From time to time we spotlight an IAC-EZ user. In this blog, we’re shining the spotlight on Actuali Design.
Actuali Design makes beautiful custom handmade cards for various occasions. I’d try to describe them but words won’t convey what they’re like. So, visit her store to see her cards! (I bought a card and it looks even better when you’re holding it in your hand).
Now here’s the amazing thing: Actuali Design is run by a young lady named Ali and she’s a high school student from Canada. Ali has done a great job of making the leap from enjoying a hobby to creating a successful business based on that hobby… at a time in her life when her peers are not nearly as focused on similar pursuits.
Our fearless leader, Heather Villa, had an email conversation with her recently and was impressed by her business drive and creativity. Heather will be blogging a little more about her and her business over at HeatherVilla.com.
Ali, we at IAC-EZ would like to wish you the very best in your business!
Jessica Routier, IAC-EZ
I admit it. I’m not really a Star Trek person. If you are, don’t hate me for it. The new movie is out and, in honor of its release, Michael Cohn, Editor-in-Chief of WebCPA, wrote the article “If Accounting Firms Were Like the Starship Enterprise”.
Read the article here.
Have a great weekend!
Jessica Routier, IAC-EZ
No one wants to generate so much debt that they get sent to collections but sometimes it happens. Business might slow down (but the bills sure don’t) or a surprise expense or unexpected emergency might force you to pay more than you can handle.
Debt collectors are like the hounds of hell, they’ll pursue you relentlessly. (Note to my friends who are debt collectors: I’m not talking about you, of course!).
Ultimately, debt collectors want the money that they are collecting (duh) and they will call and call and call and call until you pay.
While that’s their primary goal, there is something you can do to stem the tide of annoying, high pressure calls: Create a plan and work with the collection agency. If they can’t get immediate payment from you, they will be happy if you have a plan that you follow through on. Here’s what to do:
- Revisit your budget and find money from somewhere. C’mon, we all know you can. Maybe it means fewer cable channels or maybe less eating out. It’s temporary.
- Make your debt payment a priority part of your bills each month. Buy mom something a little smaller for Mother’s Day. Don’t splurge on another underwater castle for your goldfish.
- Write your plan down and break down the goals into daily effort. It can be small but it needs to be consistent and manageable.
- Don’t bother with excuses. Debt collectors have heard all the reasons – legitimate and hilariously elaborate. They are immune to your reasons for not paying and only care about one thing: Your payment (or, your plan to pay).
- Communicate your plan to the collections agent. Ask for advice. They may not have any advice to give but they’ll appreciate being asked and that could turn the call from an aggressive, adversarial call into something a little more palatable.
- Also, look for ways to pay off your debt and, if those doors close, communicate those to your debt collector also. They want to hear that you’re trying to solve the situation and it can be refreshing since 99% of the calls they make are to people who don’t bother trying.
- Stick to your plan. Your plan won’t be worth anything to the debt collector if you fail to follow through. So show up and pay on time. In fact, pay a little extra to show your good intention.
Now, I realize that the above list doesn’t help when there’s zero money to pay. That’s an entire blog topic on its own.
Jessica Routier, IAC-EZ
FAQ is a regular blog feature that answers frequently asked questions and makes them available as a growing list of tagged blogs.
Yes! All you have to do is begin a new trial and you can start over. (But, remember to check the old account first. No sense re-entering your data if it is still available.)
Do you have a Question? Please email it to support@iacez.com.
