Summer is almost over, and many a parent is already preparing for the back-to-school rush. If college is in your children’s future, you may also be wondering about the best way to save for this ever-increasing expense. One option is the 529 plan.

When Standard & Poor’s initially threatened to downgrade the U.S. credit rating, many commentators said that the rating agency was late to the party—that it wasn’t providing any new information. Now that the downgrade has actually occurred, the estimation remains valid; S&P is not telling us anything that we didn’t already know.

How many times have we said or heard the expression: “Tell me a story.”  Starting at an early age and onward, the story process is the same, only the topics change as we get older.

In June, the Chamber’s Communications and Marketing department e-mailed a survey to members seeking input regarding the Chamber’s communication tools and materials.  We received 240 survey responses.

The monster tornado that recently paralyzed the city of Joplin, Missouri, as well as hurricane season being upon us, should serve as a wake-up call for all small business owners to review their business continuity plan. 

As adults, we’ve been taught to protect our social security numbers (SSNs) with our lives, but are you watching your child’s SSN?

The concept of Reverse Mortgages conjures a variety of emotions based on personal experience and publicity.   Some outlets have painted a Reverse Mortgage loan as expensive and a poor choice for a homeowner, but much of this is based on old programs and misinformation.  A recent study by Marttila Strategies, a Boston public opinion research firm, reported that the majority of those who take advantage of the equity in their home through a Reverse Mortgage are happy with their loan.

When it comes to health insurance, employers are looking for ways to maximize their premium dollars. Employees want to pay lower premiums and less out-of-pocket. Health Incentive Accounts (HIAs) may be the solution.

On April 4, lawmakers from across the Commonwealth will return to Richmond to consider maps that draw new State Senate and House districts.  The maps were drawn under the leadership of Chris Jones(R) in the House of Delegates and George L. Barker (D) in the Virginia Senate.  Delegate Jones also provided leadership to redistricting 10 years ago.