Many parents face challenges in estate planning in dealing with what could be described as the designated difficult one — the child whose behaviors or attitudes prompt questions and concerns about inheritance. Consider this couple’s story about a daughter: “She’s been one tough kid to live with. Ever since she was old enough to begin […]
The second most-cited regret of people at the end of their lives is this: “I wish I hadn’t worked so much.” It’s an extraordinarily powerful and telling statement given all the things a person could possibly regret when looking back at the life they lived. For those who have a lot of life still to […]
Women-owned small businesses are changing the face of entrepreneurship in America. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), women own more than 9.1 million businesses that generate a total of $1.4 billion in sales. These businesses collectively represent one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy. The U.S. Small Business Administration […]
It’s an unfortunate truth that bad things sometimes happen. These occurrences are often completely unpredictable and can occur in a split second. Whether they occur at home, work or somewhere in between, it’s important to have a plan in place to handle emergencies. In a workplace setting, it’s crucial employees are aware of and ready […]
If you had to describe your life with just one word, chances are good you’d be tempted to say “stressful.” A July survey conducted by National Public Radio, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health found that more than 60 percent of Americans feel stressed and more than 25 percent say […]
Kettlebells might seem like a new fitness trend, but the concept is actually centuries old. This funny shaped weight resembles a cannonball with a handle and is often made of cast iron or steel. Kettlebells originated in Russia in the 1700s — although it wasn’t originally used for exercise, but rather for weighing crops. Kettlebells […]
Companies that are in the business of fostering happiness in their customers are the most enlightened of all. They understand successful operations are, first and foremost, about serving people and ensuring their satisfaction. These businesses know that increasing the pleasure, fulfillment and happiness of the patrons who support them with their hard-earned dollars will build […]
Commercial real estate leasing involves many issues, including one that probably receives the least amount of attention from a tenant negotiating a lease: insurance. In most commercial real estate leases, landlords generally want the tenant to indemnify them against everything that could possibly happen in or around their properties. For example, you might see language […]
Owning commercial or residential rental real estate constitutes a common investment for many Americans. Most rental properties produce net positive cash flow. Even with a net positive cash flow, however, a loss can occur. And in some cases, this loss can’t be deducted in calculating income tax liability. In general, rental activity falls into the […]
I could see from the caller ID that Jack was on the line. Jack and his partner, Ray, are new clients. They own and operate a supply company for the energy industry. While sales have fallen off a bit over the past couple of years, the company remains viable and the outlook good. Jack and […]