Articles

Whether it’s carols blasting in the malls, or menorahs in the window, the holiday season is upon us. For small businesses, it can be a great time to say “thank you” to the clients who’ve helped you have a successful year. Some companies choose to send holiday cards, which only cost pennies, but others want to go above and beyond.

Whether you’re setting up your new business for the first time or simply switching financial institutions, choosing a business bank account is an important decision. It can affect everything from how long it takes you to travel to your branch to your business’ cash flow.

The deadline for implementing the FASB’s new leases accounting standard, ASC 842, is fast approaching. Many private companies are only just now realizing that they need to examine their leases in light of the new requirements to bring most leases on-balance sheet.

How to accept payments for your business is always of great concern to businesses. Of course, you need to accept credit card payments so that you can offer your products or services to a broader range of customers. But there are many different options for accepting credit card payments.

Getting a divorce can be one of the most stressful times in your life. In addition to the emotional toll, it costs, on average, $15,500.

In business, risk is anything that could negatively impact your revenues, reputation, or future operations. When you try a new vendor, you take on risk. Their products or services could be below your standards, and cost you customers.

If you ever want to apply for a small business loan, the lenders will want to see your business plan. Your business plan gives lenders a concise snapshot of your business model. Having a small business plan also gives the owner added benefits.

In these days of the gig economy, more business owners are leveraging the affordability and convenience of hiring freelancers (independent contractors) instead of regular employees. It makes sense. There are some tremendous benefits to hiring independent contractors (ICs), including not having to pay for insurance and payroll taxes.

Just because there’s a positive balance in your checking account doesn’t mean that your business is making money. Checks that you’ve written for expenses may not have cleared yet, or customers could have paid in advance. Relying on a positive balance to determine if your business is solvent could be dangerous.

Discounts have become a way of life in the American marketplace. You can’t drive down the street without seeing a sign in a retailer’s window blaring, “50% off!” Coupons arrive in your inbox offering discounts for every occasion – even National Cheese Day.