Author: Jennifer Brazer

The average money earner does not have a savings account, let alone look into investing. When asked if they invest or have an investment portfolio, most people will tell you that they don’t. When further asked why a high percentage will answer that they don’t believe they can afford it. Investing can be a great way to finance your future and your retirement. But due to lack of funds and fear of investing, many Americans never engage in investments. Here are six investments you can invest in for very little capital.

Savings Accounts

Most don’t think of having a savings account as an investment. However, most savings accounts these days have some interest attached. Whether you want to stay within the safety of actual savings, account through your bank with a smaller interest gain, if you want to do a savings account with more risk than higher returns, it’s important to have a savings account. The most important things you need to remember when considering a savings account is access and the amount of interest you can gain. You also want to consider the risks as you would with any investment.

Lending Clubs

Lending clubs are one of the best ways for people to get started in investing. Lending clubs are where your money is pulled together with other lenders. Those who need a loan will come to the lending platform and borrow from these lenders. In exchange for extending these loans, investors, a.k.a. lenders, will often get returns in the double digits. The buy-in to a loan can be as little as $25. Most lending clubs have an overall minimum buy-in. Generally, between $100 to $1,000, give or take. You then take that initial investment and make decisions on where you want to lend money.

Crowdfunding Real Estate

For those who do not have a lot of capital and want to invest in real estate, crowdfunding real estate investments are the way to go. You need very little capital, and there is a lot more protection and crowdfunding. Though there can still be losses, they are generally a lot less than if you were taking ownership of a property.

Some crowdfunding real estate by ends is as little as $500. The more you invest, the more opportunities you will have to make money. Most sites that offer crowdfunding real estate investing will have sought out investment projects and opportunities.

Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan

it is no secret that most larger companies have retirement plans that are also investments. In most cases, you have to do nothing more than sign up through your company in the HR department, and they will deduct the amount you want to invest. Many of these same employers will match your investment up to a certain percent. Even if you can’t afford to invest a large portion of your paycheck, you should at least invest the amount your company will match because that is free money. Most retirement plans or 401(k)s still carry some risk as they are generally grown through mutual funds and investing.

Dividend Reinvestment Plans

Dividend reinvestment plans allow for smaller investments in stocks only in companies that pay dividends. Your initial buy-in is generally a small amount many can afford. Once the stock pays a dividend, it is reinvested into buying more of that same company’s stock.

This dividend reinvestment will continue to build until you reach a limit on the stocks you can own in the company. Because of the way dividend reinvestment plans build, this is an excellent opportunity for you to get in with a smaller amount and build to larger investments in major companies. This type of investing is not only very profitable but lower risk.

Online Brokerage Firms

Investing in online brokerage firms can be great because most of them have a buy-in of $1,000 or less. Once you have chosen your investment plan and have paid the minimum buy-in, these firms will act as any other brokerage firm and invest your money for you. You need to be aware of what percentage the company will take of your returns and choose a company that takes the lowest percentage. While this will cost you in shares of your return, this is an inexpensive way to invest through a brokerage firm.

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

By: Jennifer Brazer

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

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

Smart Strategies to Reduce Operational Costs and Thrive

Reducing operational costs involves implementing strategic approaches to minimize daily business expenses without sacrificing quality, including automation, outsourcing, process optimization, and innovative financial management. These methods directly enhance profitability by freeing up capital for growth initiatives while maintaining service excellence.

As CEO of Complete Controller for over 20 years, I’ve partnered with thousands of businesses across every sector imaginable. The most successful companies treat cost reduction as a strategic advantage, not a desperate measure. This article reveals the exact frameworks we’ve used to help clients achieve 17% average cost reductions—strategies you can implement starting today. You’ll discover how AI bookkeeping cuts costs by 70%, why hybrid work models save millions in real estate, and the zero-based budgeting technique that helped Kraft Heinz save $1.7 billion.

What are the most effective ways to reduce operational costs?

• Answer: Implement technology-driven efficiency, optimize vendor relationships, restructure financial strategies, and foster cost-conscious cultures
• Automation: Replace manual processes with AI to cut labor costs by 30–50%
• Vendor Consolidation: Negotiate volume discounts by reducing the supplier count by 20–40%
• Hybrid Work Models: Slash real estate and utility costs by 25% with remote work
• Zero-Based Budgeting: Justify every expense to eliminate waste systematically

Leverage Technology for Efficiency Gains

The technology revolution has transformed cost reduction from painful cuts to strategic optimization. Ford’s 1913 assembly line slashed Model T production time from 12.5 hours to 93 minutes, reducing costs by 60% and dropping prices from $850 to $260. Today’s digital tools deliver similar transformations without the massive capital investments of the past.

Modern automation creates compound benefits: reduced errors, faster processing, and freed human capital for strategic work. Small businesses particularly benefit from cloud-based solutions that require minimal upfront investment while delivering enterprise-level capabilities. The key lies in selecting tools that integrate seamlessly with existing workflows rather than forcing radical operational changes.

Automate financial processes

AI bookkeeping revolutionizes financial management by cutting manual data entry costs by 70-80%, with businesses breaking even within 6-12 months. Cloud platforms like QuickBooks automate invoicing, payroll, and reporting, reducing errors by 45% while freeing 15+ hours monthly for strategic initiatives. One Complete Controller client, Vertice (an e-commerce firm), cut bookkeeping costs by 37% using AI-driven expense categorization that automatically sorts transactions and flags anomalies.

The transformation extends beyond cost savings. Automated systems provide real-time financial visibility, enabling faster decision-making and proactive cash flow management. Implementation typically follows a phased approach: start with expense tracking, add automated invoicing, then integrate payroll and advanced reporting features as teams adapt.

Implement energy-efficient tech

Smart building technology delivers immediate operational savings through intelligent resource management. IoT sensors reduce equipment downtime by 30% through predictive maintenance, while smart thermostats and LED lighting lower utility bills by 18-22% annually. Manufacturing facilities report the highest returns, with sensor-driven optimization cutting energy waste during off-peak hours.

Beyond hardware, software solutions optimize energy consumption patterns. Building management systems learn usage patterns and automatically adjust lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy. These systems typically pay for themselves within 18-24 months through reduced utility expenses and extended equipment lifespan.

Optimize Vendor and Inventory Management

Strategic procurement transforms vendors from necessary expenses into competitive advantages. The most effective approach combines relationship building with data-driven negotiation, creating win-win scenarios that strengthen partnerships while reducing costs.

Renegotiate supplier contracts

Successful contract renegotiation starts with comprehensive spend analysis. Audit all vendor relationships bi-annually, identifying volume opportunities and market rate comparisons. Consolidating purchases with fewer suppliers typically yields 20-40% savings through volume discounts and simplified administration. One logistics client saved $200,000 annually by consolidating freight contracts from seven carriers to three, leveraging increased volume for better rates.

Timing matters in negotiations. Approach vendors during their slow seasons or fiscal year-ends when they’re most motivated to secure contracts. Present data showing your value as a customer, including payment history and growth projections. Most vendors prefer retaining profitable relationships over losing business to competitors.

Adopt just-in-time inventory

Just-in-time inventory systems minimize storage costs while maintaining service levels. Zara’s revolutionary approach reduced inventory overhead by 28% through real-time demand analysis and rapid production cycles. The fashion retailer produces based on actual sales data rather than forecasts, eliminating excess inventory and markdowns.

Implementation requires strong supplier relationships and robust data systems. Start by analyzing historical demand patterns, identifying fast-moving items suitable for JIT ordering. Gradually expand the program as suppliers adapt to more frequent, smaller deliveries. Technology platforms now make JIT accessible to smaller businesses through automated reordering and demand forecasting.

Financial Restructuring and Tax Innovation

Financial optimization often yields the fastest operational cost reductions. Strategic restructuring unlocks immediate cash flow improvements while positioning businesses for sustainable growth.

Deploy zero-based budgeting

Zero-based budgeting revolutionizes spending by requiring justification for every expense, regardless of historical precedent. Kraft Heinz’s implementation saved $1.7 billion in 18 months by eliminating legacy spending and redirecting resources to growth initiatives. McKinsey reports average savings of $280 million annually for companies adopting ZBB comprehensively.

The process begins with defining essential activities and their minimum funding requirements. Departments build budgets from zero, justifying each line item based on current business needs rather than prior allocations. This approach surfaces hidden inefficiencies and encourages innovative thinking about resource allocation. Quarterly reviews maintain momentum and adapt to changing conditions.

Refinance high-interest debt

Debt refinancing delivers immediate cost reductions through lower interest payments. Current market conditions offer opportunities to secure rates 2-5% below existing loans. Refinancing $500,000 from 9% to 4% saves $25,000 annually—funds better invested in growth initiatives.

SBA loans and credit union partnerships often provide the most favorable terms for small businesses. Preparation increases success rates: compile three years of financial statements, demonstrate stable cash flow, and highlight operational improvements since original financing. Consider working with a financial advisor to structure optimal terms, balancing rate reduction with flexibility.

Build a Cost-Conscious Culture

Sustainable cost reduction requires cultural transformation beyond one-time cuts. Engaging employees in efficiency initiatives creates ongoing improvements while maintaining morale and productivity.

Incentivize frugal innovation

Employee-driven savings programs tap into frontline insights often invisible to management. Reward systems that share savings with idea contributors motivate continuous improvement. A tech startup client saved $50,000 annually after an employee suggested switching to reusable packaging materials, reducing both costs and environmental impact.

• Quarterly innovation challenges focused on specific cost categories
• Transparent tracking showing idea implementation and resulting savings
• Recognition programs celebrate both large and small contributions
• Skill development opportunities, teaching lean principles and process improvement

BYOD (Bring your own device) policies

Bring Your Own Device programs reduce IT expenses by 35% while increasing employee satisfaction through technology choice. Rather than purchasing and maintaining corporate hardware, companies provide partial reimbursements for personal devices used for work. This approach eliminates refresh cycles, reduces support costs, and improves productivity through familiar technology.

Implementation requires clear policies addressing security, privacy, and reimbursement structures. Mobile device management software maintains security standards across personal devices while respecting employee privacy. Successful programs balance cost savings with adequate support, typically saving $300-500 per employee annually.

Conclusion

Strategic cost reduction builds competitive advantages that compound over time. The approaches outlined here—from AI automation saving 70% on bookkeeping to hybrid work models cutting real estate expenses by millions—represent proven pathways to sustainable efficiency. At Complete Controller, we’ve guided hundreds of businesses through these transformations, witnessing firsthand how smart cost management fuels innovation and growth.

Your journey starts with one high-impact initiative. Choose the area offering your greatest pain point or quickest win. Measure results quarterly, celebrate successes, and scale what works. Cost optimization isn’t about doing less—it’s about achieving more with strategic resource deployment. Ready to transform your operational efficiency? Contact the experts at Complete Controller for personalized guidance on implementing these strategies in your unique business context.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reducing Operational Costs

What are the fastest ways to reduce operational costs without affecting quality?

Renegotiating vendor contracts and implementing hybrid work arrangements typically yield results within 60 days while maintaining service standards. Focus on automating repetitive tasks and consolidating suppliers for immediate impact without compromising output quality.

How much can small businesses realistically save through operational cost reduction?

Small businesses typically achieve 15-25% cost reductions within the first year through systematic optimization. AI bookkeeping alone saves 30-70% on financial management costs, while vendor consolidation often yields 20-40% procurement savings.

What operational costs do businesses commonly overlook?

Unused software subscriptions average $300+ monthly in hidden costs, while energy inefficiencies waste 15-20% of utility budgets. Transaction fees, outdated insurance policies, and redundant services frequently escape regular reviews.

How do I calculate ROI for cost reduction initiatives?

Calculate ROI using: (Annual Savings ÷ Implementation Cost) × 100. Target 200%+ ROI for technology investments. Include both hard savings (reduced expenses) and soft benefits (time saved, error reduction) in calculations.

Can cost reduction efforts actually improve employee morale?

Yes, when implemented transparently with employee input. Successful programs eliminate frustrating inefficiencies, provide better tools, and reward innovative thinking. Sharing savings through bonuses or improved benefits creates buy-in for continuous improvement.

Sources

• AI Blog, CC Monet. (2025, February 15). “AI Bookkeeping Cost Savings: How Businesses Are Saving.” https://www.ccmonet.ai/blog/ai-bookkeeping-cost-savings
• Brex Blog. Johnson, Mia. (2025). “15 Cost-Reduction Tactics for Modern CFOs.” https://www.brex.com/blog/cost-reduction-tactics
• BoxHero Blog. (2023, August 7). “Zara’s Zero Inventory System.” https://www.boxhero.io/en/blog/zaras-zero-inventory-system
• Brookings Institution. (2023). “The Future of Remote Work.” https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-future-of-remote-work
• Car and Driver. (2013, October 26). “Ford’s Assembly Line Turns 100: How It Really Put the World on Wheels.” https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15115930/fords-assembly-line-turns-100
• Forbes. Patel, Rohan. (2025, March). “AI’s Role in Operational Efficiency.” https://www.forbes.com/ai-operational-efficiency
• FP&A Trends. McKinsey & Company. (2025, April 7). “The Evolving Role of Zero-Based Budgeting.” https://fpa-trends.com/article/evolving-role-zero-based-budgeting
• Investopedia. “Zero-Based Budgeting.” https://www.investopedia.com/terms/z/zero-based-budgeting.asp
• McKinsey & Company. (2025, January). “Operational Efficiency Benchmarks.” https://www.mckinsey.com/operational-efficiency
• Ramp.com. (2025, April). “Lowering Operating Costs: A 2025 Guide.” https://www.ramp.com/guides/operating-costs
• RoomManager Blog. (2025, March 8). “Hybrid Work Cost Savings.” https://roommanager.com/blog/hybrid-work-cost-savings
• Vertice.io. (2024). “AI-Driven Cost Reduction Case Study.” https://www.vertice.io/case-studies/ai-cost-reduction
• Wikipedia. “Artificial Intelligence.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence
• Workday. (2025). “What Is Zero-Based Budgeting?” https://www.workday.com/topics/fpa/what-is-zero-based-budgeting.html

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.

Many people dream of opening their own business but don’t know what they want or where to start. Owning and operating a coffee shop can be fun and fulfilling, and a lot of hard work. Here are six steps to starting your own coffee shop.

Write a Business Plan

When starting any business, you must have a business plan before you begin. It should be the first step before going forward with any plans. It is suggested that you hire a professional to write your business plan for you. However, if you do enough research, you can write your business plan successfully. Your business plan should include the following:

• Executive summary: The executive summary is the first thing potential investors will read and should include your goals and summarize your business. Though it is first, it should be written last.
• Company Overview: The company overview will include an overview of its operations and structure and include your business’s mission statement.
• Market Analysis: The Market analysis will need to include an analysis of the market in the area you intend to enter. It will also include a competitor and customer analysis.
• Marketing Plan: The marketing will be a detailed plan of how you intend to market the business and its costs.
• Operating Plan: The operating plan will be how you intend the business to operate and those costs.
• Management Team: The management team will include who will be included in the business’s administrative operation function.
• Financial Plan: The financial plan will be at least the six-month financial plans and your business projections.

Find a Location

The location of your coffee shop will be as important as the cost of the lease. Most coffee shops need to be in an area where they will receive a lot of foot traffic. A café is not a business that will be successful tucked away where no one can see or find it. When searching for the location, consider the other businesses around you to positively and negatively affect your business. The location of your coffee shop is extremely important and could be the difference between success or failure.

Develop a Floor Plan

Once you have chosen a location, you need to make a floor plan. The floor plan needs to include the following:

• Seating and tables
• Equipment setup
• Walking space
• Distancing
• Line location

Hire an Accountant

Though you have not taken the crucial step to obtain financing, you hire an accountant specializing in starting a new business. An accountant will help you keep track of your funds once you obtain them and assist in the business’s financial operations. Starting with an accounting professional will ensure the business’s success and set the tone for tracking your business finances.

Find Funding Options

There are several options when it comes to funding your business. Here are the options most business owners should consider:

• Personal savings
• Investors
• Small business loan
• Friends or Family

Save Money for Initial Expenses

You will need some capital for the initial expenses and to keep you afloat while you get the business started. Most businesses are not going to operate in the black right away; it will take time. Therefore, having enough saved to pay operations and payroll for the first three to six months of the business. These savings will help sustain you while you wait for funding and for the business to turn a profit.

Develop a Marketing Plan

While you should already have set forth a marketing strategy in your business plan, you must develop that further in a comprehensive way that can be implemented easily. Since your business is virtually unknown, you have to do a bit of a media blitz to let people know about your business, the location, and the products and services you offer.

Set High Standards

Coffee shops are a dime a dozen, and you will be competing against coffee giants. To combat the competition in the market, you need to set high standards. The standards need to be in every aspect of the business. You need to offer quality products, exceptional service, an inviting atmosphere and décor, and accessibility. You need to have the standards set high and keep them there to give you and your employee’s goals to achieve daily.

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.

Bankruptcy is a last resort remedy for those who are so financially devastated; they cannot recover any other way. Many people hear the word bankruptcy and think of it as an irreversible and adverse remedy. While a setback, the truth is that bankruptcy can be a relief to those who have been struggling against financial losses or burdens. Here is everything you need to know about bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Is Not a Quick Process

Leading into going into court to present your bankruptcy case, there is a lot of preparation. Once it gets to the courtroom, the process does not get any faster. Small claims court cases are usually only a day, while bankruptcy can take upwards of six months for chapter seven bankruptcy, which is the most common chapter for individuals. For the other most popular chapters, thirteen and eleven, it can take up to five years.

Bankruptcy Opens Your Finances to Public Scrutiny

While everyone involved will certainly attempt to preserve your dignity through the proceedings, they are all public and will only be held privately in extenuating circumstances. Because this is a public proceeding, you need to be prepared that your friends and family may become aware of your financial situation and learn the intricate details. These details include assets, expenses, income, debts, and recent financial transactions. And in most cases, you are required to attend a meeting with creditors, which is held in a public courtroom while your creditors can question you.

Complete Disclosure Is Required

One of the most required things by the court to consider relieving you of debt is that you are transparent, honest, and offer complete disclosure. This means you cannot leave out an asset, debt, or access to creditors. If it has been discovered that you have withheld any pertinent information to your case, not only can you lose your bankruptcy case, but depending on what you withheld, there could be an investigation opened against you by the FBI. Bankruptcy fraud is a federal crime with considerable fines and possible jail time.

Bankruptcy Forms Are Complicated

Because bankruptcy is a detailed scrutiny of your financial situation, the forms can be as complicated if not more complicated than tax forms. Filing bankruptcy requires you to answer substantial questions and make sure that you thoroughly include every detail. Because this is so complicated, you must hire a bankruptcy attorney. Hiring a professional will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you money, assets, or freedom.

The Bankruptcy Discharge Protects Only You

When considering filing bankruptcy, you must keep in mind that this only covers you and your debts. If you have any shared debts with another person, they will not be covered if you get bankruptcy relief. Therefore, if you share any debts such as a home or car loan, it is not wiped out. This means that though you will no longer be responsible for this debt, creditors can still fully collect it from the cosigner. This should be heavily considered before deciding to file bankruptcy. If bankruptcy is your only choice, you should look for ways to protect your cosigner before filing.

Filing for Bankruptcy Is Expensive

Bankruptcy can be an expensive endeavor. If you hire an attorney to help you with your case, it will cost you hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars, depending on the attorney. This expense may be a surprise considering most people are filing bankruptcy because they are struggling. Even if you proceed on your own without an attorney, the fees are still fairly substantial. In some cases, those fees can be waived by the court. This possible waiver is completely dependent upon your income, which cannot be greater than 150% of the federal poverty level.

Declaring Bankruptcy Affects Your Credit for Years

Most creditors will not extend any credit for someone with a bankruptcy on their credit history. Bankruptcy doesn’t mean that you will not receive any credit as some creditors will give you a second chance. However, this is usually a high cost through interest and fees because you are considered high risk. When considering filing bankruptcy understand that while it will help you with your current debt, it will adversely affect your credit score for years to come.

To help counteract the damage bankruptcy does to your credit score, you can build your score on other things. However, this would require that you obtain more credit, which could lead to more debt. You mustn’t incur any debt after you file for bankruptcy. Therefore, if you do obtain credit lines, be sure you pay them in full each time you use it. This can help build your credit and defray the damage that bankruptcy does to it.

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.

Many people use credit cards regularly, and credit card companies are finding new ways to cash in. Some will offer lower interest rates if you accept their card with a monthly spending minimum. This means they will set a minimum you have to spend to avoid penalties. This guarantees you will have perpetual credit card debt. While overall, it is recommended that you don’t get a credit card with a spending minimum, here are ways you can meet your spending minimum.

• Use your card to pay all, including your utilities. Using your credit card with a spending minimum to pay bills will help you meet the minimums on bills you would already pay each month. Once you have charged these bills, use your paycheck to pay the amount down immediately to avoid interest and deeper debt.
• Only get one card at a time. If one card has the spending minimum you can handle, don’t get any other cards with a  spending minimum, or you may default on one or more of those requirements and build up fees and penalties.
• Use your card for rent or car payments, or mortgage.  Because these are the biggest bills people generally have if you can charge these payments to the card, use your paycheck to pay off the balance each month.
• Use your card to prepay your bills. If you can charge your bills to prepay your bills and get them ahead, this will help you reach your minimum spending requirement. The key to keep your debts down will be to pay the balance as soon as possible to minimize interest and debt.
• Use your card to pay quarterly taxes or end of year taxes due. Using your credit card to pay your taxes can help get your minimum spending requirement met. The IRS accepts all credit cards and debit cards to make tax payments, and depending on how much you owe, this could quickly meet the requirement.
• Use your card to pay reimbursable business expenses. Often employees are required to use company credit cards for business purchases. However, if your company allows you to use your card and get reimbursed, use this card to pay your business expenses.

When your credit card has a spending minimum requirement, you must pay your bill within the established deadline or risk credit card debt. If you do not, be prepared to pay late or late fees and other financial charges. When you pay your credit card bill, your card issuer must credit the payment to your account the same day you receive it, but there are some exceptions.

The issuer of your credit card can specify requirements for the crediting of payments. For example, your card issuer may set a reasonable time limit to receive your payment and credit it that same day. Still, generally, you can not specify a deadline before 5 p.m. of the expiration date in the place specified by the issuer.

To avoid additional charges, follow the payment instructions of the card issuer. If you send your payment to an incorrect address – even if the issuer receives and accepts payment at another of your offices – the credit to your account could be delayed for up to five days. If you usually send your payments by mail but lose the envelope with the payment address, look up the payment address in your billing statement or call the issuer to ask for the correct address. If you pay your bill online, mark a reminder a week or a few days before your bill’s due date to pay it on time, and be sure to transmit your payment to the correct electronic address. Establish an electronic receipt notice to have a receipt stating that the company received your payment online. Whichever method you use to pay your credit card bill, check your billing statement to ensure you know the due date and place of payment for each account.

Automatic debit to your bank account can be a convenient way to pay bills, but you have to consider some factors. For example, the amount to be paid each month may be different, and to pay your bills, you will need to have sufficient funds in your bank account. Otherwise, you could overdraw your bank account. You could be charged for insufficient funds, which could hurt your credit rating. Under federal law, you cannot be required to agree to use automatic debits on your bank account to repay a credit extension.

If you find an error on your bill, you can dispute the charge and withhold payment of that amount while the charge is investigated. The error could be due to a charge for an incorrect amount, for something you did not accept, or for an item that was not delivered as agreed. But you must pay any other part of the invoice that is not in dispute, including financial charges and other charges not related to the amount in dispute.

To dispute a charge, write a letter to the issuer and send it to the address indicated in your account summary for “inquiries or billing inquiries.” Include in your letter your name, address, account number, and a description of the billing error.

Send your letter as soon as possible. Your letter must arrive at the address of the issuer of your credit card before a period of 60 days from the date on which the issuer sent you by mail the first invoice with the error. The card issuer must acknowledge receipt of your complaint in writing within 30 days after receipt of your letter unless the problem has been resolved before. The card issuer must resolve the dispute within two billing cycles or 90 days, whichever is later.

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.

Despite everyone’s good intentions, many people end up holding credit card debt from time to time. Overall, Americans owe about $85 billion in credit card debt. This is not a negligible figure. If one has a high-interest rate for credit card debt, they should not panic. There are many options to help them take control and get out of this situation. Here are eight tips to help you get out of credit card debt.

Stop spending more money than what is available

For impulse buyers, materialists, and those who never manage to meet their budgets, the cure is simple enough: take charge. Set a monthly budget, and do not spend more than what is available. The sooner a person realizes that they are not a Rockefeller, the easier it will be for them to live within their means, and they should jump off the treadmill and stop trying to catch up with their neighbors.

Do not stop paying the credit cards

It doesn’t matter if a person’s interest rate is highest or at 0%. They should always repay as much of their credit card debt as they can afford each month. The more often they pay, the less chance they will give their debt to increase. Delaying is a common stress response that will only cost money. Renouncing will ruin their credit score and make their future options even worse than they currently have.

Consolidate the debts on a low-interest balance transfer card

If one has balanced on several credit cards with high-interest rates, they are in luck. They can get a credit card that transfers their high-interest balances to a lower interest credit card. There are many balance transfer offers in Canada, with some offer rates as low as 0% for 12 months, with a transfer fee of 1%. They should use the interest-free year to pay off as much of their debt as they can, to feel free.

Negotiate with the credit card company

If one believes it or not, calling their credit card company and asking for a reduction in their rate can work. Card issuers will often offer a 5% or more discount on the interest rate, just for asking for it. It does not hurt to ask, and the worst that can happen is that they say no. That said, the best credit card officers are willing to work with people to make sure they do not change companies. It’s in their interest to do so. Some banks even have a low-interest credit card option that anyone can apply for.

Use the home equity line of credit

Sometimes, interest rates are generally low. Credit card rates rarely reflect the truth of interest rates, but mortgages do. Also, because their home secures one’s home equity line of credit, it will reflect an even lower rate than unsecured loans. Taking advantage of this by paying their high-interest debt with their home equity line of credit can prove beneficial. They should make sure they do not default because if they do, the banks will get their home.

Personal loan and interest rates

While personal loans and interest rates are generally not as attractive as balance transfers or home equity lines of credit, some personal loans in Canada may be a good option for those who want to consolidate their debt and pay a fixed monthly payment until their debt is paid off completely. That said, beware of the super-high fees hidden in the fine print.

Pay the smallest debts first

Sometimes taking control is the first step. In light of this, repaying one’s smaller debts first helps eliminate the number of payments they have to make. Getting rid of a series of small debts restores order and a sense of success, encouraging them to continue making payments on time.

Pay credit cards with the highest interest rate first

If there is a significant gap in a person’s credit card interest rates, it is always worthwhile to first eliminate the highest interest rates. Whether the balance is small or large, repaying the higher interest balances will save the most money in the long run and help you become debt-free faster. 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.

Every company strives to be successful and wants to be the best in the business. A company invests time and a large amount of money to generate as much revenue as possible. However, some bad practices and financial mistakes that a company makes during startup can land them in a financial crisis. Here are nine common startup mistakes business owners make.

Inappropriate pricing

When a business sets pricing for products and services, they have to consider a few things. They have to price high enough to cover production and overhead while low enough to be competitive. The pricing also has to be in line with the market but can be at the higher or lower end of what the market can bear. Pricing can be appropriately decided by researching your product or service and the nearest competitors and other market research information. 

Ignoring Data

Market research is important when setting pricing, and it is also important when building a marketing strategy. Many businesses that fail ignored market research altogether. A business owner needs to collect and use data to run the business and be competitive in the market.

Inappropriate Budget Plans

While many businesses have a budget plan, they don’t have room for expenses that may come up. There should be a clear budget with fixed and variable expenses. The budget should also have built-in expenses for those unforeseen things that can happen.

High Fixed Costs

When setting up the business, there will be fixed and variable expenses in the budget. That is the same or fixed costs every month, and those that vary due to usage or other reasons. Fixed costs are generally the rent or lease and some fixed utility costs. When searching for a location and setting up services, you should be negotiating or seeking out the lowest costs possible because you generally can’t cut from these once you are locked into a contract.

Failing to Reinvest

When the business becomes profitable, it is important to reinvest those profits back into the business. A business is not truly making a profit until it fully funds operations and payroll and has money left over. Some business owners use the money for non-business related funding and fail to reinvest, and the business struggles financially.

Self-Financing

Approximately 50% of the entrepreneurs finance the entire business with their own money. This can lead to companies drowning if they lack customers, and there is a gap between income and the payment of liabilities. It is wiser to self-finance a business if the investment is minimum. If the investment is huge, taking some loans or getting finance from someone should be considered.

Low Business Credit Score

It takes time to qualify for a business credit score, but business owners should consider it very important from the beginning. Strive to register on a business credit bureau report as soon as possible. There must be separate credit reports for business and personal credit reporting. Once the business credit is built, it will be less likely to affect the personal credit if it goes into a loss.

No Business Plan

Every business, especially at startup, should have a business plan. The business plan needs to include a thorough market and financial research. This plan will be a breakdown of the business to use for potential investors or lenders. Many business owners are intimidated by the business plan because it is detailed and difficult. Still, it needs to be a part of every phase of your business and regularly updated.

No Drawing of Salary

Often business owners sacrifice, giving themselves a salary because they are trying to keep the business running and making money. Though this may seem like the right idea, the business owner must draw a salary. This salary can’t be at the expense of other employees, but it does need to be factored into the business’s expenses.

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.

Big box stores and e-commerce are constantly snuffing out traditional brick and mortar small businesses through online retailers. If you are a small business owner that operates a traditional brick-and-mortar retail store, you may be wondering if you are going to survive.

Despite what appears to be a bleak outlook, it has been predicted that 80% of sales will still happen in physical stores in the next year. This statistic includes big box stores, grocery stores, and small businesses. So as a small business owner, you need to make a strategy to not only survive but get enough of that 80% to come your business to make you thrive.  Here are four easy strategies to help your small business thrive.

Have an Online Presence

The great news is that you can compete to get some of the online retail market shares. You need little to no capital to have an online presence through a snappy website, social media, and electronic ads. The first thing you want to focus on is getting yourself a website. Having a website on which customers can see your business, find out the hours of operation, and order products and services legitimize your business. Think about the last time you got a recommendation or searched online for a certain type of business. If you are like most people, the first thing you did was go to their website.

Building an amazing website can be free to little cost. If you don’t need a retail option, it can be completely free, and even if you are a website building novice, most sites offering free website templates, walk you through everything. There is no reason your business should exist today without a website for your customers and potential customers to view.

You can also have a heavier online presence by being on the three major social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as long as you have fun and engaging content or use these platforms to advise of offers, sales, and special events.

Make it Aesthetically Pleasing

Just like your website should be appealing, so should your store. If your store is inviting, warm, and clean, people will want to come in and experience shopping or to receive services in person. This can also help with customer retention if customers feel connected to the environment.

Make sure your décor, colors, and displays fit what you sell or the services you offer. Don’t be a cookie-cutter store that looks like every other store in your market. Research to find out what colors and displays attract the most customers. Know your target customer and tap into what they like. If your target customer is tech-savvy Millennials, your store will look far different from the small business owner who’s primary customers are middle-aged women. Understand your market, what is pleasing, and your target customer, and make sure your business is decorated to appeal to them.

Highlight the Personal Touch

No matter who your customer is, they will all have one thing in common. Everyone loves to have a personal touch. The personal touch is not confused with being a pushy salesperson who pounces on the customers when they walk in the door. Offering the personal touch means you make sure they cross the threshold to the moment they leave. You want to make sure they will want to come back the next time they need what your business offers. Not only that, but if you are good at the art of the personal touch, those customers will recommend you to everyone they know.

Ultimately, everyone has an ego (some larger than others). If you carefully navigate your customers’ egos through the personal touch, you will create a loyal customer for life.

Make Customers Offers They Cannot Refuse

If your goal is to get customers in the door and away from the online retailers or the big box stores, you have to offer customers something they do not. The greatest asset you have as a small business owner is that you have no corporate headquarters to answer to, and you don’t have to do everything the same as every other store. You can be creative to do whatever you want to get your share of the market.

Make offers to your customers for discounts, savings, or free gifts with purchase that they can’t get anywhere else. Make all your special offers favor them coming into the shop in person to take advantage of them. People can never resist a great deal, so make them offers they cannot refuse!

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.

In the U.S., Social Security is a government benefit dedicated to three general groups of people: retirees, families of disabled or deceased workers, and people with disabilities.

The American social security system is considered one of the best social security systems worldwide because of its benefits and management. Yet, we know very little about the system feeding the retirees, disabled, and families. Below are some key aspects that everyone should know about the United States’ social security system.

How does it work?

Everyone who has reached their retirement age and has served at least ten years is eligible for these benefits. Full retirement age is now 67 years, which in the past has been 62, but you can start claiming your money when you reach 62. If you want greater benefits, you can delay the claim until the age of 70. For calculating your amount, 35 years of highest earnings are contributed towards your social benefits.

Here is what you get: An average worker pays 6.2% of their total earnings into the Social Security system of the United States. In comparison, these workers’ employers also contribute 6.2% for each worker making it 12.4%. Self-employed people have to pay 12.4% of their total income annually by themselves.

More money if you claim later: People can get better than an 8% increased amount than their actual social security earnings. Every year, they delay claiming the money up until the age of 70 years. After that, you will not have any increase in the payments.

Married couples have more options: Married couples can claim Social Security based on their work record or payments worth up to 50% of the higher earner’s benefit. And when one spouse dies, the other will receive an amount equal to the higher earner’s benefit.  Ex-spouses are also eligible for Social Security benefits if the marriage lasted at least ten years. Couples can claim their spousal payments when they reach retirement age and switch to their regular payments later, which would have then be accumulated and would be higher because of delaying the claim so you can get the double benefits.

Increased payments with inflation: According to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers Social Security, social security payments are adjusted every year to meet the minimum living standard, as measured by. The government of the United States has increased $25 in this regard last year, which is the highest increase since the program started.

Retirees are not the only beneficiaries: Social Security is not only for the people who are retiring. People who have reached their age of working and contributing towards taxes and social security but cannot do so because of any disability are also eligible for the social service benefits. Not only that, but a working married couple whose spouse has died is eligible for some benefits.

View your status online: For convenience, most of the Social insurance system is now working online. Now your Social Security statements can be viewed online instead of receiving the paper statements home. The system tells your history of earnings, taxes you have paid as well as the estimated amount of your claims.

Funds are depleting: The news of social insurance funds being depleted came as a shock to people who are serving and will retire in the near future. Social security funds being depleted do not mean that the United States is running of social security funds. There will be no funds in the future to support retirees, the disabled, and the people whose spouses have died. It simply means that the social security administration is running on a surplus amount of money. Why is that? Because the government keeps borrowing money and keeps utilizing it in other projects, the administration has more money going out than coming in. If the trend prevails, the consequence would be serious in future times, but things are okay right 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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

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

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

3 Golden Rules for Writing Invoice Terms That Get You Paid On Time

Have you ever sent off a flawless invoice, only to wait… and wait… and wait for payment that never arrives on time? You’re not alone—and the culprit may not be your client. It might just be your invoice terms.

As someone who’s written and reviewed invoice conditions for everyone from solo freelancers to mid-size agencies over my 20+ years in financial services, I can tell you: your payment terms aren’t just a polite afterthought—they’re your first line of defense against cash flow problems.

Why Invoice Terms Matter More Than You Think

If you’ve ever been ghosted by a client after delivering stellar work, here’s a tough truth: unclear invoice terms often give people the loophole they need to delay payments—or dispute them entirely.

The numbers don’t lie. According to Atradius, only 36% of invoices in the U.S. are paid on time, while 55% are paid after their due date. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious business problem.

Invoice terms are the conditions you attach to your invoice: when payment is due, how it should be made, penalties for late payments, and any rewards for settling early. Think of them as the fine print that makes your business run smoothly.

When done right, these terms:

• Ensure healthy cash flow and mastering the cash conversion cycle
• Minimize awkward chasing emails
• Build stronger client relationships
• Protect you in legal disputes

The impact of late payments goes beyond just waiting for money. Nerdwallet reports that 28% of business owners had to delay hiring new employees because of late payments affecting their operations. Payment terms aren’t just paperwork—they’re your business lifeline.

Historical Perspective: Why 30-Day Terms Became Standard

In the past, payment terms were less standardized and often shorter. Today, 30-day payment terms have become the norm due to their balance of financial needs and legal compliance.

According to DocuClipper, 54% of businesses set standard payment terms at 30 days after the invoice date, while only 11% required payment within 7 days. This shift happened as businesses recognized the need for standardization while giving clients reasonable time to process payments.

Real World Win: How One Simple Change Made a Big Difference

A small design agency I worked with struggled with late payments for years. They used the term “Net 30” on all invoices—and assumed everyone knew what it meant. Turns out, their clients didn’t.

We switched to clear, dated terms: “Payment due on or before June 20, 2024.” Within a month? Fewer follow-ups. Happier clients. More cash in the bank.

This simple change created clarity that benefited everyone. The agency stopped feeling like the “bad guy” for asking about late payments, and clients appreciated knowing exactly when payment was expected.

Rule #1: Be Crystal Clear With Payment Terms

First and foremost: clarity wins.

Vague or industry jargon like “Net 30” or “COD” only works if your client speaks fluent invoice. And many don’t. For reference, a shocking 86% of small and medium-sized businesses still manually enter invoice data, according to DocuClipper, which increases the chance for misinterpretation.

Here’s how to get clear:

• Replace relative terms with real dates: “Payment due June 30, 2024” is better than “Net 30.”
• Include acceptable payment methods: ACH, PayPal, credit card, check?
• Detail early payment incentives: “Save 2% if paid within 10 days.”
• Don’t sidestep consequences: “A 1.5% monthly late fee applies after 30 days.”

If you’re still using terms like “Net 30,” consider that many clients may need help understanding invoice terms like “Net 30” and what they actually mean in practice.

For more detailed guidance, check out our best practices for invoicing payment terms.

Sample Clear Payment Line:

📝 “All invoices are due within 15 days of issue date. A 2% discount applies if paid within 7 days. Late payments incur a 1.5% monthly fee beginning 30 days after the issue date.”

Rule #2: Make It Legal (But Not Intimidating)

Invoice terms are legal documents—but that doesn’t mean they need to sound like courtroom transcripts.

Still, legal alignment is non-negotiable. You need to:

• Comply with regional laws on invoicing, payment terms, and penalties.
• Ensure the language supports (not conflicts with) your contract.
• State dispute resolution terms if necessary.

For example, in some countries, charging interest on late payments above a certain rate is illegal. Each region has specific late-payment interest regulations you should understand before setting your terms.

If in doubt? Talk to a local accountant or legal professional. Or use platforms that bake legal compliance into their invoicing templates—many freelancer-friendly tools do.

Large businesses understand this well—65% have implemented automated invoice data entry systems to ensure consistency and legal compliance. For smaller businesses, this same approach can reduce errors and ensure your terms are both legal and effective.

Rule #3: Never Forget the Human

Yes, you’re running a business. But so is your client. And relationships are everything.

I’ve helped hundreds of businesses rewrite invoice terms using natural, respectful language—and conversion rates (aka, getting paid faster) go up nearly every time.

Replace cold lines like:

“FAILURE TO PAY WILL RESULT IN COLLECTIONS.”

With:

“If you ever have questions about this invoice, please feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!”

Also:

• Always include a “Thank You” at the bottom of your invoice.
• Consider adding a friendly note: “We appreciate your business and prompt payment.”
• Use tools that personalize invoices with the client’s first name or company.

Trust builds momentum. Politeness smooths friction. And people are more likely to pay people they like.

Tools That Make This Easy

Don’t want to manually calculate late fees or remember due dates?

Here are a few invoicing tools that let you automate terms and tone:

• FreshBooks – perfect for service-based freelancers
• QuickBooks – robust for small to mid-size businesses
• FreeAgent – with real-time payment reminders
• Zoho Invoice – flexible and client-friendly

These platforms let you standardize your invoice terms, keep legal wording consistent, and get paid faster, automatically. Learning small-business bookkeeping essentials alongside these tools can further streamline your financial processes.

Special Consideration: Invoice Terms for Freelancers

Working solo means you probably wear all the hats—from writer or designer to CFO.

A few quick tips if you invoice as a freelancer:

• Include a clause for milestone payments for long projects.
• Be flexible but firm: hourly vs. fixed rates may require different terms.
• Align invoices with your contract—and always require a signed agreement.

The Small Business Administration offers excellent invoicing guidelines for freelancers that can help you refine your approach.

Even a one-person business can operate like a pro with consistent, clear invoice wording.

Conclusion: Clarity, Legality, and Humanity Win

If your invoices aren’t getting the results you want, the fix may be simpler than you think. By following the three golden rules—write clear payment terms, ensure legal compliance, and prioritize a human-friendly tone—you position your business as trustworthy and professional.

It’s not just about getting paid. It’s about how your clients feel while doing it.

Ready to transform your invoicing process and improve your cash flow? At Complete Controller, we help businesses like yours implement systems that get you paid faster while maintaining strong client relationships. Visit CompleteController.com today for expert bookkeeping, controller, and financial management services that will revolutionize how you handle your finances.

FAQ

What should be included in invoice payment terms?

Invoice payment terms should include the exact due date (not just “Net 30”), accepted payment methods, early payment discounts, late payment penalties, and clear contact information for payment questions. Also include your company’s legal name, tax ID, and banking details for direct transfers.

How do you write payment terms on an invoice?

Write payment terms in plain language directly on the invoice. For example: “Payment due by [specific date]. Please pay via [payment methods]. Questions? Contact [name] at [email/phone].” Always include a specific calendar date rather than relative terms like “within 30 days.”

How do I get clients to pay invoices on time?

To get clients to pay on time: 1) Set clear expectations upfront in contracts, 2) Send invoices promptly after work completion, 3) Make payment easy with multiple options, 4) Send friendly reminders before due dates, and 5) Offer early payment discounts to motivate prompt payment.

What are examples of payment terms?

Examples of payment terms include: “Payment due within 15 days for a 2% discount or net amount due within 30 days” (2/15 Net 30), “Payment due immediately upon receipt,” “50% deposit required before work begins, 50% due upon completion,” or “Payment due on the 1st of each month for ongoing services.”

Are invoice terms legally binding?

Yes, invoice terms are legally binding when they reflect terms agreed upon in a signed contract or when the client has acknowledged and accepted them. To strengthen legal standing, ensure your invoice terms align with your contract language and include all required elements under local business laws.

Sources

• Accounting Times. (2024). “Crafting Comprehensive Invoice Terms.” J. Smith. (No URL provided)
• Atradius. (2025). “Late Invoicing Statistics.” (No URL provided)
• CompleteController.com. “Business Bookkeeping Essentials.”
  • https://www.completecontroller.com/business-bookkeeping-essentials/
• CompleteController.com. “Mastering the Cash Conversion Cycle.”
  • https://www.completecontroller.com/mastering-the-cash-conversion-cycle/
• CompleteController.com. “Payment Terms for Small Biz.”
  • https://www.completecontroller.com/payment-terms-for-small-biz/
• DocuClipper. (2025). “Accounts Payable Statistics For 2025.” (No URL provided)
• Freelance Insights. (2022). “Invoicing Best Practices for Freelancers.” A. Johnson. (No URL provided)
• GOV.UK. “Late Commercial Payments Interest Debt Recovery.”
  • https://www.gov.uk/late-commercial-payments-interest-debt-recovery
• Investopedia. “Understanding Net 30 Terms.”
  • https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/net-30.asp
• Nerdwallet. (2025). “Late Payment Statistics.” (No URL provided)
• Small Business Administration. “How to Create an Invoice That Gets Paid Faster.”
  • https://www.sba.gov/blog/how-create-invoice-gets-paid-faster
• Small Business Journal. (2023). “Case Study: Clear Payment Terms.” (Author unnamed). (No URL provided)
• Small Business Journal. (2023). “Effective Invoicing for Small Businesses.” R. Patel. (No URL provided)
• Stripe. (2025). “What Businesses Need to Know About 30 Days Payment Terms.” (No URL provided)

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.