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.

Top 10 Business Finance Apps That Actually Save You Time

Let’s face it, running a business is hard enough without wasting hours managing your finances. The good news? There are apps built specifically to make money management faster, easier, and even kind of enjoyable.

Whether you're a freelancer, solopreneur, or small business owner, the best apps for business finances in 2025 help you stay on top of income, expenses, taxes, and more - with minimal effort.

Here are 10 apps worth checking out if you want to spend less time crunching numbers and more time growing your business.

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5 Budgeting Mistakes That Are Costing You Thousands

Every dollar matters when you’re running a small business. But even the most well-meaning business owners make budgeting mistakes that quietly chip away at their profits. The good news? Once you recognize these issues, they’re easy to fix.

In this article, we’ll break down five common small business budgeting mistakes - and how you can correct them before they cost you any more money.

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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.

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

Are You Ready for a Bookkeeper? Here’s How to Tell

You didn’t start your business to spend hours sorting receipts or panicking over spreadsheets. But if you’re losing track of your finances, or just your sanity - it might be time to ask the big question: When should I hire a bookkeeper for business finances?

If you're unsure whether you’re ready, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the signs that it’s time to bring in a pro - and what you gain when you do.

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Financial Analysis, Bookkeeping & Accounting Riyanna Gordon-Mark Financial Analysis, Bookkeeping & Accounting Riyanna Gordon-Mark

What Reports Should You Be Reviewing Monthly?

Running a small business is like steering a ship, you need a clear view of where you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re heading. That’s where monthly financial reports for small business owners come in. These reports aren’t just paperwork - they’re your financial compass.

If you're unsure what you should be reviewing every month, you're not alone. In this post, we’ll break down the essential financial reports that keep your business on track and thriving.

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

How to Hire Financial Help Without Blowing Your Budget

Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats, but the finance hat?…..That one can feel a little too tight.

You know you need help with your numbers: whether it’s organizing your books, getting ready for tax season, or just making sense of your cash flow. But you also don’t want to break the bank just to get your finances in order.

The good news? Affordable financial help for small business owners does exist - you just need to know where to look, what to prioritize, and how to avoid overpaying for services you don’t actually need.

Let’s walk through how to hire the right kind of financial support, without blowing your budget in the process.

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

What’s a Chart of Accounts? And Why Your Business Needs One

If you're a small business owner trying to stay on top of your finances, you’ve probably heard the term “chart of accounts” thrown around, especially if you're setting up QuickBooks, Xero, or chatting with your bookkeeper.

But what is it exactly? And do you really need one if you’re just starting out?

Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: It’s the foundation of how your finances are organized…and it can save you time, stress, and money.

Let’s break down what a chart of accounts for small business actually is, why it matters, and how to set one up (without the overwhelm).

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

Why Most Side Hustles Fail Financially (And How to Avoid It)

Starting a side hustle is exciting. You’re finally turning that idea into income - whether it’s selling products online, offering freelance services, or monetizing a creative skill.

But while starting is easy… staying profitable is where most people stumble.

The truth? Most side hustles fail not because the idea is bad: but because the finances are messy, ignored, or misunderstood.

So if you’re growing a side hustle and want to avoid the most common money pitfalls, read on. These business finance tips for side hustles will help you stay in control, stay profitable, and build something that actually lasts.

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How to Read Financial Statements (Even If You Hate Numbers)

Let’s get one thing out of the way: you do not have to be a math person to run a successful business.

But if you want to keep your business profitable, tax-ready, and growing in the right direction: you do need to understand your financial statements.

We’re not talking spreadsheets filled with jargon or pages of numbers that give you a headache.
We’re talking about simple, clear insights that help you answer questions like:

  • “Am I actually making a profit?”

  • “Can I afford to hire help?”

  • “Why is there money in my account, but I feel broke?”

If you’ve been avoiding your financial reports, this post is for you. Let’s break down how to read financial statements for small business owners….even if you hate numbers.

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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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Business Budgeting 101: How to Build a Budget That Works

If the word “budget” makes you want to hide under your desk, you’re not alone.

But here’s the truth: Your budget is your business’s blueprint. It’s not about restriction: it’s about direction.

Whether you’re running a freelance side hustle or managing a growing team, knowing how to create a business budget can be the difference between coasting and scaling, surviving and thriving.

Let’s walk through a simple, no-fluff guide to creating a budget that actually works for you…not just on paper, but in the real world.

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

Don’t Start a Business Without Knowing These 5 Financial Basics

Starting your own business is exciting……but also a little terrifying. You’ve got the ideas, the passion, maybe even a logo. But before you dive into designing your website or printing business cards, you need to get your finances in check.

If you’re like most new entrepreneurs, you probably didn’t start your business because you love accounting. But here’s the truth:

👉 Understanding a few financial basics can be the difference between success and struggle.

Let’s walk through the five financial basics every new business owner needs to know - because skipping these can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

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

How to Manage Business Finances Without Losing Your Mind

Let’s face it, managing business finances isn't exactly a party. Spreadsheets, tax deadlines, invoices, receipts from six months ago stuffed in a drawer somewhere... it’s no wonder most entrepreneurs feel like their brains are doing somersaults when it's time to "do the books."

But here's the good news: You can learn how to manage business finances without losing your mind….or your weekends. With the right habits, tools, and mindset, even the most numbers-averse small business owner can feel confident and in control.

Let’s break it down, step by step…

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