Business & Finance

Can You Afford $400?

A typical American household cannot raise $400 without borrowing money or selling possessions, according to the results of a survey published recently by the Federal Reserve, the US central bank (The Fed’s Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2013). The agency asked 50,000 people if they could handle an unexpected “financial disruption” costing them $400. Just over half (53 percent) said they could “fairly easily handle such an expense” by using money in their bank accounts (checking or savings) or by leaning on a credit card. But the rest of the respondents would have to borrow, sell […]

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Choices for Your 401(k)

In our culture of continual job change, people who leave their jobs are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account. Indeed, a 2012 report by the U.S. Labor Department notes that the average worker holds 11 jobs from age 18 to 46. How many previous employer 401(k)s and company plans do you have, and are you keeping track of them? Probably the biggest mistake you can make when leaving a job is cashing out your old 401(k). According to a 2012 report by Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, 25 percent of unemployed or underemployed workers […]

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Sharpening Your Edge for Renewed Success in School or the Workplace

“Hmmmm, I think I’ll stop in there and see what’s happening.” Driving by that same retail store on the way back and forth to work, I began noticing something fresh. New activity and new life was erupting. The building was painted with a new attractive color scheme, the landscape was upgraded, signs promising special sales were now waving and flopping for everyone’s attention, and the parking lot had more and more cars every day. But, two months ago that store seemed to be dying. What happened? I’ve noticed this same phenomenon on an individual level as well. It happened to […]

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The Financial Reality of Living to 100

We live in a nation that has become one of the most prosperous in the world. Great advances in medical science and healthcare, extensive social welfare programs to those less fortunate, a military that protects us abroad and domestic, freedom in our capital markets to start a business and work with equality and great opportunity — we are fortunate to live in the U.S. We are also reminded that the success of this country has not come without challenges. Inherent in those are a series of financial challenges that one could argue are the price of success, and the longer […]

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Frugal is Back in Fashion

The Great Recession of 2008 seems to have turned many Americans into lasting coupon-cutters, scrimpers and savers. Consumers dug a debt hole over the past decade from which there’s no easy climb out. This age of frugality seems to be in fashion, and the new normal ushered in by the recession has become the norm. Americans today are even more likely than they were a couple years ago to say that they are saving more and being more frugal. Cost-conscious is now a way of life. The hard financial times apparently taught many Americans a lesson: hope for the best; […]

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Getting Out Of Debt… Really!

Forget consolidation loans, extended credit lines or fancy debt relief agencies. The best way to escape debt is the difficult and painstaking road of — hard work!  I know it was easy and sometimes quick to get into debt, but now it is time to get out of the burden of debt. Lets get busy! Stop charging and borrowing If you want to get out of debt fast, you have to stop using debt to fund your lifestyle. This means no more financing furniture, no more signing up for credit cards, no more test driving brand new cars that you […]

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The Value of Using a Financial Advisor

Many people find it difficult to invest on their own, particularly as they face complex financial situations and decisions. That’s when professional financial advice can help. A relationship with a professional Financial Advisor will help you strategically plan, and set up disciplines to work toward your goals and financial success. A good financial advisor will also build a relationship with you that goes beyond traditional financial planning and results in a more valuable financial life-planning approach. I like to tell my clients that I am here to help educate them on appropriate and valuable actions, and to guide them away […]

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Matt Weissing Finds the Path to Justice for Those Who Are Wronged

A lifelong resident of South Florida, Matthew D. Weissing has been a partner with Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos & Lehrman, P.A. for five years helping clients with injury cases, insurance disputes and other cases. Providing personal service combined with knowledge and experience, they represent those who have been injured, defrauded, cheated or abused, fighting the battles you can’t fight alone. Weissing is a long-time member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and holds a preeminent rating for knowledge and ethics with Martindale-Hubble. He is also a member of the Broward County Justice Association, which seeks justice for Florida’s consumers […]

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Chaplains in the Workplace Meet the Needs of 21st Century Americans

Most Americans spend the majority of our waking hours at work. Considering the current economic challenges, inevitable communication mishaps and usual personality differences, workplaces can be stressful places. Sprinkle in the normal day-to-day personal and family challenges and most of us would admit that, at times, our focus and productivity suffers. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antidepressants are leading the pack as the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. As more and more Americans look for ways to deal with their stress, anxiety and depression, companies are increasingly helping employees manage work and […]

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World Leaders Conference Brings Top Experts to Palm Beach

The 2015 World LEADERS Conference is bringing some of the most esteemed leadership experts and best-selling authors in the world to equip business professionals, church and community members to engage in servant leadership that makes a positive difference in people’s lives and affects change in the world. In its fourth year, the two-day conference held at the Palm Beach Convention Center on March 4 and 5, will focus on the critical issues and trends that are shaping businesses and the church today. It is hosted by the World Leaders Group, an organization dedicated to changing hearts and engaging minds to […]

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