SMALL BUSINESS FINANCE · BOOKKEEPING TIPS · PORTLAND, OR
The Blue Water Blog
Practical financial tips and bookkeeping advice to help small business owners stay organized, prepared, and in control of their money.
5 Signs Your Bookkeeping Needs a Cleanup
Running a business gets busy, and bookkeeping can quickly fall behind. We’ve helped business owners who thought their books were fine until we looked closer and found incorrect balances, uncategorized transactions, payment processor issues, and old invoices affecting their reports. Here are five signs your books may need a cleanup.
Mid-Year Financial Reset Checklist for Business Owners
Missing transactions, unreconciled accounts, and months of bookkeeping can quietly pile up. A mid-year review can help you determine whether your books are on track or whether it is time for a bookkeeping clean up. Use this checklist to see if your bookkeeping needs attention.
Is Your Bookkeeping Software Set Up Correctly?
As your business grows, your bookkeeping software should grow with it. I help clients who have been using the same setup for years, only to discover it is no longer supporting their business. The software itself is not usually the problem. It is how it has been set up and maintained over time.
How to Review Your Business Expenses Each Month
Running a business comes with a steady stream of expenses, and it is easy to pay them without taking a closer look. I often help clients who are surprised to discover they are spending more than expected in certain areas, or missing opportunities to reduce costs.
Cash Flow is Becoming a Bigger Focus than ever in 2026
With rising costs, economic uncertainty, and changing customer spending habits, cash flow is becoming a bigger focus than ever in 2026.
Preparing Your Business Finances Before Vacation
Taking a vacation as a business owner can be difficult when you're worried about what might happen while you're away. I've helped many clients prepare their finances before time off so they can enjoy their vacation without stressing about bookkeeping, cash flow, unpaid invoices, or missed bills.
What Business Owners Often Get Wrong About Accounting Basics
Many business owners are experts in their industry, but accounting is often something they learn along the way. I've helped many clients gain clarity around their numbers simply by understanding a few key accounting basics.
Costly Payroll Mistakes Small Business Owners Often Make
Payroll mistakes can become expensive quickly for small businesses. Between payroll taxes, deadlines, employee classifications, overtime rules, and compliance requirements, even small payroll errors can create penalties, cash flow issues, and unnecessary stress.
The Risks of Automated Bookkeeping Business Owners Should Know
AI and automated bookkeeping tools are becoming more common in business finance, and there is no question they can save time.
The Pricing Mistakes That Keep Small Businesses Stuck
One of the biggest things we see behind the scenes is businesses making sales but still struggling with profit. And many times, pricing is a major reason why.
A Simple Guide to Tax Planning for Solopreneurs and Small Businesses
One thing I hear often from business owners is that taxes feel stressful and unpredictable, especially after tax season is over and there is little clarity on what to do next. Many of the clients I work with come to us unsure of what they will owe or how to prepare for it.
Common Budgeting Mistakes Business Owners Make
Business budgeting is just as important as personal budgeting because your business is what funds your personal life. If your business finances are not managed well, it becomes very difficult to pay yourself consistently, save, or plan ahead personally.
What Percentage of Revenue Should You Allocate to Expenses, Taxes, and Profit?
One of the biggest challenges I see with business owners is not knowing where their money should go each month. I have worked with many clients who were bringing in good revenue but still felt stressed because they were unsure how much to spend, how much to save for taxes, and whether they were actually making a profit. Once I helped them break their numbers down into simple percentages, everything started to feel clearer and more manageable.
What Monthly Bookkeeping Actually Includes (And Why the Frequency Matters)
Monthly bookkeeping for small business is more than a task list. Here's what actually happens each month, why the frequency matters, and what you should be receiving.
8 Ways to Tell if Your Business Is Doing Well Financially
One thing we hear often from business owners is, “I feel busy, but I am not sure if my business is actually doing well financially.” We have worked with many clients who were bringing in sales but still felt unsure about their financial position. Once we walked through a few key numbers together and put simple systems in place, they finally had clarity on where they stood and what needed to improve.
How Messy Bookkeeping Can Affect Your Taxes
I often hear from business owners who only realize their books are messy when tax time comes around. By that point, things feel rushed, confusing, and stressful.
How Often Should You Look At Your Numbers As A Business Owner?
One of the most common things we hear from business owners is, “I only really look at my numbers during tax time.” And honestly, we get it. You are busy running your business, serving clients, and managing everything else that comes with it.
4 Ways to Reduce Your Taxes Before You File
If you are feeling the pressure of tax season, you are not alone. Every year, we hear from business owners who say, “I wish I had planned earlier.” The good news is there are still a few smart moves you may be able to make before you file.
Beware of These Common Tax & Business Scams
As business owners, you are constantly receiving emails, text messages, and phone calls about payments, invoices, tax notices, and account updates. We have had several clients forward suspicious messages to us recently asking, “Is this real?” That question alone can save thousands of dollars.
What to Do When Your Bookkeeper or Accountant is Retiring
If your bookkeeper has shared that they are planning to retire, you may be wondering what this means for your business. We have helped several business owners through this exact situation. Most of them did not realize how much their bookkeeper handled until they started thinking about the transition. The good news is that with the right steps, this does not have to disrupt your business.
Ready to Stop Doing This Yourself?
Schedule a free consultation. Let’s find the right bookkeeping plan for your business.