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How to Prepare Your Business for the New Year
As the holiday season approaches, it's time to tie up any loose ends and prepare your business for a fresh start in the new year. By prioritising these essential end-of-year activities, you can ensure a smooth transition and greet the upcoming year with confidence and organisation. Read on for tips from the team at Affinity Accounting.
How to Set Strategic Financial Goals for 2025
For small business owners, planning for growth is not just about envisioning a brighter future—it's about setting concrete financial goals that align with your business objectives. Strategic financial planning can pave the way for sustainable expansion, ensuring your business thrives in a competitive landscape. Let’s explore how you can set and achieve these goals effectively.
Enjoy the Silly Season Without Breaking the Bank
As the holiday season unfolds, it's easy to get caught up in the spirit of giving. At Affinity Accounting, we understand the urge to spread joy with gifts for loved ones. However, it's crucial to keep your finances in check to avoid facing a hefty bill in January. Here are some practical tips from the Affinity Accounting team to help you manage your holiday spending wisely.
The Impact of Holiday Bonuses: Tax Implications for Employers and Employees in NZ
Many small business owners consider rewarding their employees with holiday bonuses at this time of year. While these bonuses can boost morale and show appreciation, it's crucial to understand the tax implications involved, both for employers and employees. Let's delve into how holiday bonuses are taxed and explore some strategies for managing these financial aspects effectively.
Tips for Improving Profit Margins in the Construction Industry
In the construction industry, profit margins can often feel razor-thin, squeezed by rising costs and competitive pricing. However, there are effective strategies that construction companies can implement to enhance their profitability. At Affinity Accounting, we understand the unique challenges faced by construction businesses and are here to offer practical advice to help boost your bottom line.
How outsourcing your accounting can help you grow
In today's competitive business environment, companies are constantly looking for ways to optimise operations and focus on growth. One effective strategy that's is outsourcing accounting services. At Affinity Accounting, we believe that entrusting your financial management to experts can significantly enhance your business's potential. Here’s how outsourcing can drive growth.
The Impact of Seasonal Fluctuations on Cash Flow for Construction Companies
In the construction industry, managing cash flow can often feel like a rollercoaster ride, especially with seasonal fluctuations. Whether it’s the slow down during the winter months or the bustling activity in the summer, understanding and managing these seasonal impacts is crucial for maintaining financial stability. At Affinity Accounting, our accountants are here to guide construction companies through these challenges.
How to know if your financial advisor is a good fit
When it comes to financial planning and investing, many of us could use a helping hand. That's where financial advisors come in. With so many options available, finding a financial advisor you can trust and feel at ease with is crucial. Here’s what to look for when selecting a financial advisor
Banks to roll out Confirmation of Payee from late November
New Zealand's retail banks are set to roll out a new Confirmation of Payee service from late November, a move that will help protect your business and customers from scams, and reduce payment errors.
Is hope your exit plan or do you have a strategy?
For many business owners, the day-to-day demands of running a business can make long-term planning seem like a distant concern. But, failing to plan for succession can put your business—and its legacy—at significant risk. The question you need to ask yourself is: Is hope your exit plan, or do you have a strategy?
What is inflation and how does it affect my savings?
You can’t get through the news these days without hearing about inflation and how rapidly it’s increasing. Rates were generally low for quite some time and we all got used to it. Suddenly, however, everyone is getting squeezed by inflationary pressure. But what exactly is inflation, and how does it affect the money you have in the bank? Read on to learn more about what it is and what it means for your savings.
Why we recommend Syft
As a business owner, understanding your financial data is crucial. There’s no way you can make a truly informed decision without it.. At Affinity Accounting, we aim to empower our clients with tools that provide clarity and insight into their financial health. This is why we recommend Syft Analytics, a platform that revolutionises the way businesses view and interact with their financial data.
How to Improve Cash Flow Without Increasing Sales
For many businesses, the idea of improving cash flow often conjures images of ramping up sales. However, there's a world of opportunities to bolster your cash flow without having to sell more. Here we explore some strategies to enhance your cash flow, ensuring your business thrives with the resources you already have.
The Hidden Costs of Business: How to Find & Fix Profit Drains
Running a business is often like navigating a labyrinth of financial decisions. While revenue flows in, the real challenge lies in maintaining profitability amidst various hidden costs. These sneaky expenses can silently erode your profits, leaving even the most successful businesses wondering where all the money has gone. Let's dive into some of these hidden costs and explore practical ways to manage them effectively.
How Going Green Can Improve Your Bottom Line
In an era where environmental consciousness is not just a choice but a necessity, businesses are increasingly recognising the value of going green. But did you know that adopting environmentally friendly practices can also significantly boost your bottom line? Sustainable profitability is about finding that sweet spot where ecological responsibility meets financial success. Read how going green can enhance your business’s profitability.
Building a Profit Mindset in Your Business
Running a business today means the pressure to grow and expand often overshadows the fundamental goal of profitability. Many businesses find themselves caught in the cycle of chasing revenue without truly understanding the importance of a profit centric approach. This mindset shift is not just about generating more income; it’s about strategically managing your resources, expenses, and priorities to ensure long-term financial success. Here’s how you can transform your business culture to embrace a profit-first mindset.
How to price for profit while staying competitive
Pricing your products or services can be as challenging as it is crucial. Striking the right balance between profitability and competitiveness requires both strategic thinking and market awareness. This article delves into innovative pricing strategies that not only enhance your profit margins but also keep you ahead of the competition. Explore how these approaches can benefit your business, with insights from our accounting experts.
If my business is making a profit, where is the cash?
Running a small business often means you have to juggle a dozen tasks at once, and sometimes, even profitable business owners find themselves strapped for cash. It's crucial to address this, as inadequate cash flow is a leading cause of business failures. Here’s a breakdown of why this happens and what you can do about it.
How do I adapt my business strategy in a cost of living crisis?
We’ve all heard that phrase “cost of living crisis” for a little while now. Navigating these times can be daunting for small business owners. With the pressure to balance rising expenses and maintain cash flow, it’s understandable if you’ve lost sleep over financial worries. But don't lose hope—there are effective strategies to stretch your dollar further without simply cutting costs.
Here’s what your Profit and Loss Statement is trying to tell you
Understanding your business's financial health is essential for success, and the Statement of Financial Performance, often known as the Profit and Loss account, is a great place to start. Typically presented in two sections, this statement helps demystify your business's income and expenses. Let’s break it down for you.