Tag Archive for: self assessment

This is post showing a business owner covered inputs-it notes to show they are stressed by January until they read this blog

How to Make January Suck Less: A Survival Guide for Business Owners

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Ah, January. The month that feels like a Monday morning stretched out over 31 days.

As a business owner, you might find yourself battling post-holiday blues, struggling to get back into the swing of things, and grappling with the inevitable slump in productivity. But fear not! We’re here to help you make January suck less and kick-start the new year on the right foot. Here are some actionable tips to survive (and thrive?!) through the January blues:

  1. Embrace the January Jumpstart 🩘

Instead of dragging yourself reluctantly into the new year, why not embrace it with open arms? Set exciting goals, revamp your workspace, and shake up your usual routine. Treat January as a blank slate waiting to be filled – it really helps with the mindset shift.

  1. Break Up the Monotony ❌

Let’s face it—January can feel like a never-ending slog of cold weather and post-holiday blues. Inject some excitement into your routine by breaking up the monotony. Schedule fun activities or outings to look forward to throughout the month, whether it’s a team-building event, a lunchtime yoga class, or a spontaneous mid-week social occasion. Adding a bit of spontaneity can work wonders for morale.

  1. Master the Art of Time Management ⏱

With the holiday hustle and bustle behind us, January offers the perfect opportunity to reassess your time management strategies. Invest in productivity tools, prioritise tasks effectively, and streamline your workflow to maximise efficiency. 

  1. Treat Yourself (and Your Team)👌

January doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Treat yourself and your team to something to lift spirits and boost morale. Whether it’s a team outing, an extended lunch with board games and snacks or signing up to a team challenge. It can all go a long way towards making January more bearable.

  1. Find Your Motivation đŸ’Ș

Let’s be honest—finding motivation in January can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not! Rediscover your motivation by setting clear, achievable goals and rewarding yourself for milestones along the way.

  1. Embrace the Power of Positivity 🙌

Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the silver linings and practicing gratitude daily. If that’s a struggle, we get it. Try podcasts, talking to others or moving your body to help.

  1. Beat the Winter Blues 💙

The winter months can take a toll on mental and emotional wellbeing, leaving you feeling lethargic and uninspired. Beat the winter blues by prioritising self-care and wellness. Get plenty of rest, eat nourishing foods, and make time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s a brisk walk in the snow or a cosy night in with a good book.

  1. Celebrate Small Wins đŸ„ł

In the midst of January’s gloom, it’s easy to overlook the small victories. Take a moment to celebrate every win, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Whether it’s landing a new client, hitting a sales target, or mastering a new skill, every step forward is worth celebrating.

So, there you have it—eight actionable tips to help you make January suck less and kick-start the new year with gusto.

Embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities, and remember: you’ve got this! 

Al & Led

In the meantime, here’s something for you
👇

  • Get the latest finance tips, business hacks, free resources, hilarity, memes and more by joining our monthly newsletter, ‘Sumthing To Say’ here.
  • Do you need your accounts taken care of for you? You can Book a Discovery Call here.



This is a picture of the team looking happy because they have followed these wellbeing and finance hacks and they are helping our clients do the same

Nailing The End Of The Year: Financial Tips and Wellness Hacks for Business Owners

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It’s the final stretch of the year, autumn leaves are falling, Christmas is in every shop and we’re all on the home straight for some much-needed time off. 

 

However, as the days get shorter, the to-do list seems to get longer and the level of exhaustion for business owners is higher than ever.

 

Fear not though, we’ve got your back! 

 

In this blog post, we’re diving into nailing the end of the year with finance tips and wellbeing hacks that will help you as a business owner.

 

So, grab your favourite mug of motivation (we won’t judge you on the contents), kick back and let’s tackle the end of the year together.

 

Financial Tips To Nail The End Of The Year 📈

 

 

  • Reflect and Review ✍️

 

What worked well for your business this year? What could use some attention? By understanding where you’re at, you can be in a strong position for 2024.

 

  • Look at your numbers 👀

 

Now you’ve reviewed what has worked for you this year and what hasn’t, see exactly where you are financially – Reconcile your bank, review your profit and loss (if this sounds like gibberish, that’s okay and what we’re here for), assess your cash flow, and identify any outstanding invoices. This will help you going forward.

 

  • Tax 101 🔢

 

Nobody likes surprises, especially when it comes to taxes. Stay one step ahead by reviewing your current tax situation. 

 

And make sure to check with your accountant to uncover potential deductions and credits.

 

  • Check-in with your budget 🫰

 

Set realistic and achievable financial goals for the upcoming year. If you’re not sure where to start, speak with a financial planner/adviser or your accountant.

 

Wellbeing hacks for the rest of the year 🙌

 

 

  • The Power of Pause 👍

 

In the craziness that is the end of the year, it’s easy to forget to hit the pause button. 

 

Our solution? Remembering to breathe. We know this sounds ridiculous but when was the last time you actively stopped to take some deep breaths? 

 

Whether it’s literally sitting at your desk, on a short walk or during a meditation session, pausing for breath makes a huge difference. Your business will thank you for the renewed energy too.

 

  • Prioritise and Delegate 🤝

 

You’re not a one-person army. Identify tasks that can be delegated and trust your team to handle them. This not only lightens your load but empowers your team members to shine in their roles.

 

  • Celebrate Small Wins 🎉

 

Don’t overlook the small victories in the race to achieve big goals. Celebrate milestones, both personal and professional. It could be closing a significant deal, reaching a fitness goal, or simply mastering the art of inbox zero. Acknowledging these wins fuels motivation for the journey ahead.

 

  • Do something for you👌

 

When you run a business, you blink and it’s a new week. And before you know it, all you’ve done is work without taking any time for yourself. And on the run-up to Christmas, you can times this by 10, meaning you can seriously neglect yourself! Plan in time for you each week – Whether it’s the gym, a coffee date, dinner out or an early night with your phone off. Whatever makes you feel recharged.

 

If you want a fun way to make the end-of-year to-do list easier, try The Year-End Business Owner Checklist Game!

 

Create a checklist with tasks categorised by difficulty levels. As you tackle each item, score points and reward yourself when you reach a milestone. Go big on the prizes if you can and watch your todo list become easier!

 

There you have it – Nailing The End Of The Year: Financial Tips and Wellness Hacks for Business Owners

 

The end of the year can be crazy as a business owner but hopefully with these tips, you will feel better financially, mentally and just generally!

 

Remember, we’re always here if you need us.

 

Al & Led

 

In the meantime, here’s something for you
👇

 

  • Get the latest finance tips, business hacks, free resources, hilarity, memes and more by joining our monthly newsletter, ‘Sumthing To Say’ here.
  • Do you need your accounts taken care of for you? You can Book a Discovery Call here.



This is a picture of a desk set-up for a business owner who is going to use these For Business Owners During The Winter Months

6 Wellbeing Hacks For Business Owners During The Winter Months

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The winter months can be a difficult time – The days are short, cold and usually filled with a considerable amount of rain.

 

Throw in running a business to that wintery mix and it can all feel a bit heavy.

 

So, we have put together 6 wellbeing hacks for business owners during the winter months.

 

So, grab a brew and let’s get into it


 

  1. Embrace Natural Light ☀️

 

With limited daylight hours, it’s essential to maximise your exposure to natural light. 

 

Position your workspace near a window to allow sunlight to filter in – This will help boost your mood and productivity. 

 

Even when you’re swamped with work, take short breaks outdoors during daylight hours to soak up some vitamin D. 

 

If natural light is scarce (which it often is in the UK this time of year), think about investing in full-spectrum light bulbs that mimic natural daylight, providing a similar mood-enhancing effect. 

 

  1. Stay Active 🏃

 

It’s often the last thing you want to do when it’s cold, dark (and probably raining), but physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing. 

 

Despite the temptation to hibernate, try and incorporate regular exercise into your routine. 

 

Engage in activities you actually enjoy, such as walks, yoga, or indoor workouts to make it easier.

 

Exercise not only boosts your energy levels but also reduces stress, improves focus, and enhances your overall mood. 

 

  1. Prioritise Sleep 😴

 

Quality sleep is vital for good health. 

 

During the winter months, ensure you establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a sleep-friendly environment. 

 

Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and establish a relaxing evening routine that works for you.

 

Avoid electronic devices and stimulating activities before bed too, as they can interfere with your sleep quality (this absolutely means no work!) 

 

We know as adults this sounds like a pipe dream, but try and aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

 

  1. Nourish Your Body 🥑

 

Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for supporting your immune system and overall wellbeing during winter – As tempting as it is to get cosy with various takeaways after a long day!

 

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and warm beverages too. 

 

  1. Manage Stress 💆‍♀️

 

We realise this is easier said than done.

 

But the winter season often brings added stressors, both personally and professionally. 

 

To help manage stress, here are a few things we like to do:

 

  • Have something once a week that is just for you – A gym class, coffee/beer with friends or family, or some time where you watch Netflix and do nothing else.
  • Practice deep breathing exercises or journaling.
  • Set realistic goals and prioritise tasks to avoid overwhelm.
  • Delegate responsibilities where possible and reach out for support from your team or business networks. 
  • Remember to schedule regular breaks and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation throughout the day.

 

  1. Create a Supportive Network 🤝

 

Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is essential for your wellbeing as a business owner. Having your own business is great and all but it’s also super stressful and often lonely. 

 

Sure, you can talk to family and friends but if they aren’t self-employed too, they may not get it (understandably!)

 

Try and connect with fellow business owners, join industry groups, or seek mentorship opportunities. 

 

Engage in networking events or online communities to share experiences, gain insights, and find encouragement. 

 

Building a strong support system provides a safe space and is also a way of reassuring yourself that whatever you’re feeling, you can pretty much guarantee every other business owner is too.

 

There you have it – 6 Wellbeing Hacks For Business Owners During The Winter Months

 

As a business owner, caring for yourself during the winter months is vital for maintaining productivity, happiness, and overall wellbeing. 

 

By embracing natural light, staying active, prioritising sleep, nourishing your body, managing stress, and creating a supportive network, you can go all John Snow and show winter who’s in charge (If you know, you know).

 

Remember, taking care of yourself is not only essential for your own wellbeing but also for the success of your business, so never feel guilty for it either.

 

Here if you need us.

In the meantime, here’s something for you
👇

 

  • Get the latest finance tips, business hacks, free resources, hilarity, memes and more by joining our monthly newsletter, ‘Sumthing To Say’ here.
  • Do you need your accounts taken care of for you? You can Book a Discovery Call here.

 

Al & Led



This is a photo of Alex looking relaxed as he has achieved work-life balance using the 7 strategies detailed in this blog

The Art Of Work-Life Balance: 7 Strategies For Business Owners to Have Both

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We understand the juggling act of running a business. It can feel like trying to keep all of the contents of your house in the air, whilst on a unicycle, whilst on fire


And so running a business often means blurring the boundaries between work and personal life – Causing feelings of overwhelm, burnout and just general wanting to rock in a cornerness!

That’s why we want to share 7 valuable strategies to help you with your work-life balance. These strategies have helped us and, whilst work-life balance is still something we struggle with, we are much better now at ChadStone than we were.

Let’s get into it


 

1) Prioritise Self-Care👌

 

 

In the fast-paced world of being a business owner, self-care often takes a backseat. 

 

However, neglecting your wellbeing can have serious consequences on your overall performance and happiness.

Make self-care a non-negotiable priority – Set aside time for activities that recharge you each day, whether that’s exercise, meditation, reading, or spending quality time with loved ones. Remember, by taking care of yourself, you’re also taking care of your business. 

2) Establish Clear Boundaries🙅

 

 

One of the biggest challenges for business owners is setting boundaries between work and personal life. 

 

Start by defining specific work hours and commit to sticking to them as much as possible. 

 

Communicate those boundaries to your clients, team, and family members, so they understand when you are available and when you need time for yourself. 

 

By creating clear boundaries, you’ll reclaim control over your schedule and reduce unnecessary stress. 

3) Delegate and Outsource 👋

 

 

As a business owner, it’s tempting to take on every task yourself. However, embracing the power of delegation and outsourcing can be a game-changer for work-life balance. 

 

Identify tasks that can be effectively handled by others and consider hiring freelancers, virtual assistants, or professionals in areas where you need support. 

 

Delegating responsibilities not only frees up your time but also allows you to focus on high-value activities that drive your business forward. 

4) Embrace Technology 🖥️

 

 

In 2023, there is no reason why technology can’t be a powerful ally in achieving work-life balance. 

 

Leverage productivity tools, project management software, cloud-based accounting systems and communication platforms to streamline your workflows and improve efficiency. 

 

By finding and using the right technology, you can gain more freedom and flexibility in managing your business. 

5) Learn to Say No 🙌

 

 

This one is wayyyy harder than it sounds, we get it!

 

As a business owner, it’s natural to want to seize every opportunity that comes your way. 

 

However, saying “yes” to everything can quickly lead to overwhelm. Instead, evaluate opportunities and prioritise those that align with your goals and values. It’s okay to decline requests or delegate tasks when necessary. By saying “no” strategically, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on what truly matters. 

6) Choose good people – You deserve it 👍

 

 

Surround yourself with a strong support network that understands and encourages your pursuit of work-life balance. Seek out like-minded business owners, mentors, or business groups that provide a safe space for sharing experiences and insights. 

 

These relationships can offer valuable guidance, accountability, and empathy during both the highs and lows of being a business owner. 

7) Plan for Regular Breaks ☀️

 

 

Taking regular breaks is essential for recharging and maintaining productivity. Schedule short breaks throughout the day to stretch, recharge, or engage in activities that energise you. 

 

Additionally, plan for longer breaks, such as holidays or extended weekends, to properly disconnect from work and rest. By intentionally incorporating breaks into your schedule, you’ll return to your business with renewed focus and clarity. 

 

There you have it – The Art Of Work-Life Balance: 7 Strategies For Business Owners to Have Both

 

We believe that work-life balance is a necessity for sustainable success. 

 

By prioritising self-care, setting clear boundaries, delegating, leveraging technology, learning to say no, having good people in your corner, and planning for regular breaks, you can achieve a much better work-life balance. 

 

Also, be mindful that work-life balance is an ongoing journey, so don’t beat yourself up if you don’t nail it straight away or struggle to be consistent with it.

 

Take care of yourself and know that you deserve a healthy work-life balance even though you run your own business.

 

This mindset shift is something we all need to work on together and hopefully then, it won’t feel so alien to us!

 

We hope these 7 strategies help and if you have any questions or need further support when it comes to your business get in touch.

 

​​In the meantime, here’s something for you
👇

 

  • Get the latest finance tips, business hacks, free resources, hilarity, memes and more by joining our monthly newsletter, ‘Sumthing To Say’ here.
  • Do you need your accounts taken care of for you? You can Book a Discovery Call here.

 

Take it easy.

Al and Led



The ChadStone team looking happy because they have got their self-assessments done early and so have their clients because they followed their ultimate self-assessment guide

The Ultimate Guide to Self-Assessments

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It’s that time of year again when we gather to discuss everyone’s favourite topic
self-assessments. 

 

“But guys, the self-assessment deadline for the 2022/23 tax year isn’t until the 31st of January 2024?!”, we hear you already start to procrastinate 😉

 

That is true. That is the ABSOLUTE deadline before you get fined.

 

This is why in this blog, we want to give you the ultimate guide for getting your self-assessment done, whilst also giving you some game-changing reasons why you should get it done early.

 

Let’s get into it


 

The Ultimate Guide to Self-Assessments

 

What is a self-assessment anyway?🤷

 

A self-assessment is your opportunity to report your income, expenses, and any applicable tax reliefs to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Think of it as your financial Dear Diary for the year and HMRC is your older sibling who is going to read it and use it to their advantage. 

 

We’re kidding, HMRC are lovely


 

The tax year runs from 6th April one year, to the 5th of April the next. So, for the 2022/23 tax year, it runs from 6th April 2022 to 5th April 2023.

 

Who are self-assessments for?👇

 

Here’s a lovely little screenshot from the HMRC website for you.

Screenshot from the HMRC website detailing who needs to complete a self-assessment

 

If you are unsure whether you need to do one, you can either ask us, or there is a way to check on the HMRC website here.

 

What goes into a self-assessment?📋

 

There are two sections to a self-assessment tax return, the main section and the supplementary sections. The main section is the SA100, which deals with:

  • Taxed and untaxed income in the form of dividends and interest
  • Benefits, including State Pension, Child Benefit and Blind Person’s Allowance
  • Charitable donations
  • Pension contributions

 

If you have income to declare as any of the following, you’ll have to fill in a supplementary page:

  • From self-employment
  • Property
  • Company director
  • Capital Gains 
  • From abroad
  • Or a foreign national

 

In this section, you should also declare any allowable expenses, which will be deducted from your tax bill.

 

For more information on what expenses are allowable, give us a shout.

 

Okay, now we’ve covered the basics of self-assessments, let’s look at how you can make your life easier when it comes to sorting yours.

 

  • Gather Your Documents (And for bonus points, track them throughout the year)📁

 

To tackle your self-assessment successfully, you’ll need to gather the necessary documents. 

 

This will include things like your P60, any relevant receipts, invoices, and bank statements. 

 

If you gather these throughout the year, future you will be a big fan. If you haven’t even thought about it yet, start now so it’s not a last-minute panic.

 

  • Review Your Income Sources📈

 

Now you’ve got them all together, take the time to evaluate all of your income sources, including employment, self-employment, rental income, dividends, and interest. Make sure you have all the necessary information, such as pay slips, invoices, and statements, to accurately report your earnings. 

 

This will make your life easier when it comes to completing your self-assessment tax return.

 

  • Get those deductible expenses in👌

 

This is where the sweetness of tax relief comes in!

 

Allowable expenses include things like business costs, professional subscriptions, travel expenses, and charitable donations. 

 

Keep track of your receipts and make a note of each expense’s purpose and relevance to your work or business. This will ensure you don’t miss out on potential tax savings and who doesn’t want those?

 

  • Check for Tax Reliefs and Allowances👍

 

Don’t forget to explore available tax reliefs and allowances as these can significantly reduce your tax liability. 

 

Examples include: 

 

  • The Marriage Allowance
  • The Personal Savings Allowance
  • The Annual Investment Allowance. 

 

Researching and understanding these opportunities can save you money and make the self-assessment process more rewarding. 

 

  • Use Online Tools 🖥️

 

HMRC provides online tools and resources to simplify the self-assessment process. Consider using their Self-Assessment Online service or reputable tax software to complete your return accurately. 

 

These tools often provide step-by-step guidance and calculations, reducing the chances of errors and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. 

 

  • Bring in the big guns💪

 

If the self-assessment process feels overwhelming (we get it) or you have complex financial circumstances, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. 

 

An experienced accountant can provide personalised advice, ensure accurate reporting, and help you identify additional tax-saving opportunities. Their expertise can save you time and could reduce your tax bill. 

 

And luckily for you, we know a good one 👀

 

So, that’s the basics of a self-assessment covered, alongside the best ways to complete a return. Now, here are the benefits of doing it early
🤩

 

  • Less stress – December and January are mental enough without throwing a self-assessment into the mix. Get it done early and feel super smug later when other people are flapping.
  • More cost-effective – By doing it early, you’ll know what you owe sooner (if you do owe anything). That way, you can plan your budgeting for the year and pay your tax bill in instalments if you need to – You can also get help if you find you can’t pay.
  • You could get paid quicker – On the flip side, you can find out sooner if you’re owed a refund – and you’ll get it sooner too. That would be a sweet way to end the year.
  • More chance of getting support – If you’re doing it yourself then HMRC phone lines get horribly busy in the run-up to the self-assessment deadline in January. And if you want to use an accountant, they will not appreciate you leaving it until the last minute and may charge you an additional fee for doing so.
  • Your accountant will be your best mate – Speaking of accountants, yours will love you very much for getting it done early. Make your accountants’ Christmas by not making them have to work because you are so organised and wonderful.

 

There you have it – The Ultimate Self-Assessment Guide.

 

If you have any questions about any of this, give us a shout. We’d be happy to help so long as you haven’t left it too late 😉

 

In the meantime, here’s something for you
👇

 

  • Get the latest finance tips, business hacks, free resources, hilarity, memes and more by joining our monthly newsletter, ‘Sumthing To Say’ here.
  • Do you need your accounts taken care of for you? You can Book a Discovery Call here.

 

Take it easy.

Al and Led

The Hangar
Hadley Park East
Telford
Shropshire
TF1 6QJ

01952 292729 [email protected]
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