How to Attract Customers to Your Store in 2021

Most people will never know what it is like to have true financial independence. However, you don’t have to be one of them. By taking the right step today, you can build wealth that can allow you to have the passive income that you need to achieve financial independence. Here are five steps that you can take today.

1) Create a plan

The first thing that you need to do is have a plan. Figure out how much of an income you would like to have after you officially retired. The rule of thumb is that you should save up to 25 times your annual desired passive income. For instance, if you would like to get $50,000 annually in passive income, then you would have to build up to $1,250,000 in your savings by the time you are planning to retire.

2) Save and invest

To start building the wealth that you need for financial independence; you will need to save and invest. Don’t worry if you don’t currently have a high income. You can have time to work on your side. Through the magic of compound investing, you can build some incredible wealth by investing in stable, dividend-paying stocks. Aim to save at least 10% of your income each month to achieve your financial independence goals.

3) Live below your means

As you get older, you will likely increase your income. This can lead to “lifestyle creep” which can cause you to spend more. It is important to continue to live below your means so you can save and invest. The higher rate of your savings, the faster you can achieve financial independence.

4) Have an emergency fund

One unforeseen medical or life emergency can derail your financial independence plans. Therefore, you will want to have money set aside in case the unexpected happens. Some situations that may require emergency cash include a setback in your business, medical emergencies, or a natural disaster.

5) Study the economy

The economy plays a big role in how your business operates, the purchasing power of your money, and your income. Be sure to study the stock market, the economy, interest rates, and other factors that can play a role in your business and investing life. A great way to stay on top of the economy is to read top economic books and to read up on the latest economic articles on sites such as Bloomberg, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal.

Keep your business on track and achieve your financial goals

Make sure that your business stays on track. With 2M7 Financial Solutions, you can receive the merchant cash advance that your business needs to stay on top of expenses. To learn more, please contact us. We are always ready to assist your business today.

People are working harder than ever. Chances are, you have put in some long hours at your job. While this is admirable, it is also important to make sure that you have a proper work-life balance. Here’s a look at the top benefits of properly balancing your life at the office and at home.

1) Reduces stress

‍According to a recent survey, due to Covid-19, the majority of the Canadians feel stressed during the day. With stress comes adverse effects to the body and the mind. Lots of that stress comes from fixation with work. Therefore, it is important to take your mind and your body away from the workplace to allow yourself time to depressurize from your daily responsibilities.

2) Prevents burnout

‍More and more people are switching careers. One of the reasons why people will leave a career after a few years is because of burnout. Therefore, it is important for people to have a chance to relax and not have to grind all the time at their job. By preventing burnout, you can continue on your career and potentially reach new heights at your job.

3) Ensures physical well being

‍No matter what your age, it is important to stay physically active. For those who work in an office for 12 hours a day, it is hard to get the physical activity needed to stay healthy. Thence, it is important for you to get out of the office, go for a walk or do some simple exercises to get the blood flowing and properly maintain your body. By staying physically active, you can lower your blood pressure, maintain a proper weight and prevent atrophy of your muscles.

4) It increases productivity

‍When you have a proper work-life-balance, you are able to get more things done. That’s because you will be refreshed and comfortable at your job which can lead to better productivity. It’s a good idea to give yourself at least 12 hours of free time between workdays to allow you to recharge and have full focus at your job.

5) Allows you to enjoy life

‍It’s important that you take the time to enjoy your life. After all, you will not look back on your life and regent not taking that extra business meeting. When you take the time to enjoy life, it will give you the energy to be more productive at your job. Be sure to give yourself time to take a vacation every now and then to feel better.

Need Help When Work Becomes Overwhelming?

‍If your business needs a little help, rely on 2M7 Financial Solutions to help you get back on track. We can provide your business with a merchant cash advance in one business day. Contact us today to learn more.

There is a wide array of services available to businesses in Canada seeking to bolster their cash liquidity. This article will explore some of the most popular options, as well as their best use cases. These financial solutions typically include a combination of bank loans, CEBA loans, government business grants, factoring, cash advances, payday loans, and microloans.

Businesses can utilize these financial options to optimize growth, gain liquidity, bridge emergency situations, or capitalize on opportunities.

Let's delve into our options:

1. Traditional bank loans

This is the most conventional form of financing that small businesses can utilize to obtain Typically, these loans are secured by collateral, and may offer lower interest rates, making them an appealing choice for businesses with strong credit. However, small and medium-sized businesses adhering to conservatism and GAAP principles might have lower perceived financial strength, which can make obtaining traditional financing more challenging, especially if the bank relies on financial statements as part of its due diligence process. This can be particularly problematic for new startups and businesses without a significant financial track record. Furthermore, liquidity provided might be limited if a business is relatively new or experiencing volatility, even with collateral in place.

2. CEBA loans

The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans are interest-free loans of up to $60,000 designed for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These loans are 100% backed by the government and do not require any collateral. Businesses can use these loans to cover operating expenses such as payroll and rent, as well as for purchasing equipment or expanding their operations. The CEBA loans offer flexibility and accessibility with a few caveats. Firstly, the loan forgiveness repayment date has been extended to December 31, 2023, for CEBA loan holders in good standing. This means that loan holders may have to start repaying their CEBA loans as early as 2024. Secondly, eligibility is only applicable to businesses that have had an active business account with their financial institution as of March 1, 2020, and can demonstrate a decline in revenue due to the pandemic.

3. Factoring

Factoring enables businesses to sell their accounts receivable (invoices) to a third-party (a factoring company) at a discount. The factoring company then acts as the agent to collect payments from the invoice customer, providing the business with liquidity (cash) based on a certain percentage of the invoice amount. Factoring can significantly improve cash flow for small and medium-sized businesses by offering liquidity and quick access to funds. It is also helpful that the factoring company will be the one taking care of ensuring invoices are paid, freeing up valuable resources for small businesses.

4. Government business grants

The Canadian government provides an array of business grants designed to help small businesses flourish and These grants typically target specific industries or business activities, such as clean technology, innovation, workforce development, and international trade, among others. A considerable number of grants currently emphasize research, development, and exporting. The application process for these grants can be intricate, requiring well-prepared grant proposals that effectively communicate the business's objectives, anticipated outcomes, and potential impact. This process is often competitive, as numerous businesses vie for the limited funding available. Newer businesses or those without prior grant writing experience may find this process daunting, and may benefit from seeking professional grant writing assistance or collaborating with experienced partners in their industry. Despite the challenges, securing a government grant can be a game-changer for small businesses, providing essential funding without the burden of repayment, and fostering growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the marketplace.

5. Payday loans or Microloans

Payday loans and microloans are small, short-term loans that are typically utilized to address unexpected expenses or navigate temporary cash flow gaps. While these loans may not be suitable for long-term financing needs due to their relatively higher interest rates and fees, they play a vital role in providing financial support during emergencies. By offering quick access to funds, payday loans and microloans help businesses remain afloat and operational during challenging times, allowing them to successfully weather temporary cash flow issues that are anticipated to improve in the near future. This targeted financial assistance can be a lifeline for businesses, enabling them to maintain stability and continue serving their customers as they work towards recovery and growth.

6. Cash Advance

A cash advance, particularly in the form of a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA), is an innovative financing solution that provides businesses with a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of their future sales (typically credit card sales). Cash advances and MCAs can be exceptional financing options for businesses that need funds swiftly or require increased liquidity to seize opportunities that demand prompt. One of the key advantages of this financing option is its speed and flexibility. Cash advances can be processed more quickly than traditional loans, often within a matter of days, allowing businesses to address their financial needs without delay. Additionally, repayment terms are tailored to the business's sales volume, making it a more manageable solution for businesses with fluctuating revenues. MCAs are particularly valuable for new businesses and small enterprises that may face challenges in obtaining traditional bank loans due to a lack of financial history, inadequate financial book strength, or a dearth of collateral. By offering an alternative financing avenue, cash advances empower these businesses to overcome financial barriers and pursue their growth objectives. Ultimately, the various financing options available to Canadian businesses each have their own strengths and specific use cases. Traditional bank loans can be attractive for businesses with strong credit, while CEBA loans offer interest-free financing for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factoring provides immediate liquidity to businesses with outstanding invoices, and government grants can support targeted industries and activities. Payday loans or microloans can assist in managing short-term cash flow gaps. And cash advances offer rapid access to funds for businesses lacking financial history or collateral. The choice of financing option will depend on the unique needs and circumstances of each business. By understanding the advantages and limitations of each option, businesses can make informed decisions about the most suitable financing solution to support their growth, liquidity, and success.