General Business

A 'Rich Guy' Speaks Out Against Higher Taxes (Part 1 of 2) By Cliff Ennico

You don't know me. My name is Joe, and I make exactly $250,000 per year before taxes.

42% Say President Has Bigger Impact on Economy Than Fed Chairman, 41% Disagree

Voters still view the Federal Reserve Board's performance with skepticism and are evenly divided when asked whether the Fed chairman or President Obama have more clout when it comes to the economy.

A Politically Correct Guide to the Broadway Musical 'How to Succeed in Business' By Cliff Ennico

TO: O. Leo Leahy, Drama Teacher

FROM: Political Correctness Committee, Nunzio Saccamano High School

This memo concerns your field trip to take students in our Dramatics Club to see the Broadway musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." We understand the students are very excited to see Daniel Radcliffe (who played Harry Potter in all those movies) in the starring role, although some were disappointed that he isn't running around naked as he did in "Equus" a couple of years ago.

44% Say Fed Press Conferences Good for Economy

Ben Bernanke held the first-ever press conference by a chairman of the Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday and plans even more. Many voters think this increased transparency by the nation's chief banker will be beneficial to the economy, although they still have mixed feelings about Bernanke himself.

The Final Frontiers of Employee Discrimination By Cliff Ennico

I hope you were as amused as I was to read about the recent discrimination lawsuit against Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: Five Ways You Know You're Dealing With a Problem Client By Cliff Ennico

"I've been running a small service business for a while now, and it seems like I have problems with every client these days. Most don't pay on time -- I have to remind them every month to pay their invoices, and a couple have stopped returning my phone calls altogether.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: Converting a Corporation into a Limited Liability Company By Cliff Ennico

"My two brothers and I have run a successful service business for more than 20 years, which we run as a 'C' corporation.

47% Have Some Confidence in Stability of U.S. Banking System

Confidence in the stability of the U.S. banking system is up a bit this month but still remains at discouraging levels.

61% Say Enforcing Immigration Laws Would Cut Poverty

Americans feel more strongly than ever that the lack of immigration law enforcement directly effects poverty in the country.

55% Say Those Who Receive Food Stamps Should Be Required to Work

Some Republican members of the House are crafting legislation that would include a work requirement for those who receive food stamps.  Most Americans are on board with that plan.

Inflation Fears Up, 87% Paying More for Groceries

Concern about inflation is increasing, as Americans say overwhelmingly that they are now paying more for groceries and expect to pay even more for them in the future.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Adults are Very Concerned about the threat of inflation. That’s up from 52% a month ago and 48% at the first of the year.

45% Say Government Programs Increase Poverty in America

At a time when most Americans believe there is more poverty in the United States, many question the effectiveness of government anti-poverty programs and believe they cause more of the problem they're supposed to lessen.

Americans Say More People Live in Poverty Today than 10 Years Ago

Despite the billions of dollars spent on government anti-poverty programs, a majority of Americans nationwide still believe there are more poor people in the country today than there were 10 years ago.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: Getting Your Taxes Right ... Next Year By Chris Ennico

April 18 is only two weeks away. So you would think I would do a column at some point about last-minute things you can do to save money on your taxes.

63% Oppose Taxing Online Transactions

Americans are used to being taxed for good and services they purchase in person, but they remain opposed to carrying that over to the online world.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: Dealing with the 'Trademark Bully'

"I started an online business last year. We've had an amazing run so far, with more than 10,000 unique hits every day on our website and a 30 percent gross profit margin on sales of more than $250,000 in our first year. Our site has been written up in some major magazines, and we are getting attention from industry bloggers who have rated our site very favorably.

"Maybe we have been getting too much attention...

18% Say 1930s-like Depression Very Likely In Next Few Years

The number of Americans who think the U.S. economy will spiral into a depression similar to the 1930’s is at its highest level in two years.

Fewer Americans Than Ever Think U.S. Economy Will be Stronger in Five Years

Americans are now showing less optimism for long-term economic recovery than ever before.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: How To Find a Job in a Fast-Growing, High-Technology Company By Cliff Ennico

"I lost my job as a financial executive last year, and have been looking for work in corporate America since then, mostly in the northeastern United States, where I live. I have come to the conclusion that there are few if any corporate jobs available for someone my age (I am in my mid-50s), experience level (I have been working in finance for almost 30 years) and salary range (I was making about $150,000 per year in my last position). Most large corporations want younger people who won't demand the salary and benefits I need to pay my mortgage and keep two kids in college. A number of people have suggested I look for work in a smaller, more entrepreneurial company. The idea is an attractive one, but I'm not at all sure how to go about it. Do you have any suggestions?"

19% Say Hardly Anybody Believes More Government Spending Is Good for the Economy

The Obama administration has acted on the belief that increased government spending is good for the economy, and a solid plurality of voters recognize that this view is not widely shared by the American people.