“I’m not good with money,” That was my client’s go-to line for explaining away anything that involved negative cash flow. It was used to explain why she continued to struggle to pay her bills, max out her credit cards, and draw excessively from her now two lines of credit. It was also used to explain why she sold her home in order to continue having money to operate her business. By the way, my heart sank when I learned about her home. How did that happen? Was there really no

I’m a recovering financial hot mess. Before 2011, organizing myself financially was never top of mind. Receiving a regular paycheck ensured that. I wasn’t an extravagant spender. Also, I suppose I lived within my means the way I knew how. For example, I cooked my meals most often, brought coffee to work, and took mass transportation when I could. From a salary perspective, I’d say I was fortunate. For most of my 12-year corporate career I earned anywhere from $85k to $110

Is your business behind of the bookkeeping? The good news is the year is not over. Therefore, there is still time to catch up and even get

Have you noticed that the amount we spend is based on the amount that is in our bank account? For example, if the amount in our account is low, we don’t spend much, if at all. However, if the amount is higher, we spend more and often beyond what is needed. In other words, the more money we have in our bank account, the more we spend. Instead of the basic car wash, we get the more expensive deluxe package because we have more money. We treat ourselves to a glass of wine and an

As an accountant, I get frustrated when I hear about a small business canceling their bookkeeping service for the purpose of cutting down on expenses. No, I don’t get frustrated. I get defensive. I take it personally! I throw my hands up in the air! I loudly ask what is wrong with small businesses! Don’t they know they need to organize their financial records?! And then I stop being dramatic because my adult self knows that the reason to cancel was not made carelessly. When l

...Instead, go into a networking event for the purpose of letting others know who you are and what you do. Furthermore, get to know others.

The unofficial first day of summer has arrived! Although, if you live in Houston, Texas, like I do, summer never really left! Now I hate to bring up the recent tax season, after a lovely Memorial Day weekend of chillin' and pool fun, however, we need to chat. The first three to four months of the New Year always, ALWAYS, makes me cringe. And I really cringed this year because many businesses seemed to be caught off guard when the various tax deadlines arrived. The last minute

You send your invoices to your customers, each with a clear and specific due date. Yet, when the due date arrives, payment does not. Unfortunately, unpaid invoices hurt the cash flow of your business. So how do to get your customers and clients to pay AND pay timely for the invoices you send? Let’s talk about collections! Often, the thought of collections leads a few to envision a threatening, low life thug with a hairy chest and big hands, dressed in a pin striped suit, who

As soon as you get the receipt, whip out your smartphone or tablet, and take a picture. The IRS accepts photos of your receipt. Furthermore

“I don't need receipts. I can use the bank statement.” How many of you have said that? I’m raising my hand because I once did. I specifically said that when I was working as an auditor for a CPA firm, where supporting documentation was, and is, a must. Many freelancers, entrepreneurs, and other small business owners have made the above statement. And that statement is not wrong. However, it can be improved upon. Your bank statement is fine. With receipts, however, the integri