Normally my focus is workplace issues, not business issues. But today's post is strictly about business with an idea that would most certainly drop the unemployment numbers and probably rev up the economy, as well.

I can't take credit for the idea. I'm borrowing it from a similar idea I read in The Blue Blog, which I discovered following a link tweeted by Brendan Stormo, an entrepreneur...read more

I'm not receiving as many postcards and phone calls from telemarketers trying to sell extended auto warranties. But I'm starting to see and hear more advertising on the Web, TV and radio from companies promising to cover the bill for repairs to my car. What's the real story?

The extended repair contract companies are starting to feel the heat. Just this month, Missouri Attorney General...read more

The other day my son and I were preparing for a Super Blaster battle. He was excited to flaunt his new Nerf Super Blaster (which is twice his size) while I got the old one that jammed bullets (it always seems to work out that way, doesn't it?).

We've purchased all kinds of crazy ammunition for the devices, including whistling and glow-in-the-dark Nerf pellets, and Tyler and I were sifting...read more

I've heard a couple people say they didn't feel there was much to be thankful for with the economy the way it is and how things are in general. It's all relative — it's always our perspective.

Even when life is the most challenging, there is always something to be thankful for.

There are also always people around us who could use a word of encouragement and thanks. When I...read more

It's election season. Although you didn't select either a new president or a new Congress, you have had the opportunity to vote on something that can affect your city or state: municipal bonds.

However, just because you vote to give your state or local government permission to issue municipal bonds doesn't mean you have to invest in them. But should you?

Before you can answer that question...read more

I have a timeshare that I'd like to get rid of.I had a company call me and tell me that they had already sold my timeshare and they had a down payment.I am to send them $500 to get started.

Why can't they take it out of the down payment they've already gotten?And did they really sell my timeshare?

Unscrupulous companies typically contact you by phone, mail or the Internet asking you...read more

Benjamin Franklin said, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Isn't that encouraging? The other thing that is certain is change. Every moment of every day, change occurs. Like it or not, things constantly change.

Sometimes change may go unnoticed while other times it's quite obvious. Especially the older we get, our mirrors remind us every 24...read more

As year-end approaches, it may be wise to review your investments for potential tax planning. Here are a few items you may wish to consider:

n By law, some investment vehicle funds must distribute profits and income to shareholders. Some investment companies may have considerable losses from 2008 to carry forward into this year, which will minimize taxable distributions to shareholders.

However...read more

Following is an excerpt from Johnna Johnson's book, "Just Jump!"

Webster's dictionary defines excellence as: "To do extremely well, To surpass others, To be superior in some respect or area." Whether it's about your finances, education, health, relationships, or career, do you want "To do extremely well, To surpass oth ers, To be superior is some respect or...read more

I received an envelope in the mail with tickets to a seminar this Saturday in Nampa. The letter contained VIP tickets to the event, a gift card and what appeared to be a page ripped from a newspaper containing an advertisement for the National Grants Conference. The ad promises a seminar teaching how to get free government money to buy houses, businesses and make investments. A sticky note was attached...read more

Leaders have many responsibilities and duties they must perform, but too many leaders get caught up in the "urgent flash" and forget about the "important fundamentals." At the core of their responsibilities is deciding the best course of action for their organization. To keep their organizations on track for healthy development, leaders are ultimately responsible for monitoring...read more

The Canyon County Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors was presented the Small Chapter of the Year for 2008 at the annual national awards banquet in Washington, D.C. Diane Nelson, current local president, said it was for the 2008 year and thanked everyone on board that year, as well as all the members "because without them we would not have been able to do it. The state of Idaho also...read more

The one thing I appreciate most about the BSU football coaching staff is the fact that, besides coaching football on the field, they coach and affirm important life principles on and off the field — necessary for success in life; whether in sports, personal or professional.

One time while speaking with the BSU football team and staff, I shared my talk entitled, "Earn This!" with...read more

According to most widely watched measures of inflation, increases to the cost of living are low right now. However, blogs, newsletters, chat rooms and newspapers seem to be filled with economists, investors and others wringing their hands in anticipation of inflation. They're warning that the vats of stimulus money and credit that governments are pouring into economies all over the world will...read more

It's time to shred all of your outdated sensitive financial documents. Mark your calendar and join us on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the O'Connor Field House parking lot in Caldwell for Secure Your ID Day. Grab up to three boxes and fill them with the following:

• Anything with credit card or bank account numbers or your Social Security number.

• Receipts for credit or ATM...read more