{"id":1620,"date":"2017-12-15T15:27:17","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T20:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sagestaging.wpengine.com\/en-us\/blog\/?post_type=sage_glossary&#038;p=1620"},"modified":"2024-06-24T08:02:15","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T12:02:15","slug":"what-is-an-asset","status":"publish","type":"sage_glossary","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-an-asset\/","title":{"rendered":"What is an asset?"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/glossary\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Glossary definition<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is an asset?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"What is an asset?\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-an-asset\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We explain what assets are in a business context and how to use them to keep your company financially healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jump to:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#asset\" data-level=\"2\">Asset definition &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why\" data-level=\"2\">Why are assets important? &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#types\" data-level=\"2\">Types of assets &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how\" data-level=\"2\">How to categorize an asset &nbsp;<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-1-is-the-asset-a-physical-item-0\" data-level=\"3\">1. Is the asset a physical item?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2-could-the-asset-be-converted-into-cash-within-a-year-0\" data-level=\"3\">2. Could the asset be converted into cash within a year?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-3-is-the-asset-used-for-primary-business-operations-0\" data-level=\"3\">3. Is the asset used for primary business operations?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#assets\" data-level=\"2\">Assets versus liabilities &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#to\" data-level=\"2\">How to assets work<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-1-strategic-investments\" data-level=\"3\">1. Strategic investments<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2-risk-management\" data-level=\"3\">2. Risk management<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-3-optimize-your-capital\" data-level=\"3\">3. Optimize your capital<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-4-cash-flow-management\" data-level=\"3\">4. Cash flow management<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-5-financial-reporting-and-analysis\" data-level=\"3\">5. Financial reporting and analysis<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-6-long-term-planning\" data-level=\"3\">6. Long-term planning<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-7-tax-planning\" data-level=\"3\">7. Tax planning<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-automated-asset-management-solutions\" data-level=\"2\">Automated asset management solutions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-asset-faqs\" data-level=\"2\">Asset FAQs<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-is-accounts-receivable-an-asset\" data-level=\"3\">Is accounts receivable an asset?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-considered-assets\" data-level=\"3\">What are considered assets?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-examples-of-assets\" data-level=\"3\">Examples of assets<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-key-properties-of-assets\" data-level=\"2\">Key properties of assets<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"asset\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Asset definition<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An asset is any measurable resource your company owns that can be expressed as a monetary value. In other words, anything that can be bought or sold and contributes to profitability can be considered an asset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the most common asset examples are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cash<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Checking and savings accounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accounts receivable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Profitable investments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stocks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bonds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Patents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trademarks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buildings and structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vehicles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equipment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intellectual property<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why are assets important?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Knowing your company&#8217;s assets at any given time is essential for understanding its financial position. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It allows you to quantify your resources in financial terms, helping you make decisions more confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Types of assets<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As you can see in the examples above, many types of assets exist. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To truly understand your financial position, you must examine them all, as they bring different considerations.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to categorize an asset<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To determine the value of your assets, figure out how much finance you have access to in the next year, and assess your potential future profitability, you can sort them into categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For each asset, ask these 3 questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-is-the-asset-a-physical-item-0\"><strong>1. Is the asset a physical item?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Physical items like stock, buildings, equipment, and vehicles are <strong>tangible assets.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Non-physical items, such as stocks, bonds, and patents, are <strong>intangible assets.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-could-the-asset-be-converted-into-cash-within-a-year-0\"><strong>2. <span data-contrast=\"auto\">Could the asset be converted into cash within a year?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Any item that you could sell and receive payment for within a year is considered a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">current asset<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Any item that would take longer than a year to turn into cash is considered a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">non-current asset<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-is-the-asset-used-for-primary-business-operations-0\"><strong>3. <span data-contrast=\"auto\">Is the asset used for primary business operations?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If an item is necessary for your main operations, it\u2019s an <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">operating asset<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If removing an item wouldn\u2019t affect your main operations, it\u2019s a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">non-operating asset<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeing how many tangible or intangible, current or non-current, and operating or non-operating assets you have will show how your company finances are doing beyond just the numbers in the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll be able to spot imbalances, such as a lack of current assets, which you can work to correct and make your business more stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"assets\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Assets versus liabilities<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll often hear the term \u201casset\u201d alongside \u201cliabilities.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is because they have opposing effects on your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assets contribute positively by potentially generating income or appreciating in value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Liabilities, such as mortgages, loans, and accounts payable, represent financial obligations leading to outgoing cash.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding your assets and liabilities can give you an accurate idea of your business&#8217;s financial health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This helps you make better decisions and manage your finances more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A critical financial report is a balance sheet that shows assets, liabilities, and equity in a single view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"to\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">assets work<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you understand your assets well and neatly categorize them, you can use this knowledge to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are 7 ways to use assets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-strategic-investments\"><strong>1. <\/strong><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Strategic investments<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Identify opportunities to strategically invest in new assets that align with your business&#8217; goals and growth plans.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI) of different assets to make informed decisions about where to allocate resources.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-risk-management\"><strong>2. <\/strong><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Risk management<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Diversify asset holdings to spread risk and minimize your exposure to economic fluctuations or challenges in your industry.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regularly assess the risk associated with each asset class and adjust the portfolio to align with changing market conditions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-optimize-your-capital\"><strong>3. <\/strong><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Optimize your capital<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Balance the mix of debt and equity by considering the impact on your company&#8217;s overall financial health.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use assets as collateral for loans, potentially securing favorable financing terms to support business operations or expansion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-cash-flow-management\"><strong>4. <\/strong><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cash flow management<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monitor the liquidity of assets to ensure the business maintains enough cash flow for day-to-day operations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Identify opportunities to convert non-liquid assets into cash when needed, optimizing the working capital cycle.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-financial-reporting-and-analysis\"><strong>5. <\/strong><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Financial reporting and analysis<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use asset information for accurate financial reporting and analysis.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regularly review the balance sheet to assess the value, depreciation, or appreciation of assets, providing insights into overall business health.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-long-term-planning\"><strong>6.<\/strong> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Long-term planning<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Incorporate knowledge of asset values and trends into long-term strategic planning.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consider the lifecycle of assets and plan for replacement or upgrades to keep operations efficient.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-tax-planning\"><strong>7.<\/strong> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tax planning<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Leverage tax incentives related to specific assets, such as depreciation allowances, to optimize tax liabilities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stay informed about changes in tax regulations that may impact the treatment of certain assets.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-automated-asset-management-solutions\">Automated asset management solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Automated asset management solutions can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of managing your company\u2019s assets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These solutions provide real-time tracking, reporting, and analytics, allowing for better decision-making and streamlined operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-asset-faqs\">Asset FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-accounts-receivable-an-asset\"><strong>Is accounts receivable an asset?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, accounts receivable are considered current assets as they represent money owed to your business that is expected to be received within a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-considered-assets\"><strong>What are considered assets?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Assets include anything your company owns, ranging from cash and accounts receivable to property, equipment, and intellectual property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-examples-of-assets\"><strong>Examples of assets<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some additional examples of assets your business might hold:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inventory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Office furniture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Software licenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Customer contracts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investment securities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-properties-of-assets\">Key properties of assets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the critical properties of your assets is crucial for effective management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These properties include liquidity, profitability, risk, and their role in business operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Evaluating these aspects helps you make informed financial decisions and optimize asset use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more insight, read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/a-comprehensive-guide-to-assets-and-asset-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A comprehensive guide to assets and asset management.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this term<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/accounting-101\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccounting 101\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-29487 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-continuity tag-business-intelligence tag-cash-flow tag-sage-accounting tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1214\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-1214x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-22T12:03:36-04:00\">May 22, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/accounts-payable-vs-notes-payable\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNotes payable vs accounts payable: Differences and examples\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tAre you part of your business\u2019s accounting team? Understanding the difference between notes payable and accounts payable is key to effectively managing what your business owes. \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-29712 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-intelligence tag-business-strategy tag-cash-flow tag-productivity tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/accounts-payable-outsourcing\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-22T10:58:35-04:00\">May 22, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">14 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tIs accounts payable outsourcing right for your business?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-36557 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-strategy tag-cash-flow tag-cloud-financial-management tag-cloud-technology tag-growing-a-business tag-sage-accounting tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business tag-technology business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/cloud-vs-desktop-accounting\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-20T07:46:54-04:00\">May 20, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tCloud versus desktop accounting: Which is right for you?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-36506 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-construction category-money-matters tag-accounting-101 tag-construction tag-construction-financial-management tag-construction-it tag-growing-a-business tag-staying-competitive business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business industry-construction-and-real-estate\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/property-management-guide\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Construction-Commerical_0503-684x384.jpeg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Construction-Commerical_0503-684x384.jpeg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Construction-Commerical_0503-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Construction-Commerical_0503-1214x810.jpeg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-11T06:24:40-04:00\">May 11, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">12 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tProperty management accounting basics and best practices\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-36492 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-growing-a-business tag-starting-a-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/continuous-accounting\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-07T04:51:01-04:00\">May 7, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tContinuous accounting: What it is and why it matters\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We explain what assets are in a business context and how to use them to keep your company financially healthy. Jump to:\u00a0 Asset definition&nbsp; An asset is any measurable resource your company owns that can be expressed as a monetary value. In other words, anything that can be bought or sold and contributes to profitability [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":356,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[110],"class_list":["post-1620","sage_glossary","type-sage_glossary","status-publish","hentry","tag-accounting-101"],"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/sage_glossary\/1620","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/sage_glossary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/sage_glossary"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/356"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/sage_glossary\/1620\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1620"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}