How to Be Smart About Your Spending in 2014 (Infographic)

Many small-business owners have indicated they are going to be spending more money this year than last. If you are one of them, be sure you do so wisely.

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By Catherine Clifford

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Businesses 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.

Click to Enlarge+

How to Be Smart About Your Spending in 2014 (Infographic)

Catherine Clifford

Senior Entrepreneurship Writer at CNBC

Catherine Clifford is senior entrepreneurship writer at CNBC. She was formerly a senior writer at Entrepreneur.com, the small business reporter at CNNMoney and an assistant in the New York bureau for CNN. Clifford attended Columbia University where she earned a bachelor's degree. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. You can follow her on Twitter at @CatClifford.

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