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Practical, plain-English advice on taxes, accounting, cash flow, and growing a healthy business — from a team that's been doing this since 1991.

MSM
Latest · Financial Planning

MSM Mondays: 529 Plans

Welcome To the First Installment of MSM Mondays! We're excited to launch MSM Mondays, our new biweekly series of business insights designed with small business owners in mind. Helping entrepreneurs succeed is our passion, and one of the best ways we can do that is by sharing practical and relevant a

July 13, 2026 · 4 min read

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Searching for a CPA to Guide Your Business Exit or Retirement? Start Here.
Financial Planning

Searching for a CPA to Guide Your Business Exit or Retirement? Start Here.

Searching for a CPA to Guide Your Business Exit or Retirement? – When small business owners search for a “CPA specializing in retirement planning near me,” they’re often looking for more than investment advice. They want clarity around how to transition out of the business they've built—and ho

May 23, 2025 · 2 min read

Right After Filing Taxes | Immediate Steps Small Businesses Should Take
Tax Tips

Right After Filing Taxes | Immediate Steps Small Businesses Should Take

Right After Filing Taxes | Immediate Steps Small Businesses Should Take – Tax Day has finally passed! While it might be tempting to breathe a sigh of relief and move on, savvy small business owners know there are important actions your business should take immediately after filing your taxes:

April 23, 2025 · 2 min read

IRS Red Flags: How to Avoid a Tax Audit as a Small Business Owner
Tax Tips

IRS Red Flags: How to Avoid a Tax Audit as a Small Business Owner

IRS Red Flags – How to Avoid a Tax Audit as a Small Business Owner – Tax season can be stressful enough without the looming fear of an IRS audit. While most small business owners file their taxes honestly, certain red flags can increase the chances of unwanted scrutiny. The good news? Un

March 17, 2025 · 3 min read

The Value of Hiring a Financial Advisor Who Stays Ahead of Industry Changes
Business Insights

The Value of Hiring a Financial Advisor Who Stays Ahead of Industry Changes

The Value of Hiring a Financial Advisor Who Stays Ahead of Industry Changes – In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, staying informed about tax laws, regulatory changes, and economic shifts is crucial for business success. Business owners already wear many hats, and keeping up with financi

February 18, 2025 · 2 min read

Kickstarting Your Business’s Financial Health in the New Year
Tax Tips

Kickstarting Your Business’s Financial Health in the New Year

Kickstarting Your Business’s Financial Health in the New Year – As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to take a step back, assess your business’s financial health, and set yourself up for success. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a new small business owner, starting the year w

January 16, 2025 · 3 min read

Keep Your Business Steady with MSM Advisors in 2025
Accounting

Keep Your Business Steady with MSM Advisors in 2025

Keep Your Business Steady with MSM Advisors in 2025 – As small businesses head into 2025, they face a landscape marked by economic shifts, evolving tax laws, and rapid technological advancements. Staying on course amid constant change can feel overwhelming, but with MSM Advisors by your side,

December 17, 2024 · 2 min read

Tax Blunders and What to Do Next: Avoid Costly Mistakes with MSM Advisors
Business Insights

Tax Blunders and What to Do Next: Avoid Costly Mistakes with MSM Advisors

Tax Blunders and What to Do Next: Avoid Costly Mistakes with MSM Advisors – Running a small business is no small feat, and navigating the complexities of tax regulations can often lead to mistakes that cost both time and money. MSM Advisors specializes in providing small business advisory, tax

November 19, 2024 · 2 min read

Effective Cash Flow Management for Small Businesses in Lawrenceville, GA
Business Insights

Effective Cash Flow Management for Small Businesses in Lawrenceville, GA

Effective Cash Flow Management for Small Businesses in Lawrenceville, GA – Cash flow is the lifeblood of any small business, and managing it effectively can mean the difference between success and failure. At MSM Advisors, we understand that most small companies struggle to envision and reach

October 8, 2024 · 2 min read

How a Tax Counselor Can Help You Avoid a Big Tax Hit Next Year
Accounting

How a Tax Counselor Can Help You Avoid a Big Tax Hit Next Year

If I Had Only Had a "Tax Counselor" to Help Me Avoid This Big Tax Hit Next Year! How a Tax Counselor Can Help You Avoid a Big Tax Hit Next Year – Imagine this scenario: you’re a small business owner wrapping up a successful year, but just when you’re celebrating your growth, you get […]

September 10, 2024 · 2 min read

Unraveling the Yarn: How Mike Moffitt Turns Financial Chaos into Order
Business Insights

Unraveling the Yarn: How Mike Moffitt Turns Financial Chaos into Order

When life hands you financial knots—whether it’s an accountant who suddenly passed away or an accounting mess that’s more tangled than a ball of yarn—Mike Moffitt, with over 40 years of experience in public accounting, is the person you need on speed dial.

August 13, 2024 · 2 min read

Do I Need to Amend My Business Tax Return
Business Insights

Do I Need to Amend My Business Tax Return

Do I Need to Amend My Business Tax Return? – In general, you will need to file an amended return for LLCs, Partnerships, and Corporations if a substantial error was made that will affect what you owe or if there is new and vital information that needs to be included or changed.

June 26, 2024 · 3 min read

Post-Tax Season Review to Optimize Your Future Financial Strategy
Business Insights

Post-Tax Season Review to Optimize Your Future Financial Strategy

Tax season is over, and it’s tempting to shift your focus away from business financials. But it’s a pivotal time to take a (thoughtful) look back at your business’ past “tax year” and start actively planning for next year’s tax season to be a success!

April 16, 2024 · 2 min read

Navigate Tax Season with Ease
Accounting

Navigate Tax Season with Ease

MSM Advisors stands apart not just for its comprehensive tax services but also for its dedication to offering year-round support tailored to the unique needs of each business.

March 6, 2024 · 3 min read

Georgia State Tax Obligations for Small Businesses
Tax Tips

Georgia State Tax Obligations for Small Businesses

As small businesses in Georgia navigate the complexities of the tax landscape, understanding state tax obligations is crucial for effective financial planning and compliance.

February 6, 2024 · 2 min read

Start Planning For Tax Season
Tax Tips

Start Planning For Tax Season

Start Planning For Tax Season – Attention Valued Business Owners: As we navigate through the end of January, focusing on your tax preparations is crucial. At MSM Advisors, we're committed to your business's financial health and are here to assist with your personal taxes. Our expertise extends

January 23, 2024 · 2 min read

MSM
Apps

How to Access SmartVault

Getting Started with SmartVault To utilize SmartVault as a guest user, you'll need to receive an invitation from your account administrator. Upon receiving the invitation, proceed to activate your account, and you'll be ready to access and utilize SmartVault. To get started: Access your guest accoun

January 9, 2024 · 1 min read

2023 Last-Minute Tax Planning Techniques
Accounting

2023 Last-Minute Tax Planning Techniques

It’s time to give your CPA or tax accountant the information for this year’s tax filing. You can already feel the pressure and tension creeping in and overshadowing the joy of the holiday season. Instead of worrying, use this simple checklist that outlines what your tax accountant or CPA needs.

December 4, 2023 · 3 min read

MSM
Apps

How to Use Adobe Scan App

With Adobe Scan, easily capture and convert your documents into digital pdf files. Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to use the Adobe Scan App Step 1: Install the app on your iPhone or android Step 2: View the Welcome to Adobe Scan Step 3: Open the App and highlight document Step 4: Adju

March 15, 2023 · 1 min read

How To Use The Scanner Pro App
Apps

How To Use The Scanner Pro App

This video explains how to download and use the Scanner Pro App on your mobile device for safely sharing PDF documents to your ShareFile account. If you already use a different scanner app on your device, you can use the one you already have. This is Scanner Pro: This next section shows, through scr

February 10, 2022 · 1 min read

Financial Support That Grows with Your Business
Accounting

Financial Support That Grows with Your Business

A well-balanced, well-managed financial plan isn't just helpful, but essential for a less stressful lifestyle. Financial Support That Grows with Your Business with MSM Advisors.

September 15, 2020 · 2 min read

MSM Advisors – Getting to Know Michael Moffitt
Accounting

MSM Advisors – Getting to Know Michael Moffitt

Michael Moffitt has over 40 years of experience in public accounting. After spending years in private industry and seeing the need small businesses had for help in guiding their companies to growth and sustainability, Mike opened MSM Advisors in 1991. Through the years Michael Moffitt has worked wit

May 26, 2020 · 2 min read

Angie Flood – Getting to Know Our Team
Accounting

Angie Flood – Getting to Know Our Team

Getting to know our team. MSM Advisors Business Accountants and Virtual CFOs wouldn’t be what it is without Angie Flood and we love having her on the team!

April 22, 2020 · 1 min read

Ransomware – Protect Your Business
Apps & Tools

Ransomware – Protect Your Business

As a business owner, it's imperative your business information be protected online, as we see our business clients vulnerable to ransomware attacks.

February 28, 2020 · 6 min read

Gain Focus and Peace of Mind
Accounting

Gain Focus and Peace of Mind

Listen to how Dan of Copper Electric, Inc. was able to achieve peace of mind regarding the state of his business finances.

December 31, 2019 · 2 min read

Award-Winning CPA: A Great Year for MSM Advisors
MSM Company News

Award-Winning CPA: A Great Year for MSM Advisors

MSM Advisors is listed on the Practice Pioneers Leaderboard as one of the top accounting firms in the US, “The Best of the Best in the Accounting Profession.” Additionally, MSM Advisors’ Michael Moffitt wins 3rd place as CPA.com’s 2019 Innovative Practitioner of the Year.

November 13, 2019 · 3 min read

Building a Business? We're here to Help.
Accounting

Building a Business? We're here to Help.

Building a Business? We're here to Help. At MSM Advisors, our team will ensure that your current and future strategies keep your company in great financial shape.

October 28, 2019 · 2 min read

CPA.com Finalist – We Need Your Vote!
MSM Company News

CPA.com Finalist – We Need Your Vote!

While we are humbled to be an Innovator Practitioner of the Year award finalist, we can’t win without your help. Please take a moment to vote for us!

September 11, 2019 · 1 min read

Bill.com – Virtual Tools from Our Tech Stack
Business Insights

Bill.com – Virtual Tools from Our Tech Stack

MSM Advisors utilizes many innovative tools in our tech stack to help our Virtual Chief Financial Officer (CFO) clients and all our business services modules get the support they need to be successful. One of these tools is Bill.com.

July 24, 2019 · 2 min read

How Can Your Communication Skills Improve Your Teamwork?
Business Insights

How Can Your Communication Skills Improve Your Teamwork?

Individuals are usually asked to be part of a working team because of the expertise and experience they bring to the work. These areas of individual expertise are so important. Yet when you start to work together, you quickly find that communication quickly becomes a very important part of working t

March 20, 2019 · 3 min read

Consider a Virtual Controller for Your Business
Accounting

Consider a Virtual Controller for Your Business

Your business is growing and you expect this growth to continue into the future. This means your finances and accounting is becoming more complex. There are only so many resources to go around and hiring a finance team may not be in the fiscal plan. It is time to consider hiring a Virtual Controller

January 16, 2019 · 2 min read

Virtual CFO Operations: Venture Capitalists
Accounting

Virtual CFO Operations: Venture Capitalists

Seeking out a Venture Capitalists may be the right choice for your business. Our team of finance professionals can help you decide. Consider all the positives and negatives before entering into this type of investor.

December 11, 2018 · 2 min read

Virtual CFO Operations: Corporate Acquisition
Accounting

Virtual CFO Operations: Corporate Acquisition

Virtual CFO Operations: Corporate Acquisition – When you don’t employ an in-house CFO, MSM Advisors is here to offer expert advice through an experienced Virtual CFO.

November 16, 2018 · 2 min read

Virtual CFO Operations – Business Buyouts
Financial Planning

Virtual CFO Operations – Business Buyouts

Business buyouts is an area in which a virtual CFO can help you understand your options so you can do what is best for your company.

October 22, 2018 · 2 min read

Virtual CFO Operations: Debt Elimination
Accounting

Virtual CFO Operations: Debt Elimination

Here is one area in which a virtual CFO can accommodate your financial needs: Debt Elimination: Debt is a symptom, not a cause of the problem.

September 28, 2018 · 2 min read

What is the Difference between a Tax Preparer and a Business Financial Advisor?
Financial Planning

What is the Difference between a Tax Preparer and a Business Financial Advisor?

Good news! There is someone you already work with who can be your business financial advisor: your CPA from MSM Advisors. Many CPAs see themselves as a tax preparer only, but here at MSM Advisors, our CPAs are not just tax preparers. MSM Advisor CPAs are business financial advisors. What does a fina

March 15, 2018 · 3 min read

Going Paperless in Accounting: Benefits of Cloud Storage
Apps & Tools

Going Paperless in Accounting: Benefits of Cloud Storage

Let go of the worry and stress of losing financial information. Use a paperless accounting service with cloud storage. Not sure which one is right for your business? Contact Mike Moffitt. He and his team can help you pick the best choice for your business accounting needs.

February 16, 2018 · 3 min read

How to Run Your Business from Your Mobile Phone
Apps & Tools

How to Run Your Business from Your Mobile Phone

How can business owners keep up with their workload when they or their team members are not in the office from 9-5? The answer is in the palm of your hand. Here are 13 apps created with business owners in mind

January 8, 2018 · 6 min read

How Accountants Have Changed in the Last 20 Years
Business Insights

How Accountants Have Changed in the Last 20 Years

The accountant’s role within a business is not what it once was. As the times change, businesses change with it, and technological advancements have made a huge impact on the accountant’s role within a business. Here are three key ways that accountants, and the accounting process, have changed in th

April 6, 2017 · 2 min read

How to Identify the Right KPI's for Your Business
Accounting

How to Identify the Right KPI's for Your Business

Regardless of which market your business is in, choosing the right key performance indicators (KPI's) is the first step to improvement. KPI's are quantifiable measurements that help assess the success, or lack thereof, of a task performed by your company. They are used to evaluate overall performanc

November 9, 2016 · 3 min read

MSM
Accounting

How to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner

As the owner of a business, the size of your paycheck is up to your own discretion. Setting and scaling your salary to facilitate healthy business growth and a healthy lifestyle is an art and a science. Your salary should be determined by many factors including: the amount you need in order to cover

November 2, 2016 · 3 min read

Features to Consider When Choosing an Accounting Cloud Software
Cloud Accounting

Features to Consider When Choosing an Accounting Cloud Software

There are many different software options to choose from, each with different features and aspects to take into consideration. Once you’ve decided that your business needs accounting software, how do you sift through all the options? Here are some things to think about when making this decision. 1)

October 31, 2016 · 2 min read

Tips to Creating Effective Financial Goals for Your Business
Accounting

Tips to Creating Effective Financial Goals for Your Business

Running a business is extremely time consuming. With so many tasks demanding your attention, it's easy to get lost in the day to day and lose site of the big picture. But setting aside the time to set your financial goals is imperative to success. This post will outline some ways to help you create

October 26, 2016 · 2 min read

Everything You Need to Know about Startup Income Statements
Accounting

Everything You Need to Know about Startup Income Statements

An income statement or a profit and loss statement, reports the changes in income and expenses over a period of time, usually monthly, quarterly or yearly. This financial statement is important because it shows the profitability of your business. This post will help you understand the two different

October 24, 2016 · 2 min read

5 Ways Your Startup Can Save Money on Taxes
Accounting

5 Ways Your Startup Can Save Money on Taxes

This post will break down expenses that are commonly mistaken as personal expenses, but are actually tax deductible business expenses. Making sure you properly keep track of your business expenses can save you thousands of dollars on taxes. Get organized First you should choose an expense-tracking t

October 17, 2016 · 3 min read

How to Use Financial Data to Make Better Business Decisions
Accounting

How to Use Financial Data to Make Better Business Decisions

When it comes to making smart business decisions, using analytics and metrics to guide you will ultimately lead to the best results. In this blog, we will discuss some ways you can use your financial tools to create smart, data-driven decisions. Balance Sheets Detailed and accurate record keeping is

October 14, 2016 · 2 min read

Choosing the Best Cloud Software for Your Startup
Apps & Tools

Choosing the Best Cloud Software for Your Startup

Cloud software allows you to access all of your data anywhere, anytime. With easy to understand interfaces, automated payment systems, and fluidity between accounts, organizing your startup’s money has never been easier. This post will introduce you to some of the more popular cloud accounting solut

October 10, 2016 · 4 min read

6 Quick Tips to Build Your Startup's Budget
Accounting

6 Quick Tips to Build Your Startup's Budget

Budgeting is an important part of reaching your financial goals, and a powerful tool for any business owner. A budget is used to regulate how quickly and in what ways your money is being used. Using this tool helps maintain short and long term financial plans, which allows you to control your cash f

October 6, 2016 · 2 min read

Understanding Your Startup's Cash Flows
Accounting

Understanding Your Startup's Cash Flows

Managing money isn’t usually what draws people toward becoming entrepreneurs, but it’s a big part of the game. While learning all the ins and outs of cash flow can be a major time investment, lack of knowledge about managing cash flows is one of the top reasons why many startups fail. Why is Cash Fl

October 4, 2016 · 4 min read

Your Top Tax Questions Answered: Know When to Save
Tax Tips

Your Top Tax Questions Answered: Know When to Save

Every United States taxpayer knows the stress of April 15th. You shouldn’t have to pay more than you owe, so it’s important to know where you can get deductions. Whether you are self-employed, run a large company, or work from home there are ways you can keep more money in your pocket. This infograp

August 29, 2016 · 1 min read

6 Financial Books Every Small Business Owner Should Read
Accounting

6 Financial Books Every Small Business Owner Should Read

Starting your small business can be stressful and overwhelming. These 6 books will help you make sense of your numbers and give you a guide to running your own business. Simple Numbers, Straight Talk. Big Profits! by Greg Crabtree Need help making sense of your numbers? Greg Crabtree applies years o

June 22, 2016 · 3 min read

5 Things a CPA Catches That You Might Miss
Accounting

5 Things a CPA Catches That You Might Miss

No one wants to be at the mercy of their accountant, stumbling through financial jargon they barely remember from years at undergrad, but with the title of CPA comes a knowledge of balance sheets and financial statements few of us will ever fully understand. Here are a few things your accountant wil

June 16, 2016 · 2 min read

Success Stories: Frankie's Repair Shop
Case Studies

Success Stories: Frankie's Repair Shop

Frankie’s Repair was facing major problems. Their accounting methods were not providing the desired success for the company, and Frankie’s was missing out on untracked income. Luckily, MSM was able to provide appropriate accounting solutions as well as necessary insight and advice toward business gr

June 8, 2016 · 1 min read

[Video] Emergency Funds: Are You Prepared?
Accounting

[Video] Emergency Funds: Are You Prepared?

Are you prepared for an unexpected cost? Life has many unpredictable costs that arise, and you should be prepared to pay these without going into debt. Check out our video below on the importance of an emergency fund as well as our blog on emergency funds for more detailed information: Ready to take

April 19, 2016 · 1 min read

[Video] What are the Benefits of Outsourcing Payroll?
Accounting

[Video] What are the Benefits of Outsourcing Payroll?

The IRS has shut down many small businesses due to payroll oversights. When a third party handles payroll, the business eliminates the liability involved with payroll issues. Check out our video below on outsourcing payroll:

March 18, 2016 · 1 min read

4 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing an Accounting Software
Business Insights

4 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing an Accounting Software

Choosing the right accounting software for your company can often be a challenging task. Ensure that the software you choose provides the necessary features, is compatible with the cloud, and works well for your industry:

February 29, 2016 · 1 min read

[Video] Spotting Trends in the Marketplace
Accounting

[Video] Spotting Trends in the Marketplace

Small businesses often do not have the resources or experience to recognize upcoming trends and patterns. Trusted advisors specialize in spotting these changes in the marketplace and adapting your small business to the new environment: A trusted advisor has worked with many clients and knows the vit

February 24, 2016 · 1 min read

Understanding the Customer Lifetime Value of Ecommerce Shoppers
Business Insights

Understanding the Customer Lifetime Value of Ecommerce Shoppers

Developing successful Ecommerce is developing successful brand loyalty. To continue a positive and profitable relationship, it is crucial to know your target market and to cater to their specific needs. Defining Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) A customer making a purchase is great, but the goal is to

February 19, 2016 · 2 min read

[Video] The Most Common Financial Problems Facing Small Businesses
Business Insights

[Video] The Most Common Financial Problems Facing Small Businesses

Cash flows are especially difficult for small businesses because they do not have access to the same resources as large companies. Particularly, they do not typically have as much cash on hand. It hits especially hard in companies that sell products. Check out our video below: It's helpful to unders

February 18, 2016 · 1 min read

The 7 Steps to Effective Invoicing for Small Businesses
Business Insights

The 7 Steps to Effective Invoicing for Small Businesses

Invoicing is part of ensuring you get paid for your goods and services, so why is it often overlooked? These simple tips will help your business collect what it has already earned. 1. Automate Your Accounting Software Cloud based accounting softwares (such as Xero) will dramatically simplify the inv

February 9, 2016 · 2 min read

The 5 Best Free Online Budgeting Tools
Accounting

The 5 Best Free Online Budgeting Tools

Effective budgeting is a struggle that nearly everyone has dealt with at one time or another. Whether on a business level or a personal level, it is practically unavoidable. These five free online tools can help you gain insight into your financials that goes beyond just numbers. 1. Mint Mint is a w

February 2, 2016 · 2 min read

How to Prepare Your Transfer from QuickBooks
QuickBooks

How to Prepare Your Transfer from QuickBooks

QuickBooks users can now make the transfer to Xero easier than ever. Converting to new software is never enjoyable, but it is something that has to be done. Newer and better software is always being introduced, whether that means simply upgrading to a newer version, or switching brands completely. X

November 26, 2015 · 1 min read

Why You Need Xero's Real-Time Bank Feeds
Cloud Accounting

Why You Need Xero's Real-Time Bank Feeds

If your bank feed isn't updating in real time, then it is already too slow. By now, every business owner should be running their financials through cloud-based accounting software. Why make the switch? 3 words: Automatic bank updates. Real-time bank feeds remove/return funds from your bank account i

November 10, 2015 · 1 min read

There's No Stress in the Clouds: Xero vs. QuickBooks
Accounting

There's No Stress in the Clouds: Xero vs. QuickBooks

While tax season may not be here yet, we still hope you are prepared for it. Tax season can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be with the right systems in place. What do we recommend? Xero accounting software. While QuickBooks may "get the job done," Xero cloud accounting software goes above a

November 3, 2015 · 2 min read

How Obsolete is Your Accounting Software?
Cloud Accounting

How Obsolete is Your Accounting Software?

The more your business grows, the more important it is for you to upgrade accounting software. Continuing to use outdated accounting software compromises a firm's ability to be competitive in their industry. Accountants and bookkeepers should take the opportunity sooner than later to ensure the firm

October 27, 2015 · 2 min read

How Different Types of Businesses Use Different Types of Budgets
Financial Management

How Different Types of Businesses Use Different Types of Budgets

There is no single budget that can cover all operations of a business. Because of this, businesses use a variety of different budgets for a variety of different reasons. A business' ultimate budgeting goal is to match its future performance to an ideal scenario. Accomplishing these financial goals u

October 22, 2015 · 2 min read

What Users are Saying about Xero
Xero

What Users are Saying about Xero

Since its release in 2006, Xero has been generating a steady fan base from small business owners to Fortune 500 companies. The New Zealand based company has quickly proven its worth, ranking among some of the most well-known accounting software like Intuit QuickBooks and Wave. Many businesses are ev

October 19, 2015 · 2 min read

7 Apps That Will Change the Way You Run Your Business
Xero

7 Apps That Will Change the Way You Run Your Business

Xero is taking the world of accounting by storm. But they're not doing it alone. Xero integrated apps each have a specific purpose, but when running with Xero they create a comprehensive suite of beautiful accounting software. Here are some of the highest-rated Xero add-on apps: 1. Evernote Evernote

October 9, 2015 · 3 min read

5 Ways to Start Budgeting Today
Accounting

5 Ways to Start Budgeting Today

You can never expect reach your financial goals without first developing a plan for your spending and saving. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps to help you start a budget. Many business owners (and individuals alike) can't keep their finances in order simply because they don't know where the

September 30, 2015 · 2 min read

These 3 QuickBooks Errors Make it Not So Quick
QuickBooks

These 3 QuickBooks Errors Make it Not So Quick

Why is it called QuickBooks? With a name like that it gives you impression of precision and excellence. However, any QuickBooks user can tell you the only thing quick about it, is how quickly it turns into a nightmare. With the rise of cloud-based software its a wonder why people still haven't made

September 25, 2015 · 2 min read

How to Use the Xero Budget Manager
Xero

How to Use the Xero Budget Manager

Xero is quickly becoming the most powerful tool for small business when it comes to financial planning, budgeting and billing. Thanks to the Xero budget manager, entrepreneurs finally have access to powerful, yet simple budget software. Not many people know how to set a budget, so lets walk step-by-

September 24, 2015 · 2 min read

Will Collaborative Bookkeeping Lead You to a QuickBooks Alternative?
Cloud Accounting

Will Collaborative Bookkeeping Lead You to a QuickBooks Alternative?

When it comes to tax time, many small business owners are uneducated about their own bookkeeping. It's not all their fault — they do the best they can by following their CPA's advice, saving receipts and invoices throughout the year. But entrepreneurs are busy, and they don't have tons of free

September 22, 2015 · 1 min read

8 Ways You Can Make More Money with Xero
Accounting

8 Ways You Can Make More Money with Xero

Cloud accounting is all about convenience. The right tool can take a complicated task and make it simple. From everything between real-time communication with your accountant to sending invoices with the push of a button, Xero is by far the best all-in-one cloud accounting program on the market. Her

September 18, 2015 · 3 min read

How Has QuickBooks Ruined Your Day?
QuickBooks

How Has QuickBooks Ruined Your Day?

If you're like most of my clients, you've known the feeling: a failed backup, hours of journal entries, you name it. Bad QuickBooks happen to good people. It's a fact of business life. I've been in the same boat. After almost four decades in the accounting world, there's not much I haven't seen, or

September 10, 2015 · 1 min read

How to Get More Out of ADP
Financial Management

How to Get More Out of ADP

ADP is one of the most comprehensive payroll management systems out there, and as an added bonus, it integrates seamlessly with Xero cloud accounting software. After a quick setup, your payroll data can flow seamlessly into your accounting software, and you're ready to manage your books and payroll

August 26, 2015 · 2 min read

See How Xero Touch Complements the Xero Dashboard
Accounting

See How Xero Touch Complements the Xero Dashboard

I thought I'd take some time to show how Xero's browser interface works alongside the mobile app Xero Touch, but Xero recently released this animated video that explains in in a nice, succinct way. The app is certainly a pared-down version of the web app, but Xero Touch has plenty of merit. It gives

August 19, 2015 · 1 min read

5 Reasons to Go Paperless at Work
Cloud Accounting

5 Reasons to Go Paperless at Work

Consider for a moment how much paper your company uses each day. What about each week? Each year? According to the Technical Association for the Worldwide Pulp, Paper, and Converting Industry, the average individual working American handles around 700 pounds of memos, contracts, bills, agendas, file

August 12, 2015 · 5 min read

7 Steps to Setting Budgeting Goals
Accounting

7 Steps to Setting Budgeting Goals

It's only natural that as we get older, our needs and wants become progressively larger and more expensive. Whether you're ten years old and saving pennies for a new toy, getting a summer job to pay for a car as a young adult or, later, your dream home, the rules for setting budgeting goals are […]

August 5, 2015 · 4 min read

The Importance of an Emergency Fund
Financial Management

The Importance of an Emergency Fund

Bad things happen to good people every day. Medical and family emergencies, car trouble, and job loss are not only emotionally taxing but also fiscally frightening. While no one wants to think about these types of troubles happening to them, it is crucial that people set aside some savings to protec

July 29, 2015 · 3 min read

Cashflow: The Key to a Successful Startup
Accounting

Cashflow: The Key to a Successful Startup

There are myriad ways a business can fail: Maybe an entrepreneur didn't understand his or her customers well enough, there was a breakdown in leadership or there was no set plan for the future. And while all these setbacks are viable threats to a startup, the most fatal blow to any small business is

July 22, 2015 · 3 min read

5 Tips for Small Businesses Dealing with an IRS Audit
Business Insights

5 Tips for Small Businesses Dealing with an IRS Audit

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has the power to review financials and enforce tax laws that govern all American businesses. These official financial examinations are known as audits, and they can be seen as inconvenient, tiresome, and even scary to some business owners due to the possibility of

July 13, 2015 · 3 min read

How to Use Xero and FreshBooks Together
Cloud Accounting

How to Use Xero and FreshBooks Together

Historically, financial data management products Xero and Freshbooks have been viewed as mutually exclusive, competing services. In reality, though, they're actually more inclusive and compatible than ever. Both Xero and Freshbooks offer full cloud based accounting services. And while many users fin

July 7, 2015 · 2 min read

Top 5 Cloud Accounting Apps for Small Businesses
Cloud Accounting

Top 5 Cloud Accounting Apps for Small Businesses

Having the perfect accounting software for your business can play a vital role in its success, freeing up time and ensuring that your finances are organized and accurate. But finding that perfect software is often easier said than done with so many choices now available. Whether you’ve started your

July 2, 2015 · 5 min read

The Peter Principle: How Promotions Can Hurt Your Business
Business Insights

The Peter Principle: How Promotions Can Hurt Your Business

Employers generally promote the employees who show that they're capable of handling a greater responsibility within the company. But sometimes promotions backfire when the employee fails to live up to expectations. This is known as the Peter Principle. In an article published in the January 1967 iss

June 25, 2015 · 2 min read

5 Lessons from the Shark Tank
Accounting

5 Lessons from the Shark Tank

It’s easy to get heads-down into your business, wearing different hats throughout the day and trying to keep it all going. But if you watch just one episode of a show like Shark Tank, you’ll quickly realize that you need to know about your business and not just work in your business. Here are five [

June 18, 2015 · 3 min read

4 Benefits of Using Digital Receipt Logs
Accounting

4 Benefits of Using Digital Receipt Logs

According to an article in the Huffington Post, paper receipts create over 1.5 billion pounds of waste each year in the United States alone. While most of us will never observe the true scale of this waste face-to-face, many of us feel the daily hassle and headache receipts create, often only asking

June 16, 2015 · 2 min read

Exploring Cloud-based Accounting
Cloud Accounting

Exploring Cloud-based Accounting

You’ve probably heard it by now, that ambiguously popular buzzword: the cloud. Talked about across many sectors, and found in new, cutting edge breakthroughs, the concept of the cloud is fundamental in how business and technology are changing forever. The “cloud,” at its foundation, is a series of s

June 8, 2015 · 2 min read

Why Knowing Your Company's Numbers is Important
Accounting

Why Knowing Your Company's Numbers is Important

You have to know your numbers. This advice from the hit TV show Shark Tank is crucial. Whether it’s your budget numbers, your overall accounting numbers, or your payroll numbers, knowing what you have to work with is important for making smart business decisions and keeping your business afloat. So,

June 1, 2015 · 1 min read

All About Bitcoin
Accounting

All About Bitcoin

Chances are you’ve heard of the digital currency bitcoin already. Invented by someone under the name Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin is creating a ripple in the way business transactions have always been made. The first thing you need to know about bitcoin is that no one controls it. With bitcoin, buyers

May 26, 2015 · 2 min read

Xero Update: New Inventory and Online Quote Features
Xero

Xero Update: New Inventory and Online Quote Features

Xero recently released two updates to its core functionality. While the software has always been robust, some users have complained that Xero lacks any kind of built-in inventory and quote functionalities, which up until this point were only available through third-party add-ons. As of late March, h

May 13, 2015 · 2 min read

How to Convert Your Accounting Service to Xero
Xero

How to Convert Your Accounting Service to Xero

Converting from your current MYOB accounting system to Xero seems to be a daunting task at first. How can your copious amounts of data be transferred from one system to another without the risk of file corruption? Who would you trust to carry out a conversion containing such sensitive information? T

April 16, 2015 · 2 min read

Outsourcing Your Payroll
Accounting

Outsourcing Your Payroll

Many employers are now outsourcing their payroll and related tax duties to third-party payroll service providers. These providers help assure filing deadlines and deposit requirements are met, while streamlining business operations. Payroll service providers help businesses administer payroll and em

March 31, 2015 · 2 min read

Xero Accounting: Add-On Apps
Cloud Accounting

Xero Accounting: Add-On Apps

Xero is one of our favorite accounting applications here at MSM. But did you know that there are lots of other software and services that integrate with Xero? Check out this list below of some of the other business apps that connect with Xero so that you can streamline your data. WorkflowMax A Xero

March 24, 2015 · 4 min read

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