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When talking about early stage company valuations, all opening paragraphs should start out with: it’s really hard. That’s why convertible notes are popular, why Y Combinator created the SAFE, (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) and why Draper is creating TATS (Tradable Automatic Term Sheets) effectively letting investors and entrepreneurs get around trying to value things today, and agree to try to figure it out later.

Business succession can be an emotional, financial, and timing issue for business owners. Do you have a business succession plan?

No matter your age or your approach to investing, there is one kind of investment that may be considered for your portfolio: dividend-paying stocks. That’s the opinion of Scott Wren, Managing Director and Senior Global Equity Strategist for Wells Fargo Investment Institute.

What comes easy won’t last, and what lasts won’t come easy.” - Unknown

With the loss of corporate pensions and concerns about the long-term viability of Social Security, most Americans expect to be personally responsible for funding their retirement to a degree unimaginable just a few generations ago. So the sooner you can start saving and investing, the better your chances for a secure retirement.

The popularity and accessibility of retirement plans has resulted in Americans holding a significant portion of their assets in 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs.  For many, these accounts represent the largest portion of their wealth outside of their homes. If you’re like most people you will likely need income from these accounts during retirement, or you may have accumulated sufficient other assets to sustain your lifestyle and wish to preserve your retirement assets for your heirs.

Unfortunately, financial scams and identity theft are not only with credit cards and bank accounts, but they have expanded into taxes. Inevitably there are an unlucky few who are plagued with identity theft at tax time in a variety of ways. It is very important to be aware of phishing schemes and other potential ways that these criminals can get your personal information.

On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, the Dow Jones Industrial Average passed a new benchmark: 20,000. This is a milestone investors have been waiting for since the fourth quarter of 2016. This milestone came on the heels of the NASDAQ also crossing its highest level in history on January 24^th at 5,600. Now we are within striking distance of the S&P 500 index making history when it hits 2,300. While this is extremely exciting, at least the media thinks so, what does it mean for you?

The British World War II poster slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On” is internationally known by many and is often mistakenly attributed to Winston Churchill. While Churchill, the shrewd Prime Minister, would likely agree he did not actually pen the phrase they are simple words meant to endure the turbulent war times. However, I feel it is appropriate and prudent advice for investors as well.

George T. Conboy’s Cow and Chicken Theory describes our markets best: no matter what’s happening, in the morning the farmer goes to the barn. The cow still gives milk and the chicken lays their eggs. Despite all the chaos from the election, deals are still happening. Furthermore, the Xerox and Conduent deal will be coming to close within the next sixty days. According to the Democrat and Chronicle on November 8th, Xerox announced the details on their upcoming split into two separate companies.