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:
Why Your Bookkeeping is a Ticking Time Bomb (And How to Defuse It)
Let’s face it - bookkeeping isn’t exactly the sexiest part of running a business. Most entrepreneurs don’t wake up thinking, Wow, I can’t wait to reconcile my bank statements today! But here’s the thing: ignoring your books is like ignoring a ticking time bomb under your desk.
One wrong move, and boom - your profits vanish, your tax bill explodes, and your business dreams go up in smoke.
So let’s talk about the bookkeeping mistakes that hurt profits, how they sneak up on you, and most importantly, how to defuse them before they blow up your business.
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.
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….
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.
How to Project Your Business Finances for the Year Ahead
Ever feel like you are guessing when it comes to your business finances?
You are not alone. Many small business owners and freelancers find forecasting tricky, but a good business finance forecasting guide can change everything.
When you forecast your income, expenses, and cash flow for the year ahead, you gain clarity, confidence, and control over your financial future. Let’s break down the process step by step - without the jargon.
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.
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.
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.
Understanding Business Credit Scores (And Why They Matter)
Ever tried applying for a business loan or credit card and wondered why you got denied or approved for way less than you needed?
Chances are, it had something to do with your business credit score.
Your personal credit score is important, sure - but for your business, building credit is a whole different ball game.
Let’s break down exactly what a business credit score is, why it matters, and how to build business credit score from scratch (even if you’re a freelancer, side hustler, or small business owner just getting started).
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.
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.
Can You Afford to Scale Your Business? Use This Finance Formula
Dreaming of scaling your business? Hold up - let’s make sure the numbers make sense first.
Here’s the truth: Scaling without a solid financial plan is like building a house without a blueprint. You might get lucky, but chances are, you’ll end up with a mess, and a whole lot of regret.
So before you hire, invest, or launch that new product, let’s answer the big question:
Can you afford to scale your business?
Here’s how to calculate business scalability finance - using a simple formula that any freelancer, side hustler, or small business owner can apply today.
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 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.
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.
How to Create a Financial Dashboard for Your Business
As a small business owner, you wear many hats, but your decision-making should always be grounded in real numbers. That’s where a financial dashboard for small business comes in. It’s not just another spreadsheet or report - it's your real-time snapshot of business health.
In this post, you'll learn why a financial dashboard matters, what to include, and how to build one that helps you make faster, smarter financial decisions.