Make the Most of Low Interest Rates

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Administrator

Make the most of low interest rates

Interest rates in the United States of America are at a historically low rate. In fact, they are at a historically low rate in most developed economies. This is good if you have a mortgage, but it is not an unequivocal benefit. This post aims to look at the positives and negative of low interest rates and how we can make the most of this.

Many of us are wondering how to make the most of our money in these straitened economic times. As well as our site, more and more people are spending longer on the financial pages of the newspaper and even looking at sites like lovemoney.com to see if we can make the financial pips squeak.

Help from Obama

Barack Obama said in his 2012 State of the Union Address that he aims to send Congress a plan that will give every home owner the opportunity to save roughly $3,000 on their mortgages, “by refinancing at historically low interest rates.” Of course, the issue with this is that many US homes are in negative equity, and while this may be the result of the gigantic bubble that went pop before Obama was elected, it does mean that many home owners won’t be able to take advantage of his proposal.

Pay your debts off

Interest rates are now as low as they have ever been within living memory (for most of us anyway), but reducing these rates is aimed at increasing spending (and making saving less attractive) in a sluggish economy. This makes it a perfect time to pay off any loans, especially credit cards (which have very high interest rates) and mortgages. This really is the perfect time to pay down consumer debts rather than splash out on lifestyle expenses.

Find the right investments

Lower interest rates paradoxically help both the most successful business and the very smallest. Small businesses will find that their cashflow problems can be eased by having lower interest rates on their debts. While the largest companies or financial institutions will find it easier to take over rivals as they get much lower interest rates on any loans they might make to cover the buy-outs.

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How To Save Money

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Administrator

How To Save Money and Become Rich.

TIPS on How to Save Money – Why is it that we get ourselves into so much debt that we’re always looking for excuses and other people to blame for our circumstances?

The cost of living is increasing each and every day, a loaf of bread and a bottle of milk is almost becoming out of reach now for those who are financially feeling the strain, and yet it never seems to amaze us at Cash Flow Into Action that for those who are the “Super Rich” that life is still a strain….or so they say!

So we’re directing this article to those who are desperate for a little guidance and direction and who are seeking help on how to save money.

If you take away with you anything from this article it’s that money doesn’t always bring happiness. It brings with it complications, jealousy, greed and pain all wrapped up in a purse or wallet, and I’m talking about the Credit Card!

Credit Card Debt is Bad

Firstly, you only need one credit card. For those of you who have more than one shame on you! go to your back tomorrow and have the balances consolidated onto the card with the lowest interest rate and cut the rest up. You may not realise that by having more than one means you’re paying interest on each and every card on outstanding purchases. This adds up to large amounts of money sometimes.

How to save money will depend on your will power and dedication to the cause. Our e-books on this site share wonderful but simple tricks detailing ways to save money, ways to streamline your financial life and highten your financial freedom forever.

Here’s a few of our simple rules (but not all of them..!)

1. Live within your means and don’t spend money you don’t have.

2. Cut up unecessary credit cards.

3. If you draw a salary then deposit 10% into a savings account.

4. Create a Budget.

5. Stick to your budget…!

 

For more information send us an email, or better still purchase our e-books and discover how easy it is to rid yourself of debt forever.

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How To Create A Budget

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Administrator

How To Create A Budget

Let us show you How To Create A Budget the easy way by giving you a few simple tips & tricks that will get your finances back on track.

Why are you searching for help on How To Create A Budget? – Well hopefully its because you need a little help getting started. If this is correct, then you’ve come to the right place!

How To Create A Budget

How To Create A Budget

Cash Flow Into Action has created two exciting e-books on exactly this topic.

The first one gives you step by step instructions on how to create a budget, from understanding why you need to know where your money comes from to exactly where it goes.

Why Budget?

Budgeting is really a financial plan, a plan that helps manage your money a little better. Regardless of how much you earn it is always a good idea of keeping track of where your money goes and to keep a little saved away for a rainy day.

If you’re like most people then money seems to go out of your hands faster than it comes in. This may be because of job loss, divorce, kids, excess spending, illness, or simply because you enjoy a higher standard of living.

Before you sit down and try to develop a plan of how to create a budget you need to decide if you’re going to take this seriously. We take it that you are because you wouldn’t be reading these tips on how to create a budget if you weren’t.

No.1 – Know how much money is in your bank account at any time.

No.2 – List down ALL of your expenses and how much they cost. Now break them down to a weekly cost.

No.3 – Create a excel spreadsheet, or use a old fashioned ledger book to create a very simplistic budget. List down the expenses on the left hand side and how much you spend each week on each of them.

No.4 – Live within your means. Discovering the steps of how to create a budget will require you to be disciplined in the way that you spend your money. Ask yourself this question – Do I really Need this? OR are you just making an excuse that you want it?

No. 5 – Put 10% of your money away into a savings account.

For more exciting tips on How To Create A Budget simply purchase our e-book by clicking on the icon on the right hand side of this page.


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Saving Money

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Administrator

Saving Money

Tips for saving money no matter how much or how little you save is a fantastic way to feel confident and in control of your finances. Not to mention that it helps you to achieve your future goals. So make a decision to start today to start saving money!

Saving Money

Saving Money

Step 1 – Saving money by planning for it

The first step to saving money is to decide what it is that you want to save for. Whether it’s something specific such as a holiday or a car, or a more general goal such as having a cash buffer for “just in case”, knowing what it is that you want will give you the motivation to start saving money.

Grab a piece of paper and a pen and write a list of your goals under the headings “Short Term” (1 – 3 years), “Medium Term” (4 – 10 years) and “Long Term” (10 years plus).  Then prioritize which goals are the most important to you. You might want the lot, but you’ve got to prioritize so you can learn how easy it is to start saving money!

Step 2 – Allocate a cost and start saving money

Allocate a cost to your important goals. When you divide that cost by the number of months between now and when you want to achieve the goal, it will give you a rough estimate of how much you need to save each month to make it happen. For example, saving money for a $5,000 holiday in two years time would be a savings goal of around $200 per month between now and then. A $15,000 house deposit in five years time would be a savings goal of $250 a month.
Once you know how much you ideally want to save you can look at some strategies to make it happen – so start saving money today.

Step 3 – Do a budget and start saving money

For most of us, saving money will mean cutting costs so that it can happen. The most effective way to cut your costs is to do a written budget so that you can work out what exactly it is that you do spend your money on. Try our budget planner How to Budget – The Easy Way to get started.

There are plenty of easy ways to cut your expenses and start saving money, such as repaying personal debt, taking a cut lunch to work, cutting your bank fees, cooking instead of getting takeaway, shopping with cash instead of credit. Even spending a few hours reviewing your telephone, electricity, car insurance and home and contents insurance contracts could net you some significant savings.

Step 4 – Set up a separate account

Alright, now that you know how much you need to start saving money and how much you can save, set up a separate bank account to put your savings into. That way the money won’t get mixed into your everyday transaction accounts and “accidentally” spent!

Next – have you heard the expression: “out of sight, out of mind”? Ask your employer to direct debit your allocated savings amount straight into your purpose-built bank account every payday. That way the savings money is never in your spending account and eventually you’ll even forget that it’s happening.

Step 5 – Know your finances

While you will most likely start off saving money in a cash account, there are also other investment options available. What investment is right for you will depend in part on how long the money will be invested for (your investment time-frame) and how personally comfortable you are with certain forms of investment (your risk profile).

Saving Money – Extra money saving tips can be found by purchasing the e-book to the right of this page.

For investments other than cash (such as shares and property) you should seek professional advice but by reviewing Cash Flow Into Action you will learn even more exiting ways to help you reach your goal of saving money.

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Budgeting Tips

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Administrator

Budgeting Tips

Budgeting Tips

Budgeting Tips

What budgeting tips could you not afford to do without!  Budgeting for your household finances couldn’t be simpler if you stick to a few basic rules.

1. Be realistic.

Sure, we could all save a bundle if we didn’t have to eat or entertain ourselves. You can cut your grocery bill by up to 15% or so, but a 25% or more reduction in spending is just unrealistic. Plan on spending some money on entertainment, everybody needs some reward. Learn some of the best basic budgeting tips right here at Cash Flow Into Action.

2. You’re budgeting your money to save money – Easy Budgeting Tips

You’re doing this for a reason- make it count. Try to save at least 5% of your income each month into a separate bank account if required. You’ll start to see it grow in no time.

3. Budgeting tips to track your actual spending.

Don’t fall into the trap of setting up a detailed budget and then forget to track your actual spending. Track your spending daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, hourly, whatever- just make sure you’re tracking what you actually spend!

4. Make a budgeting tips list of free things to do each month.

The budgeting tips here are designed to help you with managing the cost of things, but there are many things to do that don’t cost money. A concert in the park, hiking on the weekend, volunteer time at a soup kitchen. Be creative.

5. Correcting bad spending habits – Budgeting Tips will do it!

You’ve invested your hard earned money into a budget spreadsheet or budget software, now make it pay off. How do you correct bad spending habits? Discipline and learning from your past mistakes.

6. Our Budgeting Tips can help plan for the unexpected.

Make sure you put aside some emergency funds for unexpected events (medical bills, automobile repair, loss of employment, etc.)

7. Don’t panic – Use these Budgeting Tips.

If you spend more than you make in a given month, treat it as a lesson learned, not the end of the world. Stick to your budget as best you can, learn from your mistakes and try to improve every month.

8. Budgeting Tips will help to reward yourself.

Try to reward yourself at the end of each month for a job well done. These budgeting tips will help you stick to your goals in the future.

9. Stick with simple budgeting tips.

Don’t get lost with the latest and greatest budget software that has the most bells and whistles. The more robust the budget program, the more confusing. Keep it simple.

10. Avoid materialism and be thankful for what you have. With some great budgeting tips you can do it.

In this day and age where there is so much focus on creating personal wealth, materialism often gets the best of us. Avoid attachments to material possessions and you will find that budgeting takes care of itself. More importantly, you will afford yourself a simpler yet fuller life while you appreciate what you have.

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Elements of Company Cash Flow

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Administrator

Elements of Company Cash Flow

The elements of company cash flow is what this article will focus on and how to manage and improve the three elements of company cash flow inherent in cash flow statements; namely (1) operating, (2) investing, (3) financing.

While preparation of a cash flow statement is important in identifying the overall cash position of a business, it is only a measure of past events. Effective cash management involves identifying the factors that influence these elements of company cash flow.

External factors and other outside influences can all have a dramatic effect of the cash flow of any business. Often these factors are beyond the control of the organization.

The ability to be able to manage and forecast the organizational cash flow is important in that without it a business will not survive. History is littered with examples of businesses that failed due to lack of cash flow. Recent corporate collapses can be attributable to a large degree on the future to manage cash, in addition to other factors such as poor corporate governance.

Organizations therefore need to be aware of which aspects of cash flow are important and critical to their business. There are generally seven key cash flow drivers;

  1. Sales growth
  2. Gross margin
  3. Operating expenses (selling, general, admin)
  4. Accounts receivable
  5. Inventory
  6. Accounts payable
  7. Capital expenditures

Often a belief is that if a company is profitable then the business is sound. This couldn’t be further from the truth because profit does not equal cash…!

A further misconception is that if assets on the balance sheet are growing, then the company is becoming stronger. Previous company collapses have indicated that a company can fail even though it’s profitable, and even if it’s large in size.

What are the Working Elements of Company Cash Flow

Elements of Company Cash Flow

Elements of Company Cash Flow

Sourcing cash from operating activities is a positive sign that a company has sustainable cash flows. Cash from operating activities is a cash-based measure of operating profit after income tax.

Sourcing cash from investing activities indicates that productive assets are being sold.

Sourcing cash from financing activities indicates that a business is expanding. This can be a positive sign if the organizations balance sheet is not over-geared.

In summary the elements of company cash flow are critical in the ongoing survival of a business and should be a clear indication of the cash viability of a business as a going concern.

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Cash Flow Statement

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Administrator

Cash Flow Statement?

What is Cash Flow? – Discover These AMAZING Cash Flow Tips For Your Small Business?

Managing business a cash flow statement efficiently is a key challenge for small businesses like yours. As a small business owner you are usually and justifiably focused on providing superior service to your clients, but sometimes cash flow becomes a little tight. Sales orders start to dry up and business has all of a sudden become hard, but what you really need is preparing a cash flow statement and a snapshot of some proven free cash flow tips that will ensure the survival of your business.

Don’t let this happen to you. Don’t put aside your cash flow and financial planning needs because you need to run your business. Cash Flow Into Action will provide you with the free cash flow management tools to help you overcome cash flow stress.

These great Books were written just for you: Cash Flow Tips for you and your business and Personal Budgeting – How To Budget.

We know that you need answers, we know that you have a budget and we know our way around operating cash flow and cash flow forecasting. We can also help you prepare a statement of cash flows or a cash flow statement to determine the net cash flow of your business.

At Cash Flow Into Action we understand that if it is not easy to do then it doesn’t get done. You’ll find our cash flow tips and budgeting e-books a must if you’re serious about the cash flow management of your business. Get your hands on the knowledge to create your own cash flow statement today!

Cash Flow Into Action also provides advice on;

  1. Applying for finance – Access your personal credit line and receive personal loans for up to $1500 with terms that you can live with.
  2. Preparing a detailed cash flow statement for your business
  3. Preparing cash flow forecasting
  4. Learning How to Budget
  5. Successful debt collection techniques
  6. Getting credit card debts under control
  7. Essential financial reporting
  8. Proven Tips on Saving Money
  9. Understanding What is Cash Flow

Cash Flow has now stepped up as one area that is going to be a decider as to which businesses fall over and which businesses survive. Small businesses particularly have now hit the wall when it comes to cash flow.

Let Cash Flow Into Action help you understand a Cash Flow Statement

Cash Flow Statement

Cash Flow Statement

and how to manage it effectively, provide you with tips on saving money, show you how to budget and ensure your business future is rewarding.

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Awesome Cash Flow Tips For Your Business

Posted on July 10, 2011 by Administrator

Cash Flow Tips for your Business

Here are some effective cash flow tips for you to manage your cash flow;

Do you know what your bank balance is today?

If not, why not? That’s the first step to understand how much money you have. Try and get into the habit of reviewing your bank balance daily and determine what your income and expenditure commitments are for the following week.

Cash Flow is KING! – You need to understand what brings cash INTO your business and what takes it OUT. Once you have mastered this and you’re now trained to think of doing point no. 1 above then you’re on your way to understand how to manage your cash flow.

Manage your debtors diligently – Never allow them to exceed your trading terms without contacting them for an explanation. Keep on top of this because it’s easy to think that you don’t have time, or something else gets in the way. Cash Flow Tips #1 – A sale is not a sale until the money is in the bank, that’s what you should live by. You will spend an enormous amount of time making the sale, but until the money has been paid your efforts are fruitless. Follow up your outstanding accounts so the money is in your bank account and not theirs.

Cash Flow Tips #2 – Manage your suppliers – If you know the suppliers well then why not negotiate extending your trading terms with them? If you have a sound relationship with them then they may be more willing to assist you.

Cash Flow Tips #3 – Keep inventory levels down – Discard obsolete or slow moving stock as it’s just costing you money by sitting there in your warehouse.

Cash Flow Tips #4 – Create a cash flow forecast – By doing this you’re able to see where there maybe cash flow surplus or shortfall that you need to action. It’s best to take the forecast out over 12 months to really benefit from the exercise.

Want to know more about some innovative ways of increasing your cash flow? Then let us also show you how to create a budget, how to be a leader and to effectively manage your time to name a few.

Don’t delay in implementing our Cash Flow Tips because the sooner you do the better!

Cash Flow Tips

Cash Flow Tips



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Improve Cash Flow?

Posted on July 10, 2011 by Administrator

Improve Cash Flow?

One of your goals in business is to make a profit but can I improve cash flow? Cash Flow (which is money coming in versus money going out) is considered the lifeblood of any business – without it you will fail!

Improve Cash Flow?

Improve Cash Flow?

Improve Cash Flow - It’s our opinion that cash flow is more important than profit because most businesses will survive longer making a loss but have large cash reserves than they will if you are making a profit and have no cash to pay the bills.

One of the areas that doesn’t get managed very well is the collection of outstanding debts from customers. If you provide credit to customers then it’s vital that you invoice them as soon as possible. Improve cash flow and stipulate your terms and follow them up as soon as they exceed the agreed terms of trade. People often delay payment for as long as possible and pay the person who shouts the loudest first. Make sure it’s you!

It is also important to think out the costs associated with a tight cash flow. Some of the costs are the delayed payments for tax, or employee superannuation. Now this is where you can get into even more trouble if you delay or simply can’t pay these things on time. Not only will you have the tax office on your back, but you’ll have employees on your back complaining about their salary requirements not being met.

If you know that cash flow is going to be tight in the coming weeks/months, then have a talk to your bank manager immediately. Chances are that they will help you along until you can get your business finances back on track. Just remember thought that their overall interest is in you and your business surviving so get on with it and remember the term “Improve Cash Flow?” and you’ll quickly discover the tricks in being a better money manager.

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Increased Sales

Posted on July 5, 2011 by Administrator

How to Increase Sales

How to Increase Sales

Increased Sales

When do you look towards Increased Sales in your business? Well it depends on applying successful Leadership strategies – What are some of them?

  • Increased sales is like having a plan and securing the cooperation of others to carry it out
  • Following-up and following through on the plan
  • Monitoring the process and changing things when required
  • Giving everyone the best possible chance to succeed

So is there a chance that mediocrity has crept into your business?

  • Being average is an option but when do you know when that is?
  • Some businesses seem to have a mission statement that says: “We will be the best we can be – whenever it is cheap, easy, convenient and popular with the sales staff.”

If so, then here are some of the clues that may help you identify mediocrity which will assist you in discovering increased sales;

#1

  • If your pay plan reward mediocre performance relative to industry standards. If you pay people to be mediocre, you legitimize their mediocrity. What you generally receive in return is mediocre performances.
  • So, it’s time to motivate your people to meet your standards rather than lower your standards to accommodate them.

#2

  • If you failed to challenge any managers who have said statements such as:
    • “We can’t find good people in our area”
    • “Let’s see if he works out before we train him”
    • “Cancel the training meeting – we need to make more sales”
    • “I can’t fire him because there’s no-one to replace him”
    • “Increased Sales – You want What?”

Let’s face some facts here:

  1. Leaders are paid to get results regardless of conditions or situations. It is not always easy, but it’s always possible. What are the secrets to increased sales?
  2. Managers should focus on the things they can control and stop getting distracted and complaining about the things they can’t control.

Increased sales – simply put…..Failure is not an accident!

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