Thursday, May 17, 2018

What Do The Accountants Do?



To be an accountant has some implications, which come along with this profession like as most other professions. The term “accounting” often triggers the images of numerical equations and spreadsheets or extended time behind the desk during the tax season. 

While most of the people consider accounting as a dull career, the accountants often beg to differ. They think accounting is not boring. In fact, this profession is an opportunity that can offer people a clear overview of how a company functions as well as a language, which allows people to understand the entire business culture.

But in case you are curious about this career option and want to know what the accountants actually do, then here in this article you will find a range of options from which you can make the selection. Besides, this article can also help you to know about the duties of an accountant and the specializations that the accountants have.


What do the accountants do?


Usually, the duties of an accountant Burlington are to compile, scrutiny, verified and organize financial records for the organization or the department. In the layman’s terms, the accountants also work with different financial documents to make certain efficient, lawful and submissive business practices.

Some of the accountants work as the internal auditor of a company while most of the accountants work as the CPAs or Certified Public Accountants, who mainly audit all the financial statements of different organizations and corporations. 





Besides, these CPAs also take care of the income tax returns, financial statements, accounting systems, investment decisions, tax planning etc. of the companies.

It is also the duty of an accountant to work for any organization internally, confirming that all the financial documents are valid and compliant. Another possibility is to work as the third-party entity making it sure that companies are properly following the industry regulations and laws. 


But at the same time, it is important to note that there are a wide range of accountants. Therefore, it is often tough to learn about this industry in a single description.

Conclusion:


With so many various facets of the field of accounting, there is no requirement of locking in you into any single career option before getting the degree or before starting a career in this field. The training and knowledge that you receive in the classroom would be helpful for you to hone in an area of interest.


Friday, May 11, 2018

Business for Sale: 4 Steps to Take When Buying a Business



The trouble with a job is that you are forced to fight your way up a crowded corporate ladder. The next best idea is to build your own ladder and position yourself at the top. When you do this from scratch, it can cost a lot of money, and it is still quite an uphill battle to get the business viable. 

A third option is to buy a ladder that is already well-built around a proven business concept. So, with this in mind, here are four steps to take to purchase a business that already exists.

Look for the Right Business


One way to find a successful business for sale is to look around for an entrepreneur who is looking to retire. Generally, someone who has kept their business running for many years and has already made their money has gold to sell. 

Depending on how desperate they are to execute an exit strategy, you may even be able to pick up this gem of a business for a discounted price. If you have difficulty finding this kind of opportunity to seize upon, then you may want to contact business brokers to find out about businesses for sale that you may not have known were open to monetary offers.

Crunch the Numbers


Once you find what looks like the right business to purchase, the next step is to ask to see the numbers. All real business is done by the numbers, because figures and values that are represented by mathematically sound business formulas do not lie. 





When you can see that the price you are paying for an already viable business is not going to take much to gain a substantial return on your investment over a couple short years, then you will have a good idea of a timeline for how long it will take you to start generating significant profit with your newly owned, fully established business model.

Negotiations


Once you have a thorough grasp of the numbers and you know what the current owner wants to sell their business for to complete their exit strategy, then the next step is to engage in negotiations. 

While the current owner may have a price they want, this does not prevent you from making a lower offer. Hey, it is just business, nothing personal. As a prospective business owner, you should protect your bottom line and get the best deal possible for the right price. 

The business assets you are buying may be old and in need of some repair or other reasons may legitimately drive down the original owner’s asking price. It is okay to be fair with your counter offers and site legitimate concerns, but try to not be too unreasonable.

See the Plan of Action


Once the numbers and negotiations make sense, then the next step is to talk strategy with the person from which you are buying the business. To be clear, this individual is still in business, after all these years, because they know what works and what does not work. 

You want to get this individual to agree to mentor you in their business strategies for success. This has to be part of the purchase deal, this way you will be able to continue to use their proven business strategy the way they have always done it. 

So, you are not just buying a business, but you are buying rights to the vision and strategies used to make this business a success.

Conclusion


You are the proud owner of a well-established business. You have quality plans, quality employees and the insight to continue in the former owners footsteps towards success. 

The important thing is that you did not have to guess at how to reinvent the wheel to get to this point either. You did it all the smart way by purchasing a business that already had a proven track record.


Wednesday, May 9, 2018

5 Reasons a Lawyer Can Make Your Life Easier



Lawyer jokes, I am sure you have heard them; heck, you might have even told a few in your time. Well it turns out that lawyers have an important role to play in our lives. Not only can they assist with legal problems but they can also provide advice and counsel on matters of importance to our businesses and our lives – such as retirements and estate planning.

In this role, lawyers help to make sure that the structures we use to manage our investments conform with the laws of the land. They do this by providing their opinions on the law and its impact on the things we do every day. With that in mind, here are five reasons a lawyer can make your life easier.


Get the Help You Need After an Injury


Accidents happen, but when they happen to you it can be painful. Not only in the physical sense but also in terms of lost time at work and importantly the expenses – both medical and to your property.

Given the impact of an accident and by extension and injury, there are times when a lawyer can help to make your life easier. According to the Reyna Law Firm in Corpus Christi, Texas, ‘you make receive full compensation’ – especially if you weren’t at fault.

Note this doesn’t only apply to accidents that happen in Texas as most states have laws on the books to help protect the victims of accidents. The only thing you need to do is reach out an attorney to see if your case qualifies for compensation as not every accident does. However, you won’t know if you don’t ask.


You Fought the Law


Like the song goes ‘I fought the law, and the law won’. Well, this is what happens when you play with fire and as such finding yourself on the wrong side of Johnny Law might meant that you will need representation.





A good defense lawyer can help to get you a reduced sentence or fine and, depending on the circumstances, they may even get you acquitted. While you don’t want to make running afoul of the law a habit, it can happen and as such, you will want to get a lawyer to make your life easier.


You’re Fired


While the famous phrase has made its way from the TV to the White House, there are times when getting fired has less to do with your performance and more to do with the bias of your manager or supervisor – after all we are only human.

If you can prove that the termination was wrongful, then you could be eligible to receive compensation. However, labor relations tend to be complex legally and it is rare that the circumstance will indicate a clear bias against you. As such, you will need to have an experienced lawyer in your corner. Not only will they help you to prove your case, they will also show if the manager in question has been guilty of this sort of behaviour in the past.

Another thing to remember if you are in this situation is that you need to document everything. This is because many cases of wrongful termination tend to follow a pattern of repeated discrimination over the months leading up to you being let go.

As such, the more data you have on potential incidents the better your lawyer will be able to prove that you were not fired due to your performance by rather because of the bias of your manager.


Fixing Problems


Maybe it is an issue with your local zoning board or you want to fight your property tax assessment. Either way, a lawyer can help you to put together the argument that will get you the outcome you want. Just remember that there are rarely clear-cut solutions to complex problems, so you might not always get everything you want.


Preparing for Retirement, and Other Things


Good lawyers, especially tax lawyers, will have a keen understanding of how you will need to prepare your investments for retirement and importantly to protect everything when the time comes to transfer these assets to your heirs.

Granted, the new tax laws help but you also need to make sure there aren’t any hidden liabilities when you structure your assets and for this, only a lawyer can help. That being said, most of us don’t have a $10 million estate to leave behind, but what we do have is important it should be protected.

There you have it, five ways in which a lawyer can make your life easier. Note we left out the bits about setting up a company or helping you when you are being sued. As such, we should the lawyer jokes aside as they really do help us when needed.



Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Tips for Restoring a Classic Car




 For auto enthusiasts, there are few things that are more fulfilling than finding an old classic vehicle and going through the steps to restore it back to its former glory (perhaps with a few updates). However, restoring a classic car is anything but easy, and is a process that takes a considerable amount of time, effort, and money (lots and lots of money). 

It isn’t uncommon for people who are restoring a classic car to spend years of time doing so, especially if they work a full time job on top of that. Regardless, the feeling of getting behind the wheel of a classic that you restored is well worth the trouble. Here are some tips for restoring a classic car...



Consider what type of restoration you’re doing


Typically, when people are restoring a classic car, there is a reason that they are doing so, whether it be for a car show, a competition, or even just for their own personal benefit. The purpose of your restoration is going to determine some of the finer details of the work you are doing. For this reason, you should figure out the reason for your restoration, first.

If you are restoring for a car show, then the bodywork is going to need to be a lot more precise, whereas the cosmetic work on a car that doesn’t need to be show-ready will be far less intensive. Another thing to consider is that doing a restoration for a local car show or competition is going to create an inherent deadline that you need to be done by.



Have an easily accessible place to work


Fixing up an old car takes time, and you’re going to need to work in a place that is available for you to work at your own pace, while taking up a great deal of space. You want to be able to do this in a large garage that is outfitted with the equipment that you’ll need. 


Ideally, you’ll be able to do this as a project in your own home garage, assuming that it is big enough and you don’t need it for other reasons. However, if you aren’t able to do it in your home garage, the good news is that there are usually co-ops of mechanics who pool resources together for workspace and equipment that you can join.


Find the right car


Some cars are going to be a great deal more difficult to restore than others. Putting together an old VW Beetle is a heck of a lot easier than trying to restore a 62 Shelby Cobra. 




For this reason, it’s important to pick the right car for your restoration project, especially if this is your first time doing so. Do your research about what vehicles are more difficult to find parts for, and how much time and money is liable to go into restoring them. 

In addition, it might be a good idea to ask around the auto enthusiast community to get an idea of what they would recommend.

Add modern amenities


When you are restoring a classic car, there’s a tendency to think that everything you are doing needs to reflect the state of the vehicle back when it was released. 


However, you don’t necessarily need to replicate the factory-settings of the car. Indeed, if you are planning on driving and enjoying this vehicle, you’re probably going to want to take advantage of the modern conveniences that have advanced in the auto industry over the past several decades. 

Here is a list of some modern updates that you should think about for your classic car restoration.


Have an experienced consultant


While there are plenty of sources of research that you can find online, it’s still invaluable to have the advice of an expert mechanic that you can turn to. Ideally, you’ll just have a friend who has already restored a classic car that you can get advice from. 


However, if that’s not the case, then check online for auto restoration groups. These people are enthusiasts who are usually willing to share knowledge and insight with people who are trying to get into the same passion.


Friday, May 4, 2018

How Business Owners Can Prepare for Retirement



As a successful entrepreneur, it is likely that you have spent a lot of your life working hard and putting the hours in. Instead of relying on someone else to pay your salary, you had the determination to take matters into your own hands. 

Therefore, the thought of walking away from a busy working life may seem like a huge and intimidating change. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be. If you are eager to enjoy retirement, without compromising the success of your business, you will need to read on.

Push forward with your expansion


The first step is to push forward with your plans for expansion. In order to leave your business in a good place, it is vital that you make it to the next level. If you are already thinking about retirement, you may not feel like taking any risks. 

However, it is far better that you are involved in these changes, as opposed to leaving it up to someone else. Even if you don’t yet have the available funds to move forward, you could resolve this issue by looking into Kabbage loans

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get the money you need to secure a bright future for you and your business.

Get your finances in order


The next step is to get your company finances in order. If you don’t already keep a close eye on your funds, now is the time to start. You need to ensure everything is clear and correct in time for your retirement. 





While you might be able to understand the system you have in place, this means nothing if no one else can get their head around it. That is why you should embrace a professional approach. You could also think about hiring an accountant to do the hard work for you.

Train up your team members


Another important step is to train up your existing team members. Of course, you can do this in relation to your company finances, but you should also train them up to understand your approach to customer service, your marketing strategy, and your company ethos. 

It could also be a good idea to include select members of your staff in important business meetings. This will give them a better chance of holding onto contacts after you have gone. 

Furthermore, it will boost employee morale, as your team will be able to see just how much you care about their futures.

Gradually decrease your work hours


If you are intimidated by the prospect of leaving your business behind, you should consider gradually decreasing your work hours. This is a great way for you to enjoy the best of both worlds. 

It is also a brilliant way to ensure you aren’t making a huge mistake. After all, you only want to retire if you are truly ready for the change.

Hold onto your shares


Last but not least, you should do everything in your power to hold onto your shares. Even if you don’t keep them all, you should try to hold onto a substantial percentage. This will involve a little more work, but at least you will still have your foot in the door. 

If you have dedicated your whole life to building up your business, the last thing you want is for it to take off after you have gone. That is why you should hold back from completely severing your ties.


What is the Difference Between a Loan Against Property, Mortgage Loan and Home Loan?



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When you find yourself in need of a loan, it is important to assess all the options available to you. This will allow you to choose a loan variant that caters to your needs adequately. 

One such consideration is choosing between a loan against property, mortgage loan and a home loan. While all three terms seem similar at first, there are differences that set them apart. Take a look at what these differences are.

Based on collateral


Home loan: When you take a home loan, the home that you are about to buy acts as the collateral for the loan. You have to pledge it to the lender until you repay the loan amount.

Mortgage loan: This loan simply means that you can get access to funds by mortgaging an asset. Here, it is important to remember that the asset may be property, but it can also be gold, investments such as securities, etc.

Loan against property: As the name suggests, when you opt for this loan offering, you must pledge a property that you own in exchange for funds. You can pledge either a residential property or a commercial property as collateral.


Based on purpose


Home loan: When you take a home loan, you can only use the funds from it to purchase a residential property. You can then stay in this property (self-occupy) or rent it out if you’re purchasing a home as in investment. You can’t use it for any other purpose.

Mortgage loan: Mortgage loans are of various kinds, and in fact, the term is used to define a category of loans rather than one particular loan. For example, a home loan is a mortgage loan, as is a loan against property, or a loan against insurance. 




Depending on the variant of the mortgage loan, the end use will vary. While a home loan offers limited flexibility in terms of what you can use the funds for, a loan against insurance allows you to use the funds for any purpose that you deem fit.

Loan against property: This diverse loan offering allows you to use funds for a variety of purposes. You can use the money to buy commercial property or a home for your family. You can also avail the loan for lease rent discounting. 


Whether you require substantial funds to start a business, pay for your child’s overseas education, pay for wedding expenses or invest in an asset, you can take a loan against property to meet any of these needs.

Besides this, if you need a large amount of money and you anticipate unpredictable or periodic need for finance, you can avail the sanction as a Flexi Loan. When you take a Loan Against Property from Bajaj Finserv, for example, you can choose to take the amount as a Flexi Loan and use funds from the total sanction as per your needs. 


You only have to pay interest on the amount that you use, and you have the option to pay interest-only EMIs through the tenor. Once the loan repayment period comes to a close, you can repay the principal. You can withdraw, repay and redraw funds as many times as you want to. 

More importantly, you don’t have to file a new loan application each time you need funds. Simply make a request to access the amount.




Here’s a look at a few benefits that this Bajaj Finserv loan offers.



  • This loan gives you a high-value loan that you can use for both professional and personal purposes. As a salaried individual, you can access Rs.1 crore, while if you are a self-employed individual, you can get up to Rs.3.5 crore.
  • A loan against property’s interest rates are low, and you can use a loan against property EMI calculator to determine what you monthly outflow will be with ease.
  • The documents required for a loan against property are minimal, as is loan against property eligibility. You can apply in a matter of minutes and receive the loan amount within 72 hours.
  • You have the choice of a long tenor to make repayment easy. Choose from a repayment period spanning 2–20 years if you are salaried, and up to 18 years if you are self-employed. 
  • You can also make use of prepayment or foreclose options at a minimal charge to repay the loan quickly.
  • If you already have a loan against property, transfer it to Bajaj Finserv to enjoy fast processing, and add-on benefits such as a high-value top-up loan.
  • Manage your loan online with ease via a secure customer portal. Get all loan-related information at your fingertips, as per your convenience. 
  • With complete understanding about the difference between the three loans and the benefits of a loan against property, you’re sure to be able to make the right choice for your needs. Before you submit your application, be sure to check the eligibility criteria to see if you qualify.



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