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The small business efficiency factor
For many small businesses owners and management, reviewing and updating their business processes is not a top priority. However, recreating or revising administrative process to be more effective and efficient can aid not only in compliance, but also essentially reduce costs and boost bottom line. Over time, processes that were previously productive can become less […]
Seven essential financial questions: No. 6
It’s easy to put off answering this question. In our twenties, retirement seems so distant that saving for it is not a priority. In our thirties, we are caught up with our careers and family such that retirement planning gets overlooked. It’s usually not until our forties that we begin to realize that we will […]
Public or private?
There have been a couple of recent announcements by Colorado companies regarding the choice to operate as a public or private entity. Natural Grocers just completed its IPO after operating as a private company since 1955. The proceeds provided some liquidity for current shareholders and will provide capital to pay down debt and support the […]
Seven essential financial questions: No. 5
There is no more controversial financial planning topic than the use of debt. I recommend the reasonable use of debt for buying a home; beyond that I recommend avoiding debt whenever possible. The main drawback to debt is the disastrous impact it can have on the lives of families who have too much of it. […]
A couple’s seven-step guide to reducing financial stress
A leading cause for divorce is disagreements concerning financial matters. When a couple has different financial backgrounds and different opinions on spending, saving and investing, financial stress can occur. Here are seven steps that you and your partner can use to reduce financial tension and help your relationship thrive. 1) Understanding each other’s financial goals. […]
Three brothers and a cousin
There are many compelling investment ideas: It might be international stocks, a Dow Jones index, commodities, real estate, utility companies or tech stocks. No matter the investment, chances are there is a mutual fund for that. But what kind of fund to buy? THE OLDER SIBLING The first U.S. fund type was the closed-end fund. […]
The hot new thing in wealth planning
The recent IPO by Facebook founders led to their creation of grantor trusts to avoid paying taxes of at least $200 million. It underlined new uses of a technique that has been around for a long time. Grantor trusts, including defective trusts, are still the hot new thing. The idea of trust law originated in […]
Seven essential financial questions: No. 4
(Editor’s note: This is the fourth of a seven-part series.) I have created a basic financial planning process using Seven Essential Questions as the foundation. Why only seven? The answer is simple. I have conducted thousands of planning meetings over the past 20 years and have discovered that while most people know they should have a financial […]
Colorado Companies to Watch spotlight: Moutain West Insurance
www.mtnwst.com Snapshot: Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services is an independent insurance agency with five offices in Western Colorado. The firm sells and services insurance and financial-services products. Leadership: Darrell Camilletti has been managing member/CEO of the Craig-based company since its founding in 1998. Work force: The firm expects to add five more office locations […][...]
Seven essential financial questions: No. 3
(Editor’s note: This is the third of a seven-part series.) I have created a basic financial planning process using Seven Essential Questions as the foundation. Why only seven? The answer is simple. I have conducted thousands of planning meetings over the past twenty years and have discovered that while most people know they should have […]
Understanding buy-sell agreements
What happens to your business if you or one of your partners suddenly dies or is disabled? What are your plans for the business when you retire? Or what if you become involved in an unresolvable disagreement with a partner about the future of the business? As the owner of a closely-held business, you can […]
Make the most of the new gift and estate tax law
Gifting assets to loved ones while you are alive can prove deeply satisfying, especially if those assets are used to pay for meaningful financial objec¬tives like starting a business, purchasing a home or educating a grandchild. In addition, every gift you make removes assets from your estate and may help you achieve some of the […]
