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Year-End Cheer

Year-end is near, and this issue of SmartTips is our gift to business owners. With tips on how to turn seasonal shoppers into loyal customers and lessons for structuring your workday to raising financially savvy kids and the tax perks of hiring your child, we’ve gathered some great information for you and tied it up with a bow.

Latest resources

Year-End Tax Planning: Last-Minute Tactics for Cash-Based Businesses

Year-End Tax Planning: Last-Minute Tactics for Cash-Based Businesses

For small businesses using cash-based accounting, the next few weeks present valuable opportunities to manage taxable income and reduce 2025 tax liability.

New Year’s Resolutions for Small Business Owners

New Year’s Resolutions for Small Business Owners

Thoughtful financial resolutions can help businesses improve cash flow, boost profitability, and weather unexpected headwinds. Here are some New Year’s financial resolutions to guide small business owners into 2026 with confidence.

Raising financially savvy kids

Raising financially savvy kids

Financial literacy starts early, and families that treat money as a life skill, not a taboo topic, often raise more confident, capable decision-makers. From introducing real responsibility to modeling values-based spending, here’s how parents are helping their kids build lasting financial judgment.

Hiring your child: tax perks and potential pitfalls for families in business

Hiring your child: tax perks and potential pitfalls for families in business

Hiring your child in your business can offer powerful tax advantages while teaching financial responsibility and supporting long-term wealth planning. Learn how to structure it properly, avoid IRS pitfalls, and make the most of this overlooked family strategy.

From holiday rush to year-round growth: turn seasonal shoppers into loyal customers

From holiday rush to year-round growth: turn seasonal shoppers into loyal customers

The holiday season offers more than a revenue spike for business owners; it’s a unique window to build lasting customer relationships. Let’s explore how to align your messaging with the shopper mindset, position your offers, leverage multi-channel reach, and convert one-time buyers into loyal customers while keeping your operations strong.

Structuring the workday: lessons from ultra-productive CEOs

Structuring the workday: lessons from ultra-productive CEOs

Ultra-productive CEOs structure their days to protect focus, reduce decision fatigue, and create time for what matters most. Their routines aren’t one-size-fits-all, but they do reveal patterns worth borrowing. A small shift in your day might lead to a big difference in how you lead.

Launch Smart, Grow Smart

Launch Smart, Grow Smart

Getting your small business off the ground? A strong launch sets the tone for your business’s future, building fledgling relationships with early customers, establishing financial momentum, and earning credibility with lenders and future strategic partners.

Finding Small Business Startup Capital

Finding Small Business Startup Capital

Is a small business startup in your future for 2026? If so, you have a wide range of funding options, combining traditional methods with newer, tech-driven approaches.

November Novelties

November Novelties

Take a short break from pumpkin-spiced lattes and raking leaves, and let’s get warmed up with some November trivia!

The Art of Hygge: Finding Comfort and Joy in Everyday Moments

The Art of Hygge: Finding Comfort and Joy in Everyday Moments

When winter days grow short and the world feels a little too fast, the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “HYOO-gah”) offers a gentle reminder: Happiness often hides in simplicity.

Starting a Business in 2026: Big Ideas in Uncertain Times

Starting a Business in 2026: Big Ideas in Uncertain Times

Starting a business isn’t for the faint of heart. Entrepreneurs are, by definition, bold. If you’re on the verge of starting your own enterprise in 2026, count yourself among the very bold, indeed.

The Healing Power of Gratitude: How a Thankful Heart Boosts Your Health

The Healing Power of Gratitude: How a Thankful Heart Boosts Your Health

This is the time of year when our thoughts collectively turn to thanksgiving (the holiday and the state of mind). But maintaining an attitude of gratitude should be a year-round habit.

An Attitude of Gratitude

An Attitude of Gratitude

It’s the time of year when we all pause to count our blessings, and this issue of SmartTips is all about finding fulfillment in our personal and professional lives. Our team shares a reflection on gratitude and its healthful benefits, and we offer a lifestyle feature presenting the Danish spin on contentment, known as “hygge.” Tease your brain with November trivia and sink your teeth into our main story about the outlook for starting a small business in the coming year. Enjoy, and thank you for spending time with us.

Q4 is Here!

Q4 is Here!

Time for the final sprint of 2025 to begin. This month, SmartTips takes a look at all things autumn, from scary to sweet. Our team has content to help you tackle bloodsucking subscription fees and other hidden costs, as well as the monster hiding in everyone’s closet: cybersecurity anxiety. Don’t worry, we take the edge off with a salute to International Coffee Day and a fun roundup of horror movie trivia. Enjoy our first issue of Q4, and get ready to make a run for the holidays.

Spooky Cinema!

Spooky Cinema!

It’s the time of year when we think about things that go bump in the night. Test your A-lister aptitude by identifying the most notorious dramatis personae in the motion picture horror genre—we dare you!

A Toast to International Coffee Day

A Toast to International Coffee Day

International Coffee Day, celebrated every year on October 1, is a glorious global tribute to one of humanity’s most cherished beverages and the rich traditions that surround it. Officially established in 2015 by the International Coffee Organization, the day not only honors the love of coffee but also raises awareness about the entire coffee journey.

Scary Truths About Hidden Costs

Scary Truths About Hidden Costs

Running a small business is rewarding, exciting, and, of course, often overwhelming. But sometimes, the scariest threats aren’t competitors or economic downturn; they’re the hidden costs lurking in your books.

National Cybersecurity Month: Practical Protection for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

National Cybersecurity Month: Practical Protection for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

Every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that digital safety is no longer optional. With thoughtful planning, consistent staff training, and a disaster recovery strategy, even the leanest organizations can build strong defenses.

What’s Your Big Idea?

What’s Your Big Idea?

One of the most important foundations for entrepreneurial success is building a business aligned with your skills and personal passion. When your interests and talents intersect with a viable business idea, you’ll find motivation to sustain you through the inevitable ups and downs.

10 Cybersecurity Must-Dos for Small Businesses

10 Cybersecurity Must-Dos for Small Businesses

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—the perfect time to give your business a digital checkup. A few simple habits can make a huge difference.

Remember… the IRS made changes this year

Remember… the IRS made changes this year

Key items were adjusted for inflation. Here’s a quick summary: The IRS regularly updates rules and guidance that impact individuals […]

Tax Preparation Checklist for the New Year

Tax Preparation Checklist for the New Year

Time to start the process—tax time has begun! After celebrating—and hopefully recovering from—the arrival of the new year, it’s time […]

The Gifts that Give Back

The Gifts that Give Back

Charitable Giving Tax Deductions: Maximizing Your Generosity and Your Tax Savings Charitable giving is a powerful way to make a […]

Estate Planning Basics:

Estate Planning Basics:

Building a Secure Future for Your Loved Ones Estate planning is a critical step in ensuring your assets are distributed […]

An Attitude of Gratitude

An Attitude of Gratitude

Reflections from Our Team As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are naturally drawn to reflect on the year with a […]

Tax Deductions and Tax Credits: Understanding the Difference

Tax Deductions and Tax Credits: Understanding the Difference

As we begin the final sprint to the end of the fiscal year, it’s important to have a clear understanding […]

The Presidential Election, The Economy and You: What to Expect the Day After

The Presidential Election, The Economy and You: What to Expect the Day After

Unless you’ve been living under a rock—and believe us, we’d understand if you chose to do so—you’re aware that we’re […]

Getting a Jump on Small Businesses Year-End Tax Planning

Getting a Jump on Small Businesses Year-End Tax Planning

While the end of the year might seem far off, September is actually a great time for small business owners […]

Fall Tax Facts, Tips and Deadlines

Fall Tax Facts, Tips and Deadlines

As we round the turn into autumn, tax deadlines come into view. (Exciting, right?) Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, […]

Back-to-School Financial Tips for College Students: A Guide to Smart Money Management

Back-to-School Financial Tips for College Students: A Guide to Smart Money Management

As college students prepare to head back to school, it’s important to focus not only on academic success but also […]

Life and Taxes: Tax Planning for Marriage, Divorce, Birth, and Death

Life and Taxes: Tax Planning for Marriage, Divorce, Birth, and Death

Each of life’s major milestones brings unique joys and challenges. In addition to profound personal impact, events such as marriage, […]

Leasing vs Buying Business Equipment

Leasing vs Buying Business Equipment

Buying vs leasing equipment: Tax implications for business owners When it comes to acquiring equipment for your business, deciding whether […]

Business Travel Deductions

Business Travel Deductions

Picking up the check? Here are some tips! An entrepreneur’s guide to business entertainment and travel deductions One category of […]

Strategically Balancing Your Investment Portfolio: A Guide to Financial Success

Strategically Balancing Your Investment Portfolio: A Guide to Financial Success

Strategically Balancing Your Investment Portfolio: A Guide to Financial Success Investing is a critical component of building long-term wealth, but […]

Can I Claim Deductions for Dog Care Expenses?

Can I Claim Deductions for Dog Care Expenses?

Can I Claim Deductions for Dog Care Expenses? Owning a dog brings joy and companionship, but it also comes with […]

Long-term Care: Options and Safety Nets

Long-term Care: Options and Safety Nets

Long-term Care: Options and Safety Nets Aging is inevitable, and with aging comes the possibility of needing long-term care. Long-term […]

Owning a Second Home: Does It Make Sense for You?

Owning a Second Home: Does It Make Sense for You?

Owning a Second Home: Does It Make Sense for You? Dreaming of a second home nestled in the mountains, by […]

Insurance Basics: What Kind and How Much Do I Need?

Insurance Basics: What Kind and How Much Do I Need?

Insurance Basics: What Kind and How Much Do I Need? When it comes to managing your finances, insurance plays a […]

Home Ownership vs. Renting: Which Is Right for You?

Home Ownership vs. Renting: Which Is Right for You?

Home Ownership vs. Renting: Which Is Right for You? Deciding whether to buy a home or rent is one of […]

Plugging the Money Leak: Getting a Handle on Subscription Services

Plugging the Money Leak: Getting a Handle on Subscription Services

Plugging the Money Leak: Getting a Handle on Subscription Services Subscription services have become commonplace in our daily lives. From […]

Points Pointers: Navigating Credit Card Rewards Programs

Points Pointers: Navigating Credit Card Rewards Programs

Points Pointers: Navigating Credit Card Rewards Programs Credit card rewards programs—they’re more competitive than ever and designed to suit virtually […]

Self-Care for Small Business Owners: A Guide to Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Self-Care for Small Business Owners: A Guide to Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Self-Care for Small Business Owners: A Guide to Thriving, Not Just Surviving Running a small business isn’t for the faint […]

Claiming Tax Deductions for Volunteer Work: A Comprehensive Guide

Claiming Tax Deductions for Volunteer Work: A Comprehensive Guide

Claiming Tax Deductions for Volunteer Work: A Comprehensive Guide Americans are a generous people, and it shows in the amount […]

Coping with Unexpected Medical Expenses: Strategies for Financial Stability

Coping with Unexpected Medical Expenses: Strategies for Financial Stability

Coping with Unexpected Medical Expenses: Strategies for Financial Stability Unexpected medical expenses can be a significant financial burden, disrupting even […]

Auto Leasing vs. Buying: Which Makes More Sense?

Auto Leasing vs. Buying: Which Makes More Sense?

Auto Leasing vs. Buying: Which Makes More Sense? Got a craving for that new car smell? Before you indulge your […]

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