Being self-employed or starting your own business gives you the freedom to choose your path—but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping your finances organized. Without careful bookkeeping, even small mistakes can quickly spiral out of control. Missing receipts or incomplete records can lead to costly surprises at tax time, reducing your hard-earned [...]
If you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or entrepreneur, chances are you’ve been there before. A drawer stuffed with receipts. A folder on your desk that keeps growing. Maybe even an actual shoebox filled with crumpled paper you swear you’ll organize “someday.” You’re not alone—and you’re not failing. You’re simply busy. I’m Kathleen Lee, owner [...]
When you’re running a small business, it’s easy to get caught up in daily operations and overlook your books — until it’s too late. Effective bookkeeping is more than just keeping records; it’s the backbone of informed decision-making and long-term success. Whether you’re managing your own books or working with a professional bookkeeper, following [...]
For many business owners, bookkeeping is one of those necessary evils that always seems to get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. I see it every day. Receipts pile up, bank accounts don’t quite match, QuickBooks feels intimidating, and before you know it, you’re months behind and stressed about your finances. As the [...]
Good bookkeeping is the foundation of a healthy business. Staying organized, managing your finances accurately, and keeping detailed records will help you avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant at tax time, and maintain a clear view of your company’s financial health. Whether you’re just starting out or managing an established business, these bookkeeping tips will [...]
Starting a seasonal business comes with unique challenges. Unlike year-round operations, your income and expenses fluctuate dramatically depending on the time of year. That’s why setting up your books correctly from day one is critical. Whether your busy season is summer landscaping, holiday retail, or winter snow removal, having a clear bookkeeping plan helps [...]
Running a small business comes with excitement, dreams, and plenty of moving parts. But one of the biggest challenges that often sneaks up on business owners is keeping the books in order. Financial management isn’t just a formality—it’s the foundation of every successful business. I know this firsthand, as the owner of Keep A [...]
Starting a new business is exciting—but it also comes with financial challenges that can quickly spiral if your books aren’t in order. Solid bookkeeping isn’t just about tracking expenses; it’s about building a strong financial foundation that supports long-term growth, profitability, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or launching your first [...]
Running a small business in Illinois is already a full‑time adventure—juggling customers, staff, marketing, and the million micro‑decisions that keep the doors open. The spreadsheet that once felt empowering is starting to look like a foreign language. You swear you updated the ledger last night, yet somehow sales and expenses never reconcile, and the [...]
Running a thriving company in Illinois means wearing many hats, but one of the most important is “chief record‑keeper.” Solid books turn raw sales and expense data into strategic insight, compliance peace of mind, and—ultimately—profit. The good news? You don’t have to become a CPA overnight. Master the fundamentals below, then decide whether it [...]
