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.
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.
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.
Ready to Stop Doing This Yourself?
Schedule a free consultation. Let’s find the right bookkeeping plan for your business.