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Now might be time to check back into tech stocks
By John Waggoner, USA TODAYBack in 1999, money managers trumpeted technology stocks, arguing that soon there would be microchips in everything from credit cards to Toyota accelerators, and they were right. Unfortunately, they were also about 10 years too early. But today, tech companies are booming, despite a lousy economy and falling prices. It’s not a bad time to take another look at the tech sector, provided you have an exit plan in place.
Now might be time to check back into tech stocks
By John Waggoner, USA TODAYBack in 1999, money managers trumpeted technology stocks, arguing that soon there would be microchips in everything from credit cards to Toyota accelerators, and they were right. Unfortunately, they were also about 10 years too early. But today, tech companies are booming, despite a lousy economy and falling prices. It’s not a bad time to take another look at the tech sector, provided you have an exit plan in place.
The Ticking Credit Card Interest Time Bomb
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By Eva Norlyk Smith, Ph.D.
The new credit card rules, which have been phased in over the past year, were intended to put important new consumer protections in place. A hallmark of the new law was its ban on retroactive interest rates hikes on existing credit card balances. This important new protection was intended to give consumers taking on credit card debt more certainty around what interest rates they would be paying on the debt. › Continue reading
Ask an Expert: Now is the ideal time for deals in commercial real estate
By Steve Strauss for USA TODAYQ: We are looking to move into a new office and I have been given the assignment of coming up with our options. I hear it is a buyer’s market out there, but what does that mean? What should I expect? —Vera
A: It certainly is true that this is one of the best times in a long time to rent commercial space due to high vacancy rates.
The sort of location you want of course depends upon the type › Continue reading
Getting customers to pay consistently and on time
By Steve Strauss for USA TODAYQ: We have a clean, professional small shop. The problems we are encountering is getting our customers to pay on time when their repairs are done. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. — Phil
A: Let me begin with a sad story. Back in the day when I was a young lawyer trying to launch my law practice, I had a potential client come in the door. He needed to file bankruptcy and asked me whether I › Continue reading
Ask an Expert: Now’s the time to start your own business
By Steve Strauss, USA TODAYWhat a great time to start a business!
I don’t mean that in a Pollyannaish, “rah-rah, you can do it!” way, but rather, as a very serious business proposition. In the history of business, this happens to be an amazing time to start your own enterprise.
Of course the economy is a bit rough right now; no doubt about that. And yes, that is a challenge. But what I am talking about is taking a broader view. The › Continue reading
Ask an Expert: Now’s the time to start your own business
By Steve Strauss, USA TODAYWhat a great time to start a business!
I don’t mean that in a Pollyannaish, “rah-rah, you can do it!” way, but rather, as a very serious business proposition. In the history of business, this happens to be an amazing time to start your own enterprise.
Of course the economy is a bit rough right now; no doubt about that. And yes, that is a challenge. But what I am talking about is taking a broader view. The › Continue reading
Small Business Strategies: Time to grow? Time to hire
By Rhonda Abrams, USA TODAYDo you want to grow your small business? Then here’s something you’ve got to keep in mind: If you want to grow, you’re going to need help.
Entrepreneurs are, by their very nature, “can do” kinds of people. But no one “can do” everything. If you want to grow a company with real value beyond just the hours you put in, then you’re going to need to get some help.
Now when I say “help,” I don’t just mean full-time › Continue reading
Ask an Expert: Digging out of debt takes time, dedication
By Steve Strauss for USA TODAYQ: Over the past 18 months, we have piled up quite a bit of debt. Most of it is on our credit cards — trying to keep business creditors paid and what not. I don’t think I need to file bankruptcy. Is there some other way to get out from under? — Vance
A: How would you like to get out of debt for about 50 cents on the dollar? I’ll tell you how in a moment.
Although there is very little that is › Continue reading
Got a gift card? Now’s a great time to start spending them
By Sandra Block, USA TODAYUnless you were very naughty this year, there’s a good chance Santa gave you a gift card for Christmas. Your cousin Joey and your Aunt Myrtle probably gave you one, too.
Friends and relatives give gift cards because they’re convenient and popular with recipients. More than 55% of adults hoped to receive a gift card this holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation. But many consumers are slow to redeem › Continue reading