Be alert for caregiver financial abuse
Do you have a parent or other elderly relative who may soon need a caregiver? If so, be diligent when selecting the right person for the job — because choosing the wrong one could lead to big financial problems. You might find a close family member or friend to serve as caregiver — someone who is honest and trustworthy, with good judgment and strong money management skills. However, in many cases, people hiring caregivers just don’t know how they’ll perform until the caregivers have begun work. A
What Pictures Can Say That Memos Never Will
Corporate communication isn’t always a thrilling read. Emails, decks, Slack messages—most of them blend into a digital fog that employees learn to skim, not absorb. Yet in this era where attention is currency, companies are finding new ways to make their internal messages hit home. Among the most effective of these is visual storytelling—not just a trendy buzzword, but a legitimate strategy that turns abstract ideas into tangible narratives. It doesn’t matter whether the message is about quarterly goals
Financial moves for a growing family
If you’re adding a child to your family, it’s an exciting time, and you have much to anticipate. Of course, this new addition will bring many changes in your life, so you’ll want to be prepared — especially in terms of your finances. What financial moves should you make as you welcome your new child? Here are a few to consider:Estimate expenses — and create a new budget. You will likely have several new expenses associated with a new child, ranging from relatively minor purchases — car seat, stroller,
Winning the Conversation: Customer Engagement That Actually Works for Small Businesses
Small businesses don’t get second chances when it comes to building customer loyalty. Every interaction—every email, every conversation, every moment of contact—has to work a little harder. Unlike national chains with deep advertising pockets and brand inertia, small shops live or die by connection. Which is why understanding how to engage people without overwhelming them is less of a luxury and more of a business imperative. Make the First Move, But Make It Count There’s a thin line between being
From Dream to Reality: How Immigrants Can Start a Business in the U.S.
Starting a business in the U.S. as an immigrant is both an exhilarating and daunting task. You arrive with ideas, ambition, and maybe even a little bit of savings, but the system can feel like a labyrinth of paperwork, legal hurdles, and cultural differences. Still, history is proof that some of the most successful businesses in America were built by immigrants who saw opportunities where others saw roadblocks. If you’re ready to take the plunge, you’ll need more than just a great idea—you’ll need to
Building a High-Performing Team Through Strategic Training
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the ability to adapt and grow is crucial for any organization aiming to stay ahead. Strategic training investments are not just about enhancing skills; they are about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. By equipping your team with the right tools and knowledge, you empower them to meet challenges head-on and drive your business forward. This approach not only enhances individual capabilities but also aligns with broader organizational
News Release: 1/20/2025 Financial considerations when changing jobs
Are you changing jobs soon? If so, you’ll obviously be interested in your new salary — but you’ll also want to look at other financial considerations. Here are some of the most important ones:401(k) — If you had a 401(k) plan through your previous employer, you’ll need to decide what to do with it once you’ve joined a new employer. You could just cash it out, but you’d pay taxes and possible penalties. You could leave your 401(k) with your previous employer, if allowed, and if you have been happy with
News Release: 1/13/2025 Is buying a home always the right move?
It’s widely thought that home ownership is a key to building wealth — but is it? And should you consistently make sacrifices to buy your own home? Let’s start with the first question: Is owning a home essential to building wealth? It would probably be more accurate to say that home ownership can be helpful in building wealth. Building home equity — essentially, the difference between the size of your home’s value and what you still owe — is certainly valuable. Plus, the bigger your equity, the less you
News Release: 1/06/2025 Time for New Year’s financial resolutions
Now that the calendar has flipped, it’s time for some New Year’s resolutions. You could decide you’re going to exercise more, lose weight, learn a new skill, reconnect with old friends — the possibilities are almost limitless. This year, why not add a few financial resolutions to your list? Here are a few to consider:Reduce your debts. It may be easier said than done, but if you can cut down on your debt load, you’ll increase your cash flow and have more money available to invest for your future. So,
News Release: 12/30/2024 Are your protection plans in place?
Have you ever thought about how much you have to protect? Between your family, your finances, your independence and your legacy, it can be quite a lot — and that’s why it's important to have the right protection plan in place. Let’s look at these areas of need and some possible protection solutions:Protecting your income – An injury or severe illness could prevent you from working for some time. And if that happened, your family’s finances could become strained. To help guard against this possibility,
News Release: 12/23/2024 Time to consider a business retirement plan?
If you’re a business owner, you’re always thinking about the days ahead. What can I do to boost sales in the next year? What trends should I be watching? What’s the forecast for my industry? But there’s one element of the future you might be overlooking: your retirement plan. Consider these advantages of establishing a retirement plan for your business:You’ll build resources for your retirement. You might sell your business one day, but can you count on that to fund your retirement? By investing in a
News Release: 12/16/2024 What should you know about RMDs?
You may spend many decades contributing to your IRA and 401(k), but eventually you will likely need to take the money out — in fact, you must take the money out or face penalties. What should you know about these mandatory withdrawals? Here are some of the basics:What are they called? Mandatory withdrawals are technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs.When must I take RMDs? If you were born before 1951, you’ve probably already begun taking RMDs. If you were born between 1951 and 1959,
The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Does this Mean for Pinellas Park, FL Businesses?
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN, aiming to curb financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. Read more for details on how this may impact your business in the future. 1.
News Release: 12/2/2024 Inflation-fighting strategies for retirees
At different times, inflation may be high or low, but, except in those rare periods of deflation, it’s always with us. During your working years, when you may receive boosts in your salary, you at least have the potential to keep up with inflation — but what happens when you retire? As a retiree, what can you do to cope with the rising cost of living? Here are a few suggestions:Keep some growth potential in your investment portfolio. During your retirement years, you may want to move your portfolio
3rd Annual Pinellas Manufacturing Summit Focuses on “Building a Skilled Future”
3rd Annual Pinellas Manufacturing Summit Focuses on “Building a Skilled Future” Pinellas Park, FL – November 14, 2024 – The 3rd Annual Pinellas Manufacturing Summit will take place on November 14, 2024, from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center (4951 78th Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL). With the theme “Building a Skilled Future: Workforce & Education in Manufacturing,” the event will unite industry experts, educators, and policymakers to address workforce development, education, and
