Paying for Business Expenses Applying for a business credit card is something a small business should seriously consider for itself. Business credit cards can provide a range of benefits to a business. They allow a company to build up credit for better borrowing conditions down the road. They’re also quite easy to apply for. In this article, we’ll go over how to apply for a business credit card and other important points to note. What Is a Business Credit Card? A business credit card is a credit card that is intended for business expenses. These cards are not meant for any individual’s personal use, but they are available to businesses of all sizes. What Is a Business Credit Card Used For? Business credit cards are meant for business expenses, and as such, they come with several perks that you wouldn’t get with a normal credit card. Business credit cards typically have far higher credit limits than normal cards, but they are also harder to qualify for. [youmaylike] As a business phenomenon, business credit cards vary their offers greatly, and certain cards are meant for certain businesses. They are also highly customizable when it comes to individual payment terms. Businesses don't always have consistent incomes like individuals do, and business credit cards handle this problem. These cards are used to gain access to a long line of credit, to control employee spending on business expenses and more. One of their other common uses is to make accounting easier, as putting all business expenses on one separate account makes reporting to the Internal Revenue Service easier. In the end, there are many uses for a business credit card. Why Would I Need a Business Credit Card? You might not need one, but if you run a business, you’ll be leaving money on the table by not at least looking into them. Business credit cards can solve many of the problems business owners face. If you need employees to make purchases for the business, a business credit card is the safest option. These cards can be given to authorized users, a status you can easily give to any of your employees. From here, these cards make it easy to monitor employee spending and spot any discrepancies. You can attach customized user privileges to each card to limit spending and place limits on where the card can be used. As mentioned, if you feel like your credit is too limited, business credit cards are a sure way around low credit. According to the American Bankers Association, the average monthly payment on a business credit card is twice as high as the average payment on a normal one. If you’ve found yourself annoyed with the Internal Revenue Service over the complicated reporting processes for business owners, you’re not alone. This is where a business credit card can solve another problem. Simply handing over your business credit card statements to your accountant will make them love you. It will also provide them with the information they need to predict future spending. Another great use for a business credit card is lifting your liability for debts. Liability for credit card debt is determined by the liability offered by the card. If you’re using a personal credit card for business expenses, you are liable for all debts. On the other hand, if you use a business credit card with commercial liability, your business is liable for any debts, which changes the game. Keep in mind that some cards offer joint liability, which leaves both you and your business liable for any debts. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before signing any paperwork. Lastly, just as personal credit cards offer rewards programs, so do business cards. The main difference here is that business credit card rewards are tailored to your business needs. How to Apply for a Business Credit Card Before you apply for a business credit card, you should make sure you’re eligible. For the most part, you only require the following to be able to apply for one: A legal name for your business. A business structure to apply with, such as a Limited Liability Corporation. An explanation of the nature of your business. You’ll typically be given a list of industry types to choose from. A tax ID number issued by the Internal Revenue Service Your roll in the business you’re representing Various business/financial information including: Annual revenue. Number of employees. Length of time in business. Estimated monthly expenses. If you have this information ready, you can apply for a business credit card. At this point, it would be wise to shop around and find the best option for your business. Your decision on the business credit card you choose will have larger ramifications than your choice of a personal credit card. Applying for a business credit card is much the same as applying for a personal one. There are a few differences, but the main thing to remember is that business credit cards are taken more seriously than normal ones, so you’ll have to face a higher bar of entry. This doesn’t mean getting a business credit card is hard, but it does mean you need to arrive more well-prepared than you normally would. To make things easier, you can prepare for certain obstacles in advance. You may need to sign a personal guarantee that you will pay off any debts. Also keep in mind that if you’re the one applying for a business credit card, and your business doesn’t already have one, they will conduct a personal credit check. It may be best to try to optimize your personal credit if you plan on applying for a business credit card in the future. Some Options at a Glance Here are some of the most popular options for small business credit cards: Chase Inc Business Preferred This is a great option for a few reasons. With the Business Preferred card from Chase Inc, you get 80,000 ultimate reward points when you spend $5,000 with the card in the first three months. The card also provides generic, but highly useful benefits for business owners. Business Platinum Card from American Express The Business Platinum is ideal for businesses that spend a lot on flights and travel. This card offers numerous rewards on flight and hotel expenses and makes sure you get something serious back if you use it for these expenses. Chase Inc Business Unlimited The Chase Inc Business Unlimited offers unlimited 1.5% cash back. While we’ve said enough already, they also offer several other perks that are overshadowed by their first one.
How to Manage Money as a Couple
You’ve finally found that special person, and you two decide to spend the rest of your lives together. Congratulations!
Unfortunately, as anyone in a marriage can attest, it is a union that requires a fair bit of work. It isn’t just enough to exist. You must continually show your spouse that they matter to you and allow them to live their own life. Even if that path might not be ideal for you.
One of the biggest things couples fight about is money. The specifics of how to manage money as a couple aren't always straightforward. Some couples don’t have enough of it. Others feature one spender and one saver, with conflict arising when deciding what to do with excess cash. One of the keys to a good relationship is avoiding fights about this sensitive topic.
This article will take a closer look at how to manage money as a couple and will present some strategies you can use to keep your relationship happy. We’ll look at what types of accounts you should use, how to make the best household budget, various investing strategies and the difference between cohabitation and being married will have on your finances.
The Ultimate Question – Joint or Individual Accounts?
Let’s start off with the question on the top of most people’s minds when they get married or move in with that special someone. Should you combine finances into a joint account? Or just stick with individual accounts?
My answer will likely disappoint many of you. The correct answer is… it depends.
I know! What a cop-out, right?
Here’s the skinny. There are a million variables to consider, and they all depend on how you and your partner view money. Generally, if you both view things approximately the same, then there won’t be as many issues if you combine finances. Two spenders will be naturally inclined to drain the account every month, just as two savers will be reluctant to spend every month. Being on the same page makes things easier.
Having separate accounts might also be a good idea even if you both view money in a similar way. If each person in the relationship is making sure financial goals are being met, then keeping money separate can give each spouse a little bit of freedom.
Ultimately, couples need honesty to make separate accounts work. You must be willing to show your spouse where your money goes, especially if you’re not contributing your share to shared household goals. Honesty is important in a joint account too, but with those, it is much easier to see what’s going on.
How to Budget as a Couple
Like many other aspects of a good relationship, setting an appropriate household budget comes down to compromising. It's much like creating a personal budget, but with a greater emphasis on splitting and sharing.
The first step is to sit down with your partner and figure out what’s important for both of you. One person might really want to live in a nice house, while the other cares about the vehicle they drive. You’ll likely have separate hobbies, too, with some costing more than others. Consider other financial aspects as well, including attitudes towards charity or helping family.
Ideally, you’ll have enough in the household budget to make each person happy without much compromising. This might be easier than you think, especially if you both make a decent income.
Things start getting a little trickier if you have two spenders who get together. I’d recommend allocating enough joint cash to pay all the bills and then make sure some gets taken right off the top into savings. After that, split up what’s left into spending accounts and spend it on whatever you want. Let your partner do this no matter how frivolous you might think it is.
Next, let’s talk about how to budget if you have separate finances. It should be simple; each member contributes 50% of household expenses and then does whatever they’d like with the rest. But that’s not always the best approach, especially if your spouse makes less than you do. Consider a more even split based on income.
Finally, you might want to have a cap on purchases one spouse can make without telling the other. It’s important to discuss big ticket purchases with each other beforehand to avoid hurt feelings.
Investing
Investing as a couple can be complicated.
Let’s start with the basics. Ideally, you’ll want to open joint investing accounts. That way the division of assets is very clear; you’re both equal owners. This isn’t just important from a legal standpoint, it’s also important from a psychological perspective as well.
After that, it gets more complicated. For instance, a higher-earning spouse can contribute to a 401(k) on behalf of their spouse and collect the tax incentives to do so. This can be an effective way to split income and get the future tax liability into the lower-earning spouse’s name.
Some couples take this even further, with the higher-earning spouse putting every spare nickel into their partner’s investment accounts. These capital gains and dividends are then taxed at a much lower rate. Learn more about tax brackets.
These are just some of the basics. You’ll want to talk to an accountant or financial advisor if you really want to maximize gains as a couple over the long-term.
The Legal Differences
The institution of marriage has been falling out of favor for years now, with many couples choosing not to bother. It’s expensive, requires a lot of paperwork and really doesn’t change much for a committed relationship.
One area where it does matter is your finances. You’ll want to take a slightly different approach depending on what path your relationship follows.
Divorce laws in the United States are straightforward, at least from an asset perspective. Community property — which includes any assets acquired while you’re both married — is split evenly upon divorce. It doesn’t matter whose name is on what account. What’ll make this tricky are assets that are brought into a marriage.
You get fewer protections if you don’t bother to get married. This means one member of the relationship could stockpile assets in their name and be in great shape once the relationship ends, while the other person is left with nothing. There are some states that have laws which help protect against this, but for the most part you’ll need to take steps to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.
Many couples sign a cohabitation agreement, a contract that outlines what assets are considered to be joint assets and what assets are excluded from this designation. These are a great idea, and I’d think twice before moving in with someone without having one.
The Bottom Line for How to Manage Money as a Couple
Ultimately, it comes down to this: the details don’t matter as much as the sentiment behind them. So, talk to your significant other about what they’d like to do, make compromises, and then be consistent and honest with each other. Having joint accounts, for example, would be a good solution for some couples, but it might not work for your relationship.
You’ll likely make changes in whatever method you choose over time, as both you and your partner change and mature. Don’t sweat this at all. Ultimately what really matters is the consideration for the other’s feelings. Get that right and the rest will fall into place.