QuickBooks Tech Support

Computers and tech support go together. Tech support comes in a variety of packages. I work visually, kinetically, and on a project basis. That means either at the client's office, or remotely where the client and I can discuss issues.

Lots of people want instant phone and email support, which we don't provide. It's a business decision, based on 100 reasons why. Yesterday I was at a clients that aptly illustrates one of the reason's why.

A client called about having me look at his WA State B&O report, and past returns. He didn't trust the report his bookkeeper was giving him, wasn't sure if he was filing correctly, and wanted to know if he should amend past returns? The bookkeeper was pretty upset at me for not doing this as a tech support call. Lots of drama.

The client turned out to be right on all fronts. The bookkeeper's numbers were correct, but QuickBooks wasn't putting the numbers in the right place on the Salestax Liability Report because of  how she had learned to use the software. On invoices that didn't have salestax, she was leaving that space blank, instead of putting in "non". In a million years, she would have never asked that, nor would I have imagined that was the problem with the report. While I was there, I got on the phone with the Dept of Revenue and clarified how he should file and what codes he should use. I verified that past returns were 'good enough'. And left the bookkeeper notes and reports so that she could do this correctly in the future.

With visual access to QuickBooks, access to the client or bookkeeper, and a block of time, I have yet to find a QuickBooks problem I can't solve, sometimes with the help of Intuit Tech Phone Support, which I pay handsomely for. So if you need phone support, Intuit can provide it to you too.

Millionaire Mindset Seminar

The Millionaire Mind Intensive (MMI) is the self-help rich system for becoming a millionaire that I support. After reading the best-seller, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, by T. Harv Elk, the founder, I thought, "this is for real". He lists what you must be willing to do to be rich, and I could see the one thing I had not been willing to do. Later, I inadvertently discovered that T Harv Elk was anonymously donating a great deal of money to a spiritual teacher I follow. Charitable giving is absolutely part of the millionaire mindset. You can read his book from any library and attend their introductory seminar for free. At the free seminar, there will be a DJ, plus lots of handouts and prizes. Most of the seminar was content. They pay for it because they upsell you to more seminars, the real ones that will really help you get rich. And it was a super fun weekend bonding with a group of 160 like-minded local souls.  Taking three days off from work is a huge deal, but it's worth it. Money is very important.

Click Here to Learn More About Millionaire Mindset

When you sign up for the seminar, I get a referral fee if you use my referral number, which is MMI31851. I would be so grateful to you if you do. And I will pay it forward. I'm learning from the best!

Angie's List

Angie's List is now for all businesses, not just contractors. My goal is to attract 200 new clients every year. In order to do that I need to get the word out. Reviews from happy clients help a great deal. Reviews are scattered between Intuit's website, my website, Linked in, and other internet sites.

Here is the link for my listing at Angie's List:

angieslist.com/review/8161850

Here is a link to sign up for Angie's List if you want to be a member:

Subscribe to Angie's List ($7.99 year with Paypal)

A big heartfelt thank you to every client who has given me a great review. I remember you fondly and hope your business is more profitable every year!

"Find my iPhone" App Saves the Day

On Holiday vacation, my iPhone was stolen. I used iCloud "Find My iPhone" app to locate it. It was in a city where I have a friend. I locked the phone, and sent an alert to call my friend for a reward. I set the reward at the street value of the phone. My friend was an angel to drive to a dangerous neighborhood in the middle of the night to retrieve it, and mail it back the next day. Happy Holidays!

New Year; New Database?

It's time to think about if you're going to want a new database for Jan? Also, it's time for you to get setup if you're moving to QuickBooks for the first time for 2014.
 
There are many advantages to a new database for the new year, including:

• Faster data retrieval. A huge database can become unbearably slow. One client has a database hit the wall in August. Trust me, you don't want to start a new database midyear if you run payroll or pay taxes by the calendar year.
• The ability to start fresh. A new database gives you the opportunity to clean up your chart of accounts, customer, vendor, and other lists, and especially payroll problems. Only lists transfer; no transactions. Modify that last sentence. I can transfer transactions with special software that I've used for clients before, but you'll have to keep your lists the same in order to move the data. Once data is moved, you can delete any list item that's not included in one of the transactions. 
• The security of having only a single year in a single database; electronic information can become corrupted over time. I've rarely seen a QB database that lasted longer than 7 years electronically.
• The convenience of giving your tax preparer last year's database while continuing to run your day-to-day business without interruption.
• Last year, the IRS purchased QuickBooks. If you get audited, having a single year in a single database enables you to provide the IRS with just the information they demand, and nothing more. If you've just been audited I can get you a single year in a single database but it won't be pretty. The only way to get pretty is to create a new database for the new year. 

While there are many advantages to creating a new database for the new year, there are a few disadvantages.

• You'll need to hire help to setup a new database.
• If you're using Enterprise edition will you be able to print out reports cross databases for comparison. Otherwise, you'll have to do that with print-outs, Excel, and Intuit Statement Writer.

Ultimately, the decision to create a new database for the new year depends on what's best for your business?  If you're must moving lists, I can get you ready for the new database in less than 4 hours, which leaves time to discuss any other QuickBooks questions or business concerns.

QuickBooks Online Looks Different

If you've been using QuickBooks Online edition, you'll notice that Intuit has totally changing the "look & feel". 

The updated design (interface is the techie word for this) is not superior to the existing layout, just different, and confusing at first. Don't let the new screens throw you. All the functionality you are familiar with is there. You just just have to hunt around for the menu options you want. And there is new functionality. I can show you some new features in our next consulting session.

An Easy Way to Tithe (Donate 10% to charity)

Fall is a great time to donate stuff to thrift stores. Charities have their highest demand for stuff before Christmas. When people get desperate they turn to crime, but first they turn to charity. So why not provide charity? Donating stuff is an easy way to tithe. 

My favorite thrift store is at the ritzy Bellevue Mall. Weblink to LifeSpring Thrift Store at the Bellevue Mall  It's an interesting concept. Take a shopping bag to the mall and drop it off. Come home with a new shopping bag.

This is the best organization with the most qualified volunteers, so more money is going to recipients. Bellevue LifeSpring has other charitable events and programs if you are interested?


They will give you a tax deduction receipt. (If you're serious about taking a non-cash tax deduction, take photo's of the stuff first.) I personally never take a deduction for the stuff I donate, but I do save the receipts in case I'm audited for all the cash I donate and claim. 

It's Feng Shui to eliminate 10% of your stuff. Your home or office will look better with less clutter. When you get rid of clutter, you accent the nice stuff (and find it!). Try having spaciousness and see how many compliments you get? I've never done a big clean out without finding something precious, so even your time won't be wasted. Plus, now you've created space for new stuff, right?