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 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.
Your 12-Month Financial Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Running a business without a financial plan is like driving without a map - you might get there eventually, but you’ll probably waste time, money, and energy along the way.
That’s where a 12-month business financial plan comes in.
Should You Open a Business Savings Account? Yes…..Here’s Why
When you’re running a small business, every dollar counts. You might already have a business checking account to handle day-to-day transactions, but here’s the question:
Should you open a business savings account, too?
The answer is a resounding yes - and here’s why.
Let’s break down the benefits of business savings account setups and how they can protect your business, fuel your growth, and keep you ready for whatever comes next.
Financial Red Flags That Scare Away Investors
Picture this: you’ve got a big pitch meeting lined up. You’re ready to wow potential investors with your vision, your product, and your passion.
But here’s the catch - even the best ideas won’t get funded if your business finances throw up red flags.
Whether you’re a freelancer looking for a small capital injection, or a small business owner seeking a major investment, knowing the business finance red flags for investors is critical.
Let’s dive into the most common financial warning signs that can make investors hesitate, and how you can fix them before they kill your funding dreams.
How to Build a Cash Reserve for Your Business
If you’ve ever had an unexpected expense hit your business - like a client paying late, an equipment breakdown, or a slow sales month, you know how quickly a cash flow crunch can turn into a full-blown crisis.
That’s why every business needs an emergency fund.
Whether you’re a solo freelancer, a side hustler, or running a small team, learning how to build a business emergency fund is a game-changer.
Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can protect your business from the unexpected - and sleep better at night.
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.
What to Include in a Business Financial Plan
If you’re a freelancer, consultant, or small business owner, you’ve probably wondered: “How do I actually create a financial plan for my business?”
It’s a smart question because let’s face it - winging your finances is a recipe for stress. A solid financial plan helps you make smarter decisions, avoid cash flow disasters, and actually build the business you want (not just the one that keeps you busy).
Here’s exactly what to include in a business financial plan, plus a simple breakdown to help you get started today.
Should You Use Personal Funds for Business? Pros & Cons
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.
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.