Free Financial Software : Microsoft Dynamics GP

 

	It's hard to beat free magazine subscriptions and free trial versions of software. If you know Microsoft, you know what to expect from this latest trial software offering. We wanted to give you the chance to sign up for Free Financial Software Evaluation Kit: Try Microsoft Dynamics™ GP and also for Next-Generation WLAN Architecture for High Performance Networks. Be sure to forward this email to business associates - they may wish to apply to receive a complimentary publication in their industry as well.   Free Financial Software Evaluation Kit: Try Microsoft Dynamics™ GP You will also receive a Financial Software Evaluation kit, including: Is it Time to Divorce Your Accounting Software? A financial assessment quiz by renowned accounting software expert J. Carlton Collins. A valuable resource CD with demos, case studies, and more. A Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Office integration fact sheet. Next-Generation WLAN Architecture for High Performance Networks Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are facing a new set of requirements, driven by a number of technology and business trends, and in particular, the imminent arrival of 802.11n. This new standard, coupled with the growing adoption of Voice over IP (VoIP), is expected to have a significant impact on enterprise Wi-Fi networks.   Today's wireless LANs are designed using either a centralized or distributed architecture — each with its own set of limitations. Recognizing this, Trapeze Networks has a new approach to WLAN architecture called Smart Mobile. This white paper will help the network manager understand the benefits of the different approaches and recommend strategies for planning future wireless deployments.  MORE Trade Publications FREE to Qualified Professionals include: Dr Dobb's Journal Enables programmers to write the most efficient and sophisticated programs and help in daily programming quandaries. ... Cisco on Cisco News Has exclusive articles on how Cisco IT uses its own products and solutions to enable the business. ... eWeek The essential technology information source for builders of e-business. ... Other Professional Publications can be found at: Professional, more...  FEATURED WhitePapers *FREE* to Qualified Professionals: Expect the Unexpected: High Availability and Disaster Recovery for Windows Applications How to protect your company's critical applications by minimizing your risk to disasters with high availability solutions. ... Recent Lessons in Disaster Recovery: The Path from Catastrophic Failure to Elegant Failure to Peace of Mind Recent events have turned disaster recovery planning from theory into reality for many businesses, including law firms. Fundamental assumptions have been challenged. You can no longer assume that your building or even your city will survive a disaster. The New Orleans example not makes it clear that downtime might be weeks or even months. ... The Power of UNIX on Windows: Try MKS X/Server Learn about secure, seamless access to character and X-based UNIX applications from the Windows desktop. ... Browse the list of job functions and industries on the application form to see if you might qualify. Also note the geographic availability. Then simply complete the form and submit it. If you have co-workers, friends or family who work in a related field, please pass this offer on to them - they'll thank you! Cheers, Your TradePub Team http://consultant-directory.tradepub.com

Companies Choose Business Debt Settlement

Business Debt Settlement: The Solution More Companies Are Choosing As
Economy Gets Tougher

While debt is always a concern for closely held companies, the current
economy and competitive pressures make it even more so now. As a result,
business owners increasingly are looking beyond the traditional
solutions--commercial debt consolidation and bankruptcy--and discovering
that professional debt settlement can be a far less costly, less stressful
route to debt relief.

Highland Park, IL (PRWEB) March 14, 2007 -- Now more than ever, debt is a
double-edged sword for closely held companies, and requires special
attention, according to the president of a leading commercial-debt
settlement firm.

Wal-Mart's . . . low prices routinely reset our expectations about what all
kinds of things should cost--from clothing to furniture to fresh fish. Jim
Herst, founder and president of Performance Source Inc (PSI) notes that a
host of outside pressures is making it more difficult for small businesses
to maintain the steady cash flow needed to keep their debts under control.
Faced with these challenges, it's no wonder more of them are seeking outside
help to manage their debts.

Running Your Business Isn't Getting Easier
Herst cites several current factors which are making it harder for private
companies to manage their debts:

- In February, 4th-quarter 2006 GDP growth was revised downward--from an
initial estimate of 3.5% to a far weaker 2.2%. It was the largest downward
revision in the GDP in a decade. The lower growth rate suggests that more
businesses are seeing reduced demand for their goods and services, hampering
their ability to pay their debts.

- Raw material costs are rising. Higher gasoline prices are only part of the
story. Industry Week magazine reports that copper prices have doubled in the
past year, nickel prices are on the rise, and other material costs are as
volatile as they have ever been. In response, manufacturers who buy these
materials are raising their prices . . . which cuts into the cash flow of
the firms who buy their products.

- The U.S. economy is increasingly sensitive to global economic news. On
February 27 China's Shanghai Composite market dropped 8.8%, immediately
triggering significant declines in both U.S. and foreign markets. It was
another example of how fast global economic news can hit the stock
investments that closely held companies rely on for a variety of
needs--indirectly reducing their ability to make debt payments.

- Competition, both big and small. In his book "The Wal-Mart Effect," author
Charles Fishman says, "Wal-Mart's . . . low prices routinely reset our
expectations about what all kinds of things should cost--from clothing to
furniture to fresh fish." At the same time, tiny, low-cost online merchants
have made nearly every category of consumer and business goods more
competitive than ever.

As PSI's Herst points out, "Even closely held firms which have grown despite
these challenges are likely feeling a heavier debt burden now. Many business
owners rely on credit cards or mortgage loans--increasingly ones with
variable rates--to launch or expand their operations." Besides being more
costly to use as interest rates have risen, many credit cards' minimum
payments have recently jumped to 3 or 4% (from the typical 1.5%) of the
outstanding balance.

Options for the Business In Debt
What can a private-business owner do if his (or her) company's debt load has
become a problem?

Herst notes that most owners prefer to try to 'ride out' the rough patch.
"Unfortunately this approach often makes the situation worse," he says.
"Consolidating the debts with a new loan is another option, but in most
cases the owner will have to put up collateral such as a home or major
assets of the business. Plus, the long-term cost of the consolidation is
often greater than what is currently owed on the debts.

"Bankruptcy is a third way to go but not as attractive as it used to be: The
2005 Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act has unintentionally made it harder for
small businesses to wipe away debts. Even when a credit card is opened in
the name of a business, the card's terms and conditions are likely to say
that the person opening the account is responsible for the debt."

What About Debt Settlement?
As a result, Herst explains, more business owners are looking for a better
solution--and discovering debt settlement. If an experienced, professional
negotiator is hired to deal with each creditor individually, he says, some
of the business' debts could shrink by as much as 70%. He advises business
owners to look for an experienced pro who will also handle all calls and
letters from their creditors--allowing the owner to focus on rebuilding
sales.

"A key question that any business owner should ask a debt-settlement firm is
how it earns and collects its fees. Ideally, the fees should be based solely
on the dollar amount of debt savings achieved for the client. This makes
debt settlement a virtually risk-free solution."

That's not to say that debt settlement is perfect, or appropriate for all
companies' financial situations, Herst acknowledges. It's primarily intended
for companies already behind on their payments and looking to make a fresh
start. Because they are "in arrears" on their debts, these firms' Dun &
Bradstreet ratings usually have already dropped. Debt settlement activity
may initially lower these ratings further, but in most cases it is also the
first step in rebuilding the client's rating--because payments are now being
made where they weren't before.

Herst concludes, "If your company is dealing with heavy debt, you're not
alone. Many companies are struggling against economic conditions beyond
their control. But don't assume your debt problem will take care of itself.
While debt consolidation or bankruptcy might seem like the most obvious
options, remember that debt settlement could get your business back on track
financially with far less cost and stress to you."

CONTACT INFORMATION
JIM HINCKLEY
Performance Source Inc.
Visit Our Site
708-352-7417

Use Income Tax Refund to Lower Debt and Start Savings Account

 

ConsolidatedCredit.org Advises -- Use Income Tax Refund Wisely and Consider Applying Refund to Lower Debt and Start Savings Account

For many Americans, income tax refunds seem like free money, which makes it easier to spend. ConsolidatedCredit.org says consumers should stop and think about their complete financial situation before deciding how to use the money.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWeb) March 12, 2007 -- Tax refunds are larger this year. The average tax refund is $2,733, which is up 3.6 percent from 2006. So far, refunds are up 5.8 percent in dollar amounts as compared to the same time in the 2006-filing season. While it is fun to spend money you think is free, income tax refunds are not free money. Consumers earned this money over the course of the last year and let the IRS use it interest free. "Most people would benefit more from using their refund to lower debt or by saving it," said Howard Dvorkin, founder of ConsolidatedCredit.org.

Even if you do not utilize a financial planner, you can still use your refund wisely. ConsolidatedCredit.org offers these suggestions for consumers:

Stay away from refund anticipation loans. You've already loaned the government this money over the last year. Refund anticipation loans are costly; by filing your taxes electronically and choosing direct deposit you can have your money in less than two weeks. Even paper filing, which takes up to six weeks, is better since you won't be paying any additional fees to receive your money.

Save half of the refund check. The IRS is making it easier to do this by allowing consumers to split their refunds as much as three ways if they choose direct deposit. Earmark at least half of the refund for your savings account.

Pay off high interest debt. Most U.S. households have an average credit card debt of $9,000. "It's easy to lose your financial footing and it's hard to get it back, especially if you live paycheck to paycheck," Dvorkin stated. By using some of your refund to lower debt, you may save hundreds of dollars in future interest payments. To save the most money you should target the account with the highest interest rate.

Review your W4 form. If you regularly receive large refunds you probably need to increase your deductions, which will decrease your income tax withholding. As with your refund, earmark at least half of the additional money you receive each paycheck for savings and let the interest work for you instead of Uncle Sam.

You can track your tax return at www.irs.gov. Click on the "Where's my refund?" link on the left side of the screen. Have a copy of your return on hand. You will need to provide your social security number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), filing status and the refund amount. Often times, getting your refund is as simple as updating your mailing address.

For more information on tax refunds and how to lower debt, please visit our Website at http://www.consolidatedcredit.org/.

Consolidated Credit Counseling Services mission is to help people end financial crisis and solve money problems through education and professional counseling. Consolidated is an industry leader providing credit counseling and debt management services throughout the United States. Consolidated is a non-profit agency that has helped thousands of individuals and families deal with life-altering credit, debt and financial issues.

###

Press Contact: APRIL LEWIS-PARKS
Company Name: Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc.
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 954-377-9344
Website: www.consolidatedcredit.org

Child Support Collections Tops $320 Million

Supportkids' Child Support Collections Surpass $320 Million

Nation's Leading Private Child Support Enforcement Company Tackles a
National Dilemma Affecting Millions of Children

March 02, 2007 - AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Supportkids, the nation's
largest private child support enforcement company working directly with
families, announced today that the company has exceeded $320 million dollars
in child support collections. The number of families that the company has
helped continues to increase as well — more than 50,000 families have
received child support through Supportkids' services.

Why Are Private Sector Options Needed?

As of the end of fiscal year 2005, $106 billion in past-due child support
was owed nationally, and almost $12 billion in current child support went
uncollected. Private companies are an important option for those families
who have not had success collecting their child support through government
agencies. In fact, these are the families who turn to private companies for
help. The average Supportkids client has not received a child support
payment in over four years, and according to a General Accounting Office
(GAO) report, over 95% of the custodial parents who turn to private child
support enforcement companies have unsuccessfully tried to collect their
child support through the government system.

The Economics of Child Support

The picture is not likely to get any better for parents struggling to get
the child support owed their children. Government child support collection
efforts are funded through both state and federal programs. The Federal
Deficit Reduction Act signed into law in 2006 will reduce federal funding of
state child support agencies by $4.8 billion through 2015. On average, state
agencies collect four dollars in child support for every dollar they spend.
If the reduction in federal support is not made up at the state level,
collection rates by government agencies will likely suffer.

Keys to Success

Why are private child support agencies able to collect when the government
has been unsuccessful? According to the GAO report, private child support
agencies have much smaller caseloads compared to their government
counterparts. Supportkids employs a staff of 175, including specialists in
skip tracing and child support enforcement. Supportkids has collected child
support for families all across the country by using many of the same tools
used by government agencies to enforce child support orders, including wage
withholding, placing liens on property, and when necessary, pursuing legal
remedies through the use of a nationwide network of attorneys. However, the
individual case attention is the single biggest reason why private child
support agencies like Supportkids are successful on cases in which the
government sector has failed to collect.

About Supportkids

With clients all across the nation, Supportkids uses on-site investigators
and cooperation with state and federal agencies to fulfill its mission to
make a difference for families struggling with the issue of unpaid child
support. For more information, visit the company's website at
www.supportkids.com or call 1-512-437-3902.
Contacts

for Supportkids
Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations
Meg Meo, 512-494-2867
mmeo@echristianpr.com

Tips for Getting More From a Tax Refund

Springboard Offers Tips for Getting More From a Tax Refund

There's a lot that can be done with a tax refund; the temptation to spend
the money unwisely is ever-present. Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit
Management offers tips on what to do to maximize returns on your refund.

Riverside, CA (PRWEV) March 3, 2007 -- Springboard, a non-profit consumer
credit management organization, wants consumers to stop for a minute and
think before spending their tax refund.

There is a lot that can be done with a tax refund, the temptation to spend
the money unwisely is ever-present
"There is a lot that can be done with a tax refund, the temptation to spend
the money unwisely is ever-present" said Todd Emerson, CEO of Springboard,
"Instead of putting their money to good use, some consumers will
unfortunately put themselves into further debt by purchasing high ticket
items."

Understanding how to better manage money is essential for consumers to
achieve long-term financial health. Springboard has compiled some easy tips
on how consumers can put their tax refunds to work. They are:

• Spread your wealth around. Consumers can get their income tax refund
faster with direct deposit. Take advantage of the new IRS Form 8888 and
"spend some and save some". This form allows consumers to split their refund
and electronically deposit their money in up to three accounts (savings,
checking, and IRA are all eligible). You can deposit however much you like
into each account.

• Repay existing debt. Use this money to pay off high interest credit
cards, or to pay down car loans. The sooner these obligations are taken care
of, the less interest you will pay on the money you borrowed.

• Open or add to your savings account for a rainy day. Nothing in this
world is predictable, we all have unexpected spending that occurs each year,
due to emergencies. It is wise to have an "emergency fund" and a good rule
of thumb is to save enough to cover three to six months of living expenses.
This may seem like a lot, but consumers can start saving a little at a time
and build up their nest egg slowly. A healthy savings account prevents you
from having to borrow money when emergencies happen.

• Invest your money. If you do not have much debt, and have disposable
income, you should consider investing in an IRA, mutual funds, or stocks.
The money you invest can increase over the years, and you can potentially
end up creating a sizeable investment for your future.

Remember, gaining ground on your finances and reducing debt can be far more
satisfying than unplanned purchases that may cause additional debt burdens.
Springboard offers free confidential counseling and education to consumers
nationwide. For more information on their services, or to talk to a
certified consumer credit counselor, call 800-WISE PLAN (800-947-3752).

About Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management
Springboard is a nonprofit credit education and financial counseling
organization founded in 1974. The agency offers personal financial education
and assistance with money, credit and debt management through confidential
counseling. Springboard is accredited by the Council on Accreditation,
signifying high standards for agency governance, fiscal integrity, counselor
certification and service delivery policies. The agency provides
pre-bankruptcy counseling and debtor education as mandated by the Bankruptcy
reform law. Springboard is a HUD approved housing counseling agency and a
member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a national
organization of nonprofit credit counseling agencies. The agency has several
locations in California and offers face-to-face and nationwide phone
counseling services. For more information on Springboard, call 1-800 WISE
PLAN (1-800-947-3752) ext. 750 or visit their web site at www.credit.org