Business Mentors

Many investors ask about the cost-benefit analysis of financial planning. Fee-only advisors can claim their compensation is straightforward and easy to understand. In contrast, commission-based advisors, due to their complex billing, are hard pressed to provide you with your true costs. Thus, you may already be paying more than you realize.   Many financial professionals […]

Retirees should reconsider strategies on IRA, 401(k) withdrawals   A government rule on retirement savings may be tricking retirees into looking at their financial situations all wrong.   The rule says retirees can’t leave money in their IRA or 401(k) accounts forever. At age 70½, they must begin making minimum withdrawals, even if they prefer

Ideally, your tax refund shouldn’t be at a level that makes you want to do a touchdown dance. Large refunds mean the government is getting an interest-free loan from you during the year. Sure, it’s nice to get a lump sum of cash to do something with, especially something fun. Wouldn’t it be better, though,

Business transitions, such as mergers and acquisitions, aren’t just multi-billion dollar transactions for the top Fortune 100 companies. Many mid- and small-sized businesses are pursuing strategic opportunities to join forces with similar or complementary organizations. It might be something your company is considering, especially as you plan for the next generation of leadership.   If

The season of giving is not just during the holidays. While we tend to be generous during that time, companies should also think about giving back to their community throughout the year. In the same way that giving gifts is good for our personal well-being, corporate giving is good for business.    Businesses that engage

The International Trade Administration recently reported U.S. export statistics for 2013. According to the state export fact sheet, the metro areas of Syracuse and Utica–Rome were responsible for more than $2.5 billion in merchandise exports. New York’s top-five export markets were Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Israel, and China. Of the 41,000 exporting companies from New

Done right, employee handbooks serve multiple functions. They provide employees with important information about a company, its practices, and the working environment. They also help protect employers legally by setting clear expectations and standards.   But, done wrong, employee handbooks can do more harm than good. Policies that are too specific and rigid can potentially

“One of the best aspects of health care reform is it starts to emphasize prevention.”  — Anne Wojcicki   My recent column described the monumental Medicaid Managed Care Reform Initiative (MMCRI) being implemented by New York state as rapidly as possible. The reform initiative is being implemented under the umbrella of the Delivery System Reform

Editor’s Note: CNY Executive Q&A is a feature appearing regularly (about every month) in The Central New York Business Journal, authored by guest writer Jeff Knauss who is president of his own digital-marketing firm. In each edition, Jeff chats with a different executive at a Central New York business or nonprofit, with the interview transcript appearing in