5 Ways Finance And Commerce Companies Can Improve Cloud Deployments

Cloud technology was introduced with the same hype and commitment as any other technology trend has…until now. It has become sensitive for risk-averse segments, like finance and commerce, to enter the market with monetary and informational security threats. Keeping all of this in mind, many companies are choosing cloud-based solutions for various business processes, which include supply chain management, ERP, procurement, commerce, and CRM.

With cloud-based solutions, you will receive endless opportunities to improve your business’s operational and technical structure. Simply put, cloud-based models are cheaper and faster than any other system model to host various applications. It acts as a transformational force, where businesses can measure customer responses and strengths with less cost, time, and risk. Cubicle to Cloud virtual business

Cloud proves to be better than traditional approaches to transform business processes with lesser capital investment against long-term implementation. It is necessary for the businesses to be change-oriented and follow the proper practices for successful results.

Learn about your Limitations

The finance and commerce segments of any business already have an extensive portfolio of technology systems over a period. This happens because of the requirement of large storage of essential information. This makes some of the existing technology applications limited to cloud deployments, as they are too old to be compatible with cloud technology. This becomes an important first step for any business to understand the limitation before synchronizing with cloud computing systems. A survey conducted by Frost & Sullivan declares that about sixty-one percent of financial institutions face the “inability to meet compliance requirements.” This happens because they fail to transform various applications to the cloud. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Implement Best Practices

It is highly essential for businesses to know the best practices to implement that are equally relevant to their business processes. While you must stay vigilant about these practices’ relevance, here are some ways finance and commerce businesses can get clarity regarding proper cloud deployment.

Have a strategic vision for the change

Before you go for any cloud campaign, you first should have an extensive vision that supports the reason for the change associated with your business goals. Many businesses miss out on the purpose of cloud deployment and take it casually as a technology.

Make a tactical process plan

It is again important for businesses to plan a road map that clearly defines the implementation approach. Other than a vision, the business should have a tactical plan that can describe cloud deployment’s absolute purpose. It would help if you also ensured that the deployment is realistic enough to be managed by your team. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Make a wise choice for platform

When choosing the right technology for your business, you should be sensitive about choosing the right vendor or consulting company. The wrong selection can cause a disaster for the whole initiative. A key cloud initiative requires the right technical skills and a highly trusted long-term relationship between the business, consulting partners, and the technical team.

Get leadership in the loop

Companies must essentially get the prime management leaders in the loop regarding the cloud deployment approach. If the cloud initiative is only restricted to the IT and Chief Technical Officer, the cloud deployment’s significance may stay unrealized and ignored to some extent by other team members.

Get Prepared for Change Management

Introducing new technology to the organization can be a challenge for your employees, particularly to those who are relatively junior in work. Cloud technology can result in an effective approach for a business. This happens when the users, employees, and other relevant people are well versed in cloud resources. Significantly, change management sessions should be held to make everyone familiar with the cloud deployment.

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

Do You Live in One of the Hardest-Working Cities in America?

Americans love to boast about their work ethics. After all, working hard is the gateway to achieving the American dream.

According to various stats, the average American puts in more working hours than Germany, Japan, and the U.K. However, if we refer to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) data, the average American ranks around 12th for the most working hours per year. People work hard for various reasons, ranging from buying a home, early retirement, or achieving personal goals. However, only some cities have a strong enough economy to provide a fair payback. Exit Advisor

To identify the hardest-working cities of America, we have looked at various factors such as labor force participation rate, working hours per week, and average working hours per year.

However, it is important to note that to work hard; there should be something to work for. Many cities missed out on our list because there is no work available in the city. In some cities, the average working hours were below 25 hours per week – primarily because of the lack of work available.

Some U.S. cities have a stricter work ethic than others. However, each contributes in its own way to help build the world’s biggest economy. Let us look at which cities made it to our top 5 list.

  1. Arlington, Virginia

Arlington made it to the top of the hardest-working cities’ list for the second year running. Arlington’s average worker spends around 41 hours per week and works approximately 43 weeks per year.

Around 89% of the working-age population contributes to the labor force. The average working-age population contributes over 1,500 working hours per year. With a population of over 210,000 and a land area of 27 square miles, Arlington is United States’ most heavily populated and hard-working city. Cubicle to Cloud virtual business

  1. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage came second on our hardest-working cities’ list. One thing interesting about Anchorage is that it puts in fewer working weeks on a yearly basis. The average Anchorage worker puts in around 36 weeks per year, ranking the 17th most in the country. However, when they work, they work hard. The average employee here works over 42 hours per week and 1,260 hours per year. It seems like Anchorage knows how to balance work and fun.

  1. Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln is 3rd on our hardest-working cities’ list, partly because of the large number of the working-age population contributing to the workforce. According to data, around 86% of people between the ages of 17-63 contribute to the labor force. This is the second-highest rate in the country. The famous city, named after Abraham Lincoln, contributes 39 working weeks every year.

Lincoln only falls behind the top 2 because of the lower average, as working hours here are short. Usually, the average workweek is only 36 hours per week.

  1. Seattle, Washington

This green city, famous for its rain and coffee, works hard. According to data, they have the fifth-highest labor participation rate. The work hours per week are around 39. One reason behind such hard work is the city’s high living cost, which demands such participation. Around 70% of the working population contributes to the workforce. ADP. Payroll – HR – Benefits

  1. San Francisco, California

San Francisco’ The City’ has an average of 80% of its working population contributing to the labor force. The city’s working conditions are somewhat like Anchorage’s. People here work about 40 hours per week. However, they compensate for it by working fewer weeks per year. Like other major cities, working here is necessary because of the high cost of living and high-income taxes. California has one of the highest income tax rates.

Conclusion

It is important to note that ‘people working harder’ are not equal to people earning more. According to PayScale stats, the average salary in Anchorage is around $64,000 compared to $77,000 in New York for a worker with experience of less than 9-10 years.  

However, average working hours and average earnings should not be made the basis of any judgment. The culture of working greatly depends on where you live, the standard of living, and other dynamics.

We will see how each city contributes to the next year. We will keep our bookkeeping habit-kicking to let you know who leads the race of 2021’s hardest-working cities in America.

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

5 Trends Driving Disruption in the Accounting Industry

Over the past few years, the latest technologies and advanced tools have transformed every little aspect of business management, including marketing, web designing, and HR management. It is effortless to consider that accounting and bookkeeping, but with the emergence of versatile technologies, accounting has begun to look like an industry ready for disruption. 

Sweeping disruption in the accounting industry is forthcoming. Massive technological alterations and transmitting customer trends demand a better approach to how the industry produces value for clients. Some of the services are more exposed to disruption than others. For instance, essential transactional services have already been highly automated (though adoption has diversified significantly across the kinds of small businesses). Acceptance will be highly automated moving forward, and limited advisory services will follow the trend.  ADP. Payroll – HR – Benefits

Before exploring the specifics of the accounting industry and the forthcoming disruption, let us review some of the most common drivers behind the general uproar. 

Complacency: It is a gigantic indication that disruption is approaching. When a business triumphs and decides to coast on previous accomplishments, competitors pay attention, find a way to join in, and stake a claim. 

Lack of automation: 

Presently, customers are highly demanding and desire better offerings. If the existing accounting practices are not enough to cater to their needs, they will seek better options. Usually, manual tasks require a longer time, and it often frustrates the customers. 

Innovation: 

Many small businesses compel senior firms to alter their innovative approach, and such behavior can drive disruption in any industry.  LasPass – Family or Org Password Vault

When two or more of the above-evaluated drivers are present, it is for disruption. Examining the financial sector, it is effortless to predict how these three drivers are in play. In simpler words, disruption is imminent. 

Trends that drive disruption in the accounting industry: 

Let us dig deeper into the trends and analyze the major trends that are driving disruption presently. 

Clients demand better connectivity: 

Examine any service-based industry; they all are opting for the practices with better connectivity and services. With the advent of advanced tools and cloud technology, accountants have researched effective ways to connect with the clients, which creates a cordial relationship between both parties. With the help of rapid connectivity, business strategies are discussed practically, and problems get solved as soon as they arrive. Presently, both service providers and clients have access to relevant information. 

Big data:

 New technologies based on business intelligence, big data, and analytics are approaching every aspect of the business. Big data permits business owners to access an exceptional amount of information and analytical tools to make better financial decisions. 

Currently, accounting professionals utilize these tools for data entry and maintaining records. Big data allows one to look at the business strategies with a better perspective and predict their potential clients’ future requirements.  Cubicle to Cloud virtual business

Demand for customization: 

We are observing it everywhere that businesses are getting a taste of customization, and now they expect it in every product and service they utilize. Customization is an influential factor in creating disruption, as clients only wish to see the products that suit their needs. In business accounting, entrepreneurs only want to pay for the required services and diminish the unnecessary services as there is a rapid increase in the demand for customized products rather than bundled packages. If a company wants to hire a professional accountant, he will need to oblige. 

Growth of the DIY approach: 

Another trend that we have been observing is the growth of accounting software, and now that cloud solutions have been launched, we have seen many small businesses implementing the DIY approach. Fortunately, tools like YouTube videos, web tutorials, and search engines now allow businesses to learn to handle the accounting procedures of their company. 

Automation of data entries: 

Automation is a significant driving factor in accounting disruption. Specifically, we are experiencing the disappearance of manual data entries. Tools like e-documents, automatic imports, and software solutions emerge as a new norm. With Automation, businesses have become more efficient and can make better use of their capital. Additionally, Automation has also reduced the cost of Human resources. 

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

5 Steps to Managing Stakeholder Relationships

consensus of shareholders, expert advice concept in business, collective opinion
Anyone who is pretentious to the actions of a business is a stakeholder for the company. Stakeholders are elements that are necessary for the existence of any business and, without whom, it would not survive. In this age of challenging social context, managing stakeholder relationships holds a lot more value than before. The stakeholders have an influence on your business and debauched relations could lead to project delays and terminations, draining resources and political interference.

Efficacious recognition, collaboration and concern for your stakeholders will foster your business’ ability to reduce risk and deliver a fruitful project. Here are some tips to help you stay on good terms with your employees, customers, creditors, suppliers, investors, and the community.

Managing Stakeholder Relationships

Stakeholder Mapping

Before you start off with anything else, you need to identify your stakeholders, from your employees to the customers and everyone in between that is in some way connected to you. Some of them are more influential than others and your priority should be to identify them.

As much as external stakeholders are critical, internal stakeholders such as employees, suppliers, and shareholders will help you in determining if you have adequate resources to keep up with the desires and demand for your business. Mapping out the key stakeholders, whether internal or external, determines the amount of leverage you can execute while dealing with them.

Prioritizing Relationships

In an ideal scenario, a business is able to cultivate positive relations with all stakeholders, however, in reality, there is never enough time and resources to commit to everybody, making it critical for you to prioritize. Those who have the same interests as yours and have similar goals and objectives can be prioritized and be a part of your success. Two of the most reliable factors to measure a stakeholder’s value for your business is their ‘ability to influence’ and ‘willingness to engage’ in your success.

There are different models and frameworks that have been developed by researchers to guide you in prioritizing your key stakeholders. Referring to them solves most of your concerns related to managing stakeholder relationships.

Document what you Learn

When you indulge in business with the stakeholders, there are many things that you learn. Their preferences, aims, and interests in relation to your organization are evident from the way they deal with you. Document their views, needs, and insights so that you can refer to them later. You can do it in the form of a personal diary or a computer file, depending on your preference. The key is to understand them so that you can initiate ways to strengthen the bond by aligning goals.

You can also share your insights with them as they are likely to perceive them in a positive way. It shows them the concern you have for their business and that you took time out for them. Managing stakeholder relationships requires a wholehearted effort for the cause.

Monitor and Refine

All of your earlier activities have been to identify your key stakeholders, what is important to them and how can you work collaboratively to fulfill individual goals. Initially, your strategy is more focused on your internal strengths as you are assured of them but eventually, you will get useful insights about the capabilities of your partners that can help you both prosper. However, the results of this collaboration depend on the amount of research and preparation you have put in to execute a specific strategy.

Learning about what works for you and what doesn’t, who can be leveraged to inspire other stakeholders is critical before you draw upon a strategy. Researchers believe that inordinate insights come from connections, curiosity, and coincidence. Managing stakeholder relationships needs you to stay connected with your important stakeholders and be curious enough to notice the coincidences. If you are not interested, something right in front of you would go unnoticed, resulting in unsatisfactory consequences.

With time, your relationship with the stakeholders gets so strong that you do not have to strategize from scratch and all you need to do is just refine your existing strategy. But, unless you get to that point, you have to monitor every move of your stakeholders.

Proactive Mitigation – Managing stakeholder relationships

After a firm grasp of your stakeholders and how they can influence you as a business, the next step should be to create a mitigation plan. All the risks that concern the involved parties are accepted, shared and avoided together. You must identify your limitations early and set a clear picture of things that are negotiable and those that are not. Working in such circumstances builds trust between the stakeholders as they can rely on each other through thick and thin.

Conclusion

Your aim for managing stakeholder relationships should be to create a win-win situation for all parties and will build a solid credibility to base future relations upon.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual accounting, providing services 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 and critical financial documents in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of  US based accounting professionals are certified QuickBooksTMProAdvisor’s providing bookkeeping and controller services including training, full or partial-service bookkeeping, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, vendor and receivables management, process and controls advisement, and customized reporting. Offering flat rate pricing, Complete Controller is the most cost effective expert accounting solution for business, family office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Accounting Problems Killing Small Businesses

Businessman being depressed by accounting in his office
Accounting and bookkeeping are the key functions in any business. Accounting is the systemic and comprehensive recording of financial operations in a business. Business bookkeeping is the recording of financial transactions as a part of the accounting process.

Entrepreneurs/owners often do not realize that common small business accounting problems are a major threat to the growth of their business in the long run.

5 Common Small Business Accounting Problems Killing Small Businesses

 

YOU DO NOT USE AN ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE

Manual work is always the hardest and is at major risk of errors. A small accounting error can lead to big losses in the business. An accounting software according to your business size is as important as funding your business. Small business owners can also get a specific software to meet their needs depending on company specifics.

Working on a spreadsheet is not as productive as working on an accounting software.

An important and challenging step in business is to choose the proper software per your business needs. Consider its cost, usability and extra features for choosing a suitable software for your small business.

Features of an accounting software must include

  • Inventory management
  • Sales tracking
  • Contacts management and contact history tracking
  • Account to accept credit card payments
  • Generating Invoices
  • Financial statements, cash flow statements and balance sheet
  • Budget planning
  • Payrolls
  • Taxation matters

FINANCIALS ARE NOT PRODUCED MONTHLY

In a small business, it is often thought appropriate to produce financials on a quarterly or bi-annually basis. However, monthly financials show investors you are closely monitoring your business.

It can lead to a negative balance if expenses are incurred but the income statement is not updated. Invoices that need to be paid may go unnoticed and it can lead to a bad reputation for the company. It can end terms with the suppliers. Business growth could even be halted or significantly reduced.

Not producing financial statements on a  monthly basis is a common problem that small businesses encounter.

FINANCIALS ARE INCORRECT

Incorrect financials is a threatening small business accounting problem in your business. If your financials are incorrect, it may sink your funding round in your business.

Any error in financial statements leads to big losses. Business bookkeeping and other business operations will be a disaster if you do not keep your financial data up to date. Your accounting statements must be clear and transparent. Income and expense statements must be clear and related to cash flow and balance sheets. Also, delayed data entry can be a big risk for frauds.

BUSINESS OWNERS MIX THIER PERSONAL FINANCES WITH BUSINESS ACCOUNTS

Business owners often mix their personal finances with business expenses. Keeping these two finances separate is of utmost importance. If these two finances (personal and business) are not segregated then what was intended for business vs personal matters will be intertwined, leading to problems. The profit that was generated out of invested capital cannot be estimated correctly.

Often, a business credit card is utilized for personal expenses. Later on, this amount will be paid from the company’s income.

During purchase orders for inventory of the company, purchases are also made for personal or private use.

Covering small business expense out of pocket without recording it happens often as it can be easier.  However, if it is not on the bookkeeping record, the income of your company could appear larger than it actually is. 

 

PAYROLL ISSUES

Small business owners must organize their payroll section or their company could go into debt with increasing interest.  You can enlist the help of payroll companies to avoid errors. 

Conclusion

Small business accounting problems start with infrequent bookkeeping and accounting functions. This will not give a true picture of the business and leads to the inability to make wise decisions for the company. Failure to use an accounting software may lead to manual errors that are unintentional. When running into accounting problems, small business owners may have to get loans to pay for timely expenses such as paying for the salaries of their employees. If small business owners focus on these small business accounting problems, their businesses can be stable and experience exponential growth.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual accounting, providing services 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 and critical financial documents in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of  US based accounting professionals are certified QuickBooksTMProAdvisor’s providing bookkeeping and controller services including training, full or partial-service bookkeeping, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, vendor and receivables management, process and controls advisement, and customized reporting. Offering flat rate pricing, Complete Controller is the most cost effective expert accounting solution for business, family office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

 

 

 

 

7 Ways to Save Money On Just About Everything

Why the need to Save Money?

In simplest terms, saving money can help an individual or family become financially secure and more stable. The portion of income that is saved over a period of time can help you pay for unexpected events and emergencies. Money keeps you going and whatever you save for yourself each month grows your bank balance. This extra cash or wealth can later be converted into valuable assets such as cars, housing, furniture, and other similar things. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Dramatic Shift in Spending Habits

Undoubtedly, it has become increasingly difficult to save money in a world of instant gratification where we barely notice our purchasing patterns, especially at the time of shopping. Superior marketing and merchandising techniques used by pros across different print and digital media channels are the reason why people are falling prey to impulse buying. It has gotten even harder than ever to keep within a budget because our spending habits and buying behavior have changed quite as a country.

7 tips that will allow you to Save Money every month

Put At Least 20% of your Income into a Savings Account

Saving money sounds great, in theory, but saving substantial money for an uncertain chain of events is no easy feat. You have to cut down on your monthly expenses to save something for your rainy days. According to studies, at least 20% of your monthly income should go into your savings account for maintaining a healthy financial life cycle. This signifies that to save money for a healthy flow of financial activities, we need to create a budget and strictly follow it–without getting distracted.

Create a Monthly Budget and Follow it Strictly

Let’s face it: Everyone struggles to maintain a healthy balance in monthly finances. The reason is obvious; our never-ending needs and desires. People often find themselves miserably stuck in continually creating a monthly budget and trying to follow it with sincerity, only to fail. Families know that if they fail to maintain any kind of order in their finances, they will all suffer eventually. Moreover, household expenses and monthly paychecks should be properly divided into utilities, food/groceries, health, transportation, clothing, home maintenance, and other miscellaneous expenses like car insurance or maintenance. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Spend Less on Food/Groceries Items

The world has witnessed a complete 180-degree shift towards superior retail merchandising over the past decade. To save money, you need to cut your daily expenses. This can be done by making a list before going to any retail store or at least a rough spending plan. Pick only the items from the racks that are essential, redeem monthly points in retail stores, use discount vouchers and coupons, limit your visits, and other similar things. Moreover, by taking lunch from home, skipping the daily latte, or slicing and shredding food at home, you can expect to save quite a bit of money.

Postpone all Non-Essential Tasks

No matter how much you earn each month, spending money on a non-essential task like planning a holiday trip, buying a brand new car, and other lavish things can be postponed. To save money, you need to cut extraordinary costs. Therefore, whatever you would save for the month by doing so will keep you more financially secure and stable than ever.

Buy Inexpensive Subscriptions for Entertainment

Instead of buying expensive DVDs or music, you can enroll in inexpensive subscriptions for entertainment purposes like watching movies/programs/reality shows online, perhaps on Netflix or other similar dynamic platforms that are emerging.  It might even be time to cut the cable with so many options available now. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Avoid Paying Interest

Interests eat a significant portion of your monthly paycheck without even letting you know. So, it’s better to avoid using credit cards for purchasing different essential or non-essential items. This would definitely allow you to save money!

Watch for Occasional Discounts

There are two rules for asking for discounts. Rule#1: You must learn to ask for discounts on everything. Rule#2: Do not be afraid of Rule#1!  What’s the worst thing that is going to happen when you ask for a deal? You already know the worst-case scenario! Don’t you? They might say ‘NO.’ Come-on when you are already on a mission to save tons of money or cut monthly costs/expenditures; this shouldn’t bother you too much.

Similarly, you need to look for promotional or occasional discount offers that clothing, retail, home maintenance companies may offer. This allows you to save money and cut costs quite significantly.

Conclusion

If you add up where all of your monthly paycheck goes, you would probably notice that it goes predominantly into food, entertainment, and utilities in the budget list. To save money, you need to sensibly plan a budget, which is cost-effective and not hard on the wallet.

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

6 Tips for Sharing Finances in a Long-Term Relationship

Today, a growing number of millennial couples are seeing themselves struggle financially, starting with the fiscal responsibility of the first date or the long-awaited diamond ring.

Statistics from the Pew Research Center survey suggest that only 26% of young adults ages 18-32 are married. On the other hand, 48% of Baby Boomers and 36% of Generation X tied the knot.

Whether for financial or personal reasons or simply dropping marriage in its entirety, millennials in long-term relationships are delaying marriage. According to US money and dating experts, miscommunication is the primary issue couples face in long-term relationships. On the contrary, communication is the most effective remedy to improve interpersonal relationships and even finances.

Here are six easy tips for sharing finances in a long-term marital relationship: Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Have Honest Discussion About Your Finances

If you are serious about your relationship, avoid unnecessary delays in discussing your spouse-to-be’s personal finances. It would be best to initiate the discussion to create a sense of trust and safety between you two, typically by highlighting your current financial circumstances and concerns. These conversations can result in plans for sharing finances to maintain your ideal lifestyle and career aspiration and bring a couple closer together.

 

In fact, regular financial discussions will help both parties understand how money should be spent more effectively. Thus, aim to set aside a scheduled time every week in order to have financial conversations. Although saving and spending patterns may be quite different, communication helps design a budget that suits both individuals’ needs in the relationship. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Create a Joint Account for Entertainment and Vacation

Maintaining a separate account for funding expensive leisure and entertainment activities allows a couple to financially work together for mutual goals, like vacations, shopping, event celebrations, and dining out. Joint savings account for goals like home renovations or buying a family car is a good idea. Individual budgeting a few months early can serve as an alternative to joint accounts and sharing finances.

Stay Away From Cosigning Debts

Although this choice typically depends on how much you trust your partner, experts often disagree with the idea of cosigning debts for couples as you can be forced to pay the bill alone when your partner fails to do so. You might be interested in cosigning a loan as it can result in a lower interest rate, but it can backfire significantly as well. As personal finance management and business bookkeeping should not be intermingled, cosigning personal debts should be avoided when sharing finances.

Consider Convenience and Comfort When Deciding Who Pays the Bill

While it had been a commonly held notion that one partner pays a date-nights bill, splitting a dinner bill is a good way for sharing the financial burden. In either case, experts suggest that couples do what they feel convenient and comfortable with instead of putting unnecessary burdens on one party or the other. However, when you are in a serious relationship with your partner and are both equally comfortable contributing to your relationship’s cost, then such a step makes perfect sense. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

For Couples Living Together or Thinking of Making A Move, Consider These Options

Create a legally enforceable contract before making any move together. Couples should avoid hurrying to decide to move in together. Because, in case you do not live together in the future or break up, one of them could be at a financial loss in the absence of a contract proving joint contribution for sharing finance. Thus, a contract in writing is essential and may also include pets, cheap and expensive shared personal possessions and belongings, and who gets the property’s ownership in case you split up. Though you may find it awkward and frustrating, you are simply ensuring each of your financial and residential security.

Take Advantage Of A Joint Account To Pay Your Bills

Couples should consider setting up a joint bank account for sharing finances when they can make regular deposits of a certain percentage from their earnings.  These funds will be used to pay bills like utilities and rent or mortgage payments. When deciding to merge most of your income, consider separating accounts for discretionary spending on items like clothes, accessories, and weekend activities.

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

5 Relatively Painless Ways to Erase Your Business Tax Debt

Unfortunately, there is not such great news you need to know about the IRS: the IRS is cracking down with a focus on audits and collections. Additionally, it appears that their primary target is business owners. Therefore, if you have been recently avoiding notices from the IRS regarding tax debt, you may want to consider taking steps to resolve any issues. If not, your business, as well as your personal life, may become much more complicated and stressful. The IRS has tremendous and expansive powers, for instance, to seize your assets. Here are some steps which can be taken to deal with IRS tax debt appropriately: ADP. Payroll – HR – Benefits

Know where you stand

Carefully review all letters from the IRS, along with your tax returns. It is quite possible that the agency you entrusted your taxes with may have made some errors. By reviewing these documents, you may ultimately reduce the debt you have. Consider gaining support from a tax professional. The potential savings you may gain is preferable to paying any additional fees.

Negotiate the penalties 

Penalties can spiral out of hand very quickly. For this reason, you must act very swiftly when dealing with IRS debt. You may also consider negotiating with the agency to lower, and sometimes even eliminate, any penalties if you provide a reasonable cause. Examples of this may include serious illnesses, difficult financial circumstances, and/or the destruction of your home or the business you are running. Furthermore, the IRS also has a program that offers relief to those who are facing the consequences with the agency for the first time.   LasPass – Family or Org Password Vault

Payment plan for business debt

After you become aware of what you owe, you can quickly create a working plan. One of the most common approaches is to set up an installment agreement. This arrangement can be as long as six years, and all payments should be made on a monthly basis while interest or penalties continue to accrue. Remember, this kind of agreement stops actions such as liens and levies. If you are indebted $50,000 or less, then this process is a viable option. It can also be done online; however, you must be in compliance with the IRS, ensuring that you make the proper tax filings, deposits, and withholdings.

Reduce business expenses

Take care to consider your operating costs carefully. Figure out the expenses you might cut out versus the services required for the daily operation of your business. For instance, must you pay for a subscription that you use infrequently? Are there some professional memberships that you can suspend temporarily until you get your finances back in order? Consult a professional accountant or utilize accounting software to predict the financial impact of cutting ancillary expenditures.    Download A Free Financial Toolkit

Other options

You most likely have seen the TV advertisements where a representative makes the claim that you can settle your IRS debt with “Pennies on the dollar!” Does this sound too good to be true? Unfortunately, this is most often the case. However, the IRS does have a program called “Offer in Compromise,” or the OIC. This allows you to pay off business debt at a discount. This process also involves releasing financial information with the forms 656 and 433. This will determine the amount which the IRS considers livable without causing financial restraints on the users. Keep in mind; the IRS rejects numerous submissions. Therefore, it is beneficial to consult with a tax professional who has complete knowledge of filling paperwork, along with navigating the IRS bureaucracy as well.

By using the five tips mentioned above, you can easily reduce any business debt you may have.

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

5 Reasons Your Financial Planner Can Replace Your Therapist

Shot of a middle aged couple consulting with their investment advisor their retirement savings plan.

What Is A Financial Planner?

A financial planner is a professional who helps you manage your finances and solves financial matters on your behalf. When it comes to the management of finances, saving and investment projections, retirement plans and other long-term financial aspects, devising effective strategies and execution plans become absolutely necessary if you expect to be on the right track. You may have little knowledge related to such financial matters but a financial adviser is the one who has the knowledge, skills, expertise, and experience in handling money-related matters. A financial planner gets things going for you and helps you achieve financial goals and objectives faster.

Increased Demand for Financial Planners

According to a report by the American Psychological Association, money is the leading cause of stress among most Americans. Moreover, it revealed that health and family relations have largely been compromised due to financial pressures. This signifies that creating and maintaining a perfect balance has become more or less like an alien job. A recent survey conducted by APA, out of a pool of 5000 adults from the professional field, discovered that nearly 39% of adults (both male and female) are finding it extremely hard to handle money-related matters.

This indicates that the need and demand for professional financial planners has intensified significantly, opening doors of opportunity for the people who are actually good at giving sound financial advice.

5 Reasons a Financial Planner can replace your Therapist and help you regain control over your Finances

A Financial Planner works more or less like a Therapist

Fighting against all odds and saving money for hard times has become extremely challenging these days. Looking at low-income level, people have actually lost the motivation to save money for their rainy days. Perhaps, they had to blame something for not saving at all, so they found the reason. One study found that ‘financial crises are the root cause of all stress.’ It can come from many things—medical emergencies, job crises, divorce, bankruptcy, unusual spending, extraordinary lifestyle and much more.

Financial Planners Help You Regain Strength and Control over Financial Matters

Regardless of the cause, the repercussions are often emotional and mental stress, current and future financial concerns, lack of motivation and confidence. In a crisis, regaining strength and control over yourself is absolutely necessary for the mitigation of all financial issues. You can do this by taking concrete action. Hiring the expertise of a professional financial planner may be a tough job initially but once you are able to find the right strategic fit, you will notice a significant difference in the quality of the advice you receive. Plus, a financial adviser or planner works just like a therapist who will get things fixed—the first time.

Converting emotional instability into rationality

A financial crisis can cause a great deal of emotional and mental turmoil. According to reports, young couples find it quite hard to keep a balance in their finances, which often leads them to boil over into a heated argument. Not surprisingly, such heated arguments and fights over financial issues often lead couples to file for divorce. It is the hidden trait of a great financial planner to play an intermediary role and make things work for people, especially for young couples to know not to involve in such indecent acts. Hiring the expertise of a professional financial adviser seems to be a fair trade as they may help you craft a sound game plan, which may solve financial shortcomings right away.

Overcoming the Fear Factor

Often people find themselves stuck miserably in severe financial crises. The ‘fear factor’ plays a predominant role in restricting the potential of people in making the right decisions. It is human tendency to show lack of commitment to anything that doesn’t interest them at the first glance. So, hiring a professional financial planner to think and act on your behalf becomes mandatory to get things moving along. We know for a fact that not everyone is privileged enough to get their financial equation right. So, it’s better to procure professional help, which will surely help you to overcome your financial fears.

Turning the Confusion into Clarity

It is a financial adviser’s job to help their clients devise a sound game plan for meeting their financial worries. In fact, it is the duty of any financial planner to give clarity to all of the confusions a client may have with regarding how to manage their finances effectively. So, in order to make things work for their clients, a financial adviser must have a clear picture of their client’s financial status. 

Conclusion

Psychologists listen to their patients and understand them well before stepping into a therapeutic session. It is important for them to create a sound game plan for their patients so that they can recover from personal traumas. However, a therapist can only empathize and sympathize in getting their patients out of financial trauma. For proper saving, investment, and money-related choices, a financial planner is well qualified to help in this aspect. You need to hire the right person for the right job in order to improve your financial health.

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About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual accounting, providing services 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 and critical financial documents in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of  US based accounting professionals are certified QuickBooksTMProAdvisor’s providing bookkeeping and controller services including training, full or partial-service bookkeeping, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, vendor and receivables management, process and controls advisement, and customized reporting. Offering flat rate pricing, Complete Controller is the most cost effective expert accounting solution for business, family office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

5 Good Reasons for Being Frugal that Entrepreneurs Need to Remember When They Succeed

Over the years, companies have saved millions of dollars through professional advice and counseling. With success comes the added responsibility of managing your resources well. Small business owners, on their ladder to success, might fall into spending more and not practice being frugal entrepreneurs. The important lesson to learn here is that you must squeeze the last drop out of your every dollar if you want to continue climbing the ladder. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

It’s a Mindset

Being a frugal entrepreneur doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to save money at any cost. Making good, budgeting decisions will differentiate your business from others. Most people start their business with a bare minimum, but their focus is to improve the operations of the business and not to impress people. Even when your business grows, it’s this same mindset that will keep you going and will keep you out of trouble as well. The point is to offer all your employees a comfortable working space, not something luxurious. Everyone needs to be on the same page and must understand the value of every single dollar that is used.

Frugal Entrepreneurs save themselves from resentment

If the boss sits in a lavish office and enjoys all of the perks while others are sitting at their old desks and putting their blood and sweat in for the cause, it certainly doesn’t equate to a cohesive working environment.  A simple office can do the job as well as any other. If you are worried about impressing others with your “stuff,” you will not be able to sway your clients with your results. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

 

Wage gaps and other terms like these make employees quite aware and, by leading a luxurious lifestyle, you not only attract unwanted attention but can also cause resentment from your employees. However, this is not to undermine the importance of all of the basics. You must have the basics and deserve to have them because you have put in a significant effort in the overall scheme of things.

A Frugal Entrepreneur is Sharper

With success, comes the added responsibility of micromanaging your finances as you tend to overspend more often. What you would not have bought otherwise, you will be inclined to buy because you will convince yourself that you deserve some credit for your efforts, and it boosts your ego. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself occasionally, but if you start doing it more often, it can affect the other walks of your life, including the business.

 

Experts call it an opportunity cost, which is something that could have been done with the same amount invested elsewhere. There will always be an opportunity cost for your decisions, no matter how much success you achieve. Being frugal means that you can make smart decisions as you have the capital to finance your desires for the business and yourself. A frugal entrepreneur is always sharp in choosing the most cost-effective ways. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Being a Frugal Entrepreneur trains you for Bad Times

Spending your money sparingly will ensure that you have enough kept aside for bad times. Always remember that you will not stay at the top, and success is always followed by hard times. A business always ebbs and flows. When times are hard for your business, you must be ready to face it. When you are accustomed to leading a simple life, you will not be so shockingly affected by a recession or increase of competition in the market. You will survive and bear the burden with an open heart and enough courage to keep on going and make it to the top again.

Some Misconception

Being a frugal entrepreneur does not mean that you are not ready to spend big when the opportunity comes. In your business, you will have to make decisions about spending on a new asset or investing in a lucrative project. Go ahead and take the risk if you have done your research about the results going in your favor. The mindset matters, which should be firm and frugal, even when you are at the height of your success.

 

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