Pareto Chart You Say?
One of your department heads looks at you and asks Ishiwhat? You know, you reply, a fishbone diagram. Still blank stares. Cause and effect? you say as you scribble out a trout carcass on your white board. Still nothing. Youre starting to think the elevator doesnt go all the way to the top. Youve ... more...

Home Equity Can Create a Never-ending Money Cycle
What could you do with $10,000? Well, you can have it, now in a new home equity loan! Did you know that if you have been in your home for just one full year, you may already have the opportunity to take out huge dollars in equity from your home -- tens of thousands, even! Did you also know that you ... more...

Building or Renovating? 10 Things You Must Know
There are many sad cases of home renovations not going as planned - often going way over budget or schedule, or unforseen complications popping up unexpectedly and ruining even up to years of work.Most of these situations would never have gone so awry with some careful planning and early decision ... more...

'Budget' is a Four-Letter Word - Create a Spending Plan You Can Live With
'Budget' is a four-letter word when it comes to your personal finances, but face it--if you don't decide ahead of time what's most important to you, it's easier than pie to slip into that nearly-impossible-to-break habit of living bigger than your paycheck. Use these tips to get started on creating ... more...

Home Equity Loan vs. 401(K) Loan -- Which Should You Choose
Home Equity Loan vs. 401(K) LoanYou've finally decided to add that patio you've always wanted to your home. Now you can enjoy barbecue outdoors and get a little fresh air every now and again. But how are you going to pay for it? If you're like most people, you don't have cash for home repairs ... more...

Executive Summary for Business Plans of Franchisees
Writing a business plan for a franchised outlet of a larger company to get funding or find investors is difficult because the franchisor already has a plan which is working, but until you are privy to it upon purchase you actually know relatively few details. The franchisor must keep this ... more...

Budgeting -- The Critical Flaw That Causes Most Budgets to Fail
Budgeting. It's a word we're all familiar with. Everyone knows what a budget is, right? Yet how many of us actually make and stick to a solid monthly budget? The truth is that most of us start out with the best of intentions, but an unexpected expense comes up and busts our budget. Then we give up ... more...

When Do I Need To Hire A Business Plan Consultant
Every new business owner knows that a business plan is critical it is drilled into them by potential investors and every banking officer they meet. So why is something that is so important to the launch of a new venture so difficult to write? Good question! In this article I will try to address ... more...

I Said Pareto Chart Not Potato Chart!
Does this sound familiar? You were hired for the new management position. You were tasked to turn the numbers around. You take some time reviewing the current situation. Now its time to take a look at the current processes and get your staff together to analyze the data. You tell them that you want ... more...