DIYing Your Bookkeeping

I understand the temptation. I really do. You’re just starting out in business. Or your cash flow isn’t exactly, well, flowing as you’d hoped it would. So, you look for ways to pinch pennies. 

(I often say I pinch pennies until I make Lincoln squeal. I do it for my clients and in my own business. So, I get it.)

In my experience, here’s what happens when small business owners take on their own bookkeeping:

You watch a few YouTube videos to try to set things up the “right” way. Then, because you aren’t a bookkeeper and rarely use the bookkeeping software, you might have to re-watch those tutorial videos again (and again!) when it’s time to do the books. 

Or worse, you’re so busy actually running your business that you never really get around to doing that monthly maintenance bookkeeping. (This is more often the case!)

In the back of your mind, you’re not very confident that you’re doing everything correctly. You wonder if you’re missing things and you don’t have an accurate picture of where your money is coming from and where it’s going. So, maybe you’re making crucial business decisions based on faulty information?

After a few months of this, you end up hiring someone like me! And guess what? I have to go back months (sometimes years!) and untangle things… All that money you “saved” on the front-end, well, you end up spending it later (and then some).

I’ve seen it SO many times! 

2. Not using professional bookkeeping software. 

Sure you could save a few bucks a month by opting for a lower priced software then the gold standard QuickBooks Online. But at some point, your business is going to outgrow the free software. 

And even if that software has all the features you will need as you grow, the most qualified bookkeepers have experience with using QuickBooks—Wave, FreshBooks, Etc.? I’m sure they could figure it out, but do you really want your bookkeeper learning new software on your account? I wouldn’t!

QuickBooks Online is inexpensive and if you work with a QuickBooks Certified Pro Advisor (like me!) you get a discount on the software. And you can be sure that your books are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant. 

3. Using a Big Box Company for your Tax Returns & Other Tax Needs.

Your business is not cookie-cutter. So, why would you trust a service that simply plugs your numbers into a glorified calculator and submits your return without asking you many individualized questions? 

There’s no way you’re going to get the best possible outcome for your tax return this way. 

And the end result? You’re leaving money on the table… or paying more than you have to. Not on my watch! 

Here’s what really gets my blood boiling about this:

Most of these services won’t even stand behind you if you get questioned by the IRS or your state Department of Revenue. 

Read the fine print. You’re on your own if something they did flags questions from the powers that me be.

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