What is the Viability of Flipping Houses in the US?

The phenomenon of flipping houses can be quite a temptation and hard to resist. However, not every venture results in a profitable outcome. Every real estate agency or house-flipping hopeful must adhere to a prudent process of flipping if they want to yield a positive return on their investment. Before deciding to invest and flip houses, there are three situations one must carefully consider to obtain and increase market intelligence of the county in which they are currently residing: death, divorce, and downsizing. Here the concept of downsizing implies downsizing of employees through layoffs or workforce downsizing. This should not be confused with the concept of downsizing in the context of real estate, where downsizing refers to downgrading your existing house to a less expensive home. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Real Estate Investors or firms look for the three essential circumstances of death, divorce, or downsizing during the process of flipping as described below:

Death

In the case of death, there is a strong probability that the deceased’s successors will want to make a quick decision and liquidate tangible assets. With emotions running high and acting in tandem with rapid selling, the new owners may want to sell the property as soon as possible and at a price below the assessed market value. For example, a property valued at $200,000 could be for sale at $100,000 or $125,000. Therefore, due to emotional stress and panic selling, the owner will accept almost any price to sell the house. At this time, the real estate investment agencies or individual investors should leverage the situation, seize the opportunity, and purchase the property at a lower price. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Divorce

The second happenstance that can enable a house-flipping purchase is when a couple is going through a divorce. Divorce has a significant impact on emotional decision-making, and it is estimated 40% to 50% of couples in the United States will end their marriage in divorce. Once it is finalized, then comes the aggravating process of paying out alimony and dividing assets. At this point, one party inevitably becomes emotional and may decide to sell their property. The husband will take into consideration the amount for alimony and how he will stand fit financially. When considering all unavoidable costs and payments involved in divorce proceedings, the property owner may be increasingly inclined to sell their home immediately.

Consequently, they may be compelled to sell the house at a discounted price and below the assessed market value. Although the process of divorce is private and personal, a well-connected broker will have a network of friends who can supply information that is applicable to the market database. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Downsizing

Workforce downsizing is not a new ordeal in the era of globalization. Whenever the organization or a firm has been vulnerable to an economic downturn, the most common response is to downsize to save costs and maintain the profitability margins. If an employee has taken a mortgage on their house and been downsized, they have two options: either the person can simply call the financial institution and declare bankruptcy or actively try to liquidate assets, including selling their house. If he chooses the latter, he would either contact real estate agencies or put up an advertisement of the sale in the local newspaper or any other medium such as social media platforms.

When thinking about how to obtain properties to purchase and flip, consider searching for properties that are on the market due to a death, divorce, or downsizing.  In many cases, the sellers in these situations will be motivated to relinquish the property and will often do so below the assessed market value. 

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

When to Sell a Stock Exchange

The question of when to sell an Initial Public Offering (IPO) is often asked. Indeed, the psychological biases of fear and greed hinder us also make us commit serious mistakes. 

If most private investors lose money on the stock market, they often give in to their emotions.

The Worst Time to Sell Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

When Guided by Fear

Let us examine the example of the subprime crisis of 2008. Many people were ruined because they gave in to fear by selling their positions in large capital losses. If they had resisted, they would have doubled their capital today.  However, few people have been disciplined enough to maintain their positions. These investors should have continued to finance the best quality actions. This would have allowed them to take advantage of the strong recovery of the stock market since 2009.  The stock market will always go up, but it also consists of a succession of bullish and bearish cycles. It is important to determine approximately what phase we are in to limit errors when we invest.

When Motivated by Greed

Another classic mistake is to be trapped by greed. All stock market investors have the same goal: the lure of profit. They, therefore, tend to make two recurring mistakes:

  1. Resell too soon

Many resell their winning positions far too early for fear of losing their small gains. This happens, for example, when you enter a position and everything goes as planned when you buy quality stocks. Their prices are appreciating for good reasons (solid fundamentals, attractive valuation).  After having gained a few percent, you say to yourself, “Well, I’ve already increased my value, so I’ll take my profits.” As a result, you sell, and in the weeks or months that follow, the stock continues to rise strongly. Unfortunately, you have then missed most of the increase in profit.  The important thing when buying stock is to set a goal to sell and stick to it. Using valuation methods, you know the fair price of the stock. As long as that price is not reached and no other fundamentals have changed, you must stay in position. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

  1. Invest in volatile “casino” shares

If you invest in the stock market, it is because you are willing to accept some risk to grow your capital. However, this risk must be mastered. Most people are impatient to make “jackpot” winnings. It can happen, like at the casino, but remember that you do not control anything.

To quote Warren Buffet, “You only have to buy what you understand.” Many investors laughed at him when he announced that he did not want to own stocks in the Information Technology sectors. When the Internet bubble of the 2000s arrived, technological actions collapsed. Warren Buffet was the only one who could remain unphased. No one can guess how an ultra-volatile action will behave. Investing requires patience. If you cannot wait, put your money on an active management fund or Exchange-traded Fund (ETF).

The Best Time to Sell

To quote Mr. Buffet again, “The best duration of holding a share is forever.” If the fundamentals remain strong year after year, and the profits are only growing, why want to sell?

As long as the business creates wealth, its price will rise. There is, therefore, no reason to part with it. However, there are two main reasons it necessary to sell one’s shares. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Fundamentals have deteriorated

If the basic reasons you had for initially buying the stock are no longer true, you must immediately sell.  It will be necessary to look for what part of your reasoning was wrong to produce this error.  Perhaps the fundamentals were good at the time of purchase but deteriorated. In this case, the first question to ask is simple, “According to the current fundamentals, if I was not already a shareholder, would I buy this stock?” If you hesitate, then the answer is no, and you must immediately sell the action in question.

The fundamentals are good, but the valuation has become too high

If the company you bought is good, but its valuation has become high, it is already good news. Or, if you bought it at a fair price, it means that you have already made a good profit. However, you are not the only one to have noticed the company, and its course has gone well above its fundamentals. It has become overvalued.  Maintaining such a position would be dangerous. When it returns to its average, the fall will be strong and fast. However, it would be a shame to sell it while its price is in a full uptrend. It will, therefore, be necessary to use technical analysis to sell at the best time.

Conclusion

To summarize, you have to sell when:

  • The fundamentals of the company have deteriorated. If the reasons you bought this stock are no longer valid, you must sell immediately.
  • The fundamentals are still good, but the valuation has become much too high. You have to take advantage of the rise and not sell too early. The sell signal will be given by the technical analysis when the uptrend should end.
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

5 Ways to Manage an Employee in Crisis

Life and what it throws at us affect everyone. There can sometimes be a life crisis, such as the death of a friend or family member, family members falling ill, divorce, domestic violence, or many other crises that can occur. As a leader, you must know how to support an employee going through a life crisis while also managing productivity and the business’s needs. This can be challenging if the employee is affected for a lengthy period. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in many ways and has changed how the world used to think. People are more concerned and careful regarding their decisions and how they manage themselves in a crisis. The pandemic has altered meetings, studying, traveling, eating, shopping, and working. It is a fact that people must work to earn a living. Many employees cannot survive without working even for a month or two. Workplaces themselves also require a workforce and generally cannot bear employees’ expenses if they do not work.  Here are five ways you can help and manage your employees when they are dealing with a crisis.

Make Yourself Available

An employee dealing with a crisis might be embarrassed or overwhelmed, causing them to be continuously late or miss targeted deadlines. Often, a leader’s first challenge is to identify the warning signs that an employee is going through a difficult time. As a leader, you should maintain a good relationship with your employees to be tuned in enough to notice when something is wrong. You should maintain an environment of compassion and a safe place for employees to open up if something difficult is going on in their lives. If you maintain this work environment, it is more likely that an employee will come to you if something is wrong. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Listen and Offer Solicited Counsel

Most people going through a crisis can look for someone to listen to them speak about it. In many cases, they are not looking for advice or suggestions but rather an ear to listen to them. They may be looking for a sounding board or a safe place to talk about feelings. This open talk can be hard for them, especially if they are dealing with domestic issues and divorce. These subjects are deeply personal and can be scary to talk about, especially to a leader.

You can offer advice or suggestions only if the employee asks for it, otherwise only be there to listen and provide solutions to work while dealing with the crisis. You may need to offer the employee some temporary time off or away from a challenging position to give them the time they need to be fully productive.

Prioritize Health

Remember that your company or business is nothing without people to staff it and make it productive. Though it is a combination of your employees, clients, and stakeholders that keep a company functioning, if anyone on the staff is not functioning properly, it is better to give them the time to come back healthy and strong. Therefore, you have to consider things a bit selflessly. Your employee’s health should be the highest priority and can sometimes leave productivity suffering for the time it takes to get back to normal. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

A leader has to think multidimensionally and requires a strategy for employees who cannot work remotely or have to be on the field at all costs. In these circumstances, it is difficult for the leader to decide how to handle these employees. Physical and mental health are among the most important in your company, so all decisions moving forward should be based on everyone’s health first and productivity second.

Check Work Performance

During a crisis, it is still suggested that you keep up with the employee’s performance and be aware of where they are in the crisis’s processing. Employees will appreciate the check-ins and be more willing to be open about progress if you check performance and needs periodically.

Consider Workload

When it comes to an employee in crisis, the workload can be huge in terms of how they work through the crisis. If an employee can function enough to take on a lighter workload rather than completely off, this will be ideal for both the employee and the business. If other team members are willing and able to take on some of the employee’s projects, this could be a viable solution until they are back on their feet full-time.

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

Traditional Budget Process Guide

Master the Traditional Budget Process for Success

The traditional budget process is a systematic approach that assesses your financial position, establishes clear goals, allocates resources strategically, and monitors progress throughout the year to maximize financial control and business success.

Having spent over 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed thousands of businesses transform their financial futures by implementing structured budgeting systems. From startups to established enterprises across every industry imaginable, the companies that thrive share one common trait: they follow a disciplined budget process that turns financial planning from guesswork into strategic advantage. This article breaks down the exact steps to implement an effective traditional budget process, explores various budgeting methods and their applications, and reveals the management strategies that separate financially successful organizations from the 82% of businesses that fail due to poor cash flow management. Cubicle to Cloud virtual business

What is the traditional budget process and how do you master it?

  • The traditional budget process is a systematic financial planning method involving assessment, goal-setting, resource allocation, implementation, and monitoring to achieve fiscal control and success
  • It begins with comprehensive analysis of your current financial position and historical performance data
  • Clear financial and strategic goals must be established before creating detailed budget projections
  • Budget development requires choosing between methods like incremental, zero-based, fixed, or flexible approaches
  • Implementation success depends on assigned accountability, regular monitoring, and continuous improvement cycles

Step 1: Laying the Foundation—Understanding Your Financial Status

A successful traditional budget process starts with brutally honest assessment of your current financial reality. This means pulling every financial report, analyzing cash flow patterns, and identifying exactly where money flows in and out of your organization.

Start by gathering at least 12 months of historical financial data. Look for patterns in revenue cycles, seasonal fluctuations, and unexpected expense spikes. Many businesses discover surprising insights during this phase—like that seemingly minor monthly subscription that’s actually costing thousands annually, or revenue patterns that suggest untapped growth opportunities.

Use financial analysis tools ranging from basic spreadsheets to sophisticated bookkeeping platforms like QuickBooks or specialized budgeting software. The technology matters less than the discipline of regular review. I’ve seen multimillion-dollar companies excel with simple Excel models and smaller firms struggle despite expensive software—success comes from commitment to the process, not the tools.

Step 2: Defining Clear Objectives for Budget Success

Before allocating a single dollar, establish crystal-clear financial objectives aligned with your broader business strategy. This critical step transforms budgeting from mere number-crunching into strategic planning.

Prioritize between three core financial objectives:

  • Operational stability (maintaining current operations efficiently)
  • Growth initiatives (investing in expansion and new opportunities)
  • Debt management (reducing liabilities and improving financial position)

Engage department leaders and key stakeholders in goal-setting discussions. Their operational insights often reveal opportunities and constraints that pure financial analysis misses. One nonprofit client discovered through stakeholder engagement that program delivery costs could be reduced 30% through strategic partnerships, completely reshaping their budget priorities.

Step 3: Choosing Your Budget Approach—Traditional Budgeting Methods That Work

Selecting the right budgeting method dramatically impacts your planning effectiveness and organizational buy-in. The traditional budget process accommodates several proven approaches, each with distinct advantages.

  • Incremental Budgeting: The most common traditional approach starts with last year’s budget and adjusts for anticipated changes. This method works well for stable organizations but can perpetuate inefficiencies.
  • Zero-Based Budgeting: Every expense starts from zero and requires justification. While time-intensive, this approach forces critical evaluation of all spending and often uncovers significant savings opportunities.
  • Fixed Budgeting: Sets rigid spending limits for the entire period. Best suited for organizations with predictable revenues and minimal market volatility.
  • Flexible Budgeting: Adjusts spending based on actual revenue or activity levels. Ideal for businesses with variable income streams or seasonal fluctuations.

Manufacturing companies often benefit from flexible budgeting due to production variability, while established nonprofits with steady funding streams may prefer fixed budgets for simplicity. ADP. Payroll – HR – Benefits

Step 4: Developing and Approving Your Budget—From Draft to Decision

Transform your goals and chosen method into detailed financial projections that serve as your roadmap for success. This phase requires meticulous attention to both income forecasting and expense planning.

List every revenue source with realistic projections based on historical data, market conditions, and confirmed commitments. Then detail all expenses, separating fixed costs (rent, salaries, insurance) from variable costs (materials, commissions, utilities).

Create three scenarios:

  • Conservative (80% of projected revenue)
  • Baseline (most likely outcome)
  • Optimistic (120% of projected revenue)

Document every assumption underlying your projections. When variances inevitably occur, these notes enable quick diagnosis of whether market conditions changed or your assumptions need adjustment.

Present the draft budget with clear visual summaries highlighting key metrics and strategic alignment. Successful budget approval comes from demonstrating how financial allocations directly support organizational goals.

Step 5: Implementation and Monitoring—Making Your Budget Work

An approved budget without implementation systems becomes merely wishful thinking. Success requires clear accountability structures and real-time tracking mechanisms.

Assign budget management responsibility for each department or cost center. Managers must understand their spending authority, reporting requirements, and variance tolerance levels. Implement monthly variance analysis comparing actual results to budget, with automated alerts for significant deviations.

Modern organizations leverage technology for continuous monitoring through automated dashboards and exception reporting. However, technology supplements rather than replaces regular management review meetings where teams discuss variances, identify corrective actions, and share best practices.

One client reduced budget variances from 15% to under 5% simply by implementing weekly flash reports and monthly review meetings. The increased visibility alone changed spending behaviors across the organization.

Step 6: Continuous Improvement—Evolving Your Budget System

The most effective traditional budget processes incorporate regular review and refinement cycles. Quarterly budget reviews should examine not just variances but the continued relevance of underlying assumptions.

Best practices for continuous improvement include:

  • Quarterly reforecasting based on actual performance
  • Annual post-mortem analysis of budget accuracy
  • Regular benchmarking against industry standards
  • Systematic documentation of lessons learned

Organizations that update assumptions quarterly consistently outperform those locked into annual cycles. Market conditions, competitive dynamics, and internal capabilities evolve too rapidly for static annual plans.

Final Thoughts

The traditional budget process remains powerful precisely because it forces disciplined thinking about resource allocation and financial priorities. While critics point to rigidity and time requirements, I’ve witnessed properly implemented traditional budgeting transform chaotic organizations into focused, profitable enterprises.

Success comes from viewing budgeting not as bureaucratic obligation but as strategic opportunity. Every dollar allocated represents a choice about your organization’s future. Make those choices consciously, monitor results diligently, and adjust boldly when circumstances change.

Ready to implement a traditional budget process that actually drives results? The financial experts at Complete Controller specialize in helping businesses design and implement budgeting systems tailored to their unique needs and growth objectives. Contact us today to transform your financial planning from reactive to strategic. LastPass – Family or Org Password Vault

Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Budget Process

What are the main steps in the traditional budget process?

The main steps include analyzing current financial position, setting clear goals, selecting a budgeting method (incremental, zero-based, fixed, or flexible), developing detailed projections, obtaining approval, implementing with clear accountability, and monitoring results with regular variance analysis.

How does traditional budgeting differ from flexible budgeting?

Traditional budgeting typically creates fixed spending limits for an entire period regardless of activity levels, while flexible budgeting adjusts spending allowances based on actual revenue or production volumes, providing more adaptability for businesses with variable operations.

What are some common pitfalls in the budget planning process?

Common pitfalls include ignoring historical data patterns, failing to engage key stakeholders in planning, setting unrealistic revenue projections, building in excessive budgetary slack, and neglecting regular monitoring and adjustment procedures.

Which budgeting method is best for small businesses?

Small businesses with variable revenues often benefit most from zero-based or flexible budgeting approaches that force examination of every expense and adjust spending to match actual income, though the best method depends on specific industry and stability factors.

How often should a budget be reviewed and updated?

Best practice involves monthly variance analysis to track performance against budget, quarterly comprehensive reviews to adjust assumptions and projections, and annual deep-dive analysis to improve future budgeting accuracy and methodology.

Sources

  • Propel Nonprofits. “Budgeting: A 10-Step Checklist.” 2024.
  • Klaxoon. “Budget Planning: 5 Tips to Surpass Last Year’s Performance.” 2024.
  • ExpenseIn. “Mastering the Budgeting Process | Guide.” 2024.
  • CACCU. “Budgeting For Success: Tips for Financial Stability.” 2024.
  • Tipalti. “Step-by-Step Guide to Budgeting Process.” 2024.
  • TrueProject. “Effective Budget Planning: Key to Project Success.” 2024.
  • Abacum. “Budgeting Process: Step-by-Step to Success.” 2024.
  • AustinCC. “How to Start Budgeting: Essential Steps for Financial Success.” 2025.
  • Management Concepts. “Building a Budget: Challenges and Best Practices.” 2024.
  • SRFS, UPenn. “Popular Budgeting Strategies.” 2024.
  • NJCPA. “3 Best Practices for Budgeting Success.” 2025.
  • Cube Software. “Strategic Budgeting: Are You Getting It Right?” 2024.
CorpNet. Start A New Business Now 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
author avatar
Jennifer Brazer Founder/CEO
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.
Reviewed By: reviewer avatar Brittany McMillen
reviewer avatar Brittany McMillen
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.

The Comeback of the Travel Industry Post Pandemic

Last year saw 2020 elections, the BLM movement, suspending of championships, facing a massive economic recession, and of course, the pandemic. The Corona Virus has changed the way we live and how we travel. Covid19 has brought ominous feelings about the future. Who would have even guessed that entire industry and the world would have to face a crisis as severe as the pandemic in such a brief time?

The insidious virus has cast a pall of fear, gloom, and demise throughout the world, leaving countries without strategies to deal with the pandemic. The local and international health organizations and world governments took responsible actions and responded at differing speeds to spread the deadly Corona Virus. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

At the macro level, the Corona Virus’s impact on the world’s economies and livelihoods vaulted from serious to catastrophic. The USA’s exact development when claims from unemployment insurance increased to over six million in consecutive weeks. In countries with large informal economies, the government decrees aggravated the crisis by dictating self-isolation, social distancing, and nonessential businesses’ closures. The most impacted industry worldwide was the travel industry, with closures and travel restrictions being upheld in every country of the world.

New Travel Rules

But with the vaccines rolling out in 2021, we have witnessed a return to travel, and the industry is ready to win back its customers. The workers mainly focus on the new normal for travel and how they can entice you to travel. Think of multi-bedroom suites, relaxed living spaces, and full-service kitchens with the flexibility to extend your stay by maximizing your membership travel points and, of course, the comfort of home.

Some of the other 2021 travel trends are the dateless departures meaning that the travel workforce will guarantee you a spot whenever the first tour starts again. Plus, if the dates do not line up, you can rebook without even losing your money.

Another new safety option and travel theme is the travel bubble. Travel bubbles are private and smaller group tours designed to keep one group socially distant from other traveling groups. The travel industry does not want a new couple to give up on their honeymoon, kids not to take a break from their frantic routines, or a family to cancel their long-awaited family vacation again. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

How the Travel Industry Has Been Affected

The travel industry is no stranger to adversity and has been seriously damaged by the novel virus. We have all witnessed leadership actions in companies that keep their people above water and focus on long-term growth. Most industry players have tapped into new liquidity sources, instantly acted to retain customer goodwill, and worked effectively with unions. People have started focusing on innovation and making better customer experiences.

There is no doubt that the virus has hit the travel industry pretty hard. With canceled flights and countries on lockdown, the hotel occupancy rates hit zero. The impact of the virus has been predominantly catastrophic for the tourism and travel sector. The statistics on international air travel show how the industry has come to an abrupt halt. However, the suspension is said to come to an end soon enough, and everyone shall get on with the everyday life we knew.

The Travel Industry and the Online Environment

Brands such as Belmond have managed to get their clients’ attention by having virtual events that do not inspire them to travel and offer much fun, festive activities, and information that all serve as mood lifters during this unusual holiday season. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Cultural, Environment, and Community Activism

From battling climate change to supporting the indigenous population through travel, the industry is redoubling its efforts to do good while also doing its job.

Trust Management Efforts

Managing trust involves greater business accountability. The principal at Enterprise Applications Consulting, Josh Greenbaum, was amazed at the unprecedented activism of so many organizations in the wake of US insurrection in January.

Conclusion

People wish to continue traveling again once the restrictions lift – some are ready to do it even before the vaccine is available. China, South Korea, and some countries in Asia have effectively controlled the virus’s spread and have already started seeing leisure and business travel segments recovering domestically.

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 Covid19 patients, there has been an increase in advance bookings and searches. The is nothing that is stopping people from traveling.

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

Virtual Meeting Tips for Success

Virtual Meeting Tips:
Essential Strategies for Professional Online Success

Virtual meeting tips transform your online interactions from draining time-wasters into productive sessions that drive real business results—these proven strategies help you run engaging meetings, build stronger remote relationships, and save thousands in wasted productivity costs. Research shows ineffective meetings cost U.S. companies $37 billion annually, with employees wasting an average of 5 hours weekly in unproductive calls, making these optimization strategies critical for modern business success.

As CEO of Complete Controller for over 20 years, I’ve led thousands of virtual meetings across every imaginable business scenario. My team and I have witnessed firsthand how the right approach transforms scattered video calls into powerful collaboration sessions that actually move projects forward. Since 2020, when meeting frequency tripled and 86% of workers began attending meetings with remote participants, mastering virtual meetings has become a non-negotiable skill for business success. This article shares battle-tested strategies that will help you lead meetings people actually want to attend, foster genuine engagement despite physical distance, and leverage cutting-edge tools that multiply your team’s effectiveness. CorpNet. Start A New Business Now

What are virtual meeting tips and how do they improve business outcomes?

  • Virtual meeting tips are actionable strategies for planning, conducting, and following up on online meetings that maximize engagement, minimize technical issues, and drive clear outcomes
  • Planning strategies include creating detailed agendas, assigning specific roles, and testing technology before meetings start
  • Conducting techniques focus on using interactive tools, managing time effectively, and maintaining professional standards
  • Follow-up methods emphasize clear action items, prompt distribution of notes, and accountability systems
  • Technology optimization involves selecting appropriate platforms, investing in quality equipment, and leveraging AI features

Master Your Technology Setup for Flawless Virtual Meetings

The foundation of effective virtual meetings starts with rock-solid technology that works every single time. Technical glitches erode trust faster than any other meeting mistake, with 72% of employees losing valuable time due to audio problems, frozen video, or login issues.

Essential equipment that prevents common disruptions

Professional virtual meetings require three non-negotiable elements: a high-quality webcam that shows you clearly even in variable lighting, a noise-canceling headset that eliminates background distractions, and internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps for stable video streaming. Test every component 10 minutes before important meetings—this simple practice prevents 90% of technical delays.

Quality equipment pays for itself through increased credibility and smoother interactions. One project manager at a tech startup invested $300 in better equipment and immediately noticed clients commenting positively on the professional presentation quality, leading to faster deal closures and stronger relationships.

Select the right platform for your meeting goals

Platform selection directly impacts meeting success, with Zoom commanding 55% market share and Microsoft Teams holding 32.3%—together accounting for 88% of all virtual meetings. Choose Zoom for large workshops and webinars where breakout rooms and advanced hosting controls matter most. Select Teams for internal collaboration when you need seamless integration with Office 365 and persistent chat channels. Use Google Meet for quick client check-ins and informal team huddles where simplicity trumps features.

AI-powered features now standard in major platforms include real-time transcription, automated meeting summaries, and engagement analytics. These tools transform follow-up from a manual burden into an automated process, with 60% of desk workers using AI daily and reporting 64% higher productivity.

Structure Every Meeting for Maximum Impact and Clarity

Preparation separates productive meetings from time-wasting calls. Strong structure creates psychological safety, reduces cognitive load, and channels discussion toward concrete outcomes.

Create and distribute detailed agendas that drive results

Send comprehensive agendas 24-48 hours before meetings, specifying exact discussion topics, time allocations, and desired outcomes for each item. Include pre-reading materials and context so participants arrive prepared to contribute meaningfully rather than needing background briefings during valuable meeting time.

Format agendas with clear sections: opening (2 minutes), main topics with time blocks (30-40 minutes), action planning (5 minutes), and wrap-up (3 minutes). This structure trains participants to expect efficiency and come prepared for focused discussion.

Assign specific roles for accountability and flow

Designate three critical roles before every meeting: a facilitator who guides discussion and manages time, a dedicated note-taker who captures decisions and action items in real-time, and a virtual participant advocate who monitors chat for questions and ensures remote attendees stay engaged. Rotating these roles builds leadership skills across your team while keeping meetings fresh and dynamic.

Implement time limits and strategic breaks

Cap standard meetings at 45 minutes, as attention and engagement drop significantly after this threshold. For longer sessions requiring deep work, schedule 10-minute breaks every 45 minutes—research confirms this pattern maintains peak cognitive performance while preventing the mental exhaustion that leads to poor decisions.

Combat Virtual Fatigue Through Active Engagement Strategies

Virtual fatigue represents a real neurological phenomenon, with brain imaging studies showing increased stress markers during back-to-back video calls. Among workers attending 15+ hours of video calls weekly, 63% report difficulty staying engaged, making active engagement strategies essential for meeting success.

Deploy interactive tools that spark participation

Transform passive listeners into active contributors using polls, digital whiteboards, and strategic breakout rooms. Anonymous polling tools prove especially valuable for gathering honest feedback from quieter team members who might hesitate to speak up in large groups. Real-time collaborative documents let participants contribute simultaneously, creating energy and ownership that carries beyond the meeting.

Breakout rooms work magic for problem-solving sessions—split large groups into teams of 3-4 people tackling specific challenges, then reconvene to share solutions. This technique consistently generates more creative ideas than traditional full-group discussions.

Champion camera usage while respecting boundaries

Visible participants create accountability and foster genuine human connection that builds trust over time. Request cameras on for key discussions while acknowledging that constant video can increase fatigue, especially for women who experience Zoom fatigue at 2.5 times the rate of men. Strike balance by designating specific “cameras optional” segments for longer meetings or establishing “audio-only Fridays” to provide regular relief. Complete Controller. America’s Bookkeeping Experts

Maintain Professional Standards That Build Trust

Virtual meetings require the same professionalism as in-person interactions, yet many professionals unknowingly undermine their credibility through preventable mistakes.

Present yourself and your space professionally

Business attire from the waist up minimum signals respect for attendees and the discussion at hand. Position your camera at eye level to avoid unflattering angles that distract from your message. Create a clean, well-lit background or use a professional virtual background—but test it first to avoid technical glitches that undermine credibility.

Join meetings 2-3 minutes early to test equipment and greet early arrivals, building rapport through small talk that strengthens working relationships. This practice also provides buffer time to resolve last-minute technical issues without delaying the meeting start.

Communicate with clarity and respect

Address participants by name when speaking to them directly, creating personal connection despite physical distance. Use the “raise hand” feature rather than interrupting, demonstrating respect for current speakers while ensuring your point gets heard. Acknowledge contributions explicitly—”Great point, Sarah” or “Building on what Marcus just said”—to create psychological safety that encourages continued participation.

Execute flawless follow-through

Send meeting summaries within 24 hours, including clear action items with owners and deadlines. Thank participants for specific contributions to reinforce positive behaviors you want repeated. This follow-through transforms meetings from isolated events into continuous progress toward shared goals.

Harness AI Tools for Exponential Efficiency Gains

Artificial intelligence revolutionizes meeting productivity, with AI adoption among workers increasing 233% in just six months. Smart leaders leverage these tools to multiply their impact while reducing administrative burden.

Automate time-consuming tasks with AI features

Modern platforms offer auto-transcription that captures every word spoken, eliminating the need for manual note-taking and ensuring nothing important gets missed. AI-generated meeting summaries distill hour-long discussions into actionable bullet points, saving 5+ hours weekly for managers who previously wrote these manually. Engagement analytics reveal participation patterns, helping you identify when certain team members disengage and adjust your approach accordingly.

One distributed software company implemented AI meeting summaries across all teams, resulting in 5 hours saved per manager weekly and dramatically improved project turnaround times. Every stakeholder received identical, accurate notes regardless of attendance, eliminating the miscommunication that previously plagued their workflows.

Build Inclusive Meetings That Leverage Global Talent

True meeting excellence means creating environments where every participant can contribute their best thinking, regardless of location, language, or personal circumstances.

Remove barriers to full participation

Enable live captions for every meeting—this supports not only hearing-impaired team members but also non-native speakers and anyone in noisy environments. Schedule meetings rotating through different time zones rather than always favoring headquarters’ business hours. Provide recordings for those who cannot attend synchronously, maintaining team cohesion across continents.

Actively invite diverse perspectives

Create structured opportunities for junior team members to share insights before senior leaders dominate discussion. Use anonymous feedback tools to surface concerns people might hesitate to voice directly. Explicitly invite quiet participants to contribute—”Pat, what’s your experience with this challenge?”—rather than assuming silence means agreement.

Transform Your Virtual Meetings Into Competitive Advantages

After two decades leading a fully remote financial services company, I’ve learned that exceptional virtual meetings create compound advantages over time. Every well-run meeting builds trust, clarifies priorities, and accelerates progress toward shared goals. Poor meetings do the opposite—eroding morale, creating confusion, and wasting the precious time that could drive your business forward.

The strategies in this article work because they address root causes rather than symptoms. Technical excellence prevents disruptions that derail discussions. Clear structure channels energy toward outcomes rather than process. Active engagement techniques combat the passive consumption that makes virtual meetings feel draining. Professional standards build the trust necessary for honest communication and bold decision-making.

Start implementing these practices incrementally—pick three techniques that address your team’s biggest pain points and master them before adding more. Track the results through faster decision-making, clearer follow-through, and team members actually looking forward to your meetings.

LaunchDarkly’s transformation proves what’s possible: after redesigning their all-company meetings using strategic filtering and clear role assignments, 88% of their 500 employees rated meetings as good or great use of time. Your meetings can achieve similar results when you commit to continuous improvement and hold yourself accountable to these professional standards.

Ready to revolutionize how your team collaborates virtually? The experts at Complete Controller understand that effective meetings drive effective businesses. Visit Complete Controller to discover how our proven remote work security practices and efficient paperless office solutions can transform your virtual operations. We’ve helped thousands of businesses transition from spreadsheets to CRMs and optimize their digital workflows—let us help you build virtual meeting excellence that scales with your ambitions. LastPass – Family or Org Password Vault

Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Meeting Tips

What are the best ways to improve engagement during a virtual meeting?

Deploy interactive tools including real-time polls, breakout rooms for small group discussions, and digital whiteboards for visual collaboration. Rotate speaking opportunities, ask participants direct questions by name, and use anonymous feedback tools to encourage honest participation from quieter team members.

How can I prevent virtual meeting fatigue?

Limit meetings to 45-minute sessions, schedule 10-minute breaks for longer meetings, and rotate meeting facilitators to maintain fresh energy. Designate some meetings as audio-only to reduce screen fatigue, and avoid scheduling back-to-back video calls whenever possible.

What are the most common virtual meeting mistakes?

The biggest mistakes include poor audio quality from inadequate equipment, starting meetings without clear agendas, allowing participants to multitask, and failing to send follow-up notes within 24 hours. Technical problems alone waste 72% of employees’ time during virtual meetings.

How do I choose the right platform for my meeting?

Select Zoom for large workshops and webinars requiring breakout rooms, choose Microsoft Teams for internal collaboration with Office 365 integration, and use Google Meet for quick informal calls. Consider that Zoom holds 55% market share while Teams commands 32.3%, together representing 88% of virtual meetings.

What’s the best etiquette for professional virtual meetings?

Arrive 2-3 minutes early to test technology, dress professionally from the waist up minimum, position your camera at eye level, and maintain a clean background. Address people by name, use raise hand features rather than interrupting, explicitly acknowledge contributions, and send detailed follow-up notes within 24 hours.

Sources

  • Archie. (2025). “Work Meetings in Numbers: Latest Meeting Statistics [2025].” Archie App Blog. https://archieapp.co/blog/meeting-statistics/
  • Business.com. “7 Powerful Tips for Highly Productive Online Meetings,” Business.com, 2025.
  • Direct Travel. “4 Tips for Planning a Successful Virtual Meeting,” Direct Travel Blog, 2025.
  • EBSCO Research Starters. (n.d.). “Zoom Fatigue.
  • Fellow.ai. (2024). “45 Meeting Statistics and Behavior Trends for 2025.” Fellow.ai Blog.
  • Fellow.ai. (2024). “How to Calculate Meeting Costs: A Breakdown.” Fellow.app Blog.
  • Flowtrace. (2025). “65 Surprising Meeting Statistics for 2025.” Flowtrace Collaboration Blog.
  • Gable. “The Ultimate Video Conferencing Guide: Tips, Tools, and Best Practices,” Gable Blog, 2025.
  • Mayo Clinic Labs. “Out of Office Ready: Tips for Virtual Meetings,” Mayo Clinic Labs, 2025.
  • MyHours. (2025). “30+ Meeting Statistics for 2025: Are They Wasting Our Time?”
  • Nature. (2024). “Fatigued individuals show increased conformity in virtual meetings.”
  • Nextcloud. “Top 10 Tips to Fight Virtual Meeting Fatigue with Nextcloud Talk’s 2025 Updates,” Nextcloud Blog, 2025.
  • Northwestern University Center for Leadership. “Best Practices for Virtual Teams,” 2025.
  • OwlLabs. “Virtual Meeting Engagement: Strategies & Tech for 2025,” OwlLabs Resources, 2025.
  • Salesforce. (2025). “New Slack Workforce Index Reveals Higher Daily AI Use.” Salesforce Newsroom.
  • Sembly AI. “Virtual Meeting Etiquette in 2025: 15 Rules for Professional Success.” Sembly Blog, 2025.
  • Stanford News. “Why Zoom Is Exhausting?”
  • Strety. “Remote Meeting Best Practices for Distributed Teams in 2025,” Strety Blog, 2025.
  • The Gathering Effect. (n.d.). “Case Study: How LaunchDarkly Made Their Most Expensive Meeting Worth It.”
  • University of Michigan ITS. “Hybrid Meeting Best Practices,” 2025.
  • VOC Associates. “Master Virtual Meetings: Tips for 2025 Success.” VOC Associates, 2025.
  • W3C WAI. “Live Captions Accessibility Guidelines.”
  • Zoom. (2025). “34 Video Conferencing Statistics for Businesses (2025).” Zoom Blog.
ADP. Payroll – HR – Benefits 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. Cubicle to Cloud virtual business
author avatar
Jennifer Brazer Founder/CEO
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.
Reviewed By: reviewer avatar Brittany McMillen
reviewer avatar Brittany McMillen
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.

The Importance of Technology in Business

It is important for the owner of a firm or a large-scale manufacturing organization to keep a close eye on the evolutionary change in business trends. This is particularly important in the era of globalization, where completion is becoming an essential part of the business model. Adaptation of a few business trends can prove too fruitful for the organization, as they have been a source of curbing expenses and real-time portfolio management. Another aspect is the firms may not have budgeted such influx into their business operation. A certain percentage must be provisioned or buffered into the budget to absorb any capital expenditure. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Advancement of the technology in business software applications has made the lives of management easier when it comes to decision-making. Technology makes it easy to predict multiple tangents and scenarios on a real-time basis. Most of the application software has embedded artificial intelligence. Based on the chronological pattern of pre-consumer buying behavior, the software can predict the post scenario. Furthermore, many modules and soft business wares have inter-compatibility and can be easily interfaced with each other. Even if this might not be the case, the data from different modules can be extracted to a data mart, and then the core MIS engine can run diagnostics and various reports. The telecommunication industry uses Geolocation and Geofencing to provide their consumers with extraordinary services, such as their nearest POI (Point of Interest). These two features are already part of the business application that warrants GPS (Global Positioning System), such as navigation systems in automobiles. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Many organizations have adequately utilized the platform of android application and come up with their own mobile applications. These platforms help sustain their existing market shares and provide their consumers with a unique and enhanced experience. Many social media giants and search engine experts have come up with various algorithms that can track the movement of the consumers, which facilitate the organizations to beef up their existing market. In some organizations, the impact has been substantial, as such technology advancement has led to an unnecessary cut in cost and simultaneously increases the revenue. Similarities and habitual consumer visits while computing consumer-buying behavior have reduced repetition in customer service, rid unwarranted paperwork, and predictive scheduling.

Large-scale corporations allocated high expenses toward the advertisement, promotional material, and media buying in the traditional era. For niche product segments, such corporations stick to this preferred methodology due to their legacy and cultural heritage. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

However, FMCG and retailers have effectively utilized social media to market their products and run time-bound promotional offers. Furthermore, with the help of social media, the customers have started developing community-based marketing campaigns that only create awareness and provide participation-related incentives. Due to community-based marketing, some organizations have segmented their target market into small communities. Since running banners and advertisements on social media websites are less costly, the outreach of these firms has amplified two-fold. The content, which once appeared to be serious and brand conscious, is no longer serious. The literature is casual and captures the attention of the audience of all age groups.

In addition to the abovementioned scenario, organizations are now involving third-party management consulting firms to conduct research and studies. It implies that organizations are now seeing how important social learning is. In this process, the organization views competitors as peers and as a source for identifying gaps.

In this era of globalization, the consumers buying behavior is complex and sophisticated. The end-consumer takes thorough research before they purchase any items, as they are exposed to an array of the product suite. They research the organization by thoroughly going through their websites and reading their online reviews. The top management of the organization needs to make the customer experience enriching for the target audience. Focus on personal and interactive experiences, as it will give an idea to the professional marketing executives.

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

Types of Modern Management Accounting Methods

Modern management accounting techniques are more technologically efficient as opposed to the conventional budgeting approach. In addition, experts also argue that the traditional approach lacked efficiency and did not have the capability to factor in technological advancement and other resources. The traditional budgeting approach does not have the capacity to create a contingency budget or plan-B if there be a worst-case scenario.

Another aspect of management accounting techniques ensures the availability of real-time information in an organization, thereby helping management take proactive action to overhaul their strategic route. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Therefore, a firm needs to invest in technology so that the accuracy of a detailed Management Information System is available for decision-making related to budget and strategy. Companies that are adamant in continuing with conventional budgeting techniques tend to fall behind due to the non-availability of a precise Management Information System. Hence, it is nearly impossible for management to take appropriate strategic and financial action.  It is important to compare the traditional budgeting approach and modern budgeting techniques, but adopting the modern budgeting approach is preferred since it provides extensive and intensive availability of information.  This availability of information ensures that core management can make educated decisions to improve the organization’s performance proactively. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

The notion of limiting the organization to single production has now become outdated because of fierce and cutthroat competition. This means organizations should add diversification to the product line and market development if they want to keep pace with the competition. Multinational organizations involved in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) like Unilever, Colgate & Palmolive are manufacturing assorted and varied goods to increase their business operations. Therefore, it is has become crucial for FMCGs to adopt prevalent modern budgeting techniques if they have a diversified product line and market segmentation. In doing so, an organization will then break down the budget product-wise, and instead of having a top-to-down approach, the assimilation of the budget will follow a bottom-to-top approach. This makes it easier for management to divide the budget product-wise and proactively readjust their budget per market customization.

Technological advancement is clear for an organization that employs modern budgeting techniques as it enhances efficiency and performance. Below are mentioned some of the budgeting approaches frequently adopted by the modern organization:

  • Incremental Budgeting
  • Flexed Budgeting
  • Zero-based Budgeting

These modern management accounting techniques approaches are developed and implemented to maintain the customer satisfaction level of experience. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Modern organizations, which vary from one another in terms of their products and customers, altogether conclude that there is a strong affinity with the efficiency and performance of modern organizations. A few modern management accounting techniques for the modern organization are listed below:

Planning

In the strategic planning process, the task of budgeting is crucial. It is important for modern organizations to have flexibility in their budget to stay aggressive with competitors. Since the economy goes through the process of evolution, planning should be done accordingly. To sustain and expand their market share, it is vital for a modern organization to be well-informed of any economic changes and tune their budget planning accordingly.

Performance Appraisal

Currently, performance appraisal is an indicator of how deep the thought process was during the budgeting process. The entire process of evaluating the performance of the company can be ascertained through the process of modern budgeting. It informs the company of the capacity and utilization of resources to enhance and improvise performance evaluation mechanisms.

Flexibility

An organization that is adaptable and flexible can endure the upheavals on a long-term basis. Flexibility does not only include pricing strategy but also involves product development, market development, segmentation, distribution, and diversification.

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

Things To Do With Excess Cash

There are many ways to celebrate the new year if you have excess cash. If you own a company, consider giving the employees a bonus. If you are the sole owner of the money, then here are a few suggestions:

Buy a House

This is a no-brainer: if you have cash left over after paying for food, rent, utilities, and other necessities, then buying a place to live would be a cost-effective measure on your part. This way, even if an emergency happens, you and your family still have a roof over your head. If you still have cash left over, help a family member or friend out with their dream home, as well! Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Throw a Party

Go all out and throw the best party of the year using cash! If you are throwing the party at your home, there are many restaurants that can deliver, but catering companies would be ideal. You can also bring in an event management company to decorate the hall as per the theme you choose.

Go on a Cruise

There are many ship cruises available to choose from. Why not take advantage of your excess funds and go for the change in pace? It will relax you and energize you once you’re back at your office desk. You can choose a themed river cruise, as it is both educational and provides you a memorable experience. For example, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint, Uniworld, voted the world’s best, runs floating art workshops with its own art instructor. It was voted in by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2016. The sketch material is free, and classes fill up fast. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Invest in Mutual Funds

Why not invest in a share of mutual funds? It is different than investing in stocks in that it does not give its holders any voting rights. However, a share of mutual funds means that you have invested in many different stocks. Due to the volume of buying and selling of mutual funds have lower transaction costs, and you are able to diversify without paying the many commission charges. If you really have a lot of excess money, why not set up a trust fund for a loved one, as well?

Fund a Wedding

Many couples out there would love to have the wedding of their dreams but are financially strapped and thus unable to do so. Why not find out from the local church, mosque, or synagogue whether couples need help getting married. This goodwill gesture will go a long way with people of that religious affiliation. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Give to Charity

There are multiple charities to choose from if you decide to give your excess money to a good cause. Apart from giving money to research different diseases, there are many wars going on in the world that have left the common man needy and helpless. Do a little research beforehand. According to a 2015 literature survey, 90% of charitable organizations have weak or no positive effect in the cause they claim to benefit.  

Exercise with a Trainer

If you are like most other people, going to the gym seems a humongous task. If you have the money, why not hire a trainer to help keep yourself motivated and on the right track towards your health aims?

 

Summary

Not many people in the nation can claim that they have excess money to play with. If you do, then try to ensure that it is well-spent. Make the most out of it by helping yourself and others – the goodwill you generate will definitely pay off in the long run.

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

Tips to Ask for a Salary Increase

Asking for a salary increase is something deeply rooted in the culture, but here we are still “afraid” of asking for something that surely corresponds to us if we have been doing our job well. Let’s see what you can do if you want to ask your boss that it is time to raise your salary. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

  1. Choose the time to ask for the salary increase

The first thing you have to do is find the right time. If you have been in the company for a while, you already know if it works well or not, and you will even know how to detect the signs that indicate if you are in a moment of prosperity or if problems are coming.

  1. Follow the internal protocol

Your performance may be so good that you deserve a salary increase. But if you ask for it inappropriately or to a person who has no decision-making capacity on this issue, your request may fall into a broken sack.

  1. Prepare your exhibition

Surely in your company, they already know how valuable you are, but if you are going to ask for a salary increase, you will have to “sell” a bit, highlighting all the good you have contributed and that you can contribute. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

  1. Prepare the documentation

As we have just pointed out when talking to your boss, nothing about looking at the “chop” with the script to defend your arguments. But what you should have on hand and show your interlocutor are the documents that can help your argument.

  1. Don’t focus only on yourself

It is clear that if you are going to ask for a salary increase, the conversation will revolve around you, but you should not forget to value the company.

Let your boss see that you are comfortable with your work and that you value what the company brings you. Precisely because of what you contribute to the company and what she brings to you, you want this relationship to be long-term. A salary increase would help strengthen that relationship.

  1. Ask without demanding and without specifying

If you have decided to be brave and take the step of asking for a raise, do not back down when asking, but do it with discretion. Experts advise not to ask for a specific figure. Instead of asking for a certain amount of money, propose to your interlocutor an upward revision of the salary range. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

The good news about asking for a salary increase

The 2019’s report of the Wall Street Journal reveals American growth in wages will increase next year because many economists predict a competitive labor market will continue to raise employee’s pay. According to the recent private-sector forecasters, around 63.6% of wages will increase next year, and 5.5% of wages will rise fast and substantially.

Workers who have $150,000 income or more than that received the requested amount of the time, 70%. That rate is 25% in comparison to those who earn $10,000 to $20,000 every year. The research report of PayScale (compensation data and software company) estimated the poll of over 160,000 people.

According to the survey of 40% of workers, they got an increment in their salaries with the exact ratio as they requested. But, the remaining 31% of people claimed that they got less as they asked for it. Budgetary constraints compel people to ask for a salary increase. Budgetary restraints are a rationale that the majority of respondents don’t believe.

The majority of employers only consider increment requests. There is no salary increase, even for valued employees. In a world full of talents, employee retention is a major concern for around 66% of organizations. This ratio is in comparison to a 59% rate for the year 2018. The turnover rate of a powerful market has increased as per the belief of 47% of HR and business leaders.

Asking for a salary increment is scary

Such kind of request is somewhat scary whether you have done effective planning. It becomes a crapshoot when you ask for a salary increment without planning and preparation. Also, you lost the best chance of getting consent for pay raise. As a result, the employer gets an opportunity to ignore this request. He/she will never want to discuss with you again unless you contribute to your job or something changes at the workplace.

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