It’s a scary thought: common money mistakes can jeopardize your wealth and financial health if left unchecked. But if you can identify and avoid these pitfalls, you can be smart with your money, protect your financial well-being, and work toward building a healthy and secure financial future.
Read MoreJust like life, businesses also go through phases that are influenced by various internal and external factors. Understanding these phases can be key to the sustained success and longevity of your business. Whether your business is in a coasting phase, growth phase, or pause phase, each phase serves a purpose in moving your business forward.
By recognizing and managing these phases, and moving intentionally through them, you can make the most of each phase and help to grow and evolve a successful, thriving business.
Read MoreA personal emergency fund can act as a savings buffer and help you face the unexpected without taking a significant financial hit. “Saving for a rainy day” and having emergency savings can give you peace of mind and offer financial security through uncertain times.
Just as unforeseen events can disrupt your personal finances, your business can also face unpredictable challenges that threaten its financial stability. It’s crucial to have an emergency fund for your business to help provide a layer of financial security — expecting the unexpected and being financially prepared can help your business survive any challenges that come your way.
Read MoreWe've probably all been there at some point in our lives — staring at those bills, trying to figure out how the heck we ended up drowning in debt again. Whether it's unexpected emergencies, lack of planning, or just a case of the "I want it" taking over, debt can quickly spiral into a vicious cycle that can leave you feeling suffocated.
If this is you — it's time to break free from those debt shackles and reclaim your financial freedom.
Read MoreOne of the most important (but often overlooked) aspects of running your company is addressing the question, “How much should I pay myself?” It’s crucial to pay yourself regularly to maintain financial stability. The whole point of starting a business is typically to create financial freedom and security for yourself and your family. But it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations and forget to take care of your own paycheck.
Read MoreKnowing where to stash your cash can feel a bit like choosing your fighter in a video game. Each option comes with its own set of powers, weaknesses, and strategies to maximize your wealth. Some of you might be thinking, "Any old bank account will do, right?" Let me stop you right there. Not all bank accounts are created equal — they come in different shapes and sizes, each with its own set of pros and cons.
Let’s look at some of the most common bank accounts. Getting your cash situated in the right spot can maximize returns, minimize fees, and generally make your money work harder for you.
Let's unpack these traits and see how to incorporate them into your financial journey.
Read MoreSimilar to other decisions you’ve had to make on your own, retirement is another crucial financial topic you must diligently explore to set you and your business up for success.
Small business retirement plans vary in terms of structure, benefits, and suitability, depending on the size of your business and team, your financial situation, and your goals. Choosing the right one for your business can feel daunting, but the sooner you decide which plan is right for you, the better handle you’ll have on your retirement planning.
Read MoreYou're working hard to build wealth and lead a purposeful life where you have the freedom to make financial decisions that align with your values (no easy feat!). But with a proper plan, those decisions aren't confined to your lifetime.
How is that possible? Estate planning. It's a term you might have heard before, but if you never got to the bottom of what it is, why it's so important, and how you can use it to secure your financial legacy—now is your time to find out!
Read MoreAs a small business owner, you are (by no official definition) a unicorn! Your business origin story is unique, your leadership style is unlike others, and you solve problems and handle challenges in your own way.
So while we don’t want to discredit your uniqueness, we do want to point your attention to a common small business life cycle that most entrepreneurs experience. Knowing these stages can help you prepare for upcoming challenges, face current struggles, and be equipped with knowledge and skills for the future.
Read MoreOur lives are built upon a series of moments. Some are beautiful, while others are painful. Some are carefully planned, while others catch us off guard. Some are etched in our memories, while others fade away. However, what often ties these moments together is the inevitable financial impact they bring along.
Whether you’re currently planning for or eagerly anticipating certain moments in your life—even if their dates or timelines are uncertain or distant—it’s worthwhile to consider the financial implications.
Read MoreDo you ever wonder why some businesses stay afloat in tough times, and other businesses fold even when things seem to be going well? A company could be revolutionary, have raving fans, and appear to be making a profit….and still not stay in business!
Usually, it’s not because a business is better, more popular, or successful on the surface. More likely, it comes down to effective cash flow management. According to research, 38% of startups fail because they run out of money.
When you receive a refund, it can be tempting to blow that money on anything that strikes your fancy. But what if you were able to use that refund to further your financial goals? In that case, you may want to think about the best ways to use your refund wisely, for your personal goals.
Read MoreYou’ve nailed your business plan and you’re ready to launch your own business. Woohoo! Go you! Or maybe you’re a freelancer and you're beginning to realize you need to get a bit more organized to manage expenses and taxes.
Whatever your path of small business growth, choosing the right legal structure from the start will make it easier for your business to grow and change over time. It will help you to streamline your finances and your taxes, and provide you with a blueprint for handling the changes your business will experience as it expands.
Read MoreThere’s not a single person who can say they aren’t affected by Covid-19 in some manner. Whether it’s directly financial, childcare related, health issues, caring for someone else, or something else, it’s affected everyone in some manner or another. Follow these 8 steps to keep your family (and business) financially secure.
Read More