Finance expert Mike Periu on what may be the beginning of the end for Groupon. Groupon's stock price hit a new low yesterday of $2.69 per share, down 87 percent since its debut as a publicly-traded company. Investors have been selling the stock because of several key problems, which many believe are not fixable. Groupon continues to lose money consistently, raising doubts about the company's ability to turn a profit. More worrisome though is the company's declining sales growth and difficultly … [Read more...]
Document Your Business Income to Avoid Costly Tax Errors
Finance expert Mike Periu on ways to avoid costly tax errors. Millions of small businesses use accounting software packages like QuickBooks. Many, however, don't have the proper training which can lead to overstating or understating your revenues. The first will cause you to overpay income taxes; the latter could lead to an audit and underpayment penalties. If you have multiple bank accounts and transfer money between them, make sure that you use the bank transfer module in your software to … [Read more...]
FEMA Will Buy Your Business if Sandy Repair Costs Are Too High
Finance expert Mike Periu on the possibility of FEMA Will Buy Your Business in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. As conditions in the northeast gradually return to normal, many small-business owners are faced with the daunting task of rebuilding their businesses. In some cases, the damage to the store, warehouse or facility may be so great that repairing it isn't worth it. In other cases the insurance policy payout may be insufficient to cover the costs of rebuilding. One solution may be … [Read more...]
Create a Budget-Oriented Culture in Your Business
Finance expert Mike Periu on how to Budget-Oriented Culture in Your Business. Create a budget-friendly business for your employees. Early stage businesses govern their operations more by vision than by a budget. This makes sense, because without a track record it's difficult to develop a credible budget. But over time as the business expands, it needs structure to grow successfully. If your employees are not accustomed to working with a budget, it could lead to culture shock and the false … [Read more...]
U.S. Dollar Weakens on Obama Re-Election
Finance expert Mike Periu on the U.S. Dollar Weakens after post-election. The U.S. dollar fell in value relative to other benchmark currencies last night as President Obama's re-election was confirmed. Currency investors understand that his re-election means that the Federal Reserve will continue its policy of "quantitative easing," which has the effect of diluting the value of the dollar. Investors had expected this practice to change if Governor Romney won the Presidency. Whether this … [Read more...]
Crowdfunding solutions for small business loans
Finance expert Mike Periu on viable crowdfunding solutions for small business loans. Where Can Small Businesses Turn for a $10,000 Loan? November 06, 2012 If your company needs to borrow $10 million, most large banks will fight for your business. But what if you need to borrow $10,000? Don't expect the same treatment or an approval. Finding lenders interested in such small loan amounts is a challenge, which is way the Small Business Advocacy Council launched the SBAC Connects program. SBAC … [Read more...]
Key Trends Will Change How You Bank
Finance expert Mike Periu on Key Trends Will Change How You Bank small banks and credit unions are working hard to win your business. November 06, 2012 Access to basic banking services has become more expensive in recent years. As banks look to offset loan and other losses, they are increasing the fees they charge consumers and small-business owners for paid services and converting previously free services (like checking) to paid. Small community banks and credit unions, however, still have … [Read more...]
Will There Be a Global Recession in 2013?
Finance expert Mike Periu on the G20 Finance Ministers' discussion of a potential global recession next year. The Group of 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, also known as the G20, is an influential group composed of the top financial representatives of the 19 largest economies in the world and the European Union's Central Bank Chief. The G20 was formed in 1999 and they meet regularly to address financial and economic issues impacting the global economy. The most recent G20 … [Read more...]
Will the Election Outcome Affect Your Investments Returns?
The impact the presidential election will have on your investments. Will the Election Outcome Affect Your Investments Returns? People believe that one political party or another is better for your investments returns. According to a new study published, though, whoever wins a presidential election—Republican or Democrat—has far less impact on investment returns than most people think. What really matters are the policy actions of the Federal Reserve. Regardless of which party controls the White … [Read more...]
How Millionaires Invest in Stocks
OPEN finance expert Mike Periu on how millionaires invest in stocks. According to Tiger 21, an investment club whose members have a minimum of $10 million to invest, millionaires like to keep their stock buying simple. While many think that these multimillionaires invest in exotic offshore hedge funds, the reality is their portfolios are far more boring—so much so that you can replicate it. According to Tiger 21's annual member survey, the typical portfolio consists of 23 percent real … [Read more...]