Business & Finance Education | Financial Education

Film, Fine Dining and West Side Story: a Warning on Risky Investments

By Kristina Parren • November 19, 2019

Vanity Investments are All for Show "Hamilton" drove the masses to Broadway in 2016, making it seem as though Broadway shows were the next exciting investment. Through 2018, shows like "Harry Potter," "Hello! Dolly" and "Frozen" were still bringing in…

Private Equity vs. Venture Capital 101

By David M. Freedman • November 18, 2019

Venture capital is often tucked under the umbrella of private equity, but investors should know the key differences in private equity vs venture capital.

Taking Stock in Main Street: The Importance of Small Business

By John Arensmeyer • November 15, 2019

Small businesses make up 99.9% of all businesses and employ millions of Americans. Learn more about the importance of small business investing.

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

Pie piece, representing hedge fund fees taking a slice of profits

Do Managers Take Too Much of the Pie? Rethinking Hedge Fund Fees and Performance

By Caroline Rasmussen • November 14, 2019
Hedge funds have trailed the S&P 500 for years, so why are hedge fund fees so high? Hedge fund managers may be changing their tune, according to reports.

Business District representing financial statements

‘Know Thy Numbers’ Installment #3: Types of Financial Statements

By Jonathan Friedland • November 13, 2019
From the statement of income to the statement of cash flows, here's how various types of financial statements present a bigger picture of company health.

glasses resting on a textbook of accounting principles

‘Know Thy Numbers’ Installment #2 – Accounting Principles in a Nutshell

By Jonathan Friedland • November 12, 2019
GAAP rules are accounting principles and concepts that shape how we present financial information. These are the 12 “Commandments” of GAAP accounting.

a calculator which says Don’t leave numbers to the accountant. If you don't know your numbers, you don't know your business.

‘Know Thy Numbers’ Installment #1 – Welcome to the Jungle, an Introduction to the Series

By Jonathan Friedland • November 11, 2019
Don’t leave numbers to the accountant. An introduction to accounting and its basic concepts can equip you to make better business decisions.

blue skies, representing putting off the tax man with 1031 exchanges

Putting off the Tax Collector – The Basics of 1031 Exchange Rules

By Tracy Treger • November 8, 2019
Hold off the tax man by following these 1031 exchange rules when selling and reinvesting in new properties.

Thanksgiving buffets taste better with budget-friendly meals

Budget-Friendly Meals for the Holidays: Take the $100 Challenge

By Michelle Gershfeld • November 7, 2019
Your holiday meal is costing too much, but it is possible to create budget-friendly meals at just $100… if you can accept the challenge.

unshackled investor, representing Jobs Act 2019

What is the JOBS Act: 2019 Primer for the Private Company C-Suite Executive

By Vanessa J. Schoenthaler • November 6, 2019
A concise guide to each section of the JOBS Act and its effects on investors of various sizes interested in the private capital markets.

Band and audience, representing reasonable reliance

What ‘Animal House’ Can Teach Us About Reasonable Reliance in Fraud Cases

By Adam Hirsch • November 5, 2019
The boys of Delta Tau Chi unknowingly teach us about an important legal defence in fraud cases. What is reasonable reliance, and when is it effective?

gauzy beach scene symbolizing IRA beneficiaries

Will an Unapologetic Tax Hike Affect Your 401(k) or IRA Beneficiaries?

By Richard A. Sugar • November 4, 2019
You worked a lifetime to grow your retirement fund. Now, pending bills in DC may speed taxes on retirement benefits and impact 401k and IRA beneficiaries.

A Visual Guide to the 5 Legal M&A Deal Structures

By Craig M. Carpenter • November 1, 2019
There are five basic M&A deal structures, including four share acquisition methods and one asset acquisition method. What are the benefits of each structure?

two men work in an industrial space, symbolizing successful startups

Successful Startups are ‘Investable’ Startups: Must-Have Traits and Helpful Practices

By Stephanie Strait • October 31, 2019
A good idea is not enough to attract investors. Does your startup have these 4 traits that successful and “investable” startups all share?

Women with raised hands, symbolizing consensus decision making

Consensus Decision Making: How Much Compromise is Too Much?

By David Spitulnik • October 30, 2019
In the decision making process, trying too hard to achieve consensus leads to suboptimal results. Consensus decision making should include the best of everyone’s input.

Monopoly board "Go to Jail" square, representing the consequences of investment fraud

Protection from Investment Fraud: Who’s Got Your Back?

By Adam Schlagman • October 29, 2019
If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it may be a sign of investment fraud. Learn the signs with these 5 investment watchdog resources.

cell phone with icons representing social media marketing

Hey Business Owner, Are You Using the Full Potential of Social Media Marketing?

By Tina Powell • October 28, 2019
Did you know that 91% of Fortune 500 companies use Twitter and 89% use Facebook? Don't ignore the power of social media marketing.

monk with children, symbolizing charitable giving

Using Your Assets for Good: Incorporating Charitable Giving into Your Financial or Estate Plan

By Rhonda Ducote • October 25, 2019
Charitable giving is a rewarding process, but donors should be aware of the tax implications (and benefits) of each philanthropic approach.

track and field events, symbolizing private markets

Is the Private Market Defeating the Public Market?

By Sohail Prasad • October 24, 2019
Regulatory changes and the burdens of public finance have led IPOs to lose value. Now, companies and investors are finding value in the private market.

Augmented Reality tech, as advertised on crowdfunding sites

The (Thorough) Art of Evaluating Crowdfunding Sites and Title III Offerings

By David M. Freedman • October 23, 2019
Crowdfunding investments require introspection on financial and social motivations, as well as due diligence on crowdfunding sites and offering deal terms.

lightbulb symbolizing protecting intellectual property

Critical Tactics for Safeguarding Your Ideas and Intellectual Property Rights

By Matt Niksa • October 22, 2019
Intellectual property rights are assets, just like cash or machinery. Learn how to protect intellectual property with patents, trademarks, NDAs and more.

Oligarch woman hires business appraiser over the phone

Determining Value – Choosing a Business Appraiser

By Gary Lotzer • October 21, 2019
Don’t Leave Valuation to Chance Valuation is the determination of the worth of an entity or item. According to Erin Hollis “A valuation can be as loose as a guess,…

The Hollywood sign, symbolizing celebrity investing

3 Smart Moves Made by Celebrity Investors

By Kristina Parren • October 18, 2019
What do Madonna and Warren Buffett have in common? They both make smart investments. Follow these 3 investing lessons from successful celebrity investors.

Euros in a bank machine, representing seller financing

4 Acquisition Financing Structures for Buyers

By Michele Schechter • October 17, 2019
When buying a business, buyers may use any four acquisition financing structures: cash purchase, third-party funding, seller financing and stock swaps.

neat group of peoples legs in a circle, representing securities crowdfunding

Securities Crowdfunding: Diversification Everyone Can Enjoy

By David M. Freedman • October 16, 2019
Regulation crowdfunding gives average investors more access to private securities. Determine the maximum you can invest and create your 5-year plan.

Artist Painting, representing a successful entrepreneur

5 Mistakes Avoided by All Successful Entrepreneurs

By Matt Niksa • October 15, 2019
Successful entrepreneurs know the importance of delegation, a good idea and lessons to be learned from failure. Avoid these five mistakes made by startups.

two men arm wrestle over fair estate distribution

Sibling Squabbles: Fair Estate Distribution Among Multiple Heirs

By Rhonda Ducote • October 14, 2019
The most common disputes during estate distribution are among siblings. Communication is key to dividing assets fairly and easing the financial transition.

Woman whispers to man, symbolizing an accredited investor keeping confidential business information

The Civil Courts: When Your ‘Confidential Business Information’ Isn’t So Secret

By Adam Hirsch • October 11, 2019
In a civil court case, your confidential business information is only as confidential as the judge allows. Read about Purdue Pharma’s high-profile case.

Woman reads a book lakeside, hunting for an accredited investor definition

Are You Smarter Than a High School Dropout? Revising the Accredited Investor Definition

By Michele Schechter • October 10, 2019
The SEC is considering wider access to private offerings. Does net worth equate to financial literacy, or should the accredited investor definition change?

two puzzle pieces poised to connect, representing a de facto merger

When Does an Asset Acquisition Become a De Facto Merger?

By Leib Orlanski • October 8, 2019
Asset acquisitions are presumed to be free and clear of claims against the seller. But liabilities can pass to the buyer, resulting in a de facto merger.

Woman walks through rainforest in China, winner of the Trump tariffs

What Do Trump Tariffs Mean for the Economy and Investors?

By Reed Murphy • October 7, 2019
Recently imposed Trump tariffs are expected to negatively affect the economy. What do these tariffs mean, and how will investors be impacted?

unicorn chess knight, representing unicorn companies

Unicorn Companies are Rare, So Why Do Venture Capitalists Persist?

By Alicia Purdy • October 4, 2019
Three out of four startups backed by venture capital fail, but VC investors continue to search for unicorn companies. What makes or breaks their success?

man dangles over Wall Street, asking himself What is a hedge fund?

90 Second Lesson: What is a Hedge Fund?

By The Financial Poise Editors • October 3, 2019
Hedge funds differ greatly from private equity funds with regard to asset class, compensation, liquidity and other factors. So, what is a hedge fund?

life preserver representing bad faith insurance

PLUP Fiction: Bad Faith Insurance

By Adam Hirsch • October 2, 2019
Can you rely on your insurance company’s description of your insurance policy? Learn about insurance bad faith and your rights as the insured.

a banknote in jail, a symbol of distressed companies

Can Seeking Help from the Lender Fix Distressed Companies’ Woes?

By Bruce Werner • October 1, 2019
Turnaround Financing: How to Secure a Borrower Recently, bad practices caused a client’s accounts receivable to get extended well past 90 days. In fact, the client had 20% of its…

This is a shop where neighbors come to buy boilerplate provisions.

Purchase Agreement Essentials – Boilerplate Provisions Terminology

By Robert E. Connolly • September 27, 2019
In a purchase agreement, boilerplate provisions clarify the terms of the contract, who has contractual rights and how disputes are handled.

Millenials hang around a wooden table, emblamatic of why startups fail

Why Startups Fail: 5 Mistakes that Lead to Failure

By Matt Niksa • September 26, 2019
Empowering Entrepreneurs Despite Difficult Odds Nine out of ten startups fail. That’s the bleak truth. While this statistic may discourage some entrepreneurs, it should also encourage them to learn how…

Big Ben and London Bridge, symbolizing LIBOR's replacement, SOFR

90 Second Lesson: What is the LIBOR Replacement, SOFR?

By The Financial Poise Editors • September 25, 2019
Manipulated rates and fewer active markets have made LIBOR unsustainable, leading to a LIBOR replacement known as SOFR. Learn how LIBOR and SOFR compare.

watches made from gold and other precious metals

What Moves the Needle on Precious Metals Spot Prices?

By Walter Pehowich • September 24, 2019
Market volatility, interest rate cuts and trade tensions have pushed investors towards gold, revealing factors that drive precious metals spot prices.

a baited mousetrap, symbolizing private equity transactions

How to Attract Buyers in Private Equity Transactions

By Michael J. Gorman • September 23, 2019
Private equity buyers have priorities distinct from strategic buyers. Sellers make a private equity transaction more appealing by thinking like a PE buyer.

apple cell phone with social media icons illustrating Communications Decency Act

The Communications Decency Act and the Rise of the Trolls

By Meghan Nugent • September 20, 2019
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act protects internet companies from litigation of content posted by third parties. Should they have immunity?

Beach retirement, the outcome of selling your business with representations and warranty insurance

Rep & Warranty Insurance: How Does it Protect the Sale Process?

By Michael F. X. Murdoch • September 19, 2019
Representations and warranty insurance can speed things along when selling your business, avoiding getting backed up in an escrow nightmare.

Woman sits with drink in a coconut, symbolizing a business that has shed its owner dependence

Reaching Graduate Level: Eliminating Owner Dependence

By Ronen Shefer • September 18, 2019
All owners hope that their business can run efficiently while they are away. Eliminate owner dependence with strategies to build skilled management.

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