Business

By Julie A. Martin When you live in a community governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), you might feel like your options for homeowner’s insurance are limited. However, working with an independent insurance agent can help you find the right coverage that meets both your needs and the requirements of your...

By Maurice Stouse, Financial Advisor and Branch Manager If we reflect on almost four decades in the investment world, we cannot find, with any consistency, anyone who can tell you when and how to invest in the next year. For sure, there are market predictions, economic predictions and forecasts and...

By Bill Mason, Rocket Fuel Coach As a seasoned leader and coach, I firmly believe in the power of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as a vital tool to drive personal growth and success. No matter our age, the pursuit of self-improvement should never end—it is a lifelong journey, one that I...

By Chris Balzer, ECES Here’s how a home energy checkup can help you save cash and reduce your carbon footprint. A simple home energy checkup can show you how to fix air leaks, see if you have insulation shortages and find other common culprits that cost you big bucks each...

By Maurice Stouse, Financial Advisor and Branch Manager It has been noted that most people, when they hear or read things that speak to fear, respond with seeing that (about 70% of people) as credible. They believe it, or are motivated by it, or act because of it. Optimism by...

By Randal Locklier, President, Gulf Financial What a wild ride it has been for the economy and markets the last few years. Retirees have a lot of obstacles to confront in the quest to build a solid financial plan. There are two wars, political uncertainty, rising interest rates, and inflation...

By Julie A. Martin 2023 has been a strange year for insurance in the state of Florida. We have seen some massive increases in premiums across the board. Home, Auto and Flood insurance premiums have risen above levels seen last in 2005. Between 2022 and 2023, nearly 20 carriers either went...

By Lori Leath Smith The doors have opened at a new Training Center for students pursuing careers in the automotive industry. The Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art facility, is a milestone achievement made possible through the unique and valuable partnership of Step One Automotive Group and Northwest Florida State College...

By Bill Mason, Rocket Fuel Coach Mark Twain once told a story about a man searching for the world’s greatest general. The man searched his whole life until one day he died and met St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. The man told St. Peter he was looking for the...

By Maurice Stouse, Financial Advisor and Branch Manager When it comes to saving and investing, we encourage individuals to do a review of tax strategies and to consider if some of these might work for you and your situation. There is tax deferral, tax deduction, tax free, tax reduction and tax...