[[{“value”:”Every successful business owner has an edge: the ability to see their business clearly, understanding both its potential and its challenges. For independent professionals and small business owners, SWOT analysis transforms this insight into action. Whether you’re evaluating new opportunities, planning for growth, or making sure your business stays competitive,…

[[{“value”:”Every successful business has a secret weapon: a system that keeps everything running smoothly even when life gets hectic. For solo entrepreneurs and small businesses, that system is operational planning. Whether you’re juggling client projects, coordinating your team, or trying to maintain consistent quality across your services, the right operational…

[[{“value”:”Navigating taxes can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re self-employed and managing everything on your own.  Unlike traditional employees, whose income taxes are automatically withheld from their paychecks, self-employed individuals are responsible for handling their own tax obligations.  This guide walks you through the essentials of self-employment tax, from understanding who…

[[{“value”:”The right business mission statement can be a powerful tool for success. It serves as your north star, inspiring your clients while guiding your day-to-day decisions.  Ready? Let’s explore how to create the perfect mission statement for your business. See how Quicken helps you manage your business. Get started →…

[[{“value”:”One of the best ways to understand cash flow is to see it in action. Rather than getting lost in abstract concepts, let’s walk through a real-world example of how money moves through a typical service business.  We’ll examine each section of a cash flow statement, see how the numbers…

[[{“value”:”Understanding your company’s financial health doesn’t have to be complicated. If you want to know where your business finances stand today (or any day), one of the most powerful ways to get a clear picture is a balance sheet.  This post explains what a balance sheet is and shows you…

[[{“value”:”Do you want to know how to make your business stand out in a busy marketplace? Having a strong business value proposition helps you cast a spotlight on your business. Your value proposition isn’t just a fancy statement — it’s the heart of what makes your business irresistible to customers.…

[[{“value”:”We all know there has been a boom in business and personal travel these last few years. Maximizing tax deductions on these travels can significantly reduce your tax liabilities.  In general, business travel expense deductions are only available to business owners. However, as you’ll see, this doesn’t mean you don’t…

[[{“value”:”One of the keys to a successful business is having accurate financial records. The foundation of your business depends on it. Understanding how to record transactions in a journal is not just an important accounting task: it’s a skill that helps you manage your finances with confidence. In accounting, journal…

[[{“value”:”Tracking expenses might seem like a hassle, but it’s one of the smartest habits you can build for your business. When you avoid surprises at tax time and make better decisions for growth, your small business seems to run effortlessly. In this guide, we’ll explain what business expenses are, why…

[[{“value”:”Whether you’re in the early stages of building a business or you’re at a point where you could use more funding, building your business credit score can unlock your company’s potential. Here’s everything you need to know to make it happen. What is business credit? Business credit represents your company’s…

[[{“value”:”For high-value estates, taxation is an important aspect of estate planning — these estates are subject to federal (and sometimes state) estate taxes that can run as high as 40%. Thankfully, the IRS lets many estates (and a portion of high-value estates) avoid taxation under the federal estate tax exemption.…

[[{“value”:”Famously, Thomas Carlyle once said, “Man is a tool-using animal. Without tools, he is nothing, with tools he is all.” Tools lie at the heart of our business and personal lives; without them, life would be much harder. If you need to manage your business and personal finances, Quicken Classic…

[[{“value”:”We’ve all been there — you’re thinking about what’s next for your business, and you’re pumped to achieve new heights. Everyone tells you the way to do it is to set business goals that will serve as a roadmap. You put together a haphazard list of objectives; maybe even arrange…

[[{“value”:”Have you ever been asked to e-sign a document or PDF? Have you ever signed anything online? You never know when you might need to create an electronic signature. As more transactions shift online, chances are you’ll need to digitally sign something soon, if you haven’t already. This article demystifies…

[[{“value”:”Twenty years ago, I was starting a new business. I had started businesses before, but nothing on the scale of this startup. Back then, I didn’t have the online resources to the degree I do today. But every piece of information I found told me that to be successful, I…

[[{“value”:”Most mornings, Dave DeNard rolls out of bed around 9:00 am. He makes his coffee, scrolls social media, and then heads outside for a walk with his two beagles, Ruby and Nova. By 10:00(ish), he’s at his desk, ready to start his 4-hour work day. By many definitions, he’s retired.…

[[{“value”:”In many ways, the earliest stages of a new business are the most important. The decisions you make today can set your new venture on the path to success. One of the first choices you’ll need to make is which business structure to use for your new organization. Sole proprietorship…

[[{“value”:”I’ve been running my own business for 10 years, and it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had plenty of good times and plenty of bad ones — and times when I barely managed to stay afloat. Through it all, a simple tip from a friend or colleague has often helped…