Is Online Shopping Safe?

Face it, online shopping is convenient, so people prefer shopping online instead of going to an actual store. Also, the online market offers loads of discounts so that you can easily manage your expenses. Besides, who does not like to save a little extra every month for a rainy day? Shopping on a budget is not a chore; it is your responsibility so that you do not end up with no financial support when you need it the most.

When we talk about shopping on a budget, it means that we have decided on the amount of money we will spend when we are out shopping. In other words, you can say it is about sticking to your limits. When you overspend in one area, it means the money is now coming from another part of your budget, and that could be from your savings as well. So, it is important to consider any changes before you implement them carefully. Make good choices and think hard before you spend your hard-earned while staying within your limits. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Now that we have established that shopping online saves you enough money, what about its security and identity protection? Is online shopping safe? We lock our car doors and keep the windowpane up when you leave the car or as you wait in the car, but do you protect your data the same way?

Cybersecurity is a daunting topic for most people, and the thought of just figuring out how and where to start from can be stressful. Online shopping is safe, but only if done the right way. Getting a great deal online includes a lot more than just low prices. You must be sure your product arrives on time; items include a valid warranty, the quality should be what you expected, a way to ask questions, and a way to return the products if you are not satisfied. Here are six tips that can help you shop online safely.

Place Orders from Secure Connections

If your device is not protected from potentially malicious software, watch out because your passwords, financial information, and everything else you store are at risk of being stolen. This is such a basic concept, yet only a fraction of the US population protects their data adequately. Just remember to use a secure connection and ensure your computer’s firewall is turned on. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Know Your Merchant and Their Reputation

So, if you know even a little about the merchant already, then shopping on their online store makes things easier. You also have access to walk into their stores and inquire if you have any concerns. Plus, word of mouth works best here, so if you have had people around you who told you about their positive experiences.

Terms and Conditions

Always read the terms and conditions before signing up. If you are offered a gift card, be sure that the store is legitimate and no hoops one would have to go through. There are so many things that we miss out on by simply not reading the terms and conditions.

Make Unique Passwords

You are often asked to create an account and set a password for the site. You may have the option not to go with it, but that does not happen all the time. But when you do have to create an account, make a strong and unique passcode. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Use Payment Platforms or Credit Card

Please do not use your check or debit card to make online payments since they do not have security protections. Plus, credit card consumptions limit the liability to $60 unauthorized charges if your financial data is stolen and the cash in your bank account is untouched. Debit cards do not have this option available, and even when they do, you are out of funds in the meantime.

Overlook the Company’s Shipping Conditions

Some merchants charge you ridiculously expensive shipping fees that turn the entire shopping bargain into one expensive mistake. Check if they offer tracking and insurance. Understand the carriers they choose and be a little cautious and even ask questions if the item will not be shipped in less than ten days.

Conclusion

When you organize things in life, everything works out great, especially about organizing your expenses. Fix to your budget, and you will never find yourself spending more than you should. Understand that protection of your data is your responsibility. You may not always have to use your financial information for online shopping; it could be school fees, Netflix, or even online banking. Be smart about things online.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

What is Bitcoin and How to Buy It?

“Cryptocurrency” is a term that has created significant buzz on the internet and within the financial world within the last decade. Bitcoin, one of the prominent cryptocurrencies, has generated tremendous profit for some early investors while others were hesitant to invest. Meanwhile, the sense of fame that Bitcoin earned has created a curiosity in investors to make it an asset. The question is, how? Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Many investors are still trying to understand the way Bitcoin works. It can be difficult to determine which organization holds the cryptocurrency or where it is stored since there is no purchase receipt. Hence, it is important to first recognize that Bitcoin is not a commodity but a currency that is run on algorithms. Moreover, it cannot be simply obtained at a physical location like other transactions at a bank. Everything related to the purchase and safekeeping of cryptocurrency is done online and in multiple ways. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Crypto Wallets:

Before purchasing cryptocurrency, you need to know about its safekeeping. When you purchase it, where do you keep it? Bitcoin is not physically present; therefore, you cannot keep it in your pocket or a safe. It is present as it is backed by blockchain technology. Therefore, several companies offer crypto wallets, allowing you to keep your cryptocurrency safe in your account. This account contains wallet(s) which allow you to keep your crypto safe, and only you can access it. All you need to do is sign up for a website offering wallets, but make sure the website is reliable and safe. After signing up, you will receive a crypto receiving address depending on the cryptocurrency you are using. You may copy the address and provide it to others so they can send you cryptocurrency. To do this effectively, make sure that the address you are providing is a public key. Providing private keys can result in a loss. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Where to Buy It?

Once your crypto wallet is set up, now comes the time to buy Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. So, you must be wondering where and how to buy it? First, you need to search for trusted suppliers of Bitcoin. Then you can log into their websites and provide the necessary details to purchase the cryptocurrency. If you are still not sure which are the trusted suppliers, below are a few commended providers:

  1. Coinbase: Coinbase is the most famous place to buy bitcoin. If you are from America, Europe, or Singapore, this is the best supplier for you. Not only is Coinbase a good crypto exchanger, but it also provides its user a safe and secure wallet. You may connect your bank account or buy crypto through a debit card or SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) transfer. With time, Coinbase is adding new currencies to facilitate its users worldwide.
  2. Kraken: Like Coinbase, Kraken allows its users to purchase Bitcoin in Europe or United Kingdom the same day through SEPA transfer. It allows for a smooth transfer and record-keeping of the purchase. The user does not have to worry about the fluctuation in prices as they receive their crypto coins the same day.
  3. Localbitcoins: Localbitcoins is of the most famous crypto-exchanging platforms because it gathers buyers and sellers in one place. It does not hold coins itself, but it allows users, who already have coins, to post their offers. Then, buyers make bids to purchase it. For safety and security, Localbitcoins restricts third-party payments in order to avoid probable frauds.
  4. Spectrocoin: Famous for its inexpensive rates, Spectrocoin allows its users to buy Bitcoin through credit cards and allows its users to get a crypto debit card. A user can easily access and buy whenever they want after completing the Know Your Customer form.

There are several other places where a user may buy Bitcoin; however, these are the most famous platforms. Others include Coin Mama, cex.io, remittance, and crypto pay and are the most trusted and approved platforms.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Does Remote Work Affect Employee Productivity?

Remote work has always been an option available in most organizations, but recently, every company has started offering work from home after the pandemic. However, significant change in work and productivity has been noticed.

People who work remotely are more likely to keep their jobs than the displaced workers in sectors most impacted by the novel corona virus-like hospitality, tourism, travel, and retail. According to the Future of Jobs Report, most employers are not quite certain how hybrid working and remote-working can pan out in the long term. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Covid-19’s impact on the world’s economies and livelihoods has vaulted from serious to catastrophic at the macro level. The USA’s exact development when claims from unemployment insurance increased over 6M inconsecutive weeks. In countries with large informal economies, the government decrees aggravate the crisis by dictating self-isolation, social distancing, and the nonessential businesses’ closure.

Productivity at Home

Most of the business leaders surveyed and expected a 78% negative impact in the current way of working and expected a 22% strong negative impact, with only 15% believing that it’ll have positive or no impact.

  • Here are the three likely reasons for this skepticism identified in the report:
  • Individuals with kids face additional pressures.
  • The switch to remote working is happening during additional stress caused by risks linked with the Covid19 virus.
  • The newly remote working companies are currently ensuring a communication flow and establishing a sense of community in the post-lockdown world. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Less Office Space

The need for large physical office spaces will soon come to an end. Waking up in the morning to go to work every day will become a thing of the past. And believe it or not, but companies are already taking steps in this direction. Another strategy may be to have specific days for in-person collaborations and meetings with other days allocated from remote work.

The offices might be reorganized and redesigned by getting rid of cubicles and creating more collaborative meeting spaces.

Cut Costs

A business would easily save $11,000 per person every year by providing the employees the ability to work remotely. The remote workers have reduced the amount of real estate you need, meaning that you are pouring majorly less money into buying or renting office space. A remote workforce can easily cut down on the costs of keeping an office functional like phones, computers, electricity, heating, and air condition.

Attract Top Talent

Remote work greatly expands the talent pool. Companies that refuse to support work from home are at risk of losing some of their best employees and turning away tomorrow’s top talent. The best part about remote work is that you are no longer dedicated to geographic locations; you can get anyone working anywhere by simply offering the work-from-home opportunity. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

When you recruit from a larger pool, to have a better opportunity to increase diversity at the company. This gives you the option to hire from various regions of your country and worldwide – benefit yourself from different ideas and perspectives that people bring.

Supporting Mental Health

Remote workers face potential well-being and other mental health challenges because of extensive changes to working practices and new areas of exclusion like access to digital connectivity, additional care responsibilities, and living circumstances faced by parents and even those looking after the elderly relatives.

According to a Gallup poll, workers who spent 60-80% of their time away from the workplace had higher engagement rates. Without a doubt, multiple factors contribute to increasing productivity. The study also discovered that working at home is less distracting and easier to concentrate on work at home. Plus, employees work better at home, even if it means late at night or early in the morning. A happy employee, as a result, adds extra hours at work per week.

Conclusion

There is so much that can be gained by simply working at home, so why isn’t everyone doing it? Many people are a little scared to make that jump; the fear of the unknown is pretty common. But no one can deny the productive statistics. It is natural to face challenges, but you minimize the challenges and maximize the remote workforce’s benefits with certain strategies.

We still do not know how long the pandemic will last. While Germany and Europe have shown first signs of encouraging travel demand recovery, other geographies, including the United States, have not controlled the spread effectively. Despite the increase in the number of Covid-19 patients, there has been an increase in bookings and searches.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

What is Travel Insurance and Do You Need It?

When we prepare for a trip, we want everything to be perfect. For this, it is essential that when traveling, we purchase travel insurance that covers all the needs we may have. Travel insurance is not a requirement but is highly recommended to cover anything that can go wrong before or during your trip.

Travel insurance is that by which all contingencies that may arise on a trip are protected. Depending on the travel insurance that is contracted, this will have some coverage or others.

Before hiring any travel insurance, it is advisable to check if we have any coverage by home insurance or health insurance. On many occasions, home insurance includes the loss and theft of objects such as watches, cameras, video cameras, computers, laptops, etc. While health insurance usually includes emergency coverage outside the place of residence.

Although some home or health insurance offers coverage that can be useful when traveling, these types of insurance will not compensate for a flight delay, an overbooking situation, or lost luggage, etc. These being the most inconvenient among travelers. Therefore, it may be necessary to purchase travel insurance. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Should you get travel insurance?

To answer whether you should have it, you must first understand what is covered by the insurance. Travel insurance can have more or less coverage, with higher limits or less. Here are some issues covered by travel insurance.

  • Repatriation and health transport: this coverage includes the steps and expenses of transferring deceased travelers to their country of origin, as well as several companions.
  • Trip cancellation: travel insurance must include cancellation for peace of mind
  • Trip interruption: this coverage means being able to recover the proportion proportional to the time not enjoyed
  • Luggage protection: in addition to health coverage, it is also important to have clauses that protect our luggage from losses or delays
  • Delays: we may have to take two types of transportation on our trip. If we have travel insurance that includes possible delays, they will pay us the extra expenses we have in the time we are waiting for
  • Accidents: Another important coverage to consider is accident protection, which would cover compensation if the accident causes permanent damage. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Which policy should be best for travel insurance?

Having the best travel insurance policy depends on your needs and your situation.

  • Your travel destination
  • Source of traveling, such as flights, rental cars, etc. The changes in your coverage requirements.
  • Activities that you are going to enjoy while traveling, such as skiing, ski diving, and other adventurous activities
  • The duration and how long your trip is going to be?
  • Number of passengers and who will travel with you such as your siblings, friends, couple, single, or family
  • The value and the number of goods you will have
  • The level of risk aversion Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Essential considerations for an insurance coverage plan

If you are thinking of having an insurance coverage plan, you should consider the following points. The reason for learning such things is to have good insurance. It can only happen when you have it according to your needs.

  • Extent and level of coverage

Make sure the policy covers the indemnity for medical services expenses incurred abroad. It would be best if you had reimbursement for medical treatment that you are going to continue in your country.

  • Payout needs and duration

Find out that you will have to submit the incident’s recent report within a reasonable duration? Do you have to attach supporting documents to your claim report?

  • Premium expenses

Make sure you pay for the right coverage. Don’t forget to upgrade or downgrade it as per your requirements. It should be something by which you feel more comfortable than other insurance premium expenses.

  • Present upgrades

Evaluate the total expense of your insurance to your baggage. Also, consider the number of items you are going to add to your shopping list abroad. It includes paintings and furniture.

  • Drugs and alcohol

If you are alcohol or drug-addicted, make sure the selected insurance policy must be null and void. It would be useful if something happens due to alcohol or drug influence or habit.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Ideas That Will Help Your Online Business

Online businesses can only be profitable if you have ideas that meet a need or a problem.  Of course, where there is an opportunity, there is also competition. Before you begin your venture, make sure you research all aspects of your industry, including financial analysis and competitive analysis. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

  1. Blogging

Blogs are at the top of the list because you can start blogging with minimal investment. If you are prepared to write quality articles, learn and implement Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and do content marketing, blogging will not cost you much.

I started Blogging with only 100 Dollars. I bought accommodation at $5 per month and with a free domain name. Then I installed a WordPress content management system, chose a free theme in the WordPress repository, installed some free plugins, and started writing articles.

In addition to hosting costs, my only investment was to devote time and energy to researching new topics and writing quality articles to benefit readers of my blog.

With blogs, you can earn money through the three methods below:

  • Post ads on the blog, usually via Google AdSense. You will be paid by advertising impression (ICC) or by advertising click (CPC).
  • In affiliate marketing, you promote a company’s products or services to your readers. Whenever someone buys a product or service using your affiliate links, you are paid by the company.
  • Write through paid, sponsored articles.

Most beginners often end up choosing the wrong monetization method, which is one of the reasons bloggers are not able to earn money. Be sure to choose the monetization method that best suits your niche.

Remember that blogs are about writing quality articles and searching for relevant keywords, SEO, SEO (off-site), and content marketing.

  1. Start a YouTube Channel

YouTube is a great way to make money if you can make attractive videos. If you can create videos that can become viral on the Internet, you will earn much more than you imagined. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

  1. Web Design

With more people needing a website, the demand for web design will continue to increase over the next few years. Sites like Upwork and Freelancer make it relatively easy to offer services and get to know customers. Many people from developing countries start their Web Design career with Web Content Writing.

  1. Sell Courses Online

Revenue from online education is not recurring. If you sell your time, it may be hard to make a lot of money. However, if you want to have a recurring revenue stream and develop your online course activity, you can create online courses and sell them on platforms like Udemy.

In addition to offering courses on sites like Udemy, you can also promote them on your blog or website. This allows you to avoid paying commissions and sell them for more profit. However, it may take more effort at the beginning to drive targeted traffic to your website.

  1. Sell Your Products on e-Commerce Sites

If you buy certain items at a lower price than the market price, you can make money by reselling them online through sites like eBay. Registering on eBay is easy; all you need to do is create an account, upload photos and information about your product, set your price, and monitor bids. With eBay, you can sell new, refurbished, and used items and even sell imported items without any guarantee.

However, eBay can be a disorganized place to sell your products, and many people do not like buying or selling on eBay due to fraud. If you are looking for a more structured way to sell your products, you can become a seller on Amazon.

Unlike eBay, Amazon attaches particular importance to the quality of its sellers. To become a seller on Amazon, you must be a company. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

  1. Design and Sell Products on POD Websites

If you are creative and can make t-shirts, caps, mugs, etc., then Print on Demand (POD) websites are an option.  Through POD websites, it is possible to design different products with intuitive software on their platform. The products you create will be presented to thousands of website visitors every day. Whenever someone buys your product, the website will print your design on a blank product and send it to the buyer.

The advantage of the POD is that it does not require any investment. From inventory management to printing and shipping, everything will be managed by the website so you can focus on creating new products.

  1. Instagram Consultant

Although Instagram is becoming more popular, brands may not know how to use the app effectively. If you have some experience in social media and marketing and are passionate about photography, it may be worthwhile to start a specialized consulting business on Instagram.

  1. Online Affiliation

If you leave customer comments and reviews online, stop doing it for free. For many companies, the recommendation is an important lead generator, and they are willing to share some of their profits with persuasive people who will promote their products. 

  1. Business Coaching

If you know business management, then why not start a business that helps aspiring entrepreneurs succeed? You can use your skills to help new entrepreneurs get started, or you can write articles about companies via platforms like LinkedIn.

  1. SEO Consultant

Do you know the ins and outs of search engines and have skills in platforms like Google Analytics? Many small business owners do not realize how SEO can have a significant impact on their business. Consult with business owners about the power of SEO and use your skills to teach them to read and use their analytics data to have more qualified traffic on their website.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

6 Simple Ways to Start Saving Money

There is no denying there; every person thinks about saving money. The people who like to live in “the now” and do not think about the future are rare. When it comes to people working to achieve a stable future, they are found in every corner of the world. Despite this, there are only a few who are successful in saving for their future. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Many people find it difficult to start saving as it requires them to cut some of their expenses. In reality, saving is not that of a challenge, only if a person thinks smartly. There are many ways one can start saving funds for their children, retirement, car, business, or a house. They need to explore.

People struggling to put aside a fixed sum of money every month need to understand that there are many ways to go about this. Some methods do not even require much effort if that is something bothering them

Working on the budget by enlisting all the expenses is the smartest way to begin. However, people always find excuses for not saving. Some say their expenses are too much while some complain about their salary is not enough. One of the biggest excuses is not knowing any effective money-saving techniques. Here are six simple ways to start saving money today!

Take Small Steps

For beginners, people can start by taking small steps. If one fails to save a certain amount of money from their income, they need to look for ways to cut down their expenses. Some smart ways people can go about with this are.

  • Switching off the lights when not in use.
  • Quick showers with high-speed water flow.
  • Preventing unnecessary water loss.
  • Practice recycling. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Track Expenses & Create a Budget

As discussed earlier, to start saving, people need to keep a track record of their expenses. They need to be well-aware of where they spend their money. It is always the first step in the process. Whether a person purchases a rose for their partner or plans a vacation, every penny an individual spends must be recorded.

For efficient record keeping, people can categorize their expenses. They can use their bank statements and credit card statements to do that. After gathering accurate expense details, the next step is to draft a workable budget. The plan needs to outline exactly how the expenses are measuring up to the income.

Cutting Down Expenses

A major component of saving money for a stable future is to cut down unnecessary expenses. Many people do not realize that they are unnecessarily spending on things that they do not need. Anyone who wishes to save needs to look for smart and effective ways can reduce spending.

It is where enlisting the expenses will come into play. Some people track their major expenses and do not give much thought to the minor expenses such as eating hot dogs, getting new shoes, or buying a flower. When individuals know exactly where their money is being spent, they can identify the irrelevant expenses, making it easy for them to reduce the costs.

Setting Saving Goals

Having a proper plan is critical for successful saving. Without a game plan, the saving efforts will not bear any fruit. It is due to this reason setting saving goals is essential. When one has a goal, it becomes easy to stick to the plan.

Saving for retirement, a child’s education, wedding, business, vacation, home, debt repayment, or a car are all the types of goals that one can set. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Choosing the Right Tools

The tools one chooses to save money play a critical role in the process. There is a multitude of tools that people can choose. Some of these are great for short-term goals, while others are deal with long-term plans.

For short-term plans, savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CD) are the ideal options. On the other hand, IRAs that are FIDC insured, stocks, and mutual funds work wonders for long-term saving goals.

Automatic Savings

A stress-free way to save money every month is to opt for automatic savings. It is a facility that almost all banks offer. It also allows consumers to choose the time and the amount that they want to save. One can even set a portion of every paycheck and even split the income to go directly into a savings account.

Conclusion

Achieving financial stability is a goal of every individual globally, but only a few people can succeed in it. Those who succeed in acquiring the status of ‘financially stable’ have one thing in common; they all save. Even the wealthiest of individuals adopt a practice of saving as it brings one peace of mind with a stable future.

 

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

6 Mistakes You Should Avoid When Buying a Car

Most adults end up purchasing a car at some point in their lifetime. Buying a car can be stressful, or it can be made easier if you go shopping for a car with some knowledge. There are mistakes that many people make when buying a car that can easily be avoided if you are aware of them. Here are six mistakes you should avoid when buying a car. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Falling in love with a particular vehicle

Don’t get carried away by your emotions while choosing a car, significantly if it’s going to cost you thousands of dollars. Being or to believe you’re in love with a particular car prevents one from appreciating other vehicles that could have better characteristics or that may even be better suited to your needs.

Always try to search thoroughly, gather information, performance, technical data, security, price, performance, etc. Ask your friends and acquaintances. Being well informed can prevent one from falling into the hands of a seller who has a masterly involvement and ends up embarking with a car that might not be the best for you. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Do not skip the driving test

A driving test is mandatory while choosing a car. Don’t limit yourself to browsing the websites of the agencies or seeing brochures. Being in contact with the car directly will let you have a more objective view. It is a unique opportunity to know if that car that you like so much is the one that best suits your needs.

Today, almost all agencies in Mexico offer you a test drive without commitment. Allow yourself to feel the car, analyzing its interior, finishes, comfort, etc.

Care when negotiating on the list price

Do not use the list price as a reference to negotiating an agreement. A seller can offer you a discount of 5,000 pesos below the list price, and you will think that you are getting a fair offer when in reality, it is not like that.

Unless the vehicle is in high demand and there are few units, you can often get a fair discount on what the dealer paid for the vehicle. Knowing the real cost of the vehicle will allow you to know with certainty how much the margin of profit of the lot or distributor, with it, you will know how to determine a price with which you can negotiate. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Wait to get to the agency to think about financing

Do not wait to reach out to an agency to determine the type of financing you will use since this can make your car a little more expensive. Before going to an agency, give yourself a little time to investigate the finances available with banks and the same agency. Try getting a pre-quote and be careful with those “little letters.”

Do not be guided only by the cost of the monthly payment

Many sales agents love to focus on the average monthly payment when they are in front of a buyer. Almost everyone starts talking about how low the monthly payments are to buy this or that car.

Don’t fall into that trap. It is the first step to be manipulated with numbers and get paid more for your vehicle. Using the monthly price as the main argument, the seller can include it in the “new price of the vehicle.” Factors such as taking your car on account, financing, or leasing, giving you many cushions to offer you a “good price” in a specific option, and raising your gain on the other hand.

Do not buy the offer. Buy the vehicle

In recent times manufacturers have been given the task of offering a wide variety of incentives such as 0% interest rate on financing, cash rebates, and employee discount programs.

These incentives could save you money, but that’s when you should consider that a good discount probably does not justify buying that car. Is it the car you are looking for? Have you handled it?

Buying a new car is never easy; this may not be your first time buying a car, but it is understandable if you are worried. Just make sure you are not missing out on these six points.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Startup Revenue Generation

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


4 Revenue Generation Tips for Startups: Boost Your Profits Now!

If your startup isn’t thinking about revenue generation every single day, you’re already behind. I’ve worked with over 10,000 founders—and the biggest difference between those who grow and those who fizzle? A disciplined, creative approach to maximizing revenue in startups by monitoring net profit margins. In this guide, I’ll show you four battle-tested techniques to drive income growth fast—without bloating your budget or burning out your team. CorpNet. Start A New Business Now

Key Takeaways

  • Use AI-powered lead scoring and predictive personalization to double your conversion rate
  • Stack organic, paid, and influencer campaigns into a hybrid monetization engine
  • Design landing page ecosystems optimized with data-driven CTA placements
  • Scale recurring income with usage-based pricing and proactive feature unlocks
  • Avoid revenue-killing mistakes like single-channel dependence or static pricing

Hyper-Target Lead Generation with AI Personalization

Tired of chasing leads who’ll never buy? You’re not alone. Most startups waste time and money on unqualified traffic. But the moment we started leaning into AI for revenue generation, everything changed.

Here’s what works:

  • Predictive lead scoring

Using tools like HubSpot’s AI scoring, you can prioritize deal-ready prospects. One client slashed their sales cycle by 19% this way. Research from McKinsey confirms these financial performance improvements from AI-powered sales strategies can dramatically increase conversion rates while reducing acquisition costs.

  • Dynamic content personalization

Tailor messaging and offers in real time—based on user behavior, location, even device. It’s like offering each visitor their own concierge service.

“We reduced client acquisition costs by 37% by implementing Drift’s conversational AI to qualify leads.”

  • Complete Controller case study

Case in Point: Outreach.io

They saw a 42% jump in replies using:

  • Intent-based email sequences
  • Optimal send-time AI algorithms
  • Scalable A/B testing

I recommend starting with AI tools that integrate with your existing stack. Many founders I coach begin with simpler solutions like Drift or HubSpot before scaling to enterprise platforms like 6sense.

Monetize Social Channels with Hybrid Campaign Architecture

Let’s break a myth: Social isn’t just for brand awareness. Done right, it’s a revenue engine.

Most brands split organic and paid efforts—but real profit maximization happens when they integrate. Harvard Business Review research supports this approach, showing substantial business profitability gains from integrated social selling compared to siloed strategies.

  • Stack Your Strategy

    • Organic: Post authentic LinkedIn carousels dissecting your SaaS growth, retention, churn
    • Paid: Retarget visitors with testimonial-packed ads
    • Influencer: Partner with niche experts (5K–10K followers) to co-author mini case studies

This integrated approach forms the backbone of effective strategies for increasing revenue through social marketing that consistently outperform single-channel approaches.

Example: Hootsuite’s social RevOps playbook

They tripled conversions by layering:

  • Employee advocacy posts → more reach
  • UGC contests → tracked through revenue tags
  • Influencer webinars → direct revenue attribution

I’ve guided hundreds of startups through this exact process. Start small by identifying your three best-performing content pieces, then create a paid amplification strategy around them with clear conversion tracking. ADP. Payroll – HR – Benefits

Build High-Converting Landing Page Ecosystems

You don’t need more traffic—you need more conversions.

Here’s what stops users from clicking:

  • Confusion
  • Friction
  • Mistrust

But with a few high-impact tweaks, your conversions can skyrocket. That’s revenue generation in its purest form.

Top hacks (Backed by 2025 CRO data):

  • “No credit card required” above the fold = 28% lift in signups
  • Lead with analyst ratings → THEN show testimonials
  • Trigger an exit-intent wheel offering an expiring promo

These tactics work hand-in-hand with techniques for revenue generation with data-driven PPC advertising to create a complete conversion machine.

Startup proof: Loom

They ran 14 CTA placements and found:

  • Mid-scroll “Why Trust Us?” popped conversions +19%
  • FAQ-embedded CTAs cut bounce rates by a stunning 33%

In my work with SaaS companies, I’ve found that landing pages with contextualized CTAs consistently outperform generic ones. Test different placements based on user scroll depth and engagement signals.

Land-and-Expand: The Scalable Revenue Model

Revenue shouldn’t stop after someone pays—it should multiply.

Startups often chase new customers instead of expanding existing ones. That’s a costly mistake. Research from Bain & Company validates this approach, showing significant profit maximization through customer retention compared to acquisition-only strategies.

Here’s how to generate more income per account:

  • Proven sales strategies

    • Usage-Based Pricing: Pay based on activity (Snowflake nails this)
    • Tiered Unlocking: Hide premium features behind usage milestones
    • Auto-Upsell Triggers: Alert users mid-workflow when they hit plan limits
  • Zoom’s add-on masterclass

    • Free 40-minute cap → triggers upgrades
    • Add-on storage → as usage increases
    • White-labeling → upsells for enterprise clients

Remember: Retained customers cost less than new ones. Grow from the inside first.

Founder’s Corner: Revenue Mistakes We Help Startups Fix

After 15+ years inside the trenches of startup finance, here are the common blunders we help fix:

  • ❌ Relying on 1 traffic channel → Set up at least 3 attribution-mapped funnels
  • ❌ Ignoring existing users → Add growth QBRs and auto-renewal touchpoints
  • ❌ Flat pricing for too long → Run pricing tests every quarter, act annually

The fix? Build what we call a “revenue roadmap.” It’s your north star for every decision.

In 2021, tech startups often saw 10x+ revenue multiples when interest rates were near zero. By 2023–2024, as rates increased, SaaS and AI startups saw multiples decline to 4x–8x ARR. This historical shift shows why sustainable revenue matters more than ever.

Conclusion: Your 90-Day Revenue Acceleration Plan

Ready to turn this into actual dollars? Here’s your blueprint:

Month 1

→ Launch AI lead scoring

→ Test 3 landing page variations

Month 2

→ Deploy hybrid social strategy

→ Partner with influencers for co-branded content

Month 3

→ Roll out usage-based pricing

→ Add auto-upgrade alerts

With startups facing a first-year failure rate of 10% (and up to 90% eventually failing), a strategic approach to revenue generation isn’t just nice to have—it’s survival. I’ve helped thousands of founders navigate these challenges successfully.

Take the guesswork out of growth.

👉 Book your Free Revenue Audit at Complete Controller for comprehensive financial guidance that drives profitable growth. LastPass – Family or Org Password Vault

FAQ

What’s the fastest revenue generation strategy for SaaS startups?

Start using usage-based pricing with smart upsell triggers—it scales fast and taps into customer momentum. Unlike flat-fee models that cap your upside, usage-based pricing grows as your customers grow, creating a win-win for both parties.

How do I balance organic vs. paid marketing for maximum revenue?

Use a 70/30 split: majority into proven organic plays, with 30% for testing paid campaigns. Merge both under a RevOps lens with shared attribution. The key is ensuring both channels reinforce each other rather than operating in isolation.

What landing page elements convert best for driving revenue?

Scroll-triggered CTAs, analyst reviews at the top, and CTA-rich FAQs below the fold consistently outperform other elements. Our testing shows that social proof placed strategically throughout the page can increase conversion rates by up to 40%.

Should startups focus on ACV or customer volume for revenue growth?

Focus on ACV expansion until you hit $250k ARR. Then optimize funnels for volume. This sequenced approach builds a stronger foundation and prevents the common mistake of pursuing low-value customers that drain resources without proportional returns.

How often should startups review their pricing strategy?

Test pricing quarterly, but only adopt changes once a year—unless your market shifts fast. Most founders test too rarely, leaving money on the table. A systematic approach to pricing optimization can unlock 15-30% more revenue from your existing customer base.

Sources 

  • Bain & Company. (n.d.). The Value of Customer Experience, Quantified. Retrieved from https://www.bain.com/insights/the-value-of-customer-experience-quantified/
  • Complete Controller Case Study. (2024). AI Implementation Results.
  • Exploding Topics Blog. (2025). Startup Success and Failure Rates.
  • Flippa Blog. (2025). Startup Valuation Multiples and Market Trends.
  • Harvard Business Review. (2016). The New Sales Imperative. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2016/10/the-new-sales-imperative
  • Hootsuite. (2024). Social RevOps Playbook.
  • Khorev, Mike. (2025). Top Lead Generation Strategies for Startups in 2025. Mike Khorev.
  • Loom Blog. (2024). Conversion Rate Optimization Findings.
  • McKinsey & Company. (n.d.). How AI Will Transform Sales. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/how-ai-will-transform-sales
  • Outreach.io. (2023). AI in Sales Engagement: 2024 Benchmarks. Outreach Resources.
  • Whatfix Knowledge Base. (2024). Whatfix’s AI Implementation Framework.
Complete Controller. America’s Bookkeeping Experts 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. Download A Free Financial Toolkit

4 Mistakes You Should Avoid When Paying Down Debts

Paying off debts can be stressful, but it can be done without making common mistakes if you go about it intelligently. To successfully manage debts, you need a debt management plan to don’t get out of the limit. Juggle your payments and pay them on time without additional expenses.

Most people don’t think of these issues, and other mistakes don’t let them quickly pay off all debts. If you avoid all of them, you will have a strong financial base with wealth in the future.

Mistakes while paying debts can overwhelm you if you aren’t aware of them or how to avoid them. If you want to enjoy a strong financial future, here are four mistakes you should avoid when paying down debts. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Minimum spending on debt

Commonly, people don’t pay their bills more than the amount that came in emails as per the lender’s requirement. People pay their entire bills, including credit cards, dinner, shopping, utility, etc., on time, but they never pay extra. I am asking you that do you ever pay your student loan extra?

Do you ever save extra money by shopping for restricted items? If these tricks aren’t a part of your practice, you will never pay all your excessive loans till your age of forty. Leave the practice of paying minimum debt or the exact amount mentioned on the bill. Pay all your debts as early as possible. Your future self will thank you when you pay off your debts more than you think. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Lack of debt management plan

Debtors, especially under the age of 22, have no idea about debt management. That’s why they always get in trouble, as they are unaware of multiple debt payment options. Even they don’t know. There is a kind of debt management plan that exists. According to young debt payers, a debt management plan works for those preparing for their retirement.

Thanks to some financial management experts, their suggestions spread awareness about paying off all debts without extra burden. Find a debt management plan, pick the best one, stick to it, and you can make changes when you need it.

As per the specialist’s recommendations, start paying debts that have the smallest balance. This way, you will be a debt-free person before your lender reminds you. Also, don’t forget to find the reasons for having debt freedom for surety. This experience will not only give you financial peace, but you will have extra knowledge about the right way of paying debts. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Lack of emergency fund

Paying off debt is a stressful and tedious task. In many cases, people often don’t have extra money as a backup amount. Perhaps, the core reason for this is the lack of minimum expenses and balancing them for saving and spending both with full peace of mind. Prepare yourself for emergency funds. You will have this amount not to spend on anything. One day will get in trouble or urgency, and you will need some money to fix all financial problems. In such cases, you will need this financial backup a lot. You will also get benefit from these savings when you go deep down into debt. If you can’t pay your debt for any personal reason, you will have at least this backup.

Continuous usage of credit

Suppose you are a credit card user, so I can’t refuse the fact that you have a severe debt payment burden with full clearance. If your credit cards get you into severe trouble as a substantial financial issue, it means you need to learn its proper usage. In such cases, there is a 100% commitment to debt payment. The best way to cope with this problem is to stop using credit cards fast.

But it doesn’t mean you will never be a credit card user, so don’t think of cut all your credit cards. According to a few experts, it is not the proper way. Instead, it would be best to pay off all the debts if you did proper planning for this.

Also, clear all the bill payments that you have to pay sooner or later as you shouldn’t have single stress of credit card payment. Make all adjustments fast, buy new credit cards, and use them with a proper financial plan and management.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Impact of Pressure on Employees’ Performance

When Emmanuel Vasseneix, the CEO of the Dairy of Saint-Denis-de-l’Hôtel (LSDH) in the Loiret, entered the office of his supply manager, he noted that she was about to burst into tears in front of her computer and the 250 unread messages from her inbox. “I realized that this employee was crumbling under the job, that she did not dare to complain, and that she was cracking,” Vasseneix reflected. The next day, some of her e-mails were rerouted, and her workload was redesigned. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Two months later, LSDH hired a second person in the Procurement Department. To this boss of 360 employees, there is no need for flashy measures to pacify the climate of the company. Stress management is done on a case-by-case basis. “Tensions, there are inevitable,” he acknowledged. “Our sector has been in a crisis for thirty years, no need to add internally. “

“Using anxiety as a management tool is a tyrant’s behavior!” says Xavier Fontanet.  A behavior whose excesses are sanctioned, since 2003, by the law on moral harassment at work.   In France, a study published in the “French Review of Social Affairs” in 2004 estimates the annual cost of stress for the Sécu between 830-1650 million euros or $1-2 billion.

Lindsay Owen-Jones was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of L’Oréal from 1988 to 2011.  When he stepped down, the climate of the world’s number one cosmetics line began changing. “When Lindsay Owen-Jones landed, people were paralyzed,” recalled a member of the executive committee. “Faced with a problem, he was not asking for a solution but six. To be able to choose the best one,” added the executive. The arrival of Jean-Paul Agon at the head of the group in 2006 ushered in a new era. Managers were now invited to worry about the results and manage their teams with respect and generosity. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Natural selection

At KPMG, stress is part of the job, although, in the words of Jacky Lintignat, the CEO, “It’s not the company that creates it but the job. Consultants work under the constant pressure of deadlines and report live to customers in the field. ” That is why, in its recruitment campaign, the auditing and accounting firm announces the color with visuals representing young, dynamic executives who “hang on” (in a train) because, at KPMG, the ‘Acceleration is guaranteed.’ However, the company takes this opportunity to offer a gym and a concierge to help relieve stress.

So, the problem is where to put the slider on the stress spectrum? “Too much stress kills performance, but without stress, no one is successful,” says psychiatrist Patrick Légeron, director of the consulting firm Stimulus. All managers who recognize the impact of pressure on their teams are looking for this point of balance and claim to respect a few simple rules.  Firstly, explain to your employees the strategy adopted by the company. As Emmanuel Vasseneix reiterated, “Why would a guy accept you taking him somewhere if you did not tell him where you intended to lure him?”

At the head of Accor Services since 2005, Serge Ragozin understood this well. He managed to engage the branch of the hotel group in a movement of innovation and acquisitions smoothly.  “Rather than impose, he managed to convince that a change was necessary,” said Jean-Marc Loustalet, deputy CEO. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Close monitoring

Lead the way, but also give everyone a little autonomy to achieve their goals. This is the second rule that maintains a positive pressure balance. Nothing is worse than feeling constantly monitored by superiors.

A sector director of a large French bank can testify. Every month he received a phone call from his boss asking if he had met his goals. “One day, I had not sold enough bank cards; the next month, it was home insurance, home loans … I was not allowed to turn around! ” He himself managed a hundred people and refused to apply this kind of method. “I told them the goal but let them do it in their own way.”

“The lack of autonomy or freedom to organize is one of the major stressors at work,” confirmed the psychiatrist Patrick Légeron. “A genius slumbers in each of us,” enthused Xavier Fontanet. “Our duty as managers is to discover and cultivate it. “

The third essential rule for maintaining good team health is to encourage talent through trust but also through recognition. Unfortunately, too many managers neglect this rule. When asked, “What is the most difficult problem to endure at work?” 45% of French workers responded: lack of recognition (TNS Sofres survey, July 2007). “But do not be confused reward and recognition,” insists Patrick Bouvard.

“We were having trouble with the production of Danao, which was stressing my teams and tending to relationships with our client. The marketing manager came down to our workshop and promised the workers that if they met the deadline, he would invite them all to the restaurant,” noted Emmanuel Vasseneix.  The employees of LSDH took up the challenge and, two weeks later, the man from Danone kept his word. “This manager was able to perceive the tension of LSDH teams and adapt his behavior.”

Identifying the symptoms of stress is essential to measure the pressure that is imposed on teams. The warning signs of destructive stress are nevertheless numerous and sometimes glaring: “Regular absenteeism, turnover, accidents at work, isolation, aggression, hyperactivity, loss of appetite or bulimia,” said Dominique Hoareau, author of Taming Your Stress (Editions d’Organization, 2001). “Warning,” noted psychiatrist Patrick Légeron, all these signs may have other causes than anxiety.”

Listen to your team. Observe them and use common sense to avoid problems created from unnecessary pressure and unruly stress.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers 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. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers