The Value of an Honest, Professional Accountant

Did you know that accountants are legally required to be honest with you at all times? This means that if you go to your accountant and say, “I just spent $3000 on a new mink coat,” he or she would have to inform you that maybe this wasn’t the smartest investment. Likewise, if an accountant notices that someone you employ has been fudging the numbers in QuickBooks records or that things don’t quite add up in your QuickBooks records, he or she has to tell you. Sometimes, the truth can be hard to hear, but you should never underestimate the value of honest, professional information from a skilled accountant.

 In fact, for many people, accountants are the only ones they can count on to give them honest information. Investors and others often have their own best interests in mind when they give advice or provide information. Accountants, though, always put you and your best interests first.  If you’re lacking an accountant who will always be there with a healthy dose of truth, contact Susan S. Lewis, Ltd., located in Naperville, to change that.

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Schedule a Financial Check-up!

If you are someone who cares about your health, then you likely book regular medical checkups at least once a year. Just as a medical checkup gives you an overview of the current state of your health and some advice as to what you can do differently to become healthier, a financial check-up examines your current financial state and gives you feedback about what you’re doing well and where you need improvement. Even if you think you’re doing fine financially, it’s a good idea to get regular advice from a professional.

A great time to get that advice is tax preparation time. Not only can you have an accountant help you with tax preparation and provide various other tax services, but you can also have that accountant take a close, scrutinizing look at your finances. You might find out that you’re spending too much in a frivolous area, not saving enough money, or accumulating too much credit card debt. Or, you might find out that you’re doing a good job and that you need to keep it up! No matter what your financial assessment uncovers, it will give you information that will help you in the future.

You can set up a financial checkup in Naperville today! Just contact Susan S. Lewis, Ltd. to get the process started!

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Get on the Right Financial Track

When you think of a CPA, you probably think of someone hired to help you out at tax time or to manage or oversee the finances of a business. While professional accountants certainly do these things, they can also help regular people, just like you, with simpler, everyday financial matters. If you regularly find, for example, that you come up short when it comes to cash, a CPA can help. Having enough money to make ends meet is really just about knowing how to balance what you’re earning with what you’re spending. If you’re spending more than you’re earning and/or if you’re not putting aside money to pay for your most important bills and necessities, an accountant can help you create a budget to make managing your money easier.

Even those who aren’t having financial difficulties can be helped by an accountant. It’s so important to plan for the future by having a savings account, retirement funds, and more. Accountants can show you easy ways to save money and can help you set up savings accounts and other investments to keep you protected.

If you want a financial future that’s bright, CPA help is available from Susan S. Lewis, Ltd. in Naperville.

Dealing with Ever-Changing Tax Laws

If you run a business or even if you just have complex personal finances, hiring an accountant in your area is a smart idea. An accountant can help you to file your taxes each year, to keep your spending and your earnings in balance, and to set up a livable budget. Furthermore, accountants can help you to navigate the ever-changing world of tax laws. It might seem like tax laws would stay the same from year to year, but that’s actually not the case. While big, drastic changes to tax law are rare, there are usually a few small changes made each year. This could be something as simple as needing to send your tax returns in by a different date or being required to report income you weren’t required to report before.

Unfortunately, if you’re not working with an accountant in your area, one who knows current tax laws backwards and forwards, you could end up paying the price for your lack of knowledge. You might be penalized financially for your errors or be forced to start from scratch. Don’t let this happen to you! Susan S. Lewis, Ltd., located in Naperville, has professionals who

can help, so take advantage of this service.

Common Money Mistakes

Business owners often have a lot on their minds. They have to run and manage their businesses, of course, and they’re also responsible for keeping employees in line, keeping customers and clients happy, and a million other tasks. Because of all the stress and demands they have weighing down upon them, business owners often let a few little things fall through the cracks. This can be disastrous, however, when it comes to money management. All you need are a few missed dollars here and there and, next thing you know, you’re in serious debt and/or your business is failing. Take money matters serious if you want your business to thrive.

One major mistake that many businesses make is not hiring a Naperville accounting firm. So many people think that they can handle their taxes and general finances on their own. Plus, a lot of businesses, especially new businesses, think they will save money by handling taxes and finances internally. The truth is, however, that when non-professionals handle the finances, problems are likely to happen. When problems occur, they can often cost time and money to fix, making it better just to have things done right—by a professional Naperville accounting firm— from the start.

Businesses also need to be meticulous when it comes to managing petty cash. Petty cash provides a simple, effective way to handle little expenses in and around the office. If not managed properly, however, employees can get a little too “hands-on” with that petty cash, and money can go missing. Furthermore, it’s easy to overspend when you’re not keeping close track of what’s in petty cash.