Consider a disciplined investment strategy...

In today's rabbit-fast world, it pays to remember that the tortoise won the race. For investors, dollar-cost averaging - a slow and steady investment plan - can be a winning strategy.

With dollar-cost averaging, you invest a set amount of money on a regular basis, typically in a mutual fund. The idea of investing a fixed dollar amount at regular intervals is simple, but the benefits add up. Here are some advantages offered by dollar-cost averaging:

Save you Vacation Home Deduction!

You can enjoy a vacation home and cut your taxes - with some careful planning and a little discipline.

The IRS rules can be complex and potentially restrictive, so a word of caution is in order as you plan the use of your vacation home.

Prepare, prepare, prepare if you want to get your bank loan...

Getting a bank loan for your business may be more difficult than usual in today's troubled economy. However, if you give your bank a thorough, organized, and well-supported loan proposal, you'll increase your chances of getting the money your business needs.

* Apply early. Applying early shows that you're planning, not reacting. Also, if you wait until the last minute, you're likely to leave out necessary information.

Is a business valuation useful? Yes!

For many business owners, a business appraisal or "valuation" can furnish vital planning information and help mitigate risk. Consider the following:

* Establishing a verifiable value for your business can show whether assets have appreciated at a reasonable rate. If not, the firm's strategy may need to be adjusted.

Is your business dependent on too few?

Many small business owners share one problem, especially in their early days. It's being over-reliant on a single customer or supplier for much of their business. If you're in that position, your business is operating with higher risk. Just as with investments, you don't want all your eggs in one basket. Your goal should be a well-diversified portfolio of customers and suppliers.