owning a business

Every year thousands of perfectly intelligent Americans jump into new business ventures without doing all their homework. Oh sure, they've tested the market and created a business plan. They've lined up a lawyer and accountant, purchased equipment and set up a Web site. But even though they may think they've covered all the bases, surprise expenses pop up in the most unusual Read more...

BLOOMINGTON, ILL. - For years, Pat Hussemann thought about working with flowers or photography -- her two passions -- once she retired. After 25 years as a secretary, she's now a floral designer at Bloomington, Ill.'s Forget Me Not Flowers. "I wanted to do something when I retired that was completely different," Hussemann said. "I thought the flowers would be just fun." The Bloomington retiree is Read more...