By Stan & Shannah Compton
In these financial turbulent times it takes better focus and effort to keep one’s business running profitably due to all the challenges regarding the current financial crisis. It seems like every day there is a new twist and turn in the economy which has everyone guessing just what exactly lies ahead. For a business owner these challenges complicate the already challenging normal business activities.
When times are tough the worst thing that can happen to you is that you become sick or hurt to the point where you cannot work in your business and/or profession and do not have adequate replacement income.
Read on »
I recommend that you review your life insurance every year. In today’s economy it is even more important to take a couple minutes and review your needs. Think of it as a checkup. Just like your annual doctor and dentist check up, it’s preventive medicine to help maintain your family’s financial security. The main reason to do this is that needs change over time, sometimes more rapidly than you might realize.
This review is a painless process. Simply check all that apply below. If you have at least one item checked contact your financial professional and discuss them. If you have no items checked you are in good shape for the upcoming year, however if something should change, make sure you take the time and address the changes.
Read on »
By Shannah L. Compton
1. Give away your frequent flier miles as a gift: Many of us have a lot of airline miles but can’t travel due to work or just don’t have the budget to right now. Be sure to check your miles frequently as they do expire. If they are expiring soon give them as a gift to a family member who might use them. They make a great wedding gift!
2. Use your frequent flier miles to buy gifts from an online store: Many frequent flier programs also offer the chance to use your miles to purchase gifts from stores like Amazon, Gap, Macy’s, Barnes and Noble, etc.
Read on »
Beginning in November I will be launching a new podcast series to bring you exciting financial topics, strategies, guests and much more. But I want to hear from you. What is on your mind? What topics would you like to know more about? Are you worried about your retirement? Would you like to know about small business financial strategies? I want to hear from you!
Email me your topic suggestions by October 31st and receive a copy of my “Financial Document Organizational System” worksheet.
shannah@slcinsuranceservice.com
By Shannah Compton
Traditionally September is a great month. The seasons begin to change. The weather begins to shift. Kids are back in school and mom can finally get a reprieve. Stores are all a glow with Halloween decorations. And you can finally pull out your tall boots, cute sweaters, and great fall jackets. However, this September, September 2008, will forever be known as the month when America’s economy took a turn for the worse and panic began to paralyze us all.
It probably wasn’t until a week or so ago that you really became aware of how perilous our economic conditions are in the country. One day, out of the blue, you saw it everywhere. “We are in a depression. It is Armageddon.” You heard about the $700 Billion Bailout everywhere. You heard about the 777 point stock decline; the biggest one day Dow point drop in history. Maybe you took a look at your 401K or IRA balance and wanted to cry. If anything I hope the recent inescapable news, radio, and press coverage of our economy has you curious for some answers.
Read on »
If you have been to the grocery store lately I am sure you have noticed the price increases in almost every product…or have you? Most people, and I am certainly included in this assumption, head off to the market with no clear cut plan in place. Maybe you are in need of a couple items or maybe you are completing your weekly shopping.
Whatever the reason may be you are probably guilty of one of the three types of shoppers: 1) you shop in search of name brand items only without even looking at the competitor’s prices, or 2) you scan the prices of items quickly and then usually decide on your favorite even if it is a little bit higher in price than the others, or 3) you are a complete coupon systematic shopper- kudos to you.
Read on »
If you’ve checked your 401K or IRA balance lately I am sure you will be witness to what many are witnessing- you are losing money at a rapid rate. Now if you are young this isn’t as much of a problem as someone who is in the fifties, but nonetheless if you are like me you hate to see your money vanish.
Historically speaking any year with a Presidential election generally equates to a rocky stock market. Add on top of that a shaky real estate market driven by the sub-prime mess and top it all off with higher than normal gas prices and it looks to be a year filled with extremes that we have not seen in our lifetime.
What does this all mean to you? It certainly has an immediate impact on your budget given higher gas prices and higher costs of goods. If you’ve been to the grocery lately you certainly will have noticed that prices are on the rise.
However there are three good strategies to practice during these chaotic times to help provide you with a bit of financial security, regardless of the economy.
Read on »
Hello Everyone. I’m Lauren Berger, also known as “The Intern Queen” and I’m also a blogger on WomenEntrepreneur.com. I wanted to come blog here today to inform you about the Quarterlife Internship Program that I just launched on Quarterlife.com/intern. As business owners, we all know the value of a few good interns. I’ve found that so many people (including myself) spend so much time finding an intern, posting for interns - they don’t get enough work done. They end up spending all of their time interviewing/posting and making “Intern-related” decisions that they have no time to really run their business. My goal is to make that process easier for companies by offering my Internship services for FREE.
How It Works:
- Visit www.quarterlife.com/intern to understand the layout of our site. You will understand the concept and how the postings work. We are like a “Craigslist” of Internships.
- Employers email me at internqueen@quarterlife.com stating their interest in the FREE service
- I email the employer right back with the Internship Posting Form. The form requests a company bio (this is basically for employer’s bragging rights), a list of intern duties, the amount of hours you would like the intern to work, if the internship is paid or unpaid, and if you will give the student school credit for participating in the internship. Employers can also state if they want resumes, cover letters, or any additional materials.
Read on »
It’s almost time to dig deep into the back of your closet and dust off your fall wardrobe. It’s the time when you get to rediscover the sweaters, jackets, and pants from last year that you swore you would never wear again, but upon second glance aren’t too bad. I am always sad to see the summer go by because I love wearing my summer dresses. However the fall beckons some of my favorite fashion accessories including tall black boots and long trench coats….all which can take a heavy toll on my fashion budget!
Read on »
Yesterday I had the opportunity to submit my thoughts on how one avoids paying fees and interest while building a great credit score and a solid arsenal of major credit cards for an online institution. I love the challenge of coming up with new ideas regarding credit cards because, although they can create financial problems for many, they also can create financial achievements for others.
“Did she use the words financial achievements?” Yes, I did. Credit cards used properly can help you build a solid credit score; can help you leverage your money in relation to surprise expenses, and so much more.
Read on »
