Richard Branson Think Big : Advice for Entrepreneurs

Richard Branson Think Big : Advice for Entrepreneurs.

Since Branson founded Virgin in 1970, the company has grown from a small record outlet to a global powerhouse. Can the brand continue its success without him?

Question: What is your advice for entrepreneurs?

Richard Branson: I think the most important thing about running a company is to remember all the time what a company is. A company is simply a group of people. And as a leader of people you have to be a great listener and you have to be a great motivator. You have to be very good at praising and looking for the best in people. People are no different from flowers. If you water flowers they flourish, if you praise people they flourish. And that is a critical attribute of a leader.

Question: What has been the most difficult part about running Virgin?

Richard Branson: There is a very thin dividing line between success and failure. Most people who set off in business without financial backing they fail at some times in their lives. I’ve only just stayed at the right side of that dividing line. For instance, just after… You know we had a record company. I was fed up flying on other people’s airlines. I felt that the experience of flying on other people’s airlines was an unpleasant one and I decided to set up an airline. Well our bank went into a complete panic attack and when I came back from doing the inaugural flight of Virgin Atlantic’s very, very first flight from London to New York I came back to find the bank manager sitting on my doorstep and informing me that they were going to close Virgin down on the Monday and this was the Friday and that I had two days to effectively pay them off the monies that they’d loaned us and I remember pushing the bank manager out of my house, telling him he wasn’t welcome, which is a dangerous thing to do to your bank manager and then spending the weekend ringing around the world to all of the distributors of our music asking if they could give us a temporary loan to get us through the following week, which they were good enough to do and by the end of the week we had changed banks and we actually managed to find a bank that was willing to lend us 30 times the overdraft facility that our bank had lent us and we managed to survive. And I think the moral of that story is actually don’t think of your bank as somebody that you’re beholden to. I mean don’t… You know people just don’t move from one bank to another. Sometimes you need to be willing to step up and move your banks in the same way that you should step up and move your doctor on occasions and anyway, I learned from that lesson.

Question: Can Virgin continue to be successful without you?

Richard Branson: Virgin does work very well without me. I mean I use myself to build the brand, to build the sort of three or four hundred companies around the world, but I also learned the art of delegation. I have a fantastic team of people who run the Virgin companies, give them a lot of freedom to run the companies as if they were their own companies. I give them the freedom to make mistakes and the Virgin brand is now maybe one of the top 20 brands in the world, well respected. And when my balloon bursts Virgin will continue to flourish. And maybe I add the icing on the cake on occasions, maybe they’ll have to spend a bit more money on marketing, but fortunately Virgin is in a state where it can live on healthily without me.

July 28, 2020

How to Start Investing

How to Start Investing.

It is never too soon to start investing. Investing is the smartest way to secure your financial future and to begin letting your money make more money for you. Investing is not just for people who have plenty of spare cash. On the contrary, anyone can (and should) invest. You can get started with just a little bit of money and a lot of know-how. By formulating a plan and familiarizing yourself with the tools available, you can quickly learn how to start investing.

Part 1 Getting Acquainted with Different Investment Vehicles.
1. Make sure you have a safety net. Holding some money in reserve is a good idea because (a) if you lose your investment you'll have something to fall back on, and (b) it will allow you to be a bolder investor, since you won't be worried about risking every penny you own.
Save between three and six months' worth of expenses. Call it your emergency fund, set aside for large, unexpected expenses (job loss, medical expenses, auto accident, etc.). This money should be in cash or some other form that's very conservative and immediately available.
Once you have an emergency fund established, you can start to save for your long-term goals, like buying a home, retirement, and college tuition.
If your employer offers a retirement plan, this is a great vehicle for saving, because it can save on your tax bill, and your employer may contribute money to match some of your own contributions, which amounts to "free" money for you.
If you don't have a retirement plan through your workplace, most employees are allowed to accumulate tax-deferred savings in a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. If you are self-employed, you have options like a SEP-IRA or a "SIMPLE" IRA. Once you've determined the type of account(s) to set up, you can then choose specific investments to hold within them.
Get current on all your insurance policies. This includes auto, health, homeowner's/renter's, disability, and life insurance. With luck you'll never need insurance, but it's nice to have in the event of disaster.
2. Learn a little bit about stocks. This is what most people think of when they consider "investing." Put simply, a stock is a share in the ownership of a business, a publicly-held company. The stock itself is a claim on what the company owns — its assets and earnings.  When you buy stock in a company, you are making yourself part-owner. If the company does well, the value of the stock will probably go up, and the company may pay you a "dividend," a reward for your investment. If the company does poorly, however, the stock will probably lose value.
The value of stock comes from public perception of its worth. That means the stock price is driven by what people think it's worth, and the price at which a stock is purchased or sold is whatever the market will bear, even if the underlying value (as measured by certain fundamentals) might suggest otherwise.
A stock price goes up when more people want to buy that stock than sell it.  Stock prices go down when more people want to sell than buy. In order to sell stock, you have to find someone willing to buy at the listed price. In order to buy stock, you have to find someone selling their stock at a price you like.
The job of a stockbroker is to pair up buyers and sellers.
"Stocks" can mean a lot of different things. For example, penny stocks are stocks that trade at relatively low prices, sometimes just pennies.
Various stocks are bundled into what's called an index, like the Dow Jones Industrials, which is a list of 30 high-performing stocks. An index is a useful indicator of the performance of the whole market.
3. Familiarize yourself with bonds. Bonds are issuances of debt, similar to an IOU. When you buy a bond, you're essentially lending someone money.  The borrower ("issuer") agrees to pay back the money (the "principal") when the life ("term") of the loan has expired. The issuer also agrees to pay interest on the principal at a stated rate. The interest is the whole point of the investment. The term of the bond can range from months to years, at the end of which period the borrower pays back the principal in full.
Here's an example: You buy a five-year municipal bond for $10,000 with an interest rate of 2.35%. Thus, you lend the municipality $10,000. Each year the municipality pays you interest on your bond in the amount of of 2.35% of $10,000, or $235. After five years the municipality pays back your $10,000. So you've made back your principal plus a profit of $1175 in interest (5 x $235).
Generally the longer the term of the bond, the higher the interest rate. If you're lending your money for a year, you probably won't get a high interest rate, because one year is a relatively short period of risk. If you're going to lend your money and not expect it back for ten years, however, you will be compensated for the higher risk you're taking, and the interest rate will be higher. This illustrates an axiom in investing: The higher the risk, the higher the return.
4. Understand the commodities market. When you invest in something like a stock or a bond, you invest in the business represented by that security. The piece of paper you get is worthless, but what it promises is valuable. A commodity, on the other hand, is something of inherent value, something capable of satisfying a need or desire. Commodities include pork bellies (bacon), coffee beans, oil, natural gas, and potash, among many other items. The commodity itself is valuable, because people want and use it.
People often trade commodities by buying and selling "futures." A future is simply an agreement to buy or sell a commodity at a certain price sometime in the future.
Futures were originally used as a "hedging" technique by farmers. Here's a simple example of how it works: Farmer Joe grows avocados. The price of avocados, however, is typically volatile, meaning that it goes up and down a lot. At the beginning of the season, the wholesale price of avocados is $4 per bushel. If Farmer Joe has a bumper crop of avocados but the price of avocados drops to $2 per bushel in April at harvest, Farmer Joe may lose a lot of money.
Joe, in advance of harvest as insurance against such a loss, sells a futures contract to someone. The contract stipulates that the buyer of the contract agrees to buy all of Joe's avocados at $4 per bushel in April.
Now Joe has protection against a price drop. If the price of avocados goes up, he'll be fine because he can sell his avocados at the market price. If the price of avocados drops to $2, he can sell his avocados at $4 to the buyer of the contract and make more than other farmers who don't have a similar contract.
The buyer of a futures contract always hopes that the price of a commodity will go up beyond the futures price he paid. That way he can lock in a lower-than-market price. The seller hopes that the price of a commodity will go down. He can buy the commodity at low (market) prices and then sell it to the buyer at a higher-than-market price.
5. Know a bit about investing in property. Investing in real estate can be a risky but lucrative proposition. There are lots of ways you can invest in property. You can buy a house and become a landlord. You pocket the difference between what you pay on the mortgage and what the tenant pays you in rent. You can also flip homes. That means you buy a home in need of renovations, fix it up, and sell it as quickly as possible. Real estate can be a profitable vehicle for some, but it is not without substantial risk involving property maintenance and market value.
Other ways of gaining exposure to real estate include collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), which are mortgages that have been bundled into securitized instruments. These, however, are tools for sophisticated investors: their transparency and quality can vary greatly, as revealed during the 2008 downturn.
Some people think that home values are guaranteed to go up. History has shown otherwise: real estate values in most areas show very modest rates of return after accounting for costs such as maintenance, taxes and insurance. As with many investments, real estate values do invariably rise if given enough time. If your time horizon is short, however, property ownership is not a guaranteed money-maker.
Property acquisition and disposal can be a lengthy and unpredictable process and should be viewed as a long-term, higher-risk proposition. It is not the type of investment that is appropriate if your time horizon is short and is certainly not a guaranteed investment.
6. Learn about mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Mutual funds and ETFs are similar investment vehicles in that each is a collection of many stocks and/or bonds (hundreds or thousands in some cases). Holding an individual security is a concentrated way of investing – the potential for gain or loss is tied to a single company – whereas holding a fund is a way to spread the risk across many companies, sectors or regions. Doing so can dampen the upside potential but also serves to protect against the downside risk.
Commodities exposure is usually achieved by holding futures contracts or a fund of futures contracts. Real estate can be held directly (by owning a home or investment property) or in a real estate investment trust (REIT) or REIT fund, which holds interests in a number of residential or commercial properties.

Part 2 Mastering Investment Basics.
1. Buy undervalued assets ("buy low, sell high"). If you're talking about stocks and other assets, you want to buy when the price is low and sell when the price is high. If you buy 100 shares of stock on January 1st for $5 per share, and you sell those same shares on December 31st for $7.25, you just made $225. That may seem a paltry sum, but when you're talking about buying and selling hundreds or even thousands of shares, it can really add up.
How do you tell if a stock is undervalued? You need to look at a company closely — its earnings growth, profit margins, its P/E ratio, and its dividend yield — instead of looking at just one aspect and making a decision based on a single ratio or a momentary drop in the stock's price.
The price-to-earnings ratio is a common way of determining if a stock is undervalued. It simply divides a company's share price by its earnings. For example, if Company X is trading at $5 per share, with earnings of $1 per share, its price-to-earnings ratio is 5. That is to say, the company is trading at five times its earnings. The lower this figure, the more undervalued the company may be. Typical P/E ratios range between 15 and 20, although ratios outside that range are not uncommon. Use P/E ratios as only one of many indications of a stock's worth.
Always compare a company to its peers. For example, assume you want to buy Company X. You can look at Company X's projected earnings growth, profit margins, and price-to-earnings ratio. You would then compare these figures to those of Company X's closest competitors. If Company X has better profit margins, better projected earnings, and a lower price-to-earnings ratio, it may be a better buy.
Ask yourself some basic Question : s: What will the market be for this stock in the future? Will it look bleaker or better? What competitors does this company have, and what are their prospects? How will this company be able to earn money in the future? These should help you come to a better understanding of whether a company's stock is under- or over-valued.
2. Invest in companies that you understand. Perhaps you have some basic knowledge regarding some business or industry. Why not put that to use? Invest in companies or industries that you know, because you're more likely to understand revenue models and prospects for future success. Of course, never put all your eggs in one basket: investing in only one -- or a very few -- companies can be quite risky. However, wringing value out of a single industry (whose workings you understand) will increase your chances of being successful.
For example, you may hear plenty of positive news on a new technology stock. It is important to stay away until you understand the industry and how it works. The principle of investing in companies you understand was popularized by renowned investor Warren Buffett, who made billions of dollars sticking only with business models he understood and avoiding ones he did not.
3. Avoid buying on hope and selling on fear. It's very easy and too tempting to follow the crowd when investing. We often get caught up in what other people are doing and take it for granted that they know what they're talking about. Then we buy stocks just because other people buy them or sell them when other people do. Doing this is easy. Unfortunately, it's a good way to lose money. Invest in companies that you know and believe in — and tune out the hype — and you'll be fine.
When you buy a stock that everyone else has bought, you're buying something that's probably worth less than its price (which has probably risen in response to the recent demand). When the market corrects itself (drops), you could end up buying high and then selling low, just the opposite of what you want to do. Hoping that a stock will go up just because everyone else thinks it will is foolish.
When you sell a stock that everyone else is selling, you're selling something that may be worth more than its price (which likely has dropped because of all the selling). When the market corrects itself (rises), you've sold low and will have to buy high if you decide you want the stock back.
Fear of losses can prove to be a poor reason to dump a stock.
If you sell based on fear, you may protect yourself from further declines, but you may also miss out on a rebound. Just as you did not anticipate the decline, you will not be able to predict the rebound. Stocks have historically risen over long time frames, which is why holding on to them and not over-reacting to short-term swings is important.
4. Know the effect of interest rates on bonds. Bond prices and interest rates have an inverse relationship. When interest rates go up, bond prices go down. When interest rates go down, bond prices go up. Here's why:
Interest rates on bonds normally reflect the prevailing market interest rate. Say you buy a bond with an interest rate of 3%. If interest rates on other investments then go up to 4% and you're stuck with a bond paying 3%, not many people would be willing to buy your bond from you when they can buy another bond that pays them 4% interest. For this reason, you would have to lower the price of your bond in order to sell it. The opposite situation applies when bond market rates are falling.
5. Diversify. Diversifying your portfolio is one of the most important things that you can do, because it diminishes your risk. Think of it this way: If you were to invest $5 in each of 20 different companies, all of the companies would have to go out of business before you would lose all your money. If you invested the same $100 in just one company, only that company would have to fail for all your money to disappear. Thus, diversified investments "hedge" against each other and keep you from losing lots of money because of the poor performance of a few companies.
Diversify your portfolio not only with a good mix of stocks and bonds, but go further by buying shares in companies of different sizes in different industries and in different countries. Often when one class of investment performs poorly, another class performs nicely. It is very rare to see all asset classes declining at the same time.
Many believe a balanced or "moderate" portfolio is one made up of 60% stocks and 40% bonds. Thus, a more aggressive portfolio might have 80% stocks and 20% bonds, and a more conservative portfolio might have 70% bonds and 30% stocks. Some advisors will tell you that your portfolio's percentage of bonds should roughly match your age.
6. Invest for the long run.  Choosing good-quality investments can take time and effort. Not everyone can do the research and keep up with the dynamics of all the companies being considered. Many people instead employ a "buy and hold" approach of weathering the storms rather than attempting to predict and avoid market downturns. This approach works for most in the long term but requires patience and discipline. There are some, however, who choose to try their hand at being a day-trader, which involves holding stocks for a very short time (hours, even minutes). Doing so, however, does not often lead to success over the long term for the following reasons:
Brokerage fees add up. Every time you buy or sell a stock, a middleman known as a broker takes a cut for connecting you with another trader. These fees can really add up if you're making a lot of trades every day, cutting into your profit and magnifying your losses.
Many try to predict what the market will do and some will get lucky on occasion by making some good calls (and will claim it wasn't luck), but research shows that this tactic does not typically succeed over the long term.
The stock market rises over the long term. From 1871 to 2014, the S&P 500's compound annual growth rate was 9.77%, a rate of return many investors would find attractive. The challenge is to stay invested long-term while weathering the ups and downs in order to achieve this average: the standard deviation for this period was 19.60%, which means some years saw returns as high as 29.37% while other years experienced losses as large as 9.83%.  Set your sights on the long term, not the short. If you're worried about all the dips along the way, find a graphical representation of the stock market over the years and hang it somewhere you can see whenever the market is undergoing its inevitable–and temporary–declines.
7. Consider whether or not to short sell. This can be a "hedging" strategy, but it can also amplify your risk, so it's really suitable only for experienced investors. The basic concept is as follows: Instead of betting that the price of a security is going to increase, "shorting" is a bet that the price will drop. When you short a stock (or bond or currency), your broker actually lends you shares without your having to pay for them. Then you hope the stock's price goes down. If it does, you "cover," meaning you buy the actual shares at the current (lower) price and give them to the broker. The difference between the amount credited to you in the beginning and the amount you pay at the end is your profit.
Short selling can be dangerous, however, because it's not easy to predict a drop in price. If you use shorting for the purpose of speculation, be prepared to get burned sometimes. If the stock's price were to go up instead of down, you would be forced to buy the stock at a higher price than what was credited to you initially. If, on the other hand, you use shorting as a way to hedge your losses, it can actually be a good form of insurance.
This is an advanced investment strategy, and you should generally avoid it unless you are an experienced investor with extensive knowledge of markets. Remember that while a stock can only drop to zero, it can rise indefinitely, meaning that you could lose enormous sums of money through short-selling.

Part 3 Starting Out.
1. Choose where to open your account. There are different options available: you can go to a brokerage firm (sometimes also called a wirehouse or custodian) such as Fidelity, Charles Schwab or TD Ameritrade. You can open an account on the website of one of these institutions, or visit a local branch and choose to direct the investments on your own or pay to work with a staff advisor. You can also go directly to a fund company such as Vanguard, Fidelity, or T. Rowe Price and let them be your broker. They will offer you their own funds, of course, but many fund companies (such as the three just named) offer platforms on which you can buy the funds of other companies, too. See below for additional options in finding an advisor.
Always be mindful of fees and minimum-investment rules before opening an account. Brokers all charge fees per trade (ranging from $4.95 to $10 generally), and many require a minimum initial investment (ranging from $500 to much higher).
Online brokers with no minimum initial-investment requirement include Capital One Investing, TD Ameritrade, First Trade, TradeKing, and OptionsHouse.
If you want more help with your investing, there is a variety of ways to find financial advice: if you want someone who helps you in a non-sales environment, you can find an advisor in your area at one of the following sites: letsmakeaplan.org, www.napfa.org, and garrettplanningnetwork.com. You can also go to your local bank or financial institution. Many of these charge higher fees, however, and may require a large opening investment.
Some advisors (like Certified Financial Planners™) have the ability to give advice in a number of areas such as investments, taxes and retirement planning, while others can only act on a client's instructions but not give advice, It's also important to know that not all people who work at financial institutions are bound to the "fiduciary" duty of putting a client's interests first. Before starting to work with someone, ask about their training and expertise to make sure they are the right fit for you.
2. Invest in a Roth IRA as soon in your working career as possible. If you're earning taxable income and you're at least 18, you can establish a Roth IRA. This is a retirement account to which you can contribute up to an IRS-determined maximum each year (the latest limit is the lesser of $5,500 or the amount earned plus an additional $1,000 "catch up" contribution for those age 50 or older). This money gets invested and begins to grow. A Roth IRA can be a very effective way to save for retirement.
You don't get a tax deduction on the amount you contribute to a Roth, as you would if you contributed to a traditional IRA. However, any growth on top of the contribution is tax-free and can be withdrawn without penalty after you turn age 59½ (or earlier if you meet one of the exceptions to the age 59½ rule).
Investing as soon as possible in a Roth IRA is important. The earlier you begin investing, the more time your investment has to grow. If you invest just $20,000 in a Roth IRA before you're 30 years old and then stop adding any more money to it, by the time you're 72 you'll have a $1,280,000 investment (assuming a 10% rate of return). This example is merely illustrative. Don't stop investing at 30. Keep adding to your account. You will have a very comfortable retirement if you do.
How can a Roth IRA grow like this? By compound interest. The return on your investment, as well as reinvested interest, dividends and capital gains, are added to your original investment such that any given rate of return will produce a larger profit through accelerated growth. If you are earning an average compound annual rate of return of 7.2%, your money will double in ten years. (This is known as "the rule of 72.")
You can open a Roth IRA through most online brokers as well as through most banks. If you are using a self-directed online broker, you will simply select a Roth IRA as the type of account while you are registering.
3. Invest in your company's 401(k). A 401(k) is a retirement-savings vehicle into which an employee can direct portions of his or her paychecks and receive a tax deduction in the year of the contributions. Many employers will match a portion of these contributions, so the employee should contribute at least enough to trigger the employer match.
4. Consider investing mainly in stocks but also in bonds to diversify your portfolio. From 1925 to 2011, stocks outperformed bonds in every rolling 25-year period. While this may sound appealing from a return standpoint, it entails volatility, which can be worrisome. Add less-volatile bonds to your portfolio for the sake of stability and diversification. The older you get, the more appropriate it becomes to own bonds (a more conservative investment). Re-read the above discussion of diversification.
5. Start off investing a little money in mutual funds. An index fund is a mutual fund that invests in a specific list of companies of a particular size or economic sector. Such a fund performs similarly to its index, such as the S&P 500 index or the Barclays Aggregate Bond index.
Mutual funds come in different shapes and sizes. Some are actively managed, meaning there is a team of analysts and other experts employed by the fund company to research and understand a particular geographical region or economic sector. Because of this professional management, such funds generally cost more than index funds, which simply mimic an index and don't need much management. They can be bond-heavy, stock-heavy, or invest in stocks and bonds equally. They can buy and sell their securities actively, or they can be more passively managed (as in the case of index funds).
Mutual funds come with fees. There may be charges (or "loads") when you buy or sell shares of the fund. The fund's "expense ratio" is expressed as a percentage of total assets and pays for overhead and management expenses. Some funds charge a lower-percentage fee for larger investments. Expense ratios generally range from as low as 0.15% (or 15 basis points, abbreviated "BPS") for index funds to as high as 2% (200 BPS) for actively managed funds. There may also be a "12b-1" fee charged to offset a fund's marketing expenses.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission states that no evidence exists that higher-fee mutual funds produce better returns than do lower-fee funds. In other words, deal with lower-fee funds.
Mutual funds can be purchased through nearly any brokerage service. Even better is to purchase directly from a mutual fund company. This avoids brokerage fees. Call or write the fund company or visit their website. Opening a fund account is simple and easy. See Invest in Mutual Funds.
6. Consider exchange-traded funds in addition to or instead of mutual funds. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are very similar to mutual funds in that they pool people's money and buy many investments. There are a few key differences.
ETFs can be traded on an exchange throughout the business day just like stocks, whereas mutual funds are bought and sold only at the end of each trading day.
ETFs are typically index funds and do not generate as much in the way of taxable capital gains to pass on to investors as compared with actively managed funds. ETFs and mutual funds are becoming less distinct from each other, and investors need not own both types of investment. If you like the idea of buying and selling fund shares during (rather than at the end of) the trading day, ETFs are a good choice for you.

Part 4 Making the Most of Your Money.
1. Consider using the services of a financial planner or advisor. Many planners and advisors require that their clients have an investment portfolio of at least a minimum value, sometimes $100,000 or more. This means it could be hard to find an advisor willing to work with you if your portfolio isn't well established. In that case, look for an advisor interested in helping smaller investors.
How do financial planners help? Planners are professionals whose job is to invest your money for you, ensure that your money is safe, and guide you in your financial decisions. They draw from a wealth of experience at allocating resources. Most importantly, they have a financial stake in your success: the more money you make under their tutelage, the more money they make.
2. Buck the herd instinct. The herd instinct, alluded to earlier, is the idea that just because a lot of other people are doing something, you should, too.  Many successful investors have made moves that the majority thought were unwise at the time.
That doesn't mean, however, that you should never seek investment advice from other people. Just be wise about choosing the people you listen to. Friends or family members with a successful background in investing can offer worthwhile advice, as can professional advisors who charge a flat fee (rather than a commission) for their help.
Invest in smart opportunities when other people are scared. In 2008 as the housing crisis hit, the stock market shed thousands of points in a matter of months. A smart investor who bought stocks as the market bottomed out enjoyed a strong return when stocks rebounded.
This reminds us to buy low and sell high. It takes courage to buy investments when they are becoming cheaper (in a falling market) and sell those investments when they are looking better and better (a rising market). It seems counter-intuitive, but it's how the world's most successful investors made their money.
3. Know the players in the game.  Which institutional investors think that your stock is going to drop in price and have therefore shorted it? What mutual fund managers have your stock in their fund, and what is their track record? While it helps to be independent as an investor, it's also helpful to know what respected professionals are doing.
There are websites which compile recent opinions on a stock from analysts and expert investors. For example, if you are considering a purchase of Tesla shares, you can search Tesla on Stockchase. It will give you all the recent expert opinions on the stock.
4. Re-examine your investment goals and strategies every so often. Your life and conditions in the market change all the time, so your investment strategy should change with them. Never be so committed to a stock or bond that you can't see it for what it's worth.
While money and prestige may be important, never lose track of the truly important, non-material things in life: your family, friends, health, and happiness.
For example, if you are very young and saving for retirement, it may be appropriate to have most of your portfolio invested in stocks or stock funds. This is because you would have a longer time horizon in which to recover from any big market crashes or declines, and you would be able to benefit from the long-term trend of markets moving higher.
If you are just about to retire, however, having much less of your portfolio in stocks, and a large portion in bonds and/or cash equivalents is wise. This is because you will need the money in the short-term, and as a result you do not want to risk losing the money in a stock market crash right before you need it.

Community Q&A
Question : I have low money, how I can get rich?
Answer : Expect it to take many years to get rich. Follow any or all of the steps outlined above.
Question : How do I find a broker to invest in the stock market?
Answer : There are several discount brokers online who charge a small fee for buying stock for you. There are also stockbrokers in most cities you can deal with in person. They charge a bit more, but they can offer you more personal service and help you choose stocks if you'd like.
Question : What if I have a stock in mind, but don't want a broker/brokerage firm? How do I actually purchase stock from that particular company, immediately?
Answer : Look online for the company's investor-relations department phone number. Call and ask if they offer direct stock purchases. If so, they will give you instructions for purchasing their stock. They may take a credit card, or you can write them a check.
Question : How do I start investing? Do I need an agent? Can Canadians invest in US Stocks?
Answer : Canadians -- and anyone else -- may invest in U.S. stocks. The typical way it's done is through a stockbroker. A good way to start investing is to consult with an experienced, fee-based financial advisor. A fee-based advisor does not make money by convincing you to make a particular investment.
Question : What is the difference between "ex-dividend date" and "record date"?
Answer : A "record date" is the date a dividend distribution is declared, the date at the close of which one must be the shareholder in order to receive the declared dividend. An "ex-dividend date" is typically two business days before the record date. When shares of a stock are sold near the record date of a dividend declaration, the ex-dividend date is the last day on which the seller is clearly entitled to the dividend payment.
Question : Is a financial planner really necesary?
Answer : Not if you can supply your own financial acumen and practical level-headedness. If you are not clueless about finances, or if you're personally acquainted with someone with considerable financial experience to share with you, there's no need to pay for advice. Having said that, however, the more money you want to place at risk, the more a fee-only advisor is worth hiring.
Question : How do I initiate an investment process after I open the account?
Answer : Your broker can explain the process to you. It's just a matter of telling the broker which investment(s) you want to buy. A full-service broker will help you make that decision if you'd like.
Question : I want to buy Exxon stocks right now online. What's the best way?
Answer : See Part 3 of Buy Stocks.
Question : If my company is closing, can I withdraw the 401k without any penalty?
Answer : Your 401k is probably "portable," meaning you can take it with you without penalty if you switch jobs. In your case, you shouldn't have any trouble removing the funds (assuming you plan to deposit them in another similar plan).
Question : Is it OK to connect my stock market account with my savings account?
Answer : Yes, that's a safe place to keep your money while you're not using it to buy stock.

Tips.
One of the most painless and efficient ways to invest is to dedicate a portion of each paycheck to regular contributions to an investment account. Doing so can provide some great advantages:
Dollar-cost averaging: by saving a steady amount every payday, you purchase more shares of an investment when the share price is lower and fewer shares when the price is higher. That keeps the average share price you pay relatively low.
A disciplined savings plan: having a portion withheld from your paycheck is a way of putting money away before you have a chance to spend it and can translate into a consistent habit of saving.
The "miracle" of compound interest: earning interest on previously earned interest is what Albert Einstein called "the eighth wonder of the world." Compounding is guaranteed to make your retirement years easier if you let it work its magic by leaving your money invested and untouched for as long as possible. Many years of compounding can bring astonishingly good results.

Warnings.

If you intend to hire a financial advisor, make sure s/he is a "fiduciary." That's a person who is legally bound to propose investments for you that will benefit you. An advisor who is not a fiduciary may propose investments that will mainly benefit the advisor (not you).
When looking for an advisor, choose one who charges you a flat fee for advice, not one who is paid a commission by the vendor of an investment product. A fee-based advisor will retain you as a happy client only if his/her advice works out well for you. A commission-based advisor's success is based on selling you a product, regardless of how well that product performs for you.

June 04, 2020

How to Get Immediate Cash for Your Annuity

How to Get Immediate Cash for Your Annuity.

An annuity is a type of investment that is usually handled by an insurance company. An investor will invest her money in an annuity fund in exchange for periodic payouts over a predetermined interval (such as for the next ten years) or indefinitely (for the rest of your life). Some annuities provide the option of getting immediate payment. However, if you are in a financial emergency and require immediate cash, you might have to cash out an annuity early. While there may be hefty fees involved, particularly if your annuity is held within a retirement account like an IRA or 401k, it is possible to get immediate cash from your annuity investment.

Method 1 Getting Cash from an Immediate Annuity.
1. Consider carefully whether you need immediate cash. Investments work best when they are allowed to grow over the long term. Withdrawing cash early from an annuity brings with it a risk of fees and will significantly harm the long-term potential of your investment. Consider very carefully whether you are in a true financial emergency before taking steps to sell an annuity, and be sure to use early withdrawal options only as a last resort.
2. Think about other options for immediate cash. Because of the potential penalties of getting cash from an annuity, consider other options for getting cash during a financial emergency. Many of these options come with lower risks and few to no financial penalties. These include:
Take out a short-term, unsecured loan (a loan without collateral) from your bank or a local credit union.
Renting out a room via AirBNB or another website.
Sell unwanted items online.
Take on an additional part-time job or side gig, such as babysitting, dogsitting, or working retail.
Get a Home Equity Loan. These loans will require interest payments, but they might be lower than the penalties you would pay for cashing in an annuity.
3. Determine exactly how much money you need. In some cases, you might be able to receive small, immediate cash payouts from your annuity without too many penalties and fees. However, if you need to cash in your entire annuity, you will likely pay some hefty fines. Therefore, it is important that you know exactly how much cash you need to get through your financial emergency. By only taking out the money you absolutely need, you might be able to be more financially stable in the long run.
4. Determine whether you have an immediate or deferred annuity. An immediate annuity will provide monthly, quarterly, or annual cash payments to the investor immediately after the investment is purchased. A deferred annuity, however, allows the investment to grow for a period of some years before the payouts begin.
If you have an immediate annuity already, you can simply collect your cash installments at the appropriate intervals. Depending on how much cash you require, these installments might be sufficient for your needs.
When payments are made, annuities are taxed on the earning portion of the asset, not a return of principal.
Additionally, an immediate annuity within a retirement account, like a Roth IRA, can provide penalty-free payments to persons under 59.5 years of age.
5. Convert a deferred annuity to an immediate annuity. This option is one that many investors consider as they transition into retirement. They use the deferred annuity to grow their money over the long-term and then convert into an immediate annuity to guarantee an income stream during their retirement. If you convert your deferred annuity to an immediate annuity, you might have the best of both worlds: immediate access to some cash while still allowing your investment portfolio to grow.
Depending on when you purchased your deferred annuity, however, it might be costly for you to pursue the conversion option. Make sure you discuss fees and penalties carefully with your insurance company and your financial advisor before undertaking a conversion.
6. Collect your cash payments without penalty. If you have an immediate annuity, you will receive several small payments each year. This option is a good one for those who are in immediate need of cash (such as those who are on a fixed income). And as long as you only collect the amount specified in your contract, you can do so without paying extra fees.
You will still likely have to pay income tax on a portion or all of the amount you collect.
While immediate annuities provide an immediate cash flow, they generally pay out less total money than deferred annuities, which have more of an opportunity to grow.
7. Determine your surrender period. A surrender period is the period of time after the initial purchase of the annuity where you will be charged hefty fees for cashing out your plan. A surrender period can be anywhere from 5-10 years after purchase, depending on your contract, though it is usually between 6-8 years.
If your surrender period has passed, you might be able to cash out your annuity without paying too many fees.
If your surrender period has not yet passed, you might want to consider the expenses involved before continuing the early withdrawal process.
8. Decide to sell your immediate annuity. Unlike deferred annuities, most immediate annuities do not provide an option for small-sum early withdrawals or partial sales. You will likely have the opportunity, however, to sell the entire immediate annuity for a lump-sum. Again, reserve this option as a last resort given the hassle and fees involved in cashing out your immediate annuity early.
9. Be aware of possible financial penalties. Withdrawing cash from your annuity early can lead to hefty penalties, taxes, and fines. Be sure that you take these penalties into account before making your decision to withdraw your cash.
If your annuity is part of a retirement account and you withdraw your money before you are 59.5 years old, you will have to pay a 10% early withdrawal fee to the federal government.
If you withdraw your money within the first 5-8 years of purchase, you will likely have to pay a "surrender fee" to your insurance company. The exact fee amount depends on your contract. Many surrender fees begin at about a 7% penalty for the first year after purchase and decrease over time from there. However, some companies might charge a fee as high as 20%.
Cash you receive from annuities counts as income. You will likely have to pay income taxes in addition to the early withdrawal fees and surrender fees. The one exception is that payments from an annuity as part of a Roth IRA are not taxable.
10. Research companies that offer cash in exchange for annuity payments. None will give you the full value of your future payments. They might offer anywhere from 60% to 85% of the value of your annuity. Getting 85% of your annuity’s value would be considered a fairly good offer. Since you are legally transferring your rights, you want a company that follows standard procedures and will prepare you for any required court proceedings.
Understand that you are not getting a good deal here because the company you are selling to has to make a profit. Annuity sale prices are reached by discounting a series of future cash flows by some interest rate. Typically, a buyer will use a lower rate than is earned in the annuity to make a profit themselves. This results in a lower sale price for you.
11. Consult your tax attorney or financial advisor. Before agreeing to sell your annuity to a third party, consult a trusted legal or financial expert. They will help you determine your financial liability and help you navigate through the complicated contracts you might have to sign. This will help to ensure that you understand what is happening and that it is done correctly. They might also be able to help guide you to the most reputable companies that purchase annuities.
12. Collect your documents. Documents required for the sale of an annuity include two forms of identification, your initial annuity policy, and an application to sell your annuity to a third party. You might have to contact your insurance company in order to receive correct, up-to-date copies of your paperwork.
13. Complete the transaction. Upon submitting your paperwork and paying your fees and penalties, you will be able to receive your cash payout. Make sure that you report this income correctly during tax time and that you pay all the extra taxes on this money to avoid future penalties.
You might want to consider discussing your finances with a financial advisor to ensure that you will use and invest the cash payout properly.

Method 2 Getting Cash from a Deferred Annuity.
1. Determine what kind of annuity you hold. There are three kinds of annuity, each one of which pays out money slightly differently. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates all variable annuities and some index annuities. The SEC does not regulate fixed annuities.
A fixed annuity pays out a predetermined amount at specific intervals over a period of time. This amount is usually based on a specific interest rate applied to your initial investment.
An indexed annuity provides payment to the investor based on the performance of a stock market index fund (or, a fund that tracks the entire stock market performance). Most indexed annuities, however, have a set minimum for payments even if the index fund performs poorly.
A variable annuity allows the investor to choose amongst various investment vehicles, usually mutual funds. Your periodic payment will depend upon the performance of these investments.
2. Determine the type of account your annuity is held in. In addition to the different types of annuity payments, annuities can be held in various types of accounts for certain purposes. These typically include investment and retirement accounts. Both types operate generally the same way, however, they may differ in early withdrawal and tax penalties charged. Check your investment documents or retirement plan agreement to see what type of penalties and restrictions there are on your annuity.
3. Consider penalty-free early withdrawal options. Some deferred annuity policies provide an option for small cash withdrawals without extra penalties. For example, a withdrawal of 5-10% of your initial investment might be accomplished without paying a "surrender fee" to your insurance company. While taking an early withdrawal will diminish your investment's ability to grow, you might be able to get the cash you need without completely emptying your annuity.
If your annuity is part of a retirement account and you are under 59.5 years old, you might still have to pay a 10% tax to the federal government, even if you don't have to pay a penalty to your insurance company.
4. Determine your surrender period. A surrender period is the period of time after the initial purchase of the annuity where you will be charged hefty fees for cashing out your plan. A surrender period can be anywhere from 5-10 years after purchase, depending on your contract, though it is usually between 6-8 years.
If your surrender period has passed, you might be able to cash out your annuity without paying too many fees.
If your surrender period has not yet passed, you might want to consider the expenses involved before continuing the early withdrawal process.
5. Reread your annuity contract. Review the details of your annuity contract. Pay attention to the full-disclosure clause of your agreement. It’s important that you understand what portion of your annuity payments you are exchanging for a lump-sum cash payment.
6. Understand the process. If you are seeking a lump sum of cash in lieu of structured payments, you are in effect signing over to someone else all your rights to receive future annuity payments. That "someone else" is the entity giving you the lump-sum cash.
Be aware that in the long term your annuity is worth much more if you receive structured payments according to the original contract. Talk to your insurance agent to determine the exact worth of your annuity. You may decide to ride out your immediate cash-flow crisis instead of cashing in.
7. Be aware of possible financial penalties. Withdrawing cash from your annuity early can lead to hefty penalties, taxes, and fines. Be sure that you take these penalties into account before making your decision to withdraw your cash.
If your annuity is part of a retirement account and you withdraw your money before you are 59.5 years old, you will have to pay a 10% early withdrawal fee to the federal government.
If you withdraw your money within the first 5-8 years of purchase, you will likely have to pay a "surrender fee" to your insurance company. The exact fee amount depends on your contract. Many surrender fees begin at about a 7% penalty for the first year after purchase and decrease over time from there. However, some companies might charge a fee as high as 20%.
8. Research companies that offer cash in exchange for annuity payments. None will give you the full value of your future payments. They might offer anywhere from 60% to 85% of the value of your annuity. Getting 85% of your annuity’s value would be considered a fairly good offer. Since you are legally transferring your rights, you want a company that follows standard procedures and will prepare you for any required court proceedings.
9. Consult your tax attorney or financial advisor. Before agreeing to sell your annuity to a third party, consult a trusted legal or financial expert. They will help you determine your financial liability and help you navigate through the complicated contracts you might have to sign. This will help to ensure that you understand what is happening and that it is done correctly. They might also be able to help guide you to the most reputable companies that purchase annuities.
10. Collect your documents. Documents required for the sale of an annuity include two forms of identification, your initial annuity policy, and an application to sell your annuity to a third party. You might have to contact your insurance company in order to receive correct, up-to-date copies of your paperwork.
11. Complete the transaction. Upon submitting your paperwork and paying your fees and penalties, you will be able to receive your cash payout. Make sure that you report this income correctly during tax time and that you pay all the extra taxes on this money to avoid future penalties.
You might want to consider discussing your finances with a financial advisor to ensure that you will use and invest the cash payout properly.

Community Q&A.
Question : How can I get money from a union annuity?
Answer : Start by contacting your union steward.
Question : Can I cash out a fixed annuity early?
Answer : What you'll typically lose by cashing out early is a 10% penalty on the taxable portion of your annuity, forfeited to the IRS if you're under age 59½. That's in addition to the 10% federal tax penalty you'll pay on earnings if you're under age 59½.

Tips.

If you aren’t comfortable with the idea of cashing in part or all of your annuity, explore other ways you can raise cash, such as taking out a second mortgage or selling other assets. Downsizing is another way to cover a tight financial spot in your life.
Use the formulas in Discount Cash Flow to find the value of your annuity. You won't be able to sell it for full value, but you need to know what the contract is worth so that you'll know if you're getting a fair offer.

Warnings.
Consult your tax attorney or accountant before selling. If you sell too early, you may be liable for a hefty surrender charge, and if you sell before you have reached the age of 59-and-a-half, you will probably be faced with federal taxes and penalties.
Thoroughly research any company offering to purchase your annuity. You can research any formal complaints filed against a company by contacting the Better Business Bureau.[21] It’s a good idea to ask your tax accountant for recommendations as well.
Do not purchase an annuity unless you have a decent emergency savings account that you can access easily and without penalty. An annuity is not a suitable emergency fund because of the fees, delays, and hassles in receiving quick cash.
To avoid fraud, make sure you purchase an annuity from a reputable, licensed company.

May 04, 2020

How to Get a Small Business Loan

How to Get a Small Business Loan. 

Whether you’re planning to expand an existing business or just now getting one off the ground, a small business loan can give you the financial support you need. Not all businesses can get a small business loan, so you need to take special care when applying for one. Make sure your credit history is as strong as possible, and search for lenders. Lenders will want to see numerous financial documents, so gather them ahead of time. Although getting a small business loan takes a lot of work, it is possible.

Part 1 Improving Your Credit Profile.
1. Pull your personal credit score. Most lenders will look at your personal credit history, even when you apply for a business loan. For this reason, obtain your credit score and check whether it’s high enough to qualify for the best interest rates. Generally, you’ll need a score above 680. You can get your credit score in the following ways:
Check your credit card statement. Many credit card companies now give their customers their FICO score.
Buy your FICO score for $20 at myfico.com.
Use a free website, such as CreditKarma.com or Credit Sesame.com.
2. Obtain a copy of your personal credit report. Errors on your credit report can pull down your credit score. In the U.S., you can get a free copy of your credit report each year from the three major Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs). Don’t contact the CRA’s individually. Instead, visit annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. All three credit reports will be sent to you.
3. Remove inaccurate information from your credit report. Highlight any errors and contact the CRA that has the wrong information. Common errors include accounts listed that don’t belong to you or accounts inaccurately listed as in default.
You can contact the CRA directly through its website. If the inaccurate information appears on more than one credit report, you only need to contact one CRA, which will alert the other two.
It can take up to 60 days to remove inaccurate information.
4. Improve your credit score. Paying down your balances is the fastest way to improve your credit score. Tackle high-interest debts first, such as credit card debts. Send every monthly payment on time and pay at least the minimum. You should see a slow but steady improvement in your credit score.
Avoid taking out a new credit card, which will temporarily hurt your score. Instead, you can ask for an increase in the credit limit on one or more cards.
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for improving your credit score, and you should avoid any company promising to improve your score fast. These companies are often scammers.
5. Build your business credit. Lenders will also look at your business credit profile. Start building your business credit history by obtaining a D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet. You can get it for free by registering at their website.
Your creditors should report your payment history to Dun & Bradstreet. If not, list them as trade references. Dun & Bradstreet will then follow up and collect payment information.
Your business credit report will contain information about court judgments or liens against your business. You can boost your business credit by paying off any liens and judgments.

Part 2 Identifying Loans and Potential Lenders.
1. Determine the type of loan you need. There are several types of business loans you can get. You should identify the type you need before talking to a lender. Consider the following options.
Line of credit. You can draw from a credit line whenever you’re short of cash. For example, you might need money to make payroll or pay a vendor. You then pay back what you drew on your credit line. A line of credit is a lot like a credit card.
Installment loan. You can get an installment loan to expand operations. You pay it back in equal monthly installments over one to seven years.
Equipment loan. You get a loan to buy equipment, and the lender takes a security interest in the equipment until the loan is paid back. If you default on your loan, the lender seizes the equipment.
2. Stop into banks. Some banks are hesitant to lend to small businesses, but you still should stop in and talk to a loan officer. Discuss your business and ask for the bank’s requirements. You should stop in at least a month before you intend to apply.
Visit banks you’ve done business with as well as banks with whom you have no prior relationship. However, local community banks are more likely to lend to a small business than a large national bank.
3. Check with credit unions. Credit unions have increased the number of business loans they make, so they are a good option for small business owners. You’ll need to become a member of the credit union before you can apply for a business loan, but setting up an account shouldn’t be too burdensome. Credit unions typically offer better rates and lower fees than traditional banks.
4. Research online lenders. Online lending has exploded over the past few years and is a good option if your credit isn’t perfect. You can find online lenders at different aggregator sites, such as LendingTree and Fundera.
There are many online scammers, so thoroughly research online lenders. Look up the business with the Better Business Bureau and Google the company to check for complaints. Only do business with an online lender that has a street address.
5. Research government-backed loans. In many jurisdictions, the government will guarantee loans. This means they agree to pay back a certain percentage of the loan if the borrower defaults. Because of this guarantee, you generally get more favorable interest rates and repayment terms.
In the U.S., the Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees small business loans. It’s most popular loan program is the 7(a) program which guarantees up to $5 million in loans. 7(a) loans can be used to build a new business or expand an existing one.
Even though the SBA guarantees the loan, you still apply with a bank. Talk to the bank about whether it is experienced with SBA loans and ask if it is part of the SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP).
6. Ask friends or family for a loan. The people who know you the best might be willing to loan your business money. Approach your friends and family in the same manner you would a bank. Provide them with a copy of your business plan and your financial documents.
You can agree to pay interest, which will show that you are serious about repaying the loan. In the U.S., the interest rate shouldn’t be higher than the maximum allowed in your state, but it should be at least the federal funds rate, which you can find at the IRS website.
Also draft a promissory note and sign it, which will make the loan official.

Part 3 Gathering Required Information.
1. Create a personal financial statement. Every owner who owns at least 20% of your business should create a personal financial statement. Financial statements contain information about your assets, such as cash, mutual funds, certificates of deposits, and real estate. They also identify all liabilities owed to lenders, creditors, and the government.
2. Pull together business financial documents. Lenders will want to see your business balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and cash flow statement. If you need help creating these documents, consult with an account.
Ideally, your financial statements should be audited by a certified public accountant. Ask another business owner if they would recommend their CPA, or contact your nearest accounting society to obtain a referral.
3. Collect other required information. Lenders want a complete picture of your business, so they will require plenty of paperwork. Gather this ahead of time so that the application process goes smoothly. Get the following.
Personal tax returns for the past three years.
Recent personal bank statements.
Business tax returns for the past three years.
Recent business bank statements.
Resumes for each owner and member of management.
Business leases.
Articles of Organization (if an LLC) or Incorporation (if a corporation).
Franchise agreement (if applicable).
4. Show you have the necessary down payment. Generally, you need a cash down payment of 20%. If you hope to borrow $100,000, then you should have $20,000 in cash. Make sure that you have bank records showing the necessary down payment.
5. Draft a business plan. Your business plan lays out where your business is headed in the next few years and how you plan to get there. Lenders want to see a solid business plan before they will make a loan. Your business plan should identify your target market, marketing plan, management, and financial projections.
Some lenders want your business plan to contain specific information. Stop into the bank before applying and ask about their specific requirements.
Business plans can be hard to write. In the U.S., you can get help at your nearest Small Business Development Center, which you can find at https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/sbdc.
6. Document any collateral. Some lenders won’t give you a loan unless you pledge assets as collateral. Collateral protects lenders since they can seize the assets if you default on your loan. Common forms of collateral include inventory, heavy equipment, accounts receivables, and your home.
You should document the location and condition of the collateral. If possible, hire an appraiser to value the collateral.

Part 4 Applying for Your Loan.
1. Fill out your application. Each lender’s application will be slightly different. However, most will ask your reasons for applying for the loan, as well as the identity of your management team. Also identify any suppliers you will be buying assets from.
Each lender will pull your credit report, which will ding your credit score. However, all credit pulls in a two-week window will count as a single pull, so plan accordingly.
2. Wait to hear back. You should hear back within two to four weeks. If you want, you can call once a week and ask for an update on your application status. The lender might need more documentation, so provide it as quickly as possible.
About 80% of applicants for small business loans are rejected, so don’t be surprised if you get turned down. Ask any lender who rejects you to explain why. For example, you might need to save a larger down payment or draft a better business plan.
If no lender will give you a loan, consider other forms of funding, such as getting a business credit card.
3. Review the loan terms. Any lender that approves you should provide a term sheet which contains the details of the loan—the loan period, the annual percentage rate, and fees. Make sure you are comfortable with the terms.
You probably will need to personally guarantee the loan. This means that if you stop making payments, the lender can come after your personal assets, such as your car or home.
4. Close on the loan. Sign the term sheet or commitment letter and return it to the lender. The lender will then schedule a closing, which usually happens 45-60 days later. If your loan is guaranteed by the SBA, you’ll work with the loan officer to gather the necessary documents to submit. At the closing, you will review and sign a variety of documents before receiving your loan proceeds.

FAQ.

Question : Where can I find investors for small business?
Answer : If you're in the U.S., contact your nearest Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center. They might know of local investors who are interested in small businesses.
Question : Are there any charities the will help me start a business?
Answer : You should start looking into crowdfunding websites. If people like your product or service, they'll donate money. Sometimes you can give the donators your product/service at a discounted price as an incentive.

April 07, 2020

How to Protect Your Finances when Your Spouse Files for Bankruptcy.

How to Protect Your Finances when Your Spouse Files for Bankruptcy.

When your spouse files for bankruptcy, the bankruptcy should not affect your credit score. However, you may still be affected in other ways. For example, you will still have to pay off joint debts. Also, the bankruptcy trustee can seize any property your spouse owns, even if you are a joint owner. Accordingly, you and your spouse should carefully consider which bankruptcy is best for the family or whether you should pursue a non-bankruptcy option.



Part 1 Identifying Joint and Separate Property.

1. Identify all property you and your spouse own. When your spouse files for bankruptcy, they will have to list all of their property on a schedule and report it. The trustee uses this information to determine the size of the bankruptcy estate. This information is important because the trustee may be able to force your spouse to sell property in order to pay their creditors. The less property your spouse owns, the better off they will be.

Go through your possessions and estimate how much the property is worth. Also figure out who owns it.

As a spouse, you want to be on the lookout for property you jointly own with your spouse. Unless this property is exempt, it goes into your spouse's estate, which means you might lose it depending on the bankruptcy your spouse files.

2. Check if you live in a community property state. The ownership of certain property may depend on the state where you are living. Some states are “community property” states, and this means that any property you or your spouse acquired during the marriage is owned equally by both of you.

For example, you might have bought a car. In a community property state, the car is generally considered the property of both you and your spouse—regardless of whether your spouse is on the title.

The following are community property states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Community property laws also apply in some situations in Alaska.

Because community property laws differ, you should work closely with a lawyer in your state to identify all property that will be counted as part of the bankruptcy estate.

3. Determine ownership in a common law state. If you don't live in a community property state, then you live in a common law state. In common law states, the owner is generally the person whose name is on the title. If your name alone appears on the title, then the asset probably will not be included in the bankruptcy estate.

If both names are on the title, then you and your spouse both own half of the asset and the asset will have to be listed as part of the bankruptcy estate.

The trustee might be able to force a sale of the asset if they can convince the judge that the benefit of selling the asset outweighs any detriment you will face. However, the trustee will still have to pay you the full-value of your half of the asset. The trustee can only use the portion your bankrupt spouse owned to pay their creditors.

4. Check if you own your home in “tenancy by the entirety.” This is a form of ownership in which the asset is owned by the marriage. Many couples own their home in tenancy by the entirety. Depending on your state, assets owned in this manner are exempted from the bankruptcy estate.

5. Identify bankruptcy exemptions. You can exempt property from being counted as part of your spouse's estate. Each state has bankruptcy exemptions which you can use. The federal government also has a list of exemptions. In some states, you can choose between the state or federal exemptions, whereas other states will require that you use the state exemptions.

In Missouri, for example, you can exempt up to $15,000 in a home that you live in or up to $5,000 in a mobile home. You can also exempt up to $3,000 in a motor vehicle.

Say you and your spouse jointly own a car in Missouri. If the car is worth $16,000, then your spouse has $8,000 in the car. Only $3,000 is exempt. Accordingly, the trustee might want to sell the car and use the $5,000 to pay off creditors. If the trustee sells the car, they must pay the spouse who didn't file for bankruptcy $8,000.

In some states, you can double an exemption if you file a joint bankruptcy petition so long as you both own the property. For example, if the state allows you to exempt $3,000 in a car, then you can exempt $6,000 if you and your spouse own it together.

6. Avoid transferring property. You might think you can protect your assets by having your spouse transfer them before filing for bankruptcy. If you live in a common law state, you might think you can make the transfer into your name so that you hold title to all of the family property and your spouse holds only the debts individually. Unfortunately, this tactic won't work.

Instead, your spouse must report all transfers. If your spouse transferred the property during the two years before they filed for bankruptcy, then the trustee can get the property back.

Your spouse will also get in trouble if they try to hide the transfer. Everyone files a bankruptcy petition under penalty of perjury. If caught lying, your spouse could be prosecuted and have the entire bankruptcy cancelled.



Part 2 Handling Joint Debts.

1. Identify your joint debts. You and your spouse might have joint debts. This means that you both have agreed to be 100% responsible for the full debt. Accordingly, if your spouse files for bankruptcy, you are not relieved of your responsibility for the debt. Although your spouse will have their obligation discharged, your obligation will not be. You will still remain responsible for the entire amount. Joint debts can be formed in the following ways.

You and your spouse took out the debt together.

You cosigned on a loan for your spouse.

You live in a community property state and you or your spouse took out a debt during the marriage.

2. Continue to make payments on your joint debts. If you have a joint debt—say, for your car—then you must continue to make payments on it, even if you are the spouse who didn't file for bankruptcy. If you stop, then your credit score will take a hit because your missed payments will be reported to the credit reporting agencies.

3. Consider filing a joint bankruptcy petition. You have the option of filing for bankruptcy along with your spouse. By doing so, you can discharge joint debts.[12] After a discharge, neither you nor your spouse is responsible for the joint debt.

Of course, a bankruptcy stays on your credit report for several years, and neither you nor your spouse will probably be able to secure new credit in the near future.

Nevertheless, a joint bankruptcy can be an excellent option if you have high joint debts which you have no way of paying off in the future. A joint bankruptcy can free you and your spouse of these crushing joint debts.



Part 3 Choosing the Right Bankruptcy.

1. Identify the different types of bankruptcy. U.S. law provides many different types of bankruptcies, but the two most common for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. You should analyze which is best for you, depending on your circumstances.

Chapter 7. This is called a “liquidation” bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7, your spouse can wipe out all of their debts. However, in order to get that benefit, they generally must sell non-exempt property and use the proceeds to pay their creditors.

Chapter 13. In a Chapter 13, the debtor gets to keep their property. Instead of selling it, they will pay back creditors for three to five years. At the end of the repayment period, any remaining unsecured debts (like credit cards) will be forgiven. Chapter 13 is a good option if you have a lot of non-exempt property that is jointly owned.

Joint bankruptcy petition. A joint bankruptcy petition may be the best option if you and your spouse have large joint debts. You can file both Chapter 7 and 13 jointly.

2. Meet with an attorney. Only a qualified bankruptcy attorney can analyze your situation and identify the best course of action. You should get a referral to a bankruptcy attorney by contacting your local or state bar association. Once you have a referral, call up the attorney and schedule a consultation. Ask how much the fee will be.

Your attorney can help you think through which bankruptcy to file—or whether a different alternative would be best.

3. Consider alternatives to bankruptcy. Your spouse should consider other options. These options might be better because they will impact your spouse's credit score less severely. Also, you don't jeopardize losing property. Common alternatives include.

Get a debt consolidation loan. Sometimes you can get a low-interest loan which you use to pay off all debts. You then have one payment to make.

Transfer debts to low interest credit cards. Many credit cards give 12-month grace periods for balance transfers. Interest doesn't accrue until the grace period ends.

Create a repayment plan with your creditors. They might be willing to work with you, especially if you mention that you are thinking of filing for bankruptcy. In bankruptcy, unsecured creditors rarely get paid back 100% of what they are owed. For this reason, they may be willing to reduce the interest rate or extend payments over a long period of time so that you don't file for bankruptcy.

Use a credit counselor. Credit counseling services can help you negotiate with creditors and then consolidate debt. These counselors also help you come up with repayment plans you can afford.



Question : If my wife files bankruptcy, what happens to our jointly-owned house? How does this affect my loan on the house?

Answer : In a bankruptcy, all your debts are listed against all your assets. If your wife does not have sufficient assets to pay for her debts, then her half of the house can be seized. It can either be transferred as an asset to a creditor, or (forcibly) liquidated. But if the bank sells your house, you have to get your share. I.e. only her share can be seized. For a detailed calculation, contact an accountant.

February 25, 2020

how to protect your finances when your spouse files for bankruptcy

How to Protect Your Finances when Your Spouse Files for Bankruptcy.

When your spouse files for bankruptcy, the bankruptcy should not affect your credit score. However, you may still be affected in other ways. For example, you will still have to pay off joint debts. Also, the bankruptcy trustee can seize any property your spouse owns, even if you are a joint owner. Accordingly, you and your spouse should carefully consider which bankruptcy is best for the family or whether you should pursue a non-bankruptcy option.



Part 1 Identifying Joint and Separate Property.

1. Identify all property you and your spouse own. When your spouse files for bankruptcy, they will have to list all of their property on a schedule and report it. The trustee uses this information to determine the size of the bankruptcy estate. This information is important because the trustee may be able to force your spouse to sell property in order to pay their creditors. The less property your spouse owns, the better off they will be.

Go through your possessions and estimate how much the property is worth. Also figure out who owns it.

As a spouse, you want to be on the lookout for property you jointly own with your spouse. Unless this property is exempt, it goes into your spouse's estate, which means you might lose it depending on the bankruptcy your spouse files.

2. Check if you live in a community property state. The ownership of certain property may depend on the state where you are living. Some states are “community property” states, and this means that any property you or your spouse acquired during the marriage is owned equally by both of you.

For example, you might have bought a car. In a community property state, the car is generally considered the property of both you and your spouse—regardless of whether your spouse is on the title.

The following are community property states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Community property laws also apply in some situations in Alaska.

Because community property laws differ, you should work closely with a lawyer in your state to identify all property that will be counted as part of the bankruptcy estate.

3. Determine ownership in a common law state. If you don't live in a community property state, then you live in a common law state. In common law states, the owner is generally the person whose name is on the title. If your name alone appears on the title, then the asset probably will not be included in the bankruptcy estate.

If both names are on the title, then you and your spouse both own half of the asset and the asset will have to be listed as part of the bankruptcy estate.

The trustee might be able to force a sale of the asset if they can convince the judge that the benefit of selling the asset outweighs any detriment you will face. However, the trustee will still have to pay you the full-value of your half of the asset. The trustee can only use the portion your bankrupt spouse owned to pay their creditors.

4. Check if you own your home in “tenancy by the entirety.” This is a form of ownership in which the asset is owned by the marriage. Many couples own their home in tenancy by the entirety. Depending on your state, assets owned in this manner are exempted from the bankruptcy estate.

5. Identify bankruptcy exemptions. You can exempt property from being counted as part of your spouse's estate. Each state has bankruptcy exemptions which you can use. The federal government also has a list of exemptions. In some states, you can choose between the state or federal exemptions, whereas other states will require that you use the state exemptions.

In Missouri, for example, you can exempt up to $15,000 in a home that you live in or up to $5,000 in a mobile home. You can also exempt up to $3,000 in a motor vehicle.

Say you and your spouse jointly own a car in Missouri. If the car is worth $16,000, then your spouse has $8,000 in the car. Only $3,000 is exempt. Accordingly, the trustee might want to sell the car and use the $5,000 to pay off creditors. If the trustee sells the car, they must pay the spouse who didn't file for bankruptcy $8,000.

In some states, you can double an exemption if you file a joint bankruptcy petition so long as you both own the property. For example, if the state allows you to exempt $3,000 in a car, then you can exempt $6,000 if you and your spouse own it together.

6. Avoid transferring property. You might think you can protect your assets by having your spouse transfer them before filing for bankruptcy. If you live in a common law state, you might think you can make the transfer into your name so that you hold title to all of the family property and your spouse holds only the debts individually. Unfortunately, this tactic won't work.

Instead, your spouse must report all transfers. If your spouse transferred the property during the two years before they filed for bankruptcy, then the trustee can get the property back.

Your spouse will also get in trouble if they try to hide the transfer. Everyone files a bankruptcy petition under penalty of perjury. If caught lying, your spouse could be prosecuted and have the entire bankruptcy cancelled.



Part 2 Handling Joint Debts.

1. Identify your joint debts. You and your spouse might have joint debts. This means that you both have agreed to be 100% responsible for the full debt. Accordingly, if your spouse files for bankruptcy, you are not relieved of your responsibility for the debt. Although your spouse will have their obligation discharged, your obligation will not be. You will still remain responsible for the entire amount. Joint debts can be formed in the following ways.

You and your spouse took out the debt together.

You cosigned on a loan for your spouse.

You live in a community property state and you or your spouse took out a debt during the marriage.

2. Continue to make payments on your joint debts. If you have a joint debt—say, for your car—then you must continue to make payments on it, even if you are the spouse who didn't file for bankruptcy. If you stop, then your credit score will take a hit because your missed payments will be reported to the credit reporting agencies.

3. Consider filing a joint bankruptcy petition. You have the option of filing for bankruptcy along with your spouse. By doing so, you can discharge joint debts.[12] After a discharge, neither you nor your spouse is responsible for the joint debt.

Of course, a bankruptcy stays on your credit report for several years, and neither you nor your spouse will probably be able to secure new credit in the near future.

Nevertheless, a joint bankruptcy can be an excellent option if you have high joint debts which you have no way of paying off in the future. A joint bankruptcy can free you and your spouse of these crushing joint debts.



Part 3 Choosing the Right Bankruptcy.

1. Identify the different types of bankruptcy. U.S. law provides many different types of bankruptcies, but the two most common for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. You should analyze which is best for you, depending on your circumstances.

Chapter 7. This is called a “liquidation” bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7, your spouse can wipe out all of their debts. However, in order to get that benefit, they generally must sell non-exempt property and use the proceeds to pay their creditors.

Chapter 13. In a Chapter 13, the debtor gets to keep their property. Instead of selling it, they will pay back creditors for three to five years. At the end of the repayment period, any remaining unsecured debts (like credit cards) will be forgiven. Chapter 13 is a good option if you have a lot of non-exempt property that is jointly owned.

Joint bankruptcy petition. A joint bankruptcy petition may be the best option if you and your spouse have large joint debts. You can file both Chapter 7 and 13 jointly.

2. Meet with an attorney. Only a qualified bankruptcy attorney can analyze your situation and identify the best course of action. You should get a referral to a bankruptcy attorney by contacting your local or state bar association. Once you have a referral, call up the attorney and schedule a consultation. Ask how much the fee will be.

Your attorney can help you think through which bankruptcy to file—or whether a different alternative would be best.

3. Consider alternatives to bankruptcy. Your spouse should consider other options. These options might be better because they will impact your spouse's credit score less severely. Also, you don't jeopardize losing property. Common alternatives include.

Get a debt consolidation loan. Sometimes you can get a low-interest loan which you use to pay off all debts. You then have one payment to make.

Transfer debts to low interest credit cards. Many credit cards give 12-month grace periods for balance transfers. Interest doesn't accrue until the grace period ends.

Create a repayment plan with your creditors. They might be willing to work with you, especially if you mention that you are thinking of filing for bankruptcy. In bankruptcy, unsecured creditors rarely get paid back 100% of what they are owed. For this reason, they may be willing to reduce the interest rate or extend payments over a long period of time so that you don't file for bankruptcy.

Use a credit counselor. Credit counseling services can help you negotiate with creditors and then consolidate debt. These counselors also help you come up with repayment plans you can afford.



Question : If my wife files bankruptcy, what happens to our jointly-owned house? How does this affect my loan on the house?

Answer : In a bankruptcy, all your debts are listed against all your assets. If your wife does not have sufficient assets to pay for her debts, then her half of the house can be seized. It can either be transferred as an asset to a creditor, or (forcibly) liquidated. But if the bank sells your house, you have to get your share. I.e. only her share can be seized. For a detailed calculation, contact an accountant.

February 17, 2020

How to Choose Business Financing

How to Choose Business Financing.

Every business needs funding for a variety of reasons, including startup, operations, equipment and project completion. Finance for business is a complex subject that must be approached from a variety of angles. There are many business financing options, some of which may or may not be right for your particular needs. In order to evaluate your situation and determine which finance avenues to pursue, there is a variety of factors to consider. Follow these guidelines to choose business financing.



Method 1 Arranging for a Loan.

1. Compare loans with other types of financing. Loans are a type of debt financing. This means that you have to pay the money back, plus interest. Loans are typically offered by banks, credit unions or other financial institutions. Businesses that typically qualify for loans have a strong business plan, favorable business credit rating and a fair amount of equity capital.

Equity capital is the current market value of everything the company owns less any liabilities owed by the company.

Lenders are sometimes hesitant to give loans to companies without a lot of equity capital. Without equity capital, businesses don't have much collateral to put up for a loan. Also, revenues earned by the business will go toward repaying the debt instead of growing the business.

2. Get a line of credit from a bank. A line of credit is different from a typical loan in that it doesn't give you a lump sum of cash. Rather, like a credit card, you withdraw from the available credit any time you need it. You only withdraw as much as you need. This gives you control over the amount of interest expense you will have to pay. A line of credit can help you control your cash flow as your expenses or income ebb and flow.

To qualify for a line of credit, be prepared to submit financial statements, personal tax returns, business tax returns, bank account information and business registration documents.

Annual reviews are required to maintain your line of credit.

3. Obtain a business loan from a bank. A business loan is like any other kind of term loan. Business loans come with fixed interest rates. You make monthly payments over a period of years until the loan is paid off. Unlike a line of credit, a term loan gives you a lump sum of cash up front. Businesses who are expanding their space or funding other large investments can benefit from a term business loan.

Before making a loan, lenders want to know what the loan is for and how you will spend the money. Be prepared to demonstrate that the loan is for a sound financial purpose.

Different lenders require different documents. In general, be prepared to produce: your personal and business credit history; personal and business financial statements for existing and startup businesses; projected financial statements; a strong, detailed business plan; cash flow projections for at least a year; and personal guaranties from all principal owners of the business.

Large banks tend to avoid working with small businesses. They don't want to do all of the work to underwrite a small loan that won't make a large profit for them.

Local banks with whom you already have done business or credit unions may be more willing to work with small businesses.

4. Apply for a commercial loan. A commercial loan is similar to a home equity loan. It is for businesses that own commercial real estate. You borrow against the equity you have in the commercial real estate you own. The amount you can borrow depends on the value of your property and how much equity you have.

Commercial loans are not backed by government entities like Fannie Mae, so lenders see these loans as risky. Therefore, they tend to charge higher interest rates for them. Also lenders scrutinize the business more closely as well as the real estate that will serve as collateral for the loan.

5. Request a Small Business Association (SBA) loan. These loans are given by participating banks and are guaranteed by the SBA. They are for businesses that might have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. The SBA guarantees a portion of your loan to repay if you default on your payments. Find a bank that works with SBA loans by visiting www.sba.gov/lenders-top-100. Use the application checklist (www.sba.gov/content/sba-loan-application-checklist) to make sure you have all of the necessary documentation.

SBA loans for starting and expanding a business include the Basic 7(a) Loan Program, the Certified Development Company (CDC) 504 Loan Program and the Microloan Program.

SBA also offers disaster assistance loans for businesses in a declared disaster area and economic injury loans for businesses that have suffered a physical or agricultural production disaster.

Export assistance loans help exporters obtain financing to support exporting activities or to compete if they have been adversely affected by competition from imports.

Veteran and military community loans help businesses meet expenses when an essential employee has been called up on active duty.

Other special purpose loans include CAPlines, which help businesses purchase capital equipment, pollution control loans for pollution control facilities, and the U.S. Community Adjustment And Investment Program (CAIP), for businesses that have been adversely affected by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

6. Work with state and local economic development agencies. Economic development agencies exist in every state and in some local municipalities. They provide low-interest loans to businesses that might not qualify for traditional bank loans. In addition to financial services, these agencies provide startup advice, training, business location selection assistance and employee recruitment and training assistance. You can find the economic development agency in your state by visiting www.sba.gov/content/economic-development-agencies. You can also contact your city or county government office to find out about their economic development programs.

Each agency has its own application process. However many require the same basic documentation. Gather the following information.

A loan application form that details why you are applying for the loan and how you will use the money.

Your resume gives lenders information about your expertise in the field.

All lenders will require a sound business plan. For help with writing your business plan, visit www.sba.gov/writing-business-plan.

Your business credit report gives lenders information about your credit worthiness.

Be prepared to submit your business and personal tax returns for the past three years.

Prepare historical financial statements, including your balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement and bank statements. You may also be asked to submit projected financial statements.

Be able to demonstrate your business' current financial position with accounts receivable and accounts payable information.

You may need to put up collateral, especially if you cannot provide strong financial statements.

Gather important legal documents, including your business license, articles of incorporation, third party contracts, franchise agreements and commercial leases.

7. Consider online lending. Online lending services include Kabbage and OnDeck. These loans are for businesses who want small, short-term loans. Businesses turn to these lenders to handle short-term cash flow shortfalls. The application process is quick, and most applicants can complete the application in an hour. If approved, you get the money within days.

Be aware that you will pay for the convenience of the fast processing time. These loans are expensive. A typical loan from an online source costs about the same as taking a cash advance from your credit card. The average interest rate on one of these loans can be as much as twice that of a traditional bank loan.



Method 2 Applying for Grants.

1. Compare grants with debt financing. Like a loan, a grant is typically a one-time infusion of cash. Unlike a loan, however, you do not have to pay back the money. You can think of a grant as free money. But it can be trickier to qualify for a grant than for a loan. Typically, grants are awarded to businesses that meet special criteria. For example, non-profits, minority- or women-owned businesses and those that perform highly-technical research and development activities often qualify for grant money.

2. Find out if you qualify for federal grant money. The federal government does not give grants for starting or growing a small business. Some businesses do receive federal grant money if they are involved in something related to a policy initiative. For example, the Small Business Administration (SBA) can sometimes make grants to non-profits for education and training. Also, federal grants sometimes fund medical research, science, education and highly-technical research and development activities.

SBA grants for non-profits are announced on grants.gov.

Businesses qualifying for specific initiative grants authorized by Congress will be notified.

U.S. government's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and its Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer grants for high-tech research and development. You can find out about these grants at SBIR.gov.

3. Find state and local grants. State and local governments sometimes offer grants to specific kinds of businesses. For example, some states offer grants for expanding child care facilities. Other initiatives for which you may find state grants include developing energy-efficient technology and creating marketing for tourism. You usually are required to match funds if you receive one of these grants. Also, the grants are typically small, so you may have to seek other forms of financing, such as a loan.

4. Apply for grants for women- or minority-owned businesses. Most states offer grants for women- or minority-owned businesses. Also, federal agencies assist women and minorities to find funding to start or expand their businesses. Finally, private funding sources are available for women- and minority-owned businesses.

Go to the business section of your state's website to find available grants. Here you will also find information about any incentives or programs your state has available for your business.

Visit the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at mbda.gov. This agency is run by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and it helps minorities and women to establish and expand their businesses. Here you can research grants and find links to state funding for your business.

Private companies that fund grants for women-owned businesses include Huggies, Chase Google, InnovateHER, Fedex, Idea Cafe, the Woman Veteran Entrepreneur Corp (WVEC), Walmart and Zion's Bank.

Private companies that offer grants for minority-owned businesses include Fedex, the National Association for the Self Employed (NASE), Miller Lite and Huggies.



Method 3 Finding Investors.

1. Compare investments with other types of financing. Investments are similar to grants in that they do not have to be paid back. However, they are different from grants in that the investor contributes to the company in exchange for shares, or partial ownership, of the company. This is called equity financing. Companies who choose to find investors are typically young companies that cannot qualify for other types of financing.

2. Find venture capital investments. Venture capital is perfect for businesses that cannot qualify for traditional financing either because of their small size, early stage of development or lack of equity capital. Venture capital funds invest cash in exchange for shares in your business and an active role in running the business. These investors target young, high-growth companies. This is typically a long-term commitment that gives young companies time to grow into profitable businesses.

Find venture capital funds through the Small Business Investment Program (SBIC). This program is administered by the SBA. It licenses private funds as SBICs and links them to businesses seeking equity financing. You can find the list of licensed funds by state at www.sba.gov/content/sbic-directory.

Each venture fund is a private company with its own application process. In general, the fund begins by reviewing your business plan. Then it does due diligence on your business to evaluate the worth of the investment. If the fund decides to invest, it will take an active role in running the business with you. As your company meets milestones, more financing may be available. Venture funds typically exit the investment after four to six years via mergers, acquisitions or Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

3. Seek an angel investor. Angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who seek lucrative investments in young, high-growth businesses. These investors may be doctors, lawyers or former entrepreneurs. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established specific criteria for accrediting angel investors.

According to the SEC, angel investors must have a net worth of at least $1 million and make $200,000 a year (or $300,000 a year jointly with a spouse).

Angel investors give you money in exchange for shares in your company. This exchange must be registered with the SEC.

Find angel investors through networking with your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center. Also, a trusted lawyer or accountant may be able to link you to an angel investor.

Find angel investors online at the Angel Capital Association (ACA), AngelList and MicroVentures.

4. Ask friends and family. You may have friends or family members who are willing to invest in your business. Be very careful about making this choice. Unless they are already wealthy, sophisticated investors, they may not understand the risk involved. If your business fails, you cannot easily shut it down and walk away if friends and family are partial owners. Before accepting their money, make sure they understand how easily it can be lost.

February 10, 2020