How to Be Smart About Your Spending in 2014

Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/230988#ixzz2rEOHsfjSBusinesses must spend money to grow, but ponying up your hard-earned cash without a plan probably won't do your startup any good. To really grow your business this year, you'll need a smart, organized and strategic investment plan.

Many small-businesses have indicated that they are going to spend more in 2014, from putting more money into online advertising to increasing product offerings, hiring additional employees or hitting the road to meet with clients and potential customers face to face. And that's all good news for the economy.

But before you double down your spending, make sure you have a plan for how much you are going to spend and on what, says Bellevue, Wash.-based business-expense management company Concur. Keep a record of how much you spend on what, and also make sure you keep some money heading into your savings account, Concur recommends.

Related: Crowdfunding Seen Providing $65 Billion Boost to the Global Economy in 2014 (Infographic)

Have a look at the infographic from Concur to see what your fellow business owners are spending on in 2014, and how best to keep your own expenses on track if you intend to make financial outlays this year.

Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/230988#ixzz2rEOCtlSl