Menu

financial bookkeeping tips for contractors


Estate Planning For Everybody

You might think that only wealthy people need an estate plan. In truth, everybody can benefit from planning for incapacity or death. An estate plan sounds fancy but it's really about making sure your assets are handled properly if you are too ill or pass away. To find out how to get started on your own plan, read on.

Count Your Assets – The first step is to know what you have. Many are surprised at how much they own. Assets can be any one of the following:

  • Real estate
  • Vehicles, boats, etc.
  • Funds in checking, savings, and investment accounts
  • Precious metals and jewelry
  • Artwork, collectibles, and antiques
  • Life insurance policies
  • Retirement plans, stocks, and bonds

Once your list is complete, give each of those assets a value.

Family Needs and Considerations

Next, consider how to provide for your family using life insurance. Buy as much as you can afford if you don't already have enough. Those depending on two incomes, or with tuition and other big expenditures in the future, may need more than others. If your children are under age 18, name a guardian that you trust and that agrees to do the job. You can also designate a sum of money (using a trust) to go towards their care and to be awarded to them at a certain milestone or birthday.

Directives and Trusts

This area of planning covers powers of attorney and more. Medical directives (living wills) make known your end-of-life wishes in regard to being on life support. Several types of powers of attorney cover your financial affairs (durable and limited). Finally, consider a revocable trust. Trusts have tax benefits that wills don't have, they are private (unlike a will), and anything mentioned in the trust does not have to go through the months-long probate process.

Check Your Beneficiaries

A trust can contain beneficiaries but a will is still necessary. Almost all estates must pass through probate so a rudimentary will is preferred over letting your state make decisions about your assets. In regard to beneficiaries, check your primary financial records to ensure the beneficiaries on insurance forms and investment accounts are up-to-date.

Once the above has been gathered, checked, and double-checked, it's time to speak to an estate attorney. They can take your information and turn it into a complete estate plan that covers any eventuality. To find more about estates, or any of the above, speak to an estate attorney.

About Me

financial bookkeeping tips for contractors

As a renovation contractor, I have a lot of things to worry about each day. I have to think about my customers, my business, the insurance I need and even the employees that I have working for me. All of these things keep me busy enough without having to worry about keeping up with my financial bookkeeping each day. How do you keep up with the financial bookkeeping so that you don't make any errors that could cost you a whole lot of money? I have worked with my accountant to develop a process that has helped me and I have shared the tips he has taught me right here on my blog to help you.

Latest Posts

A Guide to Business Tax Preparation
9 February 2024

The tax season is a stressful time of the year for

Unlocking the Power of Online Virtual Bookkeeping: A Game-Changing Solution for Modern Businesses
26 October 2023

In the dynamic world of finance and accounting, on

Accountants Can Catch Errors Accounting Software Cannot
11 August 2023

Business accounting becomes much easier when you u

3 Things To Know About Virtual Bookkeeping Solutions
13 June 2023

If you are struggling with bookkeeping, there are

How A CPA Service Can Help Your Restaurant Thrive
11 April 2023

When you hire a CPA, they will help with planning,