Business

A small business owner can turn the unpaid customer invoices into fast cash with the help of invoice factoring. This method has gained much popularity in the last few years for businesses whose customers are other businesses. It can be quite frustrating to wait for customers to make the payment of their remaining balances. These issues get easily resolved with the help of this smart financing option. Read the complete post to know the advantages and disadvantages of factoring in the invoices.

What is invoice factoring?

It is one type of finance facility that is offered by a broker to help business owners leverage their unpaid invoices with an instant cash flow. Whenever a business owner gets a cash shortfall, he can get in touch with a trusted factoring company. The logic is to sell the invoice to a factoring company in exchange for a huge amount of cash. The factoring company then owns the invoices and collects the cash from the customers of the partnership company within 30 to 90 days.

Advantages of factoring invoices

1. Immediate Cash Flow: Applying for a bank loan can be time-consuming and it also takes additional time to receive the status. But invoice factoring offers access to cash quickly so that the business can run smoothly. When a business has short-term financing needs the company needs not to wait for the payment of the customers.
2. Flexibility: The better cash flow allows the business owner to plan the business accurately. Many businesses can’t run long due to poor cash flow. It is a suitable option for companies that deal with huge customers.
3. Reduced business overhead: It is a great way to reduce business overheads. Invoice factoring can also boost the morale of the employees working in the finance department.
4. Affordable: This finance facility can reduce expenses as it’s cheaper than those bank loans and suitable for short-term financial needs. Depending on the size of the company and the number of employees, one can determine the amount of money. Those facing a low credit score can take the advantage of invoice factoring. A factoring company can hardly change 1% – 5% of the total amount.
5. Improved customer relationship: Debt collection can be time-consuming and irritating.  Handing over the responsibility to a factoring company can help in maintaining a strong customer-company relationship. In case the customers are not paying on time, the business owner can pay the employees on time without worrying about the cash flow.

Conclusion

This method is not suitable for companies that deal with a few customers. When an invoice is factored in, the factoring company handles the credit which also indicates handing over some control on customer relationships as well. In a nutshell, business owners who need fast funding can rely on this business strategy. There are too many factoring companies available in the market. But not all of them are reliable. Make sure to check their reviews, years of experience, license, and certification before handling the financial responsibilities to the particular company.

Cardboard boxes are prefabricated cardboard boxes, more commonly used for packaging materials and products and are also sometimes reused. Cardboard Boxes, as the name implies, are made of cardboard, a natural, renewable, and sustainable product. Cardboard is commonly found in homes, businesses, and even in industrial settings. Cardboard Boxes, being easy to produce and fairly inexpensive, have found widespread use.

Cardboard Boxes are made of a single sheet of thick paperboard covered on one or both sides with either cloth, paper, vinyl, plastic, or Polyvinyl Choloride (PVC), a transparent plastic. Cardboard Boxes are also referred to as cartons, or pallets, and come in many different sizes and dimensions. Some boxes are long and narrow and called shelf packs, while others are wider and have a long top. Some types of Cardboard Boxes are referred to as “high-density” cardboard, as they weigh more than other types of Cardboard Boxes.

Cardboard Boxes can be used in almost any type of packaging application. Cardboard Boxes are commonly found in all forms of packaging – product packaging, shipping/delivery, factory packaging, point-of-sale, promotional, and laboratory/petrochemical applications. Because Cardboard Boxes are easily customized to meet the diverse requirements of every type of packaging application, they are an attractive alternative to many standard plastic or metal packaging solutions. In addition to being cost-effective, they offer a quick solution to most packaging needs, are environmentally friendly, and are easily sanitized.

Cardboard Boxes are primarily used as flooring materials for the packaging of food, beverages, medicines, and medical supplies. The term cardboard boxes is also used in the home to refer to boxes that are manufactured and specifically used for household products. Cardboard Boxes are primarily used as components of flat pack furniture that come in a large selection of attractive colors and designs. Cardboard Boxes are used to transport consumables such as food and household products, medications, electronic and electrical goods, and water. Cardboard Boxes are also commonly used as packaging or display cases for various types of media products.

Other uses for Cardboard Boxes include in the classroom where Cardboard Boxes are frequently used as shelving units for books, periodicals, files, and other reading material. Custom boxes with this material can also be used to store products that require additional protection from moisture, such as photographic and video materials, metals, and electronics. In offices, cardboard boxes that are used as file storage containers are often custom-made, as companies often prefer a more uniform appearance for their Cardboard Boxes. In manufacturing, Cardboard Boxes are commonly used to protect finished products during shipping processes. Since Cardboard Boxes are easily cleaned with a damp cloth or dish detergent, they are an excellent choice for Cardboard Containers in public areas.

Cardboard Boxes are also suitable for indoor and outdoor packaging, but some Cardboard Boxes are better suited for specific applications than others. For example, Cardboard Boxes that are required for hot-fill packaging must be made of high-quality, heavy-duty plastic that will not warp during shipping. Cardboard Boxes that are used for hot-fill packaging should be covered with a custom lamination that will not damage the box during shipping. The most durable Cardboard Boxes are those that are made of thermoplastic polypropylene, which has a high density and low price.

CIBIL score is the parameter that most financial institutions use to determine the creditworthiness of the borrower. A healthy CIBIL score becomes necessary to enter into a formal lending arrangement. A most common question in the mind of the borrowers is whether the CIBIL score also plays an important role in availing of a personal loan. 

Importance of CIBIL Score for Personal Loans 

Like other lending arrangements, the CIBIL score also plays an important role while determining personal loan eligibility. Personal loans are the unsecured loans provided by financial institutions to the borrowers. Personal loans can be availed to meet any of the personal or business needs. Being unsecured in nature, the CIBIL score becomes an important criterion for the financial institutions to determine the repayment capabilities of the borrowers and reduce their risk of NPAs. 

What is the Ideal CIBIL Score for a Personal Loan

While CIBIL score becomes an important parameter for availing a loan, a question arises as to what is the ideal CIBIL score? CIBIL score ranges between 300-900. For most lending institutions, a CIBIL score above 750 is considered ideal. This is also equally relevant for personal loans. However, CIBIL above 800 is considered great. With a good CIBIL score, the following benefits accrue to you when applying for a personal loan:

• Eligibility: Personal loan eligibility criteria include assessment of CIBIL score. Therefore, a good CIBIL score creates a good impression in the mind of the lenders and assures them of the repayment capabilities of the borrower.
• Favorable terms: With a good CIBIL score, you can negotiate the terms favorable to you. Most importantly, it helps in securing lower personal loan interest rates and reduces other borrowing costs as well. As a good CIBIL score reduces the risk of financial institutions, they agree to lend at affordable costs to the borrowers.

Factors that Affect the CIBIL Score

CIBIL score is the representation of the history of your borrowings and therefore is affected by multiple factors. From loan inquiries to repayments, it considers your financial behavior in its entirety to determine your creditworthiness and repayment capabilities. Following are the primary factors that affect your CIBIL score:

• Repayment of EMIs
• Payment of credit card dues
• Maxing out your credit card limits or utilizing most of your limits.
• Keeping credit card bills outstanding or only paying the minimum amount due
• Making multiple hard inquiries for availing of the loans.

Personal Loan EMI Calculator

If you plan to apply for a personal loan, you can determine your monthly EMI in advance before applying using the personal loan EMI calculator. You just need to enter the loan amount, the personal loan interest rates, and tenure of the loan. This gives the exact idea of the amount you need to allocate monthly towards your personal loan EMI and pre-plan your budget accordingly.

Conclusion

While CIBIL score is not the only criteria, it definitely is an important criterion to enter into any formal lending arrangement. You may have a hard time getting a loan from a financial institution if your CIBIL score is at a lower edge. Even if you satisfy the eligibility with a lower CIBIL score, lending terms may become unfavorable. Such unfavorable terms may include higher interest rates, higher processing fees, and other costs, etc. Being regular in repayments of your EMI is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy CIBIL score.

For more information, please visit our Tata Capital’s website.

It’s no secret. Your Macbook can do much more than you probably know.

If you’re a new MacBook user, this may seem a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to learn more basic programs, such as the camera.

Don’t worry. You’re not alone in this endeavor, and we’ve got you covered!

Read on to learn how to take a photo on Mac and much more.

Take a Photo on Mac With Photo Booth

When you buy an expensive laptop, you want to be able to utilize all of the different features. One of the perks of these devices is all of the tools built into one.

Gone are the days when you need a separate camera. Now, it’s very simple to take a profile picture or send a loved one a snapshot just by opening up your laptop.

To take photos on your Mac with Photo Booth, you first want to open the Photo Booth app, which you can find inside the applications folder.

Make sure nothing is blocking your camera, which is found in the top area of your screen directly in the center.

Once you’re ready to take your picture, click the red button, and a countdown will begin. You’ll see the screen flash white when the picture is taken.

A small thumbnail of it will pop up in the right-hand corner of Photo Booth, which you can click on to view and share your photo.

There are many other settings with Photo Booth that you can use to take pictures, such as various filters and effects. You can also flip your image if you prefer it to be mirrored, and you can turn off the flash and countdown settings.

How to Screenshot on Mac

When learning how to take a photo on a Mac, you’ll discover that screenshotting is another excellent option. This option is different than using Photo Booth, as you won’t be taking photos on a Mac in real-time.

Instead, screenshotting is generally used to capture Mac photos already taken, images on your screen from the internet, or to record something you may need for work.

If you’d like to screenshot your entire screen, press Shift + Command + 3. This will capture the whole display, and you can find the picture on your desktop.

To capture a section of space, press Shift + Command + 4. Your mouse will turn into a small circle with a grid.

Drag and hold the mouse over the area you want to screenshot until it’s completely covered. Release your mouse to capture the image.

If you’re looking to learn how to avoid making duplicate photos, click here to learn what professionals gave tips on this subject.

Ready to Start Making Memories on Your Mac?

Learning how to use your new laptop is a process, and understanding how to take a photo on Mac is the first step. It’s not as complicated as it seems, and using the guide above can get you well on your way.

Would you like more lifestyle content like this? Well, then you better browse through the rest of our website today!

A sales tax is a fee levied on selling specific products and services paid to the government. Generally, laws permit the vendor to collect tax payments from the customer at the time of purchase. A usage tax is a type of tax on products or services paid directly to a governing body by a customer. Food, education, and medications, for example, are frequently excluded from sales and use tax under state legislation. However, a sales tax is connected to a value-added tax (VAT) levied on products and services. Moreover, checking for sales tax compliance by many companies may be a time-consuming and expensive process. Therefore, most companies opt to outsource sales tax compliance from sales tax consulting experts.

Listed below are some of the reasons sales tax consulting will benefit your company.

1. They help with a potential sales audit

You’ll ideally never have to deal with a sales tax audit, and you’ll be less likely to do so if you use a sales tax consulting firm. However, if your company is ever subjected to an audit, the firm will assist you in navigating the procedure. They’ll know how to navigate the various stages of an audit and how to minimize any tax liabilities your company may face.

2. They help reduce audit risks

Working with a sales tax consulting firm means that they will ensure that your company complies with all the sales and use regulations. Moreover, Sales tax regulations differ by jurisdiction, making it difficult to track them throughout all 50 states. However, consultants are familiar with the tax rules of several states and can assist your company in meeting all of its reporting and collection requirements. Therefore, working with sales tax experts will put you at ease knowing that deadlines will be met and that you will have avoided any audit risks.

3. Better management of exemptions

One of the most challenging aspects of sales tax administration is managing exemptions. While inadequate certificate management raises the chance of an audit, you don’t have to go through one to feel the pain. Many companies devote a significant amount of administrative resources to merely keeping track of the exemption certifications on file. A sales tax consultancy firm can assist you with digitizing, automating, and otherwise modernizing your exemption certificate administration system. Even if you never have an audit, the administrative costs your company saves will almost certainly be considerable.

4. They will also help with other taxes

If your company needs assistance with other tax concerns, sales tax consulting services can frequently help. A consultancy agency, for example, can certainly help with business tax returns and audits, including tax concerns other than sales tax. Because tax services provided by consultants differ, talk to your accountant about any additional tax assistance your company could want before deciding on a consulting firm.

5. They concentrate on your company’s core competencies

Navigating the complexities of sales tax is probably not one of your business’s strong suits, and working through the complexities diverts resources from other areas. Your firm will focus on its core strengths by outsourcing sales tax concerns to a professional who is knowledgeable with the complexities, challenges, best practices, and solutions. You won’t have to spend as much time worrying about taxes and can instead focus on growing your firm.

Federal Reserve reported that consumer debt hit an all-time high record before COVID-19, and now, the situation has got even worse.As a rule, people don’t even realize how they’ve accumulated so much debt and how it’s gone out of control. That’s why it’s important to stop and look around to take some measures to get out of credit card debt. Below, you can find basic steps and you’ll also know who can help you with a reliable and low-cost merchant cash advance in the U.S.

Getting Out of Credit Card Debt: Getting Merchant Cash Advance

Being equipped with the right knowledge and tools is paramount in any situation during your lifetime. Otherwise, you’re going to end up with misconceptions and fall into a trap. The same is with debt accumulation. Even if you’ve fallen into the trap of credit card debt, there are steps you can take to save the situation.

First of all, you shouldn’t ignore your credit report, which, by the way, you can get for free. The latter helps you keep your progress under control so you can better focus on improving your score.As a result, you can enjoy more favorable interest rates in the future. So, let’s start.

1. Assess Your Financial Situation and Cut Your Expenses

Make a list of all your debt, including your monthly bills. Create such review based on the balance and the annual percentage rate (APR). Then, focus on cutting your expenses. You can do this by sticking to your budget and figuring out where you can cut expenses from and enjoy more income.

2. Negotiate With Your Bank

Yes, this is quite doable. Just turn to your bank or credit card issuer for favorable deal. Why not try a new repayment plan or an agreement?This is a fine strategy to use. Only, remember not to agree to those payments that you can’t manage.

When negotiating, you can also ask them to stop the interest.What about a lower lump sum payment?Request for a lower interest rate. Besides, you can turn to a provider of credit counseling services, to a debt settlement business, or an attorney who can help you with your debt.

3. Combine Your Credit Debt& Use One Account

If you have balances on more than one card, you can enjoy a lower interest rate by bringing together your credit debts. If you have overwhelming debt payments, you can consolidate them into a single account. Making one payment each month can be of great help.

What if you have bad credit because of the situation you’re in and you can’t have access to the funds you need? No worries. You can turn to a reputable high risk alternative online lender in the U.S. for a merchant cash advance or another type of financing. A true high risk expert can easily approve you for the funds you need at the lowest possible rates.

How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt

If you’ve fallen into credit card debt, this can be a traumatic experience with a severe impact on your life. The good news is that you can take certain steps to cut your credit card debt and better manage your spending.

Author Bio:Michael Hollis is a Detroit native who has helped hundreds of business owners with their merchant cash advance solutions. He’s experimented with various occupations: computer programming, dog-training, accounting… But his favorite is the one he’s now doing — providing business funding for hard-working business owners across the country.

Did you know that your Mac has a built-in robot that can do many tasks for you, saving you tons of time? If not, that’s okay.

More than 22 million MacBooks were sold in 2020, and almost none of those users are aware of the Mac Automator. That means that these millions of people are wasting time completing repetitive tasks manually because they are simply ignorant of the robot they already own.

Are you on the lookout for Mac shortcuts that can save you time, which also helps you to save money? Then you need to know how to use Mac Automator, the free automation tool that can help you manipulate images and files at scale.

So what exactly can Mac Automator do to make your life easier? Keep reading to discover five of the main ways to start using this application.

1. Scale Down Image

If you are a photographer, designer, or someone else who works with lots of images, you know the pain of having to scale down large image files. After all, large images would slow down web pages if they were uploaded at full size.

Luckily, images don’t need to be full size to look good on a web page. Most people use small screens, such as smartphones or laptops, anyways. So an image that is only 1,200 pixels wide is more than sufficient. But images coming out of modern cameras can be up to 6,000 pixels wide.

Of course, you can edit photo sizes one by one using Preview on Mac. You can also do it one at a time when using photo editing software.

But the easier way to scale your images down to a consistent size is to use Automator.

You’ll start by opening Automator and creating new automation. Add the collection of photos to be edited in the left column. Then add the “scale images” function to the right column. Then save the app to your desktop.

You’ve essentially created a brand new app on your MacBook. To use, all you need to do is drop individual photos or a folder containing a collection of images onto the application’s icon.

You can edit the app at any time change the desired resolution. Or create multiple apps, each for a different resolution.

2. Rotate Images

Depending on how you take images, you might end up with many photos that are all sideways or upside down. This happens when using smartphones, as the orientation can get messed up when phones are held horizontally.

The slow way of fixing these photos is to open each one separately and click the rotate button multiple times until they are correct. But the easy way of resolving these on an ongoing basis is by creating an app with Automator.

Again, you’ll start by adding “Photos” to the left column. In the right column, you’ll add the “Rotate Images” function. You can select the orientation for each app and name the app on your desktop accordingly.

You can make multiple apps, each rotating images in a different direction.

3. Use Mac Automator to Convert Files

Take a lot of photos with your iPhone? Then you’ve probably experienced the frustration that comes along with HEIC files. These are the native format of photos taken on iPhones these days.

But not all websites accept uploads of HEIC files. So if you need to take a picture of a document, license, or something else and upload it to an app or website, you may have your photo rejected.

You’ll need to convert these image files to a widely accepted format, such as JPEG.

To do this, you’ll create a new application and again add “Photos” to the left column. On the right, you’ll add the “Change Type of Images” function. Choose the “To Type” according to your preferences, such as the universally accepted JPEG.

You can create other apps to convert to different files types as well.

4. Turn a Website Into a Native App

Most people don’t realize that websites can be standalone apps on their Mac. But they are used to having website-based apps on their iPhones.

For example, they might visit the Facebook website, Instagram website, or their bank’s website on their computer. But on their iPhone, they would just open the corresponding app, which functions much smoother and is easier to open and find.

And using Mac’s Automator, you can actually turn any website into an app that lives on the dock of your Macbook. This works by using site-specific browser (SSB) technology.

With the Safari save website as app function in Automator, you just need the URL of the site you’d like to convert to an app. And in a minute or two, you’ll have an app that can be customized to your liking.

5. Create a Custom Function

Want to get a little creative with your MacBook? If you know a thing or two about programming, you can script your own automation with this helpful robot.

Of course, Automator has tons of native functions already built-in. In fact, you can find hundreds in the library, each containing variables that can be adjusted for maximum use cases.

Or you can use Apple Scripts or Java Script to create unique commands that empower your desired workflows. First, you can add the run script action to your workflow. Then, enter the script code and any commands you’d like it to perform as a result.

Want increased customization without having to write commands yourself? Many third-party applications have custom-coded Automator functions that automatically add to your library when you install the software.

For example, many Microsoft tools like Outlook, Word, or Excel will come with Automator functions ready to go.

Learn How Your Computer Works

Mac Automator is one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in the hands of all MacBook owners. If people took the time to learn how to use the expensive computers they hold in their hands, they could get a lot more done with far less effort.

Are you looking for more tips like this? Visit our blog today to keep reading.

Navin was once reading an interview of the young entrepreneur, Mr. Kaushal Dugar. Mr. Dugar used innovation in technology and supply chain to start ‘Teabox,’ with a vision to build India’s first global tea brand. This kicked Navin, a young adult with entrepreneurial dreams, towards driving faster on this path of starting a new business. He got to know about various government schemes through the Udyami helpline, low business loan interest rates, and collateral-free loans for new businesses offered by banks and financial institutions. He then ended his search by taking a business loan at an affordable rate.

Today, the ‘Make in India’  initiative by the Indian government is integral to the growth of entrepreneurship across the country. Therefore, small and medium-sized entities, popularly known as the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), are very significant for strengthening the Indian economy. Their success encourages young people, like Navin, from small towns to pursue self-employment through business innovations.

Main Challenges faced by MSMEs in India

Despite the crucial role played by the MSMEs in Indian economic growth, the sector is facing several challenges that prevent it from reaching its true potential.

Financial Challenge

A critical challenge in this sector is the lack of financial literacy. As MSME owners are from remote regions, they are typically unaware of the special financial privileges given to them by the government. Unlike big companies, they do not enjoy creditworthiness as their owners do not have sufficient assets to offer as collateral to the lenders. Lenders often lack the faith of regular receipt of loan EMIs and repayment of loans. Consequently, they are compelled to borrow from the unorganized sector.

Solution

MSME owners should be updated about the latest schemes and benefits offered by the government and lenders offering low business loan interest rates, easy processing, and flexible loan repayment structure. Such information can be procured by reading news updates, regularly approaching government officials, and being part of local groups. The government also educates and informs people through advertisements in newspapers, TV, and social media.

Ineffective Marketing

MSMEs are struggling to cope up with the current competitive market due to a lack of managerial and marketing skills, inadequate knowledge of market trends, absence of market analysis to boost sales and acquire new consumers, etc. MSMEs face challenges to stand firm against big business houses due to the lack of professional exposure towards levels such as branding, marketing, distribution.

Solution

There are various groups formed by the government or the MSMEs themselves to help other MSMEs learn the nuances of the business and thus, procure more customers and orders. They may charge nominal fees for their services. MSMEs may consider being part of such groups. It helps them connect with peers and professionals for better marketing and pricing strategies to withstand competition.

Technology and Infrastructural challenges

Indian MSMEs face these challenges due to a lack of up-to-date knowledge of the latest technological developments in the market. In certain cases, the inability to use computers and basic invoicing and accounting software results in limited expansion of business.

Besides, the main infrastructural issues in semi-urban and rural regions are frequent power cuts, restricted water supply, poor internet connectivity, poor roads, etc. This adversely affects the productivity and profitability of the MSMEs.

Solution

MSME owners should enroll themselves in government IT development programs to get better access to modern technology. For instance, knowledge of basic technologies like the business loan EMI calculator can help them ascertain the EMIs payable over a period of time.

Installing power generators or solar panels can help to overcome the power cut issue.

Unskilled Labor

India has a large pool of human resources, yet industries are facing challenges in procuring skilled manpower. Also, poor employee management and lack of training facilities lead to wastage of time and money.

Solution

MSME owners should organize in this area and combine their efforts to provide on-the-job training to new employees, higher wages or recognition to deserving persons, better training infrastructure, etc.

Conclusion

In short, MSMEs need to utilize the limited resources in an optimum and collective manner. They should be educated and informed about business loan, schemes, and skills to help the sector grow.

The government also rolls out different schemes to empower the MSMEs to overcome the obstacles. Being aware of such schemes and taking their benefits, and helping the MSMEs in business expansion.

Agriculture business includes production, farming, management, and marketing of commodities like livestock, vegetables, grains, and fruits. It also comprises resource management, sales of agricultural produce, conservation, and ranching. Agriculture business can be classified as follows:

• Production resources, which include machinery, seeds, equipment, energy, and fertilizers.
• Agriculture commodities, such as processed or raw food and fiber items.
• Facilitative services like transportation, insurance, packaging, marketing, storage, processing, and credit.

Importance and benefits of agriculture business

Almost 60% to 70% of the Indian population is involved in agriculture and allied activities. Moreover, the agriculture sector employs over 52% of the total labor and contributes around 15% to the Indian Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Agribusiness supplies food, as well as fodder, which is fed to livestock that in turn provides food to people. Several products like tea, spices, sugar, coffee, rice, and much more are exported from India, which provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs.

The agriculture business is also important for healthcare as several plants are used to manufacture different medicines. Moreover, it provides food security to the nation and helps prevent malnourishment.

How to finance an agriculture business

Before looking for financing options, you must prepare an agriculture business plan. You need to identify and conduct research on potential markets, as well as calculate the short-term and long-term viability of the business.

Agribusiness loans are offered by banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and cooperative societies. Often these are small and medium enterprise (SME) loans with a low rate of interest. The repayment tenure varies from one institution to another, and the amount can be repaid in monthly, bi-annual, or annual installments.

Generally, the loan can be used for buying livestock or cattle, managing daily operations, purchasing equipment, meeting warehousing and storage expenses, or other agribusiness-related purposes.

When you choose SME loan solutions from a reliable lender like Mahindra Finance, you can enjoy the following benefits.

• Flexible and convenient finance options
• Quick and hassle-free processing
• Minimal documentation
• Customized loan repayment schedule based on your financial situation
• Competitive SME loan interest rates

Although the exact documents may vary between lenders, some of the basic requirements include land ownership proof, identity proof, and address proof. You may also check your eligibility by visiting the lender’s website. The basic SME loan eligibility norms are as follows:

• You must be between 18 and 70 years old.
• The land should be used for agriculture purposes only.

To apply for a business loan and start your agribusiness quickly, visit the Mahindra Finance website today.

A Solo 401k plan is one of the best retirement options for entrepreneurs, freelancers, independent workers, and anyone who is self-employed. The plans address many of the concerns self-employed workers have and can provide an excellent option to these individuals for retirement planning.

If you are self-employed, read on to learn more about Solo 401k retirement plans and how to start one.

Why Should I Start a Solo 401k Retirement Plan?

There are tons of reasons why you should start a Solo 401k plan as a self-employed worker. But for our purposes, let’s detail the three most compelling reasons:

1. Loan Options. Without the backing of a large company, when things get difficult for you as a self-employed worker, there are very few options to which you can turn for help. Therefore, you have the option of taking out loans of as much as $50,000 or 50% of your plan’s value, if needed. Letting your money grow in your retirement fund is obviously the best option, but if you need to take out a loan, you can do so with a Solo 401k.
2. Roth Or Traditional Contributions. Whether you should structure your plan for Roth or Traditional contributions has long been debated. However, with a Solo 401k, the choice is up to you. If you would rather make pre-taxed traditional contributions and then pay taxes when you withdraw your money in retirement, you are able to do so. On the other hand, if you’d prefer to pay your taxes now and make Roth contributions, thereby making tax-free withdrawals in retirement, this option is also available to you with a Solo 401k.
3. Huge Contribution Limits. Saving the best benefit for last, a Solo 401k enables you to make the highest allowable contributions for self-employed individuals. In fact, you can contribute $19,500 as an employee and $37,500 as an employer. Because you are both your only employee and your only employer, you can make a total contribution of $57,000 a year to your Solo 401k plan.

How Do I Choose a Plan Provider?

It’s important to factor in a number of considerations when choosing your plan provider including:

• Fees Associated with Plan. If you can find a plan that does not impose any extra costs, you should strongly consider them for your Solo 401k provider.
• Intuitive Plan Set-Up. Setting up your plan shouldn’t be a laborious process where you need to do days’ worth of research. You should be able to call your provider, hear the available options, and be set up in short order.
• Customer Service Availability. Inevitably, you’re going to have questions pertaining to your plan. You’ll want to partner with a provider that is available to answer your questions, not one who will get back to you three weeks later.
• You’ll want to ensure that your plan offers everything that you’re looking for in terms of Roth and Traditional contributions, different investment options, etc.

Ready to start? Call a Solo 401k plan provider today to get started!