Personal Finance Tips

When starting a business, it is important to have a budget and adequate capital. This is because apart from fixed assets, a business involves regular expenditure, purchase maintenance and payments. A smooth flow of financial resources allows people to make expansions and increase trade. California small business loans can accrue the capital needed to begin a small business. With so many online resources for California small business loans, individuals do not have to depend on family or relatives for capital.

It is important for individuals to find the right source for California loans. There are a few factors that lenders will consider when they are planning to advance loans. They consider the applicant’s education, experience, business plan and its viability. Other decisive factors are repaying capacity, credit history, equity, and existence of collateral. Every loan has to be repaid and hence, lenders generally look for businesses that have existed for some years. When starting a new business, borrowers are advised to prepare an application that will prove they are capable of repaying the loan. If the business is a low risk proposal, getting a loan is almost guaranteed.

Without collateral, lenders ask borrowers for a cosigner who can guarantee collateral. Collateral can be any business or personal property that can be sold to pay for the small business loan. Equity is also important and it is in the form of money invested in the business. If there is sufficient equity in the business to payback the loan, the small business loan is guaranteed. The credit report plays a crucial role when applying for California loans. Borrowers need to get a copy of their credit report and make sure the details are correct.

California small business loans are obtainable in three forms. Short-term loans are meant to solve financial problems for instant business starting. Intermediate loans are for large preliminary expenses and long-term loans provide for initial costs of a start up business.

Borrowers have to file documents and make sure they contain evidence of possession, mails of reference, contracts, tax returns, financial statement, credit references, Incorporation or LLC organizational documents and any other documentation required for California small business loans. It is essential that borrowers read the loan agreement carefully and have their lawyer analyze it. It may possible to negotiate some terms with the loan lender.

Ever heard the saying, “It takes Money to make Money”? The principle of borrowing money from banks and other credit agencies to make money has been a relatively basic assumption since early trade days. Existing business owners may want to expand their business, buy more inventory, or even hire more employees. New business owners need start-up capital to get all the balls rolling. Many times businesses take out loans, just because they can. It helps build good credit standing. When discussing the purposes of a business loan, one must look at the various types of loans available. Many times, the reasons your business may need a loan don’t fall under reasons the bank feels you need a loan. Here are a few examples of types of loans available and the functions these loans are used for:

o Short-term loans are usually used for short-term working capital for a business temporarily in need of cash. These loans may be based upon seasonal fluctuations, and other short-term problems that a business may encounter. Usually, these loans are paid within 1 year.

o Intermediate loans are often used for businesses that are starting up. These loans may be used to build inventory, buy equipment, or increase working capital. Working capital is money needed for business purposes such as paying employees, maintaining good over-head, and other business needs.

o Long-term loans can be given to business owners that are well established and wish to increase their fixed assets, for related business acquisitions, and for expansion. Long-term loans may be given to start-up businesses, as well. Usually for purchases of land or buildings, construction efforts, and long-term working capital, these loans have terms that run 3-5 years.

o Government small business loans are available through financial institutions, as well. The government guarantees these loans if certain criteria are met regarding the business and the business owner. These types of loans can be used for various reasons: the purchase of land or buildings, new construction or expansion, to acquire equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures, supplies and materials, and to refinance existing business debts that have higher rates and unreasonable terms. These loans can be used for both short term and long term working capital as well.

Most commercial banks, credit unions, and even investors expect business owners to have a well-thought out plan regarding their business. These business plans should incorporate the usage of loans in a very decisive manner.

Insurance is a necessity in any business. Businesses cover themselves against losses such as fire, theft and unexpected natural disasters. It is with the bookkeeping or accounting that owners get it wrong.

On successful insurance claims, a payment is normally made to the insured. My experience has led me to believe that small businesses have no clue, as to how, to account for insurance settlements. Most businesses reflect the payment as income.

Not only would this be deceptive but also violates International Accounting Standards. Since the transaction has everything to do with assets and nothing to do with income, it should be adjusted against assets. Erroneous accounting for assets might prejudice the business further in future, if similar insurance claims are made.

Insurance companies settle claims on assets, on its book value and not its costs. (And yet the asset was insured on its cost at date of purchase). Whereas this principle might vary from country to country, book value is widely accepted as the norm. Since most small businesses fail to maintain proper fixed assets registers, insurance companies perform “desk top valuations”, or make an “estimate”, on the book value, mostly much lower than its “real” book value. Without proper records, the claimant cannot debunk the assessor’s final conclusions.

Before I loose you in a sea of confusion, let me elaborate. If an asset is on your books at least, without the asset register, but you have no purchase date, and this asset is lost due to theft, no accurate wear and tear can be furnished. Furthermore, if a claim is settled, and reflects as “income”, what happens to the asset that was stolen, but still reflects on your books?

Many reading this article could not care a hoot about the number crunching involved, but please stay with me for a minute. You might not care, but an investor, a bank and yes, the insurance company might pick this up on your financial statements when they demand your reports.

The method used to account for insurance claims is the “disposal method”. Any asset subject to an insurance claim should be transferred to a “Disposal Account”. Depreciation on the asset for the relevant period is calculated, and credited to the disposal account with the insurance settlement. The cost, less depreciation equals book value. Any settlement amounts over or under book value, will result in a loss or profit on disposal.

An insurance claim, wrongly entered as “income”, can be adjusted by transferring the amount to the disposal account. After effecting these entries, the disposal account should balance to zero. Your new records would reveal, the loss or profit on claim (income statement), settlement in bank account, fixed assets less the stolen/lost asset, and a lower depreciation estimate for the year.

I acknowledge that this is your accountant’s job, you however have a duty to provide accurate records. But how many businesses continue to pay, the same insurance premiums on the assets, since purchase date, when they, entitled to a lower premium, due to a lower asset value.(prior to any asset losses).

Also, a precarious asset situation in your books, might lead to problems in your tax affairs.
No business can afford a visit from the IRS. Did you know that tax authorities always commence auditing, your assets, before they move on to your income?