We’re all seeking the American Dream. For most of us the American Dream is incomplete without either one of two things, homeownership and/or the ability to own your own business. Real estate investing seemingly allows you to take advantage of both. You’re awarded the coveted title of homeowner while at the same time you create a source of income from your income producing real estate property. I’ve heard it stated many times that real estate is one of the great pillars of wealth.

I once heard a real estate investment speaker state that real estate has made more average people millionaires than any other industry. I don’t know the validity of his statement but I do know that millionaire status via real estate investing can often be misleading. It looks good on a balance sheet when your assets minus liability calculation suggest that you’re a millionaire—but are you liquid? Can you easily access your wealth from real estate at a moment’s notice without making price concessions or reducing your equity position by taking out a loan?

MARCH 10—Volunteers of American will host their Brown Bag Lunch and Disability Resource Breakfast from 12-1 p.m. at 1650 Main St., Sharpsburg. This is for new and existing business owners who are looking to expand their business. The topic is “Taking Emotions Out of Your Financial Decisions.” Lee Wagner of Waddell and Reed Financial Advisors, will discuss his personal mission to help people navigate the frustrating path to financial literacy and will motivate attendees to become educated and change their behavior in a positive manner. They will leave with a better understanding  of the financial planning needs of the average American. For more information, call 412-782-5344 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(NNPA)—For most Americans, the Better Business Bureau is the private sector’s gold standard of objectivity and fairness. Founded in 1912, this nonprofit organization today has 123 offices in the United States and Canada that monitor more than four million local and national businesses and charities.

So when this advocate for fairness and transparency issues a written warning against deceitful activity, it is time to take note. After receiving a deluge of complaints, the BBB recently told buyers to beware. The warning also came following an independent investigation and lawsuit by the West Virginia attorney general.

Doris Carson Williams, president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania said at least one city of Pittsburgh department is limiting access to contracts for Minority- Women- and Disabled-Business Enterprises by bundling contracts.

DORIS CARSON WILLIAMS

“Bundling several contracts into a package and awarding it to one large firm retards economic development, job creation and retention,” she said. “It all but eliminates small firms, not to mention MBE firms.”