"A recent Gallup Global Management study found it costs five times as much to win over a new client than it does to serve an existing one," reports Inc.com.

Other sources say the ratio is even higher, so... Wow! And, it's good for customer relations, too:

"Upselling is a matter of knowing your clients' needs and goals and staying on top of them as consistently as possible," Inc.com says. "In that sense, upselling really isn't a type of sale - rather, it's ongoing service that benefits both your clients and your bottom line."

One of social media's strengths is its informal language. Blogs, Tweets, and Facebook posts are off-the-cuff, real-world bolts of opinion and news phrased like you're talking to your friends.

But, our Internet expert will wash your mouth out with Liquid Paper (remember Liquid Paper?) if you lapse into PG-17 language online.

Did you know that you can block access to your credit report and keep anyone from trying to open up a new account or to get new credit in your name? When you freeze your credit files, potential creditors or sellers will not be able to see your file unless you unlock your report with a PIN.

Freezing is free for California victims of identify theft, and most other consumers pay only $10 per credit bureau to place, temporarily lift, or remove the freeze.

• Consumer Reports gives more information on freezing your credit file.
• The State of California has a fact sheet on California laws that includes sample letters to send to the three major credit reporting bureaus.

Don't forget to visit our news page for regularly updated articles for your financial success.

Today the news page talks about:

• Deducting receivables as bad business debts
• Congress' enhanced small business tax bill
• District court holds same-sex married partners qualify for joint return filing
• What's new in back-to-school tax savings