Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader’s Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
One form of relief offered to small businesses is the Employee Retention Tax Credit. First introduced in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, this tax credit could be claimed by eligible employers on quarterly tax returns. This program was expanded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law in December 2020, making the credit accessible to more employers.
The SBA offers a variety of loan programs that vary according to business needs. Its flagship program is the 7(a) loan program, which offers loans for most general business purposes. However, it also offers special programs such as microloans and disaster loans. Find out more about SBA loans, including who qualifies.
QuickBooks Online is cloud-based accounting software. It has the complex accounting capabilities that small business owners need and supports numerous integrations. Quickbooks Online has a lot to offer in terms of features, accounting, and usability.
Loans expert Erica Seppala talks inflation with Nasdaq.
Financial expert Erica Seppala analyzes in Real Simple what people in their 40s can do to strengthen their finances.
Loans expert Erica Seppala tells Real Simple why an app might help people pay down their debt faster.
A business line of credit offers flexible access to funds, but not all lines of credit work the same way. Revolving and non-revolving lines of credit differ in how funds are reused, how interest accrues, and how businesses typically use them. Understanding the difference can help you choose the option that best fits your cash […]
Grants for a veteran-owned small business are difficult to receive, but you can improve your odds by doing your research and taking your time throughout the application process. A grant is a great way to fund your business, and you don’t have to worry about repaying funds.
A merchant account is designed to temporarily hold funds from credit and debit card transactions until they can be settled. When processing is complete, these funds will then be deposited into the merchant’s business bank account.
More business owners are moving away from traditional banks and are turning to credit unions for their business financing needs. Offering many of the same services as traditional banks, credit unions are becoming the go-to resources for smart business owners.
Human resources and discrimination-related lawsuits often settle for large amounts of money. If you have employees, an EPLI insurance policy should be a must for your risk management plan. Without it, you will have to pay to settle these lawsuits out of pocket which could close your small business’s doors forever.
Bobtail insurance is a commercial truck insurance endorsement that provides trucks with liability coverage while they’re traveling on the road without a trailer or cargo attached. Bobtail insurance is relatively inexpensive, and most drivers will pay in the ballpark of $400 a year. Factors that determine your cost are your driving record, how often/how far you expect to bobtail, and your policy’s coverage limit.
Since your personal cash and assets are still on the hook with an unsecured loan — particularly if the lender requires a personal guarantee — it’s usually best to get a secured loan in order to qualify for a higher lending limit and lower interest on your payments.
Fidelity bonds are one form of risk management you may need if you’re looking to protect your business, employees, or customers from financial fraud, employee dishonesty, or outright theft. This type of insurance policy is also referred to as a commercial crime policy. In fact, fidelity bonds are a requirement in some states to acquire a business license.
If you’re ready to explore accounting software alternatives to QuickBooks Online, this post is for you. We’ll look at some other popular options among small business owners, delve into their features, and, yes, even take a look at the drawbacks of each to help you make the most informed decision for your business.
Every year, employees and businesses are held liable for things out of their control, and no matter how diligent you are, mistakes happen, and people can be over-served. Don’t risk your business because of someone else’s poor decisions. Protect yourself with liquor liability insurance or host liquor liability insurance, and take the time to review the liquor laws in your state.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
