Dito & Associates, LLC

12/13/2011

Some interesting predictions for next year -- do you agree?

What will the new year bring?

12/06/2011

This is a new way to address the old issue of how to stay relevant in the business environment.

Last year, I was fortunate to moderate a fascinating panel discussion with Harvard's Center for Public Leadership on the topic of "Next Generation Leadership." One of the panelists, Rosalinde Torres, encouraged us to ask the following question: "What has made you successful in the past that you need...

12/02/2011

Here's a great list of year-end items we just received in our Charles Schwab newsletter.

1. Prepare for new tax reporting changes.
Recent legislation related to cost basis reporting could affect your taxes. Check your cost basis method and learn what you must know before you trade in 2012. Visit schwab.com/costbasis for details.

2. Deadline for 2011 Roth IRA Conversions is December 31.
While a Traditional IRA can offer you tax benefits now, a Roth IRA can give you more control over income taxes when you start taking withdrawals from your retirement account. Interested in converting your Traditional IRA to a Roth? See if a Roth IRA Conversion is right for you.

3. Get smart with college savings plans. You can take advantage of potential tax benefits if you open or contribute to a 529 college savings plan for a child or grandchild before the year ends. Open a Schwab 529 account now.

4. Manage your investments for potential tax savings.
It's smart to think ahead—especially if your investments have fallen behind. If you decide to sell losing assets before year-end, you can use those capital losses to offset taxable capital gains. For more tax-smart ideas, visit our tax management center.

5. Review your portfolio.
Market swings can cause your investment allocations to shift. By rebalancing, you can restore your target allocation, manage investment risk, and keep your portfolio in good health. Try the Schwab Portfolio Checkup® tool, schedule a no-cost investment consultation at 800-790-3810, or call your Financial Consultant.

6. Make the most of your philanthropy.
Planning to make contributions to a charitable organization? If you donate before December 31, you can write it off on this year's taxes. For a tax-smart approach to giving, a donor-advised fund like Schwab Charitable™ can give you immediate tax benefits, tax-free potential growth, and a possible way to avoid capital gains taxes.

11/18/2011

Lots of IPO chatter the past couple of days. An important suggestion to the stockholders of these companies: make sure you have trusted business advisors.

Many people have believed that Facebook’s initial public offering is due in 2012 since the company announced its giant funding round from Goldman Sachs at the start of this year. At that point, the company said in a press release that it ”expected to pass 500 shareholders at some point in 2011, ...

11/17/2011

Donald Trump actually shares a truly valuable set of insights into how to run a business. This is a quick read we highly recommend.

NFIB, a small business association, provides discounts, research, online forums, networking, state and federal lobbying for small businesses across the US.

08/11/2011

This survey reports that small businesses are still trying to figure out how to use social media in their marketing. Those that are using it are showing some results and success.

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=155015

Social Media Not Big With Small Business Marketing - 08/05/2011

05/13/2011

"You do not merely want to be considered the best of the best. You want to be considered the only ones who do what you do". -Jerry Garcia