Business & Finance Education | Financial Education

Business Tips from Industry Leaders for Startups

By Michele Schechter • February 19, 2020

Have a business idea but not sure where to start? The experts at Financial Poise have compiled start-up business tips from industry leaders.

Real Estate Due Diligence: A Simple Guide for Investment Properties

By Tracy Treger • February 18, 2020

When it comes to investing in real estate, do your homework before you pull the trigger. Learn the best ways to accomplish real estate due diligence.

Informal Estate Planning: Non-Probate Property

By Michelle Huhnke • February 17, 2020

Did you include planning for non-probate property in your informal estate planning? Learn why this is an essential step in setting your affairs in order.

Business Transition and Exit Planning

By The Financial Poise Editors • June 11, 2016

Alternative Assets and the "Average" Accredited Investor

By Jonathan Friedland • December 14, 2018

Recent Articles

A white sale tag, representing purchase and sale agreements and terms of sale

The Purchase Agreement Essentials – Business Deal ‘Terms of Sale’

By Robert E. Connolly • February 14, 2020
The terms of sale are the heart of the purchase and sale agreement. They define what is being purchased, how much it costs and how payment will be made.

kush on a desk blotter, representing cannabis companies

Cannabis Companies and the Marijuana Tax: It’s Not Easy Being Green

By Simon Dufour • February 13, 2020
Cannabis companies are overwhelmed by taxation and restrictions on their expense deductions via Section 208E, but new legislature may ease the pressure.

Mickey Mouse founder Walt Disney has pushed the limits of copyright law time and again to protect his characters.

Mickey Mouse, the Founding Fathers and Copyright Law

By Meghan Nugent • February 12, 2020
What is the Copyright Clause? On January 1, 2024, the world’s favorite mouse will enter the public domain. The Walt Disney Company, one of the greatest challengers to copyright law,…

These vegetable salad bowls represent ESG investors in plant-based eating

The ESG Investor and the Food Revolution: Embracing a Plant-Based Diet

By Tyler Mayoras • February 11, 2020
How a Plant-Based Diet Promotes Good Health and Socially Responsible Investing I went vegan about three years ago, based on the research that I was doing on food, nutrition and…

A buyer and seller communicate, highlighting the need for representations and warranties in purchase agreements

The Purchase Agreement Essentials: Representations and Warranties

By Robert E. Connolly • February 10, 2020
Protect Yourself During the Buying and Selling Process The representations and warranties section of the Purchase Agreement is one of the most negotiated sections of any agreement between a buyer…

a hand reache into the sea, as if optimistic about the future of a private equity investor

Are Investors Still Happy with Private Equity Performance?

By Kristina Parren • February 7, 2020
Private equity investors say expectations were met throughout the last decade. Going into 2020, is private equity performance still meeting forecasts?

woman writes in notebook, inventing a new system of budgeting for her personal finances

Money Basics Series – Part 2: A Painless System of Budgeting

By Michelle Gershfeld • February 6, 2020
Personal Finance Fundamentals Every Adult Should Know Now that you’ve checked your credit score and chosen your bank, you can better identify areas where you need to improve your finances,…

A young girl walking along a road, symbolizing first steps to financial responsibility, like how to read a credit report

Money Basics Series – Part 1: How to Read Your Credit Report and Choose Bank Services

By Michelle Gershfeld • February 5, 2020
The first step to financial planning is knowing where you stand with money. Get tips on choosing bank services, and learn how to read your credit report.

Crossing the finish line of a deal, in purchase agreement essentials, can be facilitated by restrictive covenants and positive covenants

Purchase Agreement Essentials – Positive Covenants and Restrictive Covenants in M&A Transactions

By Robert E. Connolly • February 4, 2020
Positive covenants and restrictive covenants in a Purchase Agreement protect the value of the Company for the Buyer but may be overlooked.

A dog sleeps with the peace of mind that comes with reps and warranties insurance

Sleep Better with Reps & Warranties Insurance

By Bruce Werner • February 3, 2020
Understanding Representations, Warranties and Indemnities in M&A Transactions When boards are deliberating the purchase or sale of a business, they need to consider the long-term risks of the decision. Understanding…

An open wooden door, representing opportunities for accredited investors in private equity

Heeding the Unicorn’s Call: How to Invest in Private Companies as Public Stocks Shrink

By John Bowens • January 31, 2020
How Does the Average Investor Invest in Private Equity? Historically, private market investments have typically outperformed investments in public stocks. In addition, while private equity has grown from a $30…

people packing food pantry boxes, representing charitable donations

Making Charitable Donations: Seven Practical Considerations

By Andrew Katzenberg • January 29, 2020
Being Selfless While Also Watching Out For Your Wallet You may desire to be philanthropic, but handing over money may not be the most effective way to make charitable donations.…

An RIA/Registered Investment Advisor talks with a client about their fear of private equity investments

Why Your RIA Fears Private Equity Investments

By Matt Niksa • January 28, 2020
RIAs Lack in Alternative Investment Offerings for Their Clients Registered investment advisors (RIAs) have never been the preferred vehicle for finding alternative investment opportunities, especially private equity. Large private equity…

The exterior of a luxury home, representing the challenges of buying real estate as an investment

The Risks, Rewards and Challenges of Buying Real Estate

By Tracy Treger • January 27, 2020
Investing in Real Estate for Beginners Property values are rising in smaller cities, renting remains popular in first-tier cities, and many Millennials are entering the housing market for the first…

Macbook and iPhone, representing the purchase of Pre-IPO Shares

How Not to Buy Pre-IPO Shares Back Then: What About Today?

By Billy Ray Valentine • January 24, 2020
It's A Whole New World We have published a number of articles to help investors understand how to purchase pre-IPO shares and the potential risks and rewards of doing so.…

Several skyscrapers on Wall Street, representing the concept of private equity and Fund of Funds

Private Equity Fund of Funds: 2020 and Beyond

By David M. Freedman • January 23, 2020
A private equity fund of funds or FOF gives investors access to otherwise selective funds, but can it compete with the wider PE market in the future?

a ceramic angel representing angel investing, angel investors, and how it differs from venture capital

An Introduction to the World of Angel Investing

By Stephen A. Bornstein • January 21, 2020
Angel investors are wealthy individuals who invest in promising startups, but more than money, angel investing requires business savvy and good judgment.

A red crosswalk light, representing a warning against equity crowdfunding risks

Crowdfunding Risks: An Argument Against Investing Through Equity Crowdfunding

By Charles Smith • January 20, 2020
Crowdfunding Disadvantages Outweigh the Potential The private markets have been giving the public markets a run for their money due to fewer reporting regulations and an expanding definition of the…

family walking, symbolizing family succession planning

How Family Business Succession Planning Becomes Succession Implementation

By David Spitulnik • January 16, 2020
Family business succession planning requires discussions about ownership, leadership, payment and other issues to smoothly transition from Gen 1 to Gen 2.

blue skies at the seashore, representing blue sky laws and blue sky regulations

Blue Sky Laws: A Primer for Accredited Investors

By Robert Rapp • January 14, 2020
An Introduction to “Blue Sky” Regulations Blue Sky Laws – state securities laws – have been a part of the American legal landscape since the early days of the Twentieth…

A chess piece capture, symbolizing the concept of competitive bidding and pre-emptive bids

A Tale of Competitive Bidding and Pre-emptive Bids

By Bruce Werner • January 13, 2020
An owner selling his business gets 3 high pre-emptive bids. Should he take a deal or allow the competitive bidding process to continue?

Fancy World Map symbolizing important business plans without mistakes

6 Important Business Plan Mistakes to Avoid

By Akira Hirai • January 9, 2020
A long or hyperbolic business plan can turn off investors quickly. Eliminate red flags with these six important business plan tips.

A dewy apple, representing the fruits of your labor as tangible investments, not intangible assets

Accredited Investor Installment 12: Tangible Investments

By Jonathan Friedland • January 7, 2020
Tangible investments, or investments in things that you can touch and physically experience, can delight both your inner child and investment portfolio.

A fountain pen, symbolic of signing an LLC operating agreement

The LLC Operating Agreement Demystified

By Jeremy Waitzman • January 6, 2020
An LLC operating agreement is a set of rules and provisions that outlines company structure, management, compensation and other internal issues.

Website collage, symbolizing investment strategy of website flipping

Is Website Flipping a Worthy Investment?

By Melissa Rudy • January 2, 2020
Website flipping is investing in an existing website, improving it to increase value and selling it for a profit. Should you invest in virtual real estate?

a mixed pile of old coins, symbolizing investing in rare coins

Show Me the Money! A Closer Look at Investing in Coins

By Alicia Purdy • December 30, 2019
Investing in Rare Coins is More than a Hobby Having collectibles as an investment can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and cut down on risk. The general…

auto auction, representing the investing concept of real tangible assets

Do Real Assets Outperform Stocks and Bonds?

By Thomas Hill • December 26, 2019
The Pros and Cons of Real Assets You know what they say about investing in land: “They’re not making any more of it.” And you may have heard people say…

river running over rocks, representing deal flow, private investing, and crowdfunding

Finding Your Deal Flow in Private Investing

By Heather Schwarz-Lopes • December 23, 2019
Discover the three ways to increase your deal flow as a private investor: personal referrals, groups and associations, and online platforms.

beads of water on a leaf, symbolizing liquid alternative investments

Liquid Alternatives Feel More Fluid to New Investors

By Brigitte Yuille • December 19, 2019
Over the last decade, investors have pursued alternative investments that rival hedge funds without the same risks. The result: liquid alternative funds.

A financial advisor listens to clients in a conference room, symbolizing questions to ask a financial advisor

5 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor Before Hiring

By Alicia Purdy • December 17, 2019
Can your advisor prove their qualifications and track record? Know the questions to ask a financial advisor and what they mean for your financial future.

A globe, representing global trends in megatrend investing

Investing in Megatrends Means You’d Better be Good at Predictions

By David Moses • December 16, 2019
From urbanization to clean energy, changes in global attitudes made megatrend investing popular. But not everyone riding major trends will be successful.

a financial advisor meets their client, representing fiduciary obligations

My Financial Advisor Has Money Troubles: Fiduciary Obligations and Your Right to Know

By Mike Straus • December 10, 2019
Does your advisor have fiduciary obligations that require disclosure? Know how your investments may be affected by your financial investor’s money issues.

businessman on platform, contemplating online hedge fund platforms

Evaluating Online Hedge Fund Platforms: Not All are Created Equally

By Alon Goren • December 9, 2019
Since the SEC lifted a ban on general solicitation, hedge fund investors can now find deals online. But caveat emptor! Let the buyer beware.

a hedge maze, symbolizing hedge funds, risk management, and investing in hedge funds

Accredited Investor Installment 11: Investment in Hedge Funds

By Jonathan Friedland • December 5, 2019
Investment in hedge funds has become available to a wider audience in recent years. Learn how a hedge fund investment works.

wine grapes ripe for harvest and for wine investment

Assets in the Red (and White): Can Investing in Wine and Wine Funds Add Stability to Your Portfolio?

By Andrew Rosenbaum • December 3, 2019
Investing in wine has historically offered greater annual returns than both stocks and bonds. Learn about wine funds or how to make a DIY wine investment.

A mountainous horizon, symbolizing the obstacles of a venture capital term sheet

The Term Sheet: An Overview of Investor Rights and Controls in VC Investments

By J. Robert Tyler III • December 2, 2019
The provisions of a venture capital deal, known as a term sheet, include liquidation rights, management participation and exit rights.

silhouettes cavorting against a sunrise, representing management team positions and responsibilities

5 Management Responsibilities that Aid the Sales Process

By Thomas Apperson • November 26, 2019
Maintaining an honest dialogue with members of all management team positions during the negotiations can help lead to a successful outcome.

Statue of Liberty, representing famous supreme court cases

McCulloch v. Maryland and the Famous Supreme Court Cases that Changed Our Economy

By David M. Freedman • November 25, 2019
You may not have heard of McCulloch v. Maryland, but this famous supreme court case is one of three that fundamentally changed our nation’s economy.

pushpins on a map, symbolizing investment strategy

5 Investment Strategies PE Firms Use to Choose Portfolio Companies

By Kaja Kwasniewska • November 22, 2019
Private equity firms choose their portfolio companies by focusing their investment strategies on factors such as lifecycle, geography and industry.

mansion celebrating wealth management and the principles of family offices

What is a Family Office?

By Gay Jervey • November 21, 2019
Private Wealth Management for Well-To-Do Families Family offices date back to the 19th century, when the likes of John D. Rockefeller and other tycoons spearheaded them as effective tools to…

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