Money

Prices on computers, and in particular laptops, have been falling drastically but that doesn't mean you should just accept and pay full retail price. With a little time, effort, and Web savvy you can save yourself hundreds of dollars on a top-notch PC.

The first thing to do is decide what you want -- and what you need -- from a laptop. Do you really need that extra large hard drive? Or will the smaller size suffice? Once you've figured out what's essential start looking at pre-configured laptops at retail outlets or on manufacturer Web sites. These mass-produced models are often priced significantly lower than the same computer if you were to customize it yourself.

The next stop in your quest to save a buck should be coupon sites. Online destinations like RetailMeNot and TechBargains aggregate coupon codes for online stores that can save you a few bucks on particular computers, nab you free upgrades, or at the very least free shipping.

If you're really flexible about what you want, or are very patient, check out the outlet section of manufacturer Web sites. You can save up to several hundred dollars if you're willing wait for exactly what you want to show up in the outlet or make certain sacrifices. Refurbished PCs are computers returned as non-functioning that the maker then repairs and sells, while scratch-and-dent models...

Anyone with a small business to finance knows how difficult it can be to raise money. And it can be especially difficult to get some small business financing in a down economy when you're just starting out.

Using a credit card to get your small business up and running may work in the short-term, but there are other long-term solutions for small business financing. Here are five:

1. Debt financing is one of the more traditional ways to get a small business financed. With debt financing, you're doing what most new small businesses do to get financing: Using a bank. If you qualify, you can get a loan or line of credit that has a repayment schedule that includes interest paid.

Banks will look at your small business' cash flow, collateral and the liquidity of your assets. You'll need a written business plan and you must know your small business finances inside and out. Having an existing personal account with the bank where you're applying for the loan may help get the small business financing you seek.

2. Grants are another method for small business financing. The Small Business Administration's Small Business Innovation Research Program, or SBIR, is one program. There are also state, regional and minority grants available for small business finances.

Another grant option is to work with...

Employee recognition programs not only help employees feel appreciated and successful but can also serve to raise morale and be an opportunity to have some fun in the workplace. The economy has made giving prizes and throwing parties difficult for some companies but no worries, here are a few employee recognition ideas that cost next to nothing and still work to boost positive vibes in a big way.

The 'Wall of Appreciation'
Get a large, blank white board set up in an employee commons area with plenty of dry erase pens and markers. Encourage staff (including everyone from the CEO to the janitor) to write notes of recognition and thanks to each other on the wall. Things like congratulating a coworker on the completion of a major project and thanking the receptionist for always keeping the coffee brewing can really help people feel connected, appreciated, and like part of the team. Be sure to wipe the board clean every week or so to keep the sentiments fresh and relevant.

Pass the Trophy
Start with a unique, recognizable object and designate it as symbolic of something like teamwork, a positive attitude, etc. The object can be anything from a potted plant to a desk ornament to an actual trophy, as long as it's easily displayed as well as easily passed from employee to employee (humor is good -- the funnier or stranger the object is the more interesting the program will be). Start by recognizing an employee for displaying the appropriate quality (i.e....

Low employee morale is a problem that almost every company faces at some point. Some companies, however, seem to battle it more often than others (and a rare few seem to never have it at all). What's the difference? How can the attitude of workers vary so wildly from workplace to workplace?

Common causes of low morale include:

Poor communication. Confusing messages and unclear expectations from management, communication in only one direction (usually from the top down), or simply a lack of opportunity for communication can be devastating for morale.

Inconsistent Discipline. It not only leads to feelings of favoritism and 'playing politics,' but can leave employees feeling chronically stressed and anxious.

No Performance Reviews. People need to know where they stand, including what they're doing well and what they need to work on. Without this employees lose direction and focus and have a hard time seeing 'the big picture.'

Lack of Connection. When employees feel like a number they lose their sense of ownership and belonging, a basic human need.


What to do to treat or prevent these issues?

Communicate Clearly. Welcome feedback, new ideas, and criticisms from employees. Encourage staff to ask questions and share their thoughts, and involve them in decision-making whenever possible. Make job expectations clear and follow-up often.

Discipline Fairly. Keep disciplinary efforts...

When it comes to collectibles, particularly from movies, NECA has long been considered the primary purveyor of figures and toy figurines. Barbie dolls, on the other hand, usually involve only one character, Barbie, and her multitude of plastic and pink accessories.

So imagine NECA's dismay when Mattel released Edward Cullen and Bella Swan Barbies dolls and then later created a shirtless Jacob Black Barbie action figure.

NECA, which also sells Harry Potter merchandise, has an entire range of Twilight and New Moon collectibles including keychains, calendars and mugs, and must not have been too happy to learn that the girls who had grown up playing with Barbie would not be able to choose prettier Mattel versions of their favorite vampire characters over the more realistic NECA action figures.

Click here to check out the Mattel Twilight toys.