Joseph Smith, the founder of JAS Financial Services LLC., provides answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding financial planners.

Boeing Co. reported decreased earnings on fewer aircraft deliveries, causing its shares to fall. Still, the aviation giant beat Wall Street’s expectations.

Naperville-based Nalco Holding Co. swung to a profit in the second quarter on increased sales of its oil dispersant, Corexit, being used in the Gulf oil spill clean-up.

Nalco Holding Company is a stock to watch this week as it reports its first earnings impacted by strong sales of Corexit, the company’s chemical dispersant used by BP to help clean up the Gulf oil spill.

Columbia Sportswear reported narrower-than-expected loss for the second quarter ended June 30.

The 7500 employees employed by Motorola’s wireless network group will be moved entirely under the Nokia Siemens umbrella, with no expected layoffs. Nokia Siemens confirmed that the approximately 1600 Illinois employees would remain in place, to “maintain an Illinois” presence.

Small business growth is not picking up despite continued efforts from the government. Owners say a lack of demand, and fears of increased taxes are hampering enterprise and expansion.

Google’s second quarter saw rising revenues and earnings, but fell short of Wall Street expectations.

From the White House to Kraft Foods Inc., institutions are moving quickly to offer mobile application software, known as apps, allowing users to call several taxi companies at once, monitor food recalls or count calories, all from their smart phones.

The U.S. Senate passed the Frank-Dodd financial reform bill aimed at preventing a repeat of the 2008 credit crisis.