle class is often the group <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2013/05/05/middle-class-financial-advice/2090441/" target="_blank">most in need of financial assistance</a>, though they have the fewest resources available.</p>
<p>&quot;The financial planning decisions of middle-income families are more critical than that of wealthier people,&quot; Garrett told USA Today. &quot;They can&#039;t afford to make any mistakes.&quot;</p>
<p>Managing finances is a difficult endeavor for middle-class Americans, but here are a few tips on how to be wise with your money.</p>
<p><strong>Ask at work</strong><br />
Often, it&#039;s easy for workers to find financial advice by checking with their employers. Quizzle.com notes that administrators of 401(k) plans <a href="http://www.quizzle.com/blog/2011/08/where-can-i-find-middle-class-financial-advice/" target="_blank">offer free financial planning advice</a> as part of employees&#039; benefits packages. Advisors are available to discuss a wide range of topics including getting out of debt, saving for college and planning for retirement. Workplace financial advisors might be your best allies, since they&#039;re familiar with the salary, benefits and other monetary perks that your company offers.</p>
<p><strong>Demand personal attention</strong><br />
Everyone has a right to demand personalized attention, even if they&#039;re not Donald Trump. We all have our own financial needs, concerns and aspirations, and they deserve individual care. There&#039;s been a recent trend of financial planners refusing to work with clients who aren&#039;t well-endowed financially, according to Kiplinger, but all individuals should seek planners who will <a href="http://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T023-C000-S002-financial-planning-for-the-middle-class.html" target="_blank">meet with them one-on-one</a>.</p>
<p>&quot;It&#039;s astonishing that people with less than $500,000 in savings are often ignored by professional financial advisers,&quot; financial advisor Ric Edelman told the newspaper.</p>
<p><strong>Always plan ahead</strong><br />
Sound financial management means always making contingency plans for any event that might arise down the road. Whether it&#039;s something expected like retirement or college or something unpredictable, like an accident or an employment change, you should always have money set aside for a rainy day.</p>
<p>By working with financial advisors who will help you see the big picture, you can make sound financial decisions for yourself and your family.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Small business owners must choose banks wisely</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyBank4Me/~3/tnuWRhl8P00/</link>
		<comments>http://mybank4.me/small-business-owners-must-choose-banks-wisely/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 09:10:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>customerservice@mybank4.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Banking and Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Running Your Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business banking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mybank4.me/small-business-owners-must-choose-banks-wisely/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the most important decisions the owner of a small enterprise can make is choosing a bank. Every financial institution is different, and it can be difficult for entrepreneurs to find the right one to handle all their business banking needs.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the most important decisions the owner of a small enterprise can make is choosing a bank. Every financial institution is different, and it can be difficult for entrepreneurs to find the right one to handle all their <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/business.htm" target="_self" class="dnautolink">business banking</a> needs.</p>
<p>A good bank works as a trusted advisor, offering <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">financial tips</a> on everything under the sun relating to money &#8211; how to make it, where to spend it, when to save it.</p>
<p>Jay DesMarteau, head of small business at TD Bank, told Scoop San Diego that the best banks are the ones that offer a <a href="http://scoopsandiego.com/online_features/money_and_finance/tips-for-small-business-owners-making-banking-choices/article_a6244842-9cb2-5797-af96-75f1296a5a16.html" target="_blank">variety of financial planning options</a> for small businesses.</p>
<p>&quot;Small-business owners should seek out a bank that treats small business like big business,&quot; DesMarteau told the news source. &quot;Look for a bank that&#039;s open early, open late and can offer the whole bank. Look for a relationship, not just a transaction.&quot;</p>
<p>What features are you looking for in your bank? Here are a few you might consider.</p>
<p><strong>Convenience</strong><br />
As DesMarteau notes, this includes looking for a bank that opens early and closes late, but convenience is about more than just hours. You want a bank that will give you a variety of ways to deposit money, different avenues for contact &#8211; both in person and online &#8211; and flexibility between checking and savings accounts. Small business owners don&#039;t operate well under rigid rules. The ideal bank is one that caters to your needs.</p>
<p><strong>A one-stop shop</strong><br />
Time is money for a small business owner. The last thing you want is a bank that wastes your time by forcing you to wander from place to place for different financial needs. It would be a nightmare to go to one bank for withdrawing money, another for paying bills, another for applying for loans or opening lines of credit and another one still for opening credit card accounts. A one-stop shop is far more convenient. It&#039;s worth sacrificing to make that possible.</p>
<p><strong>Willingness to embrace technology</strong><br />
The best banks offer strong cyber-solutions for financial needs. A recent Toluna survey found that 86.1 percent of <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">online banking</a> users describe themselves as <a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/5/prweb10701852.htm" target="_blank">&quot;completely satisfied&quot; or &quot;somewhat satisfied&quot;</a> with their services. It&#039;s not hard to see why &#8211; banking should be convenient, and customers should have the option to access their money whenever and wherever is most convenient for them.</p>
<p>Finding the right bank is a challenge for any small business, but it&#039;s worth taking the time to get it right. Good <a href="https://www.mybank4.com/" target="_self" class="dnautolink">financial services</a> can make a world of difference.</p>
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