An annuity is an investment you make through an insurance company. It represents a contractual relationship between you and the company. And, although offered by only the insurance industry, annuities have little, if anything, in common with insurance coverage. Annuities are marketed and sold through insurance agencies, banks, savings & loan (S&L) institutions, brokerage firms, financial planners, and investment advisers.When you purchase, or...more
Entrepreneurs develop ideas for new business models, products, and services, but often have problems finding financing for their ventures. Innovations fail to create value when they cannot attract the resources required to develop them. Venture Capital Investment serves as an important element behind innovation and wealth creation. Venture capitalists screen entrepreneurial projects, structure financing deals, and monitor their investors...more
With the world in recovery mode, many people are still questioning how the markets got so out of control. They are also questioning something a little closer to home; their own finances.Some people will be looking for more tax efficient investments. Others will want to diversify their existing portfolios as well as look at new investment opportunities.I dont think that there are many of us who wouldnt benefit from putting more thought and effort into these key areas.The one thing you can see in the newspapers and financial websites is that more and more people are turning away from just having a pension and a few stocks and shares.Spread betting, or spread trading, offers some interesting features and is worth considering.There are downsides to all forms of investing and with spread bets you need to be especially careful because you can lose more than your original stake.If there is a risk then why should you consider spread betting?Whether you have an existing investment plan or not, it always worth considering any avenue that offers quick, simple access to the markets and a range of tax-free* advantages. Spread betting is one such avenue.There are several benefits. Spread Betting...more
As the world slowly recovers from the credit crunch and we look back at what went right and what went wrong, people are increasingly looking to take control of their finances.Trying to be more tax efficient with your savings and investments is always a good starting point. Of course, looking at existing stocks and shares portfolios is another area...more
As the major economies start to stabilise and the risk of a depression fades into the distance many are reflecting on a few important points. Firstly, how did it all happen? Secondly, how can they better protect themselves in the future?If we were to be honest with ourselves, then we should probably accept that we can improve on at least a couple...more
At certain times in your business cycle, whether you are a start-up business or a well-established veteran, cash flow is critical. Whether times or tough, or business is booming, cash flow challenges can cause unwanted stress and limit your growth potential.Everyone knows the magic equation for a financial success: spend less, make more. Or, limit your expenses and increase your income. There are a hundred tips for saving money, and perhaps even more for making it, but when it comes to cash flow, you can really make an impact by turning your focus to your accounting department. There are two key principles to follow. In accounts payable: Keep your cash. In accounts receivable: Get your income as soon as possible. Keep your cash. When it comes to limiting expenses we must turn to accounts payable. There is absolutely no need to pay any bill before its due. Do not pay it early, do not pay it late. Its so simple, it bears repeating: Pay your bills only when they are due. When in cash crunch, keep that money in your pocket as long as you can.Get your income as soon as possible. The second half of the equationincrease your incomemay leave you thinking, easier said than done. Some might...more
In the current economic climate, banks are hesitant to offer loans. Relief may be on the way from government bailouts and efforts to stimulate lending, or business may want to consider accounts receivable factoring as a solution to meet their cash...more
Whether you are simply going through a rough period, or are attempting to expand your business, invoice factoring is a unique and effective way for a company to increase their cash flow. This unique financing method has been around for thousands of...more
Lets face it; you didnt start your business for the thrill of placing collections calls or faxing multiple invoices. A non-paying customer is one of the most common nightmares for business owners that can waste time and man power. Businesses can...more
A sale is not a sale until you collect the money. The time between issuing an invoice and collecting on it can be a sparse financial time for any company. During this time, the business has fit the bill for the supplies, time, and resources used to...more
In todays rough economic environment, nothing is more important than getting paid for the services you provide. The same applies for cash intensive companies like trucking and freight businesses. In these lines of businesses, it can often take nearly...more
Since the credit crisis hit global financial markets, many companies have seen their lending sources dry up, causing major strain on them to complete everyday tasks. The troubling news is, despite government effort, a new report suggests things arent...more