Got Extra Money? Here’s How to Use It — In Life and in Business Tax refund hit your account? Business brought in more than expected this month? Maybe you got a bonus, landed a new client, or simply had a financial win. So how do you balance putting that money toward your personal goals and your business needs? Step 1: Prioritize Your Personal Emergency Fund Before you do anything else, make sure your personal emergency fund is in good shape. Life throws curveballs such as a flat tire, unexpected medical bill, or short-term job loss can wreck your finances if you’re not prepared. As a business owner, your personal income might already be less predictable, so having a strong safety net is even more critical. Step 2: Pay Off High-Interest Debt — Both Personal and Business Credit card debt, whether personal or business, can drain your finances. If you’ve got balances charging 15–25% interest, paying those down is like getting an instant return on your money. Step 3: Save for Short-Term Personal or Business Goals If you know you’ll need this money in the next 12–24 months, don’t invest it—save it. You’ll earn a little interest while keeping the cash
Question: Should I hire a tax professional to do my business taxes or do them myself? It’s a question every business owner asks at some point: should I handle my own business taxes or bring in a professional? While doing it yourself might seem like a cost-saving move, hiring a tax professional could save you far more in the long run — in both money and stress. Let’s look at both sides of the decision so you can make the best choice for your business. Doing Your Own Business Taxes At first glance, doing your own taxes feels like the simplest route. You already know your business inside and out — so why not take control of your filings, too? The Upside The main advantage is cost savings. You won’t be paying preparation fees, and if your business is small or straightforward — say, a sole proprietorship or single-member LLC — using accounting software like QuickBooks or TurboTax Business can make the process manageable. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of your financials. Handling your own taxes helps you see where your money is going, how much profit you’re really making, and what deductions you can