When it comes to pricing products, no two terms are more often confused than margin and markup. While they are similar, they are two different things. Margin is the amount of money that a business makes on each sale after the cost of goods sold (COGS) has been subtracted. COGS is the cost of the
How to Keep Employees’ Morale Up with a Looming Recession
Sure, you get to be your own boss and set your own hours. But you also have to wear all the hats, from marketing to accounting to customer service. And that's not even counting the challenge of keeping your employees motivated and productive, especially during a recession. A recession is a period
How to Amend a Tax Return
This year's tax season has come to a close -- unless you live in California, in which case you've been granted an automatic 6 month extension due to fires and floods. Of course, there's nothing worse than finishing your taxes and second-guessing what you submitted. If you have made a mistake on
The New 40-Year Mortgage: Is It Right for You?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved 40-year mortgages in May 2022. This is a significant change from the traditional 30-year mortgage, and it has both pros and cons for potential borrowers. Why was it approved? The FHA approved 40-year mortgages in an effort to make homeownership
Seattle’s Capital Gains Tax: Pros and Cons
Seattle is considering its own capital gains tax following the passage of a new state law that allows for such taxes. The city's mayor, Bruce Harrell, and city council member Teresa Mosqueda have both expressed support for the idea, and the city is currently exploring options for how to implement a
Seattle Mayor Harrell Proposes $970 Million Housing Levy
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has proposed a $970 million housing levy to help address the city's growing affordable housing needs. The levy would be the largest property tax increase in Seattle's history and would generate funds for the construction of 3,000 new affordable housing units, as well as
How To Ensure We All Pay Our Fair Share
In the US alone, we lose around $500 billion in taxes yearly. When you hear about people keeping money in offshore bank accounts to avoid paying taxes, it’s costs the economy a lot more than their individual sum – it’s costing billions of dollars over time. Offshore bank accounts are one of the
King County Property Taxes Pricing People Out Of Their Homes
Washington State has long been a desirable location for many individuals and families seeking a high quality of life. With its scenic landscapes, vibrant cities, and thriving economy, it is no wonder that so many people want to call this place -- and its neighborhoods -- a home. However, recent