Author: Jennifer Brazer

A credit card can be an excellent form of payment if it is used correctly. Know some of its benefits. By using it as a means of payment in businesses adhering to the system, many transactions have become quick by signing and displaying the card. Credit cards are an alternate form of payment by which the user assumes the obligation to return the amount provided and pay interest, bank fees, and expenses. It can be a great tool if used correctly as a means of payment; therefore, these benefits can help you make the most of its use.

If you use your card as a means of payment for daily expenses, you should receive a card that charges low commissions and transaction costs and provides benefits, such as points, which are sometimes reflected in pesos and rewards. Like any service, it has a cost that is defined as Total Annual Cost (CAT), a standardized measure of the financing cost expressed in annual percentage terms that incorporates all the costs and expenses inherent in the credits granted by the institutions. If you have already decided to obtain a credit card or you already have one, we share five benefits you will get when using it.

A Good Credit History

The Credit Bureau records your behavior with the bank and various services; that is, how good or disappointed you have been in payment management. Creating a history helps you build a reputation and opens the door to different opportunities, such as mortgage and auto loans.

A sound credit history and records that give an idea of your timely payments will help you get personal loans. When payments are required urgently, and you don’t have anyone to take care of your expenses, a well-maintained credit history will help you get personal loans without delay.

Avoid Driving Cash

Credit cards have fraud insurance. When you lose your credit card, and somebody other than you use it without your consent, you can contact the official authorities to help you with your finances, unlike cash. With cash, you’re always at the risk of being robbed. Any thief can come all of a sudden, and you can get yourself robbed. However, with credit cards, your balance will still be safe in your account.

You Can Better Control Your Expenses

You can lose track of your balance while spending on your favorite products. From shops being filled with products that pull you towards them, it gets hard to get a hold of your expenses, leading you to spend extra money on your products.

With credit cards, you get statements that have all your records. Checking your statement of account letter by letter is key to realize what you are spending and what purchases you can stop doing in the coming months and what items are worth programming for months without interest.

You Can Make Use of Internet Banking

Digital banking has eased our paths to getting things through online delivery. However, some services and online transactions require a credit card for our security, i.e., it asks for payment through credit cards. In addition to saving you time in moving to the place where you want to make the payment, credit cards are a lifesaver for those who are always on their toes.  

They Generate Rewards

To further add to these, some cards also generate rewards. So, consider finding a card that generates rewards according to your lifestyle; the annuity can be compensated with these benefits.

Conclusion

We hope these tips help you get more out of your finances by allowing you to access credits and other benefits. Also, having full control of your electronic billing, you will know how much you are earning and how much you are spending; for this reason, you must have a good system that allows you to enjoy the greatest 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

It is important to integrate code learning into school curriculums at an early age. It helps them to stay motivated and match the pace of the growing world. Technology is not going anywhere except forward, and waiting until college or technical school is too late to be competitive when it comes to innovation. Even if schools don’t catch up with the technology by creating more computer coding classes that can translate into workforce skills upon graduation (or in summer jobs during high school), parents should consider getting their child into classes outside of school. Here is why your children should learn technology and computer code from an early age.

Smart Career Move

In the professional world, where technology is used daily, knowing the basic operating principles of PHP, HTML, and other Python languages can be useful even when you are not looking for an IT career. “For other professions in constant contact with IT (engineers, managers, salespeople, architects, etc.), the construction of a real ‘good computer science’ is essential and can only result from a real training,” wrote the Academy of Sciences in a report (PDF) published in May 2013.

The director of the information system of a telecom operator was so desperate for “the complete misunderstanding between the 5% of employees of the operator whose computer is the job and the other 95% who use it daily. ” “Without a doubt, the industry needs more computer scientists, always better trained, ever more professional, on the lookout for new technologies, continues the text. But the industry no less needs employees who have acquired and assimilated a general computer literacy that allows them to interact effectively with their IT colleagues and take the critical distance from their work tool. “

Computer Code is in Modern Culture

Teaching how the technological tools that have invaded our daily lives function, the code is even a necessary condition for forming a critical spirit, say its defenders. That the under-18s are very comfortable with a smartphone in the hands or behind a keyboard does not change anything: “Who can still believe that in a society steeped in digital, it would be sufficient to be trained only uses? “wrote the Computer Society of France in January, in a report  (PDF) to defend the teaching of discipline in high school.

“By way of comparison, when it comes to preparing the future citizen for public health issues, the State does not just tax cigarettes: for a long time, science courses have been living and the Earth, compulsory from the beginning of the college, make it possible to understand the sexual reproduction, the functioning of the respiratory system and to influence the behavior of each one knowingly,” continues the association founded in 1985.

According to Jean-Pierre Archambault, president of the association Public Education and Computer Science, the questions relating to the networks that have arisen in recent years in the public debate make this learning even more necessary. On laws like or the law of military programming [including an article on access by the state to the digital data of an individual without judicial control], if we have absolutely no mental representation of what he returns, we are excluded from the debate.

Still, for ordinary people, the different computer programming languages may seem obscure. One only has to look at the HTML code of an info page, where unusual symbols sit side by side with English terms, to realize it: Many initiatives have been taken to make the learning of the discipline accessible to the youngest. In the United States, the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed Scratch. This programming system makes it possible to intuitively create animations or games since it involves stacking blocks using the mouse. This program has been translated into French.

All in All

Our children are growing up radically in a different world than us. If they do not learn the basics of technology and computer coding, they won’t keep up with the world’s pace. Coding has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and that is good news since kids who learn coding from a young at can welcome a lifetime and a handful of opportunities for success.

Coding must be made mandatory in every school to invest in our generations’ future and make the world easier for everyone. Moreover, with the technological development taking place daily, you can’t help but keep yourself on track for an innovative tomorrow. So, if you’re not investing in the future, then there’s no way we can reach the excellence destined for tomorrow.

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.

Investors put considerable money into businesses and aspire for returns more than the investment itself. By analyzing businesses from different perspectives, they go for the one they think would give them the most profit. By considering all sorts of strategies to analyze proposals, investors ensure their investments are not exposed to unnecessary risks they cannot bear. 

Smart investors hire the most talented financial experts, specialists in economic decision-making, critical thinking, and are aware of all the threats and opportunities. These professionals would make decisions based on the business’s potential, the risk factors, and the highest return rate.

When financing your business, if you don’t have the capital to invest yourself, you need investors to finance it. Plan it accordingly so that when you go for a meeting and discuss your ideas and their implementation, investors find potential in it. Financing is one of the biggest headaches for many entrepreneurs. If you are in the financing phase of building your business, consider these four keys to secure funding for it.

Stay Updated on Financial Terminology

Putting finance experts and their significant role in shaping your business plan aside, consider learning basic finance. The terms that are most commonly used, such as financial activities, revenues, and cash flow statements and what they mean, should become part of your language. If you are thoroughly informed on these financial terminologies, it will help you find errors others might overlook.

Put Yourself in the Shoes of Investors

To start with, you’ll need to see what investors are looking for in your business. Analyze your business from the investors’ perspective. Consider all the details you’ll put forth to them and how they may receive them. It would also help get to know who your potential investors are and, if possible, investigate other businesses or projects they have invested in before to help you understand what moves them to invest.

You have to remember that investors are humans, and though some will invest in startups. In contrast, others will only invest in well-established businesses. Regardless they will want to consider your business as a whole. No matter the investment stage, every investor will consider your business model, your marketing plan, and the projection of their return on investment. You need to keep these three business areas in mind when you are preparing to present to potential investors. These areas also need to be heavily explained in your business plan.

Make a Clear and Reasonable Proposal

Another key to finding financing for your business is to make a reasonable proposal. Because we want to finance and ultimately are looking for our business to succeed but thrive, there can be a temptation to make your proposal larger than life. Investors that specifically invest in businesses are not generally new to understanding how businesses work. Therefore, you should make sure your proposal is clear, straightforward, and, most of all, realistic.

When developing a realistic proposal, you will need to evaluate your company’s value beforehand and estimate the percentage you expect to grow based on the results. You can do it by calculating the money you need and the estimated value of your company. Later you can negotiate, but at the outset, you must have a clear offer. At this point, it is essential to know what an investor can give you. In addition to being a capitalist partner, it can be a partner that provides you with networking, know-how, etc.

You are the Ultimate Key to Success

The greatest key to obtaining financing for your business depends on you and your proactivity, tenacity, and perseverance. You will need to consider opening up to different proposals that may come to you and look for investors down every avenue afforded to you. Your forward-moving attitude is the most important asset you have to secure funding for your business, and remember that you are one of the pillars on which an investor will base their investment.

Conclusion

Financing plays a substantial role in starting and running your business and can take it to great success if done right. These four keys to obtaining financing for your business will put you down the path to accomplishing your business goals and satisfying any investor that takes a chance on you and your company.

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

The holidays have arrived. It’s time to spend time with family and friends, as well as getting everything ready for Christmas dinner. As part of these celebrations, you have likely entered into an exchange of gifts with the family, another with the office colleagues, and perhaps another with the friends. These types of commitments are sometimes unavoidable and have a significant impact on your income.

In December, many people lose control of their expenses using credit cards or lines of credit. This lack of control and overconfidence can make it very difficult to recover economic stability in January and possibly even during the first quarter of the year. Here are four tips to make saving money at Christmas possible.

Pay Yourself First

Many people designate a portion of their bonuses or bonds to pay debts, either from credit cards or lines of credit. However, it is recommended that you pay yourself first and reserve a portion of your bonuses to your savings. Keep in mind that setting a clear goal for the money you save will help you meet your overall financial goals, regardless of whether they are short, medium, or long-term.

Additionally, it is advisable to designate a part of your retirement savings, either as a voluntary contribution to your personal savings account or as an investment into a company retirement fund. The National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services recommends allocating at least 10% of your income to savings.

Remember There is Life Beyond Christmas

Many people use credit cards and lines of credit to purchase presents at Christmas. Many reports take the entire first quarter of the year to recover from Christmas spending. Some go beyond due to unforeseen financial issues that prevent payments and expand the debt. If you plan on spending a lot at Christmas, you should plan to save with a Christmas savings account instead of using your credit card or obtaining a credit line with fees and interest.

You have to keep in mind that after Christmas, you will still have bills and responsibilities. If you can’t afford to purchase gifts without putting yourself in debt, you and your family may need to reassess how you do Christmas. You must think beyond the holiday and know the best gift you can give yourself and your family is financial stability and a look forward to financial independence. By staying within your means at Christmas, you will not only stay out of debt, but you will also be able to put money into your savings account.

Be a Thrifty Shopper

While it is understandable that many believe in and promote Santa Claus in their households, you can still control spending and get your kids what they want for Christmas. One thing is that if you want to provide the magic of Christmas but not over commit to what Santa brings, you can let your kids ask Santa for one gift and then ask them for a list of things they want that they may or may not get.

Once you have limited the Santa gift to one gift and receive the desires of your little one’s hearts, you need to shop intelligently. There are several ways you can do this while still giving your family a great Christmas. You can do comparison shopping, find coupons, or look for second-hand items on any of the many apps that both buyers and sellers use to share items for sale second hand. You can also hit up estate and yard sales. Shopping can be fun and rewarding if you look for the deals and ways to give without doing it until it hurts you financially.

You Can Buy on Credit

Almost everyone who has a credit card will use them for Christmas shopping. You should be encouraged to use them, but do so as sparingly as possible, and don’t max them out if you can’t pay them back within a billing cycle or two. Remember, you are making purchases on credit without knowing what the next few months hold for you financially. Purchasing anything on credit that expands your spending outside your means is a risk.

The bottom line is, you can buy on credit but keep it within reach even if you should hit financially difficult times. Understand that your credit card or line of credit may be needed for an emergency expense if you don’t have a savings account, so you should leave room on it for those unforeseen possibilities.

Conclusion

We all want to spoil our kids and loved ones at Christmas, but the most loving thing you can do for them is to provide a financially stable and debt-free future. If you are smart and use these tips to find money-saving ways to celebrate Christmas, you and your loved ones can relax and enjoy the season without unsurmountable debt hanging over your heads.

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.

Restaurants face a new ecosystem in which their competition has increased, and their customers’ consumption habits and customs have changed. In recent years, the restaurant industry has seen new players join the competition with new sales strategies, and ways of reaching consumers have been used, helping them rise very quickly. 

Now, restaurants are not only competing against other places with a similar offer in a nearby location. Other players have appeared, like supermarkets and convenience stores that sell meals, food kit services at home, food trucks, pop-up restaurants, and things that even restaurant managers cannot know yet. That is why it is imperative to consider new strategies to increase a restaurant’s income. Only the best professionals specialized in gastro-marketing will be able to help us. 

These marketing actions, special for the restaurant industry, cannot, in general, be implemented by a global marketing agency; the same is true for a law firm, such as a motorcycle store or a restaurant, as clients. Only professionals specialized in marketing for this industry exclusively are the ones who know the best strategies and how to carry them out. They know the best way to increase the restaurant’s clientele and build loyalty to the one they already have is through online gastro-marketing actions. 

Five strategies to increase restaurant sales

TripAdvisor 

In case you didn’t know, TripAdvisor had an influence of almost $7 billion in expenses for restaurants worldwide. What does that mean for your restaurant? The management of TripAdvisor is of the utmost importance. 

Also, the USA is, according to many studies, the country in which it establishes the highest growth in the restaurant market. This is helped by the growth of tourism, a change in consumption, and an innovative homeland cuisine, which leaves very hopeful expectations for the next year for restaurants that seriously operate their online reputation on TripAdvisor. 

This is a critical platform for getting noticed, attracting customers, and increasing its online reputation. Most customers consult the opinions of other customers who have already visited the place before. Having a good score to have more presence, and that the reviews are positive and good management of the positive and negative comments is basic for any restaurant of the 21st century.

Google My Business

Of all the social networks, we must not overlook Google My Business. It is essential for the restaurant industry because it allows a series of functionalities that, apart from being part of a global tab for Google, allow you a better position and increase your notoriety within the search engine, allowing users very valuable information.

Keeping the Google My Business file updated with the opening hours, the menu, the restaurant’s telephone number, and everything the application allows us to increase reservations if you follow a well-planned strategy framed within an online marketing plan for restaurants. 

Wi-Fi Marketing 

Wi-Fi marketing is one strategy that restaurants can use to sell more, which they will not explain to you or carry out in a regular marketing agency. This is what we mean when we tell you what you need from experienced professionals specialized in gastro-marketing. 

Did you know that you can enjoy Wi-Fi to increase your restaurant’s sales and the satisfaction of your customers? So is. Simply by collecting, analyzing, and processing the data that your customers register when connecting to the Wi-Fi network of your premises, we can obtain more and better evaluations of your customers on Social Networks, make personalized promotions and send newsletters from your restaurant, Among many other things. 

Score a goal for the squad against your competition, taking advantage of the benefits a good Wi-Fi Marketing strategy can bring to a restaurant.

Restaurant Menu

The menu is much more than a list of dishes and prices. The menu is a unique gateway to your restaurant’s universe; as such, we invite you to take advantage of all the advantages that having a good menu can mean for your business. 

Today, we know countless neuromarketing and gastronomic writing techniques capable of making your customers salivate just by being in front of your menu. This is possible, and only the most reputable professionals can achieve it, but why lose this opportunity to achieve it?

Knowing and interpreting the business, the market, and the target clientele is essential to find a letter that helps your staff sell more. All the various techniques above add information and data that help improve the menu and offer the best dishes for your customers and your business. 

Local SEO 

With local SEO, we can carry out a series of marketing actions in your restaurant that allows us to have the best presence for users who search Google for a restaurant in a location close to our establishment. 

The geolocal searches are the future of marketing for restaurants that take advantage of the user’s convenience of eating what is close to your business and not knowing what is around. 

Most users search the Internet for places to eat and, based on opinions, the web, and above all, who appears first in searches. Having a perfectly optimized website and restaurant fingerprint to be Google favorites will help us attract customers to our restaurant on autopilot. 

Applying these marketing strategies for restaurants will undoubtedly increase your restaurant’s sales. But remember, we have warned you throughout the guide, and it is something that you already assume or see yourself coming. 

These strategies and actions cannot be executed by a restaurant manager, by the team in their spare time, or dealt with unprofessionally.

We’ve given you several top-notch tips to sell more at your restaurant. And suppose you want to achieve success with it. In that case, I recommend that you trust a professional who, like you, can demonstrate their experience through customer testimonials and success stories in the application of all these series of cutting-edge techniques in gastro-marketing.

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.

Running a business can be draining. You may spend hours sorting your strategies, constructing marketing campaigns, and (hopefully) achieving milestones. Still, it seems that your business falls short of meeting your own expectations.  

However, with plenty of time and effort, you hope your business will make the cut. All you must do is work on your strategies and plans and analyze the specific parts that do not work so that you may modify them to generate positive results in new ways.

You have seen that by strategizing, planning, and paying close attention to the aspects of your business that do work and those that do not work, you have been able to create a business that you are truly proud of.

In the case that your business is still struggling in some areas, considering having a third party take a crack at analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. This tends to be a highly effective solution when you cannot get to the root of the problem.  

Consider Investing More

Most entrepreneurs aspire to cut costs as much as possible. This may take the form of skimping out on proper training for employees. When you and your staff are not professionally trained, your business is sure to suffer in the long term. Addressing this problem head-on is the best way to ensure a more fluid and cohesive workflow.

Simply put, investing time and money in an effective training curriculum, or perhaps even hiring out a professional with managerial experience, may have positive rewards. Investing in these resources will help expand your brand and establish higher, more professional workplace expectations.

Some businesses may find it difficult to use technological tools. However, it is crucial that companies stay current and invest in proper software and technology that aid in efficiency while also being user-friendly. Big Data and The Cloud are both easy solutions that can bring remarkable benefits.

Connect with Your Clients Better

Sometimes you may get so caught up with growing your business; you neglect the most important aspect: the client. The client has the most crucial role in establishing financial success. It is important to keep that priority in mind and connect with as many clients as you can to grow your business.

Enhance Productivity

Let’s just face it, jumping into an entrepreneurial venture is no walk in the park. At times, navigating the uncharted waters of a new business can seem impossible.  For this reason, your motivation may wane, and it may show in your overall efficiency.  However, it is crucial to keep your productivity and motivation levels scaling higher and higher if you wish to make it in your industry.

Emotions can influence the way your business runs to quite an extent. The more you are emotionally involved with your business, the better you operate it. It is important to choose a business idea that invigorates you. Lack of emotional investment can be your worst enemy, and this lack of enthusiasm will be reflected in your business operations. Focusing on passion and fulfillment can prevent a burn-out down the road.  

Seek Consultation

Seeking professional consultation can be a great step towards ensuring success in your business. A second (or third, or fourth!) set of eyes can shine light onto areas that are working well and other areas that may need some improvement. Consulting an expert in your field may change your perspective and provide suggestions on how to promote growth. You may be surprised at the new ideas and skills that come from this analysis.

Bottom Line

Having your business fail may truly be your worst nightmare. Most business endeavors will require you to exert all your efforts by looking for solutions to some exceedingly difficult problems. You may get discouraged at times when things are not happening as quickly as you would have liked. However, by being efficient in your initiatives and focusing your energies on the right aspects, your business will run more smoothly, and milestones will never cease to surprise you.  

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.

This round of US economic expansion is expected to break the longest record in history. Many reports highlight the strong fundamentals of economic activity, job market, household spending, and commercial fixed investment and are expected to increase interest rates in a gradual and orderly manner further. Here are four reasons the US real estate market stands out, among others.

The culture of “Mergers & Acquisitions” and the size of the businesses

One of the things in which the difference with the United States is abysmal is investors’ availability willingness to gamble their money in foreign businesses and the tradition due to buying, selling, and merging real estate businesses. It is known as “mergers & acquisitions.” This financial culture facilitates the growth of companies with capital and allows entrepreneurs who manage their businesses. Whether small or large, if they have no heirs, it aspires them to monetize their business on the way to enjoy retirement more or less anticipated and the result of efforts developed over the years.

Professional Regulation

It is not about establishing absurd barriers for competitors’ entrance in the commercial sector, such as real estate sales. It is about a professional license system that ensures a natural series of knowledge of the Agents dealing with buyers and sellers about the laws and obligations they have with them during the transaction. It also limits the ability to close contracts and accept amounts of money only to duly accredited and insured Brokers.

Together with the NAR strength and its public projection, this regulation makes up an ecosystem where Real Estate Agents and Brokers’ role is much more socially recognized and more respected by consumers. In turn, it strengthens the self-esteem of professionals with the positive consequences that this entails.

The Effort of Standardization

It is not always possible to implement and is not still exempt from criticism. However, there is an extreme concern for standardization at very different levels and areas of the profession. It starts from the most basic standards for exchanging data and documentation, allowing connecting information between different local MLS, referenced by the RESO (Real Estate Standards Organization). It further went beyond the NAR’s core standards and reviewed periodically, which suppose mandatory minimums for the MLS that depend on it. The NAR’s core standards begin with the Code of Ethics’s implementation and defense but continue with multiple demands for services that must be offered to associate members.

Political Influence

It is a direct consequence of the existence and power of an association such as the NAR, which has one of the most financially endowed PACs in the United States real estate market. These Political Action Committee (PAC) allows a professional Association such as the NAR to provide funds for different political candidates, and then have a direct link with those who have been elected to Congress or the Senate with their support to address issues of interest to the Sector that these congressmen and senators will support in just correspondence. The NAR presumes in its information to finance the campaigns of more than 200 American senators and Congress members.

Among other things, this power of influence has substantially limited financial entities’ presence in the commercialization of properties, not because they have not been trying for decades. However, with the current political turmoil taking over the US estate market, the outcome can further damage the years to come. If you wish to excel under the current political influence, you need to pitch your real estate sales more efficiently.

Conclusion

An immense amount of growth has been witnessed in the real estate industry over the last five years in almost every market. Success in Real Estate has become harder to develop with more people after your client, your chance to grow a successful business, and listing opportunities.

It may be pretty simple when you think about it but play your strengths, surrounds yourself with tools, showcase your value, and always be ready to learn and grow. Remember, the more you invest in practice that helps you build supportive and strong relationships with the sellers and buyers to help them succeed, the more you stand out. Now, the key here is not to give up and excel in a market whose value is bound to increase as time passes by.

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.

Does it cost more to insure a used car than a new car? This is a popular question among those shopping for a vehicle and/or a new auto policy. Below, we address common questions and expectations about insuring your vehicle, including coverage types and what to expect from the insurance agency.

New vs. used… does it really make a difference??

While you may not always be able to SEE the difference, there are, in fact, specific details that distinguish even a very well-maintained used car from a new one. Insurance companies WILL look at the age of your vehicle when establishing what kind of insurance coverage policy is necessary, what coverage is ideal, and how much they are going to charge you for your policy.

If you are trying to save money by salvaging an old vehicle, remember to keep in mind the cost of preventative maintenance as well as the cost of actual repairs. Waiving or declining coverage is not an option! While it may be easy to agree with this statement, it can still be overwhelming when it comes time to determine where to shop and which types of coverages are most beneficial. 

Domestic vs. foreign cars and types of coverage

Due to the dynamics of the auto industry, only certain amounts of coverage are available for domestic cars that are over 10-15  years old. Over time, it becomes increasingly more difficult to find working parts for certain vehicles; maintenance and repairs can be become more expensive compared to the value of the car. The good news is, when the car value decreases, this car may require less insurance or a “liability only” policy.

On the other hand, a foreign car or brand new car that has a higher value or is being financed will require more insurance or a “full coverage policy.” There is more specific or “comprehensive” coverage needed to address repairs to this vehicle, and the cost is higher to send it to the manufacturer.

How to choose an agency

All car insurance agencies provide both new and used car policies. After assessing your needs and researching coverage, then it is important to look for reliable insurers. Because this company will be the one who ultimately guarantees payment and compensation in the event of an accident or loss, research and compare reviews and quotes online. Sites like Reclaimed Here provide ratings and reviews as well as online surveys from actual clients on the quality service provided by the company. This gives you inside knowledge from people who have previously owned the type of vehicle you are buying or interested in.

Getting a quote

Once you have purchased your car, assessed your needs for coverage, and chosen an agency, you can then look at costs. A licensed insurance agent at the agency will first need to have you complete detailed paperwork about you and your vehicle. They will want to know about all drivers, the vehicle’s main purpose, and where it will be parked at night. Make sure you fill out these forms accurately so that the agency can obtain consumer reports, driving records, research accident trends in your region, and perform a credit check. They can then provide you with a contracted price or premium called a quote.  

Closing the deal

Now that you have purchased a vehicle, researched agencies, and compared quotes, you can continue to customize your policy and reach out to different agencies in your area to find the best one. The quote becomes a contract, and signing it means you agree to pay either in full or in monthly installments to the agency in order to cover your new car.

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.

There are countless success stories of how outsourcing is cost-saving, time-saving and brings extremely skilled employees into the corporate arena to complete precise projects. A great way to manage and achieve results is by entrusting and outsourcing your work. You can save yourself a lot of time and a lot of stress by pushing your efforts to the front end.

Bringing in new ideas and always trying to take your business to the next level is a sign of a hardworking entrepreneur. Outsourcing your business can be tough, but with a few tips and tricks, you can make it happen.

Let’s talk about some easy steps to make an outsourcing plan successful for you, your business, and your clients.

Choose the Right Person

Choosing the lowest cost proposal for a partner is tempting. Before you do this, make sure you are ready to work with that person’s skillsets. They will have to stay in touch with you for the duration of the project, so make sure their business goals align with yours. You don’t want to end up explaining to your clients that you outsourced their project to someone and did not know the company’s business practices.  This could make you look unprofessional and you could lose clients because of it. Save yourself from frustrations and do the research for the new partner you are considering using for your outsourcing.

Trust Them and Treat Them as a Partner

While outsourcing your business, there is a tendency to either interfere or completely ignore. If you are used to controlling your business, it is hard to let go and trust someone you do not know, even if they know how to handle vital and critical parts of your firm. By allowing direct control over the daily operations of a project, you can get more control over the rest of your work that needs to be tended to.

Hence, while outsourcing, the relationship must be built on a conviction of mutual capability.  It does not hurt to pay extra for somebody you trust over someone you do not know.

Don’t Outsource the Core of Your Company

Trust is vital in outsourcing, but it’s understandable that someone else won’t take care of your business as you will. The staff you hire and groom must know how to handle the core portions of your firm. You definitely do not wish to risk your business weakening and having to start from scratch all over again.

Choose a partner who knows their role in your company and works with you to establish themselves into your workflow and firm culture, as if you were to shape it yourself.

Work Ownership

For outsourced tasks, make it clear who owns the final product and the integral parts of the merchandise. Ensure the service breadwinners know how you aim to use the work they’re approving to provide. It’s vital to have a written contract, particularly if the work is sensitive.

Keep Things Professional

While working with outsourced groups and individuals, it’s easy to become friends. This can be a huge mistake as it makes it difficult for you to fire them if they are not getting their work done. If somebody is not completing their work on time, it’s their fault if you fire them, and you should not feel bad about it. In many cases, if you wish your business to be successful, separate professionalism and friendship.

All in all, outsourcing is one of the most cost-efficient behaviors to grow your firm. It is how the biggest and most profitable businesses create the wealth and freedom that business owners enjoy.

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.

Assessment of Costs in Accounting

The evaluation of costs determines the identification and amount of the respective cost types. These amounts are included in further calculations of cost and performance accounting. Payments from financial accounting are used to evaluate some cost types, such as personnel costs or external services used by the business. Since these costs can vary, average values or expected costs are usually used.

In the cost and performance calculation, the costs can also be assessed according to the following factors:

• Transfer pricing
• Average prices
• Replacement prices
• Opportunities (for example, capital costs)

Structure and Categorization of Costs

In order to get a systematic cost breakdown in your company, one should observe the following principles:

• Principle of uniformity
  • Cost types should be structured in such a way that different people can assign the same facts at different times.
• Completeness principle
  • All cost types incurred by one’s company must be included in the outline. It is essential to include all expenditures to ensure an accurate evaluation and understanding.
• Principle of uniqueness or freedom of overlap
  • Costs may not be recorded and offset multiple times. They must be assigned to a category without overlap to ensure accuracy.

If one observes these principles, one can characterize cost types differently. The details of each feature one uses to differentiate between categories depends on the questions and purposes of the cost element calculation. In reference to production quantity, the following characterizations and classifications of costs are mainly used for planning and analysis:

• Variable costs
• Fixed costs
• Fixed costs after offsetting on products and services (also referred to as Cost Unit Accounting)
• Relevant indirect costs
• Overhead according to the location in the value chain where the costs are incurred
• Relevant in primary costs
• Secondary costs after division into functional areas
• Relevant in production costs
• Also referred to as Administrative Expenses and Procurement Costs

The meaning of these cost terms and the respective characteristics are explained in great detail online if you would like to understand each one further.

Create a Cost Element Plan

Once the information about cost types is gathered, one can then begin to create a cost-type plan. This list of the cost types includes respective characteristics, possible input variables, measurement methods, and evaluations. Actual costs can then be entered and assigned to the period in which they were incurred. The average costs and the planned costs can then be derived from the actual costs. This will become less confusing and very simple to do with some practice. 

Practice

One can then compile data for their own purposes. For example, the financial or budget planning of a business case. The following questions should be considered for this type of analysis:

• What types of costs can arise?
• How are the consumption of materials and hours measured on which the costs are based?
• Which procedures and calculation methods are used to determine the amount/amounts of the respective costs? For example, surcharges, average values, acquisition costs, payments, etc.?
• Which time periods are considered and differentiated? Year, quarter, month, week, day?

Enter this information in a cost element plan. Pay close attention to the following principles:

• Uniformity
• Completeness
• Uniqueness

Example Personnel Costs

In the first step, the personnel costs can be derived from accounting data, payments for wages and salaries, as well as social insurance (ancillary wage costs). For further calculations, these personnel costs must be considered differently. For this purpose, personnel costs are determined based on time tickets or daily work reports. The non-wage costs are then added to the wage costs using previously calculated surcharge rates.

 

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.