The IRS knows that understanding and meeting tax obligations is vital to the success of all businesses, especially a new one. IRS.gov has the resources and information to help people through the process of starting a new business.

Here are some tips for new entrepreneurs.

Choose a business structure

The form of business determines which income tax return a business taxpayer needs to file. The most common business structures are:

• Sole proprietorship: An unincorporated business owned by an individual. There’s no distinction between the taxpayer and their business.
• Partnership: An unincorporated business with ownership shared between two or more people.
• Corporation: Also known as a C corporation. It’s a separate entity owned by shareholders.
• S corporation: A corporation that elects to pass corporate income, losses, deductions and credits through to the shareholders.
• Limited Liability Company: A business structure allowed by state statute.

Choose a tax year

A tax year is an annual accounting period for keeping records and reporting income and expenses. A new business owner must choose either:

• Calendar year: 12 consecutive months beginning January 1 and ending December 31.
• Fiscal year: 12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is also called a Federal Tax Identification Number. It’s used to identify a business. Most businesses need one of these numbers even if they don’t have employees.

It’s important for a business with an EIN to keep the business mailing address, location and responsible party up to date. IRS regulations require EIN holders to report changes in the responsible party within 60 days. They do this by completing Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party and mailing it to the address on the form.

Have all employees complete these forms

• Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate

Pay business taxes

The form of business determines what taxes must be paid and how to pay them.

Visit the state website

Prospective business owners should visit their state’s website for info about state requirements.

As Financial Literacy Month wraps up, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on how far we’ve come in mastering our financial game. For us women in leadership and entrepreneurship, understanding finances isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about empowering ourselves to make smart choices, take risks with confidence, and build sustainable, independent futures. So, let’s dive into why financial literacy is our secret weapon and how we can keep sharpening it.

Why Financial Literacy is Our Superpower

Knowing the ins and outs of finance gives us the tools to navigate the sometimes intimidating world of business. Whether it’s managing cash flow, making investments, or understanding the bigger picture behind our financial decisions, it’s about being in control and making moves with purpose. For women entrepreneurs and leaders, this knowledge is more than just helpful—it’s essential. It breaks down barriers, opens doors, and ensures we’re not just players in the game, but we’re leading it.

Celebrating Our Wins

First things first—let’s give ourselves a pat on the back. From starting small businesses to steering Fortune 500 companies, we’re making waves. A big chunk of this success comes from getting smart about our finances. Every budget we stick to, every investment we make, every financial statement we tackle, strengthens our businesses. But beyond the numbers, it’s the confidence and independence that come with knowing our stuff that really count.

Taking Our Financial Literacy to the Next Level

Here are some tips to keep leveling up:

• Keep Learning
  Finance is always changing, so make lifelong learning a priority. Dive into books, podcasts, webinars, or courses. The more you know, the more confident and capable you become.
• Surround Yourself with Experts
  Find your tribe of financial gurus. Networking with knowledgeable people can give you new insights and advice that you might not have thought of. Plus, a good mentor is worth their weight in gold.
• Use Financial Tools.

Use technology to keep your finances in check. Be sure to check out www.mindingmybusiness.black—your go-to website for staying on top of your budgeting. If you can, hire an accountant or bookkeeper to keep things smooth, but if that’s not in the cards, grab some reliable accounting software and other tools to keep yourself organized. These tips will save you time, cut down on mistakes, and give you real-time updates on your financial health.

• Set Clear Financial Goals
  Know where you’re headed. Whether it’s boosting revenue, cutting down debt, or saving for a big investment, having clear goals keeps you focused and motivated.
• Be Smart with Money
  Take charge of your money management. This means budgeting wisely, saving regularly, and steering clear of unnecessary debt. Remember, every dollar you save is another dollar you can invest in your business or your future.
• Invest in Your Financial Education
  Consider taking a financial literacy course or workshop specifically for entrepreneurs. This kind of investment pays off big time by giving you the skills you need to manage your finances like a pro.
• Celebrate Your Financial Wins
  Just like we celebrate business milestones, let’s celebrate our financial victories too. Paid off a loan? Hit a savings target? These are the moments that deserve recognition and remind us why financial literacy is so important.

As we wrap up Financial Literacy Month, let’s remember that this journey is about so much more than just numbers—it’s about empowerment. Financial literacy gives us the confidence to lead, make informed decisions, and create our own paths to success. Here’s to our financial independence, breaking down barriers, and building our empires. Keep shining, keep learning, and let’s make this financial literacy journey one of our greatest adventures yet!

CDs are federally insured, just like you’re checking and savings accounts, but they usually come with much better interest rates. In 2023, some CD rates hit 6% or more. The catch? Unlike other bank accounts, CDs require you to lock up your money for a set period, which can range from a month to five years or more.

That’s where a CD ladder comes in handy. This strategy involves splitting your savings into several CDs that mature at different times. This way, you can earn the most interest possible while still having access to some of your money.

The ladder is a very simple tool that gives you the maximum amount of flexibility.

How to Find the Best CD Ladder Rates

CDs usually pay higher interest rates than checking and savings accounts because they require you to lock up your money for a specific period. For example, in October, the average savings account paid 0.46%, while average CD rates ranged from 0.22% to 1.50%. Online banks and credit unions often offer even better rates.

Rates vary based on the length of the CD and how much you deposit. Typically, the more money you’re able to invest and the longer the term, the better the rate you’re going to get.

While some big national banks have started offering competitive CD rates, it’s also worth checking out online banks, local community banks, and credit unions. CDs are available in various terms, from a few months to five years or more. Some institutions even offer CDs with terms as short as 30 days, but those usually don’t have great returns.

Banks often have promotional CD rates, too. These rates might look appealing but aren’t always ideal for laddering because they often come in odd terms, like 11 months instead of a full year.

How to Set Up a CD Ladder

A CD ladder is a savings strategy that offers the higher yield of a CD with the flexibility of a savings account.

You create a CD ladder by dividing the amount you want to save into smaller portions and putting those into individual CDs with staggered maturity dates. When a CD matures, you roll those funds into a new CD, potentially at a higher interest rate.

Here’s a simple example: Let’s say you have $15,000 to invest in CDs. Instead of putting it all into one CD, you could create a ladder with three different CDs:

• $5,000 in a 3-month CD
• $5,000 in a 6-month CD
• $5,000 in a 1-year CD

When the 3-month CD matures, you roll it into a 6-month CD. This way, at any point, you’ll have access to $5,000 every three months, giving you a nice balance of earning interest and keeping your money accessible.

How Much Money Do You Need for a CD Ladder?

While some banks have minimum deposits of $1,000 or more for CDs, many set the bar lower, or have no minimum at all. This means you can build a CD ladder even with a modest amount of money. If you aim for a five-year ladder and use CDs with a $500 minimum deposit, you could start with as little as $2,500.

How Long Should a CD Ladder Be?

A three-year or a five-year ladder are oftentimes best, because longer-duration CDs generally offer higher returns than shorter-term ones. If you think you’ll need the funds in less than three years, a high-yield savings account might be a better option, offering similar interest rates without the limitations of a CD.

Most CDs have penalties if you withdraw funds before maturity, ranging from 30 days to a full year’s worth of interest, depending on the term. If you don’t want to risk it, look for a no-penalty CD, but note that they usually have lower interest rates than traditional CDs.

What Are the Benefits of CD Laddering?

The main benefit of laddering is that you always have access to some portion of your savings within a relatively short time frame. While not a substitute for an emergency fund, a CD ladder can effectively augment one. If the first CD in your ladder matures in three months, you can keep enough money in a regular savings account to cover expenses during those three months and invest the rest in a ladder of CDs with higher interest rates.

In a rising interest rate environment, laddering CDs helps you capture potential rate increases. If you had locked $10,000 into a three-year CD in 2021 or 2020, you’d probably regret it now. But if you split that total into $2,000 blocks with staggered maturity dates, you would have the chance to reinvest part of your savings at higher rates as the Fed raises interest rates to combat inflation.

Laddering also allows you to benefit from the higher yields offered by longer-term CDs. Once you have a ladder with regular maturity dates, each new CD you buy will have a term corresponding to the farthest date of your ladder, letting you earn extra interest while keeping some of your money accessible.

How Many CDs Can You Have at One Bank?

There’s no limit to how many CD accounts you can have at one bank, but FDIC insurance typically covers only up to $250,000 in deposits at a single institution. If you plan to have more than that in CDs, spread your accounts across several banks to ensure your funds are fully protected.

What Are Some Alternatives to a CD Ladder Strategy?

Experts suggest that you can use the laddering technique for other types of financial products as well. Any low-risk, fixed-income instrument works well in a ladder. It could be a CD, a Treasury, an investment-grade corporate, or municipal bond.

Short-Term Treasurys

Like CDs, short-term Treasurys are sensitive to Fed rate changes and offer marginally more favorable tax treatment. Earnings are taxed federally at ordinary income rates, but interest on deposit accounts (including CDs) and corporate bond yields are also taxed at the state and local levels.

No-Penalty CDs

One of the biggest drawbacks of CDs is the penalty for early withdrawal. Some banks offer non-penalty CDs, but these typically have lower rates of return.

Brokered CDs

Brokered CDs, bought through brokerage accounts, offer higher returns than conventional CDs without risking your principal. They allow you to hold CDs with multiple banks and credit unions at once, helping to ensure FDIC insurance coverage (since the limit is $250,000 per institution).

Brokered CDs can also be sold before maturity without early withdrawal penalties, but they are callable, meaning the bank can terminate the CD at any time.

Savings Accounts

If you prefer not to lock away your money or don’t want to manage CD rollover dates, consider high-yield savings accounts. While CDs offer higher APYs, many online and some traditional banks offer savings accounts with returns of 4% or higher.

For those with the time and funds, a CD ladder is a risk-free strategy that can earn higher returns over time. The nice part about laddering CDs is you’re getting a higher rate for your savings, but you’re still able to maintain that liquidity.

There’s no magic number involved—it’s all about timing

So, you’ve got some extra cash on hand. Now you need to decide whether to save it or invest it. Surprisingly, this decision isn’t about how much money you have. Nowadays, with apps offering no transaction fees and low ongoing costs, you don’t need a large sum to start investing.

The key factor is time, not money. Here’s the simple rule: if you need the money within the next three years, save it in a high-yield savings account or a CD. If your goal is more long-term, or you don’t have a specific need for the money, consider investing in something that can grow, like stocks or bonds.

Time matters because it relates to risk. Money in a savings account is safe—you keep your balance, earn interest, and your funds are FDIC insured if the bank fails. Plus, you can access your money anytime without worrying about losses.

Right now, interest rates on high-yield savings accounts, especially from online banks, are pretty good—around 5 to 6% at some places. (These rates will eventually drop, but high-yield accounts will almost always be better than traditional ones.) CDs and money market accounts also have high rates right now, even beating inflation.

Investing could earn you more, but there are no guarantees. For example, the S&P 500 had over 20% returns in 2023 but lost 19% in 2022.

So, how do you choose the best option for your money and goals? There are tons of accounts and financial products out there. We’ve researched options from financial experts on each one and when they’re best to use. Read on to find out more.

Save Money You Need This Month

Your strategy: Saving
The tool you need: Checking account

Option: Put money for your day-to-day spending and bill payments here. This should cover your monthly spending, but not much more. However, avoid cutting it too close to avoid overdraft fees. Even though many banks have reduced these fees, penalties can still occur. Track your budget with a DIY method or a budgeting app and aim to keep at least 25% more than your monthly needs in your account to cover your checks.

Save for Emergencies and Unexpected Costs

Your strategy: Saving
The tool you need: High-yield savings account

Option: Use a savings account for your emergency fund and unexpected costs. These accounts should be liquid so you can easily cover deductibles, unexpected repairs, market downturns, or avoid debt.

Most financial experts suggest having at least three to six months of expenses saved for emergencies, like job loss. To be extra cautious, aim for 12 months given the current economic climate. If your income is unpredictable or you’re nearing retirement, you might want to save even more. Early retirees often keep up to two years of cash handy to avoid market risks. I learned this firsthand, and it really helped.

If retirement is far off, keep a minimum in your savings and invest the rest for long-term growth. Automating your savings is a smart move. Set up part of your paycheck to go directly into a savings account or arrange automatic transfers from your checking account. Money you don’t see is money you don’t spend. Keeping your high-yield savings account at a different bank from your checking can also help separate your savings from your spending.

CDs and Money Market Accounts

Your strategy: Saving
The tool you need: CDs, money market accounts

Option: For goals like buying a house in a couple of years, a CD can be a good choice. CDs lock in your money for a set period, offering a guaranteed rate of return, usually higher than a traditional savings account. You can open a CD online with most banks or investment brokerages. If you’re concerned about accessing your money, consider a CD ladder, which staggers your investments to ensure you have funds maturing regularly.

Money market accounts are another option, offering high interest without locking in your cash. These can be great for transitioning from saving to investing.

Invest for Long-Term Goals

Your strategy: Investing
Tools you need: Brokerage account or robo-advisor

Option: For long-term goals like funding your child’s college education, investing is a good strategy. Start by assessing your risk tolerance. Would you prefer having 100% in cash and seeing the market rise, or 100% in the market and seeing it fall by 29%? Your risk tolerance helps you decide on a portfolio mix, like 60% stocks and 40% bonds.

For young investors, a long-time horizon means short-term fluctuations are less relevant, so investing heavily in stocks might make sense. Most investing, like saving, can be done with a few clicks online. You can buy popular ETFs like VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ETF) easily. If you’re hesitant about investing on your own, consider robo-advisors or professional advisors, which can offer tailored investment advice based on your financial situation.

Remember to diversify your investments to protect against downturns, spreading your money across different asset classes and sectors.

Invest for Retirement

Your strategy: Investing
The tools you need: 401(k), 403(b), IRA

Option: If you’re working, make sure you’re using an account like a 401(k) or 403(b) to save for retirement. Aim to max out your 401(k) or other workplace plan and at least contribute enough to get your company match.

Consider setting up automatic annual increases for your contributions, usually by 1%. Anything you don’t have to think about will help you save. If your employer matches 4%, save at least 5%—that’s just a day’s lunch money. Over time, you won’t even notice the difference. After a year, think about increasing your savings by 2% or even 3% each year.

If your company doesn’t offer a plan and you have earned income, you can start your own IRA or Roth IRA with an investment firm and contribute up to the yearly IRS limit. There are also options for self-employed retirement accounts with higher limits.

Should You Seek Professional Advice?

While you can go it alone with the advice above, sometimes getting personalized guidance from a professional can be smart. Experts suggest seeking a pro’s help during major life changes (marriage, having a child, etc.), if you want a solid retirement plan, or if you need reassurance that you’re on the right track.

If the stock market is volatile and you’re thinking about making big changes to your investments, a pro can offer valuable advice. A seasoned professional might tell you it’s a great time to maintain and even add to your portfolio to take advantage of lower stock prices. In the end, make the best financial decisions for your situation.

Knowing the ins and outs can give peace of mind

What is FDIC

Bank failures—like what just happened with Silicon Valley Bank—can be pretty nerve-wracking, making you worry about losing all your savings overnight. But don’t stress too much, because the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) has got your back.

The FDIC was set up by Congress back in 1933, after a bunch of bank runs contributed to the Great Depression. Its main job is to protect the money of everyday depositors. By guaranteeing that your money is safe, the FDIC helps prevent the kind of panic withdrawals that can even take down healthy banks.

While the FDIC officially insures up to $250,000 per depositor, there are simple and legal ways to increase that coverage so that all your savings are protected.

So, if the news about Silicon Valley Bank—or Signature Bank, which also recently had issues—has you thinking about pulling your money from your bank, take a deep breath and relax. The answer is probably, “no need.”

Read on to find out how the FDIC works and exactly what is covered.

FDIC Insurance coverage limits

For most deposit accounts like checking and savings, the FDIC insurance limit is $250,000. That’s usually enough for most people, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

The $250,000 limit is per bank, per depositor, and per “ownership category.” Ownership categories include single accounts, joint accounts, certain types of trust accounts, corporate accounts, government accounts, and some retirement and benefit accounts.

This setup means you can actually get more than $250,000 in coverage. For example, if you have $250,000 in a savings account at Bank A and another $250,000 in a savings account at Bank B, you’re covered for $500,000 total. But if you have $500,000 split between a checking and a savings account at one bank, only $250,000 is insured.

You can also boost your coverage limits without using multiple banks. For instance, if you have a savings account in your name and a joint account with your spouse, your family is covered up to $750,000. That’s because the FDIC treats joint accounts as a different ownership category from single accounts, insuring them up to $250,000 per depositor.

Here’s another tip to ensure you’re covered: look beyond your bank’s brand name, especially if you have a high-yield savings account or CD.

Many digital banks are actually brands of traditional banks. For example, BrioDirect is the digital brand of Webster Bank, and UFB Direct is a brand of Axos Bank. These digital banks do carry FDIC insurance, but if you have deposits at both the online brand and the physical parent bank, they might fall under the same $250,000 FDIC coverage limit.

If you’re unsure, you can check the FDIC-member bank for your account using the FDIC’s BankFind tool.

Also, be diligent about FDIC insurance if you keep money with a nonbank fintech company. Many of these neobanks partner with FDIC-member banks for deposit coverage, but the FDIC advises caution. Make sure you understand the terms of how, when, and where your money is insured through the firm’s FDIC-member bank partner.

Keep reading to learn how the FDIC works and what it covers.

What does FDIC insurance cover?

FDIC insurance covers everyday bank accounts like checking and savings accounts, whether they earn interest or not. It also covers other types of deposit products, including money market deposit accounts and CDs.

However, FDIC insurance doesn’t cover everything. It does not protect stocks, bonds (including municipal bonds), mutual funds, life insurance, annuities, or crypto assets, though these might be covered by other types of insurance. It also doesn’t cover U.S. Treasurys, but these are backed by the U.S. government, making them a safe investment.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Are money market accounts FDIC insured?

Yes, FDIC insurance includes money market deposit accounts, but it doesn’t cover money market mutual funds, which you buy through a broker.

Are CDs FDIC insured?

Yes, certificates of deposit (CDs) are FDIC insured, up to the coverage limits. The exception is brokered CDs, which are bought through brokers and aren’t covered by FDIC insurance.

Are credit unions FDIC insured?

No, FDIC insurance doesn’t cover credit unions. Instead, credit union deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which offers the same $250,000 coverage per depositor.

From a customer perspective, NCUA insurance is just like FDIC insurance. If you bank with an NCUA member institution, you automatically get NCUA insurance coverage, just like with FDIC member banks.

Are brokerage accounts FDIC insured?

No, brokerage accounts aren’t covered by FDIC insurance. Investment products like stocks, bonds (including municipal bonds), and mutual funds are not protected. If your brokerage account loses value, that’s a risk you take as an investor.

However, there’s some protection through the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), an independent organization for broker-dealers. If your brokerage account is with an SIPC-member company and it fails, SIPC covers lost cash and securities up to $500,000 per customer, per institution, including a $250,000 limit for cash. This limit applies even if you have multiple accounts with the same brokerage.

Are crypto exchange accounts FDIC insured?

No, crypto exchange accounts are not FDIC insured. The FDIC doesn’t cover nonbank assets, including cryptocurrency. It also doesn’t protect against losses from fraud or theft.

The crypto market operates in a regulatory gray area, so you don’t get the same protection as you would with cash in a bank or credit union. Cryptocurrency exchanges, brokers, custodians, and wallet providers are all outside the FDIC’s supervision and coverage.

Tax Tip

Hobbie or Business

Here’s what to know about that side Hustle.

IRS Tax Tip 2023-61, May 3, 2023

Sometimes the line between having a hobby and running a business can be confusing, but knowing the difference is important because hobbies and businesses are treated differently when it’s time to file a tax return. The biggest difference between the two is that businesses operate to make a profit while hobbies are for pleasure or recreation.

Whether someone is having fun with a hobby or running a business, if they accept more than $600 for goods and services using online marketplaces or payment apps, they could receive a Form 1099-K. Profits from the sale of goods, including personal items, and services is taxable income that must be reported on tax returns.

There are a few other things people should consider when deciding whether their project is a hobby or business. No single thing is the deciding factor. Taxpayers should review all the factors to make a good decision.

How taxpayers can decide if it’s a hobby or business

These questions can help taxpayers decide whether they have a hobby or business:

• Do they carry out the activity in a businesslike manner and keep complete and accurate books and records?
   
• Does the time and effort they put into the activity show they intend to make a profit?
   
• Does the activity make a profit in some years – if so, how much profit does it make?
   
• Can they expect to make a future profit from the appreciation of the assets used in the activity?
   
• Do they depend on income from the activity for their livelihood?
   
• Are any losses due to circumstances beyond their control or are the losses normal for the startup phase of their type of business?
   
• Do they change their methods of operation to improve profitability?
   
• Do the taxpayer and their advisors have the knowledge needed to carry out the activity as a successful business?

Whether taxpayers have a hobby or run a business, good record keeping is always key when it’s time to file taxes.

More information:

Our history is rich with heroes, both well-known and unsung. We remember Sojourner Truth, the fearless abolitionist and women’s rights activist who challenged the status quo. We honor Emmett Till, whose tragic death ignited the Civil Rights Movement. Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, and Harriet Tubman, the “Moses” who led countless slaves to freedom, are eternally etched in our hearts. Fannie Lou Hamer, a voting rights champion, reminds us that we have the power to change the world through activism.

But let’s not forget our modern heroes who continue to make a difference today. Their contributions deserve recognition and celebration. We shout their names proudly and give them their flowers now: Angela Davis, Bryan Stevenson, Ava DuVernay, and countless others who fight for justice, equality, and change.

In remembering our heroes, we must also remember those who lost their lives due to racial injustice. We say their names and keep saying them: Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many more. Their lives mattered, and their stories fuel our determination to bring about change.

Our impact on this nation is undeniable. From music that has shaped the world to scientific breakthroughs and innovations that have revolutionized industries, our contributions are woven into the very fabric of this country. We make history daily, and our legacy is too vast to be confined to the shortest month of the year.

At Minding My Business, we choose to celebrate Black history 365 days a year because we recognize that our story is one of limitless potential and enduring strength. We are the beacon of hope, resilience, and courage. We refuse to be silenced or sidelined because we are a resilient, powerful, and unbreakable race of people.

As we honor Black History Month, let us remember that our history is not just in the past; it is alive and thriving today. We celebrate our history, our heroes, and our legacy. We stand strong, unwavering in our commitment to creating a more just and equitable future for all.