Author: Complete Controller

Wealth management is not as easy as it sounds. It is an essential professional service incorporating investment and financial guidance, accounting, bookkeeping, and tax assistance. It also includes property planning and planning for retirement funds. Wealth management firms provide all these at a fixed rate.

The customer works with one supervising manager who arranges financial information from the financial professionals and can incorporate instructions for the wealth management organization from the customer’s lawyer, bookkeeper or accountant, and insurance manager. Several wealth managers additionally offer banking services or guidance on charitable activities.

On the surface, it may seem that various wealth management organizations first seem similar. They are trustees who wish to do proper by their customers. However, looking deeper, one will find they are very dissimilar.

Some organizations are blends of one another, but the following categorization clarifies how the organizations are classified, how they clash, how the companies introduce themselves to the customers and their business temperament. There are three types of wealth management organizations:

1. Product suppliers

These companies are dignified because they have produced excellent products. They advertise this reach and endeavor to give their customers the best services they can to overcome their opposition’s advancements. The conference with the customers fixates on portfolio performance and choosing the products.

The ineffectiveness of any offered product can bring about the choice of another option. Since it meddles with clean operation numbers, product suppliers do not put extra pressure on tax conduct and customization (except for choosing products). The consultant’s main message to the financial investors is that the consultant is a manual for selecting the top operating investments.

Product suppliers have a very straightforward message that is simple to trade. The product suppliers abide by the equity models and execute with a sleeve-based accounting method. Sleeve-based methods are costly to administer and provide restricted help for customization.

2. Customized dealers

These organizations advance towards portfolio supervision of one trade at a given moment. They are distinguished because they can clarify every single trade. Customers might be conferred on primary portfolio trading decision-making even in optional records.

Each portfolio is diverse because it has its particular history. The consultants are not centered solely on products but think their high-security decision-making will enhance their operation. The consultant’s essential message is that they are present to assist customers in exacting better trading choices.

Even though Customized Traders cultivate close associations with their customers, advertising and promotion can be difficult as it becomes hard for Customized Traders to explain and convey steady services. However, if the organization purchases singular equities, it does not utilize equity models as Customized Traders.

3. Planner/coaches

These organizations look at their fundamental function as directing customers to make the best financial choice and helping them increase their odds of reaching their objectives. They are satisfied in assigning stock choice, active asset distribution, and rebalancing the professionals if it is not their crucial quality.

 Planners\Coaches lean towards less costly investments and tax capability as they are less influential on the importance of active management. It is even more vital that the organization does not underachieve the performance standards rather than surpass them. Performance is still crucial; however, it is usually about whether the customer meets their objectives.
Are you curious about how Customized Dealers and Planners/Coaches handle tax management and customization techniques? While both have different approaches, Customized Dealers excel at quickly integrating these factors into their trading decisions. Plus, if an organization adopts equity models, they can act as Planner/Coaches without any limitations. With the right strategies in place, managing taxes and customizing trades can be a breeze!

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.

Starting a business is not easy. One must review all the facts and figures to make the right choice. It is critical and challenging. Below are some steps to picking up the best idea for a business startup.

Thinking About the Interests

While starting up a plan for the next business, one should consider what interests them. At first, personal interests should be noticed, like loving dogs or cats and preferring luxuries or decency. When this stuff is clear, start thinking about the businesses of interest. It will prove helpful in setting up a mindset for the business plan. Yet, one should keep as many choices as possible.

Thinking About the Needs

Afterward, keeping in view the choices, start observing the surroundings. Observe the environment and notice if any requirement concerns the people around. Don’t go to the competition. Think about the innovation. For example, there is much need for filtered cold water in hot areas in relatively backward cities. People often find the craving for water. There is no better choice if one sets up a water filter in a place like that. There will be no competition, plus there is no point in the failure of the business. So, it’s better to think about the needs of the target people before going for a business.

Stay Alert for a Hard Time

Even if the best business is selected, stay alert for a hard time. Don’t be afraid of working hard. Be clear that the company of interest was established. Be ready for all the tough times to be borne. Even if the business is uncomplicated, it will give jerks when it must. So, intensity is essential even in choosing the company.

Hiring the Staff

Conducting interviews solo can be challenging, but as the creator of the startup, you are best suited to select the ideal employees. This is because they would be able to pick employees who have the same perspectives as theirs. While setting the standards for the to-be-employed staff, the main objectives of the business must be kept in concern. It would be best to prefer an experienced team, yet young staff should not be discouraged. A professional staff would not require much training, yet the young staff would not need much tuition.

Putting in Writing

Making plans is less critical than writing all the essential or even unimportant programs about the business. It not only figures out the minor facts and figures but also sequences the echoed thoughts. Putting it all in writing is the best way to plan a standardized plan. Ensure that anything related to the business, its objectives, targets, success, or even failures are present in a written form.

Read and Comprehend

While setting up for the business, do not hesitate to read what others have written about the kind of business chosen. Be sure to read about all the pros and cons of the products to be made. Read about the targets and the people more likely to buy the products. Read about their interests and what they won’t prefer at all.

Action

After all the plans have been set, all the objectives are clear, and one is ready to face it, that is the right time for the action. Put the scheme in a sequence and observe any required changes. If not, that is the ideal plan one can have, not to be delayed.

The above points will prove extremely helpful for setting an idea for the ideal business.

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.

Stock is essentially a part of a business. A stock is a type of security showing that the stockholder owns a part of the business; when an individual purchases a company’s stock, that individual becomes a co-owner.

Individuals need to decide which stocks they want to invest in. It is a decision with various components because people commonly make mistakes that any offered stock portfolio aims to increase profits. However, in certain situations, the aim can be to gain adequate profit with minimal risk. In other cases, it may maximize the profits by aiming for higher-than-average compliant securities.

Decide Aims and Objectives

The initial step to choosing a stock from many accessible options is for the individuals to decide their portfolio’s intention. Stockholders have various investment criteria that are based on income, capital security, or capital obligation. It is straightforward for individuals to choose which standards are to their liking. However, it isn’t easy to choose which stocks to pick. Even though there is no one right way of determining a stock, a simple procedure should enable the stockholder to limit their choices before selecting a final business to purchase stock.

Be Informed

When individuals have decided to invest in stocks, you must fully inform them about the current situation of the stock market and the opinions of other stockholders and investors. Keeping an eye on financial news, magazines, and websites is an easy way for an individual to be up to date on the daily reports of the market economy. A blog or a news commentary may help an individual to decide which stock they should invest in.

Looking for Businesses

It is the most critical stage of picking a stock. It includes finding the businesses that might attract individuals. An individual should invest in the stocks of a company that offers a straightforward plan of action. There are three basic methods of selecting a company:

1. An individual should look for Exchange-Traded Funds that track the actions of the business industry and check their estate value and capital.
2. An individual should utilize a screener to separate stocks according to an individual’s detailed criteria. Screeners also provide clients with different specialties, for example, profit yield, arranging businesses based on market value, and various other valuable investments.
3. An individual should keep looking through blogs, articles on stock analysis, and other financial news for ideas on businesses for the selected investment.

Corporate Presentations

When an individual decides to invest in a business, they should direct their attention toward the investor’s presentations. Even though the presentations are less thorough than the financial reports, they give a general outlook of how businesses make profits and are simpler to peruse.

The facts and figures that incorporate an investor’s reports include a cash flow statement, balance sheet, income statement, operational features, future development prospects, and a basic business summary.

Outcome

An individual is left with maybe a single business or even a list of companies. The qualities that a business may incorporate are:

• The stock of companies with a lengthy and robust history of constant or growing profits through a whole business duration incorporates no less than one decline.
• Stocks of businesses with an investor-friendly administration and board of directors are agreeable to returning the extra cash flow to the owners by regularly expanding profits and stock repurchases. It implies that the future benefits and losses are distributed among fewer shares.
• Stocks of businesses with a substantial upper hand over their opponents will make it hard for the rivals to unseat the business venture.

To invest in stocks, individuals should have a significant amount of knowledge that will enable them to pick a stock that will be the most profitable for them.  

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.

Utility suppliers often run under monopolistic structures, leaving customers with no other options to switch to. Consumers are often left to make do with what they have even if, unfortunately, it is poor customer service provided. With the rapid evolution of technology and mobile apps, many utility companies have been able to get in touch with their audiences, dealing with issues and queries in real time and providing better customer experiences.

The practice has become a top priority for brands all over the world. Last year’s rise of the pandemic forced brands to establish an even more robust online presence, resulting in 24/7 customer service due to broad audiences that need catering around the clock. Brands have shifted to various data collection and mining software and predictive algorithms that help them work on calculated insights to solve future problems or, to an extent, even eliminate them. Results? Happier customers and growing businesses.

Companies that provide utilities are often long-standing. At this point, it is noteworthy that these companies have also stayed stagnant and slow in terms of growth for years. This fact shows that even though newer brands have adapted to the digital way of life, these older companies still struggle to maintain or offer solid communication methods and sources.

However, thanks to the digitization of nearly all processes, utility companies have also been trying to provide better customer experiences. The long arms of artificial intelligence have spread into almost all processes to help humans perform their jobs better, and thanks to their automated processes and algorithms, we have solved many problems.

Humans have been able to produce machinery fitted with measuring items, optimizing the collection, sorting, and analysis of data and providing insights for managers to make informed decisions. Applied to businesses that provide utilities, many online portals collect complaints and information such as bill generation and payments, signing up to the application, tracking consumption, etc., that have helped them build bridges to better customer experiences.

Why do Utility Companies Struggle to go Digital?

Surveys carried out by companies to gauge the bottlenecks of one of such companies when going digital resulted in a statistic that shows that due to frequent outages of power, managers cannot even afford to invest in tools that will lead to good customer service. They spend most of their budgets on investing in other physical infrastructure to fulfill much more critical, basic needs such as the necessity itself.

While technology has evolved enough to generate usage reports and outages of power, water, and other utilities, companies have yet to adapt to a more helpful approach.

A more digitized approach would be usage reports and alerts linked to one’s mobile devices for conservation and safety purposes. Pretty cool, right? A flowing faucet caught on the company’s radar with the help of a measuring device can be reported to the house’s residents. Small-scale applications of technological advancements will be a step toward better customer experiences and help conserve resources we are short on!

Changing customer behavior dictates good value for money, and one way to provide this value could be through constant communication. Customers expect companies to care for them by providing up-to-date information about a unit price increase per hour or a power outage. The need of the hour is taking care of customers, not spending money but keeping them safe.

In markets where monopolies do not own utilities, companies have been able to spur traditional ways into a more contemporary fashion. They prioritize consumer needs and wants, trying to provide better experiences in the wake of technology and innovation. Utility companies can also consider cloud solutions to store the data received through their customer base.

What is Next?

Until the technology sector can give us self-serving robots and housekeepers, brands must step up and play their part in better customer experiences and consumer safety. Traditional utilities have been in the market for an exceptionally long time, and it is high time they caught up with the complementary and competing industries and went digital to provide solutions. Communication and customer service are crucial when resources are priceless, and brands go green and sustainable. 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.

As an SEO marketer, your goal is to rank higher and drive more traffic to your website. SEO is a mixture of techniques and features such as meta description addition or backlinking. All these methods go hand in hand with each other to accomplish the goal. The thing to remember here is that Google’s algorithms are constantly evolving, and updates that affect rankings happen regularly. This means you must keep up with the latest developments to outrank your competition in search engines. 

Various SEO tools can help you gain better rankings and boost your visitor rankings. We have compiled a list of some of these tools that will cover most of your SEO needs and grant you better results. Let us break down the details of some of these tools you can use to gain a better ranking against your competitor.  

Most Useful SEO Tools

• Google analytics

Google Analytics is perhaps the most common and valuable SEO tool available. If you have not used Google Analytics yet, we recommend using it immediately to give you a better chance of success. No other SEO tool offers such detailed information, insights, and analysis for designing your future strategies. Various actionable and valuable information extracted through Google Analytics helps marketers plan their next move.

• Google search console

Another valuable and free tool Google provides to support SEO is Google Search Console. Previously known as Webmaster Tools, the Search Console has a collection of services that gives you an idea about how the search engine views a website. The service provides you with various tools that cover various optimization aspects. For instance, Search Console gives you insights into various crawling errors you can address and solve immediately. It can also notify you if there is a page fault or if the site has the effect of malware.  

Moreover, Search Console helps keep track of the keywords used, their performance, and whether you need a change in content or structure. These many features are helpful for anyone who remains concerned about SERP rankings. Search Console helps you stay on top of everything related to your website. The best part is that Google offers this service for free, and you can integrate it on multiple websites.

• Yoast SEO plugin

Yoast SEO Plugin has become a staple for marketers to use and determine their WordPress website as SEO-worthy. The number of websites and blogs has grown exponentially with WordPress. Many of these site owners had no idea about the features of SEO until the introduction of Yoast SEO. 

The Yoast plugin shows each page’s SEO status that you can optimize until it shows you the green light. The more you improve, the better it is for your SEO rankings. Yoast is the initial step that gives you an idea about refining your content to gain better visibility and rankings. Yoast also offers a premium offer that offers other value-added services for bloggers and site owners to use and boost their rankings.

• MOZ SEO tool

MOZ SEO Tool is another service platform with everything you need to make your SEO process successful. It helps you research keywords, search for related backlinks, analyze competition, and many other services. If you want to take advantage of all its features, MOZ also offers all the premium category tools that provide an in-depth analysis. MOZ has become the most trusted service platform today among marketers.

• SEMRush

SEMrush is keyword research that lets you get the data needed to identify the number of people looking for the keywords. It provides information on similar keywords, ads, listings, and many more. Besides keywords. SEMrush also gives you information about the competition so you can direct your strategies accordingly. It checks whether your competitors use the same keyword and how you can change the situation in your favor. 

Final Word

Using various tools in your arsenal allows you to shape your SEO methodology and give you a better chance of success. Having the tools in your pocket gives you better means to outrank your competition and boost your rankings. The more rankings you have, the better the chances of having more visitors and, ultimately, sales increase. 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.

Investments are usually made with the help of financial advisors. What knowledge do financial advisors have besides a degree, you ask? Well, they know money like no other. They do not play with money; they juggle it. You say you do not want human error. Fortunately, we have automated investing! Let us talk about a few things to keep an eye out for when working with automated investing.

What is Automated Investment?

With automated investing, you use digital platforms to construct pre-programmed investing and trading decisions. They help with financial investments and retirement plans. Isn’t that complicated? Not really, because you use algorithms and variables to walk you through the process. These algorithms essentially work based on how old you are, your life goals, and, most importantly, your income. These computerized algorithms need these key answers to justify the way investment works and develop a financial plan that would keep all these factors in line. 

What is Robo’s Advisor?

A Robo-Advisor collects information from clients regarding their financial stability and how they want to shape their lives. After collecting all the required information, Robo-advisor assembles a plan for you. Why a Robo-advisor might or might not be a good choice for you depends on whether you agree with how it works. A Robo-advisor uses negligible human interaction, almost none. 

After it has collected information on your financial stability and what you want to do with your money, it marries that with the factors mentioned above, such as age, which would play a key role in how you should be handling your money, and your income, which would play yet another significant role in defining the percentages you contribute to what every month.

Beware

Financial Advisors involve human interaction. Believe it or not, it does tend to make a difference. Constant interaction with your financial advisor can form a bond between you, contributing to the kind of advice you receive. 

Your advisor can list intangibles affecting your finances and define them to be more tailored to your requirements. A computer, at the end of the day, is a computer. A financial advisor will also include many years of experience in your plan.

A computerized system can only go so far. It can use customized programming; however, there is no flexibility. They are not personalized on an individual basis. Two people with a similar income and age group might get a similar financial plan; however, there might be a factor that automated investing would be missing out on.

But is it Worth it?

Robo-advisors extend the market for more options. Now, with tailored made plans, what does happen is that human error does not occur. It gives information to the letter and presents a clear-cut image in front of the client. You will be aware of where your money is going, and if you trust the authenticity of a computerized system, you are good to go. 

The market grows with financial advisors and Robo-advisors. Technology has taken another turn, and with more advancements, the algorithm is bound to develop more strategically. 

WealthFront offers automated investing. They will build a portfolio for you, one that is customized to what you like and, more importantly, what you need. They handle the trade for you and keep you in the loop. They have tested their strategies and have an efficient system working out for them.

Conclusion

Automated investing is a brilliant idea, provided you also have financial knowledge. Money is one of our most essential assets; it leads our world, how we choose to live our lives, and, most importantly, how we plan our lives. Financial planning will lay your life out for you, so you must choose the right plan. You must be thorough in your research, which firm you use, and if you want to do it.

You can go to a financial advisor or participate in automated investing. Layout your pros and cons. Can you trust a machine to understand what you want, or do you trust a human being to use his knowledge, intelligence, and experience to plan for you? It is about who you trust with your money, a machine, or a human being.

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.

There are many ways to earn online, and running an online business will make you a livable wage, provided you work hard and invest your time in it. Here are eight online businesses you can start today.

Paid Surveys

One of the quick ways to earn fast and easy money online is through paid surveys. Many companies do market studies. Manufacturers pay consumers to get their opinions about their products.

Paid surveys carry this out on the Internet, which is why they are willing to pay for the surveys and that this information is valuable. Although there are indeed many companies that only dedicate themselves to people, there are also many companies that are legitimate and pagan to complete their paid surveys. Learn how you can earn money with surveys.

Freelance Writing

One of the most popular ways to make money online is independent writing. You do not need to invest money. There is no need to own a website, although having one would help you earn more money. The best part is that you can win fast. In most cases, they are paid the same day they finish working on the project and deliver it.

There are a few places online where you can offer your writing services. There are even some websites where you are paid to write exclusive content for them. See how to earn money online by writing.

YouTube

YouTube is one of the most popular websites that people visit when they want to watch a video of something. If you have adequate equipment to shoot a movie at home (if you do not have one, you can get a cheap movie anywhere), you can start a business or develop an existing one by filming videos and uploading them to YouTube. You can learn how to make money with YouTube and generate a reasonable income.

Photography

If you like photography and can take interesting pictures, there are many sites where you can upload your images and pay for them each time someone downloads a snapshot of your images. The good thing is that a photo can be sold many times repeatedly. You may realize that the potential to develop this business is excellent. Suppose you have about fifty exciting photographs and each time you add more. In that case, this can become a perfect entry to earn extra money or supplement with another program to make more money. Learn how to earn money selling photos online. 

Reselling 

There are so many used things that we do not need, and we have them packed in our garage. If you put them on sale in the free market, you will be surprised at the money you can collect for them. You can also sell new products. It would help if you bought these products wholesale, that way you can get a good discount, which will allow you to earn profits from your sales.

Advertising

There are many ways to earn money with advertising, such as AdSense advertising, which can be used by putting it on your site or blog and in your YouTube videos. Whether you post notices on your blog or YouTube, you receive a percentage of money each time someone clicks on the ads. Create a Google AdSense account and post ads on your blog.

Ads Clicking

There are many sites where you can register for free, and you will be paid to navigate and click on the ads. However, you should also proceed cautiously and ensure you are not registering in places dedicated to tricking people. Therefore, be careful and sign up for known and trusted sites. There is little that is gained by navigating. It is to earn a few extra dollars only. Here, you can register with trusted companies that pay to navigate.

Domain Purchase

Buying domains and reselling them is a lucrative business. Websites or blogs are built, then they work for a while, and then are put on sale. Domains are considered real estate on the Internet because they work the same way as when you buy a property for investment. Going to an auction is about getting the house for a low price. You decide, then wait a few months and sell for a reasonable price to recover the investment and make a profit. The purchase and sale of domains work in the same way. Learn how to earn money with the purchase and sale of domains. Some people are willing to pay large amounts for the domains they wish to acquire.

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.

Take bankruptcy as a motivational matter; it isn’t a barrier to success. After getting freedom from debts, you get a great chance to re-establish your credit score. And all your financial burdens pull out. But it doesn’t mean you will never experience adverse outcomes of bankruptcy. MyFICO says your FICO scores will vary after bankruptcy, for example.

• Good credit score before bankruptcy – FICO scores will decrease substantially.
• Average credit score before bankruptcy – the score reduction will be less severe.
• In other conditions – your scores may vary around 300 to 850 scale.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy gives you a clean and debt-free financial status to a great extent. It also affects your credit score for seven to ten years because all bankrupt accounts stay on your credit report. You can’t get another loan because of financial instability as well. However the weight of such problems reduces over time with on-time debt return and careful use of credit.

You can re-establish your credit score by implementing various intelligent strategies. Let’s have a look at a few of them.

Offset the Bankruptcy Effect in 12 Months

The US credit system discounts penalties as it is pretty forgiving. It is an excellent chance to offset the affected credit within 12 to 18 months. It can only happen when your credit score is 550 or lower after bankruptcy.

You can’t get a good credit score until the bankruptcy is removed from your credit report. But at least this strategy can improve your credit score.

Show Bankrupt Accounts with Zero Balance

Keep all bankrupt accounts with zero balance for a good credit score. Show this balance of accounts, including Chapter 7 bankruptcy, on your credit report.

If these accounts still have credit, the score will remain lower than its original amount. Regularly update your bankruptcy accounts and credit reports. It will not let any error exist regarding credit display. Also, an error-free credit report will increase your credit score.

Send your credit report to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau without paying a single penny. You can discuss any incorrect information on your credit report with them. They also adjust your error-free scores when you update your credit report.

Get Leverage from Reaffirmed Debts

You have an opportunity if you are still a debtor, even after bankruptcy. You use it to re-establish a good credit score. Use your current credit card rather than purchasing a new one. Pay all your bills on time. It will recover your payment history, the most vital credit scoring factor. So, it would be best to thank those debts or due dates.

The careful use of credit will help you in achieving good credit scores. The evidence of high-level responsibility will boost this achievement. However, chapter 7 bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 7-10 years.

Keep a Secured Credit Card

If you don’t have an active loan or credit card, no problem. You can get good credit scores by applying for or having a secured credit card. You can keep the one whether you have a bankruptcy notation or extremely low credit scores.

You must deposit cash for a secured credit card safety that you will purchase. The amount of deposit cash is typically like the credit line. For example, if you deposit $500, your credit card limit will be the exact cost.

Mostly, creditors return the deposited money. It happens when you pay all credit bills on time. Then, your credit card will turn into an unsecured card. While a few creditors offer rewards so you can make the same money you will charge.

Fill Your Credit Profile with Alternative Data

Add alternative data to your credit reports, such as utility and mobile phone bills. It will increase your credit score. Also, fill your Experian credit report with this data by freeing the Experian Boost program of the credit bureau. There will be no terms and conditions for approval. Only you will need to pay all bills on time. According to Experian Reports, this program increases your bad credit range to 64%, a fair credit score.

Final Words

You don’t need to worry about bad credit scores after bankruptcy. For tremendous credit scoring strides, you need to focus on the following:

• On-time debt and bill payments
• Careful use of credit
• The level of time and efforts

Don’t call bankruptcy a barrier to success; it is a motivational push to increase your credit score.

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.

Unlike working in a company with limited liability on your shoulders, entrepreneurship requires determination, hard work, commitment, and the will to keep going, irrespective of the hurdles. A startup meets different challenges, especially initially, as one is often inexperienced and needs insights into the market. However, the startup stage demands one to stay put, make tireless efforts, and kick-start the venture! Let us hear the secret recipe for a great startup!

Develop a Business Idea

The first step is knowing where to start! Everyone is good at something or the other, and knowing it is the key to a great business idea. What is it that the team can do that nobody else can? It means listing down the key strengths and expertise of the team members or the individual entrepreneur. Some people are good at writing and can start being great bloggers. Some people have a taste for fashion and can run a designer house. Some people are exceptional with desserts and can run a successful pastry house. The business idea should often come from one’s comfort zone and passion!

Explore the Platforms

Often, entrepreneurs mistake following the trends and forget to align the processes with their business ideas. Even though the e-commerce industry is booming, it does not mean one must jump into an online business. Social media has become the primary marketing platform, but it does not mean it is great for every business. You must carefully choose the operations venues as they determine the company’s potential. If the industry targets an aging population, it might still want to stick to the traditional marketing channels; however, the business must vigorously adapt to the trends if it targets the younger lot.

Analyze the Feasibility of the Idea

A creative business idea does not necessarily mean it’s a great idea. The blogging may not go viral if the content is not focused on the target audience. The designer house may fail if the apparel is just another collection in the market. The pastry house may struggle to generate enough revenue if the customers do not like the taste. Hence, a feasibility report is needed to analyze the idea’s potential. It will assist in knowing the idea’s potential, target market characteristics, competitors’ strengths, industry trends, business name, location, and projected sales in the first few years. However, the feasibility report must be based on statistics and facts of the market, not on hopes and wishes of success!

Analyze the Need for Financing

While the feasibility report is on its way, the finances required for the startup will start getting more apparent. Although one generalizes how much it would need to set up the business, the estimations often need to be considered. One will likely ignore the costs associated with several minor tasks and activities, which later add to the burden. However, once the finances required to start and run a business are calculated, it’s time to know whether the required amount is available or not. And if not, how will the amount be achieved? Consider contacting an angel investor, trying to raise money from family and friends, or taking a loan from the bank.

Explore the Legalities

Every business must undergo certain legalities, such as registering the company with the relevant authority, patenting the idea, and so on! Different permits and licenses apply to other businesses; one must be meticulous about them. Several business and legal advisors help entrepreneurs get through the legal stage in exchange for a fee. They are well-versed with licenses and permits and save one from the trouble of running through the streets!

Develop your Team

An efficient and enthusiastic team is a must-have for a startup. Before the business officially starts its operations, it must have a solid and skilled team committed, proactive, and in love with the company. You must make this decision wisely!

And finally, open the doors to the customers!

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.

By: Jennifer Brazer

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.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

A Winning Interview: Master the Art of Interviews with Our Tips for Success

Landing a dream role isn’t just about having the right qualifications—it’s about showcasing those qualifications with confidence and clarity during the interview process. Over the years as the CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed firsthand how preparation and thoughtful execution can transform an interviewee’s experience from nerve-wracking to empowering. In this guide, I’ll share strategies to help you ace your next interview, stand out from the competition, and land that coveted position.

Why Preparation is Your Key to Winning

I’ve often said that preparation turns interviews from an unpredictable gamble into a calculated opportunity. When you prepare properly, you not only showcase your readiness but also project a confidence that speaks volumes.

Steps to nail interview prep

• Research the Company

Understanding the company’s mission, values, and challenges positions you as someone genuinely invested in their goals. Check their website, follow their social channels, and read recent press releases. This insight helps you craft tailored responses and ask intelligent questions. If you’re actively finding a new job, this foundational research will put you a step ahead.

• Study the Job Description

Every answer you give should connect back to the role you’re applying for. Review their listed qualifications and responsibilities, then link them to your own skills and achievements.

• Practice Common Questions

While every interview is different, certain staples like “What are your strengths?” or “Why should we hire you?” come up almost every time. Preparing succinct, confident answers will ensure you’re never caught off guard.

Remember, just getting an interview is a milestone. On average, 118 people apply for every job opening, yet only about 20% make it to the interview stage. Getting a seat at the table means you’ve already outrun 94 other candidates.

Mastering Responses with the STAR Method

From my experience, behavioral questions can trip up even the most qualified candidates. That’s where the STAR method shines because it ensures every response is clear, structured, and impactful.

Breaking down the STAR method

• Situation: Set the stage by describing a specific challenge.
• Task: Highlight your role in addressing it.
• Action: Explain the deliberate steps you took.
• Result: Emphasize measurable outcomes that underscore your impact.

Example: Tackling a Common Behavioral Question

Question: “Can you tell me about a time when you faced a difficult deadline?”

Answer: “Our team had just two weeks to prepare for a major client presentation—a timeline far shorter than usual. I created a detailed project plan, divided tasks based on individual strengths, and held brief daily meetings to address blockers. Not only did we deliver on time, but the client extended a new contract that increased revenue by 30%.”

This level of preparation sets you apart and eases doubts regarding your abilities.

Building Confidence Through Deliberate Practice

Nobody is born ready for interviews. Confidence is built, not stumbled upon. Early in my career, I realized that preparation was my antidote to nervousness, and the same principle applies to you.

Two techniques I swear by

• Mock Interviews

Conduct trial runs with a friend or mentor. Their feedback can uncover blind spots you didn’t realize existed.

• Record Yourself

Playbacks can be a revelation—watch for filler words or tendencies like avoiding eye contact, then refine your delivery. Small tweaks here can change how confidently you’re perceived.

Those who repeatedly practice are better positioned to beat the odds. Remember, only 1 in 5 interviewees gets the job—a success rate of 20%. To stand out, preparation isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Using Body Language to Reinforce Your Message

Believe me, what you say is just half the battle. How you carry yourself—from your posture to your gestures—often determines the impression you leave.

Five body language hacks

• Sit straight to show you’re engaged, not slouched or disinterested.
• Avoid crossing your arms. It subtly signals resistance or disengagement.
• A genuine smile (not forced) makes you seem approachable and personable.
• Make intentional eye contact throughout the conversation. Be natural but deliberate.
• Use hand gestures sparingly to emphasize points—but don’t overdo it.

Confidence is about consistency. Ensure both your body language and words say, “I’m ready for this.”

Dodging Common Interview Pitfalls

Even stellar candidates can sabotage themselves. Over the years, I’ve seen fantastic résumés undermined by simple missteps.

Three mistakes to avoid

• Being Late

Punctuality speaks to professionalism. Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early.

• Skipping Questions

Asking nothing when prompted signals disinterest. Instead, prepare thoughtful queries like, “What does success look like in the first six months of this role?”

• Rambling

Stay succinct. Over-explaining dilutes your message and risks losing your interviewer’s attention.

Preparation and respect for the process, down to being detail-focused—much like keeping accurate financial statements—are attributes interviewers value immensely.

Why Following Up Sets You Apart

Here’s a truth few candidates understand: the interview doesn’t end when you walk out the door. A proper follow-up can tilt the odds in your favor.

How to craft a perfect thank-you note

• Send it within 24 hours via email.
• Address specifics from the interview to show genuine interest.
• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.

Sample Thank-You Note:

“Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the marketing manager role. Learning about your initiatives to expand digital campaigns resonated with my experience. I’m excited about the possibility of joining the team to contribute to its ambitious goals.”

It’s a simple gesture, but one that leaves a lasting mark.

Improving Through Feedback

Interviews are stepping stones; whether you succeed or stumble, what you learn from each one is invaluable. After losing out on a role early in my career, I asked the interviewer for feedback. Their insight helped me refine my responses and nail my next opportunity.

Tips for applying feedback

• Proactively Seek It

Whether from mock interviews or actual ones, constructive criticism helps illuminate where you can improve.

• Act On It

Use feedback as fuel for growth. For instance, if they highlight weak answers to behavioral questions, double down on the STAR method next time.

Making Insightful Questions Your Secret Weapon

When the interviewer turns the tables and asks, “Do you have questions for us?” use this as an opportunity to wow them.

Strategic questions to ask

• What challenges does your team face, and how can my role help address them?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• What are the top priorities for this position in the first 90 days?

Thoughtful, strategic questions can shift the interview dynamic, showcasing you as someone engaged and forward-thinking.

Conclusion

The essence of a winning interview comes down to preparation, presentation, and persistence. By researching deeply, practicing deliberately, and following up thoughtfully, you put yourself in the best possible position to succeed.

As the founder of Complete Controller, solving hurdles for entrepreneurs is my passion. Tackling interviews is much like solving a puzzle—every piece of preparation and confidence snaps together to reveal your value proposition.

Looking for personalized strategies to elevate your career? Visit us here to unlock tools, tips, and expert insights for your success.

FAQ

What’s the best way to prepare for an interview?

Research the company, review the job description, and practice answering commonly asked questions.

How can I build confidence for an interview?

Mock interviews and recording yourself are powerful tools to refine your delivery and self-assurance.

Why is follow-up important?

Sending a thank-you note expresses gratitude, reinforces your interest, and leaves a positive impression.

How can I avoid rambling in interviews?

Practice concise responses aligned with the STAR method and stay focused on the question.

What should I focus on in behavioral questions?

Use the STAR method to structure your answers, ensuring clarity and impact.

Sources

• [1] Simplilearn.com. “Job Interview Statistics and Trends for 2024.”
• [2] IU Southeast – Indiana University. “Sample Behavioral Questions.”
• [4] Apollo Technical. “21 Essential Job Interview Statistics You Want to Know (2024).”
• [5] Built In. “35 Behavioral Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.”
• Google’s Interview Prep Tips. “Preparing for a Google Interview.”

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.