How Are Business Credit Cards Different From The Consumer Credit Cards?

A consumer credit card is a credit card that pretty much anybody can get. You can buy Visa and MasterCard credit cards from different financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, community banks, large banks, insurance banks, and finance companies. But business credit cards are very different in the sense that they are supposed to be specifically for small businesses.

So, in other words, they are for people who own a store, who have retailer outlets and for small business owners. Business credit cards and consumer credit cards look very similar to each other. Both have a credit card number, magnetic strip, and the same type of overall layout.

Liability and Credit Reporting

The primary difference between the two types of credit cards is liability and credit reporting. With a consumer credit card, whether you use it online or go to a branch, you are signing to be liable for that card yourself. It means that if you make charges on the card, then you are liable for the debt and if you do not make payments on that card it will be reported on your credit report.

Personal Guarantee

A small business card application is filled out on not only your name but also on your company’s name. So, a company that is essentially applying for the card and is, therefore, liable for the payments of that card. There are many scenarios, however, where the small business owner or the principal is being asked to sign, which is referred to as a personal guarantee.

In this case where you sign for a personal guarantee, not only does this make your business liable for the debt incurred on the card, but the owner or the principal of the company is also personally liable for the debt incurred on the card as well. It means that if a debt is incurred on the small business credit card and it is not paid then the bank not only goes after the company for the payment but they can also go after the business owner or the principal because they have signed to be personally liable for the debt.

Credit Score

When this happens, the bank can employ the same type of activities or tactics that any normal consumer credit card company could employ. This will include: negative credit reporting, outsourcing of the collection of debt to a third-party debt collector, and they can even sue you, not the company but the individual who signed the guarantee for the debt on the credit card. That’s bad news.

However, the good news is also there. It is when the card is being paid on time, and then the credit card activity will not be reported to the principal of the company’s consumer credit report. It is done because in many cases the small business owners use their best business credit cards to fund operations of the business. What happens in this scenario is that the debt that is incurred on behalf of the company ends up showing on the credit report of the owner of the company, and it can cause harm to his/her credit score.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many credit cards have rewards associated with them that have tangible benefits. If you have a small business credit card which has a reward program, the company realizes the benefit of the reward program and the company has to report it as some income or benefit.

Small Business Credit Card – A Win-Win Option

A good business survives only when you have an adequate level of liquid cash resources. You must always be ready for some unforeseen expenses so you should always have some cash resources to be utilized on time. Cash is something you can’t always keep in your pocket. The alternate way is to keep a couple of credit cards. If you own business, then you must apply for a business credit card. Don’t worry if your business is not big enough; you can always apply for small business credit cards even if your company is not big enough or even when you are only a sole proprietor.

Having one or more small business credit cards gives you multiple advantages to you and your business. Some of the advantages are mentioned below which can help you gain the dual win.

Track Your Expenses

Whether you are running a business or not, you must always keep an eye on your expenses. Keeping track of your expenses is the key to financial success. Your habit of tracking expenses can give you several advantages in your personal and business life. The easiest way to track your expenses is to spend every penny using a credit card. The first benefit is no doubt the bonus points and miles that you can cash in later. The main benefit of spending through a credit card is that you will have free expense tracking. You can see in every credit card bill what you spent on what and when.

Free Points and Bonuses

If you have a small business credit card, then you will have an extra advantage in the form of points. With every purchase you make using your credit card, you are given some points. These points can buy you some amazing prizes, bonuses and even some free travel. Make all business payments using the credit card and earn points and utilize these points for the dual benefit of your business.

Improved Credit

Credit cards are credit boosters. If you have credit cards and you spend a lot and pay bills on time, then your credit rating will improve swiftly. An improved credit rating will open new doors of financial success for your business. If you have bad credit, you can still get some credit cards. Once you get one, start paying your credit card bills on time, and you will have better credit soon.

Extra Cash Resource

This benefit should have been mentioned at the top, as it is the major benefit of having a credit card. In business, there come the days when you urgently need some cash to make payments. Sometimes you find some resource, but sometimes it becomes hard to arrange some ready cash to meet the expense. In such situations, small business credit cards become the blessing in the pocket. If can be used as an extra cash resource in case of need. You should have more than one credit card so you can always have one spare card which can be used only in case of urgent need.

Having read the advantages mentioned above of small business credit cards, you must apply for at least one credit card today so that you may have the win-win situation for your business.

Exploring 401(k) Loan and Utilizing It for Debt Consolidation

When you are desperate to get rid of your debt, you can borrow from your retirement money to consolidate your debt. This retirement amount is known as 401(k) plan. It is also called a pension plan. The best thing about borrowing from this plan is that you can get the money at a low interest rate.

 Understanding the Concept of a 401(k) Loan

Employers follow one simple rule, and that is they permit employees to loan up to half of their superannuation account for about five years. The limit is usually about $50,000. If you are thinking along the lines of making use of your 401(k), then first it is important that you decipher the concept and know the rules. For example, if you decide to leave your employment, then you will need to pay back the balance of your 401(k) loan in about 60 days. If by chance you are unable to pay back this loan,  then the IRS will view this loan as a dissemination, and you will get taxed in that particular tax year.

Perks of 401(k) Loan for Debt Consolidation

When you opt for a 401(k) loan for debt consolidation, then it has loads of perks. These loans cost less than the credit cards. What most people worry the most about is their credit score when they opt for a loan. However, you will not have to face this issue when you opt for a 401(k) loan because it does not affect your credit score in any way. The best part is that you pay the interest on your account only. 

When you want to take the best advantage of the 401(k) loan, then the smart approach is that you should pair up this loan with a good financial plan. Ideally, you should utilize your 401(k) for debt consolidation if you feel that you will not end up in the debt pile again soon. You should not borrow freely. You should only borrow an amount that you can confidently pay back to the company. For example, you should get hold of a loan that you can easily pay back in 12 months. 

Do not get tempted to use your credit cards when you use your 401(k) loan for debt consolidation. The most important thing is that when you have decided to get the 401(k) loan, then you need to have a clear strategy in mind. Some people borrow this money without a strategy in mind, and this is why they get into deeper trouble. Discuss the feasibility of a good debt consolidation company. Most companies do offer a free consultation.

This way you will be sure if you are getting the right help or not. You can also raise your questions and concerns to the company to overcome this trouble. Once you find a good debt consolidation firm, they will guide you on how you should avoid financial trouble coming your way in the future also. 

4 Tips on Transitioning to a Vegan Lifestyle #Veganuary

Whether going vegan has been a resolution idea for you for some time or you’ve recently decided to sign up to the Veganuary challenge, this is a lifestyle and diet change that many individuals benefit from. Not only does veganism inspire many people to eat healthier and get more nutrients in their diet, it is also kinder for the environment and the only way of ensuring that your diet is completely cruelty-free. Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can seem really daunting at first, but the good news is that today it’s easier than ever to become vegan with more and more people making the switch. Here are some top tips and ideas to help you kick-start your new vegan way of living.

Tip #1. Add to Your Diet First:

One of the main things that put some people off from going vegan is the amount of food that they won’t be able to eat as a vegan. However, don’t think about this too much, as it’s not all that bad. In fact, one of the best things about going vegan is the number of new foods and meal ideas that you will discover. With veganism booming in popularity, there are so many different recipes to try, whether you’re looking for food that’s healthy and nutritious or you want an indulgent treat. For example, this kale kimchi is a vegan take on the traditional Korean dish that’s full of healthy nutrients.

Tip #2. Get Social:

Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle on your own can be even more daunting, so it’s a good idea to find other people who are willing to do it with you, or team up with people who have been vegan for a while and will be able to provide you with advice on where to find the best vegan foods or their favorite vegan restaurants, for example. Social media is a great place to look if you’re hoping to find supportive vegans, with pages, events, and social media groups dedicated to this lifestyle. Don’t forget that there are also many avid vegan bloggers who can’t wait to share their latest news and tips with their followers.

Tip #3. Start Small:

If you’re used to cooking with meat and animal products, then going vegan can be an intimidating prospect. Thankfully, there are several ideas for quick, simple, and easy vegan recipes that anybody can make in no time at all. When you first start on your new vegan lifestyle, it’s a good idea to have a handful of quick and easy recipes that you can turn to when you’re stuck for ideas. Don’t forget that staples such as bread, dried pasta or noodles, rice, and vegetables are all vegan-friendly!

Tip #4. Don’t Stop Learning:

The more you know about veganism, the easier it will be for you to stick to your new lifestyle choice. Spend some time seeking out websites, blogs, documentaries, books, magazines and more that you can use to learn as much as you can about going vegan!

If you enjoyed these tips, we’d love to hear from you in the comments. 

12 Ways Adults Can Have More Fun

The fun doesn’t have to stop now you’re an adult. There are plenty of ways you can add a little laughter, creativity, and spontaneity into your life. Simply read the following twelve ways adults can add a little more fun to their lives.

Break Free from an Escape Room

An escape room isn’t your average game. It will put your intelligence and instinct to the test, as you will solve puzzles and crack codes to escape the room within 60 minutes. You will feel a buzz of adrenaline in your body each time you crack a code – and a great sense of achievement if you break free from a Pittsburgh Escape Room.

Host a Games Night

Board games are for kids, right? Wrong. There is nothing better than gathering your friends together to host a games night. Stock up on plenty of food and drinks, as well as a variety of games to test their knowledge and ingenuity, such as Monopoly or charades. There will be much laughter throughout the night, as you each enjoy a little healthy competition to become the winner.

Join a Sports Team

If you have a passion for a sport, consider joining a sports team to embrace your love for a game and have a little fun. Find an adult sports team that will help you to connect with others, and it will even provide you with an opportunity to enjoy more exercise. It’s a win-win.

Buy Adult Coloring Books

Most kids experienced hours of fun with coloring books. You might be happy to learn this is one activity that doesn’t have to stop once you reach adulthood. There are now a variety of adult coloring books on the market, which can be a relaxing activity following a busy personal or professional life. So, whenever you feel a little stressed, pull out your pencils and coloring book to create a work of art.

Enjoy a Movie Night with Friends

Many adults have busy lives, as they are juggling cooking, cleaning, and decorating with a hectic career. It’s therefore easy to feel a little stressed once the working week is over. For this reason, you should try to enjoy a little downtime – and there’s no better way to do so than with a movie night with friends. Chill with those closest to you to simply unwind as you watch a gripping drama or hilarious comedy, which will make all the tension melt away from your body.

Invite Family to a Summer BBQ

Food and drink is the ultimate way to bring people together to talk, laugh and make memories. For this reason, you should consider hosting a BBQ on a sunny day in your yard. You will love the smell of a delicious burger sizzling on the grill, while your parents, siblings and cousins laugh while enjoying a variety of good food, drinks, and music. You know that sounds good.

Visit a Museum

Adults love to learn as they get older. That’s why you should boost your knowledge by visiting a local museum. Go along to a museum alone or with your partner, friends, or children to explore different artifacts and learn more about a topic. You never know, it could help you to develop a passion that turns into a fun career or full-time hobby.

Plan a Karaoke Night

Whether you rank yourself with Beyoncé or you can’t hold a note to save your life, you should plan a karaoke night so you can sing until your heart is content. Show off your vocals by belting out your best songs, or have fun as you prove you’re more than a little tone deaf. You don’t need to be talented to enjoy karaoke, and it’s a great way to come together with friends. Just make sure there’s plenty of food and drink flowing to make those off-key romantic ballads bearable.

Hold a Dinner Party

Make time for your loved ones by holding a dinner party, which will fill your home with both love and laughter. It’s an ideal way to talk about anything and everything with your nearest and dearest, as you will laugh until you cry. You can even provide your guests with sharing dishes, which will bring you all closer together over the dinner table. It’s one of the best ways to make fun memories with those you love the most.

Try Something New

Staying within your comfort zone can be more than a little bit boring. Add variety to your life by trying something new. Even if you don’t particularly enjoy the experience, you will have fun trying new things and performing different activities. It can help to keep boredom at bay and could open your world to a whole new experience, activity, or flavor. So, jump out a plane, experience a new cuisine or do something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. You’ll be glad you did.

Do Something Spontaneous

Adults can often become restricted to the same routine each day, so are less willing to be a little spontaneous. As a result, they can easily feel stuck in a rut and bored with the same schedule. Shake things up a little by doing something a little spontaneous, which will add a touch of excitement to your lifestyle. For example, you could say yes to going for a drink with a colleague after work, or you could pack a suitcase and buy flight tickets at an airport.

Find a New Hobby

Hobbies can help prevent daily boredom. If life is becoming a little dull, you should consider finding a new pastime. For instance, you could develop a passion for exercise, can start drawing or painting, or you can write short stories or plays. You can even attend a local cooking class to develop a new skill or passion for a cuisine or could embark on a college course to broaden your knowledge and skillset.

Have you got any top tips for having a little more fun inside or outside the home? Simply share your advice by posting a comment below.