Risk is a part of life, and especially when it comes to investments, is a standard part of the process. While risk-free investments were possible and even a little profitable in the past, now, it is no longer possible to grow money with risk-free investments due to inflation. With this in mind, if you are an investor that previously invested in risk-free ventures, it is time to assess your risk tolerance.
Risk is not a guarantee of the performance of an investment; it is a condition of performance. Therefore, the assessment of your risk tolerance is necessary to help control risk-taking, or it could lead to an undesired result. To help you assess your risk tolerance and keep your risks under control, you may want to hire a professional. However, if you decide to invest on your own, here are two recommendations you should follow.
Recommendation 1: Build a risk-tolerant portfolio
When investors have an unlimited source of capital, they may only consider returns and not the risks. However, those investors with a lower risk tolerance have to consider risks that correspond with what they can handle. When an investment has a high yield, it can be tempting for any investor, no matter their tolerance, to put their money into that high-risk investment. If this exceeds your threshold, you have to resist the temptation.
As an investor, what you should do is assess your risk tolerance then look for investments that will stay within the parameters of that assessment. You must show restraint when necessary and go all out to your maximum when you feel it is right. You have to be careful not to look for the highest return, and you have to consider all the risks you’re willing to take. Overextending yourself in an investment can put you in a situation you’ll have a hard time digging out of if it is more loss than you can bear.
With this in mind, when building your portfolio, it must match your risk sensitivity. You also have to be careful not to invest in risky long or short-term investments, and at this point, because of inflation, it’s also not appropriate to invest in any risk-free investments. So, where does that leave your portfolio? You have to be diligent when investing to remain within your risk tolerance.
It should also be noted that you should not mirror anyone else’s investments because their risk tolerance may not be the same as your own. While you can take advice from other investors, your portfolio must build to match your needs, your interests, and your risk sensitivity. Investment portfolios are very individualized and should always be treated as such.
Recommendation 2: Invest or divest gradually
Once you have defined your risk tolerance, the temptation will be to invest all your capital as quickly as possible. This is not a good idea. You should keep your investment money in an accessible account, gaining interest while making investment decisions and small gradual investments. This slowing the process will allow you to test your assessed risk tolerance and adjust before losses become overwhelming.
Through gradual investments, the goal is to build your portfolio while continuing to evaluate what works for you and what does not. Though you will be investing gradually, it is suggested that you do so at regular intervals while observing fluctuations and changing the timeline if necessary.
Through gradual investments, you can also set an average unit price you are willing to pay. You can also adjust to what you invest in and how often. You must realize that this recommendation is to not only protect you from too much loss but to keep you from investing beyond your risk tolerance due to over excitement. When you decide to invest on your own instead of using a professional, you must give yourself time to learn what works and what doesn’t. Giving yourself this time will make you a pro before you know 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.
Your credit score is an important part of your financial health. Many have poor scores that are completely justified, and others have issues with their credit scores that are not valid. Sometimes we have bad scores because we hit rough times and could not pay our bills on time, if at all. Job loss, income drops, unexpected expenses, and a myriad of other issues can affect your income and put your credit score at risk, but there are ways you can remedy these things and repair your score.
You can take some outside actions to raise your score, such as paying back secured loans, getting secured credit cards, paying balances immediately, and working hard to pay all reported bills on time. However, there are some things you can do to remedy those credit issues that are on your report and will remain there until you deal with them or wait seven years.
It is not suggested that you wait seven years for a credit issue to drop off your credit score for a few reasons. One of the main reasons is that whoever holds the credit issue has a longer statute of limitations to bring a lawsuit against you to collect beyond those seven years. If you plan on taking this route, do not contact the debt holder because this contact will reset the lawsuit clock. Therefore, since it is suggested that you somehow deal with any collections that are on your credit, here are three options you can take to repair your credit score immediately.
Option 1: Dispute the collection
Disputing collections and other issues on your credit report is the most popular option of the three that will be discussed. A common misconception is that you can only dispute things on your credit report that you don’t recognize. However, most debt collectors only hold the debt for six months in hot pursuit of payment, and in some cases, if you dispute them since they are no longer being pursued, you can successfully dispute them for removal.
This option is the most popular because it costs you nothing to get the collection removed from your credit report. However, it is not easy to get issues removed, and you have to follow up. Also, while it will raise your score, it is not the highest score raising option.
Option 2: Negotiate your debt down
Many people don’t realize that debt collectors have bought your debt for pennies on the dollar. If you decide not to pay it at all, while they can bring a lawsuit to collect the amount, most of the time, the debt amount is not enough to merit the costs of trying to take you to court. However, if you want to immediately repair your credit, you need to have the collection removed before the seven-year mark.
Since the debt collector has paid so little to purchase your debt, and their goal is to get something for that debt to make a profit, most will negotiate for a lower payoff amount. If you are unable to get the debt removed, this would be the next suggestion. However, keep in mind if you plan on not payingthedebt at all, do not make contact with the debt collector as it resets the statute of limitations for them to bring a lawsuit against you for collection.
While this option is the next best thing to having the debt completely removed, it also gives you the lowest credit score boost of the three options.
Option 3: Pay your debt in full
Of the three options to deal with your credit report collections, paying your debt in full is the most expensive. It would be the most financially advantageous to have the debt removed or have the debt amount lowered. However, paying your debt in full raises your credit score the most and can help you repair your score more quickly. Therefore, if you can’t get the debt removed, if you have the funds, it is recommended that you pay it in full if your sole goal is to repair your credit.
What are the credit score ranges?
300 – 600 Poor
601 – 700 Fair
701 – 750 Good
751 – 800 Very Good
800 – 850 Excellent
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.
Auto Insurance Shopping Tips: 3 Key Things to Compare
Auto insurance shopping tips really come down to comparing three things side by side before you buy: coverage limits and options, deductibles vs. premiums, and available discounts and extras. When you line up at least three to five quotes using identical coverage, deductibles, and driver details, you can spot which company actually delivers better value—not just the cheapest headline price that quietly trims your protection.
After 20+ years leading Complete Controller, I’ve reviewed more personal and business policies than I can count—and I’ve watched smart people overpay for years simply because they compared the wrong details. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to compare car insurance the way a CFO would: methodically, with one eye on this month’s bill and the other on long-term risk. You’ll walk away with a repeatable framework, a sharper sense of what to ignore, and the confidence to choose a policy that fits your life and your business.
What are the best auto insurance shopping tips and how do you compare quotes the right way?
Compare three things on every quote: insurance coverage options, deductible vs. premium, and discounts & extras—across 3–5 reputable insurers.
Match coverage limits (liability, collision, comprehensive, underinsured motorist coverage, roadside assistance) so you’re comparing apples to apples.
Weigh deductible vs. premium trade-offs against your actual emergency fund.
Stack discounts and bundles (multi-car, safe driver, telematics, bundle insurance with home/renters) to find the best total value.
Factor in insurer ratings and claims process quality so a small monthly saving doesn’t cost you big at claim time.
Start Smart: The 3 Comparisons That Matter Most When You Shop
Most people open a comparison site, sort by price, and stop there. That’s where overpayment—and under protection—begin. The smartest shoppers focus on what they’re actually buying, not just the monthly number.
Three comparisons every time you shop:
Insurance coverage options & limits
Deductible vs. premium trade-off
Discounts, bundles, and extras
Why coverage, deductibles, and discounts beat “premium-only” shopping
A quick benchmark helps: in 2023, the average U.S. auto insurance expenditure was $1,302 per person, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a useful sanity check when a quote feels too high—or suspiciously low.
Coverage shows your real protection, not just the label “full coverage.”
Deductibles determine your risk share—a cheap premium with a $2,000 deductible can sting hard at claim time.
Discounts and bundles can drop a higher base premium below a competitor’s “cheap” quote.
Auto Insurance Shopping Tips: How to Compare Coverage Options Like a Pro
When you compare auto insurance quotes, standardize coverage first so a low price isn’t hiding a thin policy.
Key insurance coverage options to line up across quotes
Liability (bodily injury & property damage) — match per-person, per-accident, and property limits across every quote.
Collision and comprehensive coverage — collision pays after a crash you cause; comprehensive covers theft, hail, fire, and animals.
Underinsured motorist coverage (and uninsured) — about 1 in 7 U.S. drivers were uninsured in 2022, per the Insurance Information Institute. That makes this coverage a must-compare, not an optional extra.
Add-ons: rental, roadside assistance, gap coverage — prices vary widely, and leased/financed cars often need gap added separately.
How to compare car insurance coverage step-by-step
Build a simple grid: insurers as columns, coverages and limits as rows.
Match state minimums plus your target limits across every quote.
Flag exclusions in the fine print—rideshare, delivery, and business use are common traps for side-gig drivers.
Deductible vs. Premium: Finding Your Real Out-of-Pocket Cost
One of the most misunderstood shopping moves is the deductible vs. premium trade-off. Get this right and you can save real money without sacrificing protection.
How deductibles actually work
A deductible is what you pay before coverage kicks in on a covered claim. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums; lower deductibles mean higher premiums but a softer hit after a claim.
Comparing quotes by deductible vs. premium
List each quote’s deductibles (collision and comprehensive) next to its annual premium.
Run “what if” math: annual premium + deductible = total cost if you file one claim this year.
Check your emergency fund—never pick a deductible you couldn’t pay within a few days.
When a higher deductible makes sense
You have solid savings and a clean driving record.
You’re disciplined about keeping reserves and want to save over multiple years.
When to keep a lower deductible
You’re rebuilding finances with no cash cushion.
You drive high-risk routes (long commutes, dense traffic, harsh weather).
Smart financial decisions go beyond insurance. See how Complete Controller helps you protect what you’ve built.
Discounts, Bundles, and Timing: How to Lower Car Insurance Premiums Without Cutting Coverage
Once coverage and deductibles are aligned, discounts and timing become your biggest savings levers.
Major insurance discounts to look for
Safe driver / claims-free
Good student
Low mileage
Vehicle safety features and anti-theft
Bundle insurance (auto + home/renters)
Telematics / usage-based programs
How to compare discounts across insurers
Build a discount checklist and ask each insurer which apply to your quote.
Many companies advertise discounts they don’t auto-apply—ask specifically.
Compare the final adjusted premium, not the list of available discounts.
Best time to shop for car insurance
Shop at every renewal and after major life changes—moving, adding a teen driver, buying a new car, or a big mileage shift. If your renewal jumps unexpectedly, that’s your cue to run fresh comparisons immediately.
Beyond Price: Claims Process, Insurer Ratings, and Real-World Reliability
The cheapest quote isn’t a bargain if the claims process is a mess. This is where most shopping guides go quiet—and where I urge clients to dig deepest.
Evaluating insurer ratings and complaint records
Check your state insurance department’s complaint records.
Review financial strength ratings (AM Best, S&P).
Watch for patterns in customer reviews: slow claims, poor communication, surprise non-renewals.
What to look for in the claims process
24/7 reporting via phone, app, and web
Clear repair options and OEM parts policies for newer cars
Transparent timelines for appraisals, payment, and rentals
Case Study: When the “Cheapest” Quote Becomes Expensive
Consumer Reports documented cases where drivers saw premium hikes after not-at-fault claims—proof that insurer behavior matters as much as the sticker price. One badly handled claim can erase years of monthly savings. Treat claims reputation as a core line item, not an afterthought.
How to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes Efficiently
Comparison tools make it easy to get auto insurance quotes—and easy to rush past critical details.
Build a clean starting profile
Gather driver’s license info, VINs, odometer readings, garaging address, and prior claims. Accuracy matters: bad inputs produce fake-low quotes that jump later—or worse, denied claims.
Use tools, then verify directly
Run 1–2 reputable comparison sites for a baseline range.
Visit individual insurer sites or call agents to refine and confirm discounts.
Ensure every quote uses identical coverages, deductibles, limits, and drivers.
Common fine-print items to review
Mileage and usage assumptions (commute vs. pleasure vs. business)
Money-Smart Insurance Choices for Families and Small Business Owners
At Complete Controller, we see how insurance choices ripple through personal and business cash flow. A solid bookkeeping foundation makes these comparisons easier because you already know your numbers.
For families and individual drivers
Align liability limits with your assets—home equity and income matter.
Coordinate teen drivers strategically and stack good-student plus telematics discounts.
For small business owners and gig drivers
Clarify personal vs. commercial use early—many personal policies exclude delivery and rideshare.
Ask each insurer how they handle business driving, and whether you need a commercial policy or endorsement.
Tie deductibles to your business continuity plan—if your vehicle drives revenue, thin coverage is a hidden business risk.
A Simple 20-Minute Comparison Framework
In about 20 minutes, you can:
Pull 3–5 standardized quotes using identical coverage and limits.
Compare deductible vs. premium against your emergency fund.
Stack discounts, bundles, and extras for total value.
Scan insurer ratings and claims reputation to eliminate red flags.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for auto insurance the smart way is really about three disciplined comparisons: coverage, deductible-vs-premium math, and discounts—filtered through insurer reliability. Skip the urge to chase the lowest sticker price and you’ll end up with a policy that actually shows up when you need it. After two decades helping business owners build smarter financial systems, I can promise this: the families and founders who treat insurance like a financial decision—not a chore—save more and stress less.
If you want help building these kinds of repeatable financial frameworks into your business, the team at Complete Controller is ready to help. Let’s get your numbers working for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Insurance Shopping Tips
What are three things to compare when shopping for car insurance?
Compare coverage limits and options, deductibles vs. premiums, and discounts and extras across at least three to five quotes to see true value, not just the lowest headline price.
How do I compare auto insurance quotes correctly?
Use identical liability limits, deductibles, drivers, and usage details on every quote, then compare final price, applied discounts, and insurer reputation side by side.
When is the best time to shop for car insurance?
Shop at each renewal and after major life changes—moving, buying a car, adding a driver, or a big mileage shift—plus anytime your rate spikes unexpectedly.
What factors affect auto insurance price the most?
Driving record, age, location, vehicle type, annual mileage, coverage limits, deductibles, and (in most states) credit history all play a major role.
How can I lower my car insurance premiums without sacrificing coverage?
Raise deductibles only within what you can comfortably pay, bundle policies, maintain a clean record, claim every eligible discount, and choose vehicles with strong safety ratings.
Sources
AARP. (2023). 10 Proven Ways to Pay Less for Car Insurance.
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.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
A person’s resume is the first thing a recruitment agent will consider in determining whether they should invite that candidate over for an interview or not. This document will be a person’s first and occasionally the only chance to influence their potential future boss that they are perfect for the position.
When applying for a job, a person also needs to understand that most recruitment agents will only dedicate a few minutes, or even just a few seconds, while browsing through a resume. As such, a person needs to make a catchy resume that will be straightforward and well maintained to cut ahead of the rest and catch the recruiter’s attention who is examining it. Below are a few useful tips that will help a person in building a solid resume?
Get to know the company and the job position
The first step a person needs to follow is to know the company they want to work for and the position they want to apply for. This way, a person will easily decide precisely what a possible employer wants from their applicants. It will also provide a clearer understanding of the corporation’s model applicant’s qualifications and characteristics.
Are they seeking someone who has general experience in the relevant field? Are they looking for someone with a strong grasp regarding the theories that are used during trading? Are they looking for someone who can be a team player or an individual worker, maybe a mixture of both? Only after receiving the answers to these questions, a person will be able to build a resume that is based on the strengths and credentials that will fit the criteria.
Start writing the resume that will get you the interview
Once a person has done their research regarding the corporation and the job position they want to apply for, now it’s time to handle the serious business of writing a rock-solid resume. If a person is having a hard time knowing where to start? Well, the first thing a person needs to decide they should include in their resume.
A typical resume contains a candidate’s private contact info, work experiences, and history, educational credentials, along with a list of references. While writing a resume, especially the part containing previous work experiences and educational credentials, always remember highlighting and emphasizing the factors that will make a person more suitable for that specific position. Avoid being uncertain. If a person thinks they possess the qualities and skills that a company is looking for, do not hesitate to emphasize them because the other candidates will not hesitate to highlight their abilities.
Proofread, proofread, and proofread!
After writing a resume, now it’s time to recheck. Proofreading a document has its benefits as it can enhance authenticity by eliminating all errors. Regardless of how careful a person was while writing their resume, there will always be some mistakes, and there is no such thing as a “small mistake” when it comes to applying for a new job. Even small and childish errors can easily hinder a person’s chance of success. Therefore, it is better to proofread a resume twice before moving forward properly. Looking at a printed copy of a resume will help a person spot the errors more quickly. It is also a great idea to ask a friend or family member to proofread the document as a second opinion. Ensure that the resume is completely free from errors in all phases of formatting, spellings, and grammar.
Conclusion
Your resume should make you stand out from the rest through keywords and highlighted skills. The main focus is for the hiring agent reading it to know quickly that you are qualified for the job. When writing your resume, always keep in mind that this will be your first impression on a potential employer, so it needs to be well written and concise.
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.
Accounting in a small business can be a challenge. Most of the time, small business owners wear many hats in the company, and when it comes to keeping the books, mistakes can be made, and data can fall through the cracks. Though there is lots of great bookkeeping software out there, at some point, most small business owners will realize they need to hire a bookkeeper. Before you hire a bookkeeper, there are a few things you need to consider.
Do I Need a Full-Time Bookkeeper?
Most small businesses will not need to employ a full-time bookkeeper, but some will be the exception if the daily inputs are extensive. If you do need a full-time bookkeeper, you will need to go through the recruiting and hiring process. You will want to find a certified bookkeeper with experience in small business and preferably with experience specific to your type of business.
If you don’t need a full-time bookkeeper, you may want to consider hiring a freelancer or a firm that will send a bookkeeper however often you and they agree you need one. It is important that you determine your needs to understand what you need when it comes to a bookkeeper.
What is My Budget for a Bookkeeper?
Because most small businesses are low on capital, especially in the first few years, it is important to determine how much you can afford for a bookkeeper. This determination will help you figure out if you can afford a full-time bookkeeper or other bookkeeping options.
If you are on a lower budget, most freelancers tend to be a little less expensive, but you are on their schedule more or less. The flexibility can make it easier for you both when it comes to availability. If you can afford a full-time bookkeeper, while it will be the most expensive option, having the books handled daily will ensure no errors or discrepancies and make a difference when filing taxes or getting financing.
If you can afford something a little more middle of the road, hiring a firm that would do your books regularly might be right for you. They are more on the expensive side from hiring a freelance bookkeeper, but they have a staff of bookkeepers, so you would have them when you needed them without having to hire a full-time employee.
Have I Fully Considered Bookkeeping Software?
Accounting and bookkeeping software has come a long way, and there are multiple great and affordable choices that have all the features you need and have been made user friendly. You don’t have to be a certified bookkeeper to learn how to use the software, and as long as you are good about inputting data, it will be accurate and reliable.
When choosing software, however, you need to consider what your needs are. If you need basic bookkeeping, there is free software that can do the job. However, if you need to cover inventory and payroll in your software, you will need to choose more robust features.
The other thing to consider is whether you want to use cloud-based bookkeeping software, which gives you the flexibility to access your company’s books from anywhere. It also will give you the ability to share it more easily should you do a combination of using software and hiring a professional.
Conclusion
Every business needs a bookkeeping system. As the business owner, it is up to you to determine how to fulfill the needs when it comes to bookkeeping. You have to determine the budget, time, convenience, and other bookkeeping needs before you proceed with hiring a bookkeeper or implementing bookkeeping software.
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.
How to embrace the cloud into bite-sized portions from Jennifer Brazer, founder and CEO of a completely cloud-based company based in the US.
I have created a company that is 100% in the cloud and I want to share with everyone my thoughts on how to embrace this type of company. I have gathered some great points about embracing the cloud, take a look at what I’ve come up with.
Connecting Staff
Making sure your staff are able to continue producing the work/product you need to deliver to your customers is of primary importance. Everything else comes second to that. But how do you monitor, train, mentor, and incentivize staff that you cannot see from day to day? Here’s how we bridge that gap:
Remote Desktop Services
Coupled with a VPN, any good system administrator can create a permission-based environment for staff to log in to a remote server or cloud VM (virtual machine). If your work is stored on a local server, this might be the time to consider migrating to a cloud service or managed service. Be careful to use the appropriate protections to protect the sensitive data stored on your new system.
Work Tracking Software
Installing a work tracker on your system allows you to see when your staff members log in to work, how long they work, what tasks are performed, and whether they are using their work time efficiently. I always suggest a business model wherein staff members are paid for time worked and incentivized with bonuses for completing more work better. Avoiding the 9 to 5 construct provides staff with more freedom to work as needed and save the employer labor costs as staff work only when there is work to do.
Timesheet
A timesheet can be much more than a place for staff members to record their time and billable tasks. I recommend you develop the timecard to include hourly wage information and any bonus qualifiers that are part of your incentiveprogram. If you are giving staff members a profit share bonus for completing their work efficiently, provide a field on the timesheet that calculates that bonus. If you are providing a bonus for completing certain milestones, such as a new client onboarding, be sure to make room for that on the timesheet. If you make it easy for staff to track their earnings as they complete their work, it provides them with a greater sense of control and makes them more likely to strive to reach the goals you have set for their role.
Scope of Work
This is the hardest part. It involves training your staff about the work that needs to be done, the methodologies you want them to use, and the deadlines they must meet. If you put your expectations in a written document by role, that is best. It provides a framework for the processes the staff member will be completing and a place to look at if they ever need clarity. It also makes staff expansion easier, adding new people quickly because training is a breeze.
Connecting Customers
Now that your staff is up and running, how do you get your clients on board? They may not have as many opportunities to interact with you digitally, but when they do, you want it to be seamless and impressive so that the experience will build trust. A clunky and difficult experience may leave them feeling insecure.
Alone or in combination, these tools and strategies will position your business as savvy and supportive as you bridge the technology gap.
Freelancing, as a full-time business, is becoming more and more popular. Generally, freelancers take a skill or multiple skills they used in the business world and converted into their own freelance business. For many reasons becoming a freelancer is appealing.
Being your own boss
Flexibility in your schedule
No limit to income
Only taking work you want to
The most popular freelance jobs are writing, graphic design, and consulting. While all three are very different from one is another, there are some common aspects of freelancing that will be the same no matter what kind of freelance business you operate. Here are eight tools that every freelancer should have.
Wunderlist
Staying organized is essential for every freelancer’s success. Wunderlist is a simple and intuitive task list application that can be viewed on the desktop or mobile device app. Tasks can be organized by project and client and then broken down into smaller tasks required to complete each item. Other features include the ability to add notes and files to each task, set deadlines, and create reminders with automatic data synchronization on all your devices.
Trello
Trello is a project management tool that allows you to keep track of ideas, to-do lists, events, and completed tasks using a virtual whiteboard. Each element is configured as a map that can be dragged and dropped into categories making it easier to organize projects and your entire business. To make an account is free, and you can start using it immediately upon creating your account.
My Minutes
My Minutes is a productivity app that is only available for Apple users. This helps you set and reach productivity goals by using the “at least” and “at most” system. For example, you could set it to “spend at least two hours on client A’s project” or if you could set it to “spend no more than one hour on answering emails.” This application is meant to keep you ontask and productive.
RescueTime
RescueTime is an app running in the background and recording all of your usage and time spent online and other apps. The point of this app is to help you see where your time is being spent on time management. It is also a great way to track how many hours you work if you bill clients by the hour. This application can be a real eye-opener as far as where and how you are spending your time.
Self-control (App)
Self-Control was designed for those who are easily distracted. This open-sourced distraction app lets people block their access to specific sites even if they remove the act or restart the computer. It will only block during a certain timeframe set by you. You create a blacklist of distracting websites such as Facebook or Twitter, or even your email. Once you click start until the time is up, you will be restricted from access to whatever sites are on the blacklist. The point of Self-Control is to keep you from distraction by restricting your access during certain times.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is cloud-based accounting software for non-accountants. Not only does it track billable hours, but it also integrates them with an easy online billing system that automatically calculates totals and taxes to generate invoices quickly. FreshBooks also offers hassle-free spending tracking that automatically imports and classifies bank account and credit card expenses and records expenses simply by taking a snapshot of revenue. Its financial reporting tools include expense reports, quarterly analyzes, profit and loss, payments collected, tax summaries, and more.
QuickBooks
Quickbooks is an accounting and bookkeeping software that is perhaps the most used accounting and bookkeeping software on the market. This highly-rated software integrates more than 150 third-party applications and features time tracking and payroll services. Quickbooks has dozens of other features and now offers an online cloud-based version.
Conclusion
Whether you use one or all of these applications, you must use every tool available to you as a freelancer. These tools help you manage time, business organization, and accounting and bookkeeping. These areas are critical, especially to the freelancer who must operate their business on their own.
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 food industry is thriving and flourishing. People have started investing in food businesses because they are less likely to fail in the current market. Everybody likes to eat, but not everybody loves to cook. This is where the food industry comes into play. Homemade food or restaurants, people like eating delicious food. Here are eleven tips to follow to help you start a food business.
Research: The food business is more competitive than any other business, so it is imperative and smart to do some research before starting a food business. Before starting a food business, try to find out what is trending, what new trends can be worked upon, and what you can do differently than others. Do some online market research to measure market needs and what people look for in terms of food quality, taste, and affordability. Try taking notes from a food business that failed; try to find out what went wrong in it and refrain from making a similar mistake.
Marketing: Marketing begins as soon as the business starts or sometimes before even that. Marketing attracts a large number of clients and makes a product talk of the town. Marketing has many ways. It is done online as well as offline. Marketing through social media platform requires less investment and targets a maximum number of people.
Menu & Pricing: Strategize the menu. Offer the best of food that can be made. Pricing the menu perfectly is an art in itself. When the menu is balanced, it helps to gain more profit. Price should be decided according to the cost of the ingredients. Prices should not fluctuate. It is not only unethical but also results in losing existing customers.
Law: Every industry is run under some laws and regulations. The food business is not an exception. The basic concept that follows the law and regulations of the food business is transparency and food safety. To avoid any problem in the future, follow and achieve compliance with the law and the requirement it states.
Edible Logistics: Research and work out about food delivery and packaging. Food delivery is more complex than any other logistics. The packaging should be decided smartly. The food should be packed in spill-free containers.
Organize: Food business needs planning. Every detail should be planned and put into a checklist. Multiple things should be organized before starting a business, storage, inventory, ingredients, packaging, orders management, etc.
Nature of business: The food business can be dual in nature. Orders can be taken offline as well as online. Decide if the business will just run offline or online or on both platforms. There is a lot of scope for running the business online. Social media, blogs, and websites can acquire more orders as the reach is maximum through an online platform.
Follow SOP: If the food tastes nice, the business gets permanent customers. People do not like to switch from one kind of taste to another. For making sure people stick to one specific brand and food business, follow the same recipe, the same raw materials and ingredients, and the same technique. Write down everything and then keep the following everything to ensure consistency.
Staff: Hire staff intelligently. From the chef to the waiter, everyone should be trained. Invest time to train each staff personnel. Remember changing staff frequently in the food business is risky and can lead to losing permanent customers.
Bestsellers: No matter how long the menu is and how many items it has. There are always some key selling items and dishes. Every food business has a specialty that people love. Identify the best seller and use it as the focus of the menu.
Feedback: Always trust your customer’s feedback. Be open to feedback and customize the food according to the ratings. The food industry is very competitive. It is essential to know what best can be offered to the customers and then launch the business. Food should be appealing, tasty, and different to get an edge over other competitors.
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.
Tax Professional vs Tax Software: What’s Best for You?
Tax professional vs tax software choices depend on your specific tax situation—use software like TurboTax for straightforward returns with W-2 income and standard deductions to save money, but hire a CPA or enrolled agent when dealing with business income, rental properties, or multiple income sources to maximize deductions and minimize audit risks.
I’ve spent over 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller helping thousands of small businesses navigate tax season, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the costly mistakes that happen when business owners choose the wrong tax preparation method. From watching clients switch from software to professionals after missing $15,000 in deductions to seeing others waste money on CPAs for simple returns, I’ve learned that making the right choice between tax software and professional help can save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of stress. This article breaks down the real costs, hidden benefits, and practical decision framework you need to choose the tax preparation method that fits your unique situation.
Tax professional vs tax software: What’s best for you?
Tax software costs $0-$179 and works best for simple returns with W-2 income, standard deductions, and no complex investments
Tax professionals charge $200-$1,500+ but excel at finding hidden deductions, handling multi-state filings, and providing audit protection
Software saves time with automated calculations but can’t answer nuanced questions or provide year-round tax planning
Professionals offer personalized strategies and IRS representation but require scheduling appointments and higher upfront costs
The hybrid approach—using software for data entry and professionals for review—cuts costs by 30-50% while maintaining accuracy
Pros and Cons of Tax Software for Everyday Filers
Tax software dominates the market for individual filers, with 41% of all returns now self-prepared electronically compared to just 30% a decade ago. This shift reflects both improved technology and growing taxpayer confidence in digital solutions.
Modern tax software guides users through a step-by-step interview process, automatically calculating deductions and checking for errors. Programs like TurboTax and H&R Block software import W-2s directly from employers, reducing manual entry mistakes. Most platforms include audit support features and secure document storage for seven years.
TurboTax and similar tools: Ease and speed
The biggest advantages of tax software include:
Immediate filing – Complete your return in 1-2 hours versus waiting weeks for appointments
Real-time calculations – See your refund update as you enter information
Error checking – Built-in reviews catch common mistakes before filing
Multi-device access – Start on your phone, finish on your computer
Automatic updates – Tax law changes integrate seamlessly
Hidden limitations of tax software
Software struggles with several critical areas that cost taxpayers money:
Complex scenarios – International income, cryptocurrency, or multiple businesses often exceed software capabilities
Missed deductions – Studies show self-employed filers miss an average 21% in potential deductions
No personalized advice – Software can’t recommend tax strategies for your specific situation
Peak season glitches – Server crashes and slow performance plague filing deadlines
Limited audit support – Most include basic defense but won’t represent you at IRS meetings
Advantages of Hiring a Tax Professional for Complex Returns
Professional tax preparers bring expertise that software simply cannot match, particularly for business owners and investors. CPAs and enrolled agents complete extensive training and maintain licenses through continuing education.
The value shows in the numbers—professionals identify an average 20-30% more in deductions compared to self-prepared returns for clients earning over $50,000. They also provide year-round support, not just during tax season.
Maximizing deductions and audit protection
Tax professionals excel at:
Finding overlooked deductions – Home office, vehicle expenses, retirement contributions often missed by software
Audit representation – CPAs and EAs can speak directly with the IRS on your behalf
Multi-state expertise – Navigating reciprocity agreements and credit calculations
Business structure optimization – Recommending S-corp elections or LLC formations for tax savings
Depreciation strategies – Maximizing Section 179 and bonus depreciation benefits
Year-round tax planning missing from software
Unlike software that focuses on filing past returns, professionals provide:
Understanding the true cost requires looking beyond sticker prices to consider potential savings and risks.
Factor
Tax Software
Tax Professional
Basic Return
$0–$60
$200–$300
Complex/Business
$100–$179
$300–$1,500+
Hidden Costs
Upgrades, state filing fees
Consultation fees, amendments
Potential Savings
Quick filing, no appointments
Average 20-30% more deductions found
Audit Support
Basic coverage included
Full representation and defense
Small business owners particularly benefit from professional help—one client saved $22,000 last year by restructuring from sole proprietor to S-corporation based on their CPA’s recommendation.
Real-World Case Study: When Software Failed a Growing Business
A concrete example illustrates the software limitation problem. An e-commerce owner used TurboTax for three years, reporting increasing sales across multiple states. The software handled basic Schedule C filing but missed crucial multi-state nexus requirements and inventory accounting methods.
The IRS eventually sent notices for underpaid taxes across three states, plus penalties totaling $8,000. After hiring a CPA, they discovered $15,000 in missed deductions including:
Cost of goods sold adjustments using proper inventory methods
Multi-state apportionment reducing taxable income in high-tax states
Research and development credits for website development costs
Section 179 deductions for equipment purchases
The CPA amended three years of returns, eliminating all penalties and securing a $12,000 refund. The business now saves approximately 25% annually on taxes through proper planning and quarterly reviews.
Hybrid Approach: Combining Tax Software and Professionals
Smart taxpayers increasingly adopt a balanced strategy—using software for routine tasks while engaging professionals for optimization and review.
TurboTax draft + professional filing – Self-prepare to understand your return, expert files officially
Year-round software tracking + quarterly professional meetings – Continuous recordkeeping with periodic optimization
DIY personal return + professional business filing – Split approach for mixed income sources
This hybrid model typically reduces professional fees by 30-50% while maintaining expert oversight.
Transition tips for your business
Start implementing a hybrid approach with these steps:
Organize digitally year-round using accounting software or apps
Schedule quarterly check-ins with a tax professional for planning
Prepare draft returns yourself to understand your tax situation
Engage professionals for final review and strategic advice
Document everything to maximize efficiency during professional consultations
The Human Expertise Gap in Tax Software
Beyond calculations and forms, professional relationships provide intangible benefits software cannot replicate.
Building trust with year-round guidance
Tax professionals offer:
Personalized explanations of how tax laws affect your specific situation
Proactive communications about deadlines and opportunities
Business advisory services beyond just tax compliance
Referral networks to attorneys, financial advisors, and lenders
Peace of mind knowing an expert reviews your filings
Software may calculate accurately, but it can’t calm your nerves during an audit or explain why converting to an S-corp saves money long-term.
Conclusion
Choosing between a tax professional vs tax software ultimately depends on your return complexity, available time, and comfort with tax laws. Simple filers with only W-2 income save money using software, while business owners, investors, and anyone with multiple income sources benefit significantly from professional expertise. The hybrid approach offers the best value for many—leveraging software efficiency while maintaining professional oversight for optimization and compliance.
I’ve seen businesses transform their financial futures by making the right choice here. One Complete Controller client reduced their tax burden by $22,000 annually simply by switching from DIY software to professional guidance. You don’t have to navigate these decisions alone. Visit Complete Controller for a free consultation with our tax experts who can assess your situation and recommend the optimal approach for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Professional vs Tax Software
Is tax software or a tax professional cheaper?
Tax software costs $0-$179 for most returns, while professionals charge $273+ on average. However, professionals often find enough additional deductions to more than offset their higher fees, especially for business owners or those with investment income.
Can tax software handle business taxes?
Software works adequately for simple sole proprietorships with straightforward expenses. However, it struggles with multi-state operations, inventory accounting, depreciation strategies, and entity selection—areas where professionals excel.
What if I get audited using tax software?
Most software includes basic audit defense services, but these typically provide only guidance and document preparation. Professional preparers offer full representation, attending meetings and negotiating directly with the IRS on your behalf.
Do I need a CPA or just any tax preparer?
CPAs and enrolled agents provide the highest expertise level and can represent you before the IRS. For complex returns involving businesses, investments, or multi-state issues, choose credentialed professionals over uncertified preparers.
When should I switch from software to a professional?
Consider switching when you acquire rental property, start a business, receive stock options, have multi-state income, face an audit, or when your income exceeds $75,000 with multiple deduction opportunities.
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.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
No matter the business’s size, recruiting is one of the most crucial aspects of running your business. While it is true, you can put your job opening online and receive applications and possible candidates, recruiting is the best way to ensure that you get top candidates for the position. The recruiting process used to be more challenging before the Internet opened up the candidate pool. The challenge now is to get through numerous applications to find the most qualified candidates to receive an interview. Recruiters are becoming more creative to help find the best employees for the businesses they represent. Here are five ways recruiters are effectively recruiting candidates that you can emulate for your small business.
Recruitment Marketing
Recruitment marketing has become something new in the respect that the online environment has changed the face of recruiting. When looking for an excellent candidate, recruiters use every resource they have to find them. But as a small business owner, you can cut out the commission and recruit like a pro yourself. Because we live in a world where social media is so heavily used daily by anyone with a device, using social media as a recruitment tool is vital.
So, where do you start? First, if you don’t already have one, you need to make a business page for your business on Facebook and LinkedIn platforms. Once you have these pages in place, you can begin to target recruiting efforts using your pages. Having these pages will give you a base and a place where possible candidates can see your business and how they might fit into it.
Target Audience Recruiting
Just like when selling a product or service, you need to figure out your target audience when it comes to recruiting the right candidates. Demographics are just as important in recruiting as they are in sales. When you have an open position, you need to imagine what the perfect recruit looks like to fill that position. Once you’ve determined the perfect candidate’s demographics for the job, all your efforts need to go towards putting your job posting in front of those who may be the right fit.
Social media is the perfect arena to help you target your key candidate demographic. Search for groups that are geared towards your demographic. Though the position you are offering may be better suited for someone of a certain age or gender, you still have to be careful not to alienate or eliminate any possibilities. However, suppose you heavily advertise the position in areas that are geared towards your key candidate demographic. In that case, you are more likely to get candidates that fit what you’re looking for in an employee.
Content Focus
When you identify where to target your ideal candidate demographic, it is time to focus on content that will attract the right candidate to your business. Creating content may require trial and error, especially if your target demographic is not your own demographic. However, since almost everyone with a device or the Internet is on social media no matter their age, gender, location, or beliefs, your net will already be widely cast. To narrow down the possibilities to viable candidates for the position, using a variety of good content to attract candidates could make all the difference.
Exciting Branding
Just like advertisements are meant to excite people to use products or services, you should use exciting branding to attract qualified candidates to your business. This is the time for you to be flashy and attract people through wonderful graphics, video content, written content, and overall business branding. When your business gets in front of the candidates you’re trying to target; you want them to look at your business and desire to work there.
When it comes to branding focused on recruiting, there is absolutely no difference between that type of branding and sales branding. The only difference may be that you show more of what goes on in the background to entice a possible employee candidate.
Go International
Though there may be plenty of qualified candidates in the US, don’t be afraid to go international with your reach. Many highly qualified and eager candidates will work very hard who want the opportunities working in the United States. Expanding your recruiting pool will never be a bad thing other than giving you too many great options.
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.
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.
