Debra Newby Watkins CPA – Page 25 – CPA's not only count, they make change.

The Tools You Need

Thinking about starting your own business, ladies? Ingrid Vaderveldt, former Dell Inc. entrepreneur-in-residence has created software designed specifically for female entrepreneurs with the possibility of available backing. There are three-levels of the product ranging from free to $49 per month.

The Austin company employs four workers and also includes a foundation focusing on women-related policies and women in developing nations. The business side of the startup provides mentors and business plans in addition to software products designed to provide budding entrepreneurs with tools Vanderveldt has already tried herself.

Sounds like a wonderful tool for small businesses that have large goals.

Former Dell exec seeks to boost women entrepreneurs with latest venture

It’s The Little Things

Reading this article made me realize that small details are very important, but that it takes observant people who are willing to act to make them count. What this young mother did with a pizza order, got her the help she needed.

This is also true in the accounting business. Small details that could save/cost you money can easily be overlooked. It takes an attentive CPA with an eye for detail to best serve your business interests.

Florida woman’s online order asks for pizza, police help

The “Art” of Investment

This article was especially interesting to me since I have an art gallery space in my accounting office. Of course, none of the works that I have exhibited fall into the category they are talking about, but imagine if you could avoid capital gains taxes all together through re-investment of your earnings from prior art sales. It’s the same principle as real estate purchases and has been growing in popularity recently, to the point where some “traders” are seeing art as a commodity. What do you think? Time to invest in some fine art?

Tax Break Used by Investors in Flipping Art Faces Scrutiny

Time For A “Tax” Break

We are now three days post April 15th, and so I figured we all needed a break from the more serious, tax-related articles. These photographs fascinated me. The grouping entitled Alien Forest is actually of microscopic, forest dwellers who hunt and feed on other microscopic forest dwellers. Hmm, kind of sounds like a microscopic version of the business world. Happy “tax free” weekend. Enjoy the photos by Valeriya Zvereva!

Hidden Alien Forest

Charge It

Although this article is for recent college grads, there are plenty of great tips about understanding your credit score and how it works for and against you. For example, did you know that borrowing less than thirty percent of your available credit actually makes your credit score increase? Marilyn Lewis, in her article, 12 Ways for College Grads to Build Good Credit lays out basic steps to growing and maintaining your score as well as diversifying the types of credit you are using. Many believe paying in cash is an important skill to learn but a healthy credit score may be even more useful. So, every once in a while it’s a good thing to pull out the plastic and say, “Charge it.”

Job Well Done?

A four-question performance review? One that focuses on what the employee is doing currently, instead of the distant past? The consulting firm Deloitte is experimenting with this four-question review model, two of which are yes or no questions. Imagine being judged for the quality of your work, right at that moment. Novel idea.

What if you could replace performance evaluations with four simple questions?

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

How often do you drive by an empty big-box store and wondere if it will ever be occupied again? One company is working to re-purpose these unused spaces as part of their expansion plan. At Home, a re-creation of Garden Ridge, has been scavenging buildings from other chains and now has their eye on JC Penney locations that will be closing in the US. One unique fact about At Home is that they do not sell their products online. Relying on foot traffic, while offering a much larger selection than most other home decor and furnishing stores. These building purchases are not made by chance, but heavily researched ahead of time so that when the sales begin, At Home is ready to bid and buy quickly. Just think of it as recycling on grand scale.

Big Box Retailer Pounces on J.C. Penney’s Closed Stores

What’s your favorite flavor of pie?

Tomorrow is Pi day and I couldn’t resist throwing in a post that deals both with numbers and a tasty treat. So, what will you be doing tomorrow on 3.14.15 at 9:26:53? I’m thinking a nice quiche would be good in the a.m. and then a big old piece of buttermilk pie for in the evening. There is no call for using Pi, 3.14159 in accounting…, but this still counts as a math related post, right? Enjoy your pie day and this article with a little history of both Pi and Pie. After all, this kind of Pi day only happens once every century!

Throwback Thursday | The Pi Day of the Century

Are You Paying Your Broker’s Retirement?

No one appreciates a hidden fee, but do you know exactly where your invested money is going and the amount of fees you are paying your broker? President Obama is currently pushing for new rules in the finance industry that would help put investors interests first. Of course, even the financiers need to make a living and have money for retirement, but just how skewed is their take versus your returns? Might be a good question to ask next time you’re in their office.

The Real Costs Of Managing Your Retirement

What’s Holding You Back?

Ever not answered the phone because you knew it was a creditor trying to collect on your college debt? Over the last many years, education debts have increased while job opportunities declined. This has caused many people in the under-thirty category to be unable to follow the “usual” path of work, home ownership and family. Statics are showing that many people are overwhelmed by debt and underemployed leaving the economy in a precarious place as these groups continue to reduce their spending. How do we create affordable education and jobs upon graduation? And where will this vicious cycle end?