In the third quarter of 2017, more than 2,500 small businesses were sold. The median sale price was $225,000, up from $200,000 the year before.1 As a business owner, ascertaining the value of your business is important for a variety of reasons, including business succession, estate tax estimates, or qualifying for a loan. There are a…

Anyone with a little business and financial knowledge can do a quick-and-dirty calculation using a industry rule of thumb, such as multiple of annual sales or earnings. But experienced valuation professionals apply tested valuation approaches that are based on real world market data — and they also possess strong verbal and written communication skills that enable…

Many people invest in marketable securities, including stocks, bonds, money market funds and real estate investment trusts (REITs). But a less conventional investment option that’s historically paid off for many investors is purchasing a home or condo to rent out to third parties. This alternative may help diversify your existing portfolio and hedge against public market…