Bitcoin has become the most famous and popular form of cryptocurrency. The creation of this cryptocurrency has incorporated currency, technology, economics, social dynamics, and math. And though a lot has been learned about bitcoin cryptocurrency, there is still a lot more to learn about this form of payment.
The Bitcoin Backstory
In 2009, bitcoin was invented by a person who called himself Satoshi Nakamoto. Its invention created an electronic cash system that was 100% decentralized with no central authority or server. After two years of cultivating the technology, Nakamoto turned over the domains and source code to others in the bitcoin community and vanished.
What is bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a digital currency that has no printed bills or points. There is no government or banking institution, or other authority in control of bitcoin. Bitcoin’s main function is to connect buyers and sellers through encryption keys, mined through powerful supercomputers connected to the Internet.
How is bitcoin mined?
Those that mine bitcoin use record-keeping and advanced math in the process. When someone sends bitcoin to another user, the network records the transaction. It also records all others made during the same period of time in what is called a block. The miners inscribe these transactions into a gargantuan digital ledger. These blocks are known as the blockchain, an accessible record of all bitcoin transactions ever made.
Once the transactions are stored in the digital ledger, bitcoin miners use specialized software to convert these blocks into a hash code. These miners compete simultaneously with other minors, and only the one with the first hash gets paid. When a new hash is generated, it goes to the end of the blockchain and then publicly distributed. The successful miner who creates the hash is paid approximately 12.5 bitcoins, roughly worth $100,000.
What determines the value of a bitcoin?
The value of bitcoin is determined by what people pay for the bitcoin. This has been compared to how stocks are priced. Bitcoin is in more limited supply because when established in 2009, the creator dictated that only 21 million bitcoins can be mined. As of now, a little over 18 million bitcoins have been mined. Because Nakamoto disappeared, economic theories have been floated, but no one knows why he put this limit or chose 21 million. As the mining of bitcoin nears 21 million sense, the cost can fluctuate like a stock. The cost of bitcoin could be high.
How do I buy bitcoin?
First, you use a bitcoin platform and set up an account. Then you use your bank account or another accepted payment platform to deposit into a virtual wallet. Once your account is funded, you can use bitcoin in exchange for traditional currency.
To date, over 100,000 merchants accept bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as valid forms of payment. You can also sell it off when it increases in value and make a profit. Though bitcoin doesn’t have transactionfees, there are generally fees when you use an exchange to buy or sell.
What are the risks?
If you don’t use it immediately and hang onto it, the risks can be fairly high. Unlike the dollar, the bitcoin value can swing widely from day to day, so while the value may be great one day, it could be low the next day. Because there is complete anonymity and no way to trace users, buyers, and sellers, if there is hacking on an exchange site, bitcoin theft or fraud is possible. It is nearly impossible to recover losses because once the transaction is registered on the blockchain, it’s final and unchangeable.
Also, there is a question about whether you can trust exchanges. Even the more established ones have had issues with keeping up with demand and site outages. Therefore bitcoin can be deemed fairly risky.
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.
When it comes to hiring new employees for your business, there are several places you can look for qualified candidates. One of the best places to find qualified candidates is in the area of recent graduates. These candidates are entering the marketplace with a fresh perspective and attitude. Graduates are also looking to begin their long career after having spent time furthering their education.
Because graduates are coming in eager to do a great job and use their newly acquired knowledge, in many cases, they are the best candidates for the job. For this reason, getting these candidates to work for your business can be highly competitive. Besides salary and benefits, you need to offer these potential employees incentives they can’t get anywhere else. Here are six things you can do to help you successfully recruit recent graduates.
Training
While it is true that the recent graduate will have gone to school for many years, and you may not think they would want to learn more, they expect training specific to your business. Offering high-level training that is advanced and thorough will be key for retaining employees, especially graduates.
The graduate will hold a different standard for training since they have just graduated and are still education-minded. Their expectations will be set high when it comes to the training they receive on-the-job.
Advancement
Most candidates looking for a career will decide the company they work for based on advancement opportunities. If your company does not encourage growth and pursuit of opportunities, you may not attract recent graduates. This potential employee just spent anywhere from 4 to 8 years furthering their education with the idea that they would get opportunities to advance in their career within the company at which they work.
Flexibility
New graduates have a different perspective when it comes to work and work-life balance. Many employees, especially graduates, look for flexibility in the work environment and schedule. If you allow flexibility within the hours your business operates as far as to schedule, you will find employees that will be more productive and long-term. Graduates will be looking for a reason to work at your business, and flexibility will go a long way in helping them choose your business in which to work.
The Latest Technology
New graduates will generally be advanced when it comes to the latest technology. While it is understood that a business may not afford the latest technology, you should add it to your budget. You should be consistently ensuring that your company has the latest technology they can afford. Having outdated technology and equipment is good for everyone and should be a priority. One way to entice a new graduate as an employee could be to highlight all the technology your company offers.
Sense of Security
New graduates, especially those who have not been in the job market, are generally nervous about starting a new job and keeping it. To draw these candidates to your business, you need to offer them job security and growth. This can be done through a contract signed by both the employee and the employer, guaranteeing specific needs. These candidates also need to have confidence that your business will grow and thrive.
You should also be able to offer graduates competitive salaries, benefits packages, and bonuses. Having great compensation packages is another way you can offer job security.
Investments and Incentives
Many graduates are just looking at the future as far as their job is concerned. They are also looking at investments. If your company is publicly traded, you can offer your employees stock options. Owning shares in your company can be a way to entice candidates to work for your company instead of one that does not offer the opportunity to own shares.
To further attract new graduates, you could also offer tuition reimbursement. Student loans, after credit card debt, are the highest form of debt people have. Some graduates spend years paying back student loans. Therefore, if your company can afford tuition reimbursement, this would be a highly attractive incentive for a new graduate to work for your company.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Once you have filled out the application and your resume has been submitted, you may be called for an interview if you are qualified for the job. There are many things that you can do to prepare yourself for the perfect interview. This preparation will include appearance, behavior, etiquette, and knowledge. People make many mistakes when it comes to the job interview, which can cost them being hired. Here are four common mistakes candidates make in an interview and how to avoid them.
Arrival Time
When it comes to arriving for your interview, there is an arrival time sweet spot that is neither too early nor too late. While you never want to be late for an interview, you can also make the mistake of arriving too early. While arriving late can make you look irresponsible and unable to meet a schedule, arriving too early can make you look desperate. It can also make you look as though you’re trying too hard.
While it is agreed that when it comes to an interview, if you’re on time, you’re late, you should arrive no more than 15 to 20 minutes early. If you arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, you should wait in your vehicle or outside of the office until closer to your interview time.
Dress Code
When it comes to dressing for a job interview, you must dress to impress. Even if you are interviewing for a position that does not require business attire, you should wear business attire for your interview. If you don’t have business attire, there are a few ways you could obtain something to wear for the interview without spending a lot, if anything at all. You can borrow from a friend or family member, go shopping at a thrift store, or buy an outfit on sale.
The most important thing to remember when you’re dressing for your job interview is that you want to impress them from the moment they see you before you even open your mouth. This is your first impression, and if you are dressed inappropriately, they may not even continue the interview.
Using Devices
Even while waiting for your interview, you are often being observed. If your potential employer or interviewer observes you on your own or other devices, they may decide on your dedication without a single question being asked. The suggestion would be that you put your phone or device in airplane mode or, better yet, leave it in your car in a safe place.
The most important thing to remember is that you are there to interview for a job and you should do everything you can to make a positive impression. Being distracted by your phone can be a dealbreaker. In some cases, you may need to be reachable if you have children. However, even in those cases, you need to inform those caring for your children that you will be unavailable for a certain length of time and give them the timeframe. There is no good reason you have your device on for the period you will be interviewing.
Confidence
There is a fine line between being confident, being under-confident, and being overconfident. Being under-confident is the most common state that potential employees experience. This will often come across as nervousness, and most interviewers will understand to a certain level. However, if you come across as weak or incapable of overcoming your nerves, it can cost you the job.
On the other hand, you can easily go too far in the other direction. Being overly confident, bordering on cocky, or arrogant can be off-putting. The most important thing to remember when it comes to confidence is that you need to be yourself, and you need to show that you know you are right for the job without coming off as egotistical.
Conclusion
The purpose of an interview is not only to highlight your skills, which the interviewer and hiring staff can already see on your resume, but it is also how the interviewer determines what kind of employee you will be. So you must arrive slightly early, turn off or leave behind your devices, dressed to impress, and portray the right level of confidence so you can hear the words, “You got the job!”
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.
Master Disruptive Technology: 4 Essential Steps for Success
Introducing disruptive technology involves identifying market gaps where current solutions fall short, then leveraging emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, or IoT to create innovative business models that fundamentally transform how industries operate. Companies must execute a strategic four-step approach: identify unmet market needs, harness technological enablers, innovate business models, and scale sustainably to stay competitive in rapidly evolving markets.
In my 20+ years as CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed firsthand how businesses either thrive or falter when faced with technological disruption. The statistics are sobering—95% of new products fail, and only 35% of companies successfully achieve their digital transformation goals. Yet those who master the art of introducing disruptive technology, like Netflix which grew from DVD rentals to 302 million global subscribers, prove that strategic innovation creates extraordinary value. This article reveals the proven framework that separates the success stories from the cautionary tales, equipping you with actionable steps to transform your business through technological innovation.
What does “Introducing Disruptive Technology” mean?
Introducing disruptive technology means: identifying market gaps, leveraging emerging tech, creating new business models, and scaling innovations that fundamentally change how industries operate
Market gaps are unmet needs or underserved segments where existing solutions fall short of customer expectations
Emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT, or quantum computing serve as the foundation for creating revolutionary products and services
New business models monetize these innovations in ways that make them accessible and affordable to broader markets
Scaling innovations involves strategic growth that allows new solutions to challenge and eventually replace established industry players
Step 1: Identify Market Needs and Gaps
The foundation of successful disruption lies in recognizing problems that existing solutions fail to address adequately. Market gaps often hide in plain sight—customers accepting inconveniences because “that’s just how things work.” Smart disruptors spot these pain points and reimagine entire experiences.
Netflix exemplifies this principle perfectly. While Blockbuster dominated video rentals, customers silently endured late fees, limited selection, and trips to physical stores. Netflix identified these frustrations and eliminated them entirely through DVD-by-mail service, then streaming technology. The results speak volumes: Netflix generated $33.7 billion in revenue in 2023 and reached 302 million paid memberships by Q4 2024, while Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy in 2011.
Case study: Netflix’s market disruption
Netflix’s journey from startup to streaming giant demonstrates the power of addressing overlooked market needs:
Started with DVD-by-mail in 1997, eliminating late fees and store visits
Transitioned to streaming in 2007, pioneering on-demand entertainment
Invested in original content, becoming a production powerhouse
Achieved 42 million new subscribers between late 2023 and late 2024
Projects $43.5-$44.5 billion in revenue for 2025
The lesson: successful disruption starts with understanding what frustrates customers about current solutions, then reimagining the entire experience from scratch.
Step 2: Leverage Technological Enablers
Identifying problems creates opportunity; technology makes solutions possible. The most successful disruptors harness emerging technologies to deliver experiences previously considered impossible or impractical. Today’s technological enablers include artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things, machine learning, and cloud computing.
AI adoption illustrates this acceleration perfectly. In 2024, 78% of organizations reported using AI in at least one business function—a dramatic jump from 55% just one year earlier. Even more striking, 71% of organizations now regularly use generative AI for business operations. This 23-percentage-point increase in twelve months demonstrates how quickly competitive advantages shift when new technologies emerge.
Companies leveraging these enablers transform entire industries:
Uber used GPS and mobile technology to revolutionize transportation
Airbnb applied platform technology to disrupt hospitality
Tesla combined battery technology with software to transform automobiles
Square leveraged mobile devices to democratize payment processing
Step 3: Innovate Business Models
Technology alone doesn’t create disruption—the business model determines success. Disruptive companies reimagine how value gets created, delivered, and captured. They often start by serving overlooked market segments with “good enough” solutions at lower prices, then improve rapidly to challenge incumbents.
Amazon exemplifies business model innovation. Starting as an online bookstore in 1994, the company systematically reimagined retail through:
Successful business model innovation follows predictable patterns:
Start simple: Focus on one underserved segment or need
Price disruptively: Offer solutions at price points incumbents can’t match profitably
Iterate rapidly: Use customer feedback to improve faster than competitors
Expand strategically: Move upmarket gradually as capabilities improve
Create ecosystems: Build platforms that benefit from network effects
Step 4: Scale and Sustain Growth
Scaling disruptive innovation presents unique challenges. Only 26% of companies successfully move beyond proofs of concept to generate tangible value from new technologies. The gap between pilot success and scaled implementation often determines whether disruption succeeds or joins the 95% failure rate of new products.
Electric vehicles demonstrate both the potential and challenges of scaling disruption. In 2024, 17 million electric cars sold globally, representing over 20% of new car sales. First-quarter 2025 sales exceeded 4 million units—a 35% increase year-over-year. Yet this success required massive infrastructure investment, regulatory navigation, and consumer education campaigns.
Scaling best practices
Build incrementally: Test assumptions with small experiments before major investments
Monitor metrics obsessively: Track adoption rates, customer satisfaction, and unit economics
Adapt quickly: Pivot based on market feedback rather than defending original plans
Invest in capabilities: Develop skills and systems that support scaled operations
Partner strategically: Collaborate with others to accelerate market penetration
The stark reality: 17% of IT projects fail so catastrophically they threaten company survival. Success requires disciplined execution, not just bold vision.
Understanding Disruptive Innovation Theory
Clayton Christensen’s groundbreaking theory explains why established companies struggle against disruption. Incumbents focus on their most profitable customers, improving existing products incrementally. Disruptors target overlooked segments with simpler, more affordable solutions. Over time, these “inferior” products improve until they satisfy mainstream customers—but at lower prices with better convenience.
This pattern repeats across industries:
Photography: Kodak invented digital cameras in 1975 but protected film profits
Music: Record labels dismissed digital downloads until iTunes dominated distribution
Taxis: Traditional companies ignored app-based dispatch until Uber transformed transportation
Hotels: Major chains overlooked home-sharing until Airbnb created new markets
Key principles of disruption
Understanding these principles helps companies position themselves strategically:
Performance oversupply: Incumbents often exceed what customers actually need
New market footholds: Disruptors serve non-consumers or overlooked segments first
Asymmetric motivation: Incumbents lack incentive to pursue initially small markets
Technology enables new models: Innovations make previously impossible solutions viable
Value network shift: Success requires different metrics than incumbents use
Final Thoughts
Mastering disruptive technology demands more than purchasing new tools or following trends. Success requires systematic identification of market gaps, strategic leverage of technological enablers, creative business model innovation, and disciplined scaling execution. The companies transforming industries today—from Netflix’s entertainment dominance to Tesla’s automotive revolution—prove that this framework works when applied rigorously.
At Complete Controller, we’ve spent two decades helping businesses navigate technological change in financial services. We’ve seen companies struggle with outdated systems and watched others thrive through strategic innovation. The difference always comes down to approach—those who follow a structured path succeed where others fail.
Ready to transform your business through strategic innovation? Contact the experts at Complete Controller to discover how cloud-based financial solutions and expert guidance can position your company at the forefront of industry disruption. Visit Complete Controller to start your transformation journey today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Introducing Disruptive Technology
What exactly qualifies as disruptive technology versus regular innovation?
Disruptive technology fundamentally changes how entire industries operate by offering simpler, more affordable, or more convenient solutions that eventually replace existing products or services. Regular innovation improves existing products incrementally, while disruption creates entirely new markets or value networks. Think streaming versus better DVDs—one improved the existing model, the other replaced it entirely.
How long does it typically take for disruptive technology to transform an industry?
Industry transformation through disruption typically takes 5-15 years from introduction to mainstream dominance, though this timeline is accelerating with digital technologies. Netflix took 14 years from founding to surpass Blockbuster’s peak revenue, while smartphone adoption transformed multiple industries in under a decade. The speed depends on factors like infrastructure requirements, regulatory barriers, and consumer adoption rates.
What are the biggest mistakes companies make when trying to introduce disruptive technology?
The most common mistakes include focusing on technology without understanding market needs, trying to compete directly with incumbents instead of targeting overlooked segments, scaling too quickly before proving the model, and underestimating the resources required for market education and infrastructure development. Companies also often fail by not creating sustainable business models that can survive the long path to profitability.
Can established companies successfully introduce disruptive technology, or is it only for startups?
Established companies can absolutely introduce disruptive technology, but they must overcome internal resistance and conflicting priorities. Success requires creating separate divisions with different metrics, accepting initially lower margins, and protecting new ventures from corporate antibodies. IBM’s shift to services and Microsoft’s cloud transformation prove incumbents can disrupt themselves when leadership commits fully to change.
How can small businesses identify opportunities for disruptive innovation in their industries?
Small businesses should look for customer complaints about complexity, high costs, or inconvenience in existing solutions. Focus on segments that industry leaders ignore as “too small” or “unprofitable.” Listen for phrases like “I wish I could…” or “Why can’t someone just…” from potential customers. Then explore whether emerging technologies could address these needs in radically simpler or more affordable ways than current options.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
Women’s demographics have changed a lot over the years, and women are strongly represented in corporate America. In recent years women are emerging as key competitors in areas of business heavily dominated by men. Many women are holding these jobs and continuing to change the global corporate landscape.
With the emergence of more women entrepreneurs and innovators, the economybenefits from more women taking ownership of both business and family finances. While women are continuing to find equality in the workplace and corporate America, they are continuing to embrace their differences in their approach to business, economics, and life.
Women tend to be more thoughtful and compassionate by nature and more intuitive. These qualities are a significant advantage when it comes to planning for the future and finances. Because of these instincts and key differences, you should be mindful of some things when financial planning if you are a woman.
Let Go of the Baggage
Every person that has worked has made financial mistakes. Some mistakes are larger than others, but all can be overcome. The most important thing for women to keep in mind when a financial mistake is made is that it is no indication of incompetence. The most intelligent people can make a crucial mistake when making financial decisions and moves. If a mistake is made, correct it, overcome it, and let it go.
Take Money Lessons to Heart
Whether the money lessons come from your own experiences with money management or they come from observing others handling money, it is important to pay attention to money management lessons no matter where they originated. These lessons could be from observing your parents handling money and taking on their methods or rejecting their mistakes and not repeating them in your adult life.
No matter where these lessons come from, it is important that you take them to heart and adjust accordingly.
Recognize Your Motivation
Money itself is a financial motivator; however, it alone will not sustain the momentum of motivation. You need to take inventory of your financial goals, discover your motivations, and use them to drive economic growth through financial planning. The more motivation you can discover, the more reasons you will have to grow financially, ultimately leading to other successes.
Remember What You Value
While shopping and spending money on non-essential luxury items is fun, it usually brings no real value to your life other than temporary happiness. When you are financially planning, you need to consider what you value financially and in life. If we place value on items over health, financial stability, and loved ones, we are undervaluing what is important. Set priorities both financially and in other aspects of your life.
Consider How Others Impact Your Finances
Women, by nature, often put everyone else’s needs before their own. This natural behavior can sometimes lead to others in our lives, having an impact on our finances. In some cases, like caring for an incapacitated loved one or an elderly parent are unavoidable additional financial burdens that cannot be avoided, nor should they be. However, sometimes we prioritize others over ourselves financially and prevent them from overcoming their own financial struggles. There is a fine line between charity and enabling when it comes to our loved ones and finances.
Understand Risks
Because women have a longer life expectancy and generally a lower income and, therefore, lower retirement savings, they may have to assess risks differently than men. High risk equals high yield, and women will need to put this to the test to push the limits on income currently and retirement savings.
Conclusion
When women are financially planning the present and the future, they must understand the differences between men and women regarding approaching finances. These differences mean that you will need to adjust your planning to have financial freedom and a secure financial future as a woman.
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.
Deciding to sell your small business and going through with it can be a daunting and complex venture. You will need to enlist professionals such as an accountant, a business attorney, and a sales broker. You need to keep in mind several considerations when embarking on the sale of your business, such as the strength of the business, the reasons you are selling, and the business structure. Here are six essential steps to selling your small business to ensure the sale is a profitable success.
Reason for the Sale
Some may wonder why the reason for the sale is important to the success of the sale of your business. You will need to participate in the sale and convince potential buyers that they will enjoy your business. If you identify your reason for the sale, you can first ensure you want to sell your business, and second, identify and adjust your attitude towards the sale as needed.
For example, if you are selling because you are retiring, there could be a family issue if you have family members who want it. Or, if you are selling because of partnership disputes, there could be legal issues when it comes to the sale of your portion of the business. Identifying the reason for the sale will determine how you proceed or if you truly want to proceed.
Timing of the Sale
If you are considering selling your business, you need to prepare for the sale as far ahead of time as you can. There can be areas of the business that need to be dealt with that could make or break a sale, so you can resolve the issues if you have plenty of preparation time. When it comes to the sale’s timing, certain times of year are better, just as with real estate sales.
Depending on your business type, the timing of the sale of your business could be important. Of course, if you are selling due to a sudden life change, you may not consider the timing or have a lot of time to prepare or ensure the market is good.
Business Appraisal
It will be vital that you determine the value of your business to sell it. To determine this, you will need to hire a business appraiser. The appraiser will consider several factors to ascertain the worth such as:
Net profit
Growth trends
Website traffic (if significant to your business model)
Age of business
Online and offline sales network
Business model
Niche
Competitors
Company assets
Once the value is determined, the appraiser will explain the value in detail and certify it. This will help calculate the pricing of the business for the sale.
Hire a Broker
While selling your business on your own can save you money on commissions, hiring a broker specializing in business sales is a better idea regardless of the cost. Hiring a broker can help with the sale process while you focus on running the business. Hiring a broker can maximize the price of the sale by taking on advertising and negotiations.
Since there are costs involved beyond commissions when hiring a broker, you must keep great communication with the broker. Before the sale process begins, you should set expectations and a budget for advertising and other costs.
Preparing Documents
Some documents will be important to include in an information packet that potential buyers can review and know what is included and business operations. These documents will help the potential buyer determine if your business is something they want to purchase. This packet should include the following:
Financial statements and tax records
A list of equipment included in the sale
A list of vendors, suppliers, and other essential contacts
Operations Manual
The latest business plan
The latest budget
Finding a Buyer
Selling a business is generally not a quick venture, often taking anywhere from six months to two years to complete. The reason for this challenge is that finding the right buyer for the business can be difficult. If you have hired a business broker, they will be the expert on where and how to find your buyer. However, if you are taking on selling your business on your own, you need to make sure your ads include the following:
The location of the business
Number of employees
A brief history of the business
The mission statement of the business
The geographicadvantages of the business
The net income of the business
Contact information, social media handles, and the business website address
Once you have created your business-for-sale ad, several websites are dedicated to the sale of businesses. Investors are constantly using these sites to find new business ventures. If your small business is brick and mortar, you can go the traditional route and put a for sale sign in the window or front of the location and distribute flyers in the area.
You can also do some research online and find buyers looking to expand into your area. There is a multitude of avenues online you can take to find your buyer.
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.
Our founder, Jennifer Brazer, sat down with Dr. T on Expert Exchange. Dr. T wanted to discuss so much because Jennifer is a strong, fierce woman entrepreneur, and Dr. T has an online network for fierce female entrepreneurs; Innovate Her Business Community. This is where business education meets social networking. These women sat and discussed everything about starting an empire as a strong woman!
During this conversation, Dr. T and Jennifer chatted about so much including how Jennifer started Complete Controller, where she sees a need for cloud companies, maintaining records and finances, and so much more! One of our favorite takeaways was Jennifer’s points on establishing business functions to progress towards financial stability.
Finances are everything! When it comes to business, without financial stability, your business won’t last. So, what is the top thing that helps a business contribute to a company’s financial sustainability? The answer; Bootstrapping!
How is bootstrapping the answer? Simple…
Creating a foundation for your business where you can discern, early on, where the greatest impact of each dollar will be.
Understand foundational concepts. If I hire this person, how are they making me more efficient? Bringing in revenue? How are they making or saving me money? Otherwise, they are unnecessary.
Hiring specialists as an entrepreneur is essential. You can’t be everywhere all the time, and this can get in the way of efficiency. This allows you to focus where you need to while allowing other areas of your business to flourish.
If you want to learn more about Dr. T and the Innovate Her Business Community, go to the website! To see the full episode of Expert Exchange with Jennifer Brazer, check out the YouTube video!
Start your Empire the right way; learn from the best!
Smart Low-Risk Investments for Safe Growth Opportunities
Low-risk investments are financial products that prioritize the safety of your principal while still providing modest returns, making them ideal for those looking to grow their money securely without exposure to significant volatility. Options like high-yield savings accounts, CDs, Treasury securities, and diversified index funds offer stability and are well-suited for both cautious beginners and seasoned investors seeking a defensive foundation.
As the founder of Complete Controller, I’ve spent over 20 years guiding businesses across every sector through volatile markets and economic uncertainty. What I’ve learned is that financial security doesn’t mean settling for zero growth—it means making strategic choices that protect your capital while capturing meaningful returns. In this guide, I’ll share proven low-risk strategies that have helped my clients build wealth steadily, including how high-yield savings accounts now offer up to 5% APY, why Series I Bonds provide guaranteed inflation protection at 4.03%, and which Treasury securities deliver the best risk-adjusted returns in today’s market.
What are smart low-risk investments for safe growth opportunities?
Low-risk investments are savings tools and financial products that protect your principal and offer steady, often modest, returns
They include high-yield savings, CDs, Treasury securities, inflation-protected bonds, money market funds, and select conservative stock funds
These investments are ideal for cautious investors, those approaching retirement, or anyone prioritizing stability
Returns typically trail higher-risk options but provide peace of mind and needed liquidity
Building a balanced portfolio of low-risk investments can shield against market downturns and support both short- and long-term financial goals
Understanding Low Risk Investments: What Really Counts as “Safe”?
A low-risk investment protects your principal from loss while providing predictable returns through government backing, insurance protection, or highly diversified holdings. The critical distinction lies between market risk and inflation risk—while FDIC-insured accounts protect every dollar up to $250,000, they face purchasing power erosion when inflation exceeds interest rates.
Consider this reality: when inflation runs at 3% annually but your savings account yields 1%, you’re effectively losing 2% of purchasing power each year despite never losing a dollar of principal. Smart investors balance these competing risks by combining truly safe assets like Treasury securities with inflation-hedged options like I Bonds.
Key features of low-risk investments
Liquidity (ease of accessing your funds)
Return versus Inflation (protecting purchasing power)
Transparency (clear terms and conditions)
Tax Treatment (some gains may be tax-advantaged)
2025’s Best Low-Risk Investments for Beginners and Cautious Investors
High-yield savings and money market accounts
FDIC-insured high-yield savings accounts currently offer rates up to 5% APY through online banks, providing complete principal protection with daily access to funds. Money market funds add slightly higher returns by investing in short-term government securities and corporate debt while maintaining next-day liquidity.
Certificates of deposit (CDs)
Banks guarantee both your principal and interest rate for the CD’s term, with current rates reaching 4.2% for 12-month terms. The trade-off for guaranteed returns is reduced liquidity—early withdrawal penalties typically equal three months of interest.
A CD ladder strategy maximizes both yield and access by staggering maturity dates. For example, dividing $50,000 across five CDs maturing annually provides yearly access to $10,000 plus interest while capturing higher long-term rates.
Treasury securities & series I savings bonds
U.S. Treasury bills, notes, and bonds carry the government’s full faith and credit guarantee, making them the global standard for safety. Current 10-year Treasury yields hover near 4.11%, providing predictable income streams.
Series I Bonds offer unique inflation protection with a current composite rate of 4.03%—combining a fixed 0.90% rate locked for the bond’s life plus an inflation adjustment updated twice yearly.
Fixed annuities and insurance products
Insurance companies guarantee specific payment amounts for defined periods or life, providing retirees with predictable income streams immune to market volatility. While not FDIC-insured, major insurers like New York Life maintain AAA credit ratings from independent agencies.
Diversified bond funds and index funds
Bond index funds spread risk across hundreds of individual bonds, reducing single-issuer exposure while professional managers handle duration and credit quality decisions. Conservative equity index funds focusing on dividend-paying blue chips add growth potential while limiting volatility through broad diversification.
Robo-advisors and automated diversification
Digital advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront automatically allocate and rebalance portfolios based on your risk tolerance and time horizon. Low fees averaging 0.25% annually make professional portfolio management accessible for accounts as small as $500.
Building Your Safety Net: How to Mix Security, Liquidity, and Growth
Start with an emergency fund holding 3-6 months of expenses in high-yield savings for immediate access during crises. Research shows 46% of Americans lack adequate emergency reserves, forcing them into high-interest debt when unexpected expenses arise.
Layer your approach by combining:
40% in liquid accounts (high-yield savings and money markets)
35% in short-term fixed income (CDs and Treasury bills)
25% in inflation-protected assets (I Bonds and TIPS)
Time horizons drive allocation decisions—keep funds needed within two years in savings or short-term CDs, while money earmarked for 3-10 year goals can capture higher yields through Treasury notes or bond funds.
Real-World Results: A Case Study in Safe, Smart Wealth Growth
Anna, a Complete Controller client, transitioned from earning 0.01% in traditional savings to a tiered strategy: 30% high-yield savings at 4.5%, 40% laddered CDs averaging 4.8%, and 30% Treasury bonds yielding 4.2%. Over three years, her emergency fund grew 14% while maintaining complete liquidity for one-third of assets. During 2022’s market downturn, her conservative allocation protected capital while friends with aggressive portfolios lost 20% or more.
My Proven Strategies for Choosing Low-Risk Investments
Match investment vehicles to specific goals—emergency funds demand instant access through savings accounts, while retirement contributions 10+ years away can accept CD or bond fund illiquidity for higher yields.
Build ladders for both CDs and Treasury securities to capture current rates while maintaining regular access to maturing funds. A five-year ladder with 20% maturing annually balances yield optimization with liquidity needs.
Account for taxes by prioritizing municipal bonds in taxable accounts for high earners and keeping Treasury securities in IRAs where their state tax exemption provides no benefit. After-tax returns matter more than headline yields.
Where Most Investors Go Wrong—and How You Can Get It Right
Mistake: Ignoring Tax Implications
Municipal bonds yielding 3% tax-free often beat taxable bonds yielding 4% for investors in the 24% tax bracket or higher.
Mistake: Parking Too Much in Cash
Holding more than six months of expenses in checking accounts earning 0.01% guarantees purchasing power loss to inflation.
Solution: Strategic Mix
Maintain only immediate needs in checking, 3-6 months in high-yield savings, then ladder longer-term funds across CDs and bonds for optimal growth without sacrificing safety.
The Human Side of Playing It Safe: Trust, Emotions, and Mindset Shifts
Peace of mind carries real value—sleeping soundly knowing your principal is protected allows focus on career growth and family rather than market watching. Studies show investors with adequate emergency savings spend half as much time worrying about finances as those without reserves.
Discipline beats speculation over time. While friends chase meme stocks and cryptocurrency speculation, methodical savers building diversified low-risk portfolios consistently reach financial goals without devastating losses. One client recently shared: “Boring investments let me take exciting career risks because I knew my foundation was solid.”
Final Thoughts
Building wealth doesn’t require accepting stomach-churning volatility or gambling on speculative investments. Today’s elevated interest rate environment offers conservative investors the best risk-adjusted returns in over a decade—high-yield savings paying 5%, I Bonds guaranteeing returns above inflation, and Treasury securities yielding over 4%. Smart allocation across these proven vehicles creates resilient portfolios that grow steadily regardless of market chaos.
I encourage you to take action today by opening a high-yield savings account, researching CD rates at your bank, or exploring Treasury Direct for government securities. Want personalized guidance on building your optimal low-risk portfolio? Contact the experts at Complete Controller for professional insights tailored to your unique financial situation and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Risk Investments
What is considered the safest investment right now?
U.S. Treasury securities and FDIC-insured savings accounts represent the safest options, with government backing protecting principal up to specified limits. Treasury bonds offer slightly higher yields than savings accounts but require longer commitments.
Do any low-risk investments beat inflation?
Yes, Series I Savings Bonds specifically adjust for inflation, currently yielding 4.03% with built-in CPI adjustments. High-yield savings accounts paying 5% also outpace current 3% inflation rates.
How much of my portfolio should be in low-risk investments?
Financial advisors typically recommend increasing low-risk allocations as you approach major goals—from 20-30% for young investors to 60-70% for those within five years of retirement.
Are low-risk investments good for beginners?
Absolutely—starting with high-yield savings and CDs teaches investment discipline while protecting capital, providing a safe foundation before exploring higher-risk options.
Can you lose money in a low-risk investment?
Principal loss is extremely rare in true low-risk investments like FDIC-insured accounts or Treasury securities, though inflation can erode purchasing power if returns don’t keep pace with rising prices.
“Money market funds for short-term investing goals.” Vanguard, 2025.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
A financial responsibility disclaimer is a legal statement about the financial information included to reduce the source of that information’s liability. Financial responsibility disclaimers and waivers are used in various settings to address concerns about financial information and associated materials’ legal responsibility. Finance websites often include such disclaimers and also use them in other publications such as magazines and books. In essence, the liability exemption states that the party providing the information is not legally responsible for the way it is used.
Legal notices usually include several components. In the case of a financial responsibility disclaimer, the statement clearly states that the material provided is for research and information purposes only and does not constitute advice or recommendations. The author does not endorse any product that is referenced or linked in the matter. The people who decide to follow certain products or services cannot hold the author responsible for the losses or other problems experienced.
The financial responsibility disclaimer says that it is not a replacement for a financial or personal accounting advisor’s advice. Reading financial information does not create a professional relationship, and providing financial information for research does not mean that someone is running a business financing or advice. A financial responsibility disclaimer also usually includes a note to the effect that as long as the information is as accurate as possible, there may be errors, and the author is not responsible for the errors.
The purpose of a financial responsibility disclaimer is to deny any liability for the consequences of using the provided material. Suppose someone reads an article about investing in gold in a magazine, for example, and decides to make large gold investments. In that case, the magazine is not responsible for any losses incurred if the gold turns out to be a bad investment. Similarly, sites that provide information on managing the house’s debt or budget are not responsible for decisions made based on that information.
Printing a financial responsibility disclaimer allows the person to provide financial information without concerns about legal liability if the information is misused or not entirely accurate. The information produced for the public is designed to be general, providing an overview, and may not apply to all situations. People who provide financial information for general research purposes cannot prevent people from applying that inappropriate information or not reading and understanding the information. Still, they can issue a warning to warn people that they can not be held responsible for how the information is used.
A financial responsibility disclaimer states that planning aids are not responsible for the mismanagement of an individual’s budget.
Financial waivers can be used to limit legal liability for damages that arise from the materials provided.
Whatever process you select, it must cover all expenses that come under your responsibility. It includes third-party liability and corrective action. You will add the coverage amount that you need to demonstrate.
There are different options by which you can describe the financial responsibility. You will read each option in the 40 CFR part 280 of the code of Federal Regulations.
Use funds for the country’s financial assurance. It is your country’s responsibility to fulfill third-party liability and cleanup expenses.
You must have insurance coverage. The risk-retention group and private insurer will issue insurance availability.
You must have a guarantee. For coverage amount, you will save a guarantee with the company you have substantial business terms. The guarantee provider will the financial test.
Get a surety bond. The surety company will guarantee it as it is responsible for fulfilling all of its financial responsibility obligations.
You must have a credit letter. It is a contract that includes you, lenders, banks, insurers, and the outsource like implementing the company. It helps the issuer in describing financial responsibility as per its pledge with lenders.
Financial test approval is necessary. Your company must have a net worth of around $10 million. In this way, your financial responsibility will improve. You will also need approval for two financial tests demonstration.
A trust fund is necessary as a third-party administrator in setting up a fully-funded trust fund—their aim to demonstrate financial responsibility.
You may need to use multiple methods for coverage approval from the country.
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.
Nonprofit organizations are highly-reliant on fundraising campaigns to raise funds used to benefit those the organization serves and its daily operations. Most larger organizations have a board along with a department that solely focuses on fundraising efforts. For those organizations that are just starting or maybe smaller, these advantages may not exist. Here are three nonprofit fundraising strategies every organization needs to employ to ensure maximum results.
Content Marketing
If potential volunteers and donors don’t know what you do, they can’t decide to donate time or money to your organization. You need to refrain from being the ‘best-kept secret’ and shout who you are and what you do from the rooftops.
Utilize every tool at your fingertips, social media, affordable ads, and participation in group fundraising campaign efforts. Find anywhere your organization can afford to get the word out about your organization but ensure your content gives potential donors something to want to be a part of and support.
Almost every person, no matter how generous, will only donate or become a part of something they connect to and in which they can see the value. Humans operate from a ‘what’s in it for me’ place, so you need to make sure it is clear what’s in it for the potential donor. Focus on the heart of your organization so you can connect to the heart of your potential donor.
Once you have your effective content produced, you can focus on blitzing it out via social media, emailing, and strategic advertising. You have to come to where your potential donors are because generally, people are so engrossed in their own lives and issues, they don’t actively seek out where they can donate or volunteer. If your content is effective, you can be successful if you get your content out in the world.
Annual Time of Giving
One of the most effective strategies for nonprofit is to have an annual time of giving. Many donors and volunteers will respond well to having a specific time of year to focus on their giving and volunteerism.
There are yearly giving campaigns in some areas where all nonprofit organizations join in a concerted effort to highlight donor giving and volunteerism. However, whether this is offered in your area or not, your organization should have a focused annual time of giving. Some organizations will have an annual ball or another large event.
If your organization cannot put together a major event, you can still have a yearly focus in which you make a well-marketed blitz through social media and advertisements with a clever angle of focus that will draw in donors and volunteers. During this time of giving, encourage donors to sign up for regularly schedule automated donations. Most people don’t give because they forget. If they have a way to give through automation, you can increase giving by a substantial amount.
Donor Retention
Every nonprofit organization wants to retain donors as this is as close to guaranteed donations as a nonprofit can get. Most small donors will change the organizations they give to if they look to donate each year. It should be the goal of your organization to retain every donor you get.
The easiest way to retain donors is, as mentioned before, through automation. If you put in place a way for a donor to regularly donate in an interval of their choosing, they are likely to give to you exclusively or at least give to you while simultaneously giving to other organizations. If automation is not possible, you can have a donor sign up for a renewal of their donation, at which time you send them a reminder and way to donate.
Another way to help with donor retention is to be vocal with your organization and intimately let every donor know what their donations of time and money have done. The most successful nonprofit organizations are those who are transparent and show how donations are used. People want to feel good about what they do.
Conclusion
While using these strategies will help your organization to raise funds for your cause, the bottom line is that you have to come from a place of gratitude. If an organization goes after donations and volunteers with a zeal that comes off as greedy, they can permanently damage giving when it comes to their organization. Everything you push out to potential donors or volunteers should be coming from a place of generosity, compassion, and kindness.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
