If you’re flush with cash this year, you might be hearing an earful of advice from your accountant.

Our accountant suggested a few big purchases to offset our rather surprising profits this year.  (If you haven’t seen the quilted cot covers we make, shame on you!  They’re beautiful, more functional than a regular cover and inexpensively priced!)

If your accountant is also urging you to make a few end-of-year buys, consider the following tips:

1.  Make sure the company you’re ordering from knows that you intend to pay with 2006 money.  They might be willing to ship before 1/1/07 or at least date the invoice for 12/31/06.
2.  Have the company give you an exact amount that will be due so you can write a check before the new year.
3.  Consider ordering items that you KNOW you’ll use in the coming months.  This way, you’re moving your expenses to 2006 (to help cut down your tax burden) and will still be sure to use them.
4.  Consider purchasing items to replace worn out products your currently using.  A new quilted cot cover (shamelessly plugging our product - sorry!) will make a big impact on your clients, especially considering the age and appearance of your current one.  New drapes for the lobby or a new watercooler will also be immediately noticed.
5.  Use a new purchase to add great services to your funeral home.  If you’re not already providing coffee, soda or cookies for viewings, now’s a good time to buy the stuff you’ll need.  And if you do serve coffee, but only provide styrofoam cups - STOP IT!  Provide ceramic logo cups.  At least for the families who are meeting you to make arrangements.  (Good rule to use:  treat families exactly as you would visitors to your personal home.)
6.  Make sure your accountant knows what you plan to purchase.  Some items might not qualify for tax deductions or might be better 2007 purchases.