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Setting A Realistic Budget

When I decided to budget a little more carefully, I had no idea how difficult it would be. Fortunately, I was able to talk with a few financial advisors who were able to point me in the right direction. One of the best pieces of advice I received was about setting a realistic budget. I learned how to effectively manage my money, so that I didn't have to worry about paying my bills or letting my accounts overdraft. This blog is designed to help people like me who have previously struggled with money. Check out these articles for financial advice that might help you to set a realistic budget.

Setting A Realistic Budget

Bookkeeping Basics For Your New Small Business

by Leo Austin

As you begin preparing to start a new business, you might want to start thinking about your bookkeeping activities. Every business needs to keep records of its financial transactions; this is called accounting or bookkeeping. If you want to begin by tracking the records yourself, you might need to know a few basics about these activities. Here are several basic principles of accounting that you can use to begin tracking your business records for your new business.

Track Your Income as You Earn It or Receive It

There are two ways to track income, and one is easier. The first way is to track your revenues as you receive them. This method is the cash method of accounting, and you only record income when you receive the money from your customers. The other method requires you to record your income when you earn it instead of when you receive it. For example, if you earn $1,000 from a job that you complete this week, you record it this week, even if you do not receive the money until next month. They call this the accrual method. You can choose which method you use, but you must be consistent with only one method.

Track Your Expenses

In accounting, expenses work the same way. You should use the same method as your income process. When you incur debt or expense for your business, you put it on your books either when you obtain or pay it. Again, you must be consistent with the method you use.

Payroll Expenses

If your new business will have employees, you will likely need a software program to help you complete your payroll, unless you hire a bookkeeping company. Payroll is simple when you use payroll software, but it is difficult when you try to manually complete it.

The Purpose of Keeping Good Records

Tracking all your income and expenses as they occur, rather than waiting to do it at the end of the year, is an easier way to handle your accounting. When you track these things as they happen, you can better understand the financial position of your business. You can also have clear and accurate records to use when you have to file your taxes.

If this seems like a lot of work or confusion, you might want to hire a professional instead. You can find bookkeeping companies in many areas near you, and you should hire one to help your business.

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