Tracking Expenses

5 great apps add value to QuickBooks

Did you know that the Intuit App Center has apps for QuickBooks? Inc.com contributor Christina Des­Marais recommends five of the best.

What can't you live without at work?

When times get tough, employers may need to dial back some of the extras. But how do you decide what to cut first—and what should be the last resort? Tip: When other perks are cut, keeping a good pot of coffee in the lunchroom is a way of letting employees know that things aren’t hopeless.

Want to be creative? Ask 5 questions

As the person closest to your work, you’re also the best one to identify ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs associated with your job—which is exactly what most C-suite executives and business owners focus on. Just because they don’t ask for your innovative ideas doesn’t mean they’re not interested. Get your creative juices flowing with these five questions:

1-Minute Strategies: March '09

Pump up your managers with useful research they don’t have time to do themselves ... Sharpen your workplace instincts by playing The Office-Politics Game ... Soothe stress by first dividing triggers into two categories ...

3 ways to cut business travel expenses

Travel expenses are on the chopping block at many companies. Three ways to help save money on business travel: Book air travel well in advance or combine several trips into one; ask for the lowest rate when booking a hotel, then ask for one that's even lower; park cars at off-site lots near airports.

Financial finesse is a click away

On the money front, it’s time to get back to basics. An oft-repeated piece of advice is to keep better track of the money we spend and save. To help with expense-tracking, tap into online tools. The best of the breed recently chosen by Money magazine and Slate.com are Mint.com and QuickenOnline.com.

No time for waste: 4 cost cutters

Cost-cutting is the name of the game during tough economic times. One of the best cost-cutting strategies is to reduce waste—it frees up cash and generates measurable environmental benefits. Here are several paper-saving strategies that will make you look like the office hero.

More power to the penny pinchers

According to PC World magazine, thrifty web sites are getting more attention (and site traffic) than ever before. Click on any of the sites listed here for good advice on saving money and guarding your finances.

Invest in understanding the finances

Sure, you've glanced at the organization's balance sheet. But do you know what all those financial terms really mean? First step: Match the financial terms below left with their correct definitions on the right.

Turn your computer skills into $$$

Employers expect greater computer proficiency from all levels of admin pros than they did only a few years ago, staffing firm reps say. Being able to chip in on assignments involving computer work offers one of the best ways for receptionists to move up.