There is no place for a successful business executive without integrity and ethics. The Christian business executive must focus his business with integrity and ethics or long-term success can be elusive. I'm reminded of the hacker or the crook who has the smarts to do great things but lacks life's guiding principles.

A few years ago, you could do business on a handshake rather than a 75 page contract to make sure everyone is on the same page. There's been too much legalize in our opinion and a willingness to file suit without justification. Rather than living a life of trust and integrity we're living a life filled with anxiety and turmoil.

Unfortunately, change has happened and everyone feels no one can be trusted. Business has become pay me first then we'll do the work. We'll install your new battery or repair your automobile once we clear your credit card for the charges and the bank gives us a confirmation number.

Trusting people are easily scammed by the con-artist. One protective step is to check with the Better Business Bureau for their input on various craftsmen or service companies. Sometimes a dishonest business owner keeps changing his/her company name to avoid being caught.

Watch out for the person who claims to be a Christian vs the person who lives a life of integrity and ethics. No one qualifies for your contracted employment without proof of expertise and skills for the job. Another best practice for the homeowner is using Angie's List to find talented craftsmen for various jobs.

One of our biggest money purchases is usually a new automobile or a new home. Most of us have to buy new appliances or electronics, too. There's always the question about value vs cost. Where can we learn details or a reliable source of testing and comparison with other like products?

Consumer Reports [CR] is a company that actually buys the products it tests and compares with similar products produced by various manufacturers. CR has a rating system and makes recommends to it's membership. Manufacturers like GE, Ford, Chevy, Chrysler, Honda have no influence at CR which is an independent lab run for the members who pay nominal fees for requested reports.

For example, you can design the car you want, get manufacturer's cost to dealers, then get the name of a local dealer who has agreed to sell the vehicle to you at a discounted price. Need to sell a used car? No problem, CR can provide you with that information, too.

Computers, your iphone, the ipad2 are tools that you can use to compare prices. All stores in your area are not selling all products at the same price. Sometimes, you can find products selling at $70 retail and another store is selling the same product for $45 with free shipping.

You may want to remember Consumer Reports - Angie's List - BBB - and others you may find that provide reliable information to their members at nominal cost and some are free for the asking.

In addition to savings available through good research, you may want to think about your own Plan B that will give your family additional income streams and financial security. There are so many ways for us to grow and learn about all the great benefits of being a home based business owner.