Tag: Guest Post

Does Your Pool Have A Leak?

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Perhaps you are like many other pool owners across the nation, and you find yourself needing to add water to your pool fairly often. We aren’t talking about an inch or two of water over the course of a month, which is due to evaporation, but more so a significant loss of water each day. If you find that your pool is losing between ½ inch to an inch of water every day, your pool probably has a leak you need to find and address. Below, we’ll discuss exactly how inground swimming pool owners should go about that in the right way.

Why Your Pool Leak Must Be Repaired

Pool leaks must be fixed as soon as possible for fairly obvious reasons. Chiefly, you don’t want to have to keep adding water to your inground pool unnecessarily. But pool leaks spike your water bill and might even waken subsoil in inground pools.

Before you are able to determine whether you can repair the leak yourself or if you need professional pool leak repair, the first step is naturally to find the leak itself. Next, you need to identify the severity of the leak.

If you simply shrug your shoulders and wait for the issue to resolve itself, we’ve got some news for you — your future-self will not be pleased with your present-self! You’ve created a headache for yourself that is completely unnecessary, due to the increase in heating bills, water replacement costs, not to mention the chemical loss and strain on pool equipment that leaks frequently cause.

Testing For A Leak: The Bucket Method

Before you call pool maintenance professionals to fix your pool leak, it’s a good idea to perform a test in order to see if you actually have a leak. Do this by filling a bucket with water about an inch from the brim. Place the bucket on the first step of your pool, marking the inside water line and the outside water line on the bucket. Then let it sit for 24 hours before you check on the water levels. If both water levels have dropped the same amount, the supposed leak is probably just evaporation. If, however, you find that the water level outside of the bucket is less than the level inside it, it’s time to call a pool repair company to perform a pool leak repair.

Why Professional Pool Maintenance Is Key

For the DIYers out there, it might be enticing to attempt to repair the leak yourself. Truth be told, depending on the type of leak, you might well be able to patch over the leak or even perform a vinyl replacement liner repair.

An Investment Worth Protecting

But it’s equally true to say that your inground pool is an investment worth protecting. And while it’s plausible to perform a simple patchwork job, many pool leaks are difficult to identify. It takes experience and industry knowledge to perform a comprehensive analysis while making sure the pool repair administered is both exhaustive and effective. Learn more about the pool leak repair we offer at Pool Werks.

About The Author: Pool Werks

Pool Werks is a pool cleaning service provider in Crystal Lake, IL that specializes in inground pool maintenance and repair. Pool Werks is passionate about their affordable, professional, and honest approach to inground pool repair and maintenance. With state-of-the-art equipment, cost-effective rates, and a dedication to doing right by their customers, they are the Top Rated Local® pool service & repair company in Crystal Lake and beyond!

For clean, clear, beautiful pools, contact Pool Werks at your convenience. They’d love to hear from you and resolve your swimming pool repair needs as soon as possible!

5 Tips to Make Your Corporate Videos Stand Out

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What Makes a Good Corporate Video?

To answer this question, you don’t have to look much further than Los Angeles video productions, specifically, what comes out of any quality Hollywood entertainment company. Every good video is engaging and memorable. It grabs your attention, moves at a comfortable pace, and inspires you in some way. Treat your corporate video production efforts like you would any corporate event where you need to keep your audience engaged; keep things fun, moving along, and captivating.

Take the Time to Storyboard

A quality Los Angeles video production company will tell you that at the heart of every memorable video is a cohesive story. You may have some great ideas for effects, music, and actors, and these are certainly important considerations, but to hold everything together and have your video make sense, you need to start with solid writing and a strong story.

Invest in Quality Cinematography

More and more, viewers demand visual quality. If you expect your audiences to stay tuned in to your message, you have to give them top-quality visuals to engage with. This means access to excellent camera equipment, using the latest cinematography techniques that include movement and sweeping shots, and capturing eye-popping visuals that are sharp, bright, and highly appealing.

Spend Enough Editing Hours to Get It Right

Never underestimate the power of good editing. In the movie-making capital of the world, nothing makes it to the big screen without extensive editing beforehand. You need to do the same with your corporate video production. Invest in the right software, equipment, personnel, and time for a top-quality editing job that will give you seamless results, and give your viewers an enjoyable viewing experience.

Make Sure You Have a Director Overseeing Your Efforts

Far too often, a corporate video is the result of a group of well-intended, but inexperienced, executives and assistants throwing something together. The result can be downright childish at best, as well as boring, disorganized, and highly unprofessional. One of the reasons the end result is so poor is that there are too many captains in the ship! When you have a corporate group effort for your video production activities, there’s a good chance you’ll have power plays taking place. The CEO wants it to go one direction, the technical guru wants to focus on tech jargon, the marketing director may end up focusing on more hype, less substance, and the end result is a hodgepodge that leaves the viewer confused at best, and maybe even betrayed and taken for a ride. To avoid this scenario, make sure that a qualified video director is overseeing the entire project and has final say on what stays in and what gets taken out.

Get Expert Help

The bottom line is that, unless you’ve made hundreds or even thousands of videos, you may not have the right background or expertise to put together a top-quality corporate video production that shows your company in the best light and makes your viewers fall in love with your brands. You have the expertise to run your company beautifully, but you may need outside help to create corporate videos that have that magic and high level of professionalism viewers have come to expect. Getting outside help is not a cop out; it’s a savvy move that will put your company in the best light and build that solid reputation you want for your business.

We Are Here to Help You Succeed!

JLB Media has been providing exceptional video production services not only in Los Angeles, where much of our production efforts take place, but all throughout the nation for many years. We network with industry professionals based all over the country; these professionals include actors, directors, production assistants, writers, cinematographers, and more. We can help you create Hollywood-style movie magic through our video production services. In addition to helping companies create corporate videos that stand out for their level of quality and the engagement they generate, we regularly work on top-quality television commercials, product videos, training videos, and much more.

Our customers trust us to produce the best videos possible, since we focus on delivering high-quality video production services at affordable rates. Whether you’re in the Los Angeles region or anywhere in the United States or Canada, we can help you create stand-out corporate videos your viewers will remember. Get in touch with us today!

Buying vs. Renting Your Next Home: What to Consider

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Whether you’ve finally found your new hometown or you’re ready to start a family, you have probably considered buying a house rather than finding yet another rental home. Owning property is part of the American dream, after all, but is it truly the best decision for you? It’s a big decision to make, and one that no one should take lightly. In today’s article, we’ll go over how to make an informed choice with four things you should consider before making the leap to home ownership.

Your Long-Term Plan

One of the first things you should ask yourself when considering buying a home is whether you’re ready and willing to live in the same place for several years. Buying a home is a commitment in many ways. You’re choosing a location and a mortgage payment that you’ll have to stick with for years into the future. In most places, you need to own a home for at least five years before you’ll be able to get a return on your investment by re-selling the property.

Ask yourself: are you in a stable job? A stable relationship? Rental homes offer the flexibility to move and reevaluate if your circumstances change. For example, you would have the ability to relocate within a few months to a year if you are hired for a new position in a different place. You also have the ability to downsize to a smaller space if your financial situation changes and it becomes a challenge to afford the monthly payments on your current home.

Your Finances

Depending on where you live, rent may be cheaper than a mortgage. However, it is not an investment. For some, paying rent is a waste of money when you could be building equity and paying off a property that you can claim for years into the future. On the other hand, buying a home not only requires a large down payment upfront, but it also includes the cost of maintenance and upkeep moving forward. As a homeowner, repairs will be your responsibility, whether you choose to pay for the materials and try to do it yourself or hire a expert. It’s important that you consider the big picture when weighing the costs of renting versus buying a home.

Your Time and Effort

One way you could lower the costs of homeownership is if you commit to doing as many repairs and maintenance tasks as you can by yourself. A DIY solution may be more budget-friendly, but it costs you in other ways. Ask yourself how much time and energy you have to spare. Some tasks, like mowing the lawn, may be simple, but others, like repairing leaking pipes or faulty plumbing, may require a level of expertise you simply don’t have.

If you’re not ready to tackle the responsibility of repairs and upkeep, then a rental home may be the best choice for now. You can depend on your landlord or property management company to maintain your home, and the costs are more likely than not already included in your rent. You can save money, time, and energy by choosing to delay homeownership for another year or two.

Your Dreams and Expectations

If you want the chance to design your own space, then it may be time to move on from renting real estate. You have limited options when renting — you can’t make changes without the owner’s approval, and you will eventually move out, leaving your hard work behind. Owning property gives you a chance to design the home of your dreams. You can leave behind short-term satisfaction and the dictation of someone else’s opinion.

About Middel Realty

If you are looking for a beautiful single-family rental home in Fort Collins, Colorado, Middel Realty is here to help. We have been in business since 1974, with a dedication to the satisfaction of our tenants every step of the way. If you are looking for a clean, well-maintained, allergen-free home in some of the most desirable locations in Fort Collins, contact us today!

The Features Buyers Look For In A Home

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If there’s one thing that’s constant about the housing market, it’s that it’s always changing. Some regions become very competitive, while some styles of homes experience a period of renewed interest. While the market may always be changing, the features that make homes for sale attractive are fairly constant. If you’re thinking of selling your home, or are looking to purchase a home, here are some of the most popular features home buyers look for.

Energy Efficient Homes

Younger buyers are prioritizing eco-conscious living spaces when looking for homes for sale. From LED light bulbs to programmable thermostats, solar panel arrays and energy-saving appliances, if a home has even a few of these features, they’re more likely to draw more potential buyers to the property.

Hardwood Floors

While hardwood floors have always been in fashion, they have experienced something of a renaissance in the last few years. New buyers are looking for flooring that is durable, beautiful, and more importantly, easy to clean. Hardwood flooring fits all of these needs.

Homes In Established Communities

Almost more important than the house itself is the community it’s in. This generation of homebuyers is looking for homes for sale in areas that have a strong sense of community identity and for places that encourage gatherings and interactions. This could be areas like parks, historic downtown districts, or even areas near natural spaces.

Improved Bathrooms

Increasingly, the bathroom is being seen and used as a private oasis for homeowners. For sellers, one of the easiest ways to see a significant improvement in your selling price is to invest in bathroom remodeling. Updated fixtures, tiles, and more in the bathroom are all likely to hold a potential buyer’s interest.

Improved Kitchens

Like an updated bathroom, an updated kitchen will immediately attract buyers. While energy efficient appliances are definitely a draw, even replacing the countertops, cabinet faces, or the flooring can have an immense impact on the visual appeal of the kitchen. Homebuyers want their kitchens to feel welcoming and functional.

Offices And Other Workspaces

With the gig economy ramping up and more and more jobs allowing employees to work from home, new homebuyers are extremely interested in living in homes that have designated workspaces for them. Staging a room as an office is an easy way to entice buyers into viewing your home for sale.

This Blog Brought To You By The Hills Real Estate Team

If you’re looking for homes for sale in the Black Hills area, including fabulous places like Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Rapid City, and Bozeman, give the Hills Real Estate Team a call! With more than 40 years of combined experience, our real estate agents know the Black Hills area very well, and are excited to help you find your dream home. With regular open houses, and real estate agents in four different cities, we’ve made the home buying and selling process easy. Contact the agent nearest you to get started!

Do I Need Therapy?

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Everyone struggles from time to time, whether it’s due to work stress, relationship problems, family issues, or poor mental health. If you are currently struggling, it may be time for you to seek out a local therapist.

Signs You Could Benefit from Therapy

You are having inexplicable physical symptoms.

Many people do not realize that many mental health conditions come with physical symptoms. If you have seen a medical professional and all your tests are coming back negative, your doctor may suggest therapy for treatment. This is particularly true if you’re experiencing intestinal distress, as mental health and the digestive system are connected.

You feel stuck in a pattern of behavior.

You know your actions aren’t getting where you want to go, but you don’t know how to break the vicious cycle. If you are feeling trapped and unable to behave in a different, healthier way, talking to a therapist may help you. Whether it is staying in a toxic relationship, feeling trapped at an unsatisfying job, or using unhealthy coping mechanisms, it is possible to break negative patterns of behavior to live a healthier and happier life, and a therapist may help.

You feel out of control of your emotions.

Being more emotional than other people in your life doesn’t mean that you need therapy. However, these people can generally regulate their emotions to respond appropriately to situations. If you feel that you have no control over how you feel and it is causing problems, therapy may help you. For example, you might feel an overwhelming surge of rage over small inconveniences that has a negative impact on your relationships. If you’re feeling out of control emotionally, you may benefit in particular from cognitive behavioral therapy, which is designed to help with emotional regulation.

You’re unhappy with your life.

Things can’t always be perfect, and everyone experiences unhappiness with their circumstances from time to time. However, if you have a running dialogue in your head thinking about how you hate your life, or maybe even thoughts about how you would rather be dead, this means it is time to talk to a professional. A therapist can help you challenge those negative thought patterns and determine changes you can make in your life that will help you be happier.

You cope with alcohol or other drugs.

Drinking to cope with stress is common in our culture, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy. If you are regularly using alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions, it’s a red flag that a deeper issue is lurking beneath the surface.

If there is any part of your life that causes distress that you feel hopeless about, there is no shame in reaching out for help. Professional therapists have helped millions of people work through their issues, and the right therapist may be able to help you as well.

About the Author

New Transitions Counseling Center offers cognitive behavioral therapy in Palatine, IL. We have a staff of dependable and affordable therapists who can help you with a variety of issues, from depression and anxiety to autism spectrum disorder to grief. If you are interested in learning whether we would be a good match, contact us for a free phone consultation.

How to Find a Therapist

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Finding a therapist can be daunting, but when you are experiencing mental health problems or struggling in some other way personally, the right therapist can make all of the difference in the world. If you have never sought therapy before, you might feel overwhelmed. Here is a simple guide to finding a local therapist who can help you.

Consider What is Important to You

Start by thinking about what specialties you would like your therapist to have and whether or not there is a gender you would prefer talking to about personal issues. Also consider logistical concerns, such as where their office is located. You might like a therapist’s personality, but if you have to travel 45 minutes to and from their office, it will be a lot harder to stick with a regular therapeutic schedule. Pick a therapist who you can connect with and who will be convenient for you.

Understand the Different Types of Therapists

There are many different types of mental health professionals from whom you can receive therapy.

  • Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in psychiatric illnesses. They attended medical school and are licensed to prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are also trained in psychotherapy and psychological testing.
  • Psychologist: Psychologists are professionals with doctorates in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). While psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are trained in psychotherapy and psychological testing.
  • Social Worker: Social workers provide social services, most commonly in healthcare settings, though there are a variety of environments in which they work. Social workers specialize in helping with interpersonal problems, providing empathy and counseling to help individuals thrive mentally and emotionally.
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): LPCs have a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling and 3,000 hours of post-grad experience in the field. They are licensed or certified to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

Exploring Your Therapeutic Options

Now that you have an understanding of the different types of therapists and have determined which type is right for you, it’s time to find a list of professionals who meet your needs.

  • Go through your insurance. If you plan to use your health insurance to cover part or all of the cost of therapy, it’s best to start with a list of providers who are covered under your plan. You may be able to find a comprehensive list on your insurance company’s website, or you can contact a representative to ask for it.
  • Do a Psychology Today search. Psychology Today has a helpful tool on their website that is essentially Facebook for counselors. Local therapists in your area have profiles which you can read through, and you can even filter your search based on what you’re looking for specifically.

Keep in mind that it usually takes some time to develop a healing therapeutic relationship. It may take a few sessions before you feel comfortable opening up to your therapist. That being said, if you don’t feel you are the right fit, there is nothing wrong with moving on and finding a professional who better suits your needs.

About the Author

New Transitions Counseling Center provides compassionate and meaningful therapy to the residents of Palatine, IL. We specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups. We pride ourselves on being dependable and affordable therapists. Contact us for a free phone consultation to determine whether one of our therapists is right for you.

Discovering Diverse Fitness Classes

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The options for health and wellness classes and memberships are abounding — you can pretty much find anything from kickboxing and other martial arts to group high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and bodybuilding — but the disadvantage to these types of classes is they generally only offer one type of fitness. There are few fitness spaces that offer the diversity and accessibility that cater to every way our bodies move!

Each type of movement and fitness offers a variety of benefits to our bodies, which is why choosing a fitness studio that extends classes that are all-encompassing is hugely important to all parts of us — from body alignment, our mental space, mechanics, and breath.

Choose The Right Fitness Studio

Because you are investing both time and money into your health and wellness, it is important to choose the right one. Much can be said for a fitness studio that offers a variety of classes — you always have a broad range of classes to tailor to your schedule, so if you are ever at a point where exercising isn’t as enjoyable or you have hit a fitness plateau, a fitness studio with multiple classes can help keep things fresh and new.

The atmosphere of the fitness studio can also make your experience more meaningful, so it is crucial to find one that aligns with your values. Does the studio provide a positive, fun, and encouraging space where you can both learn more about your physical body as well as your inner self? Is this a place that supports their instructors and compensates them fairly for their dedication and time? And, is this a fitness space that values community and contributes their time and energy to different organizations to better the people they live amongst?

Find Your Fitness Finesse

Whether you are a seasoned fitness pro or just beginning your fitness journey, having a fitness facility that caters to all different sorts of movement allows you to try new things to find what you really enjoy. Instead of moving from gym to gym trying this class or that type of fitness, having a fitness space that offers it all lets you explore your fitness finesse and try new things you normally wouldn’t be able to access.

It is All About Class Variety

A fitness studio with variety is a true gem amongst the sea of gyms and workout spaces. So, what makes a really great fitness studio? Variety! When you are doing your research, look for a fitness studio that offers an assortment of classes such as:

  • Yoga
  • Spin® class
  • Pilates
  • Barre
  • Boot Camp
  • Core
  • Tai chi
  • Zumba
  • Muscle Conditioning
  • TRX
  • Personal training

Not only do you get a sprinkling of classes; they are all included into one membership!

This Blog Brought To You By Every Body Balance

Every Body Balance provides a variety of fitness classes in Southborough, MA, that focus on the whole person and all of their beautiful intricacies — body and mind. The celebration of the way the body moves and transforms is a guiding principle that is brought to every fitness class.

Event Planning Checklist

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Whether it’s a family reunion, wedding, corporate event, or a concert, there are a lot of details that go into planning an event. From the guest list to food to location to entertainment to party favors and party rentals — if you haven’t been through the process before, it can be overwhelming to say the least. To help you plan and throw an event, here’s a quick checklist to help make sure that it all goes off without a hitch. For the sake of convenience, we’ll use a corporate event as an example.

Start Early

Let’s say you’re planning a Christmas party for your office. Depending on the size of your company, you’ll want to give yourself at least four to six months to plan. A large part of giving yourself this much time is to ensure that local venues aren’t booked. Christmas, of course, is a popular time of year for big events and you don’t want to end up having to book a space that is too small or doesn’t have the features you want. The initial planning of the event will focus on:

  • Establishing goals: What’s the purpose? How many people will attend?
  • Budget: Put together a rough budget. When you have an estimated guest list, you can determine how much money you want to spend per person. And always be sure to give yourself some emergency funds.
  • Select a date: Take into consideration when the holidays are and when people will most likely be out of the office for vacation.
  • Choose a theme: Party themes can range from fun and entertaining to serious and educational. If you’re planning a holiday party, fun is better, right?

Three to Four Months Till the Event

Getting closer to the event, you’ll need to start narrowing down your budget, start getting vendor quotes, and really start to put the pieces of the event together.

  • Speaker: If you’re inviting a speaker to the event, first make sure the person you want is available. Then, set up travel arrangements if necessary and get together information about the speaker so they can be introduced.
  • Send your invitations: An official invitation should be sent out to everyone so that they have enough time to plan their schedule.
  • Book your vendors: This is the time to nail down and make a reservation for any vendors, including caterers, musicians, any entertainment, and party rentals, such as tents, tables, linens, and chairs.
  • Venue details: At the venue, make sure they have all of the necessary A/V equipment, that they’re prepared for your caterer, and check to see if you need any permits, licenses, or insurance.

Two Months Before

Now that the big details are in order, it’s time to start sending out reminders for guests that still need to R.S.V.P., and send reminders to vendors, speakers, or anyone else who will be attending.

  • Put together decoration ideas.
  • Send details to guests regarding where to park and any other necessary specifics they should know.
  • Finalize any entertainment, such as playlists or videos.

One Week Before

Communication is essential at this point. With so many people involved, and people with various responsibilities, this is a common time to drop the ball.

  • Vendors: Make sure everyone is aware of when they need to be at the venue.
  • Finalize the schedule of the event.
  • Make sure all vendors have been paid so you don’t need to worry about resolving invoices the day of.
  • Set up decorations if you have access to the venue.

With everything in order, from guests to party rentals and the catering menu, now you can sit back and enjoy the big day! A holiday party is for the company employees as well as the organizers, right?

About Skyline Event Rentals

Serving Carlisle, Mass., and the surrounding areas, Skyline Event Rentals delivers quality party rentals, including tents, tables, chairs, linens, and more. Our family-owned business is dedicated to providing affordable products and superior customer service. View our profile to read some reviews and learn about our party rentals by visiting our website.

How To Find The Best Bookkeeper For Your Business

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A clean record of financial transactions is essential to a business running smoothly and growing into the future. Unfortunately, most business owners struggle to keep up with their books, either because they’re not formally trained in the skill or they simply do not have time to do so. All businesses, no matter their size, can benefit from working with a bookkeeper to keep their books clean and in order. Organized and orderly books help owners make more informed financial decisions as their business grows. As a business owner, there’s no reason to struggle with your books when you follow these simple steps to find the best bookkeeper for your business.

Determine Your Bookkeeping Needs

You’re in search of a bookkeeping professional, either because you do not have time to take care of the books anymore, or you simply want to delegate the responsibility so you can focus on growing your business. It’s important to understand what you actually need from your bookkeeper before you go and hire one. Consider your business type, the accounting software you’re utilizing, the number of transactions you handle, and the general bookkeeping services you need. Doing this work up front will greatly decrease the time it takes to find the right professional to record your business financials.

Find A Bookkeeper That Understands Your Business

It can be tempting to go out and find the most cost-effective bookkeeper to take care of your financials, but it’s more advantageous to find a bookkeeping professional who understands your industry and your business. Your bookkeeper should intimately know how you operate, what your expenses are, and who you bill. Costly errors can occur when your bookkeeper does not fully understand your business. You’re looking for knowledge and experience in your given industry, as well as a comprehensive understanding of your business.

Hire A Bookkeeper With Attention To Detail

An organized financial book is a profitable financial book. You want a bookkeeping professional who is a line-item hawk. They see everything, and they make sure your financials are in order. When your books are in order, you can make informed financial decisions that have the potential to make you more than if your books were a mess.

Ask For Referrals From Other Trusted Business Owners

One of the fastest ways to find a bookkeeper for your business is to ask someone in your industry you trust. Do you already work with an accounting firm? Ask if they offer bookkeeping services that you can add to your service package. You can also search for qualified bookkeepers through the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in your area.

Discover Which Accounting Software The Bookkeeper Uses

There are dozens of accounting softwares available to bookkeepers in the industry. You want to discover which one your potential bookkeeper uses and if you have administrative rights over the information in the software. One of the biggest headaches for small business owners is to not have access to their own financial information due to the software used and the bookkeeping professional’s policies. Confirm the software being used and your access to that software before hiring a bookkeeper as a partner for your business.

This Blog Brought To You By Furever Bookkeeping

Led by principal bookkeeper Kendra Moore, Furever Bookkeeping provides comprehensive bookkeeping services to businesses in Maryland. With more than 15 years of experience, Furever Bookkeeping wields experience with businesses in a wide range of industries, as well as books ranging from $200K up to and in excess of $32M. A portion of Furever Bookkeeping’s revenue goes toward animal-abuse awareness efforts to help forgotten dogs find “furever” homes.