In today’s digital age, online reviews can make or break a small business. With the ease of access to social media and review websites, customers can easily voice their opinions and experiences with your business online. As a small business owner, it’s essential to understand the importance of online reviews as they will impact your brand image, sales, and customer loyalty. Boost your brand image Online reviews are the first… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. US renters remain burdened as insurance pressures on landlords mount Median renter households in the US remained burdened in the third quarter, with 30% of their income going to rent. Renters are considered “burdened” if their rent payments consume 30% or more of their gross, or pre-tax, income. Government shutdown averted:… Read more
In the unpredictable world of startups, maintaining a cash surplus can be a lifesaver. It provides a safety net in case sales don’t meet expectations or unexpected expenses arise. Aside from providing security, surplus cash also paves the way for expansion opportunities, handling large bills, or purchasing essential equipment. While injecting personal capital or taking out a loan can aid in creating a cash surplus, let’s explore some other effective… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Businesses take stock of the U.S. economy and see reason to be cautious The level of inventories, or unsold goods, that U.S. wholesalers are keeping on hand fell in September to a 13-month low amid uncertainty about whether the economy can maintain its recent momentum. The US economy may… Read more
As a business owner, have you ever been caught short of cash? What if I told you that the solution to your cash flow woes might be hiding in plain sight? Yes, you heard it right. Your business may already possess the funds you need, locked up in assets, stock, or your debtors. In this post, we’ll break down three areas you can check to free up funds within your… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. 5 things to know about a stunning week for the economy Here are five takeaways about today’s economy, including why forecasters are cautioning that the strong growth may not last. Biden’s new plan for student loan relief, explained On Monday, the Department of Education announced new plans to forgive billions of… Read more
In the unpredictable world of business, finding a little certainty can make all the difference. While the future remains a mystery, tools such as budgeting and cash flow forecasting can significantly reduce the level of uncertainty, allowing you to anticipate challenges, learn from past events, and enhance your ability to navigate your business. Budget vs. Cash Flow: the crucial distinction A common misconception is that a budget and cash flow… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. U.S mortgage rates soar to highest in more than 23 years The interest rate on the most popular U.S. home loan last week jumped to the highest since September 2000, marking its seventh straight weekly increase and driving mortgage applications to a 28-year low, a survey showed. IRS warns… Read more
When it comes to running a thriving business, understanding and effectively managing your working capital is crucial. Essentially, working capital is the cash readily available for the day-to-day running of operations. The more protracted the business cycle, the higher the working capital requirement tends to be. Your goal? To ensure you have enough working capital on hand to cover operational expenses, with a reasonable buffer in place. How to improve… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Commerce at the forefront in improving nation’s cybersecurity Improving the nation’s cybersecurity is a priority for Secretary Raimondo and the Commerce Department. Commerce agencies are leading efforts to protect industry and government from current and future cyber threats. Efforts include promoting standards to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity… Read more
Starting a new business is exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. One of the most critical responsibilities is maintaining accurate records of your business transactions. From saving receipts to processing employee payroll, every money-related detail should be documented. It’s not just about keeping things tidy; it’s about understanding the financial health of your business and meeting all your tax obligations. Don’t underestimate the basics Some… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. September inflation breakdown: Where are prices rising the fastest? Inflation rose more than expected in September as a spike in the cost of rent and food kept prices abnormally high for millions of U.S. households. The Labor Department said the consumer price index, a broad measure of the price… Read more
Starting a business is a wild ride with its fair share of ups and downs. One hurdle many new entrepreneurs encounter is the difference between the profits they expected and the hard cash available at the financial year-end. This guide aims to alleviate these concerns by shedding light on where your missing revenue might be hiding. Possible causes of missing profits There may be several reasons why your business has… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. The Great Mismatch: with millions of open positions, why does the job market feel so dire? Despite what should be encouraging data from the Labor Department, a majority of job seekers are not finding the opportunities they want. The era of confounding economic data and indicators stretches on. US… Read more
As a small business owner, you’re likely already wearing many hats. But the hat of a financial analyst might seem a little oversized, particularly if your background isn’t in finance or accounting. However, understanding financial ratios can be a game-changer for your business, helping you assess your business’s financial health and make informed decisions. Financial ratios: what are they? Think of financial ratios as a thermometer for your business’s financial… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. With a US government shutdown, what happens to the economy? The U.S. Congress passed a stopgap funding bill late on Saturday government averting shutdown. About quarter of the US GDP is government expenditure. A drop in that spending will have knock-on effect on the economy. What would stay open… Read more
Crafting the ideal successor for your business When you’re busy running and growing your business, it’s generally not a priority to think about who will take over when you can’t or don’t want to be so involved. Transitioning leadership can be a challenging task. It demands an insightful and systematic approach to ensure that the process runs smoothly. Achieving a successful handover requires detailed and strategic planning that will benefit… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Fed’s Wall of Worry: Government shutdown, UAW strike, student loan repayments and $90 oil Just when Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell thought he was making strides in managing inflation, he’s now facing a five-point threat to the economy at the very least. “It’s the strike, it’s the government shutdown, resumption of… Read more
Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses In our digital age, cybersecurity is a crucial aspect of running any business. Cybersecurity breaches could lead to not only data theft but also reputational and financial loss. Hence, it’s imperative to establish robust cybersecurity measures to protect your business and customers’ sensitive information. Here are some cybersecurity practices that could help safeguard your online presence. 1. Invest in Security Software: One… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. IRS halts new ERC processing after flood of bogus claims The Internal Revenue Service said Thursday it’s putting an immediate stop to processing of new claims for the Employee Retention Credit after receiving a surge of questionable claims. The UAW’s big asks, unusual strike strategy, and what this all… Read more