Featured Posts, Small Business

Top Financial Mistakes of Small Business Owners

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Starting and managing a small business successfully is a complex task that requires a good understanding of various aspects of business, especially financial management. Here are some of the top financial mistakes small business owners tend to make in their first five years:

**Lack of a Business Plan**: This is the foremost mistake that many small business owners make. A business plan gives you a roadmap of how your business will operate, including financial projections. Without a plan, you may lack a clear idea of your income, expenses, and profitability.

**Mixing Personal and Business Finances**: Many small business owners fail to separate their personal finances from their business finances. This can lead to a lot of confusion when it comes to tracking revenue, expenses, and tax obligations.

**Not Setting a Budget**: A budget is essential to keep track of your income and expenses. It helps you to understand where your money is going and how you can control your costs.

**Neglecting Cash Flow Management**: Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Failing to manage your cash flow can result in not having enough funds to cover day-to-day operational costs or unexpected expenses.

**Underestimating Expenses**: Many small business owners underestimate the costs of running their business, which can lead to financial difficulties. It’s important to consider all possible expenses, including rent, utilities, employee salaries, taxes, insurance, and so on.

**Not Saving for Taxes**: Many small businesses get into trouble by not saving for tax obligations. It’s important to set aside money for taxes and to understand your tax obligations.

**Not Investing in Growth**: While it’s important to control costs, it’s equally important to invest in growth. This could mean investing in marketing, new equipment, or hiring additional staff.

**Poor Debt Management**: Taking on too much debt or not managing existing debt effectively can lead to serious financial problems for a small business.

**Not Tracking Expenses**: Keeping track of all business expenses is crucial for financial planning and tax purposes. Failing to do so can result in a lack of understanding of where your money is going and potential tax problems.

**Lack of Financial Knowledge**: Many small business owners have great ideas and skills related to their business, but they lack knowledge in financial management. It’s important to either learn about business finance or hire someone who can manage these aspects.

Avoiding these mistakes can help small business owners increase their chances of financial success in their early years and beyond. If you want further guidance on how to avoid making these mistakes and a trusted partner in helping your entrepreneurial wealth grow, explore our services today at K Smith Company.

Featured Posts, Small Business, Tax

How to prepare your small business for tax season

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Preparing your small business for tax season involves several essential steps to ensure a smooth and compliant process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:

  1. Organize your financial records: Gather and organize all your financial records, including income and expense documents, receipts, invoices, bank statements, and any other relevant financial documents. Ensure that everything is neatly categorized and easily accessible.
  2. Review tax deadlines: Familiarize yourself with important tax deadlines, including the deadline for filing your business tax return and any estimated tax payments. These deadlines may vary depending on your business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation) and the tax jurisdiction you operate in.
  3. Separate business and personal finances: Establish separate bank accounts and credit cards for your business to keep your personal and business finances separate. This separation simplifies recordkeeping, ensures accurate reporting, and reduces the chances of errors.
  4. Classify expenses correctly: Ensure that all your expenses are correctly classified as either business expenses or personal expenses. This includes keeping track of deductible expenses such as office supplies, equipment, marketing costs, and employee wages. Consult with a tax professional or review the IRS guidelines to ensure proper classification.
  5. Understand deductible expenses: Familiarize yourself with the deductible expenses applicable to your business. The tax code provides deductions for various expenses, such as home office expenses, travel expenses, and health insurance premiums. Identifying and documenting these deductions can help lower your tax liability.
  6. Keep track of mileage: If you use a vehicle for business purposes, maintain a mileage log to track your business-related mileage accurately. The IRS provides a standard mileage rate that you can use to calculate your mileage deduction. Alternatively, you can track actual vehicle expenses, such as fuel, maintenance, and repairs.
  7. Calculate and pay estimated taxes: If your business is expected to owe a significant amount of taxes, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments throughout the year. Estimate your tax liability and make timely payments to avoid penalties and interest.
  8. Review payroll and employment taxes: If you have employees, ensure that you have accurately withheld and paid payroll taxes, including federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax. Verify that your employee records and payroll reports are up to date and accurate.
  9. Seek professional assistance: Consider consulting with a tax professional or accountant who specializes in small businesses. They can provide valuable advice, help you navigate complex tax regulations, and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
  10. File your tax return on time: Complete your tax return accurately and file it by the deadline. If needed, file for an extension in advance to avoid penalties. Double-check all calculations and review your return for any errors or omissions before submitting it.

Remember, tax regulations can be complex and vary across jurisdictions. K Smith Company is always available as a trusted tax professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances. Schedule a consultation with us today!

Featured Posts

Navigating Student Loan Repayments: A Guide for the Post-Grad Generation

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It’s finally coming to pass. The chapter of relief – the pause on repayments and interest for the colossal $1.6 trillion federal student debt carried by 44 million Americans – is undeniably drawing to a close this time. Mark your calendars for August 31st.

Initiated as an emergency measure in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the repayment hiatus took root back in March 2020. It was a lifeline extended repeatedly, sometimes even at the eleventh hour, which inadvertently led some borrowers to disengage from the matter. But a pact forged between President Joe Biden and congressional Republicans has definitively sealed the fate of the moratorium. Additionally, a Supreme Court verdict quashed Biden’s proposal to forgive either $10,000 or $20,000 of debt for a majority of borrowers. This decision has far-reaching implications, affecting nearly 20 million individuals and wiping away forthcoming payments.

With the recent news of student loan repayments resuming, we wanted to take a moment to share some essential insights on what you need to know and do to effectively manage your student loans. At K Smith Company, we understand the significance of financial planning and strategy, so let’s dive into the key points you should be aware of.

**1. *Know Your Loan Details:* Familiarize yourself with the specifics of your student loans. This includes understanding the type of loan, interest rates, and repayment terms. These details will impact your payment amounts and overall repayment strategy. Since the start of the moratorium, tens of millions of borrowers have gotten a new loan servicer. You will want to take action now to make sure your contact information is up to date with the correct company. This is an easy step: Go to the Department of Education website: StudentAid.gov to review your contact info, and update as needed.

**2. *Review Your Budget:* Now is the time to revisit your budget. Assess your income, expenses, and financial goals. Allocate a portion of your budget for loan repayments, ensuring that you’re comfortably covering your obligations without compromising other financial priorities.

**3. *Consider Loan Consolidation or Refinancing:* If you have multiple loans, consolidating them into a single loan or refinancing to a lower interest rate could simplify your repayment journey. However, make sure to carefully evaluate the pros and cons before making this decision.

**4. *Explore Repayment Plans:* Federal loans typically offer various repayment plans, such as the standard repayment plan, income-driven plans, and more. Research and choose the plan that aligns with your financial situation and long-term goals. If your employment situation has changed over the last 3 1/2 years, you may no longer be in the right repayment plan, and changing could save you money.

**5. *Automate Payments:* Setting up automatic payments can help you stay consistent and avoid missing deadlines. Many lenders offer interest rate reductions as an incentive for automatic payments, which can save you money over time. If your loan has moved to a new servicer you will need to reauthorize any previous automated debiting.

**6. *Prioritize Higher Interest Loans:* If you have multiple loans, consider focusing on paying off loans with higher interest rates first. This approach can help reduce the overall interest you pay in the long run.

**7. *Save for Emergencies:* While repaying your loans is crucial, don’t forget to build an emergency fund. Life is full of unexpected twists, and having a financial safety net will provide peace of mind during uncertain times.

**8. *Take Advantage of Tax Benefits:* Certain student loan interest payments may be tax-deductible. Be sure to consult with a tax professional or utilize tax software to ensure you’re maximizing these potential benefits.

**9. *Stay Informed:* The Biden Administration has launched a string of relief initiatives for older borrowers. For example, last month, the Education Department said it would be providing $39 billion in debt relief to more than 800,00 borrowers who may have been paying for decades and could have benefitted from an IDR program. Another initiative, recently put on hold by a court, is designed to provide loan forgiveness to borrowers who were misled by their schools. If you are an employee there are also two other helpful programs available through your employer. A Covid-era tax provision allows employers to pay up to $5,250 towards your student loans each year without it counting as taxable income to you, through 2025. Beginning in 2024, employers can opt to count your student loan payments the same as they would your contribution to the company’s 401(k) plan, for the purposes of providing an employer 401(k) match The financial landscape is always evolving. Keep yourself informed about any policy changes, loan forgiveness programs, or opportunities that could impact your repayment strategy.

**10. *Seek Professional Guidance:* If you find the world of student loan repayment overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from financial advisors or professionals. We can help tailor a plan that aligns with your unique circumstances and goals.

Remember, navigating student loan repayments is just one aspect of your financial journey. While it may seem daunting, taking proactive steps now will set you on the path to financial freedom and success. At K Smith Company, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need personalized advice.

Let’s face these challenges head-on and build a secure and prosperous future together.

Click here to schedule a consultation
Featured Posts, Tax

Tax Credits vs Tax Deductions: Understanding the Difference

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Introduction:

Navigating the complexities of the tax system can be a daunting task for individuals and businesses alike. When it comes to reducing tax liability, two common strategies are tax credits and tax deductions. While both options can potentially lower your tax bill, it is crucial to understand the differences between them and determine which one is more advantageous for your specific circumstances. In this article, we will explore the key distinctions between tax credits and tax deductions and help you make an informed decision.

Tax Deductions: A Brief Overview

Tax deductions lower your taxable income, which ultimately reduces the amount of income subject to taxation. Deductions are typically based on eligible expenses or contributions made during the tax year. Common deductions include mortgage interest, medical expenses, charitable donations, and certain business expenses. The value of a deduction is equal to the deduction amount multiplied by your marginal tax rate. For instance, if you have a $1,000 deduction and are in the 25% tax bracket, your tax bill will be reduced by $250.

Tax Credits: A Brief Overview

Tax credits, on the other hand, directly reduce your tax liability dollar-for-dollar. Unlike deductions, which lower your taxable income, tax credits are applied directly to the tax owed. This means that a tax credit of $1,000 will reduce your tax bill by the full $1,000 amount. Tax credits can be categorized into two types: non-refundable and refundable. Non-refundable tax credits can reduce your tax liability to zero, but any excess credit is not refunded to you. In contrast, refundable tax credits can result in a refund if the credit amount exceeds your tax liability.

Key Differences:

1. Impact on Tax Liability:

   – Tax Deductions: Deductions reduce your taxable income, indirectly lowering your tax liability.

   – Tax Credits: Credits directly reduce your tax liability, potentially resulting in a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes owed.

2. Value:

   – Tax Deductions: The value of a deduction depends on your marginal tax rate. Higher tax brackets generally yield greater savings.

   – Tax Credits: Tax credits provide a fixed dollar amount reduction, offering more predictable and potentially significant savings.

3. Refundability:

   – Tax Deductions: Deductions do not directly result in a refund. They only reduce the amount of income subject to taxation.

   – Tax Credits: Refundable tax credits can lead to a refund if the credit exceeds your tax liability, providing an additional financial benefit.

4. Eligibility and Limitations:

   – Tax Deductions: Deductions have specific eligibility criteria and may be subject to various limitations, such as income thresholds or percentage caps.

   – Tax Credits: Tax credits also have eligibility requirements, but they often target specific activities, such as energy-efficient home improvements or child and dependent care expenses.

Choosing the Better Option:

Determining whether a tax credit or a tax deduction is better depends on your individual circumstances. Consider the following factors:

1. Amount: If you have significant eligible expenses that qualify for deductions, and your marginal tax rate is high, deductions may provide substantial savings.

2. Eligibility: If you qualify for specific tax credits, such as those related to education, energy efficiency, or childcare, they can deliver direct and predictable tax savings.

3. Refundability: If you anticipate a tax liability lower than the potential credits you are eligible for 
Featured Posts, Small Business

Strategic Performance Monitoring: A Business Owner’s Guide

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As a business owner, you have to keep your finger on the pulse of your company’s performance. Performance monitoring is essential for identifying areas of strength and weakness, setting and achieving objectives, and ensuring the sustainability and growth of your business. In today’s dynamic and competitive business environment, it’s more critical than ever to understand the metrics that matter and how to use them effectively.

**Understanding Performance Monitoring**

At its core, performance monitoring involves tracking various aspects of your business to understand how well it’s functioning. This can include everything from financial metrics like revenue and profit margins, to operational metrics like production efficiency, to human resources metrics like employee productivity and engagement. By keeping an eye on these indicators, business owners can spot trends, anticipate problems, and make informed decisions.

**Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)**

Key performance indicators are specific, measurable values that demonstrate how effectively a company is achieving its key business objectives. KPIs differ depending on the nature of the business and its strategic goals. For instance, a retail business might focus on metrics like sales per square foot or customer satisfaction ratings, while a software company might prioritize metrics like monthly active users or customer acquisition cost.

It’s essential to select KPIs that are not only measurable but also closely aligned with your business goals. These indicators should give you a clear sense of whether you’re on track to achieve your objectives or whether you need to adjust your strategy.

**Performance Monitoring Tools and Techniques**

There’s a range of tools and techniques available for performance monitoring, from simple spreadsheets to advanced software solutions. These can help you collect, analyze, and visualize data, making it easier to understand your business’s performance.

Business intelligence tools can provide an in-depth look at your company’s data, allowing you to spot trends and correlations that might not be apparent from a surface-level analysis. Additionally, customer relationship management (CRM) systems can help you track customer behavior and engagement, providing valuable insights into your sales and marketing efforts.

**Performance Monitoring Best Practices**

To make the most of performance monitoring, consider these best practices:

1. Set Clear Objectives: You need to know what you’re aiming for before you can measure your progress. Make sure you have clear, actionable objectives that are aligned with your business’s overall goals.

2. Choose the Right KPIs: The metrics you choose to track should be closely tied to your objectives. They should give you a clear sense of whether you’re on the right track or need to make adjustments.

3. Use the Right Tools: Make sure you have the tools and resources necessary to collect and analyze your data. This might mean investing in business intelligence software or hiring a data analyst.

4. Review and Adjust Regularly: Performance monitoring isn’t a one-time activity. It’s something you should be doing regularly to keep track of your progress and make adjustments as needed.

5. Communicate Results: It’s important to share your findings with your team, stakeholders, and employees. This can help keep everyone on the same page and ensure that your strategies and decisions are data-driven.

**Conclusion**

Performance monitoring is a critical part of running a successful business. By keeping a close eye on your KPIs, using the right tools and techniques, and following best practices, you can use performance monitoring to drive growth, improve efficiency, and keep your business on the path to success.

Featured Posts, Investing, Personal Finance

What Is Your Net Worth?

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How many times have you googled Net worth of *insert celebrity name* ?? I know I’ve done this quite a few times. We often hear people mention the term, but do you know how to calculate your net worth? If not, let’s sip some latté and break this thing down…

Quick Accounting 101 Lesson:

Assets are anything owned of use or value that can be converted into cash. Assets include cash, investments, land, building, equipment, etc. On the other side, we have liabilities. A liability is money owed; an obligation against an asset.

Your net worth is basically everything that you own minus everything that you owe. If you sold all your assets and paid off all debts, how much money would you have left over? Consider this your financial report card. It’s a reflection of your financial health. Calculating your net worth should be one of the first steps to achieving your financial goals. You can’t plot a financial goal map if you don’t know where you currently stand. 

How To Calculate Net Worth:

List all assets and the estimated value.

  • Checking and savings account balance
  • Brokerage/Investment accounts
  • Estimated house/vehicle value
  • Jewelry and collectibles

List all debt.

  • Credit card debt
  • Mortgage balance
  • Car loan balance
  • Medical bills owed
  • Student loans

Subtract your total debt from your total assets. You have now calculated your net worth!!!

Net Worth Analysis:

Okay, so you’ve calculated your net worth. If your assets exceed your liabilities, then you have a positive net worth. Now, if your assets do not exceed your liabilities, then you have a negative net worth. If you calculated a negative net worth, don’t worry. A negative net worth is common for young millennials. This is often due to high student loan debt. This means that you have not earned enough money to offset the debt that you currently owe. The goal is to focus on increasing your net worth. In order to increase net worth, you should increase assets and/or decrease liabilities – paying down debt, building equity in your home, purchasing more investments (stocks, bonds), etc.

There is no standard when it comes to net worth expectations. Every individual has different financial needs and based on his/her lifestyle will have different financial goals. A formula that is often used as a benchmark when it comes to determining your “target” net worth is:

Net Worth = (Your age – 25) × (Gross Annual Income ÷ 5)

Regardless of where you currently stand financially, it is very important to know and understand your net worth. Understanding where your money is going will hopefully help you make better financial decisions, especially when deciding between if something is a need versus a want. Whether you are using an excel file or your favorite finance app, tracking your finances is key. If you need a recommendation, head over to Mint. It’s a free tool, that makes tracking your money easy for all levels.

 

Featured Posts, Personal Finance

Increasing Your Financial Literacy

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April is National Financial Literacy Awareness Month! Statistics show that only 24% of millennials have basic financial literacy knowledge. Regardless of your age, NOW is the perfect time for you to decide to take control of your finances. Understanding your finances and money management are essential tools for success. Over the last couple of weeks, several people have asked me, “WHERE DO I START??”.

Well… here are some good places to begin your financial awareness journey:

Search the internet – this might sound pretty basic, but it works. Do you have a particular topic that sparks your interest? Debt Management. Credit Report. Investing for Beginners. GOOGLE IT!  The world wide web is a great resource tool which is available to most 24/7 by using his/her cell phone. Top financial education sites:

Read books, articles and magazines. Picking up a book, financial magazine and/or newspaper is another great way to increase your financial literacy, and these are typically more credible sources than what you may find searching the internet. Top picks:

  • Forbes Magazine
  • Money Magazine
  • Wall Street Journal
  • Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
  • Money: Master the Game by Tony Robbins

Watch finance based television programs. Reading isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but don’t let that stop you from increasing your financial knowledge. There are several television programs that will provide you with the tools you are seeking. Top picks:

  • CNBC TV
  • Bloomberg TV
  • CNN
  • Fox Business News

Listen to talk radio/podcasts – Personally, I’m an avid reader, but lately podcasts have become my go-to. With the daily demands of life, it is often hard to sit down and focus 100% of my time to reading. For those individuals who are often on-the-go, podcasts are the ideal solution. I often listen to my shows while driving or while I’m working. Top picks:

  • The Clark Howard Show
  • Listen Money Matters
  • The Dave Ramsey Show
  • Stacking Benjamins

Take a financial literacy class – You can often find personal finance classes offered at your local public library. If your local library does not have classes available, then you may be interested in enrolling in a course at a 2 or 4 year college. Depending on the school, you may be able to find an online course which will enable you to learn from home. 

Start and investment club – Starting an investment club can have multiple benefits (networking, accountability partners, increased capital for investing, etc). Whether it be for the purpose of increasing your knowledge around personal finances or actually investing (real estate and/or stock market), being around like-minded individuals is always a plus. I will caution you to vet all individuals when it comes to investing your money with a group.

… and last, but definitely not least.. THE MOOLAHTTÉ BUZZ™ *sips latté* .. this site was created for the purpose of increasing financial literacy by sharing the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained over the last decade from books, mentors, and personal experience. 

Please comment and share your favorite books, TV programs, and podcasts below!! 

Featured Posts, Investing

What Type of Investor Are You?

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So, you’re ready to start investing… but first, what is your risk tolerance level? WHAT TYPE OF INVESTOR ARE YOU? Understanding your risk tolerance level is one of the most important factors in investing. This will shape your investment strategy and become a guide to building your portfolio. Risk tolerance is the level of risk you are willing to accept. We all get excited about the gains, but can you handle the losses? The three risk tolerance/investor types:

A conservative investor is all about protecting his/her principal (original investment) by minimizing risk. This investor “plays it safe”, similar to the granny who likes to stuff her savings in her mattress as opposed to trusting the bank. A conservative investor is okay with smaller gains between 0-5% because they are taking a smaller level of risk. These investors have likely already built their portfolio to ensure a comfortable and steady income stream or they are just scared to lose money. A conservative investor has a portfolio comprised of:

  • Regular bank savings account
  • Certificate of deposit (CDs)
  • Government bonds (municipal, treasury, etc.)
  • Annuities

A moderate investor focuses on diversifying his/her portfolio in a way that limits risk while pursuing stronger returns. Think of this as a hybrid between conservative and aggressive. A moderate investor may have an expectation of between 5-20% annual return. Moderate is typically the most recommended portfolio for most investors:

  • Equities (focusing on diversification)
  • Mutual funds
  • Exchange-traded Funds (ETFs)
  • Individual bonds

An aggressive investor understands “the greater the risk, the greater the return”… similar to that one uncle willing to risk it all at the casino to triple his paycheck. These investors are able to handle the unpredictable shifts that Wall Street brings. By accepting less diversification in comparison to moderate, this investor is susceptible to far greater levels of risk. An aggressive investor typically looks for returns greater than 20%. This investor’s portfolio could oftentimes include:

  • Equities (individual stocks)
  • Cryptocurrencies (Note: though there have been many success stories, be careful with cryptocurrencies as these are not regulated).
  • Options and other special contracts

Though some portfolios may include the same type of investments (bonds, stocks, etc), they are weighed differently depending upon your investment strategy. Overall, it is typically advised to be more aggressive in your earlier stages of life. The closer an investor gets to the age of retirement, the more conservative the investor should become. Regardless of your investment type, investing in the stock market is a good strategy to provide long-term wealth. Once you have an understanding of what category you may fall under, consult a financial advisor on ways to incorporate your preferred strategy into your respective financial plans.

Featured Posts, Personal Finance

2018 Tax Reform… how does it affect me??

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By now, we are all aware of the new tax reform bill and many have already seen changes reflected in their paycheck. However, the number one question still on the minds of many is: HOW DOES IT AFFECT ME??

The Tax Cuts and Job Act will not affect the 2017 taxes that you are filing in April 2018. This act will impact the 2018 tax year with an April 2019 filing date. Affecting both individuals and corporations, the 2018 tax reform has the most changes the United States has seen in the last 30 years. For individuals, the bill reduced income tax rates, eliminated personal exemptions, and doubled the standard deduction.

The highest income tax rate was reduced from 39.6% to 37%. Please keep in mind that this benefit is only temporary. In 2026, we will revert back to 2017 tax rates. BUMMER!! The standard deduction was doubled from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals filing single ($18,000 for head of household and $24,000 for married). Due to the increase in the standard deduction, there will be a drastic decrease in the amount of filers able to cross the threshold to itemize their returns (Schedule A form). On a positive note: if you are taking the standard deduction as opposed to itemizing, then your days of keeping track of receipts are over!!!

There were also several itemized deductions either eliminated of limited. Though you can still deduct state and local taxes and property taxes, these are now capped at $10,000. Are you in the market to purchase a new home? Well, the new reform bill has reduced the limit for those claiming a deduction on mortgage interest. In 2017, homebuyers could itemize and deduct the mortgage interest payments for homes with a mortgage that did not exceed $1million. Now, the mortgage amount is limited to $750,000. Please note, this will only affect new homebuyers. So… if you purchased your million dollar home last year… you’re good!!!  

Another major change to note is the adjustment in the child tax credit which increased from $1,000 to $2,000 per qualifying child. Prior to the Act, taxpayers could subtract $4,150 from income for each person claimed. Going forward, personal exemptions are eliminated. This will greatly affect those households with many children.

Other noteworthy changes:

  • Alimony payers can no longer deduct payments and the recipients are no longer required to report income (effective for filings after December 31, 2018).
  • Moving expenses are no longer deductible, excluding military personnel relocating due to military order

I hope this brief overview has given you some additional insight into what to expect with you 2018 tax year. Feel free to contact me through the CONTACT US tab if you have additional tax questions.