April 25, 2024

The Balancing Act on Lifetime with JP Morgan Chase

The Balancing Act

The Balancing Act

The following segment aired on “The Balancing Act” on Lifetime Television. Joining the show was Donna Vieira to talk about Chase’s web services for small business owners.

The Balancing Act: Well, you know, ladies, we should be pretty proud of ourselves as a gender.  I’m going to go ahead and pat myself on the back on that one, because research shows we are now, more than ever before, an essential part of the business world.  There are more female CEO’s and more female executives, women own a growing number of businesses, and, in fact, women held nearly a million businesses nationwide and generated more than a trillion—yeah trillion with a t—dollars in 2007.  That’s according to the most recent US census data available and the numbers have only grown since that census.  Well, whether you are a lady who already owns a business or you’re thinking of starting one, we know you want to have every possible advantage.  That’s why, as part of our “My Career” series, we’ve asked Donna Vieira from Chase to join us today.  Donna, good morning, thanks for being with us.

Vieira: Good morning.  It’s a pleasure to be here.

The Balancing Act: You know, it’s interesting, I just read something the other day that said that more women than ever are now starting their own businesses.  Who are these women who are taking this plunge?

Vieira: It’s women from all walks of life that are starting their businesses.  It’s really a varied path that has brought them to small business ownership and I think what binds them is really a passion to drive the growth and success of their business.

The Balancing Act: I love that passion and sometimes, with that passion can come a few mistakes, right?  What types of mistakes do you see small business owners making?

Vieira: You know, one mistake, especially when it comes to taking your business on-line, is that small business owners may be a little bit intimidated so they may shy away from it a little bit.  They think it’s expensive, you know, a lot of them know they need to get a website, but they’re just really not sure how to get started.

The Balancing Act: You know, here’s a thing I think that’s fascinating is that, isn’t having that on-line presence kind of critical and key to the success of a small business?

Vieira: It’s absolutely critical.  It really is about reaching new markets, you know, taking your business from local to global.  It’s about helping you improve your cash flow, which is critical to any business.  You know, you can set up the site to accept payments on-line and get paid much more quickly and it’s about being much more productive.  In a small business, they’re busy people, they wear multiple hats and so this can help them react more quickly by taking their business on-line.

The Balancing Act: You know, I want to circle back to something you said.  You talked about “cash flow,” ’cause with small businesses, either you’re capitalizing it yourself or you’re undercapitalized.  And so when we’re looking for solutions, we’re looking for solutions that are quick, that are easy, and that are affordable.

Vieira: Absolutely.  And, you know, with Chase, we offer instant storefront, and that allows you to easily and affordably get your business online.  It helps you to design your site and accept payments on-line, you know, very easily.  It’s all about really creating an instant storefront.

The Balancing Act: All right, so, Donna, walk me through the process.  Consider me a typical small business owner.  I don’t have an on-line presence, I know I need one, how can Chase help?

Vieira: It’s really four easy steps.  The first is getting your domain name.  Secondly, you have to design your site.  Third, it’s about, you know, getting it set up for the web hosting.  And four, setting it up to get paid on-line, and at Chase, we have an experienced customer support team to help you each and every step of the way and you’re ready to get started.

The Balancing Act: I think the big thing that people think about, though, is when you do this you’re talking lots of time, you’re talking lots of money and I know when I had my guy do it, I’m sorry, I love you, but it cost a lot of money and it took a lot of time.  But that’s not necessarily the case here and I love that.

Vieira: It’s definitely not the case here.  With this site, you can make all the changes yourself, you can design the sites, there are a variety of templates for you to choose from, simple point and click templates, but it really allows you to customize and design your site for your own personality.  You know, you’re essentially the webmaster.  You’re not outsourcing that functionality, which can get very, very expensive.  The service really allows you to make changes when you want, where you want, how often you want and at no extra cost to you.

The Balancing Act: I love that, I love this.  Where were you when I needed you?

Vieira: You should have called me.

The Balancing Act: You should have given me your number—but somebody that you did give the number to—we wanted to check in with a small business owner.  We spoke with Susan Hess Lightner.  She’s the founder of the New Jersey Wine School, where they teach wine and spirit education classes, which are a prerequisite to the master of wine.

Lightner: I have no background in technical and I’m not very tech savvy, but it was very easy for me to build the website.  What was really wonderful was that I had customer support that I could just call or e-mail at any time and they would help me.  The representatives taught me how to add products to my website, how to add sales tax to my website, different categories, as well as gathering crucial marketing data of my clients.  From start to finish, it took me about a week to really navigate and feel very comfortable and savvy with the website.

The Balancing Act: Wow!  In one week, Susan said she was up and running and I love that, but here’s the other thing that I always think about.  Okay, so, my web guy gave me access—admin access—to get in and make changes.  But, girl, I think if I go in, I’m going to crash the site, so I always leave it to him to do that.  How easy is it to go in and make any kinds of changes you want to make?

Vieira: It’s very easy.  Again, you’re in control.  You can go in and make changes when you want, how often you want, and the site offers you really all the functionality of a big site.  So you can really suit your own business.

The Balancing Act: And I love the fact that the customer support is there, too, right?

Vieira: That’s exactly right.  Chase has an experienced customer support team that will help you each and every step of the way, so you’re never alone.

The Balancing Act: I love that.  So let’s cut to the chase, no pun intended.  How do we get paid quickly and easily?  And I know that’s what a lot of small business owners are always concerned about.

Vieira: Now, with Instant Storefront from Chase, we can set it up so you can accept payments on-line from any major credit card, debit card, and PayPal.  If you have an account at Chase, in most instances, you can have those funds available the next business day.  And most importantly, the transactions are secure for you and your customers.

The Balancing Act: And now, Donna, for the $64,000 question, cost.  How expensive is it to get all of these things kind of bundled together?

Vieira: Instant Storefront is really affordable.  It’s $29.95 a month for up to a hundred items in your catalog, plus credit card processing.  There is, in most cases, no long-term contract for you to sign and there’s free telephone support to help you each and every step of the way.

The Balancing Act: You really will have to leave me your number, Donna.  Thank you so much for coming by and sharing this wonderful information this morning.

Vieira: Thank you so much.

The Balancing Act: And for more information on Instant Storefront from Chase, simply go to the website.  It’s chase.com/storefronttv.  There’s a special offer, by the way, for viewers of “The Balancing Act,” so be sure and check it out.

The Balancing Act is the only morning show in America produced by women specifically for women. Every morning, The Balancing Act on Lifetime hosts Danielle Knox and Kristy Villa tackle the issues that face today’s woman. Popular show segments include live weather updates with Mark Mancuso, surprise celebrity visitors, and news about the latest trends affecting your life, home, career and family. The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television airs daily on Lifetime at 7 a.m. ET/PT. For more information, visit The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television’s website at www.thebalancingact.com.

Kummetz Corp LLC Steps up Cement Production Efforts in Brazil

Kummetz Corp LLC

Kummetz Corp LLC

Partly because of the Kummetz Corp LLC’s presence in Brazil, the country is one of the leading producers of cement in the world.

In 2010, Brazil was ranked number six by the USGS Mineral Programs Cement report for the production of this valuable building material, says the Kummetz Corp LLC. Eloi Kummetz, founder of the Kummetz Corp LLC, hopes that Brazil can continue to climb those ranks, as the country has the workforce and the resources to make cement a profitable export. With a current annual production of 59 million tons of the product, it seems that Brazil is certainly positioned for success in the industry, says the Kummetz Corp LLC.

According to the Kummetz Corp LLC, cement is one of the most popular building materials in the world. It is used in everything from home gardening to strengthening the infrastructure of poverty-stricken areas of the world, says the Kummetz Corp LLC. The Kummetz Corp LLC has been able to utilize its own production of cement to help foster the development of safe and affordable housing in Brazil, as well as Africa.

The Kummetz Corp LLC also notes that by bringing industry into traditionally agricultural communities, they are able to help create a more positive financial outlook for the area’s residents. Brazil, notes the Kummetz Corp LLC, is still in recovery from a long history of socioeconomic inequalities, but is currently listed as one of the top 10 financial leaders in the world. Over the last century, Brazil has become a major exporter of other necessary products, such as petroleum, textiles, and renewal biofuels, like ethanol, says the Kummetz Corp LLC.

Eloi Kummetz, founder of the Kummetz Corp LLC, licensed the firm in Brazil in 2006. At that point, the firm bought out Kummetz Construction and Projects Ltd., which had been operating in the country since the late 1990’s. Through this merger, the Kummetz Corp LLC has helped Brazil become a leading exporter of cement, and now, the country boasts the United States and Bolivia as major importers of the product.

About Kummetz Corp LLC

The Kummetz Corp LLC was registered in the state of Nevada in 2005, although the firm has operated on a global scale for much longer. The Kummetz Corp LLC has satellite offices in some of the remotest regions of the world, allowing them to react in areas with the greatest need for economic stimulation. The firm consistently produces a steady return on investment for their clients through funding projects that bring change to some of the poorest areas of the world.

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team Says That Deceptive Practices Have To Stop

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews

According to the Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team, the firm is seeing more and more deceptive ads and misleading practices by fraudulent tax debt resolution companies. The group states that by regulating the industry, the government can help protect taxpayers and reputable tax service providers alike. Today, the Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team speaks with Interviewing Experts to discuss their ideas on improving the industry for all those involved. [Read more…]

Ian Woodman Offers Tax Tips: How You May Be Overpaying Taxes

Ian Woodman

Ian Woodman

According to Ian Woodman, a number of past studies estimate that many taxpayers overpay taxes. This, according to Ian Woodman, was largely attributed to the number of taxpayers who understate charitable contributions. [Read more…]

Arthur van der Vant, Illinois Receiver, Points out Issues in NAR Arbitration Process

Arthur van der Vant

Arthur van der Vant

When Realtors® violate the National Association of Realtors® ethics codes, notes Arthur van der Vant, they are subject to arbitration hearings. Once an arbitration request is initiated it goes through several steps prior to a final resolution. A commercial real estate expert, Receiver and Assignee in Illinois, Arthur van der Vant spoke with Interviewing Experts recently about his take on defects in NAR’s Arbitration process. Arthur van der Vant is widely respected in the field and has written extensively about many related topics.

Interviewing Experts: Thank you, Arthur van der Vant, for speaking with us this evening.

Arthur van der Vant: It is my pleasure.

Interviewing Experts: We understand that you believe there are several serious problems with the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) arbitration program. Can we take a closer look?

Arthur van der Vant: The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is made of State REALTOR Associations, and the State REALTOR Associations are made of Local REALTOR Associations also called Real Estate Boards.

Interviewing Experts: Which are in turn made of individual real estate practitioners?

Arthur van der Vant: Yes. Only individual practitioners are allowed to use the designation of a REALTOR.  Only individuals can become members of the Local, State, and National Association of REALTORS.

Interviewing Experts: Companies are not allowed to be members, only individuals are, is that correct?

Arthur van der Vant: Yes, that’s right.  However, real estate transactions that could become a subject of a dispute are not between individuals (members), but they are between real estate companies they work for (non-members).  If those companies are not NAR members, because only individuals can be members, than NAR can not bound companies to arbitration.  No arbitration agreement exists.

Interviewing Experts: What has NAR done in its attempt to arbitrate disputed matters between members?

Arthur van der Vant: The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has adopted a Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.

Interviewing Experts: Which all State and Local Associations (Boards) have adopted and follow?

Arthur van der Vant: That’s right. In order for an individual REALTOR to become a member of the association such a person has to agree to abide by the association’s Bylaws.  The association’s Bylaws stipulate that all disputes must be arbitrated through and in accordance with National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.

Interviewing Experts: So, you are saying that no other written and explicit Arbitration Agreement exists that would bind parties to arbitration?

Arthur van der Vant: Yes, and that is only a beginning of many problems!

Interviewing Experts: For Instance?

Arthur van der Vant: Well, NAR arbitrations are conducted between the wrong parties (individuals).  As I stated before, individuals only work for real estate brokerage corporations, and it is those companies who should be parties to arbitration, not the individual REALTORS.  Laws of all states clearly recognize the difference between a corporate entity and an individual.

Interviewing Experts: You mentioned previously that companies cannot be a member. Is that a problem?

Arthur van der Vant: Yes, since companies are not members as a corporate entity they have not joined the Realtor Board; therefore, they are not bound by arbitration clause buried in the Bylaws of the Realtor Association.  In that setting arbitration agreement does not exist.

Interviewing Experts:  Is that a problem?

Arthur van der Vant: Yes.  The law undoubtedly recognizes that an arbitration agreement must exist in order for arbitration to be binding.  In my opinion the National Association of Realtors (NAR) fails to provide adequate and necessary facilities and services to members in arbitration.

Interviewing Experts: Membership in Local Board of Realtors has been recognized by the courts as a valuable property right, is that correct?

Arthur van der Vant: Yes, therefore, any action by a Realtor Board limiting or denying the right and privileges of a member must be justified, not only substantively but also procedurally.

Interviewing Experts: So, who is the arbitrator in NAR arbitration?

Arthur van der Vant: NAR arbitrations are conducted and awards are entered by member REALTORS.  They are usually unqualified and have no knowledge of the state laws and regulations.

Interviewing Experts: We have heard that NAR arbitrations appeals, called Procedural Reviews, are conducted covertly, in secrecy, and without participant’s ability to record them or to have a Court Reporter present. That doesn’t sound very professional.

Arthur van der Vant: Correct.  The NAR Procedural Reviews and the arbitration hearings are both defective because they do not name proper parties, arbitration proceedings are conducted without arbitration agreement, and awards are entered by unqualified individuals who are not familiar with the state law and regulations. Procedural Reviews are concealed in secrecy and the parties are prohibited from using any recording devices or to have a Court Reporter present.  I encourage your readers to research this subject and to familiarize themselves with the Arbitration Act in their State and any arbitration regulations.

Interviewing Experts: That certainly sounds like great advice.

Arthur van der Vant: Thank you.

Interviewing Experts: That is all the time we have for today. Thank you again.

Arthur van der Vant: You are very welcome. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with your readers.

The data contained in this publication is for information purpose only.  The accuracy of the data contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not guarantied.  The author and/or publisher do not engage in rendering legal, accounting, or any other professional advice, and suggests that the services of a professional in those fields should be sought.  Any liability, loss, or risk, personal, or otherwise incurred as a result of using any of the information herein stated is not the responsibility of the author and/or publisher.

Eloi Kummetz Ventures into Cement Production

Eloi Kummetz

Eloi Kummetz

Eloi Kummetz has worked hard to diversify Kummetz Corporation, taking on projects across the world. As part of his work to increase economic opportunities in several different countries, Eloi Kummetz is developing new facilities in emerging countries to foster the production of cement. Cement, Eloi Kummetz explains, is an important commodity in some areas of the world. As Eloi Kummetz has found in his work in South America and Africa, some areas are in dire need of structural and building developments, with housing shortages reaching near crisis. In Brazil, specifically, cement production is cited as a valuable commodity, Eloi Kummetz says, with cement production being one of the biggest economic industries in the country.

According to the USGS Mineral Program Cement Report, Brazil is sixth in the world in cement production, falling behind China, India, Iran, the U.S., and Turkey. The report explained that Brazil produced 59 million tonnes of cement in 2010, Eloi Kummetz says, a huge jump from 2005, when the country produced only 36 million tonnes and ranked 15th.

Eloi Kummetz sees cement production as a great opportunity for Brazil, which is growing financially. By working with companies in Brazil, Eloi Kummetz hopes to further bolster the country’s financial outlook. According to Eloi Kummetz, Brazil is becoming a financial leader, with an economy that has been ranked seventh in the world. Cement is listed as one of its primary industries, Eloi Kummetz points out, with fertilizers, petroleum, textiles, and coal also big industries for the country.

Kummetz Corporation was licensed in Brazil as Kummetz Corporation Brazil in 2006, according to Eloi Kummetz. Kummetz Corporation purchased Kummetz Construction & Projects Ltd., a business that has been active in Brazil since 1998, in order to develop new and support existing construction projects in the country. Cement production is not only of high value within Brazil, Eloi Kummetz says, but also as an export for the country. Eloi Kummetz explains that Brazil exports cement to the U.S., Paraguay, and Bolivia, among others, with much of the export activity coming from the northeast region of the country.

With cement being so valuable in the construction of strong building materials, Eloi Kummetz believes the industry has a strong, solid future, even in these uncertain economic times. By working in countries like Brazil to create more opportunities for cement exportation, Eloi Kummetz hopes to help further strengthen the country’s economy.

Kummetz Corporation Answers Questions About Gold Mining in Columbia and Bolivia

Kummetz Corporation

Kummetz Corporation

Kummetz Corporation is different from many other financial investment firms. The company, licensed in Nevada in 2005, has projects throughout the world as it seeks to help stimulate economic development in countries that need it. Today Kummetz Corporation speaks about one of the Company’s latest projects, gold mining in Columbia and Bolivia.

Q: Kummetz Corporation is involved in a variety of projects throughout the world. What made you decide to get into gold mining in these areas of the world?

Kummetz Corporation: Well, in Bolivia specifically, opportunity exists for gold mining but the area is suffering from more than half a century of underfunding and poor management. By investing in the gold mining industry in that country, Kummetz Corporation can do wonders for the economy. The production and exportation of gold could mean extra jobs and more money coming into the area’s businesses.

Q: In Columbia, Kummetz Corporation is working with companies to explore some land. Explain that to us.

Kummetz Corporation: We’ve focused our efforts on the northern region of Columbia, where Kummetz Corporation has established partnerships with some companies in the area. We have more than 9,000 acres of land to be explored in that region of the country. We’ll primarily be looking for gold and platinum.

Q: What are the benefits of mining for gold in these two areas?

Kummetz Corporation: For Kummetz Corporation, we see this as a probable great return on our investment. But we’ve always been more interested in how we can make a difference in the world. For these countries, the vast amounts of gold that can be uncovered in these mining expeditions can do wonders for economic development. That’s what Kummetz Corporation is all about helping to jump-start the economy in areas that really need it.

Q: Gold mining isn’t the only way Kummetz Corporation is helping stimulate economic development. Describe some of the work Kummetz Corporation is doing with housing developments.

Kummetz Corporation: Much of our work is in Eastern African countries, where apartheid has left many residents without housing, even after all this time. Kummetz Corporation works with construction companies there to provide speedy, low-cost construction development for residents. We also focus on keeping these developments environmentally friendly, as with everything we at Kummetz Corporation do.

Joe Aldeguer Reports: The FHA’s Credit Guidelines Can Allow for Bankruptcy and Foreclosure

Joe Aldeguer

Joe Aldeguer

Chicago, Illinois – Financial advisor, Joe Aldeguer, calms consumer fears that a less than perfect credit history excludes them from a home purchase forever.

Joe Aldeguer, a Chicago based financial counselor and real estate expert, is often approached by consumers worried about the effects that a strategic default will have on future home purchases. The FHA, reports Joe Aldeguer, isn’t as harsh as some believe. In fact, many people are eligible to purchase a new home in as little as 24 months after a negative entry onto their credit report. Here, Joe Aldeguer provides a summary of FHA guidelines:

Foreclosure

Borrowers who opted for foreclosure in three year’s time, says Joe Aldeguer, may obtain mortgages insured by the FHA. There are exceptions stated on the FHA website that include inability to sell a property beyond owner control. Joe Aldeguer points out that the exception does not apply to homes that did not sell if the resident was moving to a new area – for instance moving from Chicago to Miami.

Chapter 7

Once a Chapter 7 bankruptcy has discharged, reports Joe Aldeguer, a person or family may apply for an FHA loan in as little as two years. The applicant must have created a good credit history for themselves after the discharge, have gainful employment, and be financially stable. Also, says Joe Aldeguer, the FHA will want an explanation of the circumstances that caused the bankruptcy.

Chapter 13

In the case of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, cites Joe Aldeguer, the FHA may be willing to approve an applicant if they have remained current on their payments for 12 consecutive months. The trustee distributing the funds must verify this and approve the application in order to proceed. Joe Aldeguer also states that the borrower must have re-established a good credit history and meet financial qualifications as well.

Other Circumstances

A credit score may have also been affected, notes Joe Aldeguer, by things such as late payments, lack of credit, and failure to pay federal loans, such as taxes or education. It is important to remember, says Joe Aldeguer, that, in many cases, it may be difficult to obtain a new loan after a major blow to your credit report. It is possible though and, with the guidance of an experienced financial advisor like Joe Aldeguer, the process is much less intimidating.

Joe Aldeguer’s Chicago foreclosure management firm, offers consumers sound advice and can go over the pros and cons of each option for mortgage dissolution and getting a fresh start to a new financial life.

Chicago homeowners wishing to obtain further information can contact Joe Aldeguer at 312-915-8105.

Instant Tax Solutions Welcomes Tax Problem Resolution Services Coalition

Instant Tax Solutions

Instant Tax Solutions

Instant Tax Solutions’ co-founder Byron Pedersen helped to originate this consumer advocacy group aimed at eliminating misleading tax agencies.

In 2011, Instant Tax Solutions’ co-founder, Bryon Pedersen, made headlines when he helped charter the Tax Problems Resolution Services Coalition (TPRSC). Instant Tax Solutions, along with Tax Resolution Services, Tax Tiger, and the American Society of Tax Problem Resolvers are all anchor members of this group. Pedersen points out that having the backing of such industry powerhouses proves that the problem of fraudulent tax agencies is not unnoticed.

Scores of taxpayers were recently duped with blind promises of fast resolutions to their tax problem – resolutions that were paid for but never materialized, says one professional at Instant Tax Solutions. Instant Tax Solutions and other legitimate agencies desired a way to gain consumer trust once again. The TPRSC is hopeful that their presence will do just that. In addition, cites Instant Tax Solutions’ Byron Pedersen, having the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers involved may help to ensure that more and more tax professionals are trained in accordance with industry standards.

The members of the TPRSC represent the industry’s finest professionals – all doing their part to combat tax relief fraud. Agencies like Instant Tax Solutions are making themselves more transparent so that consumers can be assured they are dealing with a reputable firm. Byron Pedersen of Instant Tax Solutions is proud to be a founding member, as one of his goals as a tax professional is to restore consumer confidence in his chosen field. Instant Tax Solutions was created out of the idea that the customer comes first, and the TPRSC will help ensure that other firms follow suit.

The TPRSC hopes to help taxpayers by educating consumers about tax related issues – something Instant Tax Solutions has been doing since they were formed. Instant Tax Solutions’ Byron Pedersen also states that the Coalition will act as a watchdog to identify misleading claims throughout the tax service industry. The TPRSC also acts as a media respondent for questions and concerns about industry related news.

In addition to his responsibilities at Instant Tax Solutions, Pedersen plans to remain active with the TPRSC. “Instant Tax Solutions exists,” says Pedersen, “to bring tax relief to the everyday taxpayer,” and with his involvement in this group, he says he can guide up and coming agencies in this philosophy.

Instant Tax Solutions and the 30-plus other organizations already registered with the TPRSC welcome new members. The Coalition’s website is www.taxproblemresolutionservicescoaltion.com. Instant Tax Solutions may be contacted via the web at www.Instanttaxsolutions.com or by calling 888.946.2999.

Instant Tax Solutions is a nationally respected tax debt relief firm based in Post Falls, Idaho. Their 40 plus tax professionals are knowledgeable in all areas of IRS delinquency and procedure. They aim to aid and educate their clients and ensure an open line of communication throughout the term of their service. Founded in the mid 2000s by Byron Pedersen and Ian Woodman, Instant Tax Solutions was built on the belief that good people find themselves in bad situations and that they deserve the same respect they enjoyed prior to their hardship.

Timothy Powers Provides Alamo Baby Boomers Advice on Housing Options

Timothy Powers

Timothy Powers

Over two decades of real estate experience, Timothy Powers of Alamo, California has advised homeowners and homebuyers on a variety of issues. With the economy in such turmoil, Alamo-based Timothy Powers is seeing an increase in concerns about home sales. Nowhere is that concern more prevalent, Alamo’s Timothy Powers observes, than among the baby boomer generation.

Timothy Powers is an Alamo-based foreclosure specialist and real estate agent. With more than twenty years of experience in the field, Alamo’s Timothy Powers has dedicated himself to helping those dealing with foreclosures through his company, East Bay Foreclosure Support. [Read more…]