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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
How to Set Financial Goals That Actually Stick
Setting financial goals sounds like something you should do - but for many small business owners, it’s often vague, rushed, or simply forgotten in the day-to-day hustle.
But here’s the truth: when done right, setting financial goals for small business growth is one of the most powerful ways to stay focused, increase profitability, and build long-term success.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to set financial goals that are clear, motivating, and (most importantly) achievable.
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.