According to the award-winning financial author Joseph J. Janiczek, the key to surviving and thriving in all economic and investment climates is financial strength. However, it now believes the easy money has been made and investors will need to navigate extraordinary choppy conditions ahead, giving investors who invest from a position of strength a huge advantage in 2011 and beyond.

“You do not become financially strong by achieving superior results. You achieve superior results by becoming financially strong,” says Janiczek in his new book, Investing from a Position of Strength.

Janiczek has released a free online tool – a by-product of his new book – to help investors prepare for the New Year, set accurate New Year resolutions, pinpoint their financial strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities on their own. The tool also offers a handy Wealth Optimization Worksheet to aid in financial goal setting. Designed for the high net worth investors ($1 million and above), the tool will be useful for just about everybody. He encourages anyone who is interested in mastering money and being a better investor to give this tool a try.

At year’s end we often find ourselves faced with good intentions that just never happened. Something we wanted to do, but never got around to it. The Illinois CPA Society suggests it’s not too late. Make the financial move you planned on making in 2010 your New Year’s resolution for 2011. Check this short list from the Society for things you might want to do in the year ahead:

• Find a way to save. Could you take the $50 you just spent on that sweater and save it instead? Cut back on downloads or dining out? Look at what you spent this year for ideas.
• Set a reachable goal. Whether it’s getting out of debt or buying a home, plan to accomplish something with your money in 2011. Put away a small amount each month towards your goal.
• Start a rainy day fund. Prepare for a layoff or health emergency by working towards having three to six months worth of living expenses socked away.
• Make a will. Not pleasant to think about, but you want to make things easier on your family and protect your assets. State rules may apply if you don’t have a will. And who would have custody of your children?
• Check your credit report. You’ve been meaning to check it, but perhaps afraid to look. Use it as a starting point to get your credit in good shape. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com for a free report.
• Take steps toward retirement. Begin to contribute to your 401K plan at work – at least enough to get the match if one’s available. If you’re already contributing, consider an increase of 1 or 2 percent.

SOURCE Illinois CPA Society

Basics of beginning an online business

At some point in time, many individuals have had the dream of starting up their own business. With the advent of the internet, this dream has grown exponentially. For the most part, aspiring entrepreneurs have turned to the internet because the opportunities are everywhere and it is far easier to starting an online business than a land-based one. However its important that you consider the following 7 tips before jumping in.

• Identify the products or services that you want to offer your website visitors – you can offer your own or you can be an affiliate marketer.
• Determine who your target audience is – take age, education level, interests, and market trends into consideration when you do this.
• Select a name that catches the attention of the consumer – remember that your business name typically defines what your products or services are.
• Design and develop your website – your online storefront is basically your business card as well. You will have three options where this is concerned. You can hire a professional designer, build it yourself, or find a hosting service that offers website design templates. Make sure that you choose a merchant account (or merchant accounts if you have more than one site). You’re going to want to set up a shopping cart on your site as well and make sure that you have credit card processing capabilities.
• Make sure that you meet all legal requirements – before you ever open your “virtual” doors, you want to make sure that you have gotten all the licenses and permits that may be required for you to conduct your business online.
• Prepare your business and marketing plans – that business plan is your company blueprint and is something you will need if you approach banking or lending institutions for venture capital. Your marketing plan is the blueprint for advertising your business and getting your name out there.
• Write and submit a press release – there are press release websites where you can post information about the launching of your website and with any luck, you may be able to get a free splash in the local newspaper.

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Many individuals find out quickly in life that financial security is infinitely more of an ongoing process than something you happen to fall into. Especially in the type of economy we’re dealing with today, and the undoubted high interest rates coming in the near future, it’s remarkably easy to fall behind in your bills and find yourself in debt. Simply lapsing for a month could start the proverbial snowball effect.

Taking out a loan is something most people try to avoid unless absolutely necessary. Having multiple credit cards and open lines with computer and cell phone companies and mega-marts creates enough monthly hassle as it is. Unless it’s a home mortgage, it’s probably a good idea to resist even applying for a large loan.

But then you have the short-term loans out there, created solely to cater to individuals who need cash in a pinch to catch the snowball while it’s still manageable.

An online cash advance, known widely as a payday loan, is an option that millions turn to every week. The premise is simple: no credit or bad credit, so long as you have a job or a car title, you can get a few hundred bucks in a hurry.

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