Ask Ken
by Ken Hugins, CPA

Q: What do I do when I know I need help, but I just don’t have the time to spend on these things? My business doesn’t run itself you know.

A: Without sounding too clever, you really do want your business to run itself.

Yet if you’re ever going to get to that point it is imperative, repeat, imperative that you set aside time to work on solving this problem. You are the only one that can truly focus on the big picture of your business. If you don’t – no one will and the treadmill will continue forever-or you die, which ever comes first.

Q: Ken I’m not a multi – million conglomerate. Why can’t I just use QuickBooks?

A: QuickBooks is great. You should use it – but use it wisely! You need to be able to know that it’s doing the proper job to give you the tools you need to be able to achieve your goals, supervise your employees and make the money you want. An accounting program without proper business scanning is like a car without a driver. You need to know where you’re going and then Quickbooks and the rest of your business systems can get you there.

Q: I’m still too small to need a CPA, aren’t I?

A: You may be, if you want to stay small. But if you want to grow and become the business you can become you will need vital advice along the way. The right CPA for you will give you the guidance you need, the advice you need and the price you can afford as you make that journey from small to successful.

Q: Aren’t all the CPA’s the same? Math is math, right?

A: I suppose that may be true for other CPA’s – but not for Hugins Associates. Of course we play by the rules. But we look beyond unnecessary limitations and help our clients fully develop their businesses and put them on the road to success. Come see how we do this. It won’t cost you a red cent to see what we can do for you.

Q: I’ve got this all figured out already and I don’t think I really need help.

A: Congratulations! You know you’re finished when you’re making all the money you want, working on the jobs you want (or not working at all) and you believe your business is at it’s maximum potential. But for the rest of you who may not be there yet don’t be shy about seeking help. The small business owner and professional so often needs just a little more advice and assistance to launch his or her business on the course to success.

Q: I know I need help, but frankly I’m a little embarrassed. I really don’t want to show you my books. Am I alone in this?

A: This is a very natural reaction. But a reaction that needs to be resisted. For a physician to diagnosis he needs to examine the patient. You have already presented yourself very well by simply asking for help. It is a wise man indeed that seeks out the advice of others.

Q: I’ve only ever used an accountant for taxes. What else can a CPA firm do for me?

A: Well I can’t speak for other CPA’s, but I know that our firm only starts with helping you with your taxes. Truly no one has a goal in life to pay the least amount of taxes. No one wants to pay high taxes - unless it’s connected with very high income. So low taxes are only a small part of successful businesses and financial strategies. Let’s focus on success – you’re success. Then worry about taxes