Tag Archives: cash flow

The Employee Retention Credit, Should You Apply?

6 May

As businesses and practices of all sizes became directly or indirectly affected by regulations and shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn, it became clear that U.S. companies needed significant financial assistance to remain open.

What is the Employee Retention Tax Credit?

The US government authorized billions of dollars in aid specifically for businesses through the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) within the CARES Act. A refundable employment tax credit for eligible employers based on qualified wages and health plan expenses, the ERC allowed employers to use the funds to continue to pay existing employees and keep business running and staff working during the economic fallout caused by the Coronavirus.

Employers have been working hard to stay open and running during the pandemic. They simply don’t have the time, energy or ability to manage constantly changing business operations environments, keep up with local, state and federal regulations and understand enough of the ERC to see if they are eligible. There are millions of unclaimed dollars available and nearly any company or healthcare practice impacted by the pandemic is eligible to claim their credit.

Businesses need to take advantage of this opportunity before funds run out, or the three-year claims window closes.

5 Reasons to Apply For the Employee Tax Credit

Most Businesses Qualify 

The COVID-19 related criteria a business must meet to qualify for the ERC are:

  • The business was fully or partially shutdown or had to reduce hours due to a government order.
  • The business saw a significant decrease in gross receipts in 2020 or 2021 when compared to 2019 gross receipts
  • The business is a recovery startup, operational in the third and fourth quarters of 2021.

Receive Up To $26,000 Per Employee

When first introduced as part of the CARES Act in 2020, the maximum credit allowable under the ERC was $5,000 per employee. With its renewal and expansion in 2021, the maximum credit increased to $21,000. When the ERC and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) were rolled out under the CARES Act, businesses had to choose which to use. Many selected PPP because it was easier to sign up for a Small Business Administration-backed loan than to learn the details of eligibility for ERC. Subsequent legislation expanded the eligibility requirements for employers so that they could now receive both, making this a can’t-miss opportunity for businesses.

It’s Retroactive

Even though the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 moved up the ERC’s expiration date, effectively repealing the program for the fourth quarter of 2021, companies are still allowed to submit their payroll tax filings for the covered periods. Employers who filed their payroll taxes in 2020 were able to deduct the money directly from their quarterly payroll taxes at that time. Those who didn’t file in 2020 or who are claiming the ERC for the first time on their payroll taxes in 2021 will be refunded for quarterly filed periods.

It’s A Cash Refund

Though the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 moved up the ERC’s expiration date, effectively repealing the program for the fourth quarter of 2021, companies are still allowed to submit their payroll tax filings for the covered periods. Employers who filed their payroll taxes in 2020 were able to deduct the money directly from their quarterly payroll taxes at that time. Those who didn’t file in 2020 or who are claiming the ERC for the first time on their payroll taxes in 2021 will be refunded for quarterly filed periods.

It’s Easier Than You Think

If you would like to find out if your company qualifies for the ERC, it is as easy as filling out a questionnaire that will determine your eligibility.  You can go directly to the questionnaire by clicking here.  There is no cost or obligation to determine your eligibility.  If you indeed to qualify, ERC Specialists will help you to determine what your credit will be and will do the work in filing for the credit for you, if you desire.

Why This is Important For Your Business

I have had many of my clients who found out, in this way, that they do indeed qualify for the ERC.  Some had been told previously by their CPA that they did not qualify.

If your business, or medical or dental practice, was impacted by COVID-19, even if you received the PPP or EIDL loan.  I would highly recommend taking the time to determine, for certain, whether or not you qualify for this tax credit.

If I can be of any help in the process, or can answer questions on the ERC or any other cash flow related items, please schedule a time to talk with me using the link below.

Contact Me Directly

Let me know if articles of this type are helpful to you. If you would like to see more on this topic, would like coaching in this area, or have a topic to suggest, please leave me a comment, or contact me personally.

Please subscribe to this blog , or contact me with any questions.

Call me directly at 770-224-8504 or 888-780-1333
Schedule a phone call with me by clicking here
Visit my website by clicking here
Visit my YouTube channel by clicking here
Email me at David.wiener@cashflowstrategies.us

Tags: , , , ,

Best Practices For Billing and Collections

16 Nov

Collections should not be thought of as something that only happens on the back end of the billing process. It should start by properly conveying your policies and expectations in advance to both patients and staff. Here are some tips you can implement in your practice to improve your patient collections at little or no cost.

Office Visits – Front Desk Responsibilities

1) Patients need to understand and acknowledge in writing that they are personally responsible for any charges not covered by insurance. They should be required to sign your financial policy at every visit, not just the first visit in order to remind them of their obligations. This should reduce the number of patients who have the attitude that their insurance made a mistake and it’s therefore not their problem.

2) Of course you always want to collect co-pays at the time of visit, but what does your staff do when a patient says they didn’t bring any form of payment? Turning the patient away is costly both in terms of a wasted appointment slot as well as the potential loss of that patient’s future revenue. Instead, train your staff to introduce themselves by first name to make a connection and then hand the patient a pre-addressed envelope to remit funds when they get home. For example, “My name is Karen and I’ve written my name on this envelope along with our address. As soon as you get home today, please put your check in this envelope and mail it back to my attention as I will be keeping an eye out for it.”

What to include and not include on your billing statements

3) Is your phone # on your bills? This may seem obvious, but some bills do not show a phone # and that delays payment by making it more difficult for a patient to call if they want to set up a payment plan or ask a question about their bill. Now they have to take the time to look up your phone # and they may put that off until later.

4) Is there a due date on your bill or do you just show the date the bill was generated? Many bills do not show a specific due date which implies that payment is due whenever the patient feels like paying.

5) Are penalties specified for violating terms? Is there any consequence to paying late? Why not include a late charge in order to give your bill priority over other bills which don’t incur penalties? A flat late fee is much easier to manage than a percentage of balance.

6) Do you show aging boxes on your statements? The use of aging boxes on statements which show 30, 60, 90, etc balances conveys exactly the opposite of what you want. It shows that you expect your patients’ balances to age and you’ve even made a provision for that right on your statements when you really want to convey an expectation of getting paid as soon as the bill is received. Aging boxes also train patients to only pay the portion of the balance that is the oldest rather than paying off the balance in full.

7) The use of colored paper for late reminders is helpful in getting patients’ attention as they stand out among the pile of white paper in a patient’s stack of bills.

Establishing Internal Collections Policies

8) Just like other aspects of your employee handbook, your collections policies should be in writing. This makes it easier when training new employees and demonstrates the importance placed on collections. Include performance benchmarks ($ collected or # calls made during a specific time period or establish a maximum % of AR over 60 days). Review and update your collections policy as needed while keeping it clear and simple. Determine how returned mail should be handled.

9) Define “past-due” and include the next steps for handling a past-due account. How many written contacts will be sent? How many phone calls will be made? When will this follow up occur and at what intervals? Evidence shows it is best to vary the form of follow up at regular intervals of 7-14 days.

A recommended process would be 2 mailed bills + 1 phone call + 1 warning letter and this should all occur within 90 days or less. If a patient has been asked to pay 4x in 90 days and you’ve gotten no response, they’re sending you a message and need to be in the hands of a third party agency because continued first party efforts at that point will not generate a good ROI.

Making Collections calls

10) Be careful when leaving voice messages so as not to “advertise” a debt owed to your practice when your message might be heard by others in the household.  Ensure that your staff is fully compliant with all Federal, State and Local Regulations regarding first party collections and telephone calls, or utilize a service to make these calls for you who is compliant.

11) Try to make a connection with the debtor by speaking clearly and enthusiastically. And stay firm by using phrases such as “It’s my policy that….”

12) Make the call with the mental attitude that you will get payment in full on one call, not that you’re going through a list and making calls just to get it over with. Your mental attitude affects what comes out of your mouth, so expect success!

13) If a patient says they don’t have enough money to pay their balance, ask, “How much are you short?” rather than, “How much can you pay?” This small change in language conveys an expectation that the majority of the funds are available and that you’ll be working out a payment plan for the smaller remaining balance.

14) Never make “idle threats”. It is a violation of collections laws to threaten to send a patient to collections unless using a collection agency is a normal practice for you.

15) Train your collector to take good notes so that if they have subsequent conversations with the patient, you can refer back to their notes and if that staff member leaves, it will be a good starting point for someone else to pick up their work.

Avoid Costly Violations

Use only an employee or a licensed 3rd party agency/attorney to collect for you, never an unlicensed 3rd party.  Only use 3rd parties who are committed to full compliance to all Federal, State and Local regulations regarding both first and third party collections.  Only use a 3rd party who provides you with a “hold harmless”” agreement as a matter of course.

Do not share information about a balance due with parties other than the debtor or their spouse. For example, if you call the debtor’s office and someone else answers the phone, do not leave a message about a balance due, only a message to return your call. 



Prior to discussing any patient A/R information with anyone outside your practice, make sure that you have a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement signed and on file with the individual or agency.

Collection Myths

All of these items are things to consider when establishing your practice’s individual collection policy, but they are not legal requirements.

  • There is no law that says you have to warn a patient that you’re going to send them to collections before you do.
  • There is no law that says you have to wait a certain number of days before sending a patient to collections.
  • There is no law that says that if a patient is paying $5/month that you can’t send them to collections.

Contact Me Directly

Please subscribe to this blog , or contact me with any questions.

Call me directly at 770-224-8504 or 888-780-1333
Schedule a phone call with me by clicking here
Visit my website by clicking here
Visit my YouTube channel by clicking here
Email me at David.wiener@cashflowstrategies.us

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

10.5 Ways To Improve Your Collections

6 Nov

It’s a problem faced by virtually every business – how to deal with customers who pay their bills late, or not at all. While customers expect prompt and professional service, they don’t always meet the same standard when it comes to paying their bills.

Not like this…

Accounts not paid within terms can severely impact the cash flow of a business. A clearly defined and carefully communicated, yet diplomatic payment policy may help avoid difficult collection situations.

1. Have a Defined Credit Collection Policy:

One of the major causes of an overdue receivable is that the business

has not defined to its customers and staff when accounts are to be paid. If customers are not educated that accounts are to be paid on time – then chances are they’ll pay late or sometimes not at all. Make sure that your customer’s terms of payment are clearly stated in writing to each customer at the time of sale or services rendered.

2. Invoice Promptly and Bill Regularly:

If you don’t have a systematic invoicing and billing system – get one.

Many times the customer hasn’t paid simply because he hasn’t been billed or reminded to pay in a timely manner. This situation regularly occurs in smaller or newer businesses where there isn’t enough staff to invoice and bill on a timely basis.

3. Use “Address Correction Requested”:

One of the most difficult collection problems is tracking down a customer who has “skipped”. All businesses should be aware of a special service offered by the U.S. Post Office. Any statement or correspondence sent out from a practice should have the words “Address Service Requested” printed or stamped on the envelope. When a statement is sent to a customer who has moved without informing you of his/her new address and the words “Address Service Requested” appeared on the envelope, the Post Office will research this information. If the Post Office can locate a change of address on that customer, they will send you form #3547 with the customer’s correct address.

4. Contact Overdue Accounts More Frequently:

No law says you can contact a customer only once a month. The old adage, “A squeaky door gets oiled” has a great deal of merit when it comes to collecting past due accounts. It’s an excellent idea to contact late payers every 10 – 14 days. Doing so will enable you to diplomatically remind the customer of your terms of payment.

5. Develop a Systematic Plan to Follow up Past Due Accounts:

Determine ahead of time what action you will take and at what time frame you will take it. For example, at 15 days past due make a phone call. Your staff can start with a “courtesy” call to make sure that the statement was received. At 30 days past due send another statement with the message, “This is 30 days past due, please remit.” Having this plan and adhering to it makes both you and your customers aware of the fact you expect to be paid.

6. Use Your Aging Sheet – Not Your “Feelings”:

Many businesses (or well-meaning people on their staff) have let an account age beyond the point of ever being collected because he or she “felt” the customer would eventually pay. While there certainly are a few isolated cases of unusual customer situations, the truth is that if you are not being paid, someone else is. So stick to your systematic plan of follow up. You will soon know who intends to really pay and who does not. You can then take appropriate measures once you know where you stand.

7. Make Sure Your Staff is Trained:

Even “experienced” staff members can sometimes become jaded when dealing with customers. This usually occurs when customers have made and broken promises for payment. Make sure the staff is firm yet courteous when dealing with customers. Your collection staff could benefit from customer service training because, in effect, they must “sell” your customers on the idea that you expect to be paid. Make sure that your collection staff is trained to not only bring the account current, but to also maintain good will with your customers.

8. Admit and Correct any Mistakes on Your Part:

Sometimes customers do not pay because they feel you have made a mistake. If you have, quickly admit it and correct it. Your customer realizes that mistakes can happen in business. Unfortunately, many customers believe that “the doctor doesn’t need the money”. Denying an obvious error only fans the fire of resentment your customer may already feel.

9. Follow the Collection Laws in Your State:

In many states, businesses are governed by the same collection laws as are collection agencies. For example: Calling a customer at odd hours or disclosing to a third party that a person owes your business money are a few of the numerous collection practices that can cause serious repercussions. When in doubt, call your state’s department of finance for any clarification on the law.

10. Use a Third Party Sooner:

If you’ve systematically pursued your past due accounts for 60 to 90 days from the due date, (and they still haven’t paid) you’re being delivered a message by your customer. More than likely, you’ve requested payment four to six times in the form of phone calls, statements, and letters. Statistics show that after 90 days, the effect of in-house collection efforts wear off 80%. That means that the time and financial resources budgeted for collection efforts should be focused within the first 90 days where the bulk of your accounts can and should be collected. From that point on, a third party can motivate a customer to pay in ways you cannot, simply because the demand for payment is coming from someone other than you. Avoid paying a percentage to a contingency collection agency, using small claims court or hiring an attorney by utilizing a flat fee collection service such as TSI. It will save your business time and money.

10.5. Remember that Nobody Collects Every Account:

Even by setting up and adhering to a specific collection plan, there are a few accounts that will never be collected. By identifying these accounts early you will save yourself and your business a great deal of time and money. At the same time, your business will benefit from improved cash flow from the vast majority of accounts that do pay.

Developing and implementing a sound collections policy is a vital part of running a successful business. Follow these steps, and watch your business thrive while retaining a good professional relationship with your customers.

Don’t forget to subscribe to this blog for more Tips and Tricks to make your business or practice more profitable.

Contact Me Directly

Please subscribe to this blog , or contact me with any questions.

Call me directly at 770-224-8504 or 888-780-1333
Schedule a phone call with me by clicking here
Visit my website by clicking here
Visit my YouTube channel by clicking here
Email me at David.wiener@cashflowstrategies.us

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Free Webinar – Dental Collections and Cash Flow During COVID-19

30 Aug
https://cashflowstrategies.webinarninja.com/live-webinars/491655/register

Please join me for an important webinar on how to keep your practice’s cash flowing while we all emerge from this pandemic.

Friday, September 4
2:00 PM Eastern

Here is What You’ll Learn

  • Why taking action now may save your practice

The Bureau of Economic Analysis has reported the the US personal savings rate has surged by more than 33% in the last few months and the stock market is at almost unprecedented highs. Whether it is through reduced consumption or stimulus, people have money right now. Some of it rightfully belongs to you, and it is the right time to go get it.

  • How to avoid paying high collection percentages

We will discuss the “dirty little secret” of the collections industry that most certainly has you paying too much to get your money collected.

  • How to collect more money, while spending less

Your cash flow is the lifeblood of your practice. Without adequate cash flow, especially in today’s environment, your practice cannot survive. You will learn how to manage your receivables AND save staff time as well.

  • Learn the 4 Patient Payer Types

Learn why certain patients do not pay on time, and how to motivate them to pay their bill, without ruining vital patient relationships. We will discuss 4 distinct types of patients payers and how they can be motivated to pay on time and educated to never pay late again.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Tags: , , , , , ,

6 Warning Signs of Financial Trouble for Your Small Business

28 Aug

Any entrepreneur knows there’s a chance that their business may not take succeed. Risk is inherent in any new business venture, of course. The Small Business Administration says that, while about 80% of small businesses make it through their first year, only 50% of small businesses make it past the five-year mark. Only one in three celebrate their 10th anniversary.

While most small business owners lack the crystal ball clarity of knowing what their future will hold, there are some clear warning signs that the company is faltering and in danger of failing.

Warning Signs of Small Business Trouble

  1. A failing income statement.
    Keeping an eye on the income statement is imperative no matter the age of the company. Red flags include a rising accounts receivables line or outright losses. If outstanding debt is high and you’re failing to collect on it, this could signal real trouble.
  2. Low cash on hand.
    Watching the balance sheet unbalance should make any CFO nervous. If cash on hand is shrinking or if you need to sell assets to make payroll, that’s a bad sign. Are sales down? Are your shelves filled with inventory that isn’t moving? If your business has a credit line, is it maxed out? Watch out for company bills not being paid quickly or increasing debt as a signal of trouble.
  3. External market factors signal increased competition.
    When a company feels competitive pressure, they must have the cash flow to shift tactics. If cash flow is a problem, a competitor could outbid or undercut on price, which could drive you right out of business.
  4. Legal troubles.
    Beware the corporate lawsuit. For companies struggling to stay afloat, a host of legal issues could arise such as vendors suing for nonpayment of bills, lenders pursuing property or equipment repossession, or even, failure to pay quarterly taxes.
  5. Failure to make payroll.
    If payroll checks bounce, there is a huge problem with the health of the company. One missed paycheck could have a long lasting impact on the employment relationship Once trust is lost, employee morale can decline in a self-perpetuating loop that customers will definitely notice.
  6. Bookkeeping holes.
    The health of a business can almost always be determined by the quality of the financial documentation. Clean books impact the company’s decisions about purchasing and growth. Without an accurate record, how can companies create a strategic plan for expansion? The simple answer is – they cannot.

While small companies can go through financial hills and valleys, these signs may signal that the business is in real trouble. If your company is struggling, talk to me about debt collection and other services that can improve the bottom line. There is no charge for this consultation, and it might just save your business.

Contact me today!

Call me at 770-224-8504 or 888-780-1333
Email me by clicking here
Visit my website by clicking here
Visit my Youtube channel by clicking here

Tags: , ,

Medical Providers: Still Waiting for Your Personal Injury Cases to Settle?

7 Aug

Personal injury cases are taking longer than ever to settle, 18-22 months in some cases and possibly much longer. Many of the medical providers I speak with tell me that it takes WAY too long to get paid on their personal injury liens and LOPs (Letters of Protection). This causes serious cash flow challenges and excessive staff time needed to continue to monitor the status of cases and negotiate the reductions often requested by attorneys on the case.

If you treat personal injury patients on a lien or LOP, chances are you are facing the same kind of challenges to both your cash flow and staff time.

Get Paid Sooner, Not Later

I am now working with a firm that specializes in helping medical practices like yours get paid or treating personal injury patients. They purchase medical liens. This allows you to receive your payment sooner, and they work, and negotiate, with the attorneys to receive payment at the end of the case. Regardless of how the case ultimately resolves, you will have been paid for your services and relieved of your payment risk.

What’s In It For You?

Benefits of working with Velocity Medical Receivables Solutions, LLC.

  • No cost or financial investment required for the medical provider
  • Predictable cash flow on future receivables
  • Removal of payment risk
  • Money in advance of case settling, no waiting for cases to resolve
  • Confidence in accepting more personal injury cases knowing you won’t have to wait for your payment.

Let’s Talk!

I would love to show you how you can turn your waiting on personal injury cases into regular cash flow.

Let’s talk! Schedule a quick conversation about your practice at your convenience by CLICKING HERE.

See other ways that Cash Flow Strategies, Inc. can help you improve your practice cash flow by visiting our web site by CLICKING HERE

Tags: , , , , , , ,

6 Little-Known Facts about Debt Collection Compliance

13 May

Debt collection is one of the most heavily regulated activities you will ever undertake.

The debt collection industry is one of the most heavily regulated in the United States. That is precisely why it’s risky to undertake debt collections on your own; there are rules for when and how past due clients can be contacted, what mediums you can use to reach out, what you can say, and how often you can say it.

There are federal rules and industry-specific rules, rules for how data is collected and stored, and even rules for what you should do if a consumer or past due client asks you to stop contacting them. These rules can shift quickly, but failing to stay compliant can promptly get a business into hot water.

We’ve compiled half a dozen rules currently governing the debt collection industry. These rules also apply and those businesses seeking a more DIY approach.

Following the Rules for Debt Collection

First, let’s start with the rules under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the federal law that protects consumers from overzealous debt collection agents.

  1. The FDCPA usually does not cover a business debt. If your business is trying to collect a past due mortgage, credit card, medical bill, or personal or household-type debts, your debt collection practices are covered by FDCPA.
  2. The FDCPA regulates time and place of debt collection. For example, your debt collection efforts cannot occur before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. If you attempt debt collection in the workplace and the consumer or client asks you to stop, you may not continue your efforts.
  3. If you’ve been informed that an attorney is representing the client, debt collection must go through them and not the customer.
  4. If the past due client writes to tell you to stop contacting them, you cannot contact them. The exception is that you may tell them there will be no further contact or inform them that other legal action will be taken. It doesn’t mean you can’t pursue other avenues of debt collection, just that you cannot contact them to collect the debt.
  5. A debt collection agent is required to tell you certain things about the debt, specifically who the money is owed to, how much, and how the client can dispute the debt. If this information isn’t provided on initial contact, you have five days to send these details in writing.
  6. If the past due account holder disputes the past due debt within 30-days of receipt of the initial communication, you must stop all collection activityuntil you have verified the past due debt.

There are also rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act governing how debt collection and past due balances can be documented in credit reports. There are even state laws governing fair practices by anyone conducting debt collection. Keeping compliant with all of these rules is a full-time job. That’s exactly why businesses turn to TSI. Our track record of compliance with all debt collection laws, along with decades of experience in most industries make us the top company in the nation to partner with companies seeking a better bottom line.

The TSI data-driven approach is designed to boost debt recovery while enhancing the relationship with your valuable customers. Contact me directly at 770-224-8504 for more information.

Tags: , , ,

Hotels and Cost Segregation

6 May

U.S. tax codes require expensing assets such as vehicles, office equipment, and buildings over their designated recovery period. Depreciation accounts for the wear and tear on an asset and reduces the value of the asset over time. Depreciation is a non-cash expense which means money was not spent to create the deduction. To someone who owns commercial property including hotels, depreciation is a huge benefit because it reduces their taxable income.

Generally, on a depreciation schedule, hotels are set up to depreciate over a 39-year period. However, separating the structural and non-structural components of a building and accelerating the depreciation lives of the non-structural components can result in significant tax savings. Structural components include the building’s roof, walls, and foundation which depreciate over 39 years. Non-structural components can be depreciated over five years and include carpeting, molding, window coverings, security systems, and more. Property improvements like curbing, paving, and striping can also be segregated and depreciated over 15 years.

Hotels have many non-structural components that can be reclassified into shorter depreciable lives. Failing to properly separate these components can result in missed tax savings. Having a cost segregation study done on a hotel can help property owners realize these tax savings.

Since 1999, cost segregation studies have been recognized as an accepted method of accelerating the depreciation of property. Through reclassifying a portion of the building’s assets as business use, the cost segregation study lowers the property owner’s income tax liability, thereby increasing cash flow. Average savings to the hotel owner is between $50,000 and $70,000 per $1,000,000 of building cost. This savings can be used to invest in the business, pay off debt, or however they see fit; it is their money.

Cost Segregation studies have the potential to provide significant financial benefits to hotel owners— benefits that are most likely overlooked. With proper guidance from a reputable cost segregation provider, hotel owners can even take advantage of greater expensing of repairs and improvements under the 2014 Tangible Property Regulations.

If you have questions, I can provide answers. Contact me directly at 770-224-8504 for more information, or visit http://davidwiener.cssistudy.com

Tags: , , , ,

Best Practices for Collecting Debt from Millennials in 2019

29 Apr

Millennials, those youthful consumers born after 1980, are about to overtake Baby Boomers as the largest living adult population in the U.S., with more than 74 million of them working and accruing debt. Speaking of debt, there is a lot of it; CNBC says the average student loan debt is around $33,000  – and yet that isn’t even the main source of debt for the older millennial.

That’s why the chances are good that your business will often be conducting debt collection from the millennial population. What are some special considerations related to this age group? Are there any communication best practices to follow?

Facts About Millennials and The Debt They Accrue

According to CNBC, Millennials between the ages of 25 and 34 have around $42,000 in debt. The highest level of debt is from credit cards. But CNBC says these young professionals also have other stressors that prior generations didn’t have, such as higher education expenses and student loans as well as the high cost of housing. Almost one-half of Millennials are 90-days past due on at least one bill. In fact, Americans owe more than $1 trillion in debt from student loans. It’s possible that other debts will suffer as these people spend more money on college debt.

While debt is increasing across all age brackets in the United States, these trends are particularly troubling for an age group that is just getting started on a career path. CNBC says that Generation Z, the age bracket that comes behind the Millennials is following in their footsteps with an average debt of $4,343.

Given the high debt ratio for these young people, are there any considerations for handling collecting debt that might be different from older populations?

Best Practices for Collecting Debt from Millennials

Collecting debt from Millennials is actually different from GenX or the Baby Boomers. First, it might be more difficult to reach these young consumers, because most of them have given up a landline for a personal smartphone.

Pursuing debt collection from this youthful population requires a few tricks in order to accommodate their personal preferences and styles:

  • Use technology to reach Millennials. They are one of the first generations to grow up with the immediacy of the internet and a host of software tools. Debt collection must mine this tech-familiarity to reach these consumers.
    Tip: Try setting up a web portal so these customers can explore easy online payment.
  • Make connections with Millennials and use the power of relationships to pursue debt collections.
    Tip: A compassionate and diplomatic approach to debt collection can go a long way when it comes to collecting what’s owed.

Debt collection for the Millennial population requires some flexibility to handle the special needs of this population. Contact me today at 770-224-8504 for more information.

Tags: , , , , ,

Businesses and Cash Flow

22 Apr

Business and Cash Flow

The first rule of business is to stay in business, and businesses need cash to operate. Every successful business keeps a close eye on cash flow for this reason. There are many tax-saving advantages for those who own or have improved commercial properties through tax law. If you own or lease commercial or income producing property and you are not taking advantage of all that US Tax Code has to offer, you are actually diminishing cash flow.

Let’s look at how your business can easily increase its cash flow by using the cost segregation method of depreciating your building.

Cost segregation is a way for commercial property owners to accelerate their building’s depreciation, saving significantly on income taxes. Within the first five years of building ownership, an owner can save up to $100,000 for every $1 million in building costs. To maximize cash flow, an owner or lessee who has paid for improvements can have a cost segregation study performed.

At CSSI, we perform an engineering-based study to ensure you comply with US Tax Code rules and regulations. Our team of specialists will segregate parts of your building that are deemed non-structural. Non-structural items include carpeting, flooring, cabinets, specialty lighting and electrical, etc. These and other non-structural items are placed in accelerated tax lives. After the analysis, your CPA will adjust your depreciation schedule from the conventional 27.5-/39-year schedule to a 5-, 7-, 15-, and 27.5-/39-year schedule.
A cost segregation study reduces your taxable income and results in lower taxes paid. Using this cash surplus to reinvest in your business or pay down debt is a great way of maximizing the time value of money.

At CSSI, our tax experts will help your business generate more cash flow through an engineering-based study. In some cases, the calculations from our study can be necessary to realize benefits from the 2014 Repair Regulations and the 2017 TCJA. Contact us today, and we can provide you with a no-cost preliminary analysis, and we can facilitate a discussion with you and your CPA or tax professional.

Contact me directly at 770-224-8504, or schedule a conversation with me by clicking here, to see how much you can add to your cash flow this year. There is, as always, no cost or obligation.

It’s Your Money . . . Keep More of It!

Tags: , , , , ,

← Older Entries

%d bloggers like this: