This page is a work in progress. I’m re-evaluating what I recommend to make sure I am bringing you the absolute best options in every category and facet of life!
People always ask me:
What would you recommend for [insert need here]?
So, I thought it would be nice to have an area of the site where I can tell you the products I use (and have used), as well as those that I have experience with through my dealings with clients. That way, you have a starting point when
Disclaimer: I do get a commission on the sale of most products/services listed on this page. I can assure you that it has absolutely 0% impact on my opinion. If I was swayed by kickbacks, I’d have a lot more listed (and the highest-paying ones that I can find to boot)!
Online Tax Programs
TurboTax
This is one of the longest-running products on the market, and for good reason. TurboTax is always at the forefront of online tax programs in terms of making it easy to use and the support you get. Plus it doesn’t hurt that you now can opt to get a tax professional to answer questions!
TaxSlayer
One of the new kids on the online tax preparation block, TaxSlayer has made a huge splash. Aside from its reasonably-priced paid tiers and easy-to-use interface, the video support makes figuring out how to do certain tasks much better than simply reading about it. And it’s got a cool name to boot!
Make sure to read about my views on online tax programs and when you should & shouldn’t use them!
Self-Care, Health & Wellness
bodybuilding.com
You need to be healthy physically and mentally in addition to financially. After all, health costs are one of the biggest reasons for bankruptcy and debt. I love Bodybuilding.com because it offers a superior site containing a collection of advice, recipes, tracking, and store. It’s hard not to want to get in better shape after just one visit! And despite the name, it’s for people of all fitness levels to improve themselves, not just “bodybuilders”.
eHealth Insurance
You need health insurance. Sometimes, it’s just affordable. Other times you have to accept tremendous out-of-pocket limits to make it affordable. Next time you shop, try eHealth Insurance. You’ll find individual and family health coverage, Medicare plans, dental and vision plans, and more–all at affordable rates!
Website Hosting & Domain Registration
SiteGround
I’ve used several hosting companies throughout my life. Needless to say, SiteGround has been my favorite by far! Not only have I experienced the lowest amount of downtime for any of my sites, when I do need help, but the response time is also lightning-quick. If you’re looking for a quality, affordable shared hosting provider, this should be at the top of your search list.
namecheap
My friend Andrea at Nuts and Bolts Media recommended namecheap. The pricing is pretty good, and the management is really easy. namecheap also has monthly discounts which some services don’t do anymore, and you know saving is great!
Website Tools & Plugins
WP Rocket
If your small business depends on a website such as a blog or online-only business, you have to make sure it’s fast. Your visitors won’t want to wait around for it to take 3 minutes to load like in the dial-up days! You want to get WP Rocket! It’ll make sure your site loads super-quick so your visitors see what you want them to right away, not a blank screen!
Bookkeeping, Invoicing & Payroll
FreshBooks
Be aware, this really isn’t an “accounting” company. What it excels at, however, is offering industry-leading time and billing services. If you need customized invoice options, invoice tracking, and automated billing at a low cost, FreshBooks is the company to choose for small businesses.
QuickBooks Online
I use QuickBooks Online for my own accounting clients. It’s an accounting program, not just for invoicing or aggregation of accounts. It offers full accountant access, and also allows for tracking different business segments with ease. Pair it with Gusto for a powerhouse combo!
Gusto
For anyone who has payroll, this is the absolute total answer to your problems! For one low monthly fee, the folks at Gusto will automatically handle everything from processing payroll to transferring the money to making tax deposits to filing the quarterly payroll tax returns. It’s the true definition of set it and forget it!
If you aren’t sure about it, read up on the reasons why my clients all love using Gusto to run payroll! For transparency’s sake, I use it for my own payroll too!
Small Business Insurance & Legal
eHealth Insurance
As a small business owner, you need insurance for yourself and your family. Maybe you want to offer your employees health coverage. eHealth Insurance makes shopping for plans easy and less stressful. You’ll also find better rates than most other “marketplaces”.
Hiscox Business Insurance
When it comes to insurance for small businesses, there is one name to remember: Hiscox. It’s the leader in providing small business insurance of all types and across many industries. If you run a small business, you need to be covered and Hiscox should be the place you start.
Nolo
For years, maybe even decades, Nolo has been the leader in Do-It-Yourself legal documents. From contracts to wills to rental agreements and more, Nolo has partnered with industry leader Quicken (Inuit) as well as attorneys nationwide to provide solutions as well as educational articles and books.
Be sure to read up on my article articles about how to set up your own limited liability company, the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction, and the dangers of DIY projects. They will help you understand these topics and ensure that you make the most informed decisions!
Document Management
Google Workspace
Free is good, and Google offers plenty of free tools, but that can only take you so far. When you outgrow the free stuff, Google Workspace is a great value due to the low cost you pay for all of the advanced features you receive. It’s easily scalable to accommodate your business as it grows without putting too much cost pressure on you.