As we wrap up another month, it's time to ensure your finances are in order. This newsletter is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips based on two questions your entrepreneurial friends have asked in order to help you maintain a healthy financial status.
Let's dive in!
1 - How can I ensure my financial records are accurate and up-to-date?
Keeping your financial records accurate and up-to-date involves consistency and diligence.
Here are some steps to ensure accuracy:
- Daily Entry: Enter transactions daily or at least weekly to avoid backlog and errors from forgetfulness.
- Reconcile Accounts: Regularly reconcile your bank and credit card statements with your accounting records to catch discrepancies.
- Automate Where Possible: Use automation tools within your accounting software to minimize manual entry and reduce errors. But, be careful, not everything can be automated effectively.
- Regular Reviews: Schedule monthly reviews of your financial statements to ensure all transactions are recorded correctly and to spot any anomalies. This is especially true if you have Auto-Add Bank Rules, oftentimes, QBO can make mistakes. Don't pay for these mistakes later come tax time because you didn't review.
- Professional Help: Consider hiring a professional bookkeeper or accountant to review your records periodically and provide expert advice.
This is a service we offer, it is called our Reviewer Package where we review your QuickBooks Online every quarter and provide feedback and/or training. It starts at $500 a quarter, and it's perfect for the DIY-er that is looking for bookkeeping confidence.
2 - How can I improve cash flow in my business?
Effective cash flow management is essential for sustaining your business operations. Cash is king for all businesses, so it is incredibly important that we give it the attention it deserves.
Here are some strategies I'd recommend to my clients if their goal is to improve their cash flow - AKA more money in your pocket:
- Monitor Cash Flow Regularly: If you use QuickBooks Online, utilize the Statement of Cash Flows (in the Reports section) to track the inflow and outflow of cash. Regular monitoring helps identify potential shortfalls.
- Invoice Promptly: Send invoices immediately after delivering goods or services and follow up on overdue invoices. Better yet, if your business allows it, invoice prior to completing the work, or consider taking an upfront deposit.
You can also offer discounts if paid promptly versus a 30 day term, with the risk of late payment.
- Manage Expenses: Review and categorize expenses to identify areas where you can cut costs or defer spending.
Can you save money switching to annual billing versus monthly?
Can you utilize your software costs better?
- Maintain a Cash Reserve: Keep a cash reserve to cover unexpected expenses or periods of slow revenue. This is where budgeting plays a major role in know how much money you'd need in order to float a few slow months.
- Negotiate Payment Terms: Work with suppliers to negotiate longer payment terms or discounts for early payments, and with clients to ensure timely payments.
- Professional Help: We offer Cash Flow Advisory Package, which is centered around addressing your money flow issues. Whether you're not sure if your prices are accurate or if you think your expenses are too high and you aren't sure which to address first, we can help get your business right-side up again.
This package starts at $1,500 a month. Use the above discovery call link to get started.
If you are a current customer and would like to upgrade, respond back to this email.
Thank you for being a part of our amazing community. We look forward to helping you achieve financial success.
If you have a question, please let us know by hitting reply!
We will respond back privately with an answer to your question, as well as anonymously post it within next months FAQ: Ask The Expert so others can benefit as well.
Until then, see you next week!