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.
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.
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.
Thinking About Hiring a Business Coach in 2026?
If hiring a business coach is part of your plan for 2026, there is one thing you need before you start. Your numbers!
Ready to Stop Doing This Yourself?
Schedule a free consultation. Let’s find the right bookkeeping plan for your business.