If you are reading this at 11 p.m. with a drawer of unopened bank statements and a knot in your stomach, you are not the exception. Most of the catch-up calls we take at Keep A Count start the same way: a business owner who meant to "get to the books next month" looks [...]
A notary public plays a critical role in helping retirees and pre-retirees access retirement funds from pensions and 401(k) accounts by verifying identity, witnessing signatures, and preventing costly paperwork delays. When retirement fund administrators require notarized withdrawal or distribution forms, a professional notary helps ensure everything is completed correctly the first time. Accessing retirement [...]
After more than thirty years running Keep A Count, I've watched the way business gets done shift dramatically — and nowhere is that shift more obvious than how my clients sign and notarize their documents. The driver under-the-table contracts, the cross-state vendor agreements, the loan packages that used to require a half-day off — they're [...]
There is a quiet shift happening in the way small business owners think about their finances in 2026. It is not dramatic or loud, but it is consistent. More and more entrepreneurs are stepping back from trying to manage everything themselves and are instead choosing to trust professionals with one of the most important parts [...]
In an ideal world, every business would open a dedicated business bank account before conducting its first commercial transaction. But even if you’ve been running your business through a personal account, it’s never too late to make the switch. Regardless of your business size, separating your finances shouldn’t be a question of if, but [...]
At 2:00 in the morning, the Bolingbrook truck stop is usually just a place for drivers to fuel up or grab some rest. But earlier this week, it became the unexpected location for a major life milestone. While most of Will County was asleep, we were out there meeting a driver who needed help [...]
As a small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how cash flow issues can quietly derail even the most promising companies. You might be generating revenue, closing deals, and growing your customer base—but still struggling to pay bills on time or feel confident about your financial future. Many entrepreneurs start searching for answers like how to [...]
For small business owners, knowing your monthly operating expenses is crucial for managing cash flow, staying profitable, and planning for lean months. Operating expenses are recurring costs necessary to run your business, but they are not directly tied to producing goods or services (those fall under Cost of Goods Sold). Examples include rent, utilities, [...]
As a business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how one small oversight on a document can create massive headaches later. Whether it’s a real estate transaction, a power of attorney, or a loan package, paperwork matters. Signatures matter. And in many cases, having those signatures properly notarized matters even more. I’m Kathleen Lee, owner of [...]
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 [...]
