When you’re building a business from the ground up, every dollar counts. Hiring a bookkeeper might feel like a luxury—something you’ll do once things take off. But here’s the truth: good bookkeeping is essential from day one.
The good news? You can get started on your own, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
At Your Bookkeeper On Call, we work with business owners just like you—providing both hands-on bookkeeping services and coaching for those who want to DIY with confidence. So if you’re not quite ready to outsource yet, here’s how you can lay a strong foundation yourself.
1. Separate Business and Personal Finances
This is non-negotiable. Mixing business and personal expenses makes bookkeeping a nightmare and can cause serious issues at tax time.
Get started:
- Open a separate business bank account and credit card.
- Run all business income and expenses through these accounts.
💡 Pro Tip: This one change will make your life 100x easier when it’s time to reconcile your books—or work with a professional later.
2. Choose a Simple Accounting System
You don’t need fancy or expensive software to get started. In fact, many small businesses do just fine with affordable cloud-based tools like:
- Wave (Free for basic bookkeeping)
- QuickBooks Online (Great for growing businesses)
- Xero (User-friendly and scalable)
Or, if you’re just testing the waters, a structured Excel or Google Sheets spreadsheet can do the job—for now.
⚠️ Avoid using a personal spreadsheet or note-taking app with no structure—it’ll cost you more time and stress later.
3. Track Every Dollar In and Out
Bookkeeping is simply the process of tracking money coming in (income) and money going out (expenses).
Start by:
- Logging all income: sales, services, digital products, etc.
- Recording all expenses: subscriptions, supplies, contractors, etc.
Do this weekly, not monthly. The longer you wait, the fuzzier things get.
4. Categorize Your Transactions
Each transaction should fall into a category: marketing, office supplies, travel, meals, professional services, etc.
Why this matters:
- Helps you understand where your money is going
- Makes tax time much easier (and can reduce your tax bill)
We recommend using a standard chart of accounts tailored for small businesses. (Need help? Our DIY coaching can guide you.)
5. Set Aside Money for Taxes
It’s easy to forget that not all the money in your account is yours to keep.
A good rule of thumb: Set aside 20–30% of your net income in a separate savings account to cover income and self-employment taxes.
Trust us—your future self will thank you.
6. Reconcile Your Accounts Monthly
“Reconciling” just means checking your bookkeeping records against your bank statements to make sure everything matches.
It’s a key step that helps:
- Catch missing or duplicate transactions
- Prevent costly errors
- Build financial confidence
If you don’t reconcile regularly, you’re flying blind.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Even if you’re DIYing for now, you don’t have to go it alone. A little expert guidance can help you avoid mistakes that could cost time and money later.
That’s why Your Bookkeeper On Call offers:
- Live, on-demand bookkeeping and accounting support
- DIY coaching sessions to walk you through setup, questions, and reviews
- Catch-up and clean-up services when you’re ready to hand things off
Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Stay Consistent
Bookkeeping isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent. With the right tools and habits, you can absolutely manage your own books while your business grows.
And when you’re ready to outsource or get help? We’re just a call away.
Ready to level up your bookkeeping confidence?
👉 Book a free consultation with Your Bookkeeper On Call and get clarity on your next best step—DIY or done-for-you.
