Commentary
Tough times may be looming for Downtown hotels. So just how did that come to be? Here’s a question for the civic do-gooders who for years called on Kansas City to build more and better hotel rooms Downtown, arguing that…
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Like all parents, you have hopes and dreams for your sons and daughters. But many of these aspirations depend on the ability of your children to earn a college degree. To help prepare your kids, you can encourage them to…
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In today’s low interest rate environment, investors are constantly searching for opportunities to obtain income without exposing their portfolio to a high level of credit risk. Investment advisers who analyze U.S. credit often target high-quality credit investment areas. These not…
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There’s some question about whether the Chinese actually had a saying often interpreted by Westerners as a curse clothed in the garments of well wishes: “May you live in interesting times.” Well, even if it didn’t originate there, it’s still…
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Now that President Andrew Jackson is getting thrown off the $20 bill, civic leaders in Jackson County have to be wondering whether they will be forced to rename their county. If so, they will be in good company. The name…
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Global events—including the United Kingdom’s vote to exit the European Union—are playing a greater role in driving all markets and economic policies than in the past. As a result, U.S.-based views of interest rate normalization require revision. We’re focusing increasingly…
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It’s that time of year again. As we move nearer the fourth quarter, employers are once again facing tough questions regarding their employee benefit plans. During this annual renewal and open enrollment period, more than ever, difficult decisions must be…
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Estate planning was long dominated by estate tax planning. In the not-too-distant past, state and federal estate taxes were applicable to a broad spectrum of clients, and the taxes themselves were constantly in flux because of legislative changes. Now, most…
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You want the deal badly. You need the business. You suspect that your price is too high to begin with. So what do you do? You lower your price rather than negotiate. Most salespeople are afraid to stand by their…
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He or she will give you the clue what you’re looking for if you just pay attention—and that means truly listening to them. Between the presentation and the close of the sale are buying signals. Recognizing the signals to buy…
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