How many times have you said “now where did I see that” to yourself? If you’re like us A LOT! In today’s digital world we are inundated with information and tips. From personal finance to business marketing and social media to local deals, there are many resources. As an acocunting firm we’re always going to [...]
20 Twitter #Hashtags for Entrepreneurs
If you’re like us and a lot of other business owners you understand the value of having an active social media presence. The first step is understanding the products and services offered followed by identifying a target market. For us at BASC Expertise we provide accounting services to small businesses in the Phoenix metro area. [...]
5 Reasons You Might Be Broke
When was the last time you felt like you had no money? Most of us would say pretty often. Whether applied to business or personal or both, there are things we are doing that are making us broke – or at least feel broke. No cash in your wallet or paying for car repairs on [...]
Why Your Personal Budget Failed – and Tips for Success
At BASC Expertise we provide accounting services to businesses. Oftentimes small businesses or start-ups fall into the space where business and personal comingle for tax purposes. We offer the following tips for personal budgeting — these may also work for a small or startup business with limited expenses: Creating a personal budget is often a [...]
What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping?
As a provider of accounting and bookkeeping services to Arizona small business owners we are often asked what the difference is between the two. The easy answer is that while the two are related they aren’t the same. Here are the key differences between bookkeeping and accounting: Bookkeeping is part of Accounting; it is a [...]
Top 5 Networking Tips to Grow Your Small Business
Whether in dating or in business we have all had the fear of meeting someone new. We get stuck in our comfort zones or get in our own way by making excuses of why we cannot network. The cold hard fact is that you need to network to grow your business. The best part is [...]
8 Tips for Exceptional Customer Service for Small Business
As entrepreneurs we’re often juggling many tasks which can lead to a decrease in business. Most often we are not providing the level of customer service that initially brought our clients to us. This is something to be avoided. At BASC Expertise we’re always looking to fine tune our office procedures and staff to offer [...]
5 reasons why tax time is all the time – and not just for your accountant
How often have friends and family told you they don’t balance their checkbooks? We’ve heard it ten times if we’ve heard it once. Yes, banking is primarily done online and yes, “balancing a checkbook” is an old term. The fact remains that you need to know where you stand financially so you can make sound [...]
How to Select an Accountant
As a business owner or individual it is important to know, like and trust those with whom you do business. You don’t recommend a movie that you haven’t seen just the same as you wouldn’t recommend a service provider that you haven’t used. At BASC Expertise we understand small business accounting, payroll and bookkeeping. We [...]
Top Six Picks: Mobile Apps that Save You Money on Gas
As an accounting business we’re always interested in the bottom line. Numbers are our business and we are always looking for ways to help save our clients money. Whether finding affordable ways to spend time with the family, saving money at the grocery store or saving money at the gas station. Today we’re sharing our [...]
Tax mandates could mean paperwork nightmare for small business owners
Regulations that take effect in 2012, will require any taxpayer with business income to issue 1099 forms to all vendors from whom they purchase more than $600 in goods and services from during that year.
Accounting and bookkeeping: Know the difference
Do you know the difference between accounting and bookkeeping? When many small businesses open up, the owners sometimes use those terms interchangeably but they do have noticeable differences. In your small business, you have to keep up with both functions – bookkeeping and accounting. Here are the differences: Bookkeeping is the process of the record-keeping [...]
Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts for your business bookkeeping practices
You’ve decided to take the plunge and open your own business or buy an existing one. You are an expert in the field that you are undertaking – whether it’s opening a floral design, wedding planning, automobile repair, or a sandwich shop; but are you an expert in bookkeeping and accounting? Do you even want [...]
How to grow your business with barter
In the 1800’s, barter was commonplace as people would pay the town grocer, the town doctor or the town barber with chickens or vegetables that they had grown on their farm. The problem was this system was inequitable. The doctor’s service was paid for with whatever the patient had on hand at the time, irrelevant [...]
Cutting costs, increasing productivity? It can be done
A survey undertaken by the United States Federation of Small Business and DYMO showed that because of the downturn in the economy many small businesses are making cuts to stay afloat. No surprise there, right? Here is a breakdown of where small businesses are making those cuts: 23% of respondents have cut their staff 29% [...]
What you should consider if you’re looking at a business loan
The recent economy has been hard on small businesses – there’s no surprise there, right? And entrepreneurs who have been seeking working capital are being faced time and again with being turned down by bank officers. Recently, though, the chasm between banks and small businesses appears to be lessening, according to a report issued by [...]
Bankruptcy, is it for you? Can you avoid it?
Bankruptcy: What was once a last resort and utilized by few individuals, is now – because of this difficult economic climate in which we are living – is becoming more commonplace. Taking the steps to file bankruptcy is not something that should be taken lightly but for those businesses and individuals who don’t see light [...]
Why outsourcing your payroll is good for your company’s bottom line
As a small business owner you face challenges every day – from hiring and retaining good employees to bringing in enough business to keep the doors open. Keeping track of payroll and the state and federal paperwork that needs to be filed can take you off course from running your business, that’s why outsourcing your [...]
Does your business under promise and over deliver?
When your clients come to you, chances are they have an idea of what they’ll be getting. They walk into a clothing store – it’s clothing; you’re an accountant, they expect to have their facts and figures taken care of and be on their way. If you make good on the “promise” of delivering a [...]
Get Your Business “Tax Neutral” with Trade (Barter) Dollars
One way that business owners increase cashflow is through trade, commonly known as barter. By trading your products, services or expertise with other companies, you can free up cash flow and get the products, services or expertise you need. However it’s important to understand that whether you participate in trade either through “direct trade,” i.e., [...]
5 habits that are making you broke
It’s less than two days past payday and your checkbook’s bottom line is looking a bit unhealthy. Do you ever where your money goes? Do you track it or does it simply seem to trickle through your fingers until it’s gone? Everyone has his or her blind spot when it comes to mindless spending. Here [...]
Is now the time to look at getting a loan?
It appears that lenders are beginning to loosen their grip on lending money, but your personal credit history will still be a determining factor in whether you qualify for a car loan, mortgage or line of credit. Banks tightened their hold on lending when the financial crisis hit and individuals and business owners who were [...]
Top tips for understanding and choosing your health care benefits
Consumers spend an average of 10 hours researching a new car but one hour or less when it comes to reviewing their health benefits during open enrollment. When you think about it, these days a hospital stay could drain your bank account in a matter of days, so it makes sense that you should take [...]
6 last minute tips to save on taxes
When it comes to an income tax refund, many people look at it as a windfall – unexpected money that can be used for fun. Truly, though you could be investing or saving your money and putting it to better use, but the amount of this refund is determined by the numbers that are generated [...]
Finance lessons you can take to the bank
It’s not always easy to save and invest – it takes time, effort and education. Do you know how much you need to save for retirement? Do you know where your money should be invested for your future? Even with the myriad things you need to take into consideration, one thing should be an easy [...]
5 credit card dilemmas and how to avoid them
If you have a credit card – and who doesn’t – it’s likely that you’ve been seeing some changes, sometimes too many changes to even keep up with. We’ve rounded up several dilemmas you might face with your credit cards so you can be prepared with how to address them. Credit card dilemma #1 – [...]
Tracking work-at-home expenses: Tips for the Entrepreneur
Whether you’ve decided to open your own business or your boss has offered you the opportunity to work from home as an independent contractor, there are many tax advantages of which you may not be aware – valid business expenses that you can use to reduce your taxable income.
Entrepreneurs: Do you need a business plan?
Penning your business plan forces you to think in creative ways about your business and perhaps even come up with ideas you hadn’t considered before. With a business plan, you will be setting goals and implementing metrics to measure and guide the outcome.
Budgeting Tips for Entrepreneurs
One of the biggest challenges faced by small business owners is managing cash flow. Taking time to learn to budget can help you over this hurdle and propel your business toward fiscal success.
Five Tips to Reduce Taxes Paid by Small Business
As an entrepreneur, there is nothing more important than preserving your operating capital. Paying money toward expenses can put your business out of business before it has gotten a chance to get off the ground. For a business owner, one of the major expenses faced are the payment of taxes.
Business Structures Defined: Which Is Best for Your Business?
Opening a new business comes with decisions about aspects of business including funding, finances, marketing, business name and logo. One of the most important decisions is the type of legal structure for your company. Legal structure impacts the paperwork tracked and filed, taxes, personal financial liability and ability to fund your venture now and in the future.
Tax Return: Preparation Tips for your Arizona Tax Return
It’s getting to be crunch time for small business owners in Arizona when it comes time to filing tax returns. This year, tax returns have to be filed with the IRS on April 18 because the 15th falls on a Friday. Even though April may seem a long way off, a rushed tax return can cost you thousands of lost dollars.
It’s never too early to get a jump on 2011 tax preparedness
Having an accountant or a bookkeeper as a business partner is a surefire way to make certain your business is prepared for any and all tax savings that are available.
How much Should I Earn? Calculating Salary as a Small Business Owner
Now that you’re the boss, how do you determine what you’re worth and what the size of your paycheck should be?
Business Line of Credit: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know
As a result of seasonal fluctuations or gaps between payables and receivables, you could find yourself in need of capital to manage these fluctuations. Start-ups frequently face the dilemma of how to keep the doors open during the time between cash layout and cash collection.
Top 5 Reasons to Start a New Business Now
If you have an idea that has been churning around in your mind for a while, now’s the time to make your dream of entrepreneurship come true.
Seven Business Start-up Tips to Avoid
When you’re starting a business there is no blueprint that will guarantee success. There are some common mistakes that entrepreneurs make that can almost guarantee failure.
8 Traits of Entrepreneurs
At BASC Expertise we have the opportunity to work with many entrepreneurs. We have identified eight common traits of successful business people:
Tips to Finding a Suitable Tax Preparation Professional
When it comes to having your taxes prepared it is best to take your time and look for a tax preparation professional, such as BASC Expertise, who will still be around after April 15 rolls around. Remember you have until April 18, 2011 to file your taxes.
How to Prepare for an IRS Audit
In a perfect world you would never have to face an IRS audit, but the best way to be survive one, is to always be prepared.
Facts about Money
It’s all about the Benjamins, right? It could be. It could also be about the Lincolns, Washingtons and Jeffersons. Chances are you have paper money and change rolling around in your wallet, purse or the cushions of your couch but have you ever given any thought to the origins of the cash you carry?
8 Ways to Spend (or Save) Your Tax Refund
After the tough economic times we have experienced it feels good to have a little cash in our pockets, doesn’t it? It is important to explore your options and we can help. At BASC Expertise we offer an array of services that can help you make a decision that is appropriate for your personal situation.
9 Money Websites to Change Your Financial Outlook
In today’s fast paced world it is often challenging to sort through information presented to us, especially financial information. At BASC Expertise we pride ourselves on helping our clients secure a sound financial future and offer the following nine money websites that can change your financial outlook.
9 ideas to help you decide if working from home is right for you
Whether you are a stay at home parent looking for extra income, prospective business owner or your boss has offered to let you work from home, the prospect can be overwhelming. Where will my office space be located? How will I separate work and home life? Where is the work-life balance? How do I cultivate business and keep the home office organized? These and other questions will be answered below with our nine ideas to help you decide if working from home is right for you:
10 Best Money Tips
“A penny saved is a penny earned” is a common phrase passed down through the generations along with a host of others. How many of us have taken these tips and turned them into cash? Self Magazine recently ran an article called The Best Money Tip I’ve Ever Gotten. That got us thinking and we came up with this list of the 10 best money tips to consider:
10 Simple Ways to Organize Personal Finances
In today’s uncertain economic times it is more important than ever to understand personal finances. We know you are busy and offer these ten simple ways to organize personal finances:
5 Business Functions to Consider Outsourcing
We offer a variety of services including small business accounting, tax services, payroll and marketing and recommend consideration for outsourcing recruiting.
Tips to Organizing a Home Office: The Space, Desk & Environment
Whether you are a business owner who works from home or a remote employee, we understand the challenge of creating productive home office environment. Oftentimes we are tending to business and organizing the office is last on our list.
Understanding the Impact of Economic Changes
In today’s uncertain economic times it is important to understand the impact of life events as they relate to business, jobs, debt and taxes. The IRS provides a near overwhelming amount of information on a variety of topics
10 Tips to Get Rid of Debt
With the federal and several state governments headed to bankruptcy we wanted to share tips for you to get rid of your debt.
16 Little Known Ways to Dine Out for Less Money
In spite of the recession being over, many of us feel the pain in the wallet at the pump and grocery store. Americans are shifting spending from groceries to gasoline to stay within budget.
Lessons to Learn from the Professionals
While parents often teach children to be friends with people who are good influences, so it is within the business world. The famous investor Warren Buffett said, “It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.” That made us think about what we can learn by observing other professionals.
10 of the Best Websites to Save Money Online
With 9%+ of Americans out of work, they are learning to stretch their dollar on everything from groceries to clothing. They are adopting the “we won’t pay retail for anything” mantra and using the internet to save money.
10 Bookkeeping Tips for Small Business Owners
Running a small business can be time and attention consuming. We often feel like we aren’t focused on our core business functions and are instead working long hours on tasks we might be able to outsource. Entrepreneur Magazine offered Five Bookkeeping Tips for Business Owners with which we agree and add a few of our [...]
Money Saving Resources for Business Owners
At BASC Expertise we provide a variety of services including payroll and bookkeeping to our clients so they can focus on their core business. Here are money saving resources for Phoenix area business owners:
5 Reasons to Outsource Payroll
A local entrepreneur described her business as a “delicate dance and balancing act to get everything done” and we agree. So how can outsourcing a function like payroll actually benefit the bottom line?
What sets BASC Expertise apart from the competition?
As a small business in a tough economy we understand the need for us to set ourselves apart from similar businesses. Providing high quality customer service to our clients is always our priority. As a small business owner we understand the value of prompt and accurate service and pass that along to our clients…and we [...]
Yes, your business needs a business plan!
No matter the size of your business, we encourage our clients and colleagues to develop a written business plan. Not only will you see how far you have come, you will see where you want to be in the future. Business owners are often too busy running the business to sit and write a business [...]
10 Questions to Consider as a New Business Owner
As a small business owner I understand the number of questions that need to be considered before deciding to be a business owner. There is a great amount of liability and also a great amount of reward being your own boss. Many Americans who have been laid off are considering opening small businesses, creating opportunity from an otherwise dismal outlook. We offer the following ten questions to consider as a new business owner:
7 Reasons to Use Trade or Barter to Grow Your Business
You’re probably already doing business on trade. You help your friend move and they pay you in pizza and beer. You put a colleague’s monthly newsletter together for movie passes. Have you considered joining a trade group like Tradesource Barter to grow your business? You should for the following seven reasons:
12 Tips for Small Business in 2012
At BASC Expertise we love working with some of the best small business owners in Arizona. As small business owners ourselves we also understand how much you need to do that isn’t directly related to your business.
We offer the following 12 tips for small business in 2012:
What is the difference between an Independent Contractor and an Employee?
As a business owner it is important to understand how employees are classified. Whether classified as an employee or contractor, you have responsibilities to the IRS and state. At times the line between the two can seem blurry but not to the IRS which is why we recommend consulting with BASC Expertise. The last thing we want is for you to end up owing money or other penalties.
5 Things I have learned from BASC Expertise
Editor Note: Thank you to our guest blogger Anne McAuley, McAuley Freelance Writing. As a new small business owner I was overwhelmed at the many hats I was wearing. I emailed Deirdre at BASC Expertise, “I have a pile of receipts, an account with QuickBooks online and not time. Help!” Within minutes I had a [...]
22 (possible) Tax Deductions for Entrepreneurs
In light of the new economy of an increased number of small businesses, we thought we would take a moment to discuss possible tax deductions. This is by no means a comprehensive list nor does it apply to every business. Please consult BASC Expertise or your trusted tax professional before deciding if these are right [...]
12 Must-Have Mobile Apps for Business
As the economy continues to change so does technology. It seems a new app is being released daily that will make us more efficient or better at something. I often laugh at the irony of having so many apps to check that I don’t have any time for anything else. Before you get lost in [...]
7 Reasons to Visit the IRS Website
Whether you’re searching for individual tax related information or a business owner in need of answers, the IRS website (irs.gov) offers a variety of information. If you can believe it, the site is fairly user-friendly with tabs for everything from tax forms to filing guides to identity theft prevention tips. In fact there is so [...]
What do rising gas prices mean for your budget?
As a personal and small business accounting services business, we look at a lot of numbers! It should be no surprise that we’re watching the gas prices and budget numbers for ourselves and our valued clients. AAA Arizona is reporting the average Tempe, AZ gas price on March 5, 2012 as $3.886 per gallon as [...]
A brief history of BASC Expertise
BASC Expertise was started by Deirdre Mohret with the single purpose of supporting small business growth in Arizona. We began by providing key accounting services of bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax planning and small business strategic consulting. In 2009, we added a turn-key solution for payroll. Our Clients are our greatest asset; understanding their needs in [...]
10 Common Documents to Bring to a Tax Prep Appointment
It’s that time of year again – tax time! Making an appoitnment for tax preparation is just part of what you need to do; the other is bringing what we need to the appointment. Odds are you’ve got receipts stuffed into shoe boxes and envelopes with no organization. To save you time and money during [...]
Pouring Money into the Gas Tank Means Spending Less on Groceries
For many Americans there is no room in the budget for more of anything. We’re having to stretch the budget on putting gas in the tank while providing food to our families. It’s a juggling act as we watch gas prices rise. Soon to follow will be grocery prices – the truckers are sure to [...]
Crowdsourcing 101 for Entrepreneurs
When we first heard the term crowdsourcing we thought it had something to do with flash mobs or outsourcing to many people. Neither of these ideas were accurate. Crowdsourcing is a modern term for an old-fashioned barn-raising where many people (a crowd) are supporting a business or project. Whether financial, creatively or as a think [...]
7 tips for making family time affordable and fun
As a business owner and mother to four beautiful children my time and resources are often limited. We want to make the most of the time we spend together and have some fun along the way. With gas prices at historical highs it is important to plan ahead and save money where we can. Here [...]
Tips for Small Business Social Media
As a small business in a competitive market we understand the need to set ourselves apart. One of the ways is through our online presence that includes a website, blog and social media accounts. Because time is of the essence especially for our clients and the IRS, we find it best for our business to [...]