Kevin Johnston

Cloud Solutions Are Like Building with a LEGO® Set Cloud technology can help you access markets, improve the customer journey, streamline operations, or achieve many other business outcomes. But you don't punch a button labeled "cloud" and receive…

There was a time when "strong leadership" conjured up images of a general marshaling the troops with stern directives and threats while devaluing or even humiliating those who underperform. Those days are gone. The new leadership paradigm is based…

If you think you may have a tax refund coming, you can take steps to increase it by investing it. By choosing an investment vehicle for the money, and opening an account now, you can turn your tax refund into a wealth-boosting asset. Add to or Start…

By Kevin Johnston Intro Each investment you own carries individual risk, but your overall portfolio carries a total risk. Your portfolio risk derives from the risks of stocks, bonds, treasury bills (t-bills), mutual funds, exchange-traded funds,…

Investing requires a level head and firm decisions. A disciplined investor is much more likely to succeed than someone who puts money into the market without a plan. But even the best investors make big mistakes. These mistakes can ruin even a good…

Many people think that hackers only target large corporations. Every few months, a headline comes out about a big company that has lost millions of names and addresses, or worse, millions of dollars. This focus on major companies can lull small…

People who buy investment properties often talk about return on investment (ROI) and cash on cash return (CCR). Some mistakenly use the terms interchangeably. Both figures are important, so you need to know how to calculate them. Then you need to…

Ethereum has become a serious rival to Bitcoin because it has managed to differentiate itself in the marketplace. That is because Ethereum is a specialty cryptocurrency, created for specific purposes Bitcoin does not serve. Bitcoin is intended…

Litecoin Litecoin has been holding its own against heavyweights like Bitcoin and Ethereum. That may be partly due to the low cost of payments to any merchant or customer in the world. Like Bitcoin, Litecoin is decentralized. There is no…

There is a Chinese saying that goes, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." This is true of retirement savings as well. No matter when you should have started, your best choice is to start now. Why? Nearly…

Many people think about a diversified portfolio of investments as a means to protecting assets. In addition, they may create trusts to preserve wealth when it is passed on. However, many overlook the value of insurance as an asset-protection tool.…

When the markets wobble, there are two kinds of investors: those that duck and run and those that rise and shine. In other words, many people seek safety while others see a chance to prosper. This is why the debate over gold vs. Bitcoin continues.…

Key Takeaways Don't assume all insurance plans cover the same basic health issues: Each type of plan has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose the type of plan that fits your lifestyle. For example, if you travel frequently, a plan that offers…

As with most products, you're more likely to find a good deal on laptops during certain times of the year. This isn't magic. It's about supply and demand, competition and seasonal sales. The laptop industry is old enough now that astute buyers can…

Taxpayers are Allowed Exemptions The IRS starts with the idea that an employee owes a percentage of income in taxes. However, the IRS will "allow" the employee to reduce the amount of income that is subject to being taxed. The employee does this by…

Men worry about their own Social Security benefits, but wives have a right to spousal benefits. This applies even if the wife didn’t work. In that case, the spousal benefit is based on the work history of the husband. If a couple is still married at…

MANAGING YOUR MONEY How to Deposit a Check If Your Name Is Misspelled By: Kevin Johnston Reviewed by: Ryan Cockerham, CISI Capital Markets and Corporate Finance Updated November 17, 2018 ••• David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images By: Kevin…

Grad school can help you gain expertise in your chosen field. Professors and guest lecturers can provide useful lifelong contacts throughout your career. Can you return to the days of homework, papers and studying? It's another factor to…

TAXES How to Calculate Imputed Income for Domestic Partner Benefits By: Kevin Johnston Updated September 26, 2017 shironosov/iStock/Getty Images By: Kevin Johnston Updated September 26, 2017 Share It Share Tweet Post Email Print Related Virginia Law…

Check to see if the deceased had a prepaid funeral plan. Determine your budget and consider the wishes of the deceased. Burial or cremation? Understand the costs involved. Planning a funeral requires a level head during a time of grief and loss. You…