Running a flourishing business means overseeing a constant flow of money. There’s revenue, payroll, suppliers, lease payments, taxes and so much more. It’s a lot to keep track of! Luckily, though, there are lots of products on the market that can help you cover, manage and track your business expenses effectively and smoothly. Let’s take a look at some of these products and share some tips for choosing those that are the best fit for your business.
Business checking accounts
A designated business checking account makes a company look credible and professional while enabling it to manage and track expenses, taxes and revenue. Separate accounts also protect business owners from losing their personal assets if legal action is taken against the company. Business owners can use their checking accounts to deposit checks made out to their company and to cover business expenses, such as payroll or payments to suppliers.
Here’s what to look for in a business checking account:
- Generous cash-deposit limit per transaction
- Generous monthly transaction limit
- Low or no maintenance fee and other costs
- Online and mobile banking
- Possible dividend rate
If you’re looking to open a business checking account, an Oregonians Credit Union Business Checking Account can be a great choice. Call, click, or stop by Oregonians Credit Union to learn more.
Business savings account
A business savings account is an account designated for funds to be used in cases of emergency or for future business expenses. The money in this account will grow at a greater rate, but access to these funds will be more limited.
Business owners can use a savings account to build a cash cushion for slower seasons, prepare for unexpected expenses or to save up for new equipment, tax payments or an expansion. Many financial institutions also offer rewards and incentives for businesses opening a business savings account, such as cash-back programs, increased dividend rates for larger deposits and reduced fees.
Here’s what to look for in a business savings account:
- High dividend rates
- Low fees and a transparent fee structure
- Rewards and perks
- Online and mobile banking
Opening an Oregonians Credit Union Business Savings Account will provide you with competitive dividends and online banking. If you’re ready to open a business savings account, call, click, or stop by Oregonians Credit Union today.
Business credit card
A business credit card provides small business owners with easy and unsecured access to a revolving line of credit. Business owners can use the credit to withdraw cash as necessary, cover large expenses, make purchases, fund an expansion or meet their monthly bill payments.
In comparison to a business loan, a business credit card is easier to qualify for, but it will nearly always come with a higher interest rate. If business owners are careful only to use the credit card when it is absolutely necessary and pays the bill before it’s due, interest will not accrue. A generous line of credit can be a convenient way to increase a business owner’s purchasing power without risking any assets. Credit debt that is managed well will also build the company’s credit score and may provide the business with rewards and incentives.
Here’s what to look for in a business credit card:
- A low interest rate
- Generous perks and rewards
- A low or no annual fee
- Interest-free introductory period
- Purchase protection and insurance
[If you’re looking to open a business credit card, look no further than Oregonians Credit Union. Our Business Credit Cards feature a generous credit limit, easy qualifying terms, and great perks. Call, click, or stop by Oregonians Credit Union today to learn more.]
Tax software
Tracking business expenses and marking which of them can be deducted from a company’s tax liability can be super-challenging. Tax software designed for businesses makes this task easy. Business tax software, like H&R Block, TaxAct and TaxSlayer, can track all the expenses of a business and help owners file taxes efficiently and easily. The software allows businesses to upload all relevant tax documents, provides online support from tax specialists and helps the business calculate federal — and sometimes also state — tax liability. Businesses will need to pay a fee to download most tax software programs, but the cost is more than offset by the time and money the software can save a business.
Here’s what to look for in tax software for businesses:
- Online tax filing
- Low monthly cost
- Assistance with filing federal and state taxes
- Compatibility with your devices
- Money-management apps
Managing expenses for a small business isn’t easy. There’s payroll, suppliers, monthly bills and so many other ongoing expenses that need to be covered. Fortunately, there’s an app for that! Money management apps like Mint, Truebill and ZohoBooks allow businesses to track and review all their expenses in one convenient location. Chart expenses on colorful graphs to visualize cash flow, see where the business money is going, categorize expenses for easier tax-filing and link accounts for automatic syncing of expenditures and income. Tracking business expenses on an app also makes for easy monitoring the business via mobile device.
Here’s what to look for in a money-management app:
- Manageable monthly cost
- Easy-to-use interface
- Synchronization across multiple devices
How do you manage your business expenses? Tell us about the products you use in the comments.
