People Helping People

Make Record-Keeping Less Taxing

marc.barrera — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:24:01 +0000

Business

With the modern-day risk of identity theft—not to mention we’re in the middle of tax season—it’s a good idea to simplify your financial records and eliminate unnecessary paperwork. During spring cleaning, you should be making three stacks of paperwork: File, Shred, Deduct.

Beyond benefiting you at tax time, many of the same financial records are needed for insurance purposes or for getting a loan.

Helping Your Business Succeed

marc.barrera — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:56:55 +0000

Business

The masses have spoken, more free workshops!

At least that’s the inference we’re getting from the attendance rate of our first workshop of the year, titled “Start Up Basics,” and the already full signup list for our next workshop, titled “Marketing for Success.”

Benefits of Financial Wellness

marc.barrera — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:20:15 +0000

Business

According to a 2011 consumer financial literacy survey from Harris Interactive, 56 percent of respondents have no budget, 33 percent have no retirement savings, 28 percent do not pay bills on time, 65 percent have not reviewed their credit score in the past year and 80 percent believe it is okay to default on a home mortgage in certain circumstances.

Patience Is Still a Virtue

marc.barrera — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:54:11 +0000

Business

During these times of economic uncertainty, investing seems to have become a four-letter word. The confusion surrounding the investment industry has driven many to fear it and act irrationally. It’s a vicious, self-replicating cycle. Volatility leads to panic, panic leads to volatility.

Commitment Issues

marc.barrera — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:19:03 +0000

Business

Hiring employees for your small business is already a confusing and difficult task without adding to it the laundry list of considerations that play a role in your hiring process.

One key commitment issue is whether to hire full-time or part-time?

SCORE One for Small Business Owners

marc.barrera — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:09:11 +0000

Business

When people hear the word mentor, many think of someone who helped them out when they were growing up. An English teacher who put in the extra effort to inspire a student’s love of writing to flourish. Or, a basketball coach who encouraged a player to put academics first. Maybe it was a boss who took the time to teach a new employee about the industry. As we get older and wiser, we transition to the role of mentor for the next generation and often think of our past as a protégé as over.

Holiday Celebrations that ‘Work’

marc.barrera — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:26:51 +0000

Business

The best Christmas celebration I’ve had at work happened several years ago when I worked in Dallas. I don’t remember much about the feast, but I can clearly recall the hilarity that ensued afterward with our White Elephant gift exchange.

In our exchange, these were the rules: Each person brought one wrapped gift that cost less than $10, and put it into the gift pile. Names were drawn to determine order. When the first person’s name was drawn, that person selected a gift, unwrapped it, showed it to the crowd and then returned to his or her seat with the gift.

All that Glitters is not Gold

marc.barrera — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:30:06 +0000

Business

With all their experience and knowledge, it seems counterintuitive that senior citizens could be a very successful target for scammers.

Yet, according to the FBI, there are many reasons why this demographic provides such a unique fraud opportunity.

Plan for Success

marc.barrera — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:48:25 +0000

Business

Perhaps you’ve just decided to go into business? Or, maybe you’re looking to expand your business? Whatever the reason, you’re seeking to borrow money. But have you done your homework? Have you mapped out your goals? Have you determined if you are an acceptable risk to lenders? Do you have the drive and determination to ensure you can pay back the loan?

‘Move Our Money’ or ‘Move On’?

marc.barrera — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:10:41 +0000

Business

Bank Transfer day was a success in many ways. According to the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), in the month leading to Nov. 5, 2011, 700,000 new members joined a credit union—that’s more than the number of new credit union members in all of 2010. In addition, many big banks were forced to rescind their plans to implement new fees in response to the national backlash they experienced.

Still, as this movement finds its place into the history books, a coalition is looking to launch its own national campaign.