You might need to be contributing more to your 401K than you think. Financial Planner Stuart Ritter from T. Rowe Price tells you exactly how much you should be putting away for retirement.

How the oldest privately owned ferry in the nation is still delivering vehicles and staying afloat in Talbot County.

Why filing your tax return early might prevent an identity thief from stealing your money.

The highs and lows of a Baltimore craftsman carving out a niche in the wood-making industry.

Zadia Hardy, a Glen Burnie project manager, was recently featured on TLC's "Extreme Couponing" show. Last year, she saved $7,000 at her local grocery store. Find out all about her saving skills, and learn how YOU can get the best deals around. Plus, she'll talk about her website, MsCouponista.com

How the Afro-American newspaper is preserving over a century of publishing for future generations.

It says a lot about a company when they’re able to stay in business for nearly 3 decades. This week, Yolanda Vazquez visits a Pikesville store where stylish clothing is always in fashion.

E-commerce and online sales have revolutionized holiday shopping. First there was the rise of Cyber Monday, but now the growth of mobile and tablet-based commerce makes it easier than ever to shop from anywhere at any time. Social media has accelerated this process, with consumers sharing shopping tips with friends and retailers offering special deals.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Bill Rand talks about how e-commerce and social media have revolutionized holiday shopping and the way we buy things throughout the year.

The Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce is doing their best to win back small businesses after membership numbers have dwindled over the past few years.

Tom Noonan, the President and CEO of Visit Baltimore, and Eddie Dopkin of The Classic Catering People expect a spike in the wedding business now that same-sex marriage is legal in Maryland. They join us to talk about how Maryland's economy will benefit.

A store in Towson, Maryland is bringing a whole new meaning to purple pride.

Maryland State officials say tourism and the hospitality industry, even before the gaming referendum passed is a growing business in Maryland; where are the jobs and how do you find one.

Many start-ups base their businesses on changing their customers’ behavior – which can be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be so hard. The trick is understanding how customers make decisions and how to influence those decisions.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up, the Smith School’s Rebecca Ratner talks about her experience working with entrepreneurs at Silicon Valley’s behavioral economics summit for start-ups, StartupOnomics, and the takeaways other businesses can use.

Richard Friedlander, Vice President of accounting firm Rosen, Sapperstein, and Friedlander joins us with expert advice on tax planning in these uncertain economic times. Make sure you're financially set for 2013!

How a second generation Hunt Valley business learns to cope with changing times by restructuring its store to better meet customers needs.

After reports of some meters overheating and catching fire in Southeastern Pennsylvania, is there a hidden hazard with smart meters?

The Purple Rail Alliance is a newly formed group of Prince George’s County business leaders calling for state funding to build a Purple Line in Maryland. The line would be 16 miles long and would connect Bethesda and New Carrollton. Find out how it would benefit the state’s economy and infrastructure from the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Purple Rail Alliance, Tom Farasy.

Organizations are often in a race to increase productivity – a good thing in the business world. But too much service productivity can actually cut into a company’s revenue, according to new research from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up, the Smith School’s Roland Rust talks about his new research that finds lower productivity can often lead to a better bottom line.

After Hurricane Sandy hit, many Marylanders had storm damage. But is flood insurance really necessary? Does your normal homeowner policy cover floods? Tune into Your Money and Business to find out.

How a local business owner is casting the perfect lure while keeping his eye on the bottom line.

You've seen them popping up all around Maryland, this week we go behind the biz to find out why the super mega grocery store chain Wegmans is setting up shop in the state.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Nick Seybert talks about his new research that looks at the size of CEO’s signatures on annual SEC filings to measure narcissism and how that relates to firm performance.

What you need to know before signing up for extra products connected to your credit card.

Students on the Eastern Shore are getting a close look at how wind energy and education are changing the future.

It started in the basement of a church, and now, Chimes is the largest provider of education services and employment for people with disabilities in Maryland. In November, Chimes is hosting its 65th anniversary gala. The CEO, Marty Lampner, joins us to discuss the organization’s growth and the challenges that people with disabilities face.

If more homes are being bought with cash, what does that mean for the real estate market?

A second-generation, Baltimore boating company expands their presence in the Inner Harbor. In this week's "Behind the Biz" Yolanda Vazquez explains how the city’s newest yacht will be a boon to the local economy.

As the 2012 presidential race accelerates toward Election Day, campaign strategy in both camps has negative messages flying fast, with sounds bites and ads traveling far and wide.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Hank Boyd talks about how the presidential candidates are – or should be – building their brands on the campaign trail.

If merchants are paying higher credit card fees, what does that mean for consumers?

A local restaurateur specializing in Mediterranean Cuisine broadens his horizons by taking his top-selling dish-hummus-to new heights. Yolanda Vazquez explains in this week's "Behind the Biz."

Fitness comes first, according to some of Baltimore’s top CEOs, who are competing in a workout challenge at Merritt Athletic Clubs. They’re doing it to show their employees the importance of exercise. This comes after a recent study revealed that productivity losses due to personal and family health problems cost US employers over $1,600 per employee each year.

Will increasing demand and a decreasing supply of undeveloped lots mean higher home prices for buyers?

A Baltimore entrepreneur has come up with a pretty clever way to get around town while riding in a fashionable open air cab. How does the business work?

A new survey shows that 37% of students say they’re likely to stay in Baltimore after graduation, compared to just 19% in 2003. What accounts for that significant increase? We’ll discuss the survey’s findings, including the reasons students like the Baltimore community and what they say it is missing.

Consumers like it, but is Maryland's back to school tax break a costly idea?

According to data published earlier this year, 70 U.S. companies hold $1.2 trillion in untaxed (by the United States) profits around the world, an 18-percent increase from a year earlier. Those firms and others unsuccessfully lobbied Congress in 2011 for a tax repatriation holiday — similar to the one enacted seven years ago within the 2004 American Jobs Creation Act.

Though legislative debate on a tax holiday has stalled, the presidential candidates differ on how to deal with a 35 percent U.S. corporate tax rate — highest among industrialized nations and an obstacle to increasing American jobs and production on U.S. soil.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Michael Faulkender talks about the debate over the corporate tax structure.

How one local popcorn company owner turned her love of the snack into a successful business.

Do you understand your 401K investment plan and what about new disclosure regulations that could impact your portfolio? What employees and employers need to know.

Thousands are eligible for aid through the National Mortgage settlement, but who is covered?

It has taken more than 25 years, but a Timonium furniture store owner says he’s finally figured out how to build a flourishing enterprise.

A classroom on the river, how a new estuary program at Morgan State University could someday help Maryland's waterman.

There are many reasons to come to Charm City, but attending conferences appears to be a main draw. Hotel books are on the rise, and so is convention growth. Visit Baltimore's CEO, Tom Noonan, joins us for a discussion.

This year’s presidential election may very well come down to the economy and stock market performance between now and Election Day. Is there any way to forecast outcomes, and what will the election results mean for the economy and markets going forward?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, David Kass talks about the presidential race and the economy.

Getting to know your customer can create great value when you're trying to build a sales relationship. It's becoming easier to do that with the rise of networking sites like LinkedIn. Just make sure you know what to do and what not to do when using these sites as marketing and sales tools. Experts Lindsay Kelley and Colleen McKenna join us to discuss this.

Consumer savings expert Regina Novickis travels around the country to share penny pinching tips and tricks. She stops at MPT to teach viewers how to soften the blow of rising health care costs, and how to make the most out of back-to-school shopping.

The summer of 2012 saw record droughts in much of United States, particularly the Midwest, impacting the growing season for the nation’s farmers. With entire crops lost, many of the effects are yet to be seen on the grocery shelves.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Jie Zhang talks about what consumers can expect and how retailers and marketers might react.

This week we get the scoop on a local culinary expert serving up the right ingredients for a successful business.

How Maryland plans to spend its share of the national mortgage settlement money.

How an apple store alternative is competing with the real ones.

Clothes and footwear $100 or less are exempt from the 6% state sales tax from August 12th - 18th! Comptroller Peter Franchot has all the details, and he'll talk about how this opportunity benefits both you and Maryland.

Digital intelligence, the ability to understand and make use of the power of information technology to one’s advantage, is becoming a critical skill for survival and success in today’s economy. Information technology (IT) can make or break any type of organization – large or small. Most companies are just beginning to figure out how to integrate IT, and they’re hiring CEOs and top executives based on ability to navigate the digital future facing their industries.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Sunil Mithas talks about how successful managers can develop and continuously improve their digital intelligence.

Why your property tax bill could go up despite a lower assessment.

Do you need a generator? Find out from Arnold Friedlander, owner of Winn Electric Contracting. He knows the business inside and out, and he'll help you figure out the best way to power up when storms leave you in the dark.

As Generation Y enters the workforce, they are stirring things up and challenging the corporate culture. What power do these change makers really have and how can you harness it?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Melissa Carrier talks about the emergence of internal changemakers in organizations.

How a Maryland based, owned and operated bike shop with more than 30 years of experience is staying on the path to success.

Why good news for landlords is not making apartment renters smile.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Maryland saw 11,000 job losses in June. That marks the fourth month in a row of declines in employment for the state. Economic expert Dr. Daraius Irani joins us to break down what's happening and why, and what the future holds.

A childhood dream to open a candy store comes true for one local entrepreneur, how a Baltimore candyland came to fruition.

How cranking up new engines could jump start the Washington County economy.

How to stop thieves from stealing your child's identity.

From renovating houses and commercial buildings to creating a public art program and more, the Ocean City Development Corporation is making the town a better place for its residents and visitors. Join our conversation with the OCDC's Executive Director.

Companies must make an early move to either adopt a new business model, or morph the existing model to take advantage of disruptive innovation – or suffer the same death of one-time industry leaders Kodak, Blockbuster and Borders.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Henry Lucas talks how and why innovative technology can threaten the survival of many companies today.

How one family owned and operated store with a loyal customer following is expanding its product line to keep up with changing times.

A local chef with a twist on the menu - a way to make healthy, gourmet meals for dogs.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Charles Olson talks about how a gas tax increase in Maryland could help encourage the use of natural gas as an alternative fuel.

A local media company is going after Google and Apple. How does Millennial Media plan to succeed?

A Hollywood producer is bringing his creative and historical talents to Maryland.

Scott Rosenfelt has won acclaim and recognition for his films, Home Alone, Mystic Pizza, Smoke Signals and Extremities, now he's teaming up with director Philip Marshall on the production of Francis Scott Key. FSK will be a two-hour dramatic production on the life and times of the Star-Spangled Banner author.

Maryland homeowners who haven't applied for the Homestead Property Tax Credit have until the end of the year to do so or lose the tax break.

A side hobby of baking wedding cakes turns into an unexpected business idea for a Brit from across the pond.

Take a look back at the AFRO and its services to the Baltimore, Maryland and Washington DC area communities from 1892 to now.

An untraditional approach to a traditional business, this week we visit an animal wellness center in Columbia, Maryland.

How safe is that data on your smart phone?

Life lessons for young entrepreneurs; learning from leading corporate executives from around the Maryland region.

A Maryland based fragrance company is smelling sweet success with their new line of colognes based on characters from the Avengers Movie.

How a battle between merchants and banks over debit cards may affect your wallet.

Commemorative coins 200 years in the making. What's a silver dollar really worth and what about a gold coin with a face value of 5-bucks? If they're special bicentennial coins from the War of 1812, the answers might surprise you.

Bill Pencek joins us with a list of events you can take part in to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 including the international parade of tall ships.

How one culinary entrepreneur turned a job loss into a successful cafe in Towson.

Important new information for both home buyers and sellers.

Student loan debt continues to create years of financial burden for graduating college students and their families. Tonight we'll hear how Baltimore-based StraighterLine is helping make a college education more affordable.

With digital communications, writing skills for executives are more important than ever. How can you be sure you’re staying professional while getting your point across?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Ken White talks about writing for executives.

More companies are allowing, if not encouraging working by remote, whether at home or on the go. What are the most effective ways to do this? TV personality Al Roker has been working remotely for years and shares his experiences this week.

How a local graphics company is becoming a major player in the look and feel of several popular restaurants.

Tonight we hear how the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) is working to grow technology-based businesses in Maryland.

Planning your financial future together before the honeymoon can help insure financial bliss after the wedding.

Future business leaders and CEO's at Towson University recently competed for a chance to make their entrepreneurial dreams come true.

How selling cars and raising funds for breast cancer works at a Maryland based dealership.

With over 60 franchises across the country, Abrakadoodle is making a name for itself in the art education world. One Howard County woman saw a business opportunity and went for it.

Having a global perspective is critical to leading in today’s business world. At the Smith School, students take part in international experiences abroad and at home to shape their view of the world and give them the practical preparation needed to excel and lead.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Kislaya Prasad talks about the impact international experiences can have on perspective and career.

What are the ingredients for a successful restaurant? Will a taste of the Bronx be a hit in Charm City?

Inside the boardroom with the new CEO of the Maryland based, worldwide Marriott Hotel chain.

Baltimore County Public Schools opened their first Stock Exchange Classroom at Randallstown High School. Students in the Academy of Finance Program will use the room's ticker boards displaying live stock prices for hands-on experience in reading stock quotes and learning how to invest.

Taking on the current job market can seem a bit daunting, but with the right preparation candidates can set themselves apart.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Jeff Kudisch talks about how the school is helping students prepare to take on the job market, including innovative activities such as an improv workshop to build communications skills.

It’s no secret that in today’s economy, consignment shops are doing quite well. But it takes a lot of business savvy and consumer insight to get one up and running.

In this week's “Behind the Biz” we meet a Columbia, Maryland mom who used her entrepreneurial spirit to make her dreams come true.

STX, headquartered in Baltimore, has been supplying lacrosse equipment to the lacrosse community since 1970. Tonight we'll look at the growth of the company into other sports and STX's plans to invest in Baltimore in the form of new jobs and community revitalization efforts.

How entrepreneurs can take advantage of one of the hottest sites online.

The economics of Civil War history. There are over 100 Civil War sites in Maryland. This week we visit a few of them.

How a local restauranteur has been winging it for 25 years.

It's one of the best known buildings in the state. Oriole Park at Camden Yards is celebrating 20 years this season with numerous upgrades which make a trip to the ball park even more fan friendlier.

Cyber crime is on the rise and the need to safeguard against cyber security attacks is real and growing. No industry is exempt and the demand for experts who can battle using bits and bytes has never been greater. Maryland has become a hub of cyber security activity and the university is leading the way.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Sandor Boyson talks about the critical need for cyber security.

What homeowners need to know about a filing deadline that could keep property tax from going up.

How a top Maryland tourist attraction helps to promote the health of Chesapeake Bay.

Why it's important to take a closer look at your mortgage escrow statement.

Marriott CEO Bill Marriott explains how his family turned one small restaurant into a world wide hotel chain with over 3000 lodging properties located in the United States and 68 other countries.

New efforts are underway aimed at improving the water quality at one of Maryland's top tourist destinations. Our Charles Robinson tells us how that could improve the bottom line for businesses near the Inner Harbor.

It couldn't happen to you, could it? New strategies for keeping your finances safe from scam artists.

A family owned company has been serving the winning ingredients in the chocolate market for nearly a century. What's the secret to their success?

How is a local company helping salon professionals set up shop in a cost-effective way?

You may have heard what your client, boss or co-worker just said. But were you really listening? In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Ken White talks about what it means to actively listen and how mastering this skill can help your career.

Dick Gelfman's Ride Across Maryland has raised over over $2 million for breast cancer patients and research. How can successful charities like this maximize the impact of their donations?

For years, anyone in Maryland could prepare tax returns for money, but that is no longer the case.

It is believed that one in every 23 consumers is a victim of some form of identity theft. In this week's Behind the Biz, how one local document destruction business owner is protecting your personal information and watching his bottom line.

Secretary Johansson joins us to discuss the Maryland Innovation Initiative bill before the General Assembly. Plus we’ll get an update on Invest Maryland as the first tax credit auction to raise funds for the initiative happens next month.

A Maryland company is playing a key role in the War of 1812 celebration.

Are you thinking of solar power for your home but not sure if it's cost effective? Tonight the president of Maryland based Astrum Solar joins us to answer your questions.

Though cellphones are usually considered devices that connect people, they may make users less socially minded, finds a recent study from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Ajay Abraham talks about new research that examines how using a cell phone impacts behavior.

An unexpected tax break for some homeowners.

The deadline this year for filing your tax returns is April 17th. If you hire someone to prepare your taxes, how do you know if that person is qualified? Tonight we'll get expert advice on what qualifications you should look for in a professional. Plus, tips for keeping up with the ever changing tax laws and how to get the most out of your return.

One Maryland restaurant owner has changed his entire business strategy because of the popularity of his freshly-made soups. How that's working for the bottom line and keeping the customers happy.

Is that big ticket item you just purchased with a sweet rebate actually a tax burden surprise?

Why filling your pet's prescription at your own pharmacy might be a good idea.

Tonight we'll look at the efforts of the Downtown Partnership to keep residents and businesses downtown as well as showcasing Baltimore's attractiveness for new companies.

Estimates are pegging Facebook’s current valuation at $100 billion with its initial public offering coming up this spring. The social media giant will no doubt have the year’s most talked about IPO, but is it a good deal?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Gerard Hoberg talks about Facebook’s impending initial public offering.

Tonight we'll take a look at the growth credit unions have experienced lately as some consumers have grown increasing frustrated with banks. In addition to consumers, credit unions are also looking to increase business members.

Breaking down property taxes - who pays what and why?

What are the ingredients to a successful tea room?

When several houses on a block are facing foreclosure the whole neighborhood can be at risk. One Maryland housing organization is working to keep neighborhoods from falling apart.

Auto dealers in Maryland experienced an increase in the number of new vehicles sold last year. Tonight we'll hear what caused the rise in sales and what this means for the economy.

How two young entrepreneurs are taking the hassle out of parking in downtown Baltimore.

What's the impact of high frequency trades on the average mutual fund investor?

Bucking the trend in the newspaper industry of cutting back on print editions, this week the Frederick News-Post resumed its Monday edition.

A small city in western Maryland was recently named one of the most affordable places to live in the country. We went to Cumberland, Maryland to find out why the town is so appealing to residents and business owners alike.

What are the secrets to success in the floral business? One Maryland florist says that after 30 years, everything is still coming up roses.

Do you have trouble sleeping and wish you could be tested in your own bed? NovaSom is a diagnostic-service provider for home testing and evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea.

The Constellation merger gets the blessing of a major player, what does this mean for consumers?

Have you ever worked with someone you might consider “difficult?” Chances are good that someone fitting this description springs to mind. As it turns out, these aren’t just people with whom you may have a personality conflict. The key distinction that separates “difficult” co-workers from the merely “annoying” is their effect on job performance.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Cynthia Kay Stevens talks about her research delves into the characteristics of “difficult co-workers” and their behaviors in the workplace.

How a Catonsville entrepreneur went from taking the restaurant orders to owning the food joint.

Seeing a need for professional networking opportunities for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, Scott Marder and Ted Hart started the Maryland Corporate Council. The MCC is a new LGBT-focused networking group that hosts educational and social events related to: networking, finding and working with a mentor, career development strategies, strategies for successful transition from staff to manager to executive, and LGBT-focused finance and tax strategies.

What effect could a controversial new bill have on the internet and e-commerce if it becomes law?

An eclectic mix of gift items and handmade jewelry is making for a different kind of shopping experience in Ellicott City.

From a magazine to the TV screen, how one local media chief is making the move from print to broadcast.

New tools at the disposal for the do it yourself crowd.

Jason Hardebeck recently sold his social-networking software-application development company WhoGlue to Facebook. Now he has taken the helm of the Greater Baltimore Technology Council. He joins us tonight to discuss his plans for the GBTC.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Clifford Rossi, executive-in-residence of finance, shares his prognosis for the housing market for the year ahead.

Will this be the year our economy hits its stride? Three CEOs of leading Maryland-based firms sit down to discuss the year ahead and where new jobs are going to be created.

Is there finally good news in the real-estate market? This week we look at a possible rebound in our Baltimore Sun Extra.

A growing number of Maryland's baby boomer population is nearing retirement age and the state's businesses community is preparing to serve them. Tonight we'll talk with Dr. Rifkin, an executive from a company that owns and operates senior-living properties in Maryland and Delaware.