Purchasing

University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index edged up to a reading of 71 in September, a slight uptick from August's 70.3, which was the lowest level since 2011.

Every business involves tedious but indispensable tasks. Those are the ones it's best to outsource.

Complex purchases aren't so much about a product or service as they are about an outcome, a trajectory, a solution or a promise. To gain the right offer from a vendor, ask the right questions and look in the right places.

While there are many books, resources and advisers dealing with M&As at large corporations, there isn't a whole lot of information about acquiring small companies. Here are a few tips to make the road less bumpy.