Washington County Weekend Post e-edition
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/215724
Financial News Preparing for the holiday rush: small business pre-holiday planning tips Customer Appreciation Sale Open for Lunch at 10:30 am WEST BEND AND GRAFTON LOCATIONS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH & WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH 3 $ 99 One Large Pizza Pepperoni, Sausage or Cheese Deep dish and thin crust pizzas are $5.99 each for one topping. Tuesday, November 26th and Wednesday, November 27th. Valid at 1448 W. Washington Ave., West Bend and 1663 Wisconsin Ave., Grafton locations. No Coupon Necessary WEST BEND 235519055 1448 W. WASHINGTON | 262-334-2772 GRAFTON 1663 WISCONSIN AVENUE | 262-375-2090 In fact, according to Capital One's Spark Small Business Barometer, while small businesses across the country are expressing optimism about the national economy and expect to see continued improvement in financial performance over the next six months, more than half (52 percent) say business conditions are only fair or poor. So, what can small business owners do to help save money and get their shops "financially fit" heading into the holidays and prepare for a strong year in 2014? Here are some tips: * Connect with your key business partners. Maintaining a strong relationship with your small business banker and other key business partners is crucial to achieving your business goals. Now is a great time to review your progress in 2013 and get aligned on your objectives for the new year. small business owners have a plan in place. Having a plan will help limit the financial and physical damage caused by an unexpected emergency or disaster. * Recognize your employees with a retirement plan. According to the Spark Small Business Barometer, only 25 percent of small businesses offer a 401(k) plan. Now, ahead of the holiday season, is a great time to enable and encourage employees to plan for retirement and also recognize them for a job well done. You may qualify for special tax credits and if you had an especially strong year financially, consider profit sharing as a way to receive additional tax breaks and reward employees for a strong performance. fees and business-related education are tax-deductible, as well as a good way to network, enhance workforce knowledge and recognize employee performance. ahead of the holidays can go a long way toward setting it up for success in * When it comes to plan- 2014. ning, utilize credit card programs that offer the For more helpful inforadded value of control mechanisms and reporting mation on managing a tools that support business small business, visit planning and cash manage- www.capitalonesmallbusiment. Also, make sure you ness.com. The Spark Small enroll in a program that Business Barometer is a makes earning and redeemquarterly survey of small ing rewards easy, with no: rewards expiration; limit on businesses across the the amount of cash you can nation that examines small earn; redemption tiers; and business perceptions of the economy and gauges curthe list goes on. rent financial conditions * Make charitable contriand business projections Preparing your business butions and/or volunteer. for the next six months. Ahead of the holidays, consider donating money and/or usable items such as equipment, clothing and other goods as a smart way to claim a deduction for the items' fair market value Do you have a financial plan? come tax time each business quarter. You can also Let us design and implement plan an employee volunteer your plan today. day to get your workforce into the spirit of giving for 4524 Dollar Drive the holidays. Tim Reis * Be prepared. Start the new year off right by having a solid emergency plan in place. According to the * Join (or renew) busiSpark Small Business ness associations or educaBarometer, only half of tion programs. Association 234855001 (BPT) - Financial optimism is on the rise, but data shows that many small business owners are still trying to turn the corner.- Investment Advisor Representative West Bend 262-338-0018 Securities and Investment Advisory Services Offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, and Registered Investment Advisor. Reis Financial Services, LLC and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated entities. 11 - 24 - 13 • Washington County Post Retail • 7