News on American Capital Group Blog

Maximize Your Tax Savings with Equipment Financing

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:02:00 +0000

As a business owner, it’s important to stay up-to-date on tax laws and deductions that can help you save money. One such deduction is the Section 179 tax deduction, which allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software in the year it was purchased. This deduction is especially valuable for small businesses and self-employed individuals who may not have the capital to make large purchases.

Maximizing Financial Opportunities: Success Stories from Take the Summer Off Program

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:14:00 +0000

We believe in empowering our customers to make smart financial decisions that lead to long-term success. Our “Take the Summer Off” program has provided numerous business owners with the means to strengthen their financial positions while enjoying a well-deserved break. In this blog post, we share inspiring stories of how some of our customers have utilized their funds from the program to generate revenue, pay off debts, invest wisely, and create memorable experiences. We hope these stories will inspire and guide other entrepreneurs towards financial prosperity.

Maximize Your Tax Savings with Equipment Financing

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 22:45:55 +0000

Does your bank line of credit put your business at risk

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:06:02 +0000

Many business owners are reviewing bank line of credit options with the recent instability in the banking industry. Managing lines of credit is essential for the long term success of a business. Here are some conditions business owners should keep their eyes on when utilizing a bank line of credit:

Most lines of credit are based on a variable interest rate…this means every time the Fed hikes rates then the debt being carried on the line of credit gets more expensive.

Proactive measures to take when seeing instability in the banking industry

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:42:46 +0000

Given the current instability of the banking industry, there are several actions that businesses should consider taking:

Be cautious about getting deeper into debt with your main bank: Most bank lending documentation have a call provision whereby if the bank is in trouble they can call your note. Be careful about having too many eggs in one basket.
Diversify your banking relationships: Spread your funds across multiple banks rather than relying solely on one institution. This can help mitigate the risk of any single bank failure affecting all of your funds.
Monitor financial health: Stay informed about the financial health of your bank(s) by regularly checking their ratings and financial reports.
Maintain a strong financial position: Focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet with healthy cash reserves and low debt levels. This can help position your business to weather any potential economic downturns.
Explore alternative financing options: Consider alternative financing options such non-bank lenders, like American Capital Group, which may be more resilient to banking industry volatility.
Consult with a financial professional: Seek advice from a financial professional who can help you navigate the current banking landscape and develop a comprehensive risk management strategy.

By taking these proactive measures, businesses can better manage the risks associated with instability in the banking industry.

FICO is Changing the Rules

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 19:18:07 +0000

If you haven’t already heard, FICO is updating the way they review and score your financial behavior. It’s important for business owners to understand the changes, as this could affect not only your personal borrowing capabilities, but your business’ too.

The new FICO Score 10 looks at 24 months of your financial history with the aim to better understand your borrowing habits by viewing a larger scope of your past, rather than just a snapshot of your current financial health. Here’s where things get tricky. Now that two years of financial health will be looked at, Americans can expect their scores to rise or fall by 20 points or more depending on what their history shows.

Get Ready for the Olympics

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 22:55:52 +0000

The 2016 Olympic Games have kicked off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with the opening ceremonies on August 5th. Competition is in full force — the first gold medal went to Ginny Thrasher of Team USA for her precision in air rifling.

It is amazing to see the world’s greatest athletes on the biggest stage for their sport. Lots of hard work, determination, and commitment went into preparing for the competition.

Chanje Movement – Bedjina

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 16:43:15 +0000

ACG is proud to be a company that gives back to the community. We have partnered with the CHANJE Movement to provide shelter, food, education, and medical care to impoverished kids in Haiti.

Today, we were able to sponsor a child so that they receive full care for an entire year. Bedjina Nere, a resident at the Chanje shelter, will receive the necessities and an education because of the support provided by ACG.

Take Advantage Of Section 179

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 16:30:08 +0000

With the end of the year fast approaching, so is the deadline to take advantage of Section 179. Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code allows a business to deduct the full purchase price of financed or leased equipment. In many cases the amount of this deduction may be more than the cost of the year’s payment on the equipment, making it possible to profit off your equipment lease.

If you’re looking to save big on your taxes by adding new equipment to your business, you’ll have to act fast. Section 179 only applies to equipment purchased and put into use in 2013.

ACG Anywhere, Anytime

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:45:17 +0000

American Capital Group is proud to announce the official launch of their mobile website! With the new mobile site, you can easily click away and see the many options they have to offer. ACG is always striving to make sure that they offer their customers the best in the business, and their mobile site is no different. It is user friendly and just as informational as their full site. It displays the many different programs that they offer and also lets you get a free quick quote or contact them with a simple one-click.

Why Make Food When You Can Print It Instead?

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:00:31 +0000

Many people in the restaurant business may find it difficult to entice their customers with just the descriptions on their menu. Imagine trying a new restaurant and wondering if their food is any good. You are seated and are given words on a page and small pictures of what some of the signature dishes may or may not come out to look like. There are not many options to provide you real excitement and curiosity to try a new treat. Even more so, many customers complain that their food looks nothing like the picture, or that the portion size is dainty compared to what they expect. What if there was a way to mend all these issues with one simple solution.

Leasing vs. Buying

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:30:53 +0000

Lease vs. Buy

Buying out equipment has always seemed like the easiest and cheapest way to own equipment, however with new and improved competitive programs and rates, leasing is now the most viable option. Leasing can bring to the table so much more than buying ever has. Here are just come of the few benefits that leasing delivers, that buying simply cannot:

Buying

Higher initial costs
Today’s technologies and innovations will leave you stuck with old and outdated equipment within just a year

Leasing

Graph Expo 2012

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:00:07 +0000

From October 7-10 this year in Chicago Illinois, the Graph Expo will be presenting another year of expertise and endless innovation.

This is the only expo where all those in the printing and graph industry can learn about all of the latest and most innovative technology hands on. Be the first to know what the newest trends are and learn about what can take your business to greater heights.

Top executives come every year to learn and network in order to make the best purchasing decisions, and this the best place for all to get the full spectrum of equipment, products, and services from commercial printers, to transactional printers, book/publishing printers, to marking/creative printers, and beyond. There is no genre untouched by the graph expo and this is the place to make sure that you know exactly what you need to know at every step of the way from planning to delivery!

The Time To Digitalize is Now

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:42:50 +0000

Many have been murmuring about the change that is imminent in the film industry; the move from film to digital. Such a change has many wondering how much technology will begin to transform the way we see movies, and even more so, it has filmmakers uneasy about the change that is being forced on them in many ways. As studios push for the change into digital, many top directors, such as Scorsese, are having to make the leap away from film and begin to embrace this new direction. Having to leave such a comfort zone and a place of knowledge and experience will be difficult to do, however with so many cameras now capable to fulfill their new digital needs, there seems to be hope.

Greener Initiatives All Around!

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:00:29 +0000

With gas prices soaring higher and higher, many people are now turning to the latest and greatest car solutions; hybrid and plug in automobiles. Those that cannot continuously compete with the ever growing gas prices are opting out of the standard gas car and moving towards the eco friendly and gas efficient option. Not only does it help the wallets of those that are purchasing the environmentally friendly additions, but it also helps the ecosystem and environment as a whole; it’s a win-win.

Giving Back

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:10:23 +0000

At American Capital Group we understand the importance that our community plays in our success and strength as a company. Our past at ACG has not always been so strong, but lately we can attest that the success we have been blessed with must be partially due to the help and charity we represent outside of our own office building. We believe that in order to receive, you must first be able to give.

Solar Power Changing the Course

Wed, 23 May 2012 03:30:12 +0000

It is always important to protect our environment and look for better ways to conserve energy, conserve resources, and keep costs low. Cars populate so much of the area that it is almost impossible to get around such a large issue. Although this issue in itself seems daunting, there are small steps that are definitely being taken in order to move onto the right course; the golf course that is.

IT Now – Success Now

Mon, 21 May 2012 01:15:51 +0000

IT equipment is one of the most important factors in anyone’s business. If you are trying to get your computers to run on a single server, if you want to update your website, or if you are simply trying to send a fax, there are many different techniques and technologies that can make or break the efficiency and productivity of it all.

If you are the IT manager or if you know the time it takes to set up an office and have a smoothly functioning business environment, you know how important it is to be able to have a majority of your business information on a virtual server. You also know how important is it to stay up to date on all hardware and software versions on a regular basis. Making sure that your IT equipment is up to date will increases office productivity because there is less down time to fix the flukes, and more time to get work done, as you will have a proper backup system and a proper IT network that supports all that you do!

Waste Expo Top Release – Eco-Friendly Trucks

Mon, 14 May 2012 02:45:51 +0000

With rising gas prices and huge dump trucks, there is an endless supply of money as well as pollution that goes into the industry of waste management. A reliable and resourceful new means is what is needed for the waste industry and luckily at this year’s Waste Expo a new line of natural gas dump trucks was released!

Mack’s Trucks released three new natural gas TerraPro models this week in Las Vegas, and it was not only a surprise but also one that was given a well round of applause. With one truck being a lower entry model to start, leading up to the two higher end models, this line is not only innovative, but also one of sure success.

How to Start Your Own Business – For Dummies. Part 1

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:13:10 +0000

When it comes to forming a start up business, building a firm foundation is the first key step. In order to do so, you need to make certain that you synchronize your goals and needs in order to set up a business built to succeed.

We will give you the 10 helpful steps you need in order to help you exceed and put yourself ahead of the competition. We will break it down into parts to ensure that you get all the information you need and that you understand what lies ahead!

Green Gym Equipment

Wed, 02 May 2012 03:00:37 +0000

It is incredible how many of us want to always go to the gym and make sure we are in shape. It is also incredible to see how many individuals have taken a step to become greener and more environmentally conscious now more than ever before in today’s world. The fact that these two subjects are so widely shared and have now been fused together into one piece of equipment is something that is not only innovative and ahead of its time, but it is something to applaud and welcome with open arms!

Trailers on the Move!

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:46:20 +0000

A recent survey has shown us that the trailer industry is growing more and more everyday! During the first quarter of 2012 in itself, there was an increase of freight shipments that have stirred up a demand for aptitude.

Private and government fleets in the U.S. are also increasing their demands as well as overall demands for freight orders overall.

With low levels of cancellations and rising backlogging, there is strength and growth that can be seen with the trailer and trucking industry.

National Hardware Show

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:01:25 +0000

From May 1-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the National Hardware Show will be taking place! The show is a fantastic place to promote and network with a plethora of special events, exhibitors, attendees, special areas, as well as independent retailers.

Some of the many featured areas this year are going to be the ‘New Product World,’ where retailers will learn about the latest trends and products that cannot be displayed anywhere else, as well as the ‘Green Product World,’ where environmentally friendly products will be introduced and be the key to many solutions that business men and women seek today.

OrthoTec 2012 – See Latest Products Accelerate Your Project

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:10:52 +0000

OrthoTec 2012 is the leading tradeshow for those in the Orthopaedic field. This year it is being held in Winona Lake (Warsaw), Indiana from June 6th-7th. This conference and exhibiton is one of a kind and a great way to network and get in on the industry’s resource for state of the art education and cutting edge technology that cannot be found anywhere else.

Some of the panels that will be included this year are new material technologies and applications, new technologies in surfaces, as well as new design tools and technologies. The exhibitors that are going to be at the conference range from laser processing, adhesives, CAD/CAM/CAE Softwares, to process systems and controls, testing inspection, implant machining, and manufacturing processes/production machinery.

FIME 2012 – Largest International Medical Trade Show

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:00:12 +0000

This year the FIME Tradeshow will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center from August 8-10. This tradeshow will be the largest and most comprehensive medical tradeshow in the world, and will bring together the largest medical manufacturers that any show has available. This is an opportunity to network and being attention to your own businesses as well.

This will bring medical equipment from every genre. From physician equipment, hospital equipment, surgery equipment, medical laboratory equipment, or any other medical supplies, FIME will be able to provide it to you with variety and diversity.

Recycling and Waste Management – More Important Than You May Believe

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:20:24 +0000

In todays every changing world, technology and equipment has become finite and heavily dependent on using resources right and left. Without regard to where these resources are coming from, people have not taken in account the fact that our resources and abilities are not ever lasting or infinite. We need to make sure that the equipment we use and the technology that we supply to our businesses are resourceful and can give back to our environment just as much as it takes from it.

iPad – Changing the Way We Learn

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:45:26 +0000

In today’s age we are constantly moving forward and looking for bigger and better ways to innovate and go beyond the norm. When it comes to our younger generations, we do not want them to be complacent with the same ways of learning that we had 20 years ago. We want them to stay up to date with technology and be aware of our ever changing world and what it can offer. By doing this our future generations will surpuss our current standards and have the groundwork to become our future leaders of tomorrow, whether it be our future Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, or Richard Branson.

Fitness Equipment-Lose the Weight, Save the Money

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:28:04 +0000

If you are looking for fitness equipment you first need to know what is really is that you are looking for. Having the most up to date and fully functioning equipment is a necessity, especially when running a gym. The important thing to make sure though, is that the dent being made is in the weight loss of your clients, and not your bank accounts.

If you want to be able to lease or finance fitness equipment do not give in to the pressures of fast cash purchases. Yes, you will then own the equipment right away; however you will also have put down all the money that could have been used for other investments and have gone the route that does not protect your credit as much as financing would have.

This Week at American Capital Group…

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:43:42 +0000

There is not much that we here at American Capital Group love more than working with local businesses. Well perhaps working with local businesses AND eating great barbeque! It’s amazing how incredible the food tastes when it comes from the kitchen of a successful customer and even better when you know the proceeds are going to a noble cause.

The Beach Pit BBQ, with six locations throughout Orange County, is a recent customer of ours. American Capital Group is proud to have helped the owner, Tim DeCinces, over the last few years secure equipment leases for several locations. Providing access to capital is how we traditionally help our customers but when we heard about the Beach Pit BBQ’s latest charitable idea, ACG bit at the opportunity.

President Blog Post

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:28:57 +0000

Is the safer financial strategy to swim against the current or to turn around and float downstream?

Have you heard stories about how a Coke used to cost 5 cents? As anyone who has shopped for groceries, renewed their health insurance, or filled up their tank lately knows, inflation is back in a big way. How bad is inflation? That depends on if you trust the government’s Consumer Price Index more than the pain you feel in your own wallet.