June 2013

Going Solar? Read This – Part 2

June 12, 2013
David S. Chang

Last week we covered the reasons for Hawaii’s high energy prices and the common methods for going solar. Please visit artof-thinkingsmart.com for more information. With more than 250 solar companies to choose from, finding the right one for you can be quite daunting. If you are interested in installing solar, here are some key things […]

June 12, 2013
David S. Chang

Alternative or “alt” mutual funds are publicly offered, SEC-registered funds that use investment strategies that differ from the buy-and-hold strategy typical in the mutual fund industry. Compared to a traditional mutual fund, an alternative fund typically holds more non-traditional investments and employs more complex trading strategies. Investors considering alternative mutual funds should be aware of […]

June 8, 2013
David S. Chang

by Eric Barker|June 8, 2013 Life is so busy these days. In an effort to slow it down it seems we only end up adding more. Is less what we really need? If so, how do you even start down that road? Matthew May explores this in his book The Laws of Subtraction: 6 Simple Rules for Winning in the […]

June 7, 2013
David S. Chang

John Ulzheimer, SmartCredit.com We’ve all heard the warnings…don’t close your old credit cards because your credit scores will go down! That warning is part truth and part myth. And, there are certainly times when you can safely close your credit cards without any negative impact to your credit scores, especially if you’re just tired of […]

June 6, 2013
David S. Chang

by Andrew Katz Imagine this scenario: Your company’s head honcho is in the conference room down the hall for the big meeting on how well you’re steering his investment. But with minutes to go, your “numbers guy” says you’re still in the red despite a great second quarter. What do you do? Bosses across all industries […]

June 5, 2013
David S. Chang

Everywhere you go these days, you hear an advertisement about solar. By some estimates, there are more than 250 solar companies in Hawaii, with dozens more opening up per year! The average energy price on Oahu is about 35 cents per kilowatt/hour, and it’s much higher on the Neighbor Islands, with Kauai at almost 42 […]

June 5, 2013
David S. Chang

Bruce Kasanoff Every time you encounter another person, think: help this person. It’s not altruistic. Nothing else can so quickly supercharge your career and improve the quality of your life. When you walk into Starbucks for a coffee, think help this person about the barista who serves you. Instead of being frustrated that he isn’t moving fast enough, […]

June 5, 2013
David S. Chang

James DeMedeiros Looking for the secret to fitness success? Here’s 25 of the most valuable tips from our fitness professionals and experts. Are you tired of putting in the effort at the gym and not seeing results? Many people show the drive, determination, and consistent effort, but don’t reach their goals. If this sounds familiar, […]

June 4, 2013
David S. Chang

Marla Tabaka As the boss, you have to know it all and always be in the right. Wrong. Try these simple, yet powerful words to build trust and lead with integrity. We all make mistakes, say the wrong things, and misjudge a situation from time to time. But not everyone will admit their errors, especially […]

June 4, 2013
David S. Chang

Paul Spiegelman It’s noble to promote from within, but irresponsible if it’s without preparation. Here’s what you should do. I’m sure this is familiar. You have a great employee, who does strong work, and is ready for more responsibility. So you make him or her a supervisor, manager, or leader of others, and you’re happy […]