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.

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.

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Taxes, Bookkeeping & Accounting, Financial Management Riyanna Gordon-Mark Taxes, Bookkeeping & Accounting, Financial Management Riyanna Gordon-Mark

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.

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Bookkeeping & Accounting, Cash Flow, Taxes Riyanna Gordon-Mark Bookkeeping & Accounting, Cash Flow, Taxes Riyanna Gordon-Mark

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.

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The Financial Checklist Every Freelancer Needs

Freelancing gives you freedom, but with that independence comes responsibility, especially when it comes to your finances. Whether you're a graphic designer, copywriter, or developer, staying on top of your money isn’t just smart - it’s essential for long-term success.

That’s why we created the ultimate Freelancer Business Finance Checklist to help you stay organized, compliant, and in control. No accounting degree required, just a commitment to financial clarity.

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How to Fix Messy Business Finances Before Tax Season

Let’s be honest - running a small business means wearing many hats. But when it comes to tax season, one hat no entrepreneur can afford to ignore is financial cleanup. If your books are a mess and receipts are scattered, you're not alone. The good news? Cleaning up small business finances for taxes is totally doable and can even save you money, stress, and time.

Here’s how to get your finances in order before the IRS/HMRC (or your accountant) comes knocking.

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Bookkeeping & Accounting, Taxes, Financial Management Riyanna Gordon-Mark Bookkeeping & Accounting, Taxes, Financial Management Riyanna Gordon-Mark

Are You Overpaying? The Real Cost of Managing Business Finances

Let’s be honest: running a small business comes with a lot of hidden costs.

But one area that sneaks up on a lot of entrepreneurs? Managing your business finances.

Whether you're DIY-ing your bookkeeping, hiring a professional, or just winging it with a spreadsheet and crossed fingers, there’s a cost. And if you're not tracking that cost properly, you might be paying more than you think (in money and time).

So let’s break it down. Here's what goes into the cost of managing small business finances….and how to make sure you're getting the best return on every dollar you spend.

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Bookkeeping & Accounting, Business Tools, Cash Flow, Taxes Riyanna Gordon-Mark Bookkeeping & Accounting, Business Tools, Cash Flow, Taxes Riyanna Gordon-Mark

Top Financial Tools Entrepreneurs Swear By in 2025

Running a small business in 2025 means wearing a lot of hats, and if you’re like most entrepreneurs, the finance hat often feels the heaviest.

From tracking expenses to getting paid faster to staying tax-ready year-round, the right tools can save you hours of stress and thousands of dollars. But with so many apps and platforms out there, how do you know which ones are actually worth your time?

We’ve done the digging for you. Here are the best financial software tools for small businesses in 2025 the ones real entrepreneurs (and bookkeepers like us) swear by to keep their money under control and their sanity intact.

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Bookkeeping & Accounting, Taxes Riyanna Gordon-Mark Bookkeeping & Accounting, Taxes Riyanna Gordon-Mark

Bookkeepers vs CPAs: Who Should Handle Your Business Finances?

If you run a business, you’ve probably asked yourself this question:
“Who handles business finances? Should I hire a bookkeeper or a CPA?”

It’s a smart question - and one that trips up a lot of freelancers, side hustlers, and small business owners.

You’re not alone if you’re wondering:

  • “Aren’t they basically the same thing?”

  • “Do I need both?”

  • “Which one will actually help me save time and money?”

Let’s break it down simply: no accounting jargon, just straight answers - so you know who to call, when to call them, and why it matters.

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