Free Checking Options Are Dying

I was listening to NPR yesterday and hear a report about how banks are charging higher fees for basic checking accounts. Free checking is becoming extinct as the big banks need more revenue streams. Thank goodness you can still find free checking. I myself use ING Direct and Ally, but there are more options if [...]

Introducing New York First

New York First is a business-focused portal to the wealth of incentives, programs and resources available to companies –large  and small – within New York State and those that choose to relocate here. The site is administered by Empire State Development, but dozens of other agencies are represented. We are confident that the financial incentives and technical expertise [...]

Finovate Day 2 and Best In Show

Yesterday, I arrived at Finovate a wee bit tired after hanging out Brandy Library with some of the conference attendees the night before.  The whiskey tasting was fun and informative. Anyway back to the conference. A great way to keep up with the 56 companies who presented is to check  out this mind map created [...]

Captital Access Network: Small Business Lending

Capital Access Network has a new underwriting model for lending money to small businesses. Instead of reliance on FICO scores, Capital looks at daily cash and credit remittance.

Kashoo

Kashoo is online accounting software for small business. The fee is $9.95 per month. Synchronize between web and mobile. Does invoicing. Can view and import bank accounts. Kashoo looks like a good alternative for freelancers or very small businesses.

Summary of Finovate East Day 1

Today is the first day of Finovate. First off, there’s a definite clash of cultures. Lots of people are wearing suits. I was here last year, so it doesn’t surprise me at all. Some of the start-up guys are surprised to see suit and ties. Another thing is that Finovate is much bigger than last [...]

Summary Of Finovate Day 1

First off, there’s a definite clash of cultures. Lots of people are wearing suits. I was here last year, so it doesn’t surprise me at all. Some of the start-up guys are surprised to see suit and ties. Another thing is that Finovate is much bigger than last year. It’s two days. There’s a nice [...]

SmartyPig

SmartyPig announces their latest product, Philanthropig. All donations are monitored for fraud. Makes it easy to advocate and donate. Fee is 4% of every donation. Launches next month. There are fundraising widgets can be embedded into Facebook, blog or website.

Receivables Exchange

Receivable Exchange is the “eBay for Receivables”. It’s a corporate auction site. Trying to make factoring receivables sexy. As a former auditor, I am dubious since how do you know the real value of the receivables? How is the inventory aged? Is this GAAP?

H&R Block

H&R Block’s Tax Center is good because tax refunds can be directly deposited into your bank account. I love that it can effectively to put a dent in predatory income tax refund loans.