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

It's the second holiday shopping season of this recession, and some local retailers report things aren't as bad as they feared. ...more

December 23, 2009

It has been 21 years since the Texas women's volleyball program won a national title. ...more

December 18, 2009

Since USF doesn't play Northern Illinois in the International Bowl until Jan. 2, Bulls coach Jim Leavitt is easing the team back into practice following a recent stretch that included a week off for finals. ...more

December 18, 2009

Not long after his final match at last year's state wrestling tournament, Durant's T.J. Davis began hearing the same message from everyone with whom he crossed paths. ...more

December 16, 2009

In theory it made plenty of sense. It was just one pass, after all, and if Josh Freeman completes it, well then his confidence is right back where you want it, strong as ever and standing on its own again. ...more

December 15, 2009

The Rev. Don Horton came to the role of pastor fairly late in life. He was in his 40s when he accepted his first call to preach. ...more

December 9, 2009

The University of South Florida's season was a roller-coaster ride until the very end. And the final play is not one the Bulls will want to remember. ...more

December 6, 2009

The similarities between former Berkeley Prep soccer standout Tyler Davis and current one T.J. Roehn are, to a certain extent, pretty eerie. ...more

November 25, 2009

The similarities between former Berkeley Prep soccer standout Tyler Davis and current one T.J. Roehn are, to a certain extent, pretty eerie. ...more

November 25, 2009