EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA Business

Netflix light on movies as viewers soak up TV shows

2012-02-12T00:20:00-05:00

LOS ANGELES — Like most fresh faces that arrive in Hollywood, Netflix wanted to be a movie star.
But now it's learning what many in Tinseltown have known for decades: Movies are sexy, but the real money is in television.

Make these moves to lower your tax bill

2012-02-12T00:09:00-05:00

Death and taxes might be certain, but the latter changes each year.
Even without major tax legislation — thanks, political gridlock — taxpayers need to be aware of even slight adjustments that could benefit them as they prepare their returns.

The Ryan Report: The Fairholme Fund; A Tale of Two Markets

2012-02-12T00:07:00-05:00

There are many reasons why people invest. Some have goals such as educating their children, saving for retirement or simply accumulating wealth. Others who are already wealthy invest to grow and preserve their comfortable nest egg. Some investors are bold; others are timid. The idea that age has anything to do with it is overstated. There are as many brave 70-year-olds as there are brave 35-year-olds. The opposite is also true. But, what all individual investors seem to have in common is the tendency to assume that current conditions will continue well on into the future. History has proven that this assumption is way off base.

Biz Planner

2012-02-12T00:06:00-05:00

Feb. 13
LOWELL — "Social Media Workshop" will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and on Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lowell Telecommunications Corporation studios, 246 Market St., Lowell. Offered in partnership with the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce and Lowell Telecommunications Corporation. The seminar will provide an overview of various online marketing tools including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Free. To register, call 978-322-8400 or email shargis@comteam.org. For more information, visit lowellsmallbusiness.org.

Dave Says: Don't fall for same-as-cash offers

2012-02-12T00:06:00-05:00

My wife and I bought some furniture a while back on what we thought was a 24-months-same-as-cash plan. The original purchase price was $1,600. The other day, I got a call from a collector saying that it was actually a 12-month plan, and the balance is now $2,800. We looked at the contract, and it was our mistake on the length of the plan. Still, that makes the interest rate about 30 percent. Is there anything we can do about this?

Biznorth Briefcase

2012-02-12T00:05:00-05:00

SALEM, N.H. — Discount Party Store Developers announce the grand opening of Party 4 Less, a full service discount party store owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Bachler of Windham. Party 4 Less, located at 288 North Broadway in Salem, will offer all types of party supplies at discounted prices. Party 4 Less will open for business on Feb. 18, and the grand opening is scheduled for March 3. Party 4 Less will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit dpstores.com.

Motor Mouth: Ford Edge hits popular high points

2012-02-12T00:03:00-05:00

Crossovers are modern station wagons with one sizable advantage. They come with all-wheel drive. It's usually an upgrade from their starting, front-drive configuration. But around here, especially in February, scarcely anyone ever buys a crossover without four-wheel traction.

Auto Scanner: Behind Rogue's bad vibrations

2012-02-12T00:02:00-05:00

I own a 1998 Nissan Rogue that I have brought back to the dealer three times relating to a vibration in the steering wheel. It has new tires, balance and alignment.This only happens between 20 and 40 mph and stops during acceleration or deceleration. I was told this was normal with this type of transmission. The vehicle has only 24,000 miles on it. I can't believe a vibrating steering wheel is normal on any vehicle. Do you have any advice?

Auto Scene: Pump prices climb again

2012-02-12T00:01:00-05:00

The upward trend in gasoline prices continued last week. Averages compiled by the auto club AAA showed that the price of motor fuel increased for the sixth straight week in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The overall national average rose for the seventh consecutive week, AAA reported.

Massachusetts real estate transfers

2012-02-11T01:45:56-05:00

ANDOVER
16 Balmoral St. Unit 308: FNMA to George W. Ousler and Ingrid A. Lapsa, $121,000
218 Holt Road: Michelle and Roy D. Umanzio to Richard C. Dugas, $310,000
6 Karlton Circle: Leslie A Wetmore RET and Leslie A. Wetmore to Peter C. and Allison E. Kane, $412,000