Digital marketing is one of the essential factors in promoting your business online. Content marketing is the backbone of this modern-day marketing, stimulating your audience’s attention to make a purchasing decision. Core content includes blogs, eBooks, and articles. However, a pillar blog is valuable content that efficiently generates site traffic.
Posting blogs or articles on your site enhances your SEO strategy and website’s health. Moreover, it helps you interact more personally with your target audience. However, most marketers make mistakes when creating content.
Marketers prefer quantity over quality. Moreover, they thrive on creating content daily because they think frequent, excessive content can help them increase traffic on their site.
Most marketers believe that blog posts and articles help increase awareness and generate only a few understandings of effective content strategies to improve the website’s ranking and stimulate a maximum number of audiences.
Creating high-quality blogs that help you achieve your marketing goals can be challenging. However, pillar blogs or content can help persuade your audience to make purchasing decisions.
What is Pillar Content?
A pillar blog is informative content that answers each question a user searches about a particular topic. Furthermore, the primary design of Pillar content is to provide value to readers and increase ranking in search engines.
Steps to Create a Highly Effective Pillar Blog
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that pillar content is a significant factor in successful content marketing. It enables your audience to spend more time on your site. Here are some essential steps to creating highly effective pillar content.
Understand your audience
Pillar content is vital for your personal or business purpose. It should also communicate your business’s alpha to omega factors, but it should still be connected to your audience’s interests.
As a marketer, if you are putting in the effort to create informative pillar content based on your business interest, you should also be concerned about the readers’ interest. Overall, to do this, you need to understand your audience. Answering the following questions can help you know your audience efficiently:
What’s the average age of your prospects?
Which ethnic group do your prospects belong to?
What’s the location of your audience?
What’s the education level of your audience?
Identify your audience’s needs
Once you understand your audience, it’s essential to understand your prospects’ most critical issues. Identifying their problems can help you create pillar topics for each post. The question is, how do you determine their needs? Some advanced research would help here.
Moreover, finding out what your audience talks about on social media would be best. However, you can make the process easier by looking at what topics other bloggers write about in your industry.
Focus on creating great content
You now understand your audience’s needs and have ideas for your content. Your next step is to create compelling and impressive content that leaves a lasting impression on your readers and encourages them to bookmark your site. Here are the tips for creating great content:
Create an eye-catching headline
Make a hook to grab your audience’s attention.
Create a story. However, you can write about how you created a podcast that the most people listen to monthly
Write with a structure. Include bullet points, images, headers, and shorter paragraphs
Adding fluff content won’t be successful. Moreover, do some critical research when writing your content
Remember to add ‘takeaway‘ at the end of your content
Promote your article regularly
Your work doesn’t end after creating and publishing a pillar blog. Now, the last thing you need to do is promote your content. However, you should keep the content for your site only. Instead, it enables it to reach a broader audience. Here are the tips to boost your article:
Link your content from your ‘About page
Share your content in your digital network
Share the article on social media platforms
The Bottom Line
Digital marketing is a cornerstone in online business promotion, with content marketing, mainly pillar blogs, as a potent tool for engaging audiences and driving traffic. However, high-quality pillar content necessitates understanding audience demographics and identifying their needs, laying the groundwork for insightful and captivating content creation. Furthermore, marketers can establish authority and foster meaningful connections with their target demographic by effectively addressing audience concerns and structuring content.
However, the journey doesn’t end with content creation; active promotion across digital platforms is vital to extend the reach and maximize impact. Additionally, through strategic content promotion, businesses can enhance their online visibility and achieve their marketinggoals, solidifying their position in the digital landscape and driving sustainable growth.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Seamless Migration: From Spreadsheets to CRMs Made Easy
Spreadsheet to CRM migration is the process of transferring your customer data, sales records, and business information from spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets into a dedicated Customer Relationship Management system, enabling automated workflows, centralized data access, and scalable growth for your business. This transformation involves data cleanup, field mapping, testing, and team training to maximize your new system’s value.
I’ve spent over 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller working with businesses across every industry imaginable, and I’ve witnessed the exact moment when spreadsheets stop being helpful and start becoming harmful. That moment usually arrives when a company loses a major deal because two salespeople contacted the same prospect, or when preparing a simple sales report takes an entire afternoon. The good news? Migrating to a CRM can boost your sales productivity by 34% and deliver an average return of $8.71 for every dollar spent. In this guide, you’ll learn the exact steps to clean your data, map your fields correctly, avoid the pitfalls that cause 70% of migrations to fail, and train your team for rapid adoption.
What is spreadsheet to CRM migration, and how do you get it right?
Spreadsheet to CRM migration transfers customer data, sales records, and business information from Excel or Google Sheets into a centralized CRM platform
Data cleanup removes duplicates and standardizes formats before importing to avoid corrupting your new system
Field mapping connects spreadsheet columns to CRM fields so no critical information gets lost during transfer
Test imports with small data samples identify problems before they affect your entire database
Team training on the new CRM platform drives adoption rates and maximizes your migration investment
Why Businesses Outgrow Spreadsheets (and When to Make the Leap)
The data speaks volumes about spreadsheet limitations. Research shows that 94% of business spreadsheets contain errors, with an average of 1.8% of all formula cells containing mistakes. These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they’re business-critical problems waiting to happen.
Public Health England learned this lesson dramatically in 2020 when they nearly lost 16,000 COVID-19 case reports. They used an outdated Excel format (.XLS) that maxes out at 65,000 rows, while modern testing was generating far more data. When the file hit its limit, thousands of cases vanished from official counts, delaying contact tracing and public health responses. If spreadsheet limitations can impact public health on this scale, imagine what they’re doing to your sales pipeline.
Signs you’ve outgrown spreadsheets
Multiple team members edit the same file, creating version control nightmares
Finding specific customer information takes longer than the actual customer interaction
Sales reps waste hours on data entry instead of selling
Monthly reporting requires days of manual compilation
You’ve discovered duplicate entries for the same customer across different sheets
Why CRM is a game changer
Modern CRM systems transform chaotic data into organized intelligence. Companies using CRM report a 29% increase in sales and save each sales rep an average of 18 hours per week on administrative tasks. These systems provide real-time dashboards, automated follow-up reminders, and mobile access that keeps your team productive anywhere.
The security benefits alone justify the switch. While spreadsheets sit vulnerable on local drives or shared folders, professional CRMs offer enterprise-grade security, audit trails, and role-based permissions that protect your customer data and meet compliance requirements.
Step-by-Step: Your Complete Spreadsheet to CRM Migration Checklist
Success requires methodical planning, not rushed execution. With 20-70% of CRM projects failing and 80% of data migrations missing their deadlines or budgets, following each step carefully makes the difference between transformation and disaster.
Before starting any migration, understand that poor planning causes 42% of failures, bad data quality accounts for 31%, and team resistance adds another 27%. This checklist addresses all three risk factors systematically.
Cleaning and auditing your data
Start by creating a complete backup of all spreadsheets in multiple locations. Then tackle the cleaning process:
Eliminate duplicate entries using Excel’s built-in tools or manual review
Standardize data formats (phone numbers, addresses, company names)
Fill in missing required fields or remove incomplete records
Archive old contacts who haven’t engaged in over two years
Verify email addresses using validation tools
Data cleaning typically takes 40-60% of your total migration time, but skipping this step guarantees problems later. One client discovered 3,000 duplicate contacts across their sheets—imagine the confusion that would have caused in their new CRM.
Mapping spreadsheet columns to CRM fields
Create a detailed mapping document that shows exactly where each piece of information will live:
Match standard fields first (name, email, phone, company)
Identify custom fields your CRM needs to create
Decide how to handle multi-value cells (like multiple phone numbers)
Plan for data that doesn’t have an obvious CRM home
Document any data transformations needed (like splitting full names)
Pro tip: Print your mapping document and keep it handy during import. You’ll reference it constantly.
Back up and test your import
Never attempt a full import without testing. Create a test spreadsheet with 20-30 representative records that include:
Standard contacts with complete information
Edge cases with special characters or formatting
Records with custom field data
Contacts with maximum data in all fields
Run this test import and verify every field mapped correctly. Fix any issues in your mapping or data format before proceeding. This small investment of time prevents massive headaches later.
Executing full migration and verifying data
With successful testing complete, execute your full migration in logical batches:
Import your most recent, active contacts first (last 12 months)
Add historical data in chronological chunks
Verify each batch before importing the next
Check total record counts match your source data
Spot-check 5-10% of records for accuracy
Run reports to identify any missing data
Post-migration, assign team members to review their specific accounts or territories. They’ll quickly spot any issues with their familiar data.
Case Study: CloudMetrics Transforms Their Sales Process
CloudMetrics, a 12-person SaaS startup, was hemorrhaging $2,340 monthly on an overcomplicated CRM while their sales team struggled with manual data entry. They executed a spreadsheet-to-CRM migration in just four weeks, moving to an AI-powered platform that cut their costs to $647—a 73% reduction.
The results went beyond cost savings. Each sales rep reclaimed 18 hours weekly from administrative tasks. Within six months, annual revenue skyrocketed from $800K to $2.05M—a 156% increase. Their secret? They spent two weeks cleaning data before migration, partnered with an experienced vendor, and ran parallel systems for one week to verify everything worked perfectly.
Choosing the Right CRM (and Avoiding Buyer’s Remorse)
Selecting your CRM platform shapes your business operations for years. Focus on these non-negotiable features that matter most for spreadsheet refugees.
What to look for in a CRM as an ex-spreadsheet user
Your new CRM should feel like a natural evolution, not a foreign language:
Intuitive data import tools with clear error messages
Visual pipeline management that mirrors your sales process
Bulk editing capabilities for quick updates
Excel export options for comfort during transition
Strong customer support during onboarding
Avoid platforms that require extensive technical knowledge or coding. If the sales team can’t use it independently within two weeks, it’s too complex.
Features that matter most: An expert’s take
After helping hundreds of businesses migrate, these features consistently deliver the most value:
Mobile accessibility: Your team works everywhere—your CRM should too
Automated workflows: Set up follow-up sequences once, execute forever
Real-time reporting: No more waiting for month-end to know your numbers
Integration ecosystem: Connect with your email, accounting, and marketing tools
Customizable fields: Your business is unique—your CRM should adapt
Price matters, but the cheapest option often costs more in lost productivity. Budget for a system that grows with you.
“What If Something Goes Wrong?”: Common Migration Mistakes and How to Recover
Even careful planning can’t prevent every issue. Understanding common problems helps you recover quickly when they occur.
The most frequent pitfalls (and how to prevent them)
Three mistakes cause most migration failures:
Skipping backups: Always maintain your original spreadsheets in multiple locations. Cloud storage, local drives, and even printed copies of critical data provide insurance.
Rushing field mapping: Mismatched fields create data chaos. That “Notes” column might contain deal values, contact preferences, or follow-up dates. Map thoughtfully.
Ignoring test results: Finding 10 errors in your test import means your full import will have hundreds. Fix test issues completely before proceeding.
Quick fix guide
When problems strike, stay calm and systematic:
Most CRMs offer “undo” or rollback features for recent imports
Restore from your backups if data corruption occurs
Contact CRM support immediately—they’ve seen every possible issue
Consider hiring a migration specialist for complex recoveries
Document what went wrong to prevent repetition
Training Your Team: How to Ensure CRM Success from Day One
Technology succeeds when people embrace it. Your team’s adoption determines whether your CRM becomes a powerful asset or expensive shelf-ware.
Practical onboarding steps
Structure training around daily workflows, not features:
Start with the basics everyone needs: finding contacts, adding notes, updating information
Create role-specific training paths (sales focuses on pipeline, service on tickets)
Build cheat sheets for common tasks with screenshots
Assign CRM champions in each department for peer support
Schedule weekly check-ins during the first month
Make the first week about comfort, not comprehensive knowledge. People learn better when they’re not overwhelmed.
Set clear expectations about CRM usage from day one. This isn’t optional—it’s how your business operates now. But pair requirements with support. When someone struggles, help them succeed rather than punishing mistakes.
How Secure Is Your Data? Key Compliance and Trust Factors
Data quality and cybersecurity become critical when centralizing customer information. Your CRM holds the keys to your business relationships, making security non-negotiable.
Data privacy best practices
Choose CRM platforms with recognized security certifications like SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001. These aren’t just badges—they represent rigorous third-party audits of security practices.
During migration, limit access to sensitive data. Not everyone helping with data cleanup needs to see revenue figures or personal information. Use your CRM’s permission settings to control visibility from the start, following the same remote work security principles that protect distributed teams.
Maintaining audit trails and accountability
Unlike spreadsheets where changes vanish without trace, CRMs log every modification. Enable comprehensive audit trails that track:
Who changed what data and when
Login attempts and locations
Data exports and report generation
Permission changes and user additions
These logs prove invaluable for compliance, troubleshooting, and training. They show exactly how your team uses the system and where additional support might help.
Final Thoughts: Your Path from Spreadsheet Chaos to CRM Success
I’ve guided countless businesses through this exact transformation, and my advice remains consistent: invest time in data preparation, test thoroughly, and support your team through the change. The companies that rush inevitably spend more time fixing problems than those who proceed methodically.
Your spreadsheets served you well, but your business has outgrown them. That’s success, not failure. Now it’s time for tools that match your ambition. Start with data cleanup this week, research CRM options next week, and plan for migration within 60 days. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll wonder how you ever managed without proper customer relationship management.
Ready to transform your business operations and join the companies seeing 156% revenue growth after migration? Visit Complete Controller to connect with our team of experts who specialize in helping businesses like yours modernize their systems and scale efficiently. We’ll guide you through every step, from choosing the right CRM to training your team for long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spreadsheet to CRM Migration
What is the simplest way to migrate from Excel to a CRM?
Start by cleaning your spreadsheet data to remove duplicates and standardize formats. Then map each spreadsheet column to corresponding CRM fields, use your CRM’s built-in import tool with a CSV file, and always test with 20-30 records first to catch any mapping errors before importing your complete database.
Can I import all types of spreadsheet data (contacts, deals, notes)?
Most CRMs successfully import standard contact information, company data, and deal records through their regular import tools. Custom data like detailed notes, historical communications, or complex relationships may require manual field mapping or working with the CRM’s support team to create custom import templates that preserve all your information.
What are the risks if I skip data cleaning?
Skipping data cleanup virtually guarantees you’ll import duplicate contacts, outdated information, and formatting errors that multiply across your system. Since 94% of business spreadsheets contain errors, these problems compound in a CRM, leading to confused sales teams, embarrassing customer interactions, and reports you can’t trust for business decisions.
Is my data safe during migration?
Your data remains safe during migration when you follow security best practices: create multiple backups before starting, use secure transfer methods (avoiding email), choose CRMs with SOC 2 or ISO 27001 certifications, and limit access during the migration process to only essential team members.
How long does a spreadsheet to CRM migration usually take?
Basic migrations with clean data and fewer than 1,000 contacts can be completed in 2-4 hours, while complex migrations involving multiple data types, custom fields, or over 10,000 records typically require several days to a week including data cleanup, testing, import, and verification phases.
Sources
Buopso. (2024). CRM Migration Guide: From Excel to Advance CRM. https://buopso.com
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
It is not easy to know which company will be successful or not when they start in the business world. However, a series of signals allows them to identify those with the highest growth potential more clearly.
One of the most significant cases in which a company has had an unexpected success is Amazon. When he launched his growth plan in 2012, many analysts thought that this would be a total failure. However, nothing is further from reality; Amazon was consolidated as the most prominent eCommerce company worldwide.
On the other hand, when Sega launched its Dreamcast console in 1998, its technical specifications were vastly superior to those of its competition, the Sony PlayStation; even so, the Dreamcast was a commercial failure that marked the end of Sega in the console market. Meanwhile, PlayStation was a resounding success that forever changed the video game industry.
Google Wave was launched in 2009 with high diffusion, while technology analysts devoted whole books to analyzing the project that promised to change how we communicate on the web. However, its failure was inevitable; today, nobody remembers Google Wave or its function.
For a project to be successful requires something that differentiates it from the options that are already in the market; for example, if in the coordination industry, all companies have delivery periods of 3 days, have a shorter delivery period than this, it could position that company at the forefront, which will bring it closer to success.
Information Technology as the Basis of Success
Knowing the development prospects of the technology in question is vital when talking about IT entrepreneurship. Investing today in the Internet of Things could be a clever idea, given that future projections indicate that the industry’s growth is assured.
Winning success is exceedingly difficult, but some tips can influence in avoiding failures, such as:
Understand and delimit the market to which the product or service is directed (scope, purchasing power, population density, consumption habits.
Know the competition (purchasing power, target market, area of opportunity, strengths of the product or service).
Self-criticism and Evaluation (fundamental is to know if we have enough experience and knowledge to start or if we require any additional training or learning)
Business success depends on an almost infinite range of technological, human, and economicfactors, making it impossible to determine the success of a project before its launch. Correct planning and market prospecting give a greater sense when starting. There are other ways to know whether your company will be successful or not. These are the ways that connect the dots with business success based on information technology innovations. Please read on!
Clear Strategy
A clear and definite strategy advances your business activities. Set goals and make different strategies to encourage your potential clients. You can attract a maximum number of clients like Uber as they offer another black care service in San Francisco with twisted technology, Uber Cab.
Your strategies can be successful by learning based on experiences that help you understand the marketplace rules and requirements. You can achieve this goal by market research, keeping your eyes on your competitor’s activities, and the result of your current customer’s feedback.
First Rank on SERPs
It is the era of digital business, and every business owner wishes to get the highest rank on search engine page results. To get this result, you must work hard on your website. It must have a tremendous bulk of users as organic traffic. Your website or any digital product must be responsive, mobile-friendly, SEO-centric, and easy to navigate with aesthetic web design. Make a website that quickly resolves all your client’s queries on a sincere and relevant note. Remember, Google never compromises on its client’s wishes.
Let the World Recognize Your Company
After getting moderate success in profit and ROI, business owners think they are making their best stand out in the market. You are setting goals and achieving them. Effectively, it is correct, but it isn’t suitable if you have limited your work with those results. It would help if you had to reach or at least try to get a level of a high achiever. You make it possible by enhancing your brand name as the world population quickly recognizes your brand. As with Pepsi, the demand for your products and services must be 98%.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
No one would want their precious possessions to be unsafe, primarily when working day and night to accomplish them. They can be stocks, bonds, or other valuables like jewelry, documents, paintings, etc. It can be worrisome because you must consider many things beforehand, like where you put them and how much it would cost their safety.
Surely, you can hide them in your socks or under the bed where you’ve been stashing up all the cash previously, but that is probably not a great idea. You can secure these assets by keeping them in a personal vault or a bank account. People often confuse both as the same. But they have a completely different type of security. It’s up to you to choose either a bank account or a vault for safekeeping your assets.
Why Bank Accounts are Better than Vaults
You have the right to your personal opinion. Some people might consider the bank the safest or most trusted place for their valuables; some may not. You’ve probably seen movies where vaults depict a quick set-up by management and administration, but in reality, bank vaults have astoundingly complex technology, making them highly secure.
You can secure some bank vaults with an array of alarms and ant theft devices. However, the limitless services that a bank account provides are incomparable to a vault. Some points below explain why bank accounts are a safer alternative to vaults.
Banks Have Insurance
The most straightforward reason for saying that bank accounts are better than vaults is that “they have insurance.” So, you don’t have to worry if, tragically, the bank burns down to the ground or a robbery incident happens. Even a dangerous fire or catastrophe won’t harm the savings in your account. Banks are well equipped to deal with such situations and are obliged by the law to pay back all the investments plus their interests, but it’s not the same for vaults.
The bank is accountable for every penny in your account and closely monitors all transactions. This security can help you to ensure your financial safety. You can get documented evidence with the signatures of bank officials whenever you want to transfer your funds. These checks and balances make the banking system foolproof and bring peace of mind.
Easy To Access
Vaults have secure storage boxes you can easily rent from a local bank. The bank has tight security as compared to your house. But there is a downside to it; it has limited accessibility and isn’t available 24/7. You can access it only during bankbusinesshours. Banks are closed on weekends, public holidays, and evenings.
So, if you need an item placed in a vault urgently or at a moment’s notice, you won’t be able to. Important documents such as passports, only copies of wills, and medical reports should be kept in a safe box bolted to the wall of your residence.
A Bank Account Can Grow Your Investment
Vaults are good, but they don’t increase your funds. But a bank can increase your investment. Keeping your cash in an insured bank could protect you up to $250,000 per investor per bank. But the money in your vault won’t, so you are better off keeping your funds in a savings account. Unlike saving money in the safe box, you may be able to get interested as well.
The interest rate can differ from bank to bank or per country laws. They also cater to services such as ATMs and checkbooks that are like keys to your finances, so you don’t have to worry about accessing them in times of need.
Conclusion
Choosing a bank account or a vault to protect your assets solely comes down to what you wish to store and protect. The rule should be that all the cash must be kept in an insured bank account. Since a bank account doesn’t allow you to store tangible items or valuables there, a vault can be a more logical choice in this case.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
Money’s worth over time is closely related to time itself. Thus, it is proper to claim that the longer a period, the greater the activity of external agents or even the effect of macroeconomic variables on the purchasing power of a particular currency. Inflation contained in any system of a capitalist economy is a determining factor in the relationship between money and time, as a given amount of money in March of one year does not have the same purchasing value in March of the following year:
There is a need to consider the inflation rates in the capital during this period. Another simplified way to understand this fact is to think that the inflation rate that occurred in the period increased the prices of goods.
The external environment strongly influences the value of money over time, as it is an external macroeconomic factor that organizations or people cannot control.
Interest influences the value of money.
They are applied, whether through an investment that makes it pay off, the cost of raising it, or even the opportunity cost, when not invested. Interest, simply put, is the “rent” paid for the use of money. For lenders, interest is compensation for transferring the usufruct of capital. Already stop through an investment that makes it pay off, the cost of raising it, or even the opportunity cost when it is not invested. Interest, simply put, is the “rent” paid for the use of money. For lenders, interest is compensation for transferring the usufruct of capital.
To completely comprehend personal and commercial finance, you must first understand one of the most fundamental ideas in financial mathematics: the time value of money. The primary goal of financial mathematics is to learn and use the notion of the time value of money in economic choices. Financial decisions, in turn, primarily concern the allocation of income and costs across time.
A machine acquisition, for example, entails an initial expenditure in equipment, molds, support structure, and installation, in addition to the working capital required to run the business. The income streams arising from the sale of the items produced and their related manufacturing expenses are then shown.
There may also be initial inflows in the form of financial contributions from bank financing and monthly disbursements for amortization and interest payments. However, as a result, resource disbursements and inflows are dispersed throughout time.
Explain why interest is paid or gained by saying: Interest on a bank deposit or debt compensates the depositor or creditor for the deterioration of money’s value over time.
A Practical Example of the Time Value of Money
Let’s say the price of gasoline today is $3.50 per liter. So, with $ 140.00 today, we can fill our car with 40 liters of gasoline (140.00/3.50).
If, in 1 year, gasoline costs $4.00 per liter. We have two options: fill up less fuel, 35 liters (140.00/4.00), or pay more for the same amount.
We then concluded that the expectation of an increase in fuel resulted in a loss in our purchasing power. But, again, this is inflation; in this case, we have a price increase of around 14.29% (from $3.50 to $4.00).
Also, according to this case, whether we have $140.00 today or $160.00 1 year from now, we say they are equivalent amounts because they have the same purchasing power.
But let’s assume the price of gasoline remains the same one year from now or inflation equals zero. Does it matter if I have $140.00 today, one year from now?
Of course not, as we can invest this money, which will earn interest and have a higher value in 1 year.
If we have an investment at the simple interest that yields 2% per month on top of the amount of $140.00, we could say that if my opportunity cost was 2% a month (at simple interest) and zero inflation, for us, it’s as little as $140.00 today or $173.60 a year from now.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Debt, or gross debt of the general government (DBGG), is released monthly by the Central Bank and is formed by the liabilities of the Union, states, and municipalities (general government). Based on statistics released by the BC, for educational purposes, we can group these liabilities into four components: securities debt, repurchase agreements, bank debt, and others, as well as external debt.
The securities debt refers to bonds issued by the National Treasury, such as those used to invest through the Treasury Direct. Repurchase operations are a liability of the Central Bank, used to implement monetary policy. Bank debt refers to debt with banks, especially those of States and Municipalities, such as in operations with BNDES. Finally, external debt refers to bonds issued by the Union abroad and loans from foreign banks taken out by the States.
Each of these components has its dynamics. For example, the Treasury manages the securities debt through bonds with different indexes and maturities. In addition, external debt is referenced in foreign currency, while bank debt has a considerable portion indexed to the TJLP. Understanding these characteristics allows you to project deficits more accurately.
According to the latest figures released in May 2017, gross debt reached $4,634 billion. If we look closely, the first two components (securities debt and repurchase agreements) are by far the most significant, representing around 90% of gross debt. As a proportion of GDP, as it is usually presented, the DBGG was 72.5%, the highest value in the historical series.
Net Debt Net
Debt, in turn, refers to the net public sector debt (DLSP) and is also disclosed monthly by the Central Bank. It is a concept that subtracts financial assets from public sector obligations. The main assets are international reserves and Treasury credits to BNDES.
What is Equity?
Equity or working capital is the total resources the company needs to conduct its daily activities, that is, to rotate. In other words, it represents the assets that the company owns and that can convert into capital within the short term, such as, for example, cash on hand, accounts receivable, bank account balance, goods, and financial investments.
It is essential to consider that working capital is the portion resulting from the difference between the company’s money and the money you should use to pay off debts, whether they consist of fixed expenses, expenses necessary for marketing, and provision of services or other extra costs.
Why Control this Feature?
If the company keeps reasonable control of its finances and knows exactly how much working capital it has, it can:
Know the best time to buy and the deadlines it can take — avoiding mismatches in payments and receipts.
Pay short-term bills to keep cash positive
Keep asset accounts and liability accounts in proper balance
Meet the needs of conducting operational activities
Allow the growth of wealth in the company in the long term
What are the risks of poor working capital control
Operational risks increase when working with low working capital, leaving the company susceptible to negative cash, which compromises the smooth running of activities.
With inefficient working capital management and inadequate financial planning, entrepreneurs often resort to banks and take out loans and financing to cover the business’s debts. However, by resorting to this strategy, businesses are vulnerable to banks and tend to negotiate in an unfavorable position; they are forced to agree to adverse terms and contracts, which will place the company in an even more damaging situation.
How to Calculate Working Capital?
Before performing any calculations, you must have some information at the tip of your pencil. The teller and bank accounts represent the most important resources as they are concentrated and immediately available to the company.
Accounts receivables are also included in the working capital calculation. They are the result of installment sales, in which payment occurs later. The greater the value and the term you offer the consumer, the more resources the company will need to cover accounts receivable while this money does not enter the box
Another essential account that needs to be considered is the value of the stock, as its modification is linked to changes and needs in the consumer’s profile in the market. As investment in inventory demands a large number of financial resources, since changes involve constant investments and an increase in the number of items available, it is necessary to pay attention to the resources available for this – otherwise, the business runs the risk of incurring debt.
For the calculation of working capital, there is a simple formula that you can adapt for any business:
CGL = AC – PC
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Most starting entrepreneurs take out business liability insurance. You probably already have private liability insurance. But when you accidentally drop your cup of coffee over a laptop at your client or when you visit a customer, that is not enough. It would help if you had business liability insurance to cover the damage you cause from your company to people or property belonging to someone else. Some companies even require business liability insurance if you start working there as a self-employed person.
Additional professional liability insurance is essential in advisory services
For example, a wrong decision or advice can have significant consequences if you work as an architect, engineer, lawyer, marketing advisor, or accountant. Due to a simple calculation error or mistake, your client can suffer a loss or miss turnover. You can be held liable for such a professional error, with significant financial consequences for your company. With professional liability insurance as a supplement to your business liability insurance, you ensure these risks are covered.
Start in the building, think in addition to a Construction Allrisk (CAR) insurance
You, e.g., a contractor, have a home repair business, or are you fitter? With Construction Allrisk (CAR) insurance, in addition to your business liability insurance, you are insured for damage to the construction. For example, due to a storm. You are also guaranteed for damage to:
Building materials that you use to build an object.
Auxiliary materials, such as scaffolding, tools, and construction chains.
Your client’s property will be affected if the renovation work causes damage.
Business legal expenses insurance
Most starters also take out business legal assistance insurance. Many starters think that insurance for legal expenses is only valid in a legal conflict. But did you know this can happen if your customer does not pay your bill? Unfortunately, your private legal expenses insurance does not offer legal assistance with business matters. With business insurance or legal aid, you do get this help. You pay a monthly premium precisely tailored to your profession and your risk.
Inventory insurance
There is a good option that you have purchased equipment, machines, or other business assets for your work. You cover theft, burglary, fire, hail, storm, and water damage with inventory insurance.
Have you bought or rented commercial property and want to ensure your inventory? Then, it would be best if you had inventory insurance. Do you work from home? Then, inquire whether your private household insurance also provides your business inventory at home. And if so, up to what amount? Not every insurer distinguishes between your personal household effects and your business inventory. For example, the private Interpolis All in One Policy® ensures that the business inventory is up to $25,000. But that does not apply to every insurer. If your household insurance is insufficient, you can separate inventory insurance.
Portable electronic equipment, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, are often uninsured outside your business premises. You need additional insurance so that this electronic equipment is properly insured. Most insurers, including Interpolis, take out this insurance to supplement the inventory insurance.
Inventory insurance
Private household insurance does not ensure business stock. So, it would be best to have stock insurance for that, especially if you have business premises or rent a space to store your inventory. But it would help if you also had stock insurance at home or in your garage because home contents insurance does not cover that.
Business car insurance
Business liability insurance is mandatory for purchasing a car or delivery van in your company’s name. If the car or van is in your name, you can also ensure it privately. Note: Most insurers have a limit for business use. Business car insurance is mandatory if you drive more miles, even if you bought the (delivery) car privately. So, ask this carefully to avoid discussion afterward in the event of damage.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
A tax return is a form filed with a tax authority that records income, expenditures, and other relevant tax-related information. Tax return allows taxpayers to determine their tax liability, schedule tax payments, or ask for refunds for the overpayments of taxes. In many states, tax returns are filed annually for an individual or an organization with reportable income, including salaries, wages, interest, dividends, or other profits.
Understanding Tax Returns
In many countries, tax returns are filed by linking with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the local tax collection agency. Prepare tax returns using prescribed forms by the IRS or other applicable authorities. Typically, a tax return starts with the taxpayer (the business owner) providing official information, including filing status and dependent data.
Categories of a Tax Return
Generally, a tax return contains three major categories where a business owner can report the revenue and determine reductions for which you’re eligible.
Revenue
The revenue section of a tax return lists all sources of official income. The W-2 form is the most common method of reporting—however, records of employee’s salaries, wages, dividends, and capital gains.
Reductions
Reductions decrease tax liability. Tax reductions vary considerably among the authorities, but typical examples involve contributions to retirement savings strategies and interest deductions on some loans. For businesses, most expenditures directly related to business activities are deductible. Taxpayers might itemize deductions or utilize the standard deduction for their filing status. After completing the subtraction process, taxpayers can calculate their tax rate based on their adjusted gross revenue.
Tax credit
Tax credit refers to the amount of cash that balances tax liabilities. Like reductions, these are mainly various among the authorities. However, credits are often assigned to the pensions of retired employees.
After reporting revenue, reductions, and credit, the end of the return recognizes the amount the taxpayer owes or the amount of tax overpayment. Overpaid tax might result in a refund of next year’s taxes.
Requirements for Filing a Tax Return
The average ratio of taxpayers has a few feasible options for filing a tax return. Business owners with a sound income and experienced employees can also file their taxes online. The online services are quicker and budget-friendly compared to the conventional ones.
The other option is to hire a professional tax preparer for this purpose. Tax professionals will ensure that you maximize your deductions and have to bear the minimum tax burden. Here’s a list of four significant pointers regarding tax preparation.
Identification
The first step is identification; any identification document would be enough. It can be a photograph or a legal copy of your company. However, a social security card is mandatory for tax return preparation. Married business owners require their spouse’s signature on the tax return before submitting it to the IRS.
Income evidence
The purpose of income tax is to inspect your business earnings and focus on other sources of your earnings, including investments and properties. Different revenue types incur different tax rates, and some of them won’t get taxed at all. Having an official income statement from all the sources is mandatory, and you must bring them to the place of tax preparation.
Expense evidence
Every taxpayer is allowed a standardized deduction. Still, if you want to diminish the tax burden, provide material documents about your business expenses during tax preparation. For this purpose, you must always secure your cash receipts as proof of the costs.
The evidence of unexpected losses
If a business owner has encountered unexpected losses and suffered difficult situations, a few provisions are available for businesses that have incurred significant damages. To claim such damages, you’ll have to provide your evidence. Business owners implementing the above-evaluated pointers don’t have to worry about tax returns. All you need to do is hire an experienced tax preparer and take care of it.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
If you are a millennial, you have likely spent your entire life lectured on why you need to save specific amounts of money and spend it on the things that matter. Most of this advice is somewhat unrealistic and unachievable as quickly as it may seem. This advice doesn’t consider the current circumstances of our generation and the problems we face. We are a unique generation that has grown up with technology and a higher education rate (which leads to higher levels of debt and student loans). Still, at the same time, we face hardships with an uncertain job market and a terrible economy. Given these factors, we must take control of our finances early on in our lives. Sticking to a budget will help you with that. A budget gives you balance and control over your income and spending and ensures your savings are on track for the future. However, budgeting can be tricky and stressful. Here are some tips and tricks to help you balance your budget like a pro.
Track Your Spending and Income
If you’re spending your money faster than you’re earning it, you’re on the wrong track, and it will cause you problems soon enough. You need to look at your spending habits and decide what needs to be changed. Invest some time tracking what money comes in and where it goes over a month or between two paychecks—monitoring everything from utilities to the Uber you booked on a night out. You will notice trends, making you understand where you are overspending and where your recurring payments are going. This insight will help you trim the excess off your spending.
Automate Savings
Being a part of a generation that has grown up with technology every step of the way, it is only wise to use that advancement to our advantage. Try using an app to automate your savings. These apps monitor your income and expenses and automatically transfer a small amount of money into your savings when you can afford them. Automation saves you from the pain of putting your money away when you could have spent it instead. Hence, it is more likely your money will be saved. You can then use this money for investments.
Use Public Transport
Taking an Uber or a taxi daily may not seem like a big deal initially, but it will drain your bank account. Opting for public transit might not seem like the most convenient option, but it will save you huge chunks of money in the long run. It will also not feel as good as using a car, but it will save you gas money and time depending on traffic conditions in your city.
Make Debt a Priority
As a millennial, there is a big chance that you have student loans or any other debts. You cannot afford to ignore your obligations or put them off, hoping you will come around to them. Try to create a basic budget, including bills, rent, groceries, clothing, and savings, then evaluate your expenses, determine if you can cut down a little on any of those expenses, and then decide how much you can put towards paying off your debts.
Create an Emergency Fund
The past year has been an eye-opener for most of us. The pandemic resulted in a loss of jobs for many, causing millennials to realize how little they save for emergencies. Start small by adding small amounts of money from your paycheck to the emergency fund until you have a month’s worth of expenses, then keep adding small amounts to this fund and don’t stop. The future is unpredictable, especially in tough times like these, and you never know when you might come face to face with an emergency and need to dig into the emergency fund.
Remember, only creating a budget is not good enough; staying on track and following the budget makes a difference.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Learning to save money can be an incredibly useful and fulfilling habit for anyone to develop. While saving money on a lower income can be challenging, many strategies and tricks can make this task more manageable and rewarding. In this article, we’ll explore some helpful tips and techniques to help you save money, regardless of your income level. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to take control of your finances and work towards a more secure and stable financial future. Let’s dive into this exciting journey towards financial freedom together!
Track Your Spending
The first step to saving money, no matter the circumstances, is knowing where your money is going. Start by tracking your spending for a few weeks or even a month. Be sure to include all expenses, big and small. Once you have a clear picture of where your money is going, you can identify areas where you can cut back.
Set a Budget
Once you know where your money is going, it’s time to set a budget. This will help you allocate your money to the most critical expenses and avoid overspending on unnecessary items. When creating your budget, be sure to include all of your regular bills and expenses, as well as any savings goals you may have.
Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenses
Congratulations on taking the first step towards managing your finances better! Now, let’s take it a step further and work on optimizing your budget. One effective method is to assess your expenses and identify any non-essential items that you can either reduce or eliminate altogether. For instance, you can try preparing meals at home instead of dining out, which saves you money and can be a fun activity to do with your family or friends. Additionally, it’s worth considering canceling any subscriptions that you don’t utilize regularly. These small changes may seem insignificant initially but can accumulate over time and help you achieve your financial objectives. Keep up the fantastic work!
Save on Groceries
Groceries can be a significant expense, but there are ways to save money. Start by making a grocery list and sticking to it. This will help you avoid impulse buys and ensure that you only purchase what you need. Additionally, consider buying generic or store-brand items, which are often just as good as name-brand items but cost less.
Use Coupons and Discounts
Coupons and discounts are a great way to save money on everyday purchases. You can find coupons online, in newspapers, or even by signing up for email lists from your favorite stores. Additionally, many stores offer discounts on things like student IDs or AAA memberships.
Reduce Your Utility Bills
Utility bills can be a significant expense, but there are ways to reduce them. Start by turning off lights and electronics when you’re not using them. Additionally, consider using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. These may cost more upfront but will save you money in the long run.
Consider a Side Hustle
Consider a side hustle if you’re struggling to make ends meet on your salary. This could be anything from freelancing to driving for Uber or Lyft. A side hustle can help you earn extra money and boost your savings.
Take Advantage of Employer Benefits
Many employers offer benefits that can help you save money. For example, some employers offer 401(k) plans with matching contributions, which can help you save for retirement. Additionally, some employers offer discounts on gym memberships or even transportation costs.
In Conclusion
Regardless of your salary size, saving money by following some practical strategies and adopting a positive mindset is possible. One of the best ways to start is by keeping a record of your expenses, which will help you identify areas where you can cut back on your spending. Creating a budget is another essential step towards saving money. By setting a budget, you can ensure that you are not overspending and putting your money towards the things that are most important to you. Additionally, minimizing unnecessary spending and maximizing the benefits and discounts available to you is important. Every dollar saved is a step closer to achieving your financial goals. So, start saving today with confidence and enthusiasm, knowing that anything is possible with the right mindset and tactics!
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
