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The Best Business Books of 2012

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Finance expert Mike Periu on the best business books of 2012 chosen by leaders in their field of expertise. Strategy+Business, the blog for consulting firm Booz & Company, recently announced the winners of its annual best business books competition. Unlike other lists, these books aren't selected based on sales or by popular vote; instead experts in the chosen category choose the winners. The categories themselves vary from year to year depending on what's timely or particularly … [Read more...]

5 Cash Flow Mistakes New Businesses Must Avoid

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Finance expert Mike Periu on the most common Cash Flow Mistakes small businesses make, and how to avoid them. December 04, 2012 Debt solutions attorney Emily Chase Smith has seen many small businesses fail throughout her career. She finds it frustrating that many of the businesses, especially newer ones, fail for reasons that were completely avoidable with better financial planning on the part of the founders. She offers the following advice to business owners to avoid failure: 1. Don't … [Read more...]

$80 Billion in incentives state and local governments are offering

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The money incentives state and local governments are offering to lure new companies their way. $80 Billion in Business Incentives Up for Grabs State and local governments across the country are aggressively competing to have companies—both old and new—relocate to their territories. Last year, $80.3 billion in business incentives were awarded across 1,875 different programs. The incentives typically consist of sales tax exemptions, sales tax discounts, property tax abatements, income tax … [Read more...]

There must be tax rate increases to avert the fiscal cliff

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A recent statement made by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner that there must be tax rate increases to avert the fiscal cliff. U.S. Treasury Secretary Indicates Tax Hikes Must be Part of Fiscal Cliff Deal Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner indicated that tax rate increases on the top 2 percent of households in the country must be part of any final agreement to avert the fiscal cliff. This has been a point of contention in the negotiations and it now appears that both sides are still far … [Read more...]

Rebuilding Your Business Credit After a Disaster Like Hurricane Sandy

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Finance expert Mike Periu on how businesses can minimize damage to their credit score after a disaster like Hurricane Sandy. Even though Hurricane Sandy doesn't dominate the headlines anymore, small businesses in the affected regions are only just beginning the long road to recovery. Among the casualties are small business credit scores as invoices go unpaid and bills pile up creating a short-term cash crunch. To minimize the damage to your score, it's important to first notify all of your … [Read more...]

U.S. Economy Enjoys a (Short-Lived) Boost

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Finance expert Mike Periu on a spike in the U.S. Economy and how it is likely to decline in coming quarters. The Gross Domestic Product of the U.S. grew at 2.7 percent during the 3rd quarter, the highest return this year. GDP is the best and broadest measure of economic conditions. The U.S. economy growth was primarily due to three factors: government spending, inventory purchases from companies and exports. While this is good news, there are serious concerns that the reasons for this growth … [Read more...]

Big changes in estate tax laws take effect next month

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The best way to leave assets, like your business, to heirs before big changes in estate tax laws take effect next month. Take Advantage of Expiring Tax Rules to Benefit Your Heirs Current estate tax laws exempt the first $5.12 million per person (double per couple) in assets from estate taxes. This limit drops to $1 million in 2013. and the tax rate on all assets above that threshold will be taxed at a rate of 55 percent. If you plan to leave your business to your children or other heirs, … [Read more...]

RevoLines of Credit Decline in 2012lving

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Finance expert Mike Periu on the decrease in revolving lines of credit currently available to companies. According to Thomson Reuters LPC, U.S. companies have access to $787 billion in revolving lines of credit. This is down significantly from 2011's $1.28 trillion. The reduction is due in large part to companies holding back on requests for credit lines due to the uncertainty of the now-passed 2012 elections, as well as the looming fiscal cliff. Many companies that have access to the bond … [Read more...]

The Right Market opportunity for Your Business

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Finance expert Mike Periu on questions to consider when syncing your business with the right market opportunity. Choosing the Right (and Most Profitable) Market for Your Business Many entrepreneurs and small-business owners spend too much time focused on their product or service and not enough time on finding the right market opportunity. Without the right customers, you won't have revenues, profits or much chance of success. It's important to ask yourself these questions to determine if you … [Read more...]

Top Resources for the Novice Investor

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Finance expert Mike Periu on the books and resources top investment experts recommend for the Novice Investor. U.S. investors have over $10 trillion in retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. These accounts require investors to make decisions about what to do with their money. Unfortunately, financial literacy tests generally show that we as consumers simply don't know enough about finance and investing to make good decisions. In general they make the point that it's unrealistic to try to … [Read more...]