Financial – Page 3 – Financial Michael Jordan

Category: Financial

30
Jan
2019

Keys To Good Accounting Practices

Keeping Good Records
One of the ingredients of good accounting practices is keeping proper records. No matter how small or large a business, it is essential to have a filing/storage system in place to store all financial records. Financial records include receipts, invoices, bank tellers, cheque stubs, withdrawal slips, bank statements etc. With the advent of online banking, emails and other forms of online communication, more businesses are storing their accounting information in virtual form. More invoices and receipts are now sent by emails to reduce carbon print, whilst more payments are been carried out online than ever before.

Despite the advancement in technology to aid accounting communication, it is essential that all form of records is kept safely for easy access. This is crucial for accurate financial reporting and business decision making. If a business stores more information on IT systems than files, then a back-up system is important for added security of data. Filing systems must be easily accessible preferable in chronological order. It might also be necessary to keep records of incoming paper-format financial information on a system as back-up.

For taxation purpose documents – paper or computer generated must be kept for a minimum of five years after the end of the accounting period of the business.

Accounting Systems
Accounting services vary from business to business; some companies prefer to outsource their accounting to an accounting firm or freelancer accountant. Another option is to hire staff to carry out all financial functions in-house whilst some small business owners choose to perform these accounting functions themselves.

The accounting system a business chooses must be able to meet the needs of the business. A small business might be better off hiring an accountant, rather than invest in a system there will be no time to operate. A large organisation might be able to afford a good accounting package, but the system will be of no use if there is no competent staff to operate it. For effective accounting, businesses must ensure they match their accounting needs with the appropriate system including outsourcing options.

Monitor Information
A business account is like the flip chart at the end of a patient’s bed which shows the vital signs of that business. To keep the business vitals in good condition, businesses should constantly appraise their financial status to ensure a good book balance.

Most medium to large organisations carry out a monthly, quarterly or regular form of management accounting exercise. These reports are for internal use and it enables the business to identify its financial position on a consistent basis. Though meant for internal purposes, it is an effective way to monitor performance and plan for the future.

Legal Requirements
Businesses must satisfy legal accounting requirements whilst in operation. It is also important that they meet the need of the various stakeholders in the company. These stakeholders have a legal requirement to certain financial information, which must be presented in an acceptable format.

Accounts Statements must also be prepared and filed with the relevant Government bodies – in the UK these are HM Revenue & Customs, Companies House and the Charity Commission. They must be in the right format and submitted by the deadlines set by the authority concerned. Failure to file accounts in the right format and at the right time may result in a financial penalty, except in extreme circumstances.

It is therefore essential that an appropriate book-keeping system is in place to ensure information is captured accurately and efficiently. It is also crucial that businesses have “best practice” policies in place to ensure accounts personnel complies with legal requirements.

Account Personnel
Competent accounting personnel are as valuable as the information they provide. Most businesses require the assistance of experienced accountants to collate and file their accounts. Medium to large companies generally recruit their own personnel to look after their company accounting processes. With the credit crunch hitting businesses profit margin, a lot of businesses are outsourcing their accounting services to external firms. Some of the main advantages of outsourcing are the reduction in staff related costs and the wide range of expertise gained from reputable accounting firms.

Whatever product or service a business provides, ethical accounting practices will ensure a business is able to identify its financial position and plan according to ensure its survival and longevity.

24
Jan
2019

Blue Sapphire Intense and Immediate

categories: Financial

Blue Sapphire or Neelam stone is primarily known in the world of astrology for its two characteristics. The first one is its ability to bring an immediate impact on its wearer. Second aspect is its intense nature of impact. If favorable, Blue Sapphire can take one to the land of heavens, but if unfavorable, then it can turn everything flow against the tide. Its nature of extremities has proved to be too good for many, and not too-good for some. However, with support from its trait of making a quick impact, one can adopt it initially for some time on trial basis, to evaluate its suitability and nature of impact.

The Very Particular Blue Sapphire During the trial period, one is recommended to keep the Blue Sapphire gemstone under their pillow at the time of the sleeping. Repeat it for three days. Usually, one will sense its impact from the first night itself, in the form of the nature of dreams which one have at night. In case of pleasant dreams, Blue Sapphire can be considered as suitable and favorable. However, evil or bad dreams during the period denote for unfavorable outcome from the gemstone. Bearing Blue Sapphire or Neelam in that case can lead to dreadful circumstances, such as accidents, health problems, quarrels, and financial loss. One might also lose all his luck and end up with nothing in life.

In case of a favorable Blue Sapphire, one can gain a lot. As already stated, one can sense favorable outcomes within 3 days, 3 hours, or sometimes even in 3 seconds of wearing the Blue Sapphire. More precisely, Blue Sapphire or Neelam is considered to confer its true and devoted wearer with plentiful of resources, prosperity, strength, fame, longevity, and pleasure of children. It also restores one’s lost wealth and material property. It also liberates one from all health problems, sorrows, guilty, and poverty.

Saturn and Blue Sapphire In Astrology, Blue Sapphire is associated with the planet Saturn. Saturn has been described as the strongest as well as the most malefic planets of all, which eventually ends up giving pleasant results. As a part of malefic effects of Saturn, a person suffers from lack of fortune and too many of disastrous situations. However, at the end, one comes out happily. With Blue Sapphire, one can overcome all such ill-effects. It is equally effective for those under the influence of Saade Saati effect.

Wear Blue Sapphire A blue sapphire of less than 3 Ratti (or 360 mg) should be worn according to a prescribed ritual, which has to be performed only on the day of Saturday during sunset. One should wear it after getting it embedded either in silver or iron ring, in the middle finger of the left hand. Before that, keep the ring with gemstone poured in water for the entire Saturday, and then offer the used water to the roots of the peepal tree in the evening. While wearing it, one should chant the Mantra of -Om Aim Hreem Shanecharaya Namah-. After that, offer prayers to Lord Shani, and donte black urad, salt, mustard oil, soap, tea leaves, and some money to the base of the trunk of peepal tree. Do it as per your own capacity.

21
Jan
2019

How To Measure Hotel Loyalty Programs Performance

categories: Financial

Very often hotel owners or managers start loyalty programs with the aim of attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. These programs offer discounts, free and additional services for customers. For example, if a guest books a suite for three nights he gets free dinners. This is just a simple example, and the best customer loyalty programs can offer great services. However, the time comes to evaluate efficiency of loyalty programs. Many hotel owners and top managers make a mistake of evaluation program results after the end of the program. Its something goes wrong from the very beginning the hotel managers will learn about that only in the end when it will be too late to do anything. Of course, ongoing financial results can tell much but not everything about efficiency of a particular loyalty program. This is where performance evaluation tools come into play. Being armed with knowledge on current performance of a hotel and efficiency of loyalty program, top managers can introduce amendment
s and changes to the program to achieve even better results. It is very difficult to make 100% correct forecasts. Markets change all the time and customers change their preferences. Thus, loyalty programs have to follow these changes.

An increasing number of hotel owners and hotel managers use Balanced Scorecard. This revolutionary performance evaluation and strategic management tool proved its efficiency in hotel business which is characterized by intense competition. Balanced Scorecard does not only evaluate financial indicators (results) but also nonfinancial measures that can tell much about what is going to happen in the near future. Balanced Scorecard consists of four categories: financial, customer, internal business processes, learning and growth. Each category contains key performance indicators which provide top managers with correct and timely information on performance on the loyalty program and its outcomes for business.

Imagine that hotel management has launched customer loyalty program by offering discounts for regular customers and free gifts and services for new ones. As some time passes by, Balanced Scorecard begins to display the first results which are not only financial results. For example, the number of hotel customers may increase and customer satisfaction improves. This means that in the long term the hotel will see and increasing revenue because customers who have participated in loyalty program will most likely come back again. If Balanced Scorecard shows warning signs the loyalty program needs to be changed. For instance it may turn out that providing new customers with free dinners is not profitable at all. Thus, the hotel managers have to look for another way to attract customers.

Loyalty programs have one goal to increase revenue by improving loyalty of existing customers and attracting new customers. At the same time loyalty programs have to be profitable in financial terms. Balanced Scorecard will help optimize costs and improve efficiency of loyalty programs.

Introduction of Balanced Scorecard to the hotel should be supported by the majority of personnel who should participate in discussion of key performance indicators and everyday use of BSC.

17
Jan
2019

Benefits Of The Sears Credit Card

categories: Financial

The Sears credit card has more purchasing power than most people think. It’s not just for buying tires or batteries or even big screen TV’s. The card can do so much more, a closer look and you’ll see what I mean.

With a Sears credit card, you can buy other things such as tools, clothes, other electronics, shoes and things for the house. Whatever you see in the store can be bought and put right on the card so make no mistake, if your a little short on cash and you have the card, you can still purchase.

What Sears has done, was they partnered up with a major financial institution like Citibank, N.A. which gives them the chance to offer a wide range of offers as well as uses. Those who are out looking for a decent credit card might want to stop and have a look at the Sears card.

Anyone with a good credit history should be able to qualify without any problems and take advantage of any extras that come along with the current offer. Just to give a quick example, let’s say the current offer has a 0% interest or low interest on balance transfers.

For most consumers, they’re going to have to stop for a moment and check their finances to see if the Sears credit card will be a good fit for them. On the plus side, it is a convenience to be able to walk into a place, buy a different variety of items and if need be, put it all on the card.

Another plus about the Sears card is that you can use it at Kmart, Kmart.com, Sears.com, Sears Essentials, Sears Grand, Sears Hardware, Sears Auto Centers, Sears Hometown Stores, Lands’ End, landsend.com, The Great Indoors, and Orchard Supply Hardware, Sears Repair and Product Services, Sears Dental, Sears Portrait Studios, Sears Optical, Sears Flowers, AOL (for monthly provider fees) and Avis.

If your out there shopping around for the best credit card deal that will fit your budget and finances it’s always important to take the time to read all the terms and conditions. Especially if your opening up a new account, you definitely want to go over the benefits that come with a new account. Eventually you’ll come across the Sears card and then you can make comparisons.

It is possible to buy high quality goods at Sears or one of the other stores mentioned above and still keep your expenses low. One of the key things to keep in mind is that a credit card should be used as an aid rather than an anchor. And if you use the credit card responsibly you’ll find that it can come in handy, especially when your in a pinch.

13
Jan
2019

Why has My Financial Planner Never told me about Self-Directed IRAs

categories: Financial

Traditionally, custodians control IRA investments and may not always promote all the investments approved by the IRS. They have created the notion that stocks, bonds, CDs, annuities and mutual funds are the only investment options available. Over the past few years, there has been an increasing awareness about the use and advantages of self directed IRA accounts. Many savvy investors have begun to move away from the volatile stock market, and divest into alternative investment available through a self directed IRA.

Self directed IRA accounts allow individuals to enjoy diversified investments not readily available through most custodians. Almost any investment in allowed except: collectibles (such as coins, artworks, stamps, etc.) and life insurance contracts. If your financial planner does not offer any of the investment options that are allowed by the IRS, it may mean the time has come to approach another financial planner more familiar with self directed IRA accounts. .

The Self Directed IRA as a wealth builder

The self directed IRA is an effective tool that you can use to build your wealth while putting total control in your hands. One of the reasons why your financial planner may not have explored all the investment opportunities available with an SDIRA is that their services may no longer be required, resulting in loss of revenue to them from your retirement account. The latest IRS rules make it easy for you to invest your IRA account in alternative investments. You can put money into commercial and residential real estate IRAs, buy a business entity, loan your money for mortgages, notes, tax liens and foreclosed properties. You can be the manager of your property. If you do not have all the funds to invest in real estate, you can opt for an IRA loan to leverage your investment. A real estate loan obtained with your self directed IRA must be a non recourse loan.

If you have not heard of a self directed IRA before, it is possible that your financial planner does not deal with all the investment options that are allowed. For example, if your financial planner is a bank, your investment options are limited primarily to CDs. If it is a brokerage firm, you can only invest in stocks and bonds. Moreover, since your financial planner more or less manages your entire retirement account, they may not want to present you with investment options from which they cannot earn revenue. After all, their services are offered for a fee. To protect their fees, they may withhold information, offer very sketchy details, or discourage any alternative investments altogether.

It is also likely that your current financial planner assumes that you don’t want to control your own retirement investments, simply because its been implied it by them managing it for you. Some people actually prefer to status quo their decision-making and leave it to an expert. In fact, many people are unaware that they can invest in real estate with their IRA. Those that want to, however, do make their own investment choices and enjoy tangible returns. Real estate investments make a good choice particularly in combination with an IRA loan which, in addition to protecting your various IRA assets, also indemnifies you personally from all liability. You can also use your IRA loan to refinance a property you own free and clear in your self directed IRA. Thus, a self directed IRA, potentially allows for larger and more profitable investment options, compared to traditional investments.

For more information regarding Real Estate IRAs, please visit IslandViewMortgage.com