Author: Jez Bhatti

Choosing a Financial Planner: A Comprehensive Guide

No matter your current financial situation, it is wise to consult with a financial planner sooner rather than later. Seeking professional advice is the best way to develop investment and savings strategies that align with your short and long-term financial goals.

Financial planners can assist you in various areas, such as purchasing a house or commercial property, investing in a business, or planning for retirement. By leveraging their expertise, you can make informed financial decisions that not only grow your wealth but also enhance your financial security.

To help you find the right financial planner for your specific needs, consider the following tips:

1. Clarify Your Goals: Before embarking on your search for a financial planner, take some time to define your financial goals. Remember that most individuals have multiple objectives, which can initially feel overwhelming. Utilize free online planning tools offered by financial institutions to help you narrow down your goals and calculate the necessary funds required to achieve them. Consider goals such as major life events, down payments on a home, your child’s university fund, and retirement. Documenting both short and long-term objectives will facilitate effective communication with a financial planner whose expertise aligns with your goals.
   
2. Verify Qualifications: While there is no shortage of financial planners available, not every planner possesses the necessary licenses, credentials, training, or experience to meet your specific requirements. With your goals in mind, conduct thorough research on financial planners in your area who hold relevant professional designations and appropriate licenses. Seek referrals from trusted friends and family members who are in a similar stage of life as you. Additionally, consider asking potential financial planners these 10 essential questions, as they cover the basics and provide insights into whether a planner may be a suitable match.
   
3. Understand the Payment Structure: For individuals starting their financial planning journey, a fee-based advisor is often the best choice. Fee-based advisors charge either by the hour, a flat fee, or a percentage of the assets under management. This payment model is preferable, especially if your planning needs are not particularly complex. Ensure that the advisor you choose does not steer you towards options that primarily benefit themselves. By opting for a fee-based advisor, you can mitigate conflicts of interest and ensure that your best interests are the top priority.
   
4. Additional Tips: If you reviewed the earlier interview questions mentioned in this article, you are already familiar with the concept of fiduciaries. However, it is crucial to emphasize that financial planners who are fiduciaries are legally obligated to act in their clients’ best interests at all times. It is highly recommended to work only with financial planners who hold this designation, as they adhere to the highest professional standards. Finally, do not hesitate to ask for references from a planner’s clients and professional colleagues such as accountants, insurance agents, or lawyers. Gathering insights from those who have worked with the planner will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the individual entrusted with your most significant financial decisions.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the process of selecting a financial planner who will guide you towards a secure financial future.

Looking for a Fulham accountant for your business, or a tax advisor in London? Get in touch – we’d love to help.

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or an individual planning for the future, having the right questions to ask your accountant is a valuable asset. Creating a comprehensive list of questions, both for the present and future, ensures that your discussions are productive, well-prepared, and aligned with your financial objectives. Here is a compilation of the top 40 questions you should ask your accountant.

20 Questions for Businesses to Ask Their Accountant

1. How does the legal structure of my business impact my tax obligations?
2. Am I making progress towards achieving my growth objectives?
3. What are the industry-specific tax regulations that I need to be aware of?
4. Which expenses can I reduce to improve cash flow?
5. Could you provide recommendations on collection policies to expedite sales?
6. Should I consider pursuing equity or debt financing?
7. Do I require an audit for my employee benefit plan?
8. Can you refer me to potential lenders and investors?
9. Is a financial statement audit necessary for my business?
10. Do I qualify for research and development (R&D) tax credits?
11. How can I avoid triggering red flags or encountering issues during tax returns or audits?
12. What are the optimal methods for inventory valuation for tax purposes?
13. When should I start paying estimated taxes?
14. Which accounting software do you recommend?
15. What is the breakeven point for my business?
16. How can I best prepare for the upcoming tax season?
17. How long should I retain my business records?
18. What expenses qualify as business deductions?
19. How does the 2017 Tax Reform Act affect my business?
20. Am I required to collect sales tax?

20 Questions for Individuals to Ask Their Accountant

1. What information and records should I retain, discard, and for how long should I keep the retained documents?
2. How does the 2017 Tax Reform Act impact my personal tax situation?
3. Can I deduct any car expenses related to my business activities?
4. What direct business expenses can I deduct, and are there any limitations?
5. To what extent can I deduct household bills and equipment as business expenses?
6. When is the appropriate time to establish an estate and trust?
7. Should I consider charitable donations as a means of transferring wealth?
8. How many dependents am I eligible to claim?
9. Are there any deductions that I am currently overlooking?
10. How frequently should I consult with you regarding my taxes?
11. Can you assist me in estimating my taxes for the upcoming year?
12. Should I increase my contributions to my 401(k)?
13. Is it advisable to adjust my tax withholding?
14. Do you have any recommendations for a financial advisor?
15. Am I on track to meet my retirement goals?
16. What is the most effective way to transfer my wealth to my children?
17. How can I protect my dependents from tax implications after my passing?
18. What significant life events should you be aware of for tax purposes?
19. As a business owner, what steps should I take to separate my personal and business expenses?
20. How can I maximize my deductions more effectively?

Note: It’s important to customize these questions based on your specific circumstances and consult with a qualified accountant for personalized advice.

Looking for a Fulham accountant for your business, or a tax advisor in London? Get in touch – we’d love to help.

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

Hiring the right accounting firm is crucial for entrepreneurs looking to take their business to the next level. While some may view accountants as solely responsible for accounts and tax returns, a skilled accountant offers much more.

Here are the reasons why you should hire an accountant for your small business:

Improve Cash Flow: Effective cash flow management is vital for business success. A good accountant will help establish credit control and cash management policies, ensuring you have the necessary funds and information to make informed decisions.

Reduce Workload: As your business grows, handling compliance, tax obligations, and bookkeeping becomes time-consuming. An accountant can take charge of financial and tax matters, recommend process improvements, and introduce time-saving tools.

Manage Sustainable Growth: An accountant is essential when managing business growth. They provide guidance on funding, hiring, cash flow management, and navigating unexpected growth, turning challenges into advantages.

Provide Valuable Business Advice: Accountants possess expertise and serve as valuable business advisors. They offer unbiased input, identify risks, and highlight opportunities. Their network connections can help with complex problem-solving and strategy implementation.

Stay Ahead of Trends and Regulations: Accountants stay updated on emerging trends, technology, and regulatory changes. They analyse financial data, anticipate challenges, and help you prepare through financial forecasting and smart solutions.

Improve Cost Efficiency: Accountants can help optimize costs by analyzing expenses, identifying alternatives, and offering tax planning strategies. They contribute to profitability, increase business value, and ensure tax compliance.

Process Payroll: Accountants proficient in payroll services ensure proper compliance with payroll regulations, avoiding penalties and tax issues. They manage payroll records, submission, and ensure accuracy.

Measure Business Performance: Accountants assist in setting objectives and measuring performance against them. They develop evaluations to assess business performance, identify areas for improvement, and support long-term growth.

Virtual CFO Services: For businesses needing CFO expertise but lacking the budget for a full-time hire, virtual CFO services provide cost-effective solutions. A virtual CFO can assist with financial controls, budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and reporting.

By hiring an accountant, you gain a trusted partner who contributes to your business’s financial success, enables informed decision-making, and supports sustainable growth.

Looking for a Fulham accountant for your business, or a tax advisor in London? Get in touch – we’d love to help.

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

Starting a small business is both exciting and daunting. While the entrepreneurial spirit may drive you to take the leap of faith, the reality is that you may be entering a market that has already attracted some large competitors. 

It can be intimidating to think about competing against larger, more established competitors, but it’s not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to help your small business take on larger, more established companies.

1. Identify your unique selling proposition (USP)

Your USP is what sets you apart from everyone else. That USP could be the quality of your product, your excellent customer service, your laser-like focus on one area of expertise, or your innovative approach to solving a problem. 

When identifying your USP, ask yourself what it is that makes you different. Explore why you felt there was a need for your offering–what pain point are you solving that others aren’t already solving? Did you create this business because you noticed a gap in the market? Did you see a problem that didn’t yet have a solution?

Take time to identify what makes your business unique and use that to your advantage. Highlight your USP in your branding and marketing strategies.

2. Focus on your niche

One of the advantages of being a small business is you can be more niched than larger companies. Focus on a specific niche within your industry and become an expert in that area. By honing in on a particular area or pain point, you can create a loyal customer base that appreciates your expertise and the value you bring to the market.

3. Build strong relationships with your customers

As a small business owner, you have the opportunity to build personal relationships with your customers. Take the time to get to know your customers and their needs. Provide excellent customer service and go the extra mile to make them feel valued. Ask them what they’d like to see you offer, or how you can serve them better. 

Clients and customers like the personal touch, and they appreciate feeling seen and understood. When you can have a one-on-one relationship with your customers, they’re more likely to stick with you. 

4. Embrace technology

Technology can level the playing field for small businesses. You can use technology to automate processes, streamline operations, and reach customers online. Embrace social media and digital marketing to expand your reach and build your brand. Use tools like customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage your customer interactions and track your sales pipeline. 

Technology isn’t just for the big companies. Anyone can use it to improve productivity and enhance the customer experience. By leveraging technology, you can compete with larger companies without breaking the bank.

5. Collaborate with other small businesses

Collaborating with other small businesses can help you reach a wider audience and gain credibility. Look for opportunities to work with businesses that complement your products or services. For example, if you run a boutique clothing store, you could collaborate with a local shoemaker to offer a bundled product. By working together, you can tap into each other’s customer base and create a mutually beneficial relationship.

6. Offer excellent value

Large companies may have more resources, but that doesn’t mean they always offer the best value. As a small business, you can provide excellent value by offering personal service, high-quality products, and competitive pricing. Make sure you price your products and services competitively while still maintaining profitability. 

By offering excellent value, you can build a loyal customer base that will choose your business over larger competitors.

7. Stay nimble

A huge advantage of being a small business is your ability to pivot and adapt. You can make an adjustment in much less time than a large company can. Traditionally, large companies stay more focused on their traditional offerings, preferring not to experiment or make changes, which gives you an edge.

Stay nimble and be willing to adjust your strategy as needed. Keep an eye on market trends and be open to new opportunities. As you become more of an expert in your field you’ll be able to anticipate changes in the market.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. By staying nimble, you can stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing market conditions.

By identifying your USP, focusing on your niche, building strong relationships with your customers, embracing technology, collaborating with other small businesses, offering excellent value, and staying nimble, you can take on the big players in your industry. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll get there.

Looking for a Fulham accountant for your business, or a tax advisor in London? Get in touch – we’d love to help.

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

The working environment of the past 2 years has brought the concept of burnout to the forefront. Unexpected work-from-home situations, juggling the new normal, and mental fatigue have all contributed to the issue. Recognizing employee burnout and having a plan to address it will ensure you retain employees and keep your company healthy.

1. Ensure everyone takes their time off

In an attempt to appear as though they can handle it all, many people try to do too much. They neglect to take time off because they believe it will make them appear reliable and committed. The problem is, everyone needs time to recharge. Not taking it can actually affect productivity negatively. Set a reminder to check twice yearly to make sure that everyone has taken the time off that they’re entitled to. If they haven’t, give them a gentle reminder to do so.

2. Be generous with your policies

All workplaces have rules. Be on time, work a certain amount of hours, be reasonable with breaks. These rules keep things running smoothly, and they’re important. But don’t get uptight if someone is a few minutes late once in a while, or expresses an interest in working from home from time to time. Allowances like these often make little difference to the company as a whole, but they can make a colossal difference to an employee who just needs a little bit of grace now and then.

3. Offer extended benefits

Extended benefits plans for your employees are such great incentives to draw people to your company. They allow your employees to rest and recuperate in ways that they may not otherwise. Anything that can be done to contribute to the overall health of your people is a terrific bonus, and one all employers should provide.

4. Encourage work-life balance

The Internet has made it so that we are always available, which is very convenient. It’s also terribly demanding. Since many of us are now working from home at least sometimes, it’s increasingly difficult to leave work at work. Make sure your employees are crystal clear about taking time away from their job. Ignoring this divide and having your employees feel like they have to be “on” 24/7 is a very efficient way to ensure they reach burnout quickly.

5. Make use of performance metrics

Every role in your organisation should have a clear set of expectations, and they should be defined so that it’s clear how your employees can meet or exceed them. Not knowing how they’re doing, or being unpleasantly surprised at a performance review, is a fast track to burnout. Make the job easier by outlining expectations and rewarding those who exceed them, and watch morale rise.

6. Allow side tasks

Yes, we were all hired to do a specific job, but there are different things that make each employee tick. Allowing side tasks that your employees find enjoyable and rewarding allows them to mix it up a bit and show off their passions and talents. It’s a great way for people to flex muscles they wouldn’t otherwise, and workers tend to bring extra drive and creativity to activities that interest them. It brings more joy to work, which adds to the overall health of the company.

7. Remember we’re all human

Nobody likes to feel like a cog in the machine. There are, of course, expectations to meet in every job. However, employers would do well to remember that every single person working for them has an entire life outside of the company. Anything could be going on behind closed doors. A company that understands, supports, and shows compassion to its employees is more likely to keep the good ones from burning out.

Final thoughts

Happy, well-rested employees are more productive and loyal. It’s in your best interests to do what you can to combat employee burnout.

Looking for a Fulham accountant for your business, or a tax advisor in London? Get in touch – we’d love to help.

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants