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.
How to Manage Bookkeeping for Multiple Businesses
Owning more than one business can mean more opportunities, but it also means more financial records to manage. We have helped business owners organize their bookkeeping when transactions, accounts, and expenses start becoming difficult to keep straight across multiple businesses.
Cash Flow Tips for Business Owners During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be an expensive time for business owners. Between payroll, bonuses, inventory, marketing, gifts, and year-end expenses, more money may be leaving your business than usual.
The Numbers Every Successful Business Owner Should Know
Running a business keeps you busy. Between serving clients, managing expenses, and handling everything else on your list, it is easy to focus on the money coming in without really knowing what your numbers are telling you.
What to Buy (and Not Buy) for Your Business Before Year-End
As year-end gets closer, I often hear business owners ask whether they should make purchases before December 31 to get the tax deduction. I have helped clients look at their numbers before making these decisions because spending money just to get a deduction does not automatically make it a smart business purchase. Before you start buying new equipment, software, or office furniture, here are a few things to consider.
Q4 Planning: What Does Your Business Need Next?
Q4 can sneak up quickly. I’ve helped business owners use their bookkeeping and financial reports to see what is working, what needs attention, and where to focus before year-end. You still have time to make meaningful changes before the year is over.
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.
How to Choose a Business Bank Account as a Solopreneur or Small Business Owner
Choosing the right business bank account is an important step for solopreneurs and small business owners. The account you use impacts how you manage cash flow, track expenses, and keep your finances organized throughout the year.
Ready to Stop Doing This Yourself?
Schedule a free consultation. Let’s find the right bookkeeping plan for your business.