Which tax-advantaged health account should be part of your benefits package?
On October 12, an executive order was signed that, among other things, seeks to expand Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). HRAs are just one type of tax-advantaged account you can provide your employees to help fund their health care expenses. Also available are Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Which one should you… Continue reading Which tax-advantaged health account should be part of your benefits package?
4 ways to get (and keep) your business data in order
With so much data flying around these days, it’s easy for a company of any size to get overwhelmed. If something important falls through the cracks, say a contract renewal or outstanding bill, your financial standing and reputation could suffer. Here are four ways to get — and keep — your business data in order:… Continue reading 4 ways to get (and keep) your business data in order
Accelerate your retirement savings with a cash balance plan
Business owners may not be able to set aside as much as they’d like in tax-advantaged retirement plans. Typically, they’re older and more highly compensated than their employees, but restrictions on contributions to 401(k) and profit-sharing plans can hamper retirement-planning efforts. One solution may be a cash balance plan. Defined benefit plan with a twist… Continue reading Accelerate your retirement savings with a cash balance plan
Timing strategies could become more powerful in 2017, depending on what happens with tax reform
Projecting your business income and expenses for this year and next can allow you to time when you recognize income and incur deductible expenses to your tax advantage. Typically, it’s better to defer tax. This might end up being especially true this year, if tax reform legislation is signed into law. Timing strategies for businessesHere… Continue reading Timing strategies could become more powerful in 2017, depending on what happens with tax reform
Bridging the divide with a mezzanine loan
In their efforts to grow and succeed, many companies eventually reach the edge of a precipice. Across the divide lies a big step forward — perhaps the acquisition of a competitor or the purchase of a new property — but, financially, there’s no way across. The money is just not there. One way to bridge… Continue reading Bridging the divide with a mezzanine loan
Don’t let “founder’s syndrome” impede your succession plan
Are you the founder of your company? If so, congratulations — you’ve created something truly amazing! And it’s more than understandable that you’d want to protect your legacy: the company you created. But, as time goes on, it becomes increasingly important that you give serious thought to a succession plan. When this topic comes up,… Continue reading Don’t let “founder’s syndrome” impede your succession plan
How profitable are your customers?
“We love our customers!” Every business owner says it. But all customers aren’t created equal, and it’s in your strategic interest to know which customers are really strengthening your bottom line and by how much. Sorting out the data If your business systems track individual customer purchases, and your accounting system has good cost accounting… Continue reading How profitable are your customers?
Find the right path forward with KPIs
From the baseball field to the boardroom, statistical analysis has changed various industries nationwide. With proper preparation and guidance, business owners can have at their fingertips a wealth of stats-based insight into how their companies are performing — far beyond the bottom line on an income statement. The metrics in question are commonly referred to… Continue reading Find the right path forward with KPIs
Could captive insurance reduce health care costs and save your business taxes?
If your business offers health insurance benefits to employees, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a climb in premium costs in recent years — perhaps a dramatic one. To meet the challenge of rising costs, some employers are opting for a creative alternative to traditional health insurance known as “captive insurance.” A captive insurance company… Continue reading Could captive insurance reduce health care costs and save your business taxes?
Back-to-school marketing ideas for savvy business owners
August is back-to-school time across the country. Whether the school buses are already rumbling down your block, or will be soon, the start of the school year brings marketing opportunities for savvy business owners. Here are some examples of ways companies can promote themselves. A virtual “brag book” A creative agency posts on social media… Continue reading Back-to-school marketing ideas for savvy business owners