February 2012

Why Buying a Used Car is Smarter Than Ever

Thumbnail image for Why Buying a Used Car is Smarter Than Ever by Kasey Steinbrinck February 28, 2012

New vehicles start depreciating in value as soon as you drive them off the lot. That’s always been one of the biggest arguments for purchasing a used car instead of a brand new one. But then there is also the fear that your “pre-owned” vehicle was previously owned by a complete idiot who didn’t take [...]

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5 Ways to Avoid Overseas Transaction Charges

Thumbnail image for 5 Ways to Avoid Overseas Transaction Charges by Guest Post February 27, 2012

One of the biggest costs associated with international travel lies in the various overseas transaction charges, currency conversion fees, and special ATM surcharges billed when you withdraw or spend money in a foreign country. A smart traveler, however, can plan their currency conversion and withdrawal to minimize and even eliminate these costly fees. A lot [...]

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Why You MUST Get Professional Help When Choosing Your Corporate Form

Thumbnail image for Why You MUST Get Professional Help When Choosing Your Corporate Form by Karen Stewart February 23, 2012

During my legal adventures since 1982, I have sometimes been asked basic questions by those new to the world of capitalism. “What should I call my business?” they ask.  “What type of entity should my new business be?” they chirp. These questions sound straightforward enough, so the answers should be straightforward, too…right?  Well, in a [...]

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Postscript: Nightmare on Main Street, Part 3

Thumbnail image for Postscript: Nightmare on Main Street, Part 3 by Karen Stewart February 17, 2012

“All the Federales say, could have had him any day. . .” TownesVan Zandt, Pancho and Lefty (1972) Since posting Nightmare on Main Street, Part 2, readers with inquiring minds have wanted to know what the heck happened to Anita and Jay and Vinnie the Genius.  It was even suggested that I write a happy [...]

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Nightmare on Main Street, Part 2: How to Avoid a Home Remodeling Disaster

Thumbnail image for Nightmare on Main Street, Part 2: How to Avoid a Home Remodeling Disaster by Karen Stewart February 15, 2012

When last we visited our hapless home addition victims, Anita and Jay, they were living hard.  After allowing Vinnie the Genius to walk away with $30,000 to build an addition to their sweet little bungalow, they were left with a big hole in the back of their house, liens up to their eyeballs and raccoons [...]

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Nightmare on Main Street, Part 1: How to Avoid a Home Remodeling Disaster

Thumbnail image for Nightmare on Main Street, Part 1: How to Avoid a Home Remodeling Disaster by Karen Stewart February 14, 2012

The most glaring feature of these difficult economic times is the decimated housing market.  An unprecedented number of  foreclosed homes sit vacant, daily reminders to all passers-by  that living small is the surest way to get by these days. It is certainly no time to take risks with money; definitely better to hang on to [...]

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Big Banks Get Big Thumbs Down in Harris Poll

Thumbnail image for Big Banks Get Big Thumbs Down in Harris Poll by Kasey Steinbrinck February 13, 2012

Another sign that consumers are fed up with big banks comes in the form of a new consumer poll from Harris Interactive. Consumer sentiments about big corporations in general have become more negative. A mere 9% of 17,000 people questioned for the Harris Poll Reputation Quotient said they felt the reputation of corporate America improved [...]

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Should Government Be Involved With Getting More Things ‘Made in America?’

Thumbnail image for Should Government Be Involved With Getting More Things ‘Made in America?’ by Kasey Steinbrinck February 6, 2012

Is government involvement necessary to help the U.S. economy rebound? Or is it something that will only impede the progress of free enterprise in America? That’s one of the most divisive issues in the country right now, and you’ll hear a lot of talk about such things as we get closer and closer to the [...]

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