Comprehensive Financial Solutions, Inc.

440-343-4223

Lifestyle Read Time: 3 min

Keeping Good Records is Good Business

Maintaining good records is important to help meet your tax and legal obligations. The right record keeping system not only helps satisfy these obligations, but it may save you money and time. Here’s what to consider for your record-keeping system.

What Records Do You Need to Keep?

The first step is identifying the records you need to maintain. The obvious examples include leases, contracts, payroll and personnel records and a range of accounting and finance information, such as invoices, receipts, checks, payables, and inventory. Please consult a professional with tax expertise regarding your individual situation.1

How Do You Want to Keep Them?

Record maintenance can take three basic forms:

  • Paper-based—It’s old school, but maintaining records in file folders stored in a metal cabinet may be sufficient, though at the risk of files being damaged or destroyed with no back-up.
  • Computer-based—Maintaining records on computers save space and make records management easier. Consider backing up files and keeping them off-site.
  • Cloud computing—Records are stored and managed on the internet, offering possible savings on software, reducing the risk of lost data and providing access from any location.

What Software Should You Use?

The right software can make life more productive; the wrong software may cost you time and money.

When shopping for software, consider:

  • The size of your organization. Do you want an easy-to-use package, or are you able to hire a dedicated employee to take advantage of a more sophisticated alternative?
  • What sort of training and support is provided? Without the right measure of either, your software may not be productivity tool you envisioned.
  • Is specialized software available? The needs of different professions can vary greatly. Specialized software may have capabilities not available with more generic software.
  • What are its mobile capabilities? If you operate your business from the road, you may want your software to have robust mobile features.

1. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

The Average American Budget

The Average American Budget

Learn about the average American budget in this fun and interactive piece.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

Volunteering in Retirement

Volunteering in Retirement

For many, retirement includes contributing their time and talents to an organization in need.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Insuring Your Business Against Cyber Liability

90% of small businesses in the U.S. don't protect their data from cyber attacks. Is your business at risk?

Problems with Probate

Probate can be a completely public process, or it can be managed to include as little information as possible.

Do Your Kids Know The Value of a Silver Spoon?

You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money?

View all articles

What's My Potential Estate Tax?

This calculator helps estimate your federal estate tax liability.

Federal Income Tax

Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.

Historical Inflation

This calculator shows how inflation over the years has impacted purchasing power.

View all calculators

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies

The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

View all presentations

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

View all videos