Smith Business and Finance

Those who run home-based businesses belong to one of the most dynamic segments of the working world. Technology has revolutionized the way people work and we are witnessing probably the largest sociological shift in generations. If you are a home-based business owner you are part of that revolution.

Working from home gives you two wonderful benefits: you don’t have to pay rent for office space, and you don’t have to commute (no rush, no traffic, less gas). But working from home also entails careful planning especially when it comes to funding the business. This is where business credit cards become very useful.

The most common reason why home-based businesses fail is the mismanagement of finances. Many of those who own home-based business are using their hard-earned savings, home equity loans or lines of credit, and personal credit cards, not business credit cards, as sources of their business funds.

Using your savings may be preferable, if you have reasonable assurance that your home-based business will earn income at a rate higher than the interest rate on your small business credit card. In home equity loans or lines of credit, you will have to pledge the equity of your home. And if your home-based business does not succeed, you could lose your home. On the other hand, unless you use business credit cards for your business, you run the risk of commingling your personal and business expenses, and that makes them harder to manage.

The importance of business credit cards, especially for home-based businesses, cannot be disregarded. Whether the business is home- or office-based, the business needs to keep business finances separate from the owner’s personal finances. Business credit cards give owners the freedom to do just that. You will really appreciate this business credit card benefit when tax season comes and you download your business credit cards transaction history, as well as your monthly and annual reports, from your business credit card company’s website: tax filing becomes a breeze. Keep your personal and business finances separate with your business credit card; it’ll be good for you in the long run.

When you are just starting out your home-based business, you’re likely to incur big purchases. Use a business credit card to pay for office equipment such as computers. You will get some purchase protection, and this is one business credit card benefit that is impossible to overstate.

There are a number of ways to apply for a business credit card. You may be confused about which one of the many business credit cards offers to choose: there are so many flying around. You may want to talk with a friend who is business savvy before making any decision on which business credit card to get.

There may be downsides to using business credit cards, but prudent usage gives you a really effective financial tool. Any business needs credit; and business credit cards help you to establish just that for your home-based business. The best thing to do, if you have doubts on whether you should get a business credit card or not, is to talk to a business consultant about it.

Making a success of your business depends on planning and judgement. ‘The bottom line’ is all about managing your finances wisely, whether that means sourcing the funding you need to start up or keeping on top of your accounts.

Setting up or running a business calls for a separate account. Not only will this make your accounting a lot simpler, but also business accounts are tailored specifically to the needs of business clients. Many have a specialised team to deal with business accounts, and can offer help in the form of start up packs and individual advisers. Business accounts differ from personal accounts in that you will normally be charged for transactions – for making deposits and withdrawing funds, for example.

This guide gives you a broad overview of how to open and manage your business account, including:

1. Getting The Right Account For Your Business

How to choose and open your account – what factors to consider and what information you will need.

2. Finding The Finance You Need

Common ways to source funding to set up and run your business, including grants, borrowing, loans and overdrafts.

3. Keeping Your Accounts Healthy

Good practise for managing your account, including info on online banking and finding an accountant.

4. Professional Advice

How to find expert advice on accounting and tax issues. This section includes web addresses for professional bodies.

Having a good relationship with your bank will make a big difference to the success of your business, whether that means extra support when you’re setting up or negotiating an overdraft to smooth your cash flow. Bank business managers can provide a useful source of advice and support – it’s likely they have a good knowledge of the market as well as insight into businesses similar to yours. Based on your individual needs, they should be able to suggest ways to make your business banking more efficient, as well as offer practical solutions to make the most of your account.

As well as your banking contacts, there are a wealth of other sources of help and advice. The government runs several schemes to help businesses get off the ground and keep running – from enterprise loans to business mentors who can guide you through the early stages of your project. Starting a business is a real challenge, but with good planning and sound management, you could turn your dreams into reality!