It’s hard to believe that I just passed eight years as an entrepreneur. As we’ve grown at Content Marketing Institute, I’ve leaned on many critical resources, and I keep them pinned to my office wall—such as Mark […]
Marketing strategies, new equipment, and educational courses seem like practical purchases for a new business. But do you really need them? When you’re on a shoestring budget, extra expenses can drive your startup into the […]
When you first step out as an entrepreneur, it can be an exciting, yet daunting experience. Even once you’ve started your business and taken the leap, it can be hard to keep taking risks and […]
Twin Lakes Tree and Lawn Care 2019 Budgeted Income Statement Sales $200,000 Cost of Sales Materials $40,000 Labor $70,000 Total Cost of Sales $110,000 Gross Profit $90,000 Operating Expenses Salaries $30,000 Depreciation, Insurance, Rent $12,000 […]
If you are one of 4+ million Americans who owns your own business, some important operational matters such as tax and accounting may go to the back burner. You either deal with them when you have free […]
Saving for retirement is important. The most common way to save up for retirement is an employer-provided 401(k) account, according to the AARP. But not everyone has the benefit of saving for retirement this way. […]
As a freelancer, you likely enjoy a degree of freedom that makes your traditionally employed friends envious. Nonetheless, that freedom comes with responsibilities in the form of tax burdens, some of which might increase the likelihood of an […]
If you can’t answer this question with hard numbers, then you don’t really know. The most successful companies have systems in place to make sure that profit is prioritized, expenses are controlled and stakeholders are […]
A study by Wells Fargo found that 77% of small businesses rely on personal savings for their initial funds. But, what if you don’t have a nest egg to dip into? Does that mean you […]
The lemon is a simple fruit. The sales-tax life cycle of a lemon, however, is not simple by any means. Depending on the state of the lemon, the item the lemon becomes, or the packaging […]
Small retailers are busy preparing for the holiday shopping season, but now’s also the time to reflect on the past year and to look ahead to the future. In 2018, small business owners experienced many […]
Technology gives small business owners an edge, allowing them to use limited resources in smarter, more efficient ways. However, many on Main Street remain slow to adopt new technologies. An AT&T survey reveals that 75% of small […]
For many small business owners, traveling a few times a year (or even as often as every week) is a necessity. Fortunately, you can deduct many of your business expenses on your taxes. Knowing which […]
Nothing says “happy holidays” quite like life insurance. OK, maybe that’s a stretch, but getting your loved ones the financial protection they need is certainly a noble, if not festive, endeavor. If you want to […]
The holiday season is here. You’ve invested countless hours into planning and readying your business, and now it’s time to put it all in action. There’s no doubt about it — the holiday rush is […]
ID theft and credit card fraud are at an all-time high. To attract customers and provide service to as many clients as possible, businesses must be willing to accept payment over the web and mobile […]
Mortgage interest rates are on the rise, so is refinancing a bad idea? Not necessarily. the answer depends on how long you plan to stay in your house and the amount of equity you have built […]
There are opportunities for small businesses and startups in the for-profit grant market. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look. Below are some sources for for-profit grants, which may be useful to fund […]
Since becoming a mom eight years ago, I have felt so grateful that I have control over my time, location, client base and professional happiness. One of the most common questions I get from readers […]
A bipartisan bill that would designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail (and provide more funding for preservation) has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. “By designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, this […]
If you’re asking yourself how many bank accounts you should have, I can almost guarantee that you have too many already. While this may seem like a minor and benign issue, I can assure you […]
The holidays are here, and with them comes the pop up of holiday markets — offering food, decorations and winter activities to get you into the holiday spirit. While big-name department stores may offer discounts, […]
There’s no shortage of movies and TV shows about the plight of restaurant owners — their initial struggle and ultimate rise to success. But the restaurant industry can be punishing, leaving many entrepreneurs with only […]
Depending on who you ask, the U.S. economy is “stuck in second gear,” already in another massive recession, or — according to Warren Buffett — doing just fine. For those who don’t feel as optimistic as […]
Americans know to lookout for their W-2s every January — and freelancers are well-acquainted with the good old 1099-MISC form. But there’s often other paperwork coming in the mail that’s necessary for filing a complete […]
If you own a small business or are thinking of starting one, chances are good that applying for a business loan is in your future. Obtaining the financing necessary to fulfill your small business vision […]
A Supreme Court tax ruling in June 2018 changed the way online retailers must operate. In a landmark 5-4 decision in favor of a South Dakota sales tax law the Court, in essence, ruled that […]
Small business owners often waste time. Even though a study conducted by TSheets found that nearly 60% of self-employed workers said they either worked every weekend or every other weekend, if you’re truly honest with […]
As a new business owner, you’re focused on launching products, signing up customers and growing operations. But an equally important – and often overlooked – job is managing your employees, administering benefits and complying with employment and […]
There’s more to running a business than selling products and services. On top of managing employees, finances and day-to-day tasks, business owners also have to make sure that they’re legally compliant. The regulations and laws […]