For growing your business, it is essential to establish solid foundations of internal controls such as auditing, accounting, purchasing, and damage control planning. Every small business needs these internal controls to manage the money correctly. Without this, you are leaving a lot of money on the table for fraud. Employee theft is a big problem for a small business that cannot recover from the loss. According to U.S Commerce Department reports, 30% of business fails because of employee theft, and many of them are the smaller firms that cannot afford to recover from the loss.

Here are the tips that can help in ensuring financial control:

Keep the duties separate. Never assign related obligations to one employee. For example, the person who writes the checks should never be the one who signs them. Or the person who checks the mail should never record the receivable or reconcile the accounts. When you divide the responsibilities, it becomes difficult for the employees to steal from the company and manipulate the records.

Reconcile your bank statement 

Receive your bank statement personally and match it with your business account. Carefully review every transaction, check, and receiver. Examine the payees and signs on each check and monitor any fraud activity.

Sign all the checks yourself

No matter what, always sign every check yourself. Doing so will help prevent employee theft.

Review Payroll

Before sending, review the payroll and check for any variations in the amount. For reducing the risk of payroll fraud, use direct deposit. Direct deposit may be a time-consuming task, but it is worth it in the end. Review every check and make sure they are for your employees only. If you find any unknown name, go, and find that person. Keep a weekly or monthly count of the number of people on your payroll, and then verify that number against the number of checks you have. Ensure that no one can make any changes to your company’s master payroll file without your permission.

Keep personal and business finances separate

You may consider it easy to use your bank account for your business as well, but in the long run, both your personal and business finances will suffer. And this can be a tremendous headache for you in the future. For running your business smoothly, it is essential to open a business account and get a separate credit card to help your company build its credit rating.

If you need to use your business money for personal expenses, transfer that amount into your bank account and use it. If you need a loan for your business, document it properly with a promissory note specifying repayment terms.

Carefully monitor your company’s checks

Carefully monitor and check every single check. Keep your corporate statements in a locked drawer, and don’t give the key to anyone. Always use pre-numbered checks and search for missing check numbers from time to time. Never sign a blank check.

Closely guard your receivables 

Hire more than one employee for counting and verifying incoming checks. Buy a “for deposit stamp only” and use it on all incoming checks. The stamp can prevent the company from employees theft. Investigate the customer’s complaints regarding payment issues. Get a back and front copy of the customer’s check and make sure it is deposited into your business account only.

Send your bookkeeper on vacation 

Sometimes those employees who seem most loyal by not going on vacations are doing fraud with the company. For concealing their theft, they never take a leave. To stop this from happening, make sure that the person handling the responsibility of bookkeeping or accounting goes on a vacation every year, at least for two weeks at the end of the month. Use this time to review the documents and books and look for discrepancies.

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.

QuickBooks is accounting software that meets business financial needs. It is designed specifically for small businesses to help users manage accounting functionalities, including credit card management, accounts payable, financial reporting, and accounts receivable. QuickBooks enables you to manage your department’s responsibilities, including invoicing, payroll, reporting, accounts payable and receivable, cash flow management, and more. QuickBooks Pro provides a variety of benefits, including are as follows:

Money Management:

Integrating QuickBooks Pro will allow the user to manage business amounts efficiently and enter the due payments and dates information regarding all recurring bills. For unpaid bills, the user can directly print checks from QuickBooks. Furthermore, each transaction is recorded to access for future audits. In addition, bank accounts are also integrated with the program by using QuickBooks Pro. All financial records are viewed on a single screen, and QuickBooks Pro allows you to eliminate the need for paper statements.

Expense Billing:

Professionals often support several purchases that are later billed to consumers for business purposes. These may include small expenditures like meals and mileage or significant expenses such as international travel. No matter what your expense type or size, QuickBooks Pro provides a feature to maintain records of each expense. Furthermore, expenses are saved per client requirements, which prevents users from merging all of them manually.

Sales Invoicing:

In QuickBooks Pro, invoices are generated by a single click of a button which is beneficial for tracking sales and creating receipts automatically. These invoices can then be sent electronically to clients via email. In addition, the user is allowed to be billed either in large batches or individually. For subscribers of Intuit, their credit and debit card charges are accepted through QuickBooks Pro. These Intuit subscribers can also check QuickBooks solutions to scan and deposit checks into the program, eliminating the need to enter data manually.

Reporting:

QuickBooks Pro allows the user to create various reports related to finance, including expense, year-over-year income, trends, and forecasting documents. Additionally, these reports can be exported to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and sent via email.

User-friendly:

QuickBooks Pro is considered a user-friendly software for new user setup because it provides a virtual orientation. In addition, the vital features of QuickBooks can be activated by a single click of a button. It was observed that users find other accounting software challenging to use due to their complex functions. QuickBooks was designed so a user with little financial or accounting knowledge can easily understand it and use it to support business operations.

Integration:

QuickBooks can integrate information with other applications easily. With the help of Product details, data related to business expenses and incomes are recorded and integrated with other business management programs. For example, business owners can easily export data from QuickBooks and import it into tax preparation programs to file income taxes. With QuickBooks, it is easier to import data from different sources that can also be integrated with Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets.

Customization:

QuickBooks provides several ready-to-use templates specifically for business owners to create spreadsheets, invoices, business plans, and charts. QuickBooks is customizable software that enables users to customize invoices per business requirements efficiently. The user can add the company logo with brief information related to each line item, reconcile their invoices, and pay per due date.

Check Signing:

QuickBooks can assist if you sign lots of checks as a business owner. QuickBooks allows business owners first to scan and then upload signatures. These signatures will be used in the future to prepare business checks. Through QuickBooks, check signing is an automated process where users can write hundreds of checks each month and sign them in a more accessible and simpler way.

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.

You must be familiar with paying the necessary amount each month while your credit card debt rises like foam, and you need to control your expenses on several cards. Try to follow these tips to reduce your debts.

First, eliminate the feeling of guilt

Credit card debt is the nightmare of many families. The average debt that a family in the United States has on credit cards is $7,400.
If the debt bothers you, you could stop taking the necessary steps to get out of it. It’s easy to say, “The debt reaches my neck; what else does a little more!” But if you correct your course now, you can achieve other financial goals, such as saving to buy a house or car or having a baby.

Leave all the cards at home, except one

In the same way that you would not put your money in five different bank accounts, you should not do it with your debt either. Put only one card in your wallet – the one with the most advantageous interest rates and payment conditions – and leave the others at home or, better yet, cut them off.
Using only one card allows you to give more account of what you spend, and if you tend to exceed the limit of what you can spend on your cards, using a single card will help you avoid significant damages.

Use your debit card

If you use the card when you lack money, get used to using the debit card (linked to your checking or checking account). You will avoid accumulating debt on your credit card, you will not receive monthly bills, and the money will come directly from your checking account, so consider twice before buying something.

Pay with punctuality

Suppose you pay late for your monthly fee. In the United States, the credit company will charge you a surcharge of $25 to $30. If you have three credit cards and you pay late twice a year (even if it’s the next day), you’ll end up paying up to $180 more per year; check the interest rates at the banks in your country.

Calculate well

The interest on credit cards ranges from 0% to 30% or more, so if you already have accumulated debt, you must know what interest rate you are paying. You will find this information in the small print of your monthly bill. If the information is confusing, call your credit company and speak with one of their representatives to explain all the details.

Reduce the interest of your current card

Some experts advise you to call your credit company and tell them you want to cancel your card to transfer your balance to another card with a lower interest rate. Sometimes, your company prefers to reduce your interest rate rather than lose you as a client, but this strategy is not entirely safe and only works if you have a good track record as a customer.

Get a card with a lower interest

Unless you are already paying the lowest market interest, you may want to transfer your balance to a card with a lower interest rate. However, beware of so-called introductory rates. They usually last four to six months and can go up to 30% or more. And if you pay behind schedule one of your monthly installments or go over the limit, the interest can shoot.

Beware of annual fees!

The credit companies that charge you an annual fee for the card might offer lower interest rates, but you must calculate if that counts towards you. For example, if your balance is about $1,000 a month at 6.9% interest, and apart from the debt, you must pay $50 a year to keep the card active, equivalent to having a 12% interest card without annual payment.
It is natural to get rid of your debts as soon as possible if you stick by these tips, you are sure to be free of that additional expense and start saving more for your future. 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.

There are many different investment options you can choose and maintain for life. Before investigating each possibility, you must first take into consideration one important factor that will impact your investment: the potential longevity of certain companies or industries. With this in mind, below are the most common investment options. 

Real Estate

Real estate investing often involves buying or financing a property, renting and maintaining it, then selling it to the next individual for a profit. If you do not trust other options and want to invest in something tangible or personal that keeps your investment in hand, then investing in real estate will be your best option. While real estate is a tangible asset, it is dependent on something intangible: the economy. 

Inflation and hyperinflation will impact your investment, so be cautious about selling your real estate investment during a favorable economic period.  

Vanguard Health Care Exchange-Traded Fund 

There are several reasons you should invest in the health care industry, primarily because healthcare will always be present in our lives and is a factor that most people prioritize. Similarly, the healthcare companies have the best chance of surviving economic downturns, so investing in the healthcare industry, as opposed to other stable and less likely to incur reorganization, will provide a reliable return. For instance, someone may choose to invest in an Energy Exchange-Traded Fund (EFT) or an energy fund that owns different types of energy stocks without a clear understanding of the future of the energy industry. The investor cannot predict future political policies or determine how oil and gas companies will be structured or restricted in twenty or thirty years. These factors can significantly impact the company or industry and negatively impact the Return on Investment (ROI). Likewise, examining the global pandemic of 2020 shows a significant negative impact on the global economy, yet health care was prioritized above anything else. Therefore, the health care industry has a lot of growth potential and offers a tremendous amount of stability. 

Gold

Like real estate, gold is a tangible asset. 

However, gold in the form of jewelry has its disadvantages, including safety and the high cost, including making charges. Making charges for jewelry generally range between 7-15% of the total price of gold and can increase more than 25% in the case of special design. However, there is still an option for those who want to purchase and invest in gold. 

Many banking sectors are selling gold in different formats, including paper gold. Paper gold investment is more lucrative and can be done with the help of Exchange-Trade Funds. Buying and selling different investments occurs on the stock exchange with gold as the underlying asset, making it valuable. You can also invest in gold through gold mutual funds. Investing in gold is a risk-free investment in which you have authority over the holding.

Conclusion 

Investments are a serious matter that takes tremendous research and monitoring. Before choosing any single option, analyze the risk factors and benefits and the current political climate. Heed advice from experts to learn more about your preferred investment. Stay motivated because it can take time to see a return on your investments. Millions of investors like you once started from a single investment and are now enjoying profits. However, researching and committing to one investment does not mean that you cannot change your mind about investing or your chosen option. Feel free to scale up or down your investment or diversify accordingly. Investing can be risky but can also be worth it if you monitor and wait patiently for a return.  

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.

If you are still in your student stage, a thousand things are among your concerns, from getting good grades, thinking about jobs you can find once you graduate. You may worry about getting enough money to have the quality of life you desire. The last thing that might go through your head is to build a credit history.

Credit history benefits

However, your future depends on whether you have a good credit history from getting an apartment, buying a car, or starting a family. Having a credit history is essential, and what better to start building when you are still young. 

Below we mention the benefits of starting as soon as possible with the construction of the credit history.

Independence

Once you graduate and think about starting your life independently from your parents’ house, you will undoubtedly have to rent an apartment. It is the easiest and cheapest option. The requirements to rent an apartment can be straightforward. Still, owners prioritize people who already have a credit history and, of course, a positive one. Otherwise, you may need to request the help of a guarantee or even your parents to help with the process. Which does not help with independence?

Buying a car

Buying a car is an expense that you cannot solve so quickly. That is why people use financings, such as loans or credits. The companies and banks that offer this type of financing will undoubtedly review your credit history. Your chances of getting financing increase when you have a credit history.

Funding for studies

If your plans include specializing a little more when you finish your studies, this will not be cheap. While you can seek scholarships from the government or sponsorships from an employer, you still must pay a good amount of money. For that option, you can apply for a student loan. Credit history is crucial for a financial institution to consider granting it.

Get credit cards

Having a credit card is not a sign that he has grown and is now an adult. However, once you are an adult, you can get credit cards. There you can prove your maturity, how you manage and control your expenses. It is easier to get a credit card if you already have a credit history. It can be instrumental in starting to build a heritage.

Even so, our recommendation is to get a primary credit card and a low credit line. If you still do not have a lot of income or even stable employment, you cannot acquire debts that way.

As a student, it can be challenging to build credit history. There are options, from hiring a mobile phone plan in your name to getting a student credit card. The latter has low-interest rates and credit lines.

Payment automation

There are activities for one student. That is why they cannot afford the excessive need for credit card payments. Credit card payment affects your credit score, and a single mistake can lead to a heavy load of courses. Ask your credit card issuer to eliminate the payment amount on the due date of every month. It should exceed the minimum payment. In this way, you can make foolproof all your payments. As a result, you will have enough money in your tracking account to cover the expense of a credit card. 

Maintain a sound payment record

Keep up your credit card payment as an essential factor to build your credit score. If you want to know the responsibility level of your credit card usage, you should calculate your credit score. It must be up to 35%, and as a result, you can buy anything that you can pay off quickly. If you purchase high-priced tickets, you will not have enough resources to buy anything else. Think or plan with thinking of repayment before buying anything. Pay all your bills regularly to make a good score. Otherwise, a noticeable dent in your poor credit score will leave a dark mark on your credit report for seven to ten years. As a result, you will not apply for another loan during this time duration.

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.

Unlock The Value Of Your Home: Mortgage For A Loan

Using your mortgage house for loan purposes allows homeowners to access cash by leveraging their home’s equity through cash-out refinancing, home equity loans, or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). These financing options let you borrow against the value you’ve built in your property, typically up to 80% of your home’s appraised value, providing funds for major expenses, debt consolidation, or investment opportunities.

I’ve guided thousands of small business owners through complex financial decisions over the past two decades at Complete Controller, and I can tell you that strategic use of home equity can transform both personal and business finances. By the end of Q2 2024, total homeowner equity across the United States reached a record $35 trillion, with the aggregate value of homes surpassing $48 trillion. This article reveals exactly how to unlock that value safely and strategically, walking you through qualification requirements, cost analysis, and strategic applications that align with your long-term financial goals.

What does it mean to use your mortgage for loan purposes?

• Using your mortgage for a loan means accessing cash by borrowing against your home’s equity through refinancing or secondary financing
• Cash-out refinancing replaces your existing mortgage with a larger loan, giving you the difference in cash
• Home equity loans provide a lump sum at fixed rates while keeping your original mortgage intact
• Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) work like credit cards, letting you draw funds as needed at variable rates
• Most lenders allow borrowing up to 80% of your home’s appraised value minus existing mortgage debt

Understanding Your Home Equity Options

Your home represents more than just shelter—it’s a financial asset that can provide access to substantial capital when you need it most. U.S. homeowners with mortgages gained an average of $4,100 in equity during 2024, with the average borrower having $303,000 in home equity by year-end.

Three primary methods exist for accessing this equity, each serving different financial needs and situations. The choice between cash-out refinancing, home equity loans, and HELOCs depends on factors including your current mortgage rate, credit profile, and intended use of funds.

Cash-out refinancing fundamentals

Cash-out refinancing involves replacing your existing mortgage with a new, larger loan and receiving the difference in cash. This comprehensive approach to accessing home value requires going through a complete mortgage application process, including income verification, credit checks, and home appraisal.

The mechanics work straightforwardly: if your home appraises for $500,000 and you currently owe $300,000, you could potentially access up to $100,000 in cash while maintaining an 80% loan-to-value ratio. The new mortgage pays off your existing loan entirely, leaving you with one monthly payment at current market rates.

Home equity loans as second mortgages

Home equity loans function independently of your primary mortgage, providing a lump sum at closing with fixed monthly payments. Current home equity loan rates average 7.96%, which remains historically moderate compared to mortgage rates in the 1980s that peaked at 18.45%.

These second mortgages maintain your existing mortgage terms while adding a separate monthly payment. The fixed-rate structure provides payment predictability, making budgeting straightforward for major expenses like home improvements or debt consolidation.

Home equity lines of credit flexibility

HELOCs offer maximum flexibility through revolving credit secured by your home. Rather than receiving a lump sum, you gain access to a credit line drawable during a 10-year draw period, with current HELOC rates averaging 8.27%.

Interest rates vary with market conditions, and many lenders require only interest payments during the draw period. After the draw period ends, the 20-year repayment phase begins, requiring principal and interest payments on the outstanding balance.

Qualification Requirements and Financial Considerations

Successfully accessing home equity requires meeting specific lender criteria that protect both borrowers and the financial system. Standards have tightened significantly since the housing crisis, with most lenders requiring minimum credit scores of 620 and stable income documentation.

Your debt-to-income ratio plays a crucial role in approval decisions. Lenders calculate DTI by dividing total monthly debt payments by gross monthly income, preferring ratios below 43% for home equity financing.

Credit score and income requirements

Credit scores above 740 typically secure the best rates, with a 100-point difference potentially saving thousands over the loan term. Lenders evaluate your entire credit profile, examining payment history, credit utilization, and recent inquiries.

Income stability matters equally, with lenders requiring two years of consistent employment. Self-employed borrowers face additional scrutiny, needing comprehensive documentation, including tax returns and profit statements, to demonstrate reliable income streams.

Property value and equity position

Your home’s current market value determines available equity for borrowing. Professional appraisals establish this value, though having recent comparable sales data strengthens your position during the process.

Most lenders limit combined loan-to-value ratios to 80%, meaning your total mortgage debt cannot exceed 80% of your home’s appraised value. Some lenders offer higher ratios for exceptional credit profiles, though these typically carry higher interest rates.

The Home Equity Access Process Step-by-Step

Navigating home equity financing requires understanding each stage from application through closing. The process typically takes 15 to 45 days, depending on loan type and borrower complexity.

Initial applications trigger soft credit checks for preliminary rate quotes without affecting credit scores. Once you select a lender and proceed, hard credit inquiries and property appraisals begin the formal underwriting process.

Documentation and underwriting

Comprehensive documentation forms the foundation of successful applications. Income verification requires recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, two years of tax returns, and bank statements showing asset reserves.

Property documentation includes your deed, current mortgage statements, insurance information, and tax records. Underwriters verify all information while ensuring loans meet lender guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Closing and fund disbursement

The closing process mirrors your original mortgage experience, involving numerous documents and transferring or establishing loan obligations. Three days before closing, you’ll receive a Closing Disclosure detailing all terms and costs.

Cash-out refinancing proceeds typically arrive at closing or within days afterward. Home equity loans provide immediate lump sums, while HELOCs establish credit lines accessible through checks or transfers.

Strategic Uses and Cost Management

Home equity usage patterns have shifted significantly—in 2024, 39% of borrowers used home equity loans for debt consolidation compared to just 25% in 2022. This trend reflects changing financial priorities and the appeal of consolidating high-interest debt at lower rates.

Andy Payne, a 62-year-old NHS worker, exemplifies strategic equity use. When his interest-only term expired, he faced a $40,000 mortgage shortfall. He secured a lifetime mortgage at 6.63%, allowing him to stay home while managing affordable monthly payments of $333.

Business investment considerations

Business owners often consider home equity for expansion capital, but this strategy requires careful evaluation. Established businesses with proven revenue streams benefit most from home equity financing’s lower rates compared to business loans.

Mixing personal and business finances through home equity creates risks that demand thorough planning. Success requires clear separation of funds, documented business plans, and contingency strategies protecting your primary residence.

Long-term financial planning

Strategic equity access aligns with comprehensive financial planning rather than short-term needs. Consider how additional payments affect retirement planning, emergency funds, and future housing transitions.

Families planning education expenses or major life changes benefit from structured approaches matching loan terms to anticipated needs. Creating detailed budgets incorporating new payment obligations prevents overextension while maximizing equity benefits.

Conclusion

Accessing your home’s equity through mortgage financing opens doors to significant financial opportunities when approached strategically. Whether choosing cash-out refinancing, home equity loans, or HELOCs, success depends on matching the right product to your specific needs while maintaining long-term financial stability.

Your home represents both shelter and financial resource—use it wisely to build the future you envision. Contact the experts at Complete Controller for personalized guidance on leveraging your home equity alongside comprehensive financial planning that protects your interests while maximizing opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using a Mortgage for a Loan

What’s the difference between a home equity loan and cash-out refinancing?

 Home equity loans add a second mortgage to your existing loan with separate monthly payments, while cash-out refinancing replaces your entire mortgage with a new, larger loan. Home equity loans preserve your current mortgage rate, but cash-out refinancing might offer lower overall rates since it’s a primary mortgage.

How much equity do I need to qualify?

Most lenders require at least 20% equity in your home after the new loan, meaning you can typically borrow up to 80% of your home’s appraised value minus existing mortgage debt. Some lenders offer higher loan-to-value ratios for exceptional credit profiles.

Can I use home equity loan funds for any purpose?

Yes, you can use home equity loan proceeds for any purpose, including debt consolidation, home improvements, education expenses, or business investments. However, mortgage interest deductibility depends on how you use the funds, with home improvements typically qualifying for deductions.

How long does it take to get approved for home equity financing?

The approval process typically takes 15 to 45 days from application to closing, depending on loan type and complexity. Cash-out refinancing generally takes longer than home equity loans or HELOCs due to more extensive underwriting requirements.

What happens if home values decline after I access equity?

If home values decline, you could owe more than your home’s worth, limiting future refinancing options. This risk makes conservative borrowing important—maintaining at least 20% equity provides a buffer against market fluctuations while preserving financial flexibility.

Sources

• Unison. “2024 Home Equity Report.” Chua, Jian Tong and Xu, Winfield. 2 December 2024.
• Scotsman Guide. “Homeowners gained $4100 in equity in 2024.” 13 March 2025.
• Experian. “Home Equity Rates: HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan.” 12 August 2025.
• Bankrate. “Mortgage Rate History: 1970s To 2025.” 31 July 2025.
• Equity Release Council. “Devoted single dad and NHS worker uses equity release to pay off his mortgage.” 17 July 2024.
• Mortgage Bankers Association. “HELOC/Home Equity Loan Volume Increased 7.2 Percent in 2024.” Walsh, Marina. 28 July 2025.
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. www.consumerfinance.gov
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. www.hud.gov
• Wikipedia. “Mortgage.” www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortgage
• Complete Controller Blog. www.completecontroller.com/BLOG
• Complete Controller. “How to Manage Your Credit Responsibly.” www.completecontroller.com/how-to-manage-your-credit-responsibly
• Complete Controller. “5 Reasons Why Borrowing Money is Better Than Giving Up the Equity.” www.completecontroller.com/5-reasons-why-borrowing-money-is-better-than-giving-up-the-equity

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. Reviewed By: Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.

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Bookkeeping is an essential and central part of every type of business. At the same time, effective and efficient bookkeeping practices are the key to a successful long-term business. So, business owners should not take it lightly. Bookkeeping accurately shaped the financial accounting record and made the owners of the risk associated with the business accounts.
While in the initial stages of the business, complex bookkeeping and accounting processes are not necessary as business receipts, and other functions at the initial stage are slow, and only a few transactions occur. But it doesn’t mean you don’t need to maintain your accounting record in the business book. Enforce bookkeeping practices from the start so that your business is always ready for audit. At the end of the accounting year, the bookkeeper will update the company’s financial statement.
It plays a vital role when an owner needs to raise capital and needs investors for the business. Updated and maintained financial records help get the investors’ attention and trust in your company to invest.
Aside from accurate accounting records and getting into investors’ good lists, bookkeeping also helps in budgeting, enabling you to assess financial assets and expenses in business. Filling taxes on the earnings and managing cash inflows and outflows becomes easy with efficient bookkeeping practices.
To learn the best bookkeeping practices to avoid risk and protect your business from financial accounting threats. Here, we have pro bookkeeping tips; make sure you read them with your full attention.

Employee A Professional Bookkeeper

Hire the right person for the right job. It means hiring an accountant who knows better about the bookkeeping of financial accounting and knows how to maintain day-to-day transaction records to avoid any risk.
You may also outsource a professional bookkeeper to check the accuracy of the account as they are experienced in the bookkeeping of business-related accounts and have excellent knowledge of how to protect the business from financial risk and bankruptcy.
A well-trained accountant should be a priority, as accounting software is hard to operate and maintain; only trained people with updated knowledge can handle and use this software. So, make sure you won’t take a risk by giving bookkeeping work to anyone who is not the right person for this job. It can be a riskier decision for your business which you may not afford.

Keep An Eye on Day-To-Day Transactions

Record daily (routine-based) transactions in your business and make it a habit. Record each transaction at the correct time, date, and valid entry. Scan the receipts in bookkeeping software to the server and create a file of receipts to avoid any uncertain conditions.
Recording of timely entered transaction data will help you make an interim or annual financial statement on time for taxation, as well as helps in auditing business accounts.
Check every week that your accountant keeps and systematically records the transactions and matches these with invoices/receipts. Otherwise, it will be a blunder that is sometimes impossible to bear.

Separate Your Business Account from your Personal

Don’t try to have the same bank account for business and personal purposes. It would only be difficult for the owner. It will be even more difficult for an accountant to manage business invoices of client payments and reporting of financial statements, especially during tax deductions. Putting your business finance at risk cannot be mitigated by the best accounting software.
For the protection of your business from risk. Have separate accounts, use business accounts only for business activities, go for different debit/credit cards, and have individual ATM cards. These will help you cope with your personal and business expenses, and you can quickly assess them.

Updated Accounting Software

One of the most critical elements is to protect your business from unwelcome risks. Don’t hesitate to invest in good and updated bookkeeping or accounting software. However, anyone can use accounting software with little knowledge. This software does not always require an accountant. But to avoid even little mistake, this software should be operated by a knowledgeable accountant who knows how to use it correctly and update it from time to time. But keep in mind a computer accounting software expert should complete the initial installation and setup.
Hence, integrate with automatic analytical calculation; it also checks the accuracy of transactions, matches the receipts/invoices with the correct transaction, and updates you on the business’s financial health. 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.

Your image is your guarantee to your clients. It’s what they are anticipating from you when purchasing your merchandise or administrations. Estimating is similarly critical to mark the value as different differentiators. One cost capacity is that it passes on a quality message and, accordingly, can impact the theoretical spot your image takes in the objective shopper’s brain.

The monopolist’s benefit boosts the yield level by comparing its negligible income with its nominal cost, which is a similar benefit amplifying condition that a severe firm uses to decide its harmony level of yield. For sure, the state that the minor income equivalent negligible expense utilizes to determine the benefit amplifies the status of the yield of each firm, paying little mind to the market structure in which the firm is working. To decide the use of expanding the output level, the monopolist should enhance its data about the market request and costs with information on its creation expenses for various degrees of yield.

Organizations that offer worldwide customers or sell their items all-inclusive should conclude how to value their things in each market. Purchase force, needs, and inclinations vary among nations. Thus, eagerness to pay for a given item or administration; evaluating research must be directed for each market to boost benefit.

The past decade has witnessed a drastic change in technological development, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. From the advent of social media to the magical works of AI, the world has come a long way. Moreover, with the advances in data storage in the golden age of analytics, business owners can play with many innovative features.

However, if you wish to embark on the technological transformations based on massive data, you must build powerful analytics to acquire game-changing insights. Below, we discuss how to enhance your returns by using data concepts.

The Establishment of a Business-Linked Data Strategy

These days most large-scale organizations have begun to gain valuable insights from the data reserves. On the other hand, some businesses have their data strategy designed for better business results.

However, data scientists need to focus on the fundamental elements of creating a robust data-based architecture to develop consistently in the data initiatives. Their projects should showcase the value in the earlier stages of their development and use data insights to guide the project towards successful implementation.

Developing Data Ecosystems

Data ecosystems are a popular choice among business owners, who prefer instilling it as a critical aspect of their data strategies. Although most companies purchase external data from numerous resources, a few built solid partnerships to develop data-enriched products.

It would be best not to forget that the days of slow internet connection are long gone, especially when the concept of 5G comes into the picture. Thus, leaders must improve their overall data repositories and develop data-centric environments to ensure that business operations perform efficiently.

Investing in New Innovations

Efficiency is within your grasp as we surpass the old days of manual coding and installation into the plug-and-play concepts. Moreover, business owners can speed up their data processes efficiently with different technological innovations such as cloud platforms, machine learning, AI, etc.

 There are various prebuilt algorithms present, which you can use; hence, saving time and costs on developing new models. While with the help of cloud platforms, you can effectively train your employees on the adopted models.

All in all, most organizations are well and truly ahead in incorporating data for a more data-centric enterprise. Nonetheless, to maximize their return with data, they need to focus on adopting innovative out-of-the-box solutions. Moreover, they also need to align their newfound strategies with their business operations for long-term success.

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.

When you consent to accomplish something, individuals by and large anticipate that you should do it—however, can you commit? When at least two gatherings go to an understanding with no composed documentation, they make a verbal understanding (referred to officially as an oral agreement). The authority of these verbal understandings can be somewhat of a hazy situation for individuals who aren’t acquainted with contract law.

Most verbal agreements are legitimately authoritative. As a rule, it’s ideal for making a composed consent to keep away from questions.

For example, bosses, workers, and self-employed entities may think it’s priceless to archive the conditions of their understandings in an Employment Contract or Service Agreement. Albeit an oral understanding might be legitimately enforceable, it very well may be challenging to demonstrate in court.

Is the verbal contract legal? In other words, is the fact that you and your client have made an oral agreement on the provision of a service for a sum of money legally valid? Yes, it is just as legal as a contract drawn up in due form, but it is better to abstain if you want to avoid trouble. 

 Indeed, the verbal contract can bring its share of complications, and I will explain to you why.

Why is it a bad idea to use a verbal contract in business?

In business, when everything is beautiful and rosy, everything is fine, but when a disagreement appears, it spoils! If you only have a handshake as a token of trust, you may have regrets in the event of a conflict. When the action takes to force the fulfillment of obligations, the situation can quickly take on the appearance of a schoolyard such as “so-and-so said one and so-and-so said that.” Keep in mind that there is no proof of the agreement that was agreed without a contract. Written agreements serve as a reminder for both parties during a conflict, and it is easy to refer to them if necessary.

In general, a conflict arises when one of the parties is dissatisfied with the performance of the other party’s obligations. Without a written contract, one of the parties could claim a misinterpretation of the verbal agreement or even outright deny the facts. With a written contract, this type of situation minimizes. In the event of a dispute, you may have recourse to a third person, such as a lawyer, a notary, or a judge, who will be able to interpret your contract.

Never forget: “the words fly away, the writings stay.”

How to effectively manage a disagreement when you don’t have a written contract?

In the extreme, if you find yourself in court, the court could consider the parties’ actions. For example, you could prove that the other party started to provide service but stopped without reason. Or you could submit proof of partial payment showing that there was an agreement. Evidence of exchanges between the parties, including emails or text messages referring to your verbal agreement, would also be helpful.

Do you have witnesses? If a third person were present after the agreement, you would have a witness who could confirm the facts, hoping, however, that your witness is credible.

Without a verbal contract, the other party could go so far as to claim that there has never been an agreement or, worse, that they don’t know you! Imagine a client who claims never to have approved your workload or your fees. If this situation occurs, know that it would be up to you to prove the contrary. It will be your word against hers. Without any solid evidence, you have almost no recourse.

To conclude

To protect yourself and be professional, take the time to put on paper all the agreements you have with your customers, suppliers, and all your other business relationships. Gone are the days when a handshake is a contract. Opt for formal agreements in the form of a valid contract.

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.

Forensic accounting combines traditional accounting and auditing practices with investigative methods—this analyzes the finances of a company or an individual. Most importantly, forensic accounting is a set methodology that the court of law accepts, unlike other accounting practices. Therefore, individuals who conduct forensic accounting are well aware that it can either be challenged in the court of law or challenge the company in the court of law for fraudulent activities if any are found.

Why is Forensic Accounting Used?

Companies use traditional auditing practices for auditing financial accounts; forensic accounting comes into the picture when foul play is detected. Forensic accountants are trained professionals who know when to look beyond the finances and into the bigger picture. These individuals focus on the methods and practices to analyze how a company makes its funds. This form of accounting is helpful in cases where financial embezzlement and fraud are involved.

Skills Need for Forensic Accounting

There are a couple of skills beyond just studying and implementing set rules of practices when it comes to a forensic accountant. Forensic accountants are more like detectives. They need to be sharp, focused, and question almost everything right in front of them. To give you a clearer picture, here are some of the skills that are essential for forensic accounting:

Analytical Mindset

Every forensic accountant must have an analytical mindset and must analyze the situation carefully to conclude. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, developing analytical skills should be the primary consideration for forensic accountants since it plays a significant role in solving mysteries. When reviewing documents, interviewing people, and going through accounts, a forensic accountant’s analytical skills will help them draw a picture of the process and methods employed by a company to earn their income or get their funds.

Attention to Details

Like all detective jobs, even forensic accountants need to be detail-oriented. When reviewing accounts and financial data, the devil in the smallest of details, and forensic accountants know that very well. Minor irregularities in the reports can draw more significant fraudulent activities conducted by a company. The hidden nature of many fraudulent activities is why forensic accountants spend most of their time digging into the details of financial data. One discrepancy and they know they have solved the case!

People Management & Interrogation Skills

A forensic accountant is well aware that everyone is a suspect until proven innocent; this is where people management skills come into play. Forensic scientists are usually under much pressure from management and others, constantly trying to divert their focus from the case. It would be best never to lead them on; instead, they should know how to manipulate people into falling into the trap. Secondly, once several suspects emerge, the next step is to interrogate them for the crime. Since forensic accountants are not a legal entity, they know that they cannot pressure people. Instead, they play on their wits to talk people into admitting to their crimes. One piece of information at a time builds the larger picture of the case.

Problem Solving Skills

Last but not least, forensic accountants train to develop problem-solving skills since that is their primary job description. Spotting fraud is like finding a needle in a haystack, which is unachievable if the forensic accountant lacks well-developed problem-solving skills. It’s a puzzle that gets put together slowly, steadily, and one piece at a time.
Forensic accountants are trained professionals who are equipped with the skills and mindset to solve cases. Their only weapon in their arsenal is their skill set. The issues these accountants have to solve can range from corporate fraud to divorce settlements and the like. Therefore, their primary concern is to focus on the case and not be misled by the people involved. 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.