Category: Business Finances

The Perils of Undercharging

Lisa runs a solo massage practice in Brooklyn NY. She puts her heart and soul into her work and cares very much for her clients. Although she started about 5 years ago, she was still struggling financially, and recently had to take on a part time job, because she simply does not charge enough for… Continue reading The Perils of Undercharging

Are you really making money?

You put in your all. You’re busy. You’re having fun. By all appearances you’re a success. You’re making noise and there’s lots happening, but are you really making money? One thing that I’ve seen across the board, from attorneys to graphic/web designers to architects, to consultants, to contractors and so on, is that the wheels… Continue reading Are you really making money?

Why DIY accounting and bookkeeping doesn’t work

In the latest in a series of interviews with local small business experts, I spoke with Victoria Brush E.A., who runs a tax and accounting practice here in Park Slope, Brooklyn NY (www.BrushTax.com )  Here are some highlights from our conversation on accounting, bookkeeping tips and some good reasons NOT to do DIY accounting: Before… Continue reading Why DIY accounting and bookkeeping doesn’t work

Small Business Financial Planning

Business owners, busy with the ins and outs of running their business, often overlook the importance of small business financial planning until they’re dangerously close to retirement or something untoward happens. I spoke with local financial planner, C.E. Scott Brewster CFP®, of Brewster Financial Planning to get some info on what all small business owners… Continue reading Small Business Financial Planning

Senate Financial Reform Bill: Reduce Merchant Processing Fees

An article in the “You’re The Boss blog alerted me to an amendment to the Senate Financial Reform Bill proposed by Senator Durbin of Illinois “that would loosen the hold credit card networks such as Visa and Mastercard now have over merchants. Senate leaders are expected to bring the amendment up for a vote —… Continue reading Senate Financial Reform Bill: Reduce Merchant Processing Fees

Cash Flow: The Daily Stresses of Small Business Financial Management

I’ve often said that running a business requires juggling a lot of hats, many out of your field of expertise. Most small business owners have to broaden their scope and deal with sales, marketing, business planning and figure out how to handle employees and clients, all of which have their own unique and individual challenges.… Continue reading Cash Flow: The Daily Stresses of Small Business Financial Management

Specialty Lending Helps Niche Companies Obtain Business Loans

Years and years ago it was quite common for banks to cater to one particular industry, such as manufacturing or farming; and some of these banks still exist, although most have expanded their markets. Now thought of as high risk, there are still some banks that do what is known as specialty lending. And the… Continue reading Specialty Lending Helps Niche Companies Obtain Business Loans

Alternative Lending: Business Credit At Any Cost?

With the recession and business credit tightening, it’s been harder for small businesses to obtain loans. As a result alternative lending has become a growing industry. Un-conventional lenders are cropping up with all kinds of different approaches to an age old problem – financing a small business. But are the benefits of these alternative lending,… Continue reading Alternative Lending: Business Credit At Any Cost?

Small Business Loans; Are Community Banks Better?

The A.R.C. program’s small business stabilization program that is administered by the S.B.A. has been criticized by many due to a slim profit margin for the banks, and the large amount of effort required on the part of the banks and the borrowers; so many larger banks have completely shied away from the program. According… Continue reading Small Business Loans; Are Community Banks Better?

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