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Set your career goals for 2020
January 15, 2020
There’s no better time to talk about goals than the start of a new year. And what better topic than your career? The following are a few tips to help you set reasonable and achievable goals this year:
Financial resolutions for 2020…Get on a healthy track as the New Year kicks off
January 2, 2020
The New Year is the best time to take stock of your finances. So, as you begin the season of self-reflection and goal-making, take the time to review your spending and start making plans for a financially healthy 2020! Here are a few tips to get you started:
A healthy twist on holiday dessert favorites
December 16, 2019
The holidays are all about spreading cheer…not calories and cavities. So, why not try a few dessert recipes that put a healthier spin on some holiday treat favorites. We offer a few tested (and delicious) recipe ideas for you here:
Hosting an employee holiday party that is festive, frugal and free of stress
December 2, 2019
Hosting a holiday party for your staff is one of the best ways to show them you care—while also creating some meaningful, team-driven memories. Follow our tips below for hosting a memorable soiree that doesn’t push your stress or your budget past your limit.
Thinking about retiring? Here’s an easy 5-step calculation to see where you stand.
November 15, 2019
If you have retirement on your mind, the big question is this: Are you in a financial position to do so? While nothing replaces the advice of a seasoned advisor, you can take your first step to answering this question by applying a simple 5-step calculation.
Enjoy the deals without the Black Friday rush this year
November 8, 2019
If you’re not a fan of Black Friday chaos—you know…the crowds, the rush, the relentless search for a parking space—then ditch the onsite shopping this year while still enjoying the sweet deals.
What you need to know about the new overtime rule
November 1, 2019
The Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule that allows a much larger pool of employees to earn overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week. Specifically, the DOL raised the salary level for employees who are counted as “exempt” (or unable to earn overtime pay).
Launching another business? Be sure to cover a few business basics…
October 15, 2019
If you’re starting a second business, then you know everything that’s involved with a business launch. However, there are a few business basics that every entrepreneur should revisit before diving into another enterprise. Consider these business basics and then put them into a well-thought-out business plan:
3 cybersecurity tips to protect your small business
October 1, 2019
The 2019 small and midsized business (SMB) Cyberthreat Study from Keeper Security reported that nearly two out of three SMB owners do not feel threatened by or are not concerned about cyber attacks. Yet, in the previous year’s study, two out of three business owners reported falling victim to some level of data breach.
De-stress your workday!
September 16, 2019
We can all get caught up in the day…meetings, calls, texts, emails and the myriad of other workday demands that pile up quickly and can create unwanted stress.
About to get grillin' for Labor Day? Mind a few of our safety tips first.
August 29, 2019
Labor Day is upon us—a popular holiday that is dedicated to the millions of women and men who keep this country going strong. For many, it also means that it’s time to break out the grill for that big end-of-summer celebration. And because most of us aren’t Grill Masters, this is a good time for a refresh on some basic grilling safety tips to keep everyone safe and the party going.
Back to school on a budget: 4 solid tips to save you money
August 19, 2019
Let’s face it. Kids aren’t cheap, so you have to save money where you can. Back-to-school shopping is a good place to start because costs can add up quickly—especially if you have more than one child. Consider these tips for sending your kids back to school without breaking the bank.
$700 million is what Equifax will pay out as a result of its data breach. Make sure you get your share.
August 6, 2019
According to the commission's online claims process, those whose personal information was exposed can opt for 10 years of free credit monitoring, which breaks down as follows: Four years via the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) and six years specifically through Equifax.
Deducting kid’s summer camp and daycare costs under the Child and Dependent Care Credit
August 1, 2019
With all the tax law changes this year, be sure that you are getting your just deductions in the coming tax season. That is, qualifying deductions that fall under the Child and Dependent Care Credit. According to tax giant and trusted resource Intuit, here’s the skinny…
Traveling safe: Tips to keep you secure while on the road
July 15, 2019
These days, we seem to have endless articles on IT security while traveling, but far fewer on physical safety. Because summer can be big travel months for many businesses, we put together the following list of tips to help keep you safe while away from home.
Get up, get out and have some cost-effective fun this summer!
July 1, 2019
As your trusted advisor, we are always looking for ways to improve your financial health—and that doesn’t stop at business activity. We also want to support you with tips to help you save money in your personal life as well.
June is National Safety Month! Tips for augmenting your marketing efforts.
June 17, 2019
June is national safety month, and it never hurts to remind your clients and community that safety always comes first. Our goal with this blog is to help you augment your marketing initiatives with a few ideas around safety. While we can’t cover every industry in a single post, we hope that you find the tips below useful and that they spark some innovative new marketing ideas!
Tapping into a 529 plan for the first time? Tips for parents of college-bound grads…
June 3, 2019
It’s graduation season, and for many parents that means it’s almost time to start shelling out for college tuition. For those well-prepared parents with established 529 plans in place, the time has come to tap into that money pool. Of course, when it comes to tax-advantaged savings, trust that the IRS is keeping close watch, so it’s important to avoid making any rookie mistakes. It’s also important to keep saving as you move forward.
Tips for building a company culture that supports remote workers
May 15, 2019
Having a remote workforce can be challenging, especially if you are trying to build a positive, collaborative work environment. So, how do you create a sense of comradery when you have staff in remote locations? These tips can help:
Tax refund on the way? Use it to fortify your financial future.
May 1, 2019
If you are expecting a refund this year, you may be tempted to splurge on something not-so-practical. Before you do, take some time to think about ways to use your refund to bolster your financial health. We’ve put together a few ideas for you to consider:
Take advantage of these Tax Day deals
April 15, 2019
Once your taxes have been filed, first, take a moment to breathe a big sigh of relief…and then enjoy some Tax Day (April 15, 2019) discounts. There’s nothing like a good deal to take the sting out of tax obligations. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of best food and drink deals, taken from offer.com.
It’s spring! Reboot your enthusiasm with these tips…
April 1, 2019
The long stretch from the end of the winter holiday season until the next break in your routine can feel like eternity. If you feel the need to reboot your enthusiasm as the spring season arrives, try these tips:
5 tips to dial down distractions
March 15, 2019
Our most precious commodity is time—and our attention is a close second. That’s why everyone can use some help on how to tune out daily distractions. We compiled the following helpful tips from copyblogger.com to get you started on dialing down distractions:
4 reasons to file your return early
March 1, 2019
The April 15 filing deadline is rapidly approaching, so we encourage you to send us your tax documentation as soon as possible to expedite the filing process. Here are four important reasons why you should file your return sooner rather than later:
A few key tax reform provisions every business owner should know about
February 15, 2019
This tax season is an important one for many business owners because it’s the first that will be impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). How big of an impact is dependent on your unique situation. We’ve compiled this short list of provisions that may affect the business community:
Ways to skinny down Super Bowl Sunday
February 1, 2019
According to Forbes.com, Super Bowl viewers traditionally load up on millions of pounds of less-than-healthy foods during the big game—including ribs, pulled pork, tortilla chips, nuts, popcorn and bacon—all washed down with beer (the Super Bowl beverage of choice). If you are trying to stick to your New Year’s resolution to eat better, consider a few healthy substitutes for the traditional Super Bowl eats:
On your mark, get set…GO prepare for tax season
January 17, 2019
The combination of running a business and your life and preparing for tax time can drive some people into a slight panic. But no need to get stressed if you are prepared. Now is the time to start organizing all documents required to file your tax return.
5 tips to mitigate paying taxes on Social Security benefits
January 2, 2019
Like the old paraphrased saying goes: In this world, two things are certain—death and taxes. The recent federal tax overhaul changed a lot of rules, so it’s as important as ever to understand your tax obligations, including those on Social Security benefits.
New IRS warning: Email scams will surge this holiday season
December 10, 2018
Unfortunately, cyber scammers never take a vacation. In fact, the IRS has issued a warning of a surge in fraudulent emails that bait potential phishing victims with fake tax transcripts. Links within these emails lead recipients to documents containing the well-known malware, Emotet.
Minimize the hustle and bustle and stay on budget this holiday season
December 3, 2018
The holidays can be overwhelming. You only have so many hours in a day, your gift list is long, and your budget may be tight. A bit of up-front planning and prioritizing can help save you time and money. Here are a few ideas to help you minimize the hustle and bustle, stay on budget, and find more peace this holiday season.
Spreading the feeling of gratitude
November 19, 2018
Instilling a thankful frame of mind among your staff makes for a gratifying work place. Consider a few suggestions for developing an atmosphere of thankfulness to get into the spirit of the holiday season.
Ramp up awareness to ‘shop small’ on Small Business Saturday this month
November 12, 2018
Black Friday and Cyber Monday need no introduction, but for small business owners it’s all about Small Business Saturday—an annual holiday shopping tradition that gets communities out in support of their local small businesses. Small Business Saturday falls on November 24 this year, so if you haven’t already…start getting the word out.
Important Update: 1099 Reporting for 2018
November 1, 2018
The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 requires Forms 1099-MISC reporting non-employee compensation (NEC) in box 7 to be filed by January 31.
Bring in extra traffic with some trick-or-treat action
October 15, 2018
Small business owners in many communities offer downtown trick or treat events. Take advantage of this opportunity to build your business reputation. Involvement in local events goes a long way with both existing and prospective customers—indicating a vested interest in your community. Find creative ways to make your business stand out this trick-or-treat season. We hope the following suggestions will spark fun promotional ideas:
Recognizing Women-Owned Small Businesses Everywhere!
October 1, 2018
October marks Women’s Small Business Month, and we are happy and proud to recognize women in business both locally and around the world. Successful business women of the past and present continue to forge new paths for female entrepreneurs. We celebrate all those who are breaking the glass ceiling and serving as role models and mentors to women everywhere.
Take Advantage of the September Slowdown
September 17, 2018
For many business owners, September tends to bring a bit of a slowdown. The chaos of getting kids prepared for going back to school has passed, and a focus on saving money tends to kick in as people prepare for the coming holiday spend. Combined, this can often translate into a lull for business owners.
Reminder: Q3 Tax Estimate is Due Soon!
September 4, 2018
This is a friendly reminder that the Q3 tax estimate payment deadline is coming up fast. Be sure to make your payment by September 15, 2018 to avoid penalties. Currently, penalties for late or no payment average about 4 percent. And wouldn’t you rather keep that money in your pocket?
Dinner, Drinks and Deductions
August 21, 2018
According to new rules from the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, meals and entertainment tax-deductible expenses for businesses have undergone considerable reform. Because the explanations of new deduction guidelines can be confusing, we’ve created this brief outline for you. A visit with your accounting professional to ensure your Chart of Accounts is correct may also be beneficial.
Back to School on a Budget
August 15, 2018
August is upon us once again. The collective “UGH!” is heard nationwide as families trudge toward the school supplies aisle in preparation for the upcoming academic year. Sadly, the “days-gone-by” supplies such as a box of crayons, spiral-ring notebooks and a pack of #2 pencils have evolved into a much longer list. But never fear, we’ve put together these useful tips to help you do “back to school” on the cheap.
Healthy Summer Eating Made Easy – Part II
August 1, 2018
So popular was the topic of our last post, that we created Part II to create our eating-healthy-this-summer-themed blog series. Enjoy these added nutritional and time-saving tips for summer meal planning.
5 Tips to Eat Healthy While on Vacation this Summer
July 16, 2018
If you are like most, summer is prime time for family and friend vacations. It’s a time to unwind and recharge…to see new places and try new things. For many, “new things” often means food. And if you are trying to maintain or lose weight, that can be a problem. So, for all you travelers trying to stay healthy this summer, here are 5 great tips to help you stay on a healthy eating plan and still enjoy your vacation!
5 Tips to Get Kids Out of Technology and Into Nature this Summer
July 2, 2018
If you are like most families, summer means vacation. And if your kids are like most kids, they tend to be tethered to their technology. Whether planning to travel abroad or a long weekend at a local campground, summer is a time for exploration and simply paying attention to the beauty around us.
Ideas for Multigenerational Family Vacations this Summer
June 18, 2018
Multigenerational family vacations have experienced an uptick in popularity, especially with older generations being more active and families living farther apart. Family getaways certainly bring people together physically, but also emotionally. Dedicated family time is simply good for the soul…even more so when multiple generations take part. With this in mind, we bring you a few ideas and tips to consider when planning your next multigenerational vacation.
Your Smartphone Preparedness Travel Guide
June 4, 2018
For many of us, our smartphone is a vital travel tool. We rely on it for navigating unfamiliar places, taking photos, and identifying recreational activities. Michael Zhao, an editor for TheWirecutter.com, offers the following tips on what to pack in addition to your smartphone—so you won’t be stranded when traveling this summer...or any other time of the year.
Facing the Facts: How to Interpret Facial Expressions at Work
May 15, 2018
You may be completely proficient at decoding emojis on social media and in text messages, but for many of us, figuring out what other people’s facial expressions mean can be quite a challenge. Here’s a quick rundown of how to interpret different facial stances based on research from people-communicating.com:
Summer is Just Around the Corner— And So Are Potential Childcare Tax Credits
May 1, 2018
Summer will be here before you know it! If you are a working parent with school-aged children, you know that it can also mean pretty steep bills for childcare and summer camp. However, you may be able to soften the hit to your family’s budget if these services qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
Employee Recognition – A Great Way to Motivate Your Staff!
April 18, 2018
Quite often we can get so wrapped up in checking projects off the company’s to-do list that we forget to recognize the labor that went into each accomplishment. Acknowledging milestones provides opportunity to show appreciation to the employees who helped you achieve them...
Receiving a Tax Refund? Spend It Wisely With These Tips!
April 2, 2018
Are you expecting a tax refund? If so, don’t treat your tax refund as ‘bonus’ cash. Rather look at it as simply a return of taxes paid beyond your actual obligation. This will help you think about using this money purposefully. Here are some ideas to try:
Spring Cleaning Time is Here! An Easy 3-Step Checklist for Cleaning Your Office
March 19, 2018
The spring season is here! In addition to taxes, many of us want to take care of some overlooked cleaning tasks. Procrastination often creeps in when it comes to cleaning—especially our offices. It can feel overwhelming and somewhat unproductive to spend time decluttering and cleaning your workspace, but once complete, most people feel a sense of relief and calm. Use this handy checklist...
Disappearing Tax Deductions! Don’t Miss Them on Your 2017 Tax Return
March 5, 2018
Have you filed your 2017 taxes yet? If not, you still have the opportunity to make sure that you lower your tax obligation as much as possible. With new tax laws in effect for 2018 and beyond, the following deductions will disappear after this tax season—check them out to see which ones may help you lower your taxable income...
New IRS Withholding Calculator & Form W4
Diane Cloeren
March 1, 2018
The IRS has released an updated withholding calculator in conjunction with a new version of Form W4. The IRS had previously updated withholding tables that reflect the changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; however many taxpayers are affected by the new law in ways that cannot be accounted for in the new withholding tables. The IRS has specifically encouraged taxpayers with “more...
Tips to Boost Client Appreciation Efforts… Even When Time is Tight
February 15, 2018
When you are super busy running a business, it can be easy to let customer appreciation slide to the bottom of your long to-do list. The problem is, if you don’t show your customers love on a regular basis, they’re going to feel neglected, which can put their continued loyalty at risk.
IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE TAX CHANGE ALERT
Diane Cloeren
February 13, 2018
Please note that if these retroactive extenders affect your tax return and we have already completed your filings, we will be contacting you and preparing the appropriate amendment so that you may take advantage of these legislative changes.
'Congress is considering a two-year budget deal that would, among other things, change the tax code for 2017. Since the...
Considering Hiring a Cybersecurity Professional? Here’s What to Look For.
February 1, 2018
With the occurrence of cybercrimes affecting businesses increasing daily, many companies are looking for outside expertise to help them mitigate their risks. If your company has never engaged a cybersecurity professional before, you may be unsure of what to look for. The IRS suggests businesses use the following four steps when evaluating and selecting a cybersecurity...
Need Help Trying to Make New Habits Stick? Try These Simple Tips…
January 16, 2018
Even if you are not a New Year’s resolution maker, it’s likely that at some point in your life you’ll want to adopt healthier or more productive habits. When you do want to make a change for the better, consider trying the following tips from lifehack.org to increase your chances of making your new good habits stick:
Quick Tips to Help You Tackle Your Taxes with Ease
January 3, 2018
Tax season is approaching quickly. It’s just a few weeks until the IRS officially starts accepting returns, which means now is the perfect time to use the tips below to help you net some last-minute tax-savings and tackle tax season with ease.
Federal Tax Reform
Michael Green
On December 22, 2017, a federal tax reform measure, “Tax Cuts & Jobs Act”, was signed into law.
Arguably the most sweeping rewrite to the Internal Revenue Code since 1986, all taxpayers will feel its impact, both positive and negative, and despite recent public pronouncements, it is anything but tax simplification. Most provisions that affect individuals are not...
5 tips to mitigate paying taxes on Social Security benefits
January 2, 2018
Like the old paraphrased saying goes: In this world, two things are certain—death and taxes. The recent federal tax overhaul changed a lot of rules, so it’s as important as ever to understand your tax obligations, including those on Social Security benefits.
Tips to Help You Truly Enjoy the Most Wonderful—and Overwhelming—Time of the Year
December 18, 2017
It’s amazing how much festive fun can be packed into a few weeks. While the holidays truly can be wonderful, they can also feel overwhelming with too much to do and too many temptations that derail us from enjoying what is truly important. To help you make your holidays feel more fulfilling and less frantic, try these suggestions...
Last Minute Tax Strategies for 2017
Diane Hotzelt Cloeren
December 14, 2017
With the potential for major tax changes looming on the horizon, here are a few last-minute strategies taxpayers can implement to potentially save on their 2017 tax bill.
- Taxpayers who make estimated tax payments have until January 15 to pay their fourth quarter 2017 taxes, but with this deduction being either eliminated or limited, you could...
Tax Reform Update: A Snapshot of Key Proposals in the GOP Bill
December 4, 2017
On November 16, the House passed a new tax reform bill that moves the GOP closer to bringing the legislation to fruition. Now the Senate is preparing its own tax reform package. If passed, it must be reconciled with the House before any final legislation goes to the White House. Here is a snapshot of some of the key changes proposed in the tax reform bill:
Tips to Simplify Your Thanksgiving Spread
November 14, 2017
With just days to go before Thanksgiving, the clock is ticking down to some of the most memorable meals of the year. However, for many of us, the pressure of preparing a perfect Thanksgiving feast can be overwhelming. If this is true for you, consider these tips to simplify your seasonal spread.
Plan Now and Take Advantage of 2017 Tax Savings
November 1, 2017
The end of the year is often hectic, which is why it’s important to take some time now to reduce your tax bill. Our firm can offer additional strategies to further mitigate your tax burden; however, the following 5 tips are an excellent starting point:
Simplify Seasonal Staffing with these Smart Strategies
October 16, 2017
Whether your business needs temporary workers to get through the holiday season or you hire short-term help on a regular basis, the process of finding the right candidates can be challenging. Try applying these strategies to make seasonal staffing easier:
5 Tips to Reset Your Stress Response
October 2, 2017
Because stress related to work, family issues and other events is something that affects many of us, it’s important to reset your own stress response to protect your health and productivity. Sharon Melnick, Ph.D., a business psychologist, offers these tips:
Proposed Tax Reform Plan: What Could It Mean for You?
September 29, 2017
Tax reform, one of President Trump’s key legislative agenda items, is moving closer to fruition. Based on the outline of his proposed tax reform package, which he unveiled on September 27, 2017, we’ve compiled this brief overview of the President’s major tax proposals:
Impacted by the Equifax Hack? Take These Steps Now!
September 14, 2017
If you were a victim of the recently announced Equifax hack, you need to take action to mitigate any negative impact it may have on your finances and credit. If you’re not sure if you were affected, you can use Equifax’s Potential Impact tool to find out. You will need to input your last name and the last six digits of your social security number to use this tool.
Tips for Maximizing the Value of Your Next Staff Retreat
August 30, 2017
Staff retreats can offer companies a lot of value. They can also be expensive and, unless managed effectively, not particularly productive. Before you plan your next (or first) staff retreat, review the following key factors to help you make the most of...
Free Money-Saving Apps for Every College Student
August 15, 2017
There likely aren’t many college students who don’t have a smart phone loaded with helpful apps. However, it is unlikely that any of these apps are dedicated to helping them build their financial fortitude. This is why we created our list below—chock-full of apps designed to make it easier for college students of any age to save money.
Expert Advice to Keep Your Internet-Enabled Devices Safe from Cyber Criminals
August 1, 2017
Did you know that your webcam and even your home or office internet router can be the gateway through which cyber criminals gain access to your most sensitive data? If not, don’t panic—we have helpful tips below from the experts at the National Cyber Security Alliance to ensure that you head off this type of malicious action.
Be Alert and Aware: Tax Scammers Don’t Take a Summer Vacation
July 13, 2017
The IRS has identified several new variations of standard tax scams involving fake tax bills and demands for payments. Many of these scams involve purchasing and transferring information using a gift card or iTunes card. Other scams to be aware of include:
Tips for Implementing a Successful Flex-time Schedule this Summer
June 29, 2017
Now that summer/vacation season is here, your business may be enjoying a more relaxed vibe with employees taking time off or leaving early. If you’ve ever thought about implementing a flexible work program, now may be the time to pilot one, especially if your business is a bit slower this time of year. To help, we offer the following tips...
Extended deadline for PA Property Tax / Rent Rebate
Diane Cloeren
June 19, 2017
The Pennslyvania Department of Revenue announced that the June 30, 2017 deadline to apply for the property tax/rent rebate on rent and taxes paid in 2016 has been extended to December 31, 2017. The maximum rebate for most individuals is $650.00 and is available to those with incomes of up to $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters. Eligible individuals must be 65 or older,...
Four Money-Saving Mid-Year Financial Planning Tips
June 15, 2017
It’s almost exactly the mid-point of the year, which makes it prime time for a mid-year financial review. If you need some monetary motivation for evaluating your financial progress so far this year, you may want to think of mid-year planning as a series of potential money-saving opportunities, for example:
How to Protect Your Business from the Next “Wanna Cry” Attack
June 1, 2017
The recent “Wanna Cry” ransomware attack that paralyzed several large organizations in the U.S. and Europe is a solemn reminder that the risk of cyber security breaches is real. Every business owner should take steps...
2017 Deadline EVERY business should know!
Click http://conta.cc/2gILkBL to read
Don't be confused by the new FAFSA rules
Diane Cloeren
October 20, 2016
We've recently seen some confusion relating to the FAFSA application changes which took place earlier this month. The application now utilizes prior year income tax information allowing the filing deadlines to more effectively "match" the college school year. Applying for aid earlier also allows prospective college students to receive their aid offers prior to making enrollment...
Live in PA & work in NJ? Your 2017 income tax could be impacted.
Diane Cloeren, Tax Manager - Administrator of Individual Services
September 6, 2016
On Friday, September 2, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie ended the 38-year old reciprocal income tax agreement between New Jersey and Pennsylvania effective January 1, 2017. With reciprocity, the taxpayer can file and pay tax only in the state where they live. This has allowed New Jersey employers to withhold and remit Pennsylvania income tax for their Pennsylvania resident employees and...
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