Q. I am rather new to this area, and as I have always worked for big corporations, I am very new to small business. I presently work at a business I would like to own. The owner has offered to sell me the franchise. I am very intrigued by the possibility of owning this business, but have zero experience from which to draw. I am 50 years old, in good health, willing to work hard and have very good credit (but no cash). My husband is very supportive of this idea and will be a very large presence in running this franchise. However, he is still years from retirement and generally puts 40 to 50 hours into his job weekly. Could you possibly direct me to the type of advisor that would be the most helpful? I don't know how viable an option this would be, and while I don't want to pass up an opportunity to increase our retirement nest egg, I don't want to jump into something that could become an albatross. I appreciate your time and input on this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you. ...more

December 23, 2009

Health-care costs are destroying my small business. My self-employed premium went up to $696 per month. That is insurance for one person, only me, no family. ...more

June 22, 2009

The Fox network is making a reality show out of the troubled economy. ...more

April 8, 2009

Newly merged with Wachovia Bank, Wells Fargo has named a new leader for its Florida operations. ...more

January 21, 2009

Barbara LeBoeuf of New Port Richey is desperate for a new direction after decade of Republic rule. ...more

October 18, 2008

Dear Readers, In June, Mr. HandyPerson responded to a Florida reader having trouble finding a house painter who did not expect a 50 percent advance before signing a contract. He opined that perhaps this was not terribly unusual because the painters might need to purchase materials, and that she should make calls to city hall and the Better Business Bureau to ask about local standards, and to check about prospective painters. ...more

August 28, 2008

Dear Abby: My 31-year-old son calls me only when he's in need of something - like bailing him out of jail. He never calls just to say hello or ask how I am. ...more

August 24, 2008

Hillary saw men and women with children on their shoulders, and told them, "You can be anything." But that's not the case. You can't be everything. ...more

June 15, 2008

Alpha-Omega Title Insurance Co. celebrated its 25th anniversary this month. Mayor Pam Iorio spoke at the May 14 celebration, complimenting the company on its community service and perseverance in a difficult real estate market. ...more

May 28, 2008

WEST TAMPA - The West Tampa Memorial American Legion Post 248 will host a hall dedication and fundraiser at 11 a.m. Saturday. ...more

May 21, 2008