Financial Tips

Accountant in Reno Provides Holiday Shopping Tips

This may be a couple weeks too late, but it is still important. During the holiday season or for any major celebration, it is common to pull out your trusted credit card and get to shopping. The problem comes at the end of the month or the beginning of next month when you get your credit card statement. As an accountant in Reno, I wanted to take a second to discuss holiday shopping.

Although you may feel compelled to buy everything on someone’s shopping list, you and your family could try some great alternatives this holiday season.

Set a Per Person Limit

Whether you are buying for mom, dad, your significant other or a friend, set a shopping limit. Talk with the person that you want to buy a gift for and come to an agreement on a shopping limit. This is a great strategy for a couple of reasons. First, it allows you to budget your holiday spending and, as an accountant in Reno, I am a fan of budgeting. Second, it forces you to shop. If you come to a $25 arrangement with somebody, what are you going to do? You are going to go and find the best gift or gifts that you can for that price. This means that you are going to shop smarter.

Draw Names

Another idea is to draw names. This idea is more applicable to families, but can work with a group of friends. Simply gather the family around, place each person’s name in the hat, and then draw. Whomever you draw is the person you will shop for. Having to shop for one family member means that you can spend more time on that person and afford to buy them something nicer than you would have if you had to shop for everybody.

Check Three Stores

Once you have your shopping list for each person you should go to three stores before you buy the item. Although you may think you have found the best deal, you never know what the next store will have.

Wait 24-48 Hours

Once you have found the item you want to buy someone, especially if it is a more expensive gift, you should wait 24 – 48 hours before purchasing it. With that said, make sure that the special will last that long.

My goal, as an accountant in Reno, is to help you save money and manage your finances. These are just a couple of tips to help you get through the holiday season.

Accountant in Reno Provides Holiday Shopping Tipsencpaswp2019-03-28T15:01:01-07:00

Certified Public Accountant In Reno Discusses New Year’s Resolutions

At the end of one year and the beginning of the next, many individuals and businesses set New Year’s resolutions. Some of these are to live healthier, others are to spend more time with the family, but many of them are about getting finances in order.

As a certified public accountant in Reno, I think it is great to have finances on your list, but there are things you need to consider.

Be Reasonable

The first piece of advice that I have is to be reasonable. Do not set a goal that you know you will never obtain. You need to have thought about what it will take to reach your financial goal, and make sure that it is something you can do. If you realize that your resolution may be a stretch, then it is a good idea to scale back. It will be better for you to have a goal that you know you can reach.

Write It Down

Do not just spew your goal out at the family’s or office’s New Year’s Party, write it down. You need to have your goal in writing. There is a different level of commitment when you write your resolution down. This will allow you to keep your resolution in front of you, whether you post it in the car or on your bathroom mirror.

Make a Plan

Now that you have a reasonable resolution written down, you cannot just forget it. One way to make it easier to reach your resolution is to create a “to do list” or a “map” on how to get there. If your resolution is to have a certain amount in savings or to pay off a part of your debt by the end of the year, than you need to make a plan of actions on how you can reach those goals. As a certified public accountant in Reno, I think planning is an essential step.

Work Together

My last piece of advice is to share your resolution with someone and then provide support for each other. Find a family member or friend that you trust and let them know what your resolution is. In turn, have them share theirs with you. This provides some support when you start drifting away from your resolution. Together you stand a better chance of reaching your resolutions than if you tried to do it on your own.

As a certified public accountant in Reno, I like to see New Year’s resolutions that are based on finances. Have a wonderful year and best of luck with your resolutions.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

Certified Public Accountant In Reno Discusses New Year’s Resolutionsencpaswp2016-09-22T21:57:58-07:00

An Accountant In Reno Talks About Coupons

Since one of your New Year’s Resolutions might be about finances, I thought now was an appropriate time to talk about coupons. As an accountant in Reno, I think it is important to manage your finances each year. One of the best ways to save money and allow for more saving is to shop smarter. The easiest trick to shopping smarter is using coupons.

How and Why

Every Sunday the Reno Gazette-Journal is stuffed full of advertisements. Along with these advertisements are those valuable coupons that many people seem to be overlooking. Today’s society is all about speed and therefore, taking the time to look through coupons and change your shopping habits to match the stores with the cheapest products seems too time consuming. However, the time it takes to get the coupons together could save you 20 to 50 percent on your shopping bill.

They Make You Plan

Besides for the obvious financial benefits from using coupons, is the fact that is makes you plan. As an accountant in Reno, I always encourage people to learn to plan. If you can plan, then you will be able to take the necessary actions to get your finances in order. Sometimes you will come across coupons for things that need to be bought in bulk or some that require you to buy two or three of something. If a coupon has a stipulation then you need to plan that into your shopping list.

Don’t Get Caught

Although coupons can save you a lot of money and teach you to plan, you need to be careful. You mistake that some people make, is that they spend too much. Just because you are saving a lot on two items, does not mean you can buy more. If you truly want to save, you still need to exercise self-discipline when you get into the store. Stick to your list, use your coupons and then put the savings into your savings account.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get your finances in order, then it is a good idea to contact an accountant in Reno today. They will be able to help you evaluate your current financial situation and to make plans for 2011.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

An Accountant In Reno Talks About Couponsencpaswp2016-09-22T21:56:01-07:00

Ways to Start Talking to Your Children About Financial Planning

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zocentEI7rQ[/youtube]

After hearing all the news about a struggling economy, I felt it was time to talk about financial planning. More specifically I thought it was time to talk about teaching your children about financial planning.

Too many people seek the help of an accountant in Reno, Nevada because they have no clue about financial planning. That is because they did not learn about it as a child. Parents can make a huge difference in how their young ones view spending, saving, and even giving, by taking a few simple steps. Providing your kids with an allowance gives them the opportunity to learn to budget and to track their spending. It’s never too early to start learning how to manage your money.

Allowances

In order for children to understand finances and learn to start financial planning, they must have access to money. An allowance serves this purpose. It should be just enough to meet the needs of the child, but not every want. This will force a child to make decisions and to see the consequences of their spending decisions. It also allows the introduction of a budget and planning for future purchases.

Spending

The art of spending is a huge part of financial planning. Of course, children love to spend their money, but doing so wisely is a skill that must be taught. They must learn to budget for bigger expenses like special toys or activities they wish to do. Then, a child must also learn to be a smart shopper by learning skills like comparison shopping and understanding unit prices. One good way to do this is to involve the children in purchasing decisions of the family such as meal planning.

Saving

An accountant in Reno, Nevada will advise you that a savings plan is a vital part of financial planning. The same is true for children. The first step is to discuss savings goals, then have the children set aside a percentage of their allowance to meet that goal. This should be done before anything is purchased. For children older than 7 or 8, set up a bank account and make regular trips for deposits. For younger children , invest in a compartmentalized piggy bank. One final note – do not deny the child access to the money; they will become reluctant to make deposits.

Giving

Just like with savings, children also need to make giving a part of their financial planning. Again, a percentage should be determined and set aside for charities of choice. For some, this might mean a local charity or it could simply mean tithing to the church. It is also a good idea to have them participate in fundraisers so that they truly begin to appreciate the value of charity. In addition, make giving presents a part of this plan. Children should budget to buy gifts for friends and family.

Accounting

So, your kids have been taught how to spend and save, but do they know if they are doing a good job? An accountant will tell you that a budget only works if the spender knows where his or her money is going. Children are the same. For young children, have them put their receipts into an envelope for each month. A brightly colored chart that tracks spending can be a great teaching tool for them to see where the money is going. For older children, teach them how to record their spending on a spreadsheet.

As a parent in Reno, Nevada, it is never too early to start teaching children about financial planning. Do not just give them an allowance and expect them to spend wisely, because they will not. Instead, give them an allowance and discuss with them the things they need to purchase versus what they want to purchase. In addition, include in the financial planning discussions on savings and giving. Then teach the children how to track their own budget. As an adult, they will thank you.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

Accountant in Reno, Nevada

Ways to Start Talking to Your Children About Financial Planningencpaswp2016-09-22T21:47:31-07:00

A Reno CPA Talks About Motivation

With the tax deadline fast approaching, I thought I would take a second to talk about motivation.

There is no question that during “tax season” CPAs are extremely busy (not complaining, I actually enjoy it). However, from time-to-time, I am asked how I stay motivated during tax season.

I find that the busier I am, the more productive I am. Therefore, during tax season, it is not a problem to stay motivated. It is the rest of the year that is the problem!

Appreciative Clients Help

Seriously, it helps to have clients be appreciative of what you are doing for them. Often, they are unaware that you have just saved them thousands of dollars or gotten them out of a mess that they did not even know they were in. Those clients that take the time to say thank you or acknowledge the service I provide really give me a boost of energy.

Simple Lesson In Motivation

The best thing I can say about being motivated is that it has to come from you. In my opinion, motivation from outside is a short-term thing. The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was quoted as saying, “he who has a WHY can overcome almost any HOW.” My recommendation is to focus on the results. If you do not have results in mind, then you are definitely going to struggle to stay motivated during the slow times, the fast times, and well, all the time.

Keep It In Front Of You

Often, people search for motivation, but forget that the easiest way to stay motivated is to keep your goals or desires in front of you. If you want that shiny red sports car, put in on the fridge. Do internet searches on what kind of car, what the prices are, and can getting a used one still make you as happy? I had a friend who purchased a 1996 Model 944 Porsche in 2005. Rather than saying he bought a 9 year-old car, he said, “I’ve finally fulfilled my 9 year-old dream of buying a brand-new 1996 Porsche!” Kind of funny, but perspective is the key!

In the end, you need to remember that motivation comes from within. However, it helps to keep your goals, wants, and desires in front of you. Lastly, although tax season is the busiest time of the year, it truly is the most fulfilling for me. For most people it is not the busy times when they need to stay motivated, it is in the slow times.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

A Reno CPA Talks About Motivationencpaswp2016-09-22T21:29:21-07:00

Reno CPA Reveals 7 Business Deductions Business Owners Commonly Overlook

Every year as the tax deadlines roll around, business owners find themselves scrambling to file their business taxes. As a result, these owners often miss important deductions that could end up saving them a significant amount of money. However, a little pre-planning and research can help a lot. For example, here are seven business tax deductions that are commonly overlooked.

Working from Home

A home office can supply a business owner with major business deductions. Most are aware that a home office can be deducted, but did you know it doesn’t have to be an entire room? The area just has to be devoted exclusively to the home office. Just measure out the work area and deduct that percentage from all home-related business expenses such as the mortgage and insurance. Even expenses like phone calls can be included here. Not a bad way to help pay for home expenses.

On the Road

Traveling can offer additional hidden Reno business deductions. In fact, many owners overlook the incidentals charges such as car rentals, tipping employees, and even dry cleaning expenses. Another major deduction involves company vehicles. In 2010, up to 50 cents per mile can be deducted for business trips. This can really add up when you consider the number of business miles driven in a year. Plus, don’t forget things like maintenance and insurance. Even if the car is used for personal use, a percentage can still be deducted.

Benefit Packages

Perhaps the only thing more complicated than business taxes is dealing with benefits. However, a CPA can help business owners find hidden deductions here too. For example, if an owner is considered self-employed, he or she can now deduct the premiums not only from the income tax but from the self-employment tax. Finally, don’t forget business deductions for retirement benefits. The self-employed pay double the social security, but the IRS will allow half of that to be deducted. That’s a huge savings.

Family Matters

What if it’s a family business? There are overlooked business deductions here too. For example, if a business owner is a sole proprietor or is in a partnership with a spouse, a Reno CPA might tell them to put the kids to work! As long as the child is 17 or younger, no social security taxes will be collected, and the salary can be deducted as a business expense. No other employee comes with those benefits to the company.

Start-Up Costs

Operating cost deductions can only be taken for expenses incurred after the business opens its doors. As a result, many owners miss start-up costs such as lawyer’s fees or licensing fees because they occur before opening day. However, these can still be taken as part of the business deductions for start-up. In most years, this is up to a $5,000 deduction the first year with the remaining spread over 15 years in equal amounts. In 2010, the first year deduction was doubled up to $10,000! Now, that’s a deduction!

Of course, there are a plethora of other business deductions that can be overlooked by business owners – subscriptions to trade magazines, memberships to professional organizations, and dining out expenses, just to name a few. To make the most of these on your business taxes, contact a Reno CPA. He or she will help find not only the seven deductions mentioned above, but may just find a few more that can really affect your bottom line.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

Reno CPA Reveals 7 Business Deductions Business Owners Commonly Overlookencpaswp2016-09-22T21:24:12-07:00

What is the Big Deal with Financial Planning?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iguTKNyX84[/youtube]

In today’s uncertain economic times, financial planning has become critical in order to meet life’s financial goals, including retirement. A thorough analysis of the current financial picture will help point the direction toward meeting those goals and will help avoid excess spending. This includes maintaining a rainy day fund, not relying on social security and calculating the amount of the nest egg. As a Reno CPA, I thought I would take some time to talk about the importance of financial planning.

What is Financial Planning?

Financial planning means analyzing the current financial picture, determining what the long-term goals are and then devising strategies to reach those goals. Strategies can include a variety of things, including automatic deposits into savings accounts, investments in stocks or real estate, or even insurance plans. The key is to make sure those plans are flexible. Not only can goals change, but so can strategies as your situation changes. Marriage, kids and a home all have a way of changing our priorities.

The Here and Now

However, financial planning is not just about the future; it’s about the present. Because this type of planning requires a full analysis of the family’s current financial picture, they know their exact net worth, income, and expenses. As a result, they are better able to manage spending and can avoid living paycheck to paycheck. They will also avoid being caught unaware by massive debt. An important bonus considering the average American carries a credit card debt of around $16,000.

Expect the Unexpected

A major component of any financial plan is a rainy day fund. This is a separate savings account that is set aside for emergencies only and usually contains at least three to six months of expenses. The reality is that no one is safe from unexpected illnesses, accidents or unemployment. Insurance, while another important part of the plan, may not cover everything and may not be easily accessed. In fact, some studies have shown that families without such a backup are far more likely to accumulate debt during a disaster.

Retirement Numbers

Retiring some day? Well, don’t count on social security. Not only is the age being increased to 67 for those born after 1959, but it may not be there. The reserves held in trust to fund social security are expected to be exhausted in 2037. After that income tax will only be able to pay 75 percent of expected benefits. Medicare isn’t any better and is expected to remain solvent only until 2029. As a result, Americans had better get busy with financial planning if they want to have a nice retirement.

How Much Is Enough?

The answer to this really depends on a person’s standard of living and the goals he or she has. However, some experts suggest that people should expect to spend about four percent of their savings each year. That means if expenses are approximately $60,000 per year, they should have a targeted retirement fund of 1.5 million. Sadly, most Americans are not even close. Those between the ages of 65 and 75 have an average of around $56,000. That means they get to spend roughly $2,200 a year.

These numbers suggest one thing – Americans need to get busy financial planning! Analyzing their current financial picture will help them avoid being buried under a mountain of debt and will help keep them on the road to a wonderful retirement, even when disaster strikes. Plus, a failing social security system will not blindside them and leave them penniless. As a Reno CPA, I am here to tell you that financial planning is the smart and responsible thing to do.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

What is the Big Deal with Financial Planning?encpaswp2016-09-22T21:21:29-07:00

Tip from Your Accountant in Reno: Two Steps to Creating a Rainy Day Fund

A rainy day fund is an essential part of any family’s financial planning. By putting away a specified amount to be used only during emergencies, a family will be able to weather any emergency easier. The creation of a emergency fund is a simple two-step process. First, conduct a thorough analysis of your family’s current financial status to determine the amount of the fund. Next, set up the account and make regular deposits until the emergency amount is reached. As an accountant in Reno, it is very important to talk about rainy day funds.

Defining a Rainy Day Fund

Most financial planning experts agree that a rainy day fund is a must for any family, but what exactly is it? First, it is money that is set aside to be used only in the event of an emergency. “Emergency” should be taken literally and should not be mistaken with a financial want. For example, buying a new car is generally not an emergency unless your car was totaled and transportation to and from work is put at risk. Also, the rainy day fund should be a liquid asset that can be easily accessed without any kind of delay.

The Importance of an Emergency Fund

The importance of a having a rainy day fund as a critical part of any family’s financial planning cannot be underestimated. No one is immune to unexpected emergencies like car accidents, loss of jobs, or sudden illnesses. Yes, most people carry insurance, but insurance does not cover everything, and there may be a delay in accessing those funds. The rainy day fund will fill in that gap and prevent a family from getting behind in their bills.

How Much Is Enough?

As an accountant in Reno I have to admit that there is some disagreement as to how much money should be deposited into a rainy day fund. However, that figure really depends on a family’s needs. In general, three to six months of expenses should be the minimum. Some experts will even advise that a year’s salary is necessary, but this depends on things like insurance coverage and whether that is even possible for a family to save.

Step 1 to a Rainy Day Fund

In light of this, the first step to establishing a rainy day fund is to review the family’s current financial picture including required spending, discretionary spending and current net income (after taxes). The rainy day fund should come from the discretionary fund. If that is non-existent, then the family should review what it considers to be needs versus wants. Furthermore, a family should review insurance policies and other investments to determine if additional income can be generated.

Step 2 to a Rainy Day Fund

Once the amount of required funds is determined, the family needs to open a low-risk savings account. Since this is an emergency fund, it must be easily accessible which means no CDs or other such investments. It’s a good idea to set this account up with direct deposits in a separate bank from the family’s primary account. The deposits can be stopped when the amount is reached. This takes temptations out of the way. Deposits happen without thought and withdraws require a special trip.

So don’t make the mistake of thinking that nothing bad will ever happen, because it just might. By including an emergency fund in your family’s financial planning, you can minimize the impact. All that is needed is a full analysis of the family’s current financial status and needs. This financial picture will help determine how much to stash away in a savings account. Just remember – it’s for emergencies and not for big purchases.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

Tip from Your Accountant in Reno: Two Steps to Creating a Rainy Day Fundencpaswp2016-09-22T21:13:05-07:00

A CPA in Reno Reminds Business Owners to Seek Help (Part 2)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU_uTG2WA_A[/youtube]

In part one of this series (A Certified Public Accountant in Reno Reminds Business Owners to Seek Help), the signals that should drive small business owners to seek financial advice from a CPA in Reno were discussed. These include spending too much time on the accounting side of the business, making mistakes that will lead to an audit, declining assets draining resources, stagnating revenue and missing productivity. However, don’t despair because a certified public accountant can usually resolve each of these situations easily.

Shifting Focus

The first thing a CPA in Reno can do for business owners is help them put the emphasis back on their passions. It is frequently said that if you want to be successful, do what you love. The problem is that most owners don’t love doing payroll, accounting, or tax preparations. The certified public accountant can take care of all of that. For someone like a landscaper, this allows the owner to put their focus back on their business.

The Dreaded Audit

As long as a certified public accountant is consulted before the IRS targets the business for an audit, the CPA can often avoid them completely. That is because they can avoid those red flags like little or no sales with high expenses. Something like that will catch the attention of the IRS every time. A CPA in Reno can also help avoid late filings and all of the late fees associated with them. Plus, if an audit is called, the accountant will be invaluable during the process.

Declining Assets

Business owners also need the financial advice of a CPA for things like declining assets. These often drain the resources of a company, but that doesn’t need to be the case. Certified public accountants can carefully analyze all of the assets. By doing so they can track each asset and how much it declines. They can then plug this info into a formula and take the depreciation off as a tax-deductible expense over the lifetime of the assets. This can be a substantial savings.

Stagnant Revenues

Stagnant revenues can also be an area that a CPA in Reno can provide valuable advice. Accountants can help the owner create a system so that revenues and expenses can be tracked. Using this system and analysis gleaned from tax returns, they can identify trends and create reports that the owners can use to guide future decisions. They are also able to help the owner understand the reports so that the most can be made from the information.

Lack of Employee Productivity

While employee productivity may not seem like an area where a certified public account can provide financial advice, they can. Think of the reports that are generated through payroll and the tale those reports can tell. Tax returns and payroll can yield a wealth of information including comparing hours worked with the amount of sales. In addition, an accountant might be able to suggest jobs that could be outsourced.

So if any of these situations apply to your small business, do not worry. A CPA’s services can help free up your time so that you are able to return to your passion. He or she can also help prevent an audit or provide expert backup in the event of an audit. The accountant can also carefully analyze reports on assets, revenue, and productivity to provide the business owner with a complete picture of the business. Plus, the accountant in Reno is there to help the owner understand just how those reports can guide the business.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

A CPA in Reno Reminds Business Owners to Seek Help (Part 2)encpaswp2016-09-22T20:55:55-07:00

Nevada Corporate Tax Planning is Not an Option, It is a Must

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zUzGWRlW98[/youtube]

It is time to talk about the importance of tax planning in small business. Nevada corporate tax planning is necessary for any business to be able to meet their obligations to the government, increase their profits and to plan by analyzing previous years’ performance. An experienced Nevada tax accountant can guide a company through the maze of tax laws, advise about debt-reduction strategies and help put more money into growth and development.

Taxes are Unavoidable

It is impossible to avoid paying taxes in business. Any time a product or service is made or sold, the business has to pay taxes on a portion of its profits. Taxes allow the government to give services and protection to its citizens. However, a company can lower its taxes and increase its working capital with tax planning. A business can grow and become more profitable with more working capital. The company’s accountant should discuss what kinds of tax deductions and write-offs are right for the business at the proper times.

Two Basic Corporate Tax Planning Rules

There are two key rules in tax planning for Nevada small businesses. The first is that the company should not take on extra expenses to get a tax deduction. One smart tax planning method is to wait until the end of the year to buy major equipment, but a business should only use this strategy if the equipment is necessary. The second rule is that taxes should be deferred as much as possible. Deferring taxes means legally putting them off until the next tax season. This frees up the money that would have been used to pay that year’s taxes for interest-free use.

Accounting Methods

A company’s accounting methods can influence its taxes and cash flow. There are two main accounting methods, the cash and the accrual methods. In the cash method, income is recorded when it is actually received. This means it is noted when an invoice is actually paid rather than when it is sent out. The cash method can defer taxes by delaying billing. The accrual method is more complex because it recognizes income and debt when it actually occurs rather than when payment is made or received. It is a better way of charting a company’s long-term performance.

Nevada Tax Planning with Inventory Control and Valuation

Properly controlling inventory costs can positively affect a company’s tax deductions. A tax planning accountant can advise how and when to buy inventory to make the most of deductions and changes in stock value (valuation). There are two main inventory valuation methods: first-in, first-out (FIFO) and last-in, first-out (LIFO). FIFO is better in times of deflation and in industries where a product’s value can drop steeply, such as in high-tech areas. LIFO is better in times of rising costs, because it gives inventory in stock a lower value than the prices of goods already sold.

Predicting the Future by Looking at the Past

Good tax planning means that a company takes the past sales performance of their products and/or services into account. In addition, the state of the overall economy, cash flow, overhead costs and any corporate changes need to be considered. By looking at previous years according to the “big picture,” executives can forecast for the future. Knowing an expansion or a cutback will be needed makes planning for it easier. The company can stagger expenses, purchases, staff reductions, research and development and advertising as needed.

A Nevada tax-planning accountant can help a company increase profits, lower taxes and achieve growth for the future. Discuss your business’s needs, wants, strengths, weaknesses and goals with your corporate accountant to develop a tax planning strategy for all of these factors.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

Nevada Corporate Tax Planning is Not an Option, It is a Mustencpaswp2016-09-22T18:32:45-07:00

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