Author: Jennifer Brazer

Nobody is perfect, especially when it comes to money. However, making money-related mistakes can put anyone is stress. People make many silly mistakes while dealing with their finances, but if errors were invertible, there is no need for wasting thousands of dollars on things that are already proven to be foolish. Below are a few common and silly financial mistakes that people make and how to avoid them:

Not saving

Saving money is something people often avoid, especially at a young age. When a person is young and only earns a limited amount, they don’t bother saving, which is a mistake. According to experts, time is the biggest ally in building wealth. Save something every month; even a dollar or two will do.

Saving money = last priority

Most people fail to save money because they follow a life pattern of getting paid, spending money, thinking about why they got nothing left to save? It’s all about breaking this self-destructive cycle. According to experts, a person should pay bills, save first and do everything else later.

Not thinking about interest

One of the most common mistakes people make is not paying interest on time. Interest builds up over time and can put a heavy strain on anyone, especially people who aren’t financially stable yet. Avoid using credit cards unless you must. Some finance experts are against credit cards and consider them a “bad choice” for youngsters.

Getting too emotional

It is easy for a person to get sucked into the daily blend of today’s market. However, sometimes investing based on headlines can lead to a loss. People often make a mistake after hearing bad news regarding the market and end up selling their assets when the rates are down. While the good news often sends people on an illogical shopping spree, where they end up buying while prices are high. It’s better to keep emotions in check and always invest or sell after properly analyzing the market.

Being overconfident

The stock market is that it can fool anyone, regardless of how good or intelligent they are. Most people make the mistake of becoming overconfident and end up losing a lot of money in stocks. The key is to invest in the stock market without being overconfident.

Buying famous brands

In some cases, name brands are a lot better. However, in most cases, they aren’t. Big-name brands like to sell overly expensive items with the help of false advertising, and people tend to fall for it. Avoid falling into such traps.

Not maintaining a good credit score

Maintaining a good credit score is essential as it will decide many crucial things in life. A good credit score means good interest, insurance rates to scoring a better job offer. Try and understand the real reason behind lousy credit scores, take few minutes and print out a copy of credit scores and get them correctly analyzed to see if they are poor.

Never asking for a better offer

Most people make the mistake of not bargaining. In fact, from medical bills to a simple shirt at a clothing store.  Sometimes getting a better deal is just a bargain away.

Blowing tax refunds

A lot of Americans get $1,000 worth of tax refunds each year. Many people end up blowing their tax money all at once, which is a mistake. Remember that this tax refund is the same money that a citizen overpaid earlier. Instead of wasting it on vacation, try to utilize it to pay high-interest debts or use it in other helpful stuff and avoid wasting it like lottery money.

Identifying and avoiding these small yet foolish mistakes mentioned above can lead to a better, more financially secure future.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

When we go to school, we learn math, chemistry, Spanish, and even sports, but nobody teaches us to manage personal finances. We left there to face the economy alone without any basis to help us prepare. That is why many people end up in debt, without savings, or sacrificing their time more and more to pay their expenses. If you don’t want your finances to hang you, then take the advice in the following manual that we have prepared for you.

# 1 It is never too late or too early to devote to your finances

Young people tend to think that they will be young forever, forget about saving, and prefer to squander. And getting accounts and calculations is something that older people do. On the other hand, debts have accumulated when they are already entering a more advanced age, and the energy to undertake new things is gone. And they think they should have started to manage in their youth.

Both are wrong. You can learn to manage your finances at any stage of your life. You need to dedicate time periodically and follow the movements indicated by the numbers. That will give you a better quality of life in the economic aspect, in the short, medium, and long term.

# 2 Take a couple of minutes a week to evaluate your finances

Managing your finances is a good habit that you should get used to doing without fail. Good athletes train regularly, economically successful men, manage their finances regularly too. It is not a matter of innate talent; it is discipline and perseverance.

If you have no idea what you should do, it is vital to learn about economics and finance. Books for newbies like those of Robert Kiyosaki or Adina Chelminsky are good beginnings. In general, what you should do in principle is to evaluate your equity and your cash flow.

How to calculate your equity?

First, add all the capital of your assets: Cash or accounts, investments, properties, inheritances, etc. Then to that sum, you subtract your liabilities: loans, credits, debts on credit cards, etc. The total will help you realize what your economic situation is. The higher the number, the better. If the account is negative or fair, there are problems to address.

Then it is crucial to evaluate what your monthly income and expenses are. Gather the bill for all your costs, including the coffee you had with your friend and the parking ticket. And lend it to your total monthly income. That will give you an exact idea of how you make your money and how you could save more and make better use of it.

# 3 Eliminate your debts little by little

The first piece of advice would be not to borrow. It is better to acquire the things you want when you have enough capital to pay cash. However, if you are spending more than you have and deliver it in installments, then it is best to stop the vice and find a way to pay off the debts you already have as soon as possible.

Use bonuses, salary increases, inheritances, year-end savings funds, or any additional capital you receive to pay off your debts faster. If your debt situation is very precarious, contact your creditors, let them know your actual position, and be realistic about the amount you can pay monthly. It is better to be honest, and let them help you pay than lie and save your finances more. And for the next time you have the urge to borrow, remember this: Money should work for you, not you for him.

# 4 Learn to budget for your expenses

If the money does not yield to you to pay your needs until the next time you receive your salary, you must learn not to waste your money.

For example: Let’s say you receive 100 coins monthly, and you need 20 to pay your rent, 20 for debts, 5 for services. That leaves you with a total of 55 coins for the rest and 45 that you must reserve only for those expenses. Consider having a reserve of 10% of that percentage to save and another 10% for emergencies. You already have 44 coins left. Divide that money into 4; I would give you a total of 11 coins for your food expenses and tastes per week.

Do you realize the utility of budgeting? It can be further subdivided according to your needs. So even if you have 100 coins in your pocket, you will know that when you make your market of the week, you cannot spend 11 coins or less.

You should consider your actual expenses, and you can make adjustments in the percentage of savings or include a portion for investments if possible.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

6 Strategies to Boost Your Personal Finances Today

Improving your personal finances starts with six proven strategies: building an emergency fund, eliminating high-interest debt, implementing zero-based budgeting, automating your savings, investing early for retirement, and committing to continuous financial education. These methods transform financial chaos into stability—even for those starting with overwhelming debt or minimal income.

Over my 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve worked with thousands of businesses across every sector imaginable. The patterns are clear: those who thrive financially use systems, not willpower. They automate before they optimize. They track every dollar with purpose. When I started this company with $200,000 in student debt, these same strategies became my lifeline. Today, you’ll learn exactly how to implement them in your own life, gaining the skills to negotiate better rates, slash unnecessary expenses, and build wealth automatically while you sleep.

What are the six strategies to improve your personal finances?

• Build an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of essential expenses to prevent debt spirals
• Eliminate high-interest debt using proven avalanche or snowball methods
• Track every dollar with zero-based budgeting for precision control
• Automate savings, investments, and bill payments to bypass decision fatigue
• Start retirement investing immediately, even with small monthly amounts
• Dedicate monthly time to expanding your financial literacy and money management skills

Emergency Funds: Your Financial Shock Absorber

A robust emergency fund prevents catastrophic debt when life throws curveballs—job losses, medical bills, or major car repairs. According to Bankrate’s 2024 survey, 59% of Americans feel uncomfortable with their emergency savings levels, with only 28% having saved six months of expenses. This vulnerability forces 43% of Americans to rely on credit cards or loans for even $1,000 emergencies.

Your target emergency fund should cover 3-6 months of essential living expenses including rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance. Freelancers and gig workers benefit from extending this to 8 months due to income variability. Store these funds in high-yield savings accounts currently offering 4-5% APY to maintain purchasing power against inflation while keeping money accessible.

Building your safety net

Start by calculating your monthly essentials—typically 50-60% of gross income. Multiply by your target months. If that $12,000 goal feels overwhelming, begin with $1,000. Sarah K., a Complete Controller client, avoided $5,200 in credit card interest after an unexpected layoff by tapping her $8,000 emergency fund. Her secret: automating $200 weekly transfers from checking to savings, treating it like a non-negotiable bill.

Debt Destruction: Strategic Payoff Methods

High-interest debt crushes wealth-building potential faster than any other financial mistake. Credit cards averaging 22% APR transform $10,000 balances into $22,000 obligations within five years through minimum payments alone. The math demands immediate action.

Two proven methods accelerate debt elimination:

• Avalanche Method: Attack highest-interest debts first for maximum mathematical savings
• Snowball Method: Eliminate smallest balances first to build psychological momentum
• Hybrid Approach: Start with one small win, then switch to avalanche for optimization

Negotiation tactics

Before choosing your method, call every creditor. Request lower rates citing payment history or competitor offers. Bank of America reduced rates for 62% of hardship applicants in 2024. Even a 5% reduction saves thousands over repayment periods. Document all conversations and follow up with written confirmations.

Zero-Based Budgeting for Precision Control

Traditional budgets fail because they leave wiggle room for impulse spending. Zero-based budgeting assigns every incoming dollar a specific job before it arrives, eliminating the “miscellaneous” category that derails financial progress. Income minus allocated expenses must equal exactly zero.

Implementation framework

Track 30 days of actual spending using apps like YNAB or Mint to establish baselines. Categorize ruthlessly—separating needs from wants reveals shocking patterns. Most clients discover 15-20% of spending goes to forgotten subscriptions or convenience purchases.

Allocate your income using the 50/30/20 framework as a starting point:

• 50% to needs (housing, insurance, groceries)
• 30% to wants (entertainment, hobbies, dining out)
• 20% to debt payoff and savings

Family integration success

The Ramirez family transformed their finances by gamifying conservation. Children earned “fun fund” contributions for energy savings like shorter showers and turning off lights. Result: 15% lower utility bills and kids who understood money’s value. Make budgeting visual with progress charts on the refrigerator—celebration beats deprivation every time.

Automation: The Silent Wealth Architect

Automation transforms good intentions into inevitable outcomes. T. Rowe Price research proves automated savers accumulate 3.2 times more wealth over a decade compared to manual savers. One company’s switch to auto-enrollment boosted 401(k) participation from 40% to 86%, with low-income employees seeing 41% higher lifetime wealth accumulation.

Advanced automation strategies

Beyond basic transfers, modern tools multiply your money’s efficiency:

1. Round-up investing: Apps like Acorns invest spare change into diversified portfolios
2. Bill negotiation services: Rocket Money automatically renegotiates subscriptions annually
3. Paycheck splitting: Direct deposit 10% to savings before it touches checking
4. Dynamic rebalancing: Robo-advisors adjust investments based on market conditions

At Complete Controller, we’ve automated over $2 million monthly in client savings transfers. The result? Late fee reductions of 92%, freeing an average $780 annually per client for accelerated debt payoff. Set it once, benefit forever.

Retirement Investing: Time Beats Timing

Compound interest rewards early starters exponentially. A 25-year-old investing $300 monthly at 7% returns accumulates $1.1 million by 65. Starting at 35 requires $700 monthly for identical results. Edward Jones research shows delaying just 10 years costs $545,000 in retirement wealth.

Accessible entry points

• Employer 401(k): Capture every matching dollar—it’s an instant 100% return
• Roth IRA: Post-tax contributions grow tax-free for retirement
• Micro-investing platforms: Start with $5 on apps like Stash or Acorns
• Target-date funds: Professional management without active oversight

Begin today, even with $25 monthly. Increase contributions by 1% annually or with each raise. The habit matters more than the initial amount.

Financial Education: Your Competitive Advantage

Financial literacy remains stagnant near 50% nationally, dropping 2% in 2024 according to TIAA research. This knowledge gap costs Americans billions in poor decisions. Yet dedicated learners see 23% higher net worth within five years—education literally pays.

Monthly learning framework

Commit to one educational action monthly:

• Read one finance book (start with The Psychology of Money)
• Audit and cancel one unnecessary subscription
• Watch one documentary on investing basics
• Join Reddit’s r/personal finance community (7.2 million members strong)

Mark eliminated $80,000 in debt using only free library resources and YouTube tutorials. His breakthrough: learning to negotiate medical bills saved $15,000 instantly. Knowledge compounds faster than any investment.

Final Thoughts

These six strategies—emergency funds, debt elimination, zero-based budgeting, automation, early investing, and continuous education—create unstoppable financial momentum. My journey from $200,000 in student loans to financial independence began with automating just 6% of my income. Small actions compound into life-changing results.

Start today with one step: negotiate a single bill, open a high-yield savings account, or cancel one forgotten subscription. Progress beats perfection every time. For personalized guidance on implementing these systems in your business and personal finances, connect with our team at Complete Controller. We’ve helped thousands transform their financial futures—yours can be next.

Frequently Asked Questions About Improve Your Personal Finances

What’s the fastest way to improve personal finances?

Focus on eliminating high-interest debt first, particularly credit cards above 20% APR. This provides guaranteed returns exceeding most investments while freeing up cash flow for other strategies.

How much should I save monthly from my income?

Target 20% of gross income for savings and debt payoff combined. Start with any amount—even $50 monthly—and increase by 1% every six months until reaching your goal.

Can budgeting apps really replace professional financial advisors?

Apps excel at daily money management and basic investing. Financial advisors add value for complex situations like tax optimization, estate planning, or business finances. Use both strategically.

When should I start investing if I still have debt?

Invest immediately if your employer offers 401(k) matching—it’s free money. Otherwise, prioritize paying off any debt with interest rates above 7% before investing in taxable accounts.

How do I discuss budgeting with a resistant spouse or family?

Frame budgets as “spending plans” that enable goals rather than restrict freedom. Use visual progress trackers for shared objectives like vacations. Celebrate wins together monthly.

Sources

• FINRA. (2024). “5 Steps to Control Finances.” www.finra.org
• MACU. (2024). “39 Ways to Improve Your Personal Finances.” www.macu.com
• Ward, Judith. (2025). “Six Smart Ways to Boost Financial Wellness.” T. Rowe Price. www.troweprice.com
• Bank of America. (2024). “Simple Ways to Save Money.” www.bankofamerica.com
• Investopedia. (2024). “Personal Finance Strategies.” www.investopedia.com
• Portage Path. (2024). “Personal Finance Tips for Mental Health.” www.portagepath.org
• First Financial Bank. (2024). “6 Budgeting Strategies for Families.” www.firstfinancial.com
• Edward Jones. (2024). “The Value of Saving Earlier.” www.edwardjones.com
• Bankrate. (2024). “Emergency Savings Survey, May 17-20, 2024.” www.bankrate.com
• Fox9. (2025). “Bankrate’s 2025 Emergency Savings Report.” www.fox9.com
• LendingClub. (2025). “Paycheck-to-Paycheck Report.” People’s Policy Project. www.lendingclub.com
• T. Rowe Price. (2025). “Auto-enrollment’s Long-Term Effect on Retirement Saving.” www.troweprice.com
• TIAA Institute-GFLEC. (2024). “Personal Finance Index.” www.tiaa.org
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2024). “What is an Emergency Fund?” www.consumerfinance.gov
• Investopedia. (2024). “Zero-Based Budgeting.” www.investopedia.com
• Internal Revenue Service. (2024). “Retirement Plans.” www.irs.gov

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

A good credit score can help to decide the most vital money-related factors throughout your life. There is a wide range of scoring models, and sometimes it requires utilizing other data to calculate the credit scores.

A good credit score can help you make the most vital money-related decisions throughout your life. For example, regardless of whether you will have the capacity to make a lease on a vehicle, meet all requirements for a home loan or even get a new job.

However, considering that 71% of American families carry student loans, credit extensions, and mortgages, the stability in credit score ought to be a part of your current and tentative goals.

High, low, positive, negative – there is something else entirely to your scores then you may suspect. What’s more, contingent upon where your numbers fall, your loaning and credit choices will change. So what is a decent credit score? What about an extraordinary one? Let us encounter the numbers that are required to get a good credit score.

A credit score ranges between 300 to 850 numbers. It calculates by using the data present in your credit reports, including your installment history, the debt amount, and loan repayment length.

There is a wide range of scoring models, and sometimes it requires utilizing other data to calculate a credit score. Potential moneylenders and creditors use the credit scores, for example, vehicle dealers, banks, and credit card companies.

Credit score ratings from 580 to 669 are considered reasonable; 700 to 749 are considered significant, and 750 and up are considered excellent. The more significant number of credit scores shows your liable credit performance in the past, which may make potential investors and creditors assess demand for credit. For the most part, Lenders observe those with credit ratings 670 and up as worthy or generally safe borrowers.

People with this rating from 580 to 669 are viewed as “subprime borrowers,” which means they may think that it is harder to meet all requirements for better credit terms.

Those under 580 fall under the category of “poor”; therefore, they may experience credit issues or meet all requirements for better-advanced terms. Remember that everybody’s money related and credit circumstance differs, and there is no “magic number” to reach the extent that better advance rates and terms.

However, every lender has different criteria for granting credits, which may incorporate data like your payor’s different variables. That implies the financial assessments they acknowledge may differ depending upon that criteria.

Credit scores may contrast between the three central credit departments (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) as not all creditors and moneylenders are responsible for answering all three. Numerous creditors answer all three, but you may have a record with those creditors who only report to one, two, or no one. Furthermore, there are various scoring models accessible, and those credit-scoring models may contrast, but it solely depends upon the kind of credit and moneylenders’ inclination for specific criteria.

Factors that affect credit scores

Here are some attempted and genuine practices to keep the best practice of beginning and maintain the capable credit practices:   

On-time bill payments:

Paying bills does not only incorporate credit cards – late or missed installments on different accounts, for example, PDAs, might be answerable to the credit departments, affecting your credit score. In case you are experiencing difficulty paying a bill, contact the bank quickly. Try not to skip installments and payments; even you are having disputes on paying bills. Pay off your obligations as fast as possible.

Check your credit reports routinely:

Demand a free duplicate of your credit report and check it to ensure your data is correct and there is no off-base or fragmented record data by asking for a duplicate from one at regular intervals.

You can likewise document a question with the credit department that prepared the report. Keep in mind: checking your credit report or financial assessment will not influence your credit scores. Applying for numerous credit accounts in a short period may affect your credit scores.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

First, it is possible to invest in genuinely diverse types of property: residential property, offices, commercial premises, and that worldwide. In the United States, listed property companies are called REITS; they enjoy a privileged tax status. The compensation method is in the form of dividends, not rents. The yield depends on the type of goods. All this is explained in the book. By looking at the dividend history, it is possible to estimate the return before investing. But beware, this dividend can change over time, often on the rise (following the increase in the price of rents) but sometimes down if rents fall. For this reason, the author recommends diversifying.

The second advantage is that investors can sell their shares quickly at the market price (the price quoted companies trade on the stock exchange), with meager transaction costs (less than 1% with a good broker). Therefore, the cost of buying and selling is light compared to conventional costs in physical real estate.

The last advantage is that the entrance ticket is minimal. The unit price of shares (listed shares) is around a few tens of dollars. It is, therefore, possible to build a portfolio even with small means. And more diversification is less risky.

Finally, investing in publicly traded real estate companies is a viable alternative for anyone who wants to invest in real estate but does not have the means or the time or energy to find a physical asset. The book “Investing in real estate from home” will give you all the keys and explanations to make a successful investment and build a portfolio of quality land titles.

As you may already know, in a conventional rental investment project, the cost of maintenance and the expenses associated with real estate penalize the net profitability of real estate investment. This inconvenience does not concern (or truly little) car parks and garages, where maintenance costs are much lower! Also, when we start in rental real estate investment, we are not always strong enough to borrow large sums. The advantage of car parks and garages is that the entrance ticket is much more affordable: a few thousand to a few tens of thousands of dollars. Finally, a third advantage: with the rising cost of land downtown, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a location to park his vehicle. They are parking lots, and garages are therefore potentially valuable assets in terms of gains to come. It may be the best investment to become an annuitant quickly.

One of the essential tips for an investor, while they are planning to sell their property, is presentation. They should make their property look at its finest at the time of sale. Only then will they be able to get the best rates out of their deal. It can differ from giving the house a new paint coat to cleaning up and evacuating individual assets. It can help your space by making it progressively relatable to property purchasers, giving you the advantage in a wide-open market. Moreover, numerous land financial specialists and property merchants decide to do a washroom remodel or kitchen update. You would be shocked by how much a restroom update can influence your final selling cost.

Also, if a real estate property investor is looking to sell residential property, then proper lighting is essential at the time of sale. The investor should install lighting that gives a pleasant effect to the viewer, and they should light up the whole property when the purchasing party visits the site for inspection. Natural lighting plays its part too, and the most important benefit of natural lighting is that it makes the place look more spacious.

Some investors have found the right plan by specializing in car parks and garages. The book entitled “Successful investment in car parks and garages” explains in 236 pages how to identify the best deals and avoid the pitfalls and disappointments. It includes the individual experiences of the author of this book. These issues are widespread in the real estate business and are faced by many. Starting from rental investment to purchasing, problems continue to exist. Investment ideas are often neglected by real estate investors (it is accurate that ten parking spaces are less dreamy than a beautiful apartment on the waterfront!), The profitability of car parks and garages can be extremely interesting if you know how to find good deals. All you need to do is conduct proper research before you step into this real estate business.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

It’s clear that 2020 was the most challenging year for many companies. But the good news is that 2021 is far better than that, and you have many other opportunities to come back strong.

Currently, there are numerous marketing paths small companies can benefit off. But which is good for your business. Let’s look at some areas you could include in your digital marketing strategy.

Content marketing

Content marketing goes hand in through SEO. How? Content marketing enables you to join SEO keywords and respond to your target audience’s queries.

One approach you can do this is by blogging. Publishing and creating blog posts to your website is an excellent approach to giving your target audience value and guiding them through the buying process.

For instance, a customer may require a new exercise bike. An exercise tool brand might publish a blog on its website regarding what elements to look for in an exercise bike. After reviewing the blog post, the willing consumer is now ready to take an educated decision on what sort of exercise bike to buy.

Of course, it is just one example of content marketing. Content marketing can contain infographics, videos, checklists, case studies, and e-books. It is much less costly than other types of marketing, and it is also the most efficient way.

Search engine optimization

Search engine optimization (SEO) raises a set of practices that ensure your target audience finds your website. You are contending with many websites, several of that offer the same thing you do. With an appropriate SEO strategy, you can stand out.

The initial step to realizing SEO is to use the correct keyword on your website. A keyword is a common search term your focused clients are using. By accommodating these targeted keywords to your website, you can rank higher on search engine results and be close to attaining more customers.

Social media marketing

With more than 25 million active users on social media, it might be silly not to involve this powerful platform in your digital marketing plan before you start researching hashtags and social media content. It is essential to answer some questions.

• What is the objective of your social media marketing plan?
• What social media platforms do your target audience use frequently?
• Who is your target audience?
• Where will you post the content?
• How will you engage your audience?

Next, it is time to decide what sort of content you will post. Some marketing teams use social media to spread sponsored content and paid ads. However, you are not limited to this method. You can use different social media platforms to support your businesses organically and engage with followers. Integrating with your followers and customers can assist you in making a positive brand experience.

Email marketing

When people think about email marketing, they mostly think of annoying emails sent directly to the spam folder, but an email could be a gold mine when done correctly. It is a low-cost, effective strategy that could result in workable conversions. Emails also assist to made brand awareness.

To begin with email marketing, you’ll need to get qualified leads. You may accomplish this in various ways, but the most popular option is to use lead capture forms. Lead capture forms gather the names and email addresses of website users.

A first-time visitor, in my experience, is reluctant to share their information; therefore, you must attract them with a tempting offer. It might be a coupon code, a free e-book, or free webinar access. The purpose is to build your email list by collecting email addresses. You may then develop email campaigns that are specific to the people on your list.

Pay per click

A pay-per-click (PPC) ad is an online advertisement that enables you to pay for website visitors. In essence, you publish advertisements on websites or search engines and produce a charge each time someone clicks on the ad.

PPC operates on a bidding basis, unlike other kinds of digital marketing. It implies you must bid on the ad term you want your ad to be triggered or displayed.

When bidding on a keyword, it’s critical to pick a phrase relevant to your company and result in conversions. You may use these keywords in your bids if you’ve done the SEO keyword research.

Revamp your digital marketing in 2021

That concludes the five things to include in your digital marketing plan for 2021. The benefits of digital marketing for business growth don’t stop there. While you don’t need to plan every post for the year, laying out your annual strategy based on your company needs can help you get a head start on the new year. Set your objectives, identify your key performance indicators, and choose the ideal platforms for your organization.

Bottom line

There are numerous ways by which business can boost their online presence. For small businesses, online presence is the primary factor in growth in the market. SEO, content, PPC, and various strategies are used to get ranking in the industry.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Farmers hear a lot about growth profit from different enterprises in the agriculture sector but very little about their returns on investments. There is no question that our agricultural system is broken. Industrial agriculture is the number one driver of deforestation. It’s eroding the soils, pushing wildlife, insects, and plants into extinction, and it’s responsible for about 30% of the world’s total emissions of greenhouse gases. It is why farmers need to learn more about regenerative farming to learn a more sustainable way of making profits.

What is regenerative Agriculture?

Regenerative agriculture is a set of farming practices that increases biodiversity in soil organic matter. Currently, most agricultural practices are devastating biodiversity. Even organic agriculture, while not as bad, still does more harm than good. Regenerative agriculture is a way to reverse this trend to make a positive impact on the land.

What does regenerative Agriculture involve?

The answer to this question is tricky because the best practices largely depend on the land. So, the variety of practices borders infinity, which is a bit more than we would cover in this post. However, let’s look at three common forms of regenerative agriculture can take.

• No-Till Farming
• Regenerative Grazing
• Agro-Forestry

The soil is full of organisms that, in their unique way, are helpful for plants. Some convert soil nitrogen into a usable plant form. Some bring water to the plants that otherwise be out of reach. Others loosen and aerate the soil increasing water absorption and allowing plant roots to penetrate deeper. When a machine turns over soil, most of these organisms are killed. So, the crops must rely on chemical fertilizer which ends up leaching into the water. Central to no-till farming is not to do that.

Instead of tilling plants, cover crops whose roots break up the soil. Let the worms aerate the soil and bring down nutrients. Keep the ground covered with organic mulch, which will break down over time, adding more organic matter to the earth.

From the release of methane to clearing the forests for pastureland, cattle raising is very environmentally destructive. But this is not inherent to grazing animals. If the proper practices are in place, it can sequester enormous amounts of carbon into the ground. It can build soil, and it can reverse even desertification in a matter of years. Here is how it works.

The growth of grass tends to start slow, accelerate and slow down again. There is a state in the middle where it accrues the most biomass the most efficiently. If it’s eaten before that point, its growth will never speed up. It happens with pastured animals, and they eat all the grass that doesn’t have the chance to grow back fast enough before getting eaten again, so we end up with overgrazing. Overgrazing leads to soil erosion, drought, and desertification. But if they keep animals tightly packed, the grass has time to grow before being eaten.

All that biomass in the grass is carbon that comes from the air. However, not all the grass gets eaten. Some of it gets pooped on and trampled, which creates the perfect conditions for new topsoil. It ends up happening incredibly quickly.

Agro-Forestry is one of the most complex and location-dependent practices there are. It starts with locating a local forest and the relationship between everything in it – the plants, animals, fungi, landscape, soil, water and then recreating these relationships in a way that’s just as ecologically resilient but produces more food.

Food forests comprise seven layers the root layer, the ground cover layer, the herb layer, the shrub layer, the low tree layer, the high tree layer, and the vine layer. Every layer has its significance to the whole agricultural system.

All these three regenerative agricultural practices have some things in common. Whereas in conventional agriculture, you seek to create as many things as possible, regenerative agriculture desires to build as many relationships between things as possible. It’s up to you what kind of a relationship you want to foster with the land.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The business promotion was once tricky, but it is no more. Entrepreneurs can now promote their businesses using different channels. The adage that business promotion is expensive is becoming irrelevant and outdated. Today’s entrepreneurs have numerous business promotion options in hand. It is best to search, analyze and identify opportunities that will work best for your business. Small and medium businesspersons have a limited budget at their disposal to use for promotion and marketing. Use yours wisely and make every penny count. Choose promotion channels that work best and show quick results. Here is a list of options you can use to promote your business:

Go online

Harness the power of the internet using online marketing and business promotion tools. Spread the word through content. Choose the medium you are best at, be it blogs or eBooks, to familiarize the audience with your business presence. Have a dedicated blog section on your business website and share ideas, and offers advice for readers.

Try SEO for your business

More than 50% of internet users buy products online. The eCommerce industry has been giving a tough time to the retail market for many years now. It only makes sense to have a business website and use an SEO strategy to improve its search ranking. Search engine marketing is one of the more effective ways to promote business to the world. SEO experts know what it takes to help your website reach the first page of search engines. Having a deep understanding of how search engines work and index pages, SEO specialists do all they can to improve your website’s ranking. They will build a comprehensive SEO plan that comes in handy for promoting business. Relevant SEO-optimized keyword-rich content helps crawlers search and index your website. You can opt for local or international keywords for the campaign. Ensure that your neighborhood is mentioned in your content and blogs for better results in search engines.

Frequently attend trade fairs and expos

Ensure your presence at every notable trade fair and exposition of international importance. The more you attend, the more people will know about your business. There are opportunities of doing business while you attend these shows, so stay alert. Explain your company, services, and products in detail to those who show interest and exhaust every opportunity to the fullest.

Befriend with email marketing

When it comes to marketing your business on a budget, nothing comes close to email marketing. It may be old, but it still works wonders for businesses. Email marketing never seems to go out of fashion. Enterprises use it for promotion as if it is a modern 21st-century marketing tool. Try a hand at email marketing and keep an eye on the outcome it leads to. You can send newsletters to your clients regarding the latest business promotions and deals.

Business cards and letterheads

It will cost you a little, but the outcome will serve your business well in the longer run. Choose an innovative design and business logo before printing company letterhead and business cards. Please pay special attention to the design and color scheme and ensure that it promotes your business efficiently. Would you mind sending these to your competitors and letting them know that there is a new player in the market?

Ensure social media presence

Did you know that social media has more than 60% of the world’s population, and it is growing? Would you want to take your business to three billion customers? That is what social media will do for you, so fasten your seatbelts and start thinking about strategies for using social media for business. Hire SME experts if you wish to tap into this segment properly. Be patient and let the magic happen as your SME experts do their stuff.

Offer discounts

Promote your business in any way you can. Identify customers and offer discounts to those that are willing to purchase immediately. Go to the website and check shopping carts that buyers left without checking out.

Make cold calls

The method has been around for years, but it is effective and works well. Hire telemarketers and work on a campaign where they will make cold calls. They will talk to the client and using a script. Do your research and find out more about the market you are going to operate in. Please share it with your callers, so they know what to tell the client and why. Make sure to ask your callers to contact clients either in the morning or afternoon.

Each of these methods is potential significant changes, so try every one of these and give enough time. Be patient and persistent with your business promotion methods and wait for the magic to happen.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

A self-certification mortgage is a mortgage that allows you to declare the amount of money you earn from employment. In the past, people used the self-certification mortgage for the first time about ten years ago. The term becomes famous primarily for small businesses and self-employed wage earners who do not have the three years evidence necessary income that the lenders require.

The self-certification mortgage is not just for the self-employed. Anyone who earns money irregularly can benefit from a self-certification mortgage. People who have seasonal employment or people who make their money through the commission, as sellers, will find the self-certification mortgage helpful. One of the main ways a self-certification mortgage differs from other types of mortgages is that you may be asked to put in a higher deposit. You may also end up paying a higher interest rate on your mortgage loan.

Borrowers who obtain a self-certification mortgage may find that they have to deposit 70% to 80% of the home’s value. When applying for a self-certification mortgage, you must present a document lender statement of your bank transactions. The lender is used to verify your gross income throughout the year. If you already have a house, it may also be necessary to provide your mortgage statements.

You cannot ask for any proof of how much you earn, but do not be tempted to exaggerate or lie about your income. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has powerful rules on this matter, and it is a criminal offense to lie about your income. If you lie and are outside, then you may receive a criminal record. Also, if the loan is more extensive than you can afford, you may not keep up with the payments.

There are a variety of interest rates for auto certification mortgages. They are higher than standard mortgage rates, and it makes good sense to talk to your mortgage broker before making a decision. They should advise and provide information on auto certification mortgages that are not available elsewhere.

• The self-certification mortgage can help self-employed workers buy a house.
• Self-certification mortgages can require borrowers to make a large deposit.

Rates and deposits

There is a one and a half higher percentage rate of self-certification as compared to standard loans. Understand this by using Home Loans. According to the data provider Moneyfacts, UCB Home Loans offer a self-certification scheme of around 4.99% as it is the cheapest and fixed rate for two years. In contrast, two years fixed rate of standard (non-self-certification mortgage) percentage is around 4.59%.

Two or three years of a short-term deal is the best option as per the recommendation of professionals.

Once the fixed or discounted term has come to an end, you may meet standard lending criteria and be able to switch to a lower rate. You must have a more considerable amount for a self-certification loan. Lenders demand 85 percent value of the property as an advance.

Self-certification mortgage and its value in the mortgage market 

There is a mixed response regarding self-certification mortgages. The first reply is that consumers can misuse mortgages, and products can fulfill all actual requirements. People have preferred self-certification, including those who are self-employed. Whether you are well-off or self-employed, you can afford a mortgage quickly. However, self-certification is essential for the current market.

Essential Considerations

It is okay if you have a significant income as there won’t be any issue during an economic crisis or when you have high-interest rates. You will find an implode market with an inevitable shift in economic conditions. As a customer, you will have to learn some measures of taking large loans at a time. You can do this with an increase in interest rates. Also, your focus must be the rising rate of mortgage payments.

 Alternatives

The best alternative is the usage of the fast-tracking process for standard loans. It is best when you (applicant) have a sufficient deposit and are not a first-time client. Some lenders are still using this alternative self-certification mortgage, including Standard Life Bank, Abbey, Woolwich, Halifax, Nothern Rock, Bristol and West, Portman, etc. Typically, you must have a 25% amount as a deposit. But, if you are using Northern Rock, you need to pay a 20% deposit money. Also, you don’t have to prove your income as the fast-tracking method is not a self-certification.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

As defined by the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services, it refers to the person who, in solidarity, participates with the owner of a financial transaction, usually in credit and financing. In this way, the c o-creditor also acquires the same obligations as the principal debtor.

What are the advantages of having a co-credited when you apply for a loan?

In these cases, the most common is to choose the husband or wife as co-credited so that both acquire the loan. The advantages of opting for this alternative are:

Access to a more significant amount of credit: They may acquire a higher value property by joining their salaries.

Payless for monthly payments: Sharing the costs makes it more convenient for both to pay and even pay more than if it were only one.

Each one owns: – This gives you certainty if you live in a combined house, and it is not in your plans to get married because you acquire the security of obtaining a property owned by both.

If one of the two dies, the credit is extinguished: If they opt for a co-credit through joint conjugal coverage (spouse), and one of the two passes, the balance to be owed will be at zero if they comply with the documentation indicated in the adhesion contract.

What are the disadvantages of being co-credited on a loan?

If your co-credit is not paid: Take your precautions. If your co-creditor is not organized in their finances, they are likely to have conflicts when they default on the loan payments, and both will be affected.

If you fail to pay: If you are not disciplined with your money, do not consider this credit scheme because it is very likely that you will forever damage the relationship with your co-creditor. Before taking out a shared credit, consider how much you should set aside from your income for long-term debts. For example, if you use the FOVISSSTE credit, it is calculated individually, and biweekly, 30% of your income is deducted.

Highly risky than bank acceptance

Taking a loan is a risky process. That is why lending institutions or banks need a co-signer. You have to pay back the loan money. You need to have a good credit rating and a track record to earn the lender’s confidence. Loan takers compel you to take different risks to satisfy the lenders that can put you at a disadvantage. Borrowing a higher amount is the most considerable risk as you don’t know how to pay the loan back. You should avoid the risk if the taken risk is greater than the tolerated rate of commercial lenders.

If they propose to be co-credited for a loan, is it worth it?

It depends on the responsibility of each person. If you decide to have a debt shared with your spouse, for example, to pay for a house, there is always the risk that they end the personal relationship (for whatever reason) and have to share the property that, also, still do not finish paying.

In those cases, one option is to transfer the credit to a third person who acquires the rights to the property and who is in charge of paying. Another alternative is to reach an agreement, liquidate the property (house or car) and sell it later. However, this “solution” is long-term and generally more expensive. Value the advantages and disadvantages that impact your relationship with the co-credited, both in the present and the future, and make the decision based on respect for both parties.

Co-signing a loan

It would be best if you had a co-signer for the approval of the loan, as it can be your sibling, parent, or relevant co-signer. You will need to explain all their pros and cons about what you are asking them to do. It will be a higher risk if you cannot pay all your monthly bills and ask a random person to be a co-signer. However, it can damage your finances and your relationships with your lenders or bankers.

The co-signing process is not a timeless commitment, but the co-signer must be active throughout the entire loan term. You can replace the co-signers if they are not fulfilling their responsibility well.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.