Welcome to Tea on the Ledger - your go-to blog for modern business finance advice with a side of sarcasm and spreadsheets.
Run by a former Big4 accountant (yes, I survived!), this blog is here to make business way less boring and way more doable. Whether you’re freelancing, consulting, side hustling, or running a full-blown small business - this space is packed with practical tips, bookkeeping hacks, tax talk, and cash flow tricks to help you DIY your business finances like a pro.
I’m all about modernizing money management so ditch the dusty old accounting rules and get the inside scoop on how to actually run your business finances smarter, not harder. From decoding your P&L to avoiding tax-time panic, I’m spilling all the tea (with spreadsheets, not judgement).
Because your business deserves financial clarity……and you deserve content that doesn’t put you to sleep.
Tea on the Ledger Blog Categories:
How Much Does Bookkeeping Really Cost? What No One Tells You
Let’s talk about the question every small business owner has Googled at 2 a.m.: How much does bookkeeping really cost?
Spoiler alert: it’s not a simple answer like “$99 a month.” And anyone who tells you it is? Probably trying to sell you a service that comes with more surprise fees than your last Uber ride.
So, let’s break it down - bookkeeping services pricing for small businesses, what you actually get for your money, and the hidden costs no one talks about. Grab your tea, and let’s spill it.
Financial Mistakes New Business Owners Make—and How to Avoid Them
Starting a business is exciting. You’ve got your logo, your website, and a business plan scribbled on the back of a napkin. You’re ready to take on the world - until, a few months in, you realize your bank account looks like a sad meme and you’re asking yourself where did the money go?
Fear not, fellow entrepreneur. We’re diving into the financial mistakes new entrepreneurs make - so you can dodge them like a pro and keep your business (and your sanity) intact.
Let’s get into it.
How to Price Your Services Based on Your Finances
Ah, pricing. The eternal headache for every small business owner, side hustler, and “I swear I’m not winging it” entrepreneur. One minute you’re thinking, I’m worth a million bucks! and the next you’re Googling, Can I charge more than $5 for this service without scaring people off?
If you’ve ever wondered how to set prices that actually make you money (and not just “cover your coffee habit”), then you, my friend, are in the right place. Let’s talk about pricing services based on business finances - without making your brain melt.
Business Financial Goals You Should Be Setting This Quarter
Quarterly goals. The phrase that sparks equal parts excitement and panic for small business owners everywhere. If “quarterly financial goals for small business” sounds like something only Fortune 500 companies care about, think again.
Because whether you’re running a one-person Etsy shop or managing a growing team, setting financial goals each quarter is exactly how you stay ahead of the chaos - and make sure your business is thriving, not just surviving.
So grab a coffee (or something stronger, no judgment), and let’s break down how to crush your next quarter like the boss you are.
Do You Need a Financial Advisor for Your Business?
Ah, the age-old question for small business owners: Should small business hire financial advisor? Or is that just another fancy title for someone who charges you a fortune to tell you what you already know—like “spend less than you make”?
Let’s break it down, with a side of laughs and a solid plan for your business….
What to Do if Your Business Is Losing Money
Running a business isn’t always sunshine, rainbows, and yacht parties. Sometimes it feels more like a leaky boat with you frantically bailing out water using a teaspoon. If your business is losing money and you’re wondering how to recover from business financial loss, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not doomed.
Let’s break down the steps you can take to stop the bleeding, turn things around, and even have a laugh along the way (because let’s face it, crying into your Excel sheet won’t help).
Your End-of-Year Business Finance Checklist
It’s that time of year again - closing out your books, reviewing your numbers, and making sure your small business is set up for success in the year ahead. If the phrase “end of year financial checklist for small business” has you breaking into a cold sweat, take a deep breath. We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you wrap up your business finances with confidence, avoid tax-time headaches, and start the new year strong.
How to Calculate Your Break-Even Point (The Easy Way)
Ever wonder how much you need to sell just to cover your costs? That is where the break-even point comes in.
Understanding how to calculate business break-even point is essential for freelancers, side hustlers, and small business owners who want to run their businesses with confidence.
Let’s break down the numbers step by step - no complicated jargon, no math headaches, just a simple guide you can actually use.
When to Hire a CFO (And What It’ll Cost You)
If you are running a small business, you might wonder, “Do I really need a CFO?”
You are not alone. Many business owners hesitate to bring on a Chief Financial Officer because they think it is only for big corporations. But here’s the truth - knowing when to hire a CFO for small business can be a game-changer for your growth, cash flow, and long-term success.
Let’s break down when it makes sense to hire a CFO, what they actually do, and what it might cost you.
What Your Profit & Loss Statement Should Really Tell You
If you have ever stared at your Profit and Loss Statement (P&L) and thought, “What am I actually looking at?”, you are not alone.
Many freelancers, side hustlers, and small business owners struggle with understanding profit and loss statement details - yet this simple document can give you a crystal-clear picture of your business’s financial health.
Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can stop guessing and start using your P&L like a pro.
How to Do a Monthly Financial Review
Let’s be honest, keeping up with your business finances can feel like a full-time job. But here’s the secret: if you spend just 30 minutes a month on a monthly financial review, you’ll save yourself hours of stress and avoid costly mistakes.
The key? Having a monthly financial review checklist that keeps you focused and on track.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to do a monthly financial review, step by step, so you can stay in control of your business, make smart decisions, and actually enjoy looking at your numbers.
How to Automate Your Business Finances in 1 Weekend
Let’s be real- running a small business is hard enough without chasing invoices, tracking expenses, or remembering to pay yourself.
The solution? Automating small business finances.
It sounds fancy, but it’s totally doable. And here’s the best part: you can set it up in just one weekend - even if you’re not a tech wizard or finance pro.
Ready to simplify your money life, save hours every month, and avoid financial stress? Let’s dive in!
How to Handle Late Payments Without Hurting Client Relationships
Let’s be honest—dealing with late payments in small business is the headache no one warns you about.
You’ve done the work, sent the invoice, and now you’re stuck waiting... and waiting... and waiting.
The problem? Late payments don’t just mess with your cash flow - they can mess with your client relationships too.
But here’s the good news: you can handle late payments professionally, protect your business, and keep your clients happy. Let’s break down exactly how.
Tax Deductions You’re Probably Missing in Your Business
When you’re starting or growing a business, you may find yourself reaching for your personal debit card more than you'd like to admit. But is using personal money for business expenses a smart move - or a slippery slope?
The answer depends on your goals, your legal setup, and how you manage the money trail.
In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using personal funds to support your business, what it means for your taxes and legal protection, and how to do it the right way if you choose to go that route.
5 Signs You Need Help With Your Business Finances
Let’s be real, running a business is tough, and staying on top of your finances? Even tougher.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unsure if you’re making a profit, or just winging it when it comes to taxes and cash flow, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: ignoring money problems won’t make them go away - it’ll just make them harder to fix later.
So how do you know when it’s time to stop DIYing your books and get some expert help?
Here are 5 clear signs your business needs financial help, and what to do about it.
The Best Way to Organize Your Business Receipts
Let’s face it: tracking down business receipts during tax season is the WORST. You know you bought that printer ink, but where’s the proof? That client lunch? Buried somewhere in your inbox.
Organizing business receipts for taxes isn’t just about staying neat - it’s about saving money, avoiding headaches, and keeping the IRS happy.
The good news? You don’t need a fancy system or expensive software. Just a simple, consistent method that works for you.
Here’s exactly how to organize your business receipts like a pro, without spending hours on paperwork.
How to Separate Business and Personal Finances
Running a business is tough enough without the added stress of mixing personal and business finances. If you’ve ever wondered why your bookkeeping feels like a jumbled mess, or why tax season makes you want to pull your hair out - you’re not alone.
Here’s the thing: separating your business and personal finances is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s not just about being organized (though that’s a huge bonus) - it’s about protecting your business, simplifying your taxes, and running your finances like a pro.
So, let’s break down exactly how to separate business and personal finances, step by step.
Is Your Business Financially Healthy?
Let’s be real, running a small business without checking its financial health is like driving a car without a fuel gauge. Sooner or later, you’ll stall.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a CPA to keep your business finances in check. You just need a simple system - a Small Business Financial Health Checklist—to help you spot problems early, avoid cash flow crunches, and make smart decisions with confidence.
Let’s break it down:
What Investors Really Want to See in Your Finances
So you're ready to pitch your business to investors? Great. But before you talk valuations and big visions, there’s one thing investors will ask to see first: your numbers.
That’s where business finance preparation for investors comes in. Your ability to present clear, accurate, and compelling financials can be the difference between a quick “yes” and a polite “pass.”
Here’s what investors are really looking for - and how you can prepare your finances to impress them.