Economics Finance

There may be no hope for Excel Airways or US banking giant Lehman Brothers, but many struggling small businesses and sole traders could still survive the oncoming recession – all they need is some good business sense and top quality bookkeeping.

Now that the credit crunch is really digging its heels in, there’s no doubt that things are going to get worse before they get better for the majority of British businesspeople. Recent forecasts warn of a winter recession, while a survey of British workers revealed that many are now experiencing sleepless nights over financial concerns.

Whilst lack of sleep may not be an effective way of safeguarding your livelihood, it is also a very bad idea for business people to ignore the problems they are facing. For those who are struggling in the current economic climate, the most important thing is to monitor the progress of their business with effective bookkeeping and to react swiftly to any warning signs.

Here are five reasons why small businesses need to put even more emphasis on bookkeeping during the recession:

1. Monitor and Control Expenses

Now more than ever, it is important to watch the level of expenditure and not to let it get out of control. Regular accounting will tell you how your expenses are running when compared to your targets, and will also allow you to compare monthly income against monthly expenditure. Continue reading ‘Survive the Recession With Better Bookkeeping’ »

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPC), brought about a few changes to the current USA bankruptcy laws, but in essence the structure of the 1978 Act remains the same.

Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that protects an individual or business that cannot pay its debts; it also protects the creditors. These legal proceedings may be:

• Voluntary, which is initiated by an individual or business unable to pay its debts.
• Involuntary: where the creditors take action, provided they prove the individual or business has debts in excess of $5,000.

Resolution

Once the petition is filed, the court will decide under one of the three following means:

Chapter 7 calls forliquidation; that is the sale of the assets of the debtor and the proceedings of the sale used to pay the claims of the creditors. Excluded from this chapter are railroads, banks, insurance companies, or government units. The act specifies that secured creditors have priority over unsecured creditors.

Chapter 11 calls for reorganization; that is the individual or business is given 120 days to present a reorganization plan that eliminates the factors that cause the distress. Such plan must be confirmed by the court. In many instances the plan works and the bankrupt individual or business comes out stronger and ready to function on its own once again. Federated Department Stores, Macy’s, Texaco, and some airlines are examples of reorganization. Continue reading ‘Bankruptcy Changes – Chapter 7, Reorganization and Liquidation – Alternatives’ »

One of the popular choices for those who need it is nothing other than the simple and basic FHA mortgage program. Way back in the 1930’s, the FHA was already the best option for low income families as well as those who were borrowing money for the very first time. But as the years passed, a lot of additions and expansions to the FHA program envelopes almost all types of people who need to borrow money.

Right now, there are roughly 30 million clients. This is undeniable proof that applying for their loan programs is really beneficial. So what are the advantages of applying for this federal program?

- This type of loan will give you leeway to purchase a house with a miniscule down payment. Future homeowners will only need to shell out a down payment worth 3% of their entire home purchase value. There are also some instances when the down payment can be given in gift form. One must be aware though that aside from the down payment amounts there are usually other fees to take care of such as insurance and processing. Continue reading ‘Good Reasons to Choose the FHA Mortgage Program’ »