Posts by Dana McGuffin
Creating Financial Goals as a Couple
Financial goals make it possible for you and your partner to achieve the things you dream about. Here are several action items you can do to create – and achieve – financial goals as a couple: Start talking sooner rather than later. Finances can be hard to talk about. People sometimes feel guilty about debt or…
Read MoreSave Your Business Time and Money by Getting Organized
Here are some suggestions to help you master the art of documenting and organizing your business now and in the future. Document policies and procedures. Write down daily responsibilities, skills needed to complete tasks related to these responsibilities, and the location of all paper and electronic files. Appoint and cross-train backup staff to ensure these daily…
Read MoreKeys to Keeping Great Business Records
Your bookkeeping system is the financial heart and lifeblood of your business. When set up and operating properly, your books help you make smart decisions and seamlessly turn your financial data into useful information. Here are four key characteristics to building and maintaining a healthy bookkeeping system: Select the proper accounting method. There are two different…
Read MoreTips to Get Your Finances in Tip-Top Shape
Here are some tips to get your finances in tip-top shape for 2023. Know your net worth. The first step to improving your finances in 2023 is to create a snapshot of your current financial situation. So note all your assets, then subtract all your liabilities (what you owe others) to calculate your net worth.…
Read MoreShrink Your Tax Bill in 2023
Here are several strategies to consider to shrink your tax bill in 2023. Consider life events. Consider whether any of the following key events may take place in 2023, as they may have potential tax implications: Purchasing or selling a home Refinancing or adding a new mortgage Getting married or divorced Incurring large medical…
Read MoreTips to Keep Your Customers Coming Back
Happy, satisfied customers are essential to the health of every business. Increasing competition, online review opportunities, and unlimited access to information up the ante on the importance of quality customer service. Here are some tips to help your business thrive by meeting and exceeding your customers’ expectations: Understand your customers and their needs. As best you…
Read More6 Ways to Cut Your Everyday Expenses
Many people dream of making more money, but cutting expenses can have the same effect. Identify unnecessary expenses with these six money-saving ideas and help free up some cash: Eliminate late fees. Most late fees are the result of being too busy, traveling or simply forgetting. Fortunately, late fees are almost entirely avoidable if you have…
Read MoreCustomer Retention Metrics You Need to Know
Your business’s ability to retain customers is one of the most important components to sustained growth and profitability. Here are the three retention metrics useful for every business owner. Retention rate. Most customer retention is measured over a set period of time, typically one year. To determine your rate, take a look at the number…
Read MorePlanning for Future Care: A Financial Dilemma
Long-term care costs that drain your nest egg is a financial pothole that is hard to avoid. Here are some ideas to help manage this hazard. How much is needed Here’s how much money you’ll need for three different types of senior living arrangements according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey: In-home care…
Read MoreMaximize Your College Financial Aid With These FAFSA Tips
A brand new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) made its debut on October 1st, featuring 60% fewer questions and a host of other changes that aim to increase the likelihood that you can qualify for financial aid. As you prepare to complete this year’s application, here are some tips to maximize your…
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