What are the average annual sales of small businesses? What percentage of businesses bring in more than $1 million in sales? How many make less than $50,000 a year? Here's what Business Know-How small business surveys and data from the Census Bureau and SBA Office of Advocacy show.
These tax tips and articles will help you better understand common tax matters business owners often need to deal with. If you have any difficulty understanding your tax obligations or filing tax returns be sure to consult a tax professional.
The FTC has issued a warning about a new COVID-related loan scam. Small business owners are receiving emails that appear to be about government-sponsored loan programs, but they're really phishing attempts.
The new stimulus bill offers PPP2 loans, EIDL grants, and more. Here's what the bill includes for everyone and tips on how these programs could impact freelancers' taxes.
Do Work-from-Home Employees Reduce a Business’s Expenses?Allowing employees to work from home could reduce your business’s expenses, but you may have to reimburse your employees for their costs of working from home. Here are important details to consider.
Watch Out for Fake MoneyWhen retailers accept fake bills, they bear the entire burden of the loss. And though it's true that counterfeiters' techniques are getting more and more complex, there are numerous things retail employees can do to detect counterfeit money.
Small Business Bankruptcy: An Option When You Can’t Pay Your DebtsWhen a company can't pay its debts and creditors demand payment now, filing for bankruptcy could bring some relief. Here are important facts to know about small business bankruptcy.
Report: Pandemic Impact on Small BusinessesHow badly has the pandemic hurt small businesses so far? What are the expectations for 2021? Could government do more to help? Read this report and compare your business.
SBA Extends COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application Deadline through Dec. 31, 2021The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 Pandemic disaster declaration is extended to Dec. 31, 2021.
Beware of COVID-19 ScamsScammers are already out in force trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep yourself, your money, and your personal information safe by heeding these warnings from the FTC and SBA.
Information about the Initial PPP & EIDL Loans (4/20)If you received a PPP or EIDL loan as a self-employed business owner, be sure you understand the tax implications as well as how potential loan forgiveness works.
How to Pay Yourself When You're a Sole ProprietorGetting paid when you work for yourself isn't as simple as it may seem. Sole proprietors should follow these guidelines for paying themselves in a way they don't get in trouble with the IRS or other government agencies.
How to Apply for an SBA Coronavirus Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Where to Get HelpThe SBA is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Here’s how to apply.
How to Write an Elevator PitchAn elevator pitch (elevator speech) is a short, powerful description of what you do and why it’s important to customers or investors. Here’s how to write an elevator pitch that gets attention.
Pricing Services - Guide for Small BusinessesHow should you price your business services? Here are costs you have to factor into your hourly rates to run a profitable service or consulting business.
The SECURE Act is Changing Retirement Saving Plans for Business Owners and EmployeesThe SECURE Act, which was passed in December of 2019, enacted new tax laws that affect both employer-sponsored retirement plans and individual retirement plans. Find out how these changes may impact you and your business.
How the Qualified Business Income Deduction Could Cut Your Tax Bill by 20 PercentThe qualified business income (QBI) deduction could save you as much as 20% on your taxes if you meet the qualifications. Find out how this new pass-through deduction works here.
Small Business Insurance: Benefits of a Business Owner PolicyA business owner policy is a small business insurance policy that combines insurance coverage for property damage and common liability risks into a single package. Here’s how it may benefit your business.
Small Business Growth TrendsHow are small businesses in the US doing? Here are the small business growth trends outlined in a report from online lender Kabbage.
How to Buy a Business to Expand Your Current BusinessWhen you buy a business that's related to your own, it can fast-track your business expansion. But buying a business doesn't come without risks and challenges.
How Much Money Do Business Owners Need to Retire?How much money do you need to retire as a business owner? You may think the sale of your business will fund your retirement, but will that be enough? Here's what you need to know.
45 Cost-Cutting Strategies for Small CompaniesThink you've exhausted all the ways you can save money in your business? Don't be sure until you've taken a look at these cost-cutting tips for small businesses.
Online Payment Solutions for Small BusinessesAccepting online payments from your customers is a necessity for most businesses. Here are the most common online payment solutions available to small businesses.
The Pros & Cons of Accepting Bitcoin for Small Business PaymentsShould you accept Bitcoin payments in your business? What are the benefits and what are the risks? Here are pros and cons of Bitcoin payments to consider.
Common Pricing Strategies and Why They FailBusinesses set their prices based on a variety of criteria, but even the most carefully thought out pricing strategy may still leave money on the table. Here are four common pricing strategies and the reasons why they don't work.
How to Get Money to Start a BusinessWhere can you find money to start a business? That's a challenge most startups face. Here are 18 ways to get the startup funds you need.
10 Business SourcesLooking for funding for your business? There are a wide variety of sources available, depending on your needs. Here's an overview of the most common types of business financing.
Tax Deductible Startup ExpensesStarting a business is costly, but many of your startup expenses are tax deductible. Make sure you don't miss out on any tax savings by finding out which of those expenses you can write off.
7 Things to Watch Out for When Getting Online Financial AdviceSure, it’s possible to find good money management advice online, but it’s rare. If you plan on searching the Internet for sound financial wisdom, be sure to come armed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Here are seven things to be wary of along the way.
How to Use the Standard Mileage Deduction to Deduct Business Driving ExpensesTaking the mileage deduction when you use your vehicle for business can yield big savings on your taxes. Find out what this year's mileage rate is and what the IRS's rules are for taking this deduction.
5 Tips for Organizing Your Business FinancesWish your business finances were more organized? There's no better time to get a handle on them than right now. Use these five tips for creating a system to keep your business finances organized.
8 Ways to Manage Your Business Expenses BetterReal savings for your business won't come in the way of cutting out this cost or that cost. To see lasting results, follow these eight tips for managing your business's regular expenses.
How to Avoid a Costly Inheritance Tax MistakeIf you inherited your parent's retirement account, the IRS could potentially take a huge portion of it. Here's what you need to know to avoid an expensive mistake.
Tips for Negotiating with Big Companies For small businesses, negotiating a contract with a large corporation or government agency can be harder than making the sale. Don't let contract negotiations (or the other company's negotiator) intimidate you! Here are negotiation tips for coming out with a fair deal.
How to Get Paid SoonerHaving steady work from a big customer is great, but more important is getting paid in a timely manner. Use these nine tips to get paid faster.
7 Tax Deductions for the Self-EmployedWhat tax deductions can the self-employed take? Here are 7 important types of tax deductions for home businesses and sole proprietors.
How to Start a Business with No MoneyWant to start your own business but don't have any money? Here are 10 creative strategies you can use to launch your business when you have little to no startup funds.
How to Reduce Attorney Fees for Your BusinessAt some point in the life of your business, you will probably need an attorney's expertise. Here are ways to manage your legal expenses and keep attorney's fees under control.
Raising Startup Money from Friends and FamilyWill you be looking to friends and family to help fund your startup? Be sure you do these four things if you accept their investment in your business.
Haggle Your Way to Lower Business ExpensesYour business' recurring expenses add up to a significant chunk of your budget. You can permanently lower some of those costs by negotiating discounts and lower rates with the companies you buy from.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Being an Independent ContractorWorking for yourself as an independent contractor gives you the freedom you always wanted when you were an employee, and possibly even the chance to earn more money. However, being your own boss can have downsides, too. Here are the pros and cons of independent contracting.
Dangers of Rapid Business Growth and What to Do About ThemOnce your business becomes profitable, your next goal is probably to see it grow. If that growth comes too fast, though, you could run into some unexpected problems. Here are the top six problems caused by rapid business growth and advice on how to handle them.
Small Business Grants: What You Need to KnowSmall business grants aren't sitting out there waiting to be claimed by every business owner in need, but they do exist. However, there are usually strings attached and hoops to jump through. Get the real story about small business grants here.
Insurance Needs for Independent ContractorsOne of the most important things you'll deal with when striking out on your own as a freelancer is insurance coverage. Health insurance is the most obvious concern, but you'll need coverage for other areas, too. Here's an overview of those insurance types to get you started.
Retirement Planning for Freelancers and Independent ContractorsWhen you're self-employed, the full responsibility for retirement savings falls on your shoulders. If you're already part of the gig economy or are planning to become a freelancer and independent contractor, this guide to retirement plans describes the options available to you.
Income Tax Basics for the Gig EconomyMore businesses are hiring people on a temporary basis as independent contractors or freelancers. Don't set yourself up for financial trouble. Learn how freelance income affects your income taxes.
Multiple Streams of Income for Your BusinessHaving multiple streams of income from your small business can help boost your profits and cushion against losses during slow seasons. Here are several ways you may be able to add multiple streams of income to your business.
How to Prepare a Price QuoteWhen a customer asks for a price quote, you might be tempted to just give them the total cost for their service or product. But a lot more should go into preparing a good price quote. Here's what you need to know.
16 Ways to Save on Postage and ShippingThe USPS just increased postage rates - again. Here are 16 good ways to cut your mailing and shipping costs and get more mileage out of the money you spend on postage.
9 Ways to Increase Your Small Business Profits This YearIncreasing your small business's profits doesn't require drastic measures like upping your prices or laying off employees. Even small changes in just a few areas of your business can give your income a big boost. Check out these nine tips for improving profits in your small business.
What Payment Types Should Your Business Accept?Wondering what types of payment your business should accept? Should you accept credit cards? Take checks? Only take cash? What about ACH transfers, mobile payments, money orders, or even Bitcoin? Here are some factors to help you determine what's best for your business.
Need Investors? Check Out the New Crowd Funding RulesWant to use crowdfunding to get people to invest in your business? The rules are about to change, making it easier for smaller investors to purchase equity in your business. Get the details here.
What is a Sales Tax Nexus?Do you have a sales tax nexus with other states? What is a sales tax nexus anyway? It's confusing, but we've got help. Here's what you need to know to be sure your business is in compliance.
Amazon and NexusIf you sell on Amazon, you may have (perhaps unknowingly) established a sales tax nexus with the state in which your Amazon inventory resides. Sound confusing? It is, but this article will help you understand what you need to do in order to comply.
How to Keep Your Financial Data Secure on Your SmartphoneUsing your phone to make purchases? Whether you're placing an order with an online store or making an Apple Pay payment at a local merchant, you need to follow a few guidelines to make sure your data stays safe.
Top Mobile Payment Systems for RetailersWhether you sell your goods away from the store where you don't have access to your merchant account system or just want to offer your customers the ease of paying with their phone, mobile payment systems are the answer. Here's an overview of the top options available to you today.
How to Let Customers Pay with Their SmartphonesAccepting payments from your customers' smartphones is a smart move for your business. Here's what you need to know about the mobile phone payment options available today.
Every penny counts to small businesses, so paying too much for the things your business needs just isn't an option. Here are eight ways you can save money on everyday business expenses.
Staying on top of your business's finances is just as important as finding new customers and serving existing ones. But, if you're like most small business owners, bookkeeping and managing money is probably not your strong suit. You can stay ahead of the game if you avoid making these five common small business money mistakes.
How much are you worth? Not a clue? Knowing your own net worth helps you plan for your future - and your business's future. Here's how you calculate it.
Running a totally debt-free business is probably not possible, but reducing your debt is a wise move. Here are 13 things you can do to help lower the amount of debt your business carries.
Apple Pay is becoming more and more accepted, and soon customers will expect your business to be able to process Apple Pay transactions, too. Learn how the technology works and find out what kind of equipment you'll need.
Accepting credit cards in your local small business? Read these important facts about the new EMV Chip cards and why you need to accept them even though it means buying new equipment.
Need a credit card for your small business? Not all business credit cards are created equally so consider these 8 points when choosing one for your business.
Although it might come as a surprise when customers want to haggle, don't be offended. Instead, use these tips to negotiate the best deal for both of you.
Startup businesses have trouble securing financing at the best of times, and it can be even more difficult during economic slowdowns. To stand the best chance of securing those much-needed funds, follow these four steps to cement getting approved.
As a business owner, you have to have a way to keep track of your income and expenses. This article explains why good records are important and how a good bookkeeping system can help you grow your business.
With 5 million baby boomers set to exit their businesses over the next 5 years, it’s critical for business owners to begin planning. Business exit strategy expert Tensie Homan provides five tips for increasing your odds for business sale success.
Hidden sources of income are all around you, you just have to know where to look. Boost your income and shave expenses with these 20 tips for making more money.
Your business's accounting is probably the last thing you enjoy spending time on, so why not take a few steps to make it easier? These nine small business accounting tips can help.
Crowdfunding is the newest way to raise money for startup capital. But not all crowdfunding is alike. Learn how to determine which crowdfunding platform is the best one for your business.
There are two major types of business funding. Know what they are and when you should seek them out to help your small business grow.
Now that you're self-employed, you're responsible for paying your own taxes. The IRS expects you to pay estimated taxes every quarter. Here's a rundown of what you need to know about calculating estimated taxes.
Bartering can help you get the services or goods your business needs by trading them for the services or goods your business provides. But bartering isn't always a bargain. These guidelines can help you make sure you're not losing money when you barter.
Does your small business have the insurance it needs to keep you protected? Find out what kinds of insurance are available for businesses and what they cover.
Choosing a financial advisor? Make sure you choose wisely. Here are 14 questions you should ask any financial advisor before signing a contract.
How do you figure out what to charge? How much is too much and how much is too little? Setting prices for your products is one of the most important business decisions you'll make. Here's what you need to keep in mind when deciding what to charge.
Looking for money to fund a new business? It's not easy to get a traditional bank loan for a startup, but there are still options out there. Here are three simple places you can look for startup capital.
One issue that many business owners fall victim to at some point is cash flow problems. Because of the type of business they operate, seasonal business owners need to be even more vigilant when it comes to managing cash. Get a handle on the financial outlook for your company with these 23 tips.
Do you qualify for the home office deduction? Should you take it even if you do? Is it worth the effort? Here's what you need to know about recent changes to the home office deduction rules.
How can you make your crowdfunding campaign a success? Use these tips from successful funding campaigns to help you reach or exceed your goal.
Nearly half of us believe we pay too much taxes. Are you paying in more to the IRS than you have to? Here are five common tax mistakes that could be causing you to overpay.
Do you live in fear of an IRS audit? The IRS counts on you being afraid to keep you honest, but there are things you can do to lessen the chances of getting audited.
Keeping your tax records organized and being aware of the tax laws that apply to you can save you time and money. Here are 7 tips to help you focus now and get tax records organized for the future.
The bank you choose for your business has a big impact on your daily operations. Use these tips to be sure you make the right choice.
How do you go about creating a budget for your small business? What needs to go into it and how do you figure out what your expenses will be? Find out here.
Microloans have become a popular and successful way of funding a small business. Get everything you need to know about microlending in this guide.
Business credit cards make it much easier to keep up with purchases, and the credit line can be a welcome option when you need to make a large purchase. Here's what you need to know about business credit cards.
It's a good idea to have a general idea of your business's worth, even if you don't have immediate plans to sell. Here are three ways you can calculate the value of your small business.
Cash flow problems can cause your business to fail even if you have sales. Here are eleven creative cash flow strategies for getting paid faster.
Cash flow problems affect most small businesses at some point. Don't let a cash crunch ruin your business. Here are nine things you can do to keep your cash flow in the positive.
Thinking about starting a 401(k) retirement plan for your small business employees and for yourself? There are several types of plans to choose from. Here's an overview of options.
Looking for a loan for your business? You still have options even if the bank turned you down.
Most customers follow a four-phase buying pattern when choosing where to make their purchase. Use your knowledge of these patterns to determine the best pricing for your products or services.
What does due diligence mean? It's a term that most people use in relation to buying a business. But that's not the only time it's important. Here's what you need to know about doing due diligence.
The answer will determine how much of your expenses are deductible. Here's need-to-know information.
Need a cash flow boost? Here are seven secrets to improving cash flow that your accountant never told you.
Like it or not, your business's expenses go up a bit each year. To stay profitable, your business needs to grow so it can absorb those increases. Here are four things you can do to keep your small business growing.
If your retail business's cash flow is not what you need it to be, chances are your inventory is to blame. Here's how to manage inventory so that cash flow doesn't suffer.
How much money do small businesses really make? Do most small businesses have sales of more than $250,000 a year? Check out these small business annual sales figures.
Looking for a way to fund your next big idea? Crowdfunding could be the answer. Here's how you can use crowdfunding to raise money.
If you're trying to raise money to grow your business or fund a new business, make sure you don't get ripped off. Use these tips to avoid business loan scams.
When you start a business you're faced with the decision of what type of business to form: sole proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, and others. The most basic business entity, the sole proprietorship, may offer you more tax benefits than any other business type. Find out what they are here.
It's not uncommon for small businesses to stop growing somewhere between the $1 and $5 million mark. Find out why it happens and follow these five steps to kick-start your business back into growth mode.
Asset-based loans might seem like a necessary tool to keep your business running, especially if you run a seasonal retail business. Before you sign over your inventory as collateral, learn about some of the pitfalls of taking an asset-based loan.
Leasing an expensive piece of equipment makes it more affordable month to month, but it can cost you more in the end. Purchasing outright, however, is not always the best option either. Find out whether purchasing or leasing business equipment is right for you.
Are you getting paid what you're worth? Many consultants and freelancers make less than they should because they undervalue their own worth. Here's how to correct the problem.
Need money to start a business? Crowdfunding could be just what you need to get your start-up off the ground.
Cash flow problems are a common problem for nearly any business these days, and independent retailers are no exception. Here are six things retail store owners can do to immediately increase cash flow.
Are income fluctuations and slow-paying customers causing you problems? These 11 strategies to improve your cash flow can help solve the problem.
In the world of commercial real estate, it's a buyer's market -- and that applies to retail rental space too. If you're struggling to stay out of the red or just need to free up some cash, now's a good time to negotiate for a lower lease rate.
Owner financing--if you can get it--is one of the best ways to borrow money to buy a business, especially with how difficult it has become to get a start-up loan from a bank. Read this article to find out how owner financing works.
Think an accountant is only valuable to your business at tax time? According to Jennifer Warawa of Sage North America, consulting with an accountant year-round could give your business the edge to thrive, even in a difficult economy.
Small business owners don't typically get a lot of attention from banks, but Bank of America has set out to change that. Recognizing that running a business is a time-consuming job, they've hired hundreds of small business bankers whose job is to reach out directly to their small business customers.
When you're trying to get a loan to grow your business, is it better to borrow from a bank or a private lender? Here are some pros and cons of each to consider.
When you apply for a loan, the bank usually wants to know what you can put up as collateral. Yet not all forms of collateral are as appealing to banks as others. Find out why lenders need collateral and what qualities they look for in it.
As an independent retailer, you've likely felt the squeeze on the market from big chains' "low prices" - lower than you can afford to offer. So how's a small retailer supposed to compete? First, you need to understand how very different your business model is from a major retail chain's.
The first quarter of 2012 is officially behind us. How'd your business do? Here are three questions you'll want to ask yourself to prepare for the rest of the year.
Running a sale to attract customers is a time-honored marketing strategy but is it one you should be using in your business? Learn why discounting can erode your profits even as it stimulates sales and find out what you can do to avoid having to discount prices to compete.
You know your time is valuable, but do you know what it's actually worth? Just how much does a 5 minute interruption or a 3 minute phone call cost you? Find out with this calculator.
What can you do when a customer refuses to pay? First, learn what not to do, then read these tips on how to collect that bill legally and as quickly as possible.
Businesses set their prices based on a variety of criteria, but even the most carefully thought out pricing strategy may still leave money on the table. Here are four common pricing strategies and the reasons why they don't work.
Do you know how much money you need to get your business started and run it until it becomes profitable? Use our startup cost calculator to figure it out.
To keep cash flow in the positive, you've got to learn to make the most of the income you have available. Here are questions you can ask yourself to be sure you're effectively managing your cash flow rather than letting it manage you.
Before you determine a pricing strategy for your retail business, you need to consider what draws customers to your store to begin with as well as what brings them back. Only then can you create an effective retail pricing strategy that will help your business be profitable.
When you're trying to get a small business loan, banks and lenders are really only interested in one thing: your ability to repay the loan. If your business's finances can pass these three tests, then you'll probably qualify for the loan.
Here's what to consider before discounting prices. Before you give into the temptation, consider these repercussions.
Is the way you fund your small business limiting the growth of your business? Read what Stephanie Hanbury-Brown, of Golden Seeds® angel investors says about funding women-owned businesses.
Spending money to save taxes is a time-honored tradition for businesses at year end. But is it really saving you anything? Probably not, says Greg Crabtree, CPA, author of the new book Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits. Find out what he says you should do with your business profits instead.
Four forces constantly pull at your business's cash. Find out what they are and how to keep your cash flow healthy.
Part 2 of our interview with Stephanie Hanbury-Brown discusses finding investors and valuing businesses
A full economic recovery isn't likely to come soon. So how can small business owners ride out the storm? Here are four things they must do to continue growing in spite of a shrinking market.
Trying to do your holiday shopping at the same time you're running a business is tough! Here are a few quick tips to avoid online shopping pitfalls as the holiday season begins.
Even successful businesses can have cash flow issues. Here are seven tactics to make sure you have enough money to run your business while you're waiting to get paid by customers.
Beware of fraudulent credit card orders online. Minimize business credit fraud risk with these tips.
Most customers follow a four-phase buying pattern when choosing where to make their purchase. Use your knowledge of these patterns to determine the best pricing for your products or services.
Business financing is hard to get. Here's how to use business loans wisely.
Is money the reason small business owners don't retire early, or is it something else?
Under-charging is chronic among professional service business owners, particularly women. But how do you know for sure if you can raise your fees? Here are five ways to know when it's time to raise your rates.
Are your profit margins too low? Have you used the wrong criteria for setting your prices? Find out how to do a simple margin analysis to determine the best pricing for your products.
If you read Part 1 of this article series, you already understand how adjusting your prices up or down can dramatically affect your bottom line - and not always in ways you expect. But before you start changing your prices, you need to develop a pricing strategy. Here's how.
Getting a line of credit for your business these days isn't easy. Here's one way to tap into funds to grow your business.
At some point in time, most business owners have been asked to offer a discount. And with paying customers so hard to come by these days, it may be more tempting than ever to give in to those requests. Here's why you should think twice before you do.
How much should you sell your business for? Here are several business valuation methods to help set a selling price for the business
Trying to do you holiday shopping at the same time you're running a business is tough! Here are a few quick tips to avoid online shopping pitfalls as the holiday season begins.
Learn how to deal with fluctuating sales in income in your small business.
Whether it's your merchant account agreement, insurance policy, or bank loan, the fine print may contain more than you bargained for. Here's why you should read every last letter of the fine print in any document you sign for your business.
Most business owners think that in order to improve their business or reach that next level, they have to raise revenue. And, while raising revenue is a great way to improve your business, it is not the only way. Here's how managing spending and cutting costs can have a big impact on your bottom line.
Pulling ahead of the competition in today's economy requires a lean, focused organization that makes customers feel good about doing business with you. Here are five things you can do to reduce your costs while helping the environment at the same time.
If you were looking for money for your business last year, you probably didn't find many banks willing to give you a loan. This year things aren't much different, but if you know the rules the banks are playing by, your chances of getting financing will be much better.
When payday rolls around employees automatically assume they will not only be paid but be paid the correct amount. An easy way to ensure everyone is receiving payment and the IRS is not on your back is a payroll service. Use these tips to evaluate and choose a payroll service provider.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a credit card for your small business. Ask yourself these questions to help select a small business credit card.
Accurately estimating sales as a new business is difficult. You have no history to review and it's easy to overlook expenses when you're just starting up. Here's where you can look for reliable data to build your initial estimates upon.
How does a struggling business make it through, and not just survive but actually grow during this difficult time? It all comes down to the decisions you make right now, today. Here are six steps you should take now to come out of the recession stronger than when you entered it.
Want to sell your business, but nobody's interested in buying in this economy? There are ways to get a business sold even now, or at least be ready to have it sell as soon as the economy starts its trek out of the dumps. Here's what you need to be doing now.
Small businesses that struggle with the costs of goods they need to do business, making it hard to compete with larger companies. Find out how purchasing co-ops can help small businesses save money and get tips on how to start a purchasing co-op.
The recession is bad for a lot of reasons, but there are some really good things that can come out of it too - especially if you're in business. Here's how Jay Abraham, author of The Sticking Point Solution, says you can increase your success right now.
While the financial crisis certainly proves that you can't rely on a 401(k) to make all your dreams come true, it is still a solid, flexible way to maximize the value of your savings. And a little rethinking can make it a more reliable foundation for retirement. Read these tips on how to invest your 401(k) in an excerpt from Where to Put Your Money NOW.
Now that the panic is over, and a nice chunk of your savings likely depleted by the economic woes of the past year, figuring out just where to invest what's left is the big question. Here are ten tips on how to handle your investments from this point forward.
Whether your business is facing challenges during this tough economy or is doing just fine, the more you can trim off your business expenses, the better off you’ll be. Here are some easy, simple ways to save money in today’s economic environment.
To gain better insight into the effects of the recession on small and home businesses, we ran a survey last month to find out how business owners think their businesses will do this year compared to last year. Here's what we learned about about how small businesses view the recession, how they are coping with it, and how they think the government should help.
Planning to start a business? You're probably wondering just how much money you're going to need to get it off the ground. The simple answer is - well, it's not simple. You can, however, get an estimate of what you'll need. Here's how >>
Pricing during an economic downturn or recession is tricky. Too often, companies simply cut prices to attract more sales. The right pricing, however, can help a company compete and even thrive during difficult economic times. Here are some pricing do's and don'ts for a recession.
Your business is profitable -- you get your bills paid on time and have enough cash to buy the supplies you need. But at the end of the month, you've barely got enough left to pay yourself. It's a common problem among independent professionals. Here are several things you can do to increase your income without putting even more hours into your business.
As baby boomers begin to approach retirement, many are panicking that their nest egg just isn't going to see them through their golden years. But it's not too late to secure your future, says author of The Last Chance Millionaire. Read an excerpt from the book here.
Have you ever wondered how Warren Buffett made so much money in the stock market? Find out in this excerpt from The Best Investment Advice I Ever Received, a collection of quick and practical tips and sound financial strategies from America’s most successful investors and business leaders.
The first years as a business owner can be a struggle, particularly in the area of finance and cash flow. By gaining knowledge and mastery in the following five areas, you will position yourself to not only survive, but thrive as an entrepreneur.
You've built your business from a small operation to a thriving success. But now that you're nearing retirement age, you're ready to turn the reins over to someone else. What if you don't have a family member to transfer the business to? How are current and future economic conditions going to affect your ability to sell?
Make revenue growth everyone's business! Lead your company to profitable revenue growth with these tools, reprinted from Profitable Growth Is Everyone's Business by Ram Charan.
You want to start investing in commercial real estate. But how do you avoid the money pits and find the true gems? In this article from the author of Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur, get advice on what to do before you make your first purchase.
Are you planning to sell your business? Business brokers can help you set the right selling price for your business and help you find a buyer. Read more about how business brokers can help you.
If you have enough clients to keep you busy, you must be making a good living, right? Well, not necessarily. Some of the busiest professionals around aren't earning enough to pay their bills. On the other hand, there are some who have plenty of time on their hands but also earn quite a bit of money. The difference in the two groups is their business models.
Business owners work hard for many years building a successful business. To sell a business for all it's worth, business brokers commonly recommend these 10 steps.
Are you having trouble collecting from your customers? This list of best practices will help you collect money that's owed to you.
Passing a business down to the next generation is more often than not, unsuccessful. In fact, statistics show that only one-third of all family businesses are successfully transferred to the next generation and only 13% are transferred onto the third generation. Consider these points before passing your family business down to your heirs.
Business owners are often in for a double whammy when going through a divorce, finding both themselves, and their business, on the hook financially. Here's what to do if you own a business and find yourself facing a divorce.
Are you finding it hard to keep your business in the black? Then you might be making one or more of these 10 bottom line mistakes that have a negative impact on your bottom line.
Robert T. Kiyosaki, best-selling author of the "Rich Dad" series, and former Marine gunship pilot during the Vietnam War, explained how his worldwide success as a financial leader stemmed from his Marine Corps experience in a recent interview.
The Internal Revenue Service has issued a consumer alert advising taxpayers to be wary of promoters offering a tax evasion scheme that misuses "Corporation Sole" laws. Promoters of the scheme misrepresent state and federal laws intended only for bona-fide churches, religious institutions and church leaders. Read more >>
How do you keep the cash flowing on an even keel through your business? How can you get cash sooner and keep more of it longer? Here are 10 ways you can keep more cash available for a longer time.
The IRS has issued a consumer alert advising taxpayers to beware of promoters' claims that tax debts can be settled for "pennies on the dollar" through the Offer in Compromise Program.
As the seller of a business, you are likely at a disadvantage. The buyer has probably bought several businesses before and knows a great deal about the process, while this may be the first time you've sold a business. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you've considered these tax implications.
If you are planning to sell your business you need to evaluate your company as a potential buyer might. Consider these 10 critical areas for increasing the sales value of your business.
Many print managers neglect to do some of the easy things that can add up to significant cost savings annually. Below are a few tips for saving money on print jobs, which might be old hat to some, but vital to remember. Read more >>
Coping with ever-increasing costs is one thing--making sure you get all the money that's due you from customers or clients is another. Here are a few tried and true collection strategies, straight from the businesses that use them.
Business coach C.J. Hayden advises those with a small business have a financial plan that is checked on a monthly basis, problems corrected immediately. Entrepreneurs tend to take risks and be optimistic, keeping them from looking at their financials until tax time.
How do you determine on a regular basis whether or not you're showing a profit? Learn how to figure your break-even point and break-even margins so you know where you stand!
Every business hits slow spells once in a while that take a toll on cash flow. Find out how to survive the drought without killing your credit!
Just because you're right doesn't mean you won't get sued. You can, however, minimize the financial impact.
If cab fares are breaking your budget, a little advance planning could save you big money.
Learn how to avoid collection problems before they come up.
Well, it's the next best thing. Find out how to get Uncle Sam to foot part of the bill for a mini-vacation.
Important tax tip: start the business before you spend a lot for equipment and supplies. Here's why.
Third-party credit card processing providers will accept even home-based and mail order businesses. But their fees vary widely. Here's how to evaluate the third-party providers.
Looking for some of our older articles? Although these are a little outdated, they still have interesting tips and viewpoints about business finances and money management. Click to view our finance archives.
