Taking the Stress Out of Bookkeeping for Small Business Owners

Let’s be real—you didn’t start your business to spend hours stressing over bookkeeping, tracking expenses, and wondering how much you’ll owe in taxes. But without a system in place, it’s easy to fall behind, and before you know it, tax season rolls around, and you’re scrambling to catch up.

That’s exactly why I started Crafty Books and Budgets (CB&B)—to help self-employed business owners get their finances organized, stay ahead of taxes, and actually understand where their money is going.

I Get It—Because I’ve Lived It

I grew up in a family of tradespeople who were incredible at their craft but struggled to manage the financial side of their businesses. I watched them work hard, yet without a solid financial system in place, they often felt stuck—unsure where their money was going, scrambling at tax time, and never truly setting themselves up for long-term financial security.

That experience shaped me. It’s what led me to start Crafty Books and Budgets—so I could help self-employed business owners stay organized, stress less about money, and build a financial foundation that supports them now and in the future.

---

3 Bookkeeping Must-Dos for Small Business Owners

Want to stay ahead of your business finances? Start with these three essential bookkeeping habits:

1. Keep Personal and Business Finances Separate

One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is mixing personal and business expenses. This creates confusion, makes tax time a nightmare, and could cause issues if you’re ever audited. Open a dedicated business bank account and credit card to keep things clean.

2. Track Your Expenses Weekly

It’s easy to fall behind, but waiting until the end of the month (or worse, tax season) to organize your expenses is a recipe for stress. Set aside 15-30 minutes each week to categorize transactions, upload receipts, and make sure everything is up to date.

3. Know Your Cash Flow

Understanding where your money is going is key to making smart business decisions. Look at your income and expenses regularly so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected costs—or a tax bill you weren’t prepared for.

---

Common Bookkeeping Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most successful small business owners make financial mistakes. Here are a few common ones to watch out for:

Ignoring bookkeeping until tax season – Staying on top of your books year-round saves money and stress.
Forgetting to set aside money for taxes – A general rule of thumb: set aside 25-30% of your income for taxes.
Not using accounting software – Tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave can automate much of your bookkeeping and make life easier.

---

Let’s Build a System That Works for You

At CB&B, I help tradespeople, real estate investors, and creative entrepreneurs stay on top of their finances with:

Organized bookkeeping—so nothing falls through the cracks
Easy-to-understand financial reports—so you know exactly where you stand
Cash flow tracking—so you’re not left wondering where your money went

You shouldn’t have to guess when it comes to your business finances. Whether you need bookkeeping cleanup, QuickBooks setup, or monthly financial tracking, I’ll help you create a system that fits your business and makes tax time a breeze.

Let’s take the stress out of your numbers—so you can get back to doing what you love.

What to learn more? Schedule a free consultation today!