How 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, 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.
The 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.
A 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.
How are small businesses in the US doing? Here are the small business growth trends outlined in a report from online lender Kabbage.
When 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 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.
Think 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.
Accepting online payments from your customers is a necessity for most businesses. Here are the most common online payment solutions available to small businesses.
Should 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.
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.
Where 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.
Looking 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.
Starting 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.
Sure, 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.
Taking 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.
Wish 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.
Real 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.
If 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.
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.
Having 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.
Want 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.
At 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.
Will 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.
Your 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.
Working 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.
Once 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 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.
One 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.
When 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.
More 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.
Having 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.
When 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.
The 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.
Increasing 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.
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.
Want 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.
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.
If 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.
Using 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.
Whether 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.
Accepting 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.
Are you paying more taxes than you have to? Author and CPA John Vento provides some advice to help you maximize your post-tax return savings.
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.