Buying a business can be highly rewarding—but only if you get the groundwork right. This article walks you through evaluating industry trends and market conditions before acquiring a company. Look at tech disruption, changing consumer preferences, regulation, and market saturation. Examine economic indicators, interest rates, and global events. Then pull it all together with a SWOT analysis and thorough due diligence to increase odds of long-term success.

September is a perfect month to pause and get your finances in order before year end. Use these financial tips for September to review your progress toward annual goals—whether saving, investing, or debt payoff—and adjust if needed. Also start budgeting for upcoming expenses: holiday spending, tax-season prep, and large annual bills, so you aren’t caught off guard.

Passed in December 2022, SECURE 2.0 rolled out many changes over several years. Highlights include raising the RMD age (to 73 now, increasing to 75 in 2033), reducing penalties for missed distributions, boosting catch-ups for ages 60-63 (with $11,250 max in 2025), expanding automatic enrollment for new 401(k)/403(b) plans, enabling Roth matching/nonelective contributions, student loan payment matching, and greater access for long-term part-time workers.