Navigating Health Insurance and Benefits for the Self-Employed

Best Practices

If self-employment promises one thing above all, it’s freedom: freedom to decide what your work is, who you work with and when and where that work takes place.  While it’s true that working for yourself offers the kind of flexibility and agency that can be hard to find in a salaried position, it does have […]

Setting Financial Goals and Milestones for Self-Employment Success

Best Practices How-To Guides / Tutorials

Taking the leap into self-employment can be scary, but it can also change lives for the better. Many self-employed people talk about how their job offers them a sense of purpose and fulfillment that evaded them when they worked for someone else, not to mention the more logistical benefits of being your own boss and […]

Transitioning from Employment to Self-Employment: Financial Tips and Considerations

Best Practices How-To Guides / Tutorials

Autonomy, flexible hours and the ability to earn more without jumping through hoops: Given these perks, it’s no surprise that over 9 million Americans have chosen to start their own businesses, according to the latest data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of course, this is much harder to accomplish than simply deciding to […]

4 Ethical Practices to Help Build Your Small Business

Best Practices

The first order of business — for most businesses, anyway — is making money. That’s not news. But these days, with a plethora of options on the market, many customers vote with their wallets. That means choosing to support businesses that align with their values, sometimes even at greater financial expense. A 2024 customer survey […]

Maximizing Holiday Cheer: Effective Holiday Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses on a Budget

Best Practices

The holiday season can be a critical time for small businesses. In fact, small business owners recently surveyed by QuickBooks said they expect to bring in 33% of their yearly revenue from holiday sales. Taking a strategic approach could help you meet — or surpass — your target.  This time of year offers a golden […]

Shielding Your Enterprise: How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Business

How-To Guides / Tutorials

In any small business, risks come in many forms — natural disasters, legal disputes, employee injuries and even cyberattacks. These risks may seem unavoidable, but the right insurance coverage safeguards your business, protecting its stability and long-term success. Choosing the right business insurance is about more than just compliance; it’s about maintaining your assets and […]

The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Hiring Your First Employees

How-To Guides / Tutorials

As an entrepreneur, making the decision to expand your team can feel exhilarating. After all, it probably means that your business is growing. About 18% of small businesses in the U.S. have paid employees, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). But hiring new talent comes with certain legal obligations, plus effort to recruit […]

3 Strategic Credit Management Techniques to Help Boost Your Bottom Line

Best Practices

Effective credit management is more than just a back-office function; it’s a strategic tool that can drive business growth. For small business owners, managing credit effectively means protecting cash flow, reducing bad debt and strengthening relationships with customers and suppliers.  In this guide, we discuss the role of credit management in business success, present three […]

How to Plan for a Successful Retirement as a Small Business Owner

How-To Guides / Tutorials

As a small business owner, you are responsible for your own retirement savings. This can be a daunting task, especially given most adults believe they’ll need nearly $1.5 million to retire comfortably. The good news is that proper retirement planning can set you up for success. There are several small business retirement plans you can […]

7 Ways to Safeguard Your Business Against Legal Challenges

Best Practices

Running your own business has its perks, but you’re also vulnerable to legal risks. Legal costs can add up quickly; in 2021, they cost small business owners $160 billion, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform. Safeguarding your business against legal challenges is essential for sustainable growth and stability. Here are […]