Year-End Panic? How a Bookkeeper Can Save Your Sanity
The end of the year can be one of the most stressful times for business owners. Between closing out projects, preparing for tax season, and juggling holiday demands, bookkeeping often falls to the bottom of the list. But ignoring your financial records until the last minute can lead to costly mistakes, missed deadlines, and sleepless nights.
The good news? A professional bookkeeper can take that weight off your shoulders and make year-end much smoother. Here’s how:
1. Get Your Books Organized
No more scrambling through piles of receipts or digging through emails for missing invoices. A bookkeeper ensures everything is categorized, reconciled, and up to date so you know exactly where your business stands.
2. Avoid Tax-Time Surprises
Nothing spikes year-end stress like unexpected tax bills. By keeping your records current, a bookkeeper helps you (and your tax preparer) maximize deductions and avoid penalties.
3. Save Time During the Busiest Season
Instead of spending hours sorting through numbers, you can focus on running your business—or enjoying the holidays. A bookkeeper frees up your time while making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
4. Gain Clarity for Next Year
Clean financials give you a clear picture of your business performance. With accurate reports, you can set goals, plan budgets, and step into the new year with confidence instead of confusion.
5. Reduce Stress and Increase Peace of Mind
Perhaps the biggest benefit? Knowing that your books are handled by a professional gives you peace of mind. You’ll feel more in control and less anxious about what’s waiting for you in January.
✅ Bottom line: Year-end doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a bookkeeper by your side, you can trade panic for peace, and start the new year with clarity and confidence.
👉 Need help getting your books ready before year-end? Let’s talk!Contact us to see how MakeCentsBookkeepigllc can help our your business.
Construction Companies: Bookkeeping Challenges We Help Solve
Running a construction company comes with enough moving parts—managing crews, bidding jobs, scheduling work, and keeping projects on track. The last thing you need is for bookkeeping to add more stress. But the truth is, construction bookkeeping has unique challenges that make it more complicated than other industries.
Here are some of the most common pain points we see—and how we help solve them.
1. Job Costing Confusion
The challenge: Knowing exactly how much each project costs is critical, but tracking labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors across multiple jobs isn’t easy. Without accurate job costing, you risk underbidding or losing profits.
How we help: We set up systems (like QuickBooks job costing) to track expenses by project, so you know where every dollar is going—and whether a job is truly profitable.
2. Cash Flow Uncertainty
The challenge: Construction businesses often deal with large expenses upfront and delayed payments from clients. This makes cash flow unpredictable and stressful.
How we help: We create clear cash flow reports, help track receivables, and set up forecasting tools so you can plan ahead and avoid surprises.
3. Managing Equipment & Overhead Costs
The challenge: Equipment purchases, rentals, and maintenance add another layer of cost management. Add in overhead like insurance, permits, and office expenses, and it’s tough to know your true margins.
How we help: We categorize and track equipment costs and overhead accurately, making sure your financial reports reflect the full picture of your business health.
4. Staying Organized for Tax Time
The challenge: Missing receipts, unclear expense categories, and late reconciliations make tax season a nightmare.
How we help: We keep your books organized year-round, so everything is accurate, up-to-date, and ready for your CPA when tax time rolls around.
✨ Bottom Line: Construction companies have enough challenges on the job site—your books shouldn’t be one of them. With accurate bookkeeping, you can make smarter bids, manage cash flow with confidence, and focus on building, not balancing.. Contact us to see how MakeCentsBookkeepigllc can help our your business.
Are You Mixing Business and Personal Expenses? Here’s Why That’s Risky
When you’re running a small business, it’s easy to swipe the same card for groceries, gas, and client lunches. But while it might feel convenient, mixing personal and business expenses can lead to big headaches—both financially and legally.
Let’s break down why keeping your expenses separate matters (and how to make it easier).
1. It Creates Tax Trouble
When tax season rolls around, unclear records make it hard to know what’s deductible. The IRS requires you to have proof that expenses are strictly business-related. If you’re mixing, you risk:
Missing deductions because you can’t prove what’s what.
Audit flags that could cost you extra time, stress, and money.
2. It Hurts Your Business Finances
Blurring expenses makes it tough to see how your business is really performing. If personal charges sneak into your books, your profit and loss reports won’t reflect reality. That means:
Cash flow looks misleading.
You can’t plan effectively for growth.
It’s harder to spot unnecessary spending.
3. It Can Affect Your Legal Protection
If you run an LLC or corporation, one of the biggest benefits is limited liability protection. But if you treat your business account like your personal piggy bank, you risk “piercing the corporate veil.” That means:
Your personal assets could be on the line in lawsuits or debts.
You may lose the legal separation between “you” and your business.
4. It Makes Bookkeeping a Nightmare
Your bookkeeper (or future-you) will thank you for keeping expenses separate. Sorting out mixed charges takes extra time, money, and sometimes guesswork. Clean records = faster bookkeeping, easier tax prep, and peace of mind.
How to Keep It Clean
Open a separate business bank account and credit card.
Pay yourself a set salary or owner’s draw instead of dipping in randomly.
Use tools like QuickBooks to track expenses in real time.
Keep a digital copy of receipts for business purchases.
✨ Bottom Line: Mixing personal and business expenses might feel harmless in the moment, but it can create costly problems later. Keeping things separate protects your business, your money, and your peace of mind. Contact us to see how MakeCentsBookkeepigllc can help our your business.
Behind on Your Books? Here’s How to Catch Up Fast
Falling behind on bookkeeping happens more often than many business owners admit. Between serving customers, managing staff, and handling day-to-day operations, it’s easy for recordkeeping to slip down the priority list. But when your books aren’t up to date, you risk making decisions without accurate financial data—and tax season can quickly become a nightmare.
The good news? Catching up on your books doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right plan, you can get organized, back on track, and set up systems that keep you from falling behind again.
Step 1: Gather All Your Financial Documents
Start by collecting everything you need in one place. This includes:
Bank statements
Credit card statements
Receipts
Invoices (both sent and unpaid)
Payroll records
Loan documents
Think of this as creating your financial “toolbox.” Having everything organized will make the catch-up process much smoother.
Step 2: Reconcile Your Bank Accounts
Reconciliation is the backbone of bookkeeping. Compare your bank and credit card statements to your accounting records to make sure every transaction is accounted for. If there are missing or duplicate entries, correct them now before moving forward.
Step 3: Record Income and Expenses
Once your accounts are reconciled, start entering income and expenses in chronological order. Be consistent with categories (e.g., advertising, supplies, utilities) so your reports are accurate and tax deductions are easy to identify later.
Step 4: Handle Outstanding Invoices and Bills
Follow up on unpaid invoices to improve cash flow.
Review any unpaid bills and create a plan to settle them.
Catching up on books isn’t just about recording the past—it’s about getting current so your business runs smoothly.
Step 5: Review Payroll and Taxes
If payroll or tax filings are behind, prioritize getting these caught up to avoid penalties. Many small businesses find this the most stressful part of bookkeeping, but with accurate records, compliance becomes much easier.
Step 6: Use Tools to Save Time
If you’re not already using bookkeeping software like QuickBooks Online, now is the time. Automated transaction imports, categorization, and reporting features drastically cut down on time and help you avoid future backlogs.
Step 7: Know When to Ask for Help
Sometimes, catching up on months (or even years) of books is too big of a task to handle alone. Hiring a professional bookkeeper can save you time, reduce stress, and give you the peace of mind that your books are accurate and compliant.
Final Thoughts
Catching up on your books may feel daunting, but taking it step by step makes it manageable. Once you’re caught up, the key is consistency. Set aside time each week—or let a bookkeeping professional handle it—so your records stay clean and up to date.
👉 If you’re feeling behind and overwhelmed, our team specializes in catch-up bookkeeping. We’ll help you get back on track quickly and keep your business finances stress-free. Contact us to see how MakeCentsBookkeepigllc can help our your business.
Restaurant Owners: Here’s How Bookkeeping Can Save You Money
Running a restaurant is no small feat. Between managing staff, keeping customers happy, and ensuring every dish meets your standards, finances can sometimes take a back seat. But here’s the truth: bookkeeping is one of the most powerful tools to help restaurant owners save money and grow their profits.
1. Catch Costly Mistakes Early
Restaurants run on tight margins, and even small errors can add up quickly. Proper bookkeeping helps you spot discrepancies like double charges from vendors, missing payments, or incorrect payroll entries before they drain your cash flow.
2. Control Food & Inventory Costs
Food waste and over-ordering are two of the biggest profit-killers in the restaurant industry. With accurate bookkeeping and expense tracking, you can see exactly where your money is going and make data-driven decisions on purchasing, portion sizes, and menu pricing.
3. Improve Cash Flow Management
Unexpected slow nights or seasonal dips can leave your business scrambling. Bookkeeping gives you a clear picture of your income and expenses, helping you forecast cash flow so you can plan ahead, avoid shortages, and always keep the lights on.
4. Maximize Tax Deductions
Restaurants often miss out on valuable tax deductions simply because they don’t keep detailed financial records. From equipment and repairs to mileage and staff meals, good bookkeeping ensures you don’t leave money on the table at tax time.
5. Make Smarter Business Decisions
Should you add a new menu item, expand your hours, or hire more staff? With up-to-date books, you’ll have the financial insights you need to weigh risks, calculate return on investment, and make confident business choices.
6. Secure Loans or Investors
Whether you’re looking to expand your dining space or upgrade your kitchen, lenders and investors want to see clean, reliable financial records. Strong bookkeeping builds credibility and increases your chances of approval.
Final Thoughts
Bookkeeping isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about giving you the clarity and control to run a more profitable restaurant. By staying on top of your books, you’ll uncover hidden savings, protect your margins, and set your business up for long-term success.
👉 If you’re a restaurant owner who wants to spend less time worrying about the numbers and more time delighting your customers, professional bookkeeping support can make all the difference. Contact us to see how MakeCentsBookkeepigllc can help our your business.
The Importance of Financial Goal Coloring Pages
When it comes to building healthy money habits, most people think of spreadsheets, budgeting apps, or financial planners. But sometimes the simplest tools can make the biggest difference—especially when they make finances engaging and fun. That’s where financial goal coloring pages come in.
What Are Financial Goal Coloring Pages?
Financial goal coloring pages are printable worksheets that allow you to track progress visually by coloring in sections as you save, pay off debt, or work toward a financial milestone. Think of them as a visual thermometer for your goals—except with creativity, motivation, and a little bit of fun.
Why They Matter
1. Make Finances Visual
Numbers on a screen or paper can feel abstract. Coloring pages transform your goals into something you can see and touch. Watching a page fill with color brings your progress to life, keeping your financial journey exciting instead of overwhelming.
2. Boost Motivation
Every time you color in a new section, you’re celebrating a win. These small rewards keep you motivated, reminding you that even small steps move you closer to your larger goal.
3. Reduce Stress Around Money
Money can be stressful, but coloring is proven to be calming. Combining the two helps you associate financial planning with relaxation instead of anxiety. It turns saving money or paying off debt into a positive, creative habit.
4. Encourage Family Engagement
Financial coloring pages aren’t just for adults—they’re powerful tools for kids too. They make financial literacy approachable and fun, teaching children the value of saving while giving families a way to set and achieve goals together.
5. Provide a Sense of Control
Coloring in progress lets you visually see how far you’ve come. Instead of focusing on how much is left to achieve, you can take pride in the milestones already behind you—helping you feel more in control of your financial journey.
Great Uses for Financial Goal Coloring Pages
Saving for a vacation – Color in a suitcase or airplane design each time you add to your fund.
Paying off debt – Track progress by shading in blocks of a debt-free chart.
Building an emergency fund – Watch your savings "fill up" with every contribution.
Teaching kids money skills – Use simple coloring trackers for allowances or savings jars.
Final Thoughts
Financial goal coloring pages may seem simple, but they’re powerful tools that combine psychology, creativity, and accountability. By making money management visual and interactive, they help people of all ages stay focused, motivated, and excited about reaching their goals.
The Benefits of Going Paperless with Your Finances
In today’s fast-paced, digital world, going paperless isn’t just an eco-friendly trend—it’s also one of the smartest ways to manage your finances. Whether you’re a busy professional, a small business owner, or someone simply looking to get more organized, eliminating paper clutter can save you time, money, and stress.
1. Declutter and Stay Organized
Stacks of bills, bank statements, and receipts can quickly pile up. Going paperless helps reduce clutter and keeps everything neatly stored online. With digital systems, you can search for any statement or receipt in seconds—no more digging through filing cabinets.
2. Save Time and Increase Efficiency
Manually filing, shredding, or mailing documents takes up valuable time. Digital records are easier to store, sort, and share. With cloud-based storage and bookkeeping apps, you can automate much of the work that used to take hours.
3. Enhanced Security
Paper documents are vulnerable to theft, loss, and damage. Digital records—when stored securely—offer encryption, password protection, and backup options. This provides peace of mind knowing your financial data is safer than sitting in a desk drawer.
4. Accessibility Anytime, Anywhere
When your finances are digital, you can access records from your phone, laptop, or tablet at any time. Whether you’re traveling, meeting with your accountant, or reviewing your budget at home, your files are always at your fingertips.
5. Cost Savings
Printing, postage, ink, and storage supplies all add up. By going paperless, you cut unnecessary costs and redirect that money toward savings, debt repayment, or business growth.
6. Eco-Friendly Impact
Choosing paperless solutions helps reduce waste and support environmental sustainability. Even small steps, like opting for e-statements instead of mailed bills, contribute to a healthier planet.
7. Easier Tax Preparation
When tax season arrives, a digital system makes gathering records stress-free. Instead of scrambling to find receipts or statements, everything is already organized and ready to share with your tax professional.
Final Thoughts
Going paperless with your finances is more than just a modern convenience—it’s a long-term strategy for staying organized, secure, and efficient. By making the switch, you’ll simplify your life, save money, and make a positive impact on the environment.
🎓 Understanding Student Debt in America
What You Need to Know Before, During, and After College
Section 1 – The Big Picture
43.2 million Americans have federal student loans
$1.7 trillion total U.S. student loan debt
Average balance per borrower: $37,000
Section 2 – Types of Student Loans
Federal Loans:
Fixed interest rates
Flexible repayment options
May qualify for forgiveness
Private Loans:
Variable or fixed interest rates
Less flexible repayment
Usually require a co-signer
Section 3 – How Interest Works
Interest accrues daily on your principal balance
Unpaid interest can be added to your loan (capitalization)
Paying more than the minimum can save thousands
Section 4 – Repayment Options
Standard Plan: Fixed monthly payments (10 years)
Income-Driven Repayment: Payments based on income
Extended Plans: Lower payments, longer term
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Forgive balance after qualifying payments
Section 5 – Tips to Reduce Debt
Make extra payments when possible
Refinance if you can secure a lower rate
Avoid borrowing more than you need
Apply for scholarships & grants before loans
Section 6 – Resources
Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov
Loan simulator tools
Financial counseling hotlines
“The more you know, the less you owe.”
“This infographic is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice.”
Why We Recommend QuickBooks to Small Business Owners
Running a small business is exciting — but keeping track of your finances? That can be overwhelming. Between managing invoices, tracking expenses, and staying compliant with tax regulations, the bookkeeping side of business often takes up more time than owners would like.
That’s why we recommend QuickBooks to our small business clients. It’s not just accounting software — it’s a time-saving, money-saving, stress-reducing tool that helps you run your business smarter.
1. User-Friendly and Easy to Learn
QuickBooks is designed for business owners, not just accountants. Even if you’re not a “numbers person,” the dashboard is intuitive, and the learning curve is short. You can log in and quickly see your cash flow, outstanding invoices, and expenses — no accounting degree required.
2. Saves Time with Automation
Time is money, and QuickBooks automates many of the repetitive financial tasks you’d otherwise do manually. You can:
Automatically download bank transactions
Schedule recurring invoices
Set up bill payment reminders
Run instant financial reports
With these features, you’ll spend less time crunching numbers and more time growing your business.
3. Gives You Real-Time Financial Insights
QuickBooks connects directly to your bank accounts and credit cards, so your books are always up to date. This means you can:
Track cash flow in real time
Spot trends in income and expenses
Make faster, more informed decisions
No more guessing where your business stands — you’ll have a clear picture anytime you need it.
4. Simplifies Tax Season
Tax season can be stressful, but QuickBooks makes it easier. You can:
Categorize expenses for deductions
Store receipts digitally
Generate year-end tax reports in minutes
Share your books directly with your accountant
Instead of scrambling in April, you’ll be ready and organized.
5. Scales with Your Business
Whether you’re a one-person operation or managing a growing team, QuickBooks grows with you. You can add features like payroll, inventory tracking, or project profitability reports as your business needs evolve.
6. Works from Anywhere
Because QuickBooks is cloud-based, you can access your books anytime, from your laptop, tablet, or phone. Whether you’re working from home, visiting clients, or traveling, your financial data is always at your fingertips.
Our Take
Small business owners wear many hats — but bookkeeping doesn’t have to be one you wear alone. QuickBooks is like having a virtual assistant for your finances, giving you more time, confidence, and clarity in running your business.
If you’re ready to get set up with QuickBooks or want a pro to handle the bookkeeping side so you can focus on growth, we can help.
💰 Money Journal for Kids
A fun and interactive way for kids to learn money habits that last a lifetime!
📘 What's Inside the Journal?
This money journal combines reflection, goal setting, simple tracking, and creativity to build financial literacy for kids ages 6–12.
🌟 Sections & Page Ideas
1. All About Me & Money
“What do I already know about money?”
“Where does money come from?”
“What would I do with $100?”
2. My Money Goals
"What am I saving for?"
Goal tracker with drawing space (e.g., draw a picture of what you want to buy)
Progress tracker with boxes to color in as they save
3. Earning Log
Task | Date | What I Did | How Much I Earned
(Chores, lemonade stands, pet sitting, etc.)
4. Spending Tracker
Date | What I Bought | How Much | Was it a Need or Want?
5. Save, Spend, Give Jars
Pages to plan how they’ll divide their money
Sticker or coloring jars to update as they add to each category
6. Money Reflections
“How did I feel when I saved enough for my goal?”
“What’s something I would do differently next time?”
7. Fun Pages
Coloring sheets with savings quotes (e.g., “A penny saved is a penny earned!”)
Word searches and crossword puzzles with money words
Financial goal coloring trackers
📈 Skills Kids Will Learn:
Setting and reaching goals
Delayed gratification
Needs vs. wants
Simple budgeting
Recordkeeping and tracking
Giving/sharing mindfully
📎 Add-ons You Can Include:
Stickers (digital or printable) for rewards
Printable “Money Jar” labels
Weekly allowance chart
Monthly savings challenge page
Bookkeeping for Freelancers: What You Need to Know
Freelancing gives you freedom—but it also means you're in charge of everything, including your finances. Bookkeeping might sound like a chore, but it's essential for staying organized, stress-free, and financially successful. Whether you're a designer, writer, consultant, or developer, here’s what you need to know to take control of your freelance books.
Why Bookkeeping Matters for Freelancers
Good bookkeeping helps you:
Track income and expenses accurately
Prepare for tax season with less stress
Understand your cash flow
Make smart business decisions
Look professional to clients and lenders
Step 1: Separate Business and Personal Finances
Open a separate bank account for your freelance income and expenses. This simple step saves time, avoids confusion, and gives you a clearer picture of your business performance.
Step 2: Choose a Bookkeeping System
Pick a method that fits your style and workload:
Spreadsheets: Ideal for beginners or low-volume work.
Accounting Software: Tools like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Wave make tracking and reporting easier.
Hire a Bookkeeper: If you’re growing fast or don’t enjoy bookkeeping, outsourcing might be worth it.
Step 3: Track Every Expense
Log every business-related cost—subscriptions, equipment, advertising, mileage, internet, and even part of your home office. These can become valuable deductions at tax time.
Pro tip: Keep digital copies of your receipts using apps like Expensify or Dropbox.
Step 4: Record Income as It Comes In
Whether you’re paid through PayPal, Stripe, checks, or direct deposit, record income consistently and double-check that it matches what you invoiced.
Step 5: Set Aside Money for Taxes
As a freelancer, no one withholds taxes for you. A good rule of thumb: set aside 25–30% of each payment for taxes. Also, keep track of estimated quarterly tax due dates to avoid penalties.
Step 6: Reconcile Monthly
Review your bank statements monthly and compare them to your bookkeeping records. This helps you catch errors and stay audit-ready.
Step 7: Generate Basic Reports
Run reports like:
Profit & Loss (P&L): See how much you’re really earning.
Cash Flow: Understand how money is moving in and out.
Expense Categories: Spot areas where you might cut costs.
Step 8: Stay Consistent
Bookkeeping isn’t a once-a-year task. Set aside time weekly or bi-weekly to keep your books current. A consistent habit today saves major headaches tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing means wearing many hats—but you don’t have to let bookkeeping overwhelm you. Start small, stay consistent, and know when to call in a professional. With solid financial habits in place, you’ll have more time to focus on growing your business—and more peace of mind along the way.
At MakeCentsBookkeepingllc we can categorize your transactions, reconcile your business accounts, and provide your business financial statements.
Allowance Budget Planner: Teaching Kids Smart Money Habits
Giving kids an allowance isn’t just about handing over a few dollars—it’s an opportunity to teach them how to budget, save, and make thoughtful spending decisions. That’s where an Allowance Budget Planner comes in.
This simple tool helps kids learn the basics of money management in a fun, age-appropriate way.
Why Budgeting Matters (Even for Kids)
Money habits start young. When children have a system for managing their allowance, they begin to understand:
💸 The value of money
📊 How to prioritize needs vs. wants
🏦 The importance of saving and giving
🎯 How to set financial goals
These are lifelong skills that can grow with them into adulthood.
What’s an Allowance Budget Planner?
An Allowance Budget Planner is a visual, kid-friendly tool that helps children divide their money into different categories each time they receive their allowance.
A simple version includes:
SAVE – for future goals like a toy, game, or big outing
SPEND – for fun, everyday purchases like snacks or small toys
GIVE – to donate to a cause or help someone in need
Some planners also include:
INVEST – for older kids to learn about growing money
GOALS – for short- or long-term savings targets
How to Use an Allowance Budget Planner
Set an Allowance Schedule
Decide how much and how often your child will receive their allowance—weekly, biweekly, or monthly.Choose a Budget Breakdown
Start with a basic 50/30/20 rule or let your child help decide the percentages. For example:
50% Spend
30% Save
20% Give
Use Jars or Envelopes for Each Category
Or print a fillable PDF budget planner where they can track amounts and goals.Review and Reflect Each Week
Ask questions like:
What did you save for this week?
Was there something you decided not to buy? Why?
Do you want to change your goal?
This encourages conversation and builds confidence.
Benefits of Using a Planner
Builds confidence and decision-making skills
Encourages goal setting and delayed gratification
Reinforces generosity and empathy through giving
Provides a hands-on, visual way to learn money management
Cloud Bookkeeping: What It Is and Why It’s the Future
In today’s digital world, businesses are moving faster than ever—and so is bookkeeping. Gone are the days of paper receipts and desktop software tied to one computer. Enter cloud bookkeeping, the modern solution for business owners who want to save time, reduce stress, and stay financially organized from anywhere.
But what exactly is cloud bookkeeping—and why is everyone talking about it?
What Is Cloud Bookkeeping?
Cloud bookkeeping is the practice of managing your business’s financial records using online software that stores your data securely “in the cloud” (i.e., on remote servers). Instead of installing software on one computer, cloud-based platforms like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Wave allow you to access your books anytime, anywhere, as long as you have internet.
It’s like having your filing cabinet, accountant, and calculator all in your pocket.
Key Features of Cloud Bookkeeping
✅ Real-Time Data: View updated bank transactions and financial reports in real-time. No more waiting for monthly updates.
🔄 Bank Integration: Connect your bank and credit card accounts for automatic transaction imports.
🤝 Collaborative Access: Share access securely with your bookkeeper, accountant, or business partner—no emailing spreadsheets back and forth.
☁️ Secure Storage: Cloud software uses bank-level encryption to keep your data safe.
📱 Mobile-Friendly: Manage your finances on the go from your phone or tablet.
Why Cloud Bookkeeping Is the Future
1. Work from Anywhere
Whether you're at your desk, on the road, or working from a coffee shop, cloud bookkeeping gives you 24/7 access to your financials. This flexibility is a game-changer for small business owners and freelancers who don’t have time to be tied to an office.
2. Automated and Efficient
With automated bank feeds, recurring invoices, and real-time categorization, cloud bookkeeping significantly reduces the time you spend on manual data entry. That means more time for your business—and your life.
3. Easier Collaboration
You and your bookkeeper or tax pro can log in to the same system, see the same data, and solve issues in real time. This makes tax time (and everything in between) a lot less stressful.
4. Always Up to Date
Unlike desktop software that needs manual updates or backups, cloud platforms update automatically. You’re always using the latest version, with new features and security patches included.
5. Scalable for Growth
As your business grows, cloud bookkeeping can grow with you—whether you’re adding team members, integrating with payroll systems, or managing multiple locations.
Is It Secure?
Yes! Cloud bookkeeping software is built with top-tier security in mind, including:
Encrypted data transmission
Two-factor authentication
Daily backups on secure servers
In fact, it’s often safer than traditional desktop software or paper records.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’re still using spreadsheets or desktop software, now’s a great time to explore the cloud. At MakeCentsBookkeepingLLC, we help small business owners transition to cloud bookkeeping without the overwhelm.
✅ We recommend the best tools for your needs
✅ We get you set up and trained
✅ We manage your books so you can focus on what you do best
Let’s bring your bookkeeping into the future. [Schedule a free consultation →]
Needs vs. Wants: A Simple Sorting Activity to Build Financial Literacy 🧠💰
One of the first (and most important) money lessons we can teach kids—or even revisit as adults—is the difference between needs and wants.
In a world filled with ads, influencers, and instant gratification, knowing how to separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves builds the foundation for smarter saving, spending, and budgeting.
At [Your Business Name], we love making financial literacy fun and practical. That’s why we created this Needs vs. Wants Sorting Activity—perfect for families, classrooms, or youth groups.
🧾 What Is the “Needs vs. Wants” Sorting Activity?
This hands-on activity helps learners identify what items or expenses are essential for living, and which are optional or luxury-based.
It encourages conversations like:
“Do we need this to survive or stay safe?”
“Can we live without it?”
“Is this something we enjoy, but don’t rely on?”
💡 Great for ages 6+, this activity is easy to adapt by age, lifestyle, or learning environment.
🧠 Why It Matters
Understanding the difference between needs and wants helps kids and teens:
Build stronger saving habits
Make more mindful spending choices
Appreciate the value of money
Create realistic budgets later in life
Adults can benefit, too—especially when making decisions during tight financial seasons or setting long-term goals.
✂️ How to Do the Activity
Materials Needed:
Printable sorting worksheet (or two labeled columns: “Needs” and “Wants”)
Scissors and glue (for cut-and-paste style)
OR pen/markers for written responses
Step-by-Step:
Explain the concept:
Needs = things we must have to live (food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, etc.)
Wants = things we enjoy but aren’t essential (toys, fast food, streaming subscriptions)
Sort real-world examples:
Provide a list of 12–20 items like “rent,” “ice cream,” “new shoes,” “medicine,” “concert tickets,” “school supplies,” etc.
Have kids cut them out and glue or place them into the correct column.
Discuss the gray areas:
Some things aren’t so clear-cut! A winter coat is a need in Alaska—but might feel like a want in Southern California. This is a great way to talk about context and priorities.
Reflect:
Ask: “What surprised you?” “What do you think your biggest ‘wants’ are?”
Talk about how to balance needs first, then budget for wants when possible.
📂 Bonus: Turn It Into a Weekly Habit
Encourage kids (or adults!) to:
List 3 “needs” and 2 “wants” they’ve spent money on each week
Reflect on how their choices made them feel
Think about what they might do differently next week
This builds lifelong money mindfulness!
Final Thought
Understanding needs vs. wants is a foundational step in making empowered, informed money choices. It’s never too early—or too late—to learn.
At MakeCentsBookkeepingllc we can categorize your transactions, reconcile your business accounts, and provide your business financial statements.
5 Tools We Recommend to Make Bookkeeping Easy for Our Clients
Bookkeeping doesn’t have to be complicated—or time-consuming. At MakeCentsBookkeeping, we have curated a set of tools that simplify the process, reduce errors, and save our clients hours each month.
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, small business owner, or nonprofit leader, here are 5 essential tools to use to make bookkeeping easier, faster, and stress-free for you.
1. QuickBooks Online – Our Go-To Accounting Platform
QuickBooks Online (QBO) is our primary bookkeeping software because it’s powerful, user-friendly, and cloud-based. It allows us to:
Sync bank and credit card accounts automatically
Categorize income and expenses
Generate real-time reports
Collaborate with you seamlessly
💡 Why it matters: You get 24/7 access to your financials, and we can keep everything updated in real time—no spreadsheets required.
2. Dext (formerly Receipt Bank) – For Hassle-Free Receipt Management
Dext makes it easy to snap a picture of a receipt, upload invoices, or email documents—all from your phone.
You send us your receipts
Dext extracts the key data
We verify and sync it to QuickBooks
📸 No more shoeboxes or lost papers. Just clean, digital recordkeeping.
3. Gusto – Payroll Made Simple
If you have employees or contractors, Gusto takes the headache out of payroll.
Run payroll accurately and on time
File payroll taxes automatically
Track PTO, benefits, and onboarding
📅 Plus, your team gets digital paystubs and access to their own dashboards—no more paper chasing.
4. Google Workspace – For Simple, Secure Collaboration
We use Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets to share important files, request info, and keep everything organized. It’s secure, easy to use, and lets us stay in sync with you.
🔒 Everything is protected with bank-level security—and you never have to dig through email chains again.
5. Calendly + Zoom – For Stress-Free Check-Ins
We make communication easy with tools like Calendly for scheduling and Zoom for virtual meetings. You can:
Book a call when it works for you
Ask questions without back-and-forth emails
Get expert insights in real time
📞 We’re not just bookkeepers—we’re your financial partners.
Final Thoughts
The right tools turn chaos into clarity. By combining powerful tech with personalized support, we help our clients stay organized, compliant, and confident in their numbers—without doing it all themselves.
🎯 Want bookkeeping that feels easy and works for you?
At MakeCentsBookkeepingllc we can categorize your transactions, reconcile your business accounts, and provide your business financial statements.
🧹 Weekly Chore & Earnings Tracker: How-To Guide for Families 💰
Teaching kids responsibility and money management doesn’t have to be complicated. A Weekly Chore & Earnings Tracker is a simple tool that helps families build healthy habits around work, rewards, and budgeting—all in one.
Here’s how to use it to create structure, accountability, and even fun in your home.
🧾 What Is a Weekly Chore & Earnings Tracker?
It’s a visual chart (on paper or digital) that helps kids:
Know which chores they’re expected to do
Track when they complete each chore
See how much they can earn
Begin connecting effort to income
This system works especially well for kids ages 5–14, but it can be adjusted for teens too.
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Use the Tracker
1. List Weekly Chores
Start by listing 4–7 age-appropriate chores for each child. Some examples:
Younger kids (5–8): Make bed, put away toys, feed pets, help set the table
Older kids (9–14): Take out trash, sweep, fold laundry, wash dishes, clean bathroom
💡 Tip: Involve your kids when choosing the chores—they’ll be more likely to follow through.
2. Assign Dollar (or Point) Values
Decide how much each chore is worth. You can choose to pay:
Per completed chore (e.g., $0.50–$2.00 each)
As a weekly allowance if all tasks are completed
Or use a point system they can cash in for rewards or privileges
3. Track Completion Daily
Use checkboxes or stickers to track each chore as it's completed. If you’re using a printable, post it somewhere visible like the fridge or a command center.
This helps your child see their progress and stay motivated.
4. Review at Week’s End
At the end of each week:
Tally up completed chores
Calculate earnings (or points)
Pay your child their “wages” in cash, digital allowance, or store in a “family bank”
👏 Celebrate their effort and responsibility—positive reinforcement goes a long way!
5. Encourage Saving & Giving
This is a great time to introduce budgeting basics! Consider using 3 jars or envelopes:
Save (long-term goal)
Spend (small, fun purchases)
Give (donation or charity)
🧠 Why It Works
Using a chore tracker:
Builds independence
Reinforces work ethic
Teaches real-world money lessons
Keeps your home more organized (bonus!)
📎 Free Add-On Ideas for Parents & Kids
Savings goal tracker
Family reward chart
“Bonus bucks” for going above & beyond
Screens-for-chores swap system
Editable PDFs for digital families
🎯 Final Thought
Kids thrive on consistency and structure. A Weekly Chore & Earnings Tracker does more than keep the house clean—it helps raise financially literate, motivated, and capable young people.
At MakeCentsBookkeepingllc we can categorize your transactions, reconcile your business accounts, and provide your business financial statements.
How Clean Books Help You Get Approved for Loans & Grants
If you’re a small business owner or nonprofit, securing funding through loans and grants can be a game-changer. But here's the catch: lenders and grant committees don’t just hand out money—they need to trust that you’re running a stable, financially responsible operation. That’s where clean books come in.
At [Your Bookkeeping Business Name], we’ve seen firsthand how up-to-date, accurate financial records can make or break your funding application. In this post, we’ll break down how clean books boost your chances of getting approved—and how a professional bookkeeper can help.
What Are “Clean Books”?
“Clean books” refer to well-organized, accurate, and current financial records. This includes:
Accurate income and expense tracking
Reconciled bank statements
Properly categorized transactions
Up-to-date financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
No duplicate or missing entries
Clean books tell a clear story about your business—and that story needs to make lenders and grant providers feel confident.
Why Lenders & Grantors Care About Your Books
When you apply for a loan or grant, the first thing funders look at is your financial health. They want to know:
Can you repay the loan (or manage the grant responsibly)?
Are your revenues and expenses realistic and consistent?
Do your financial statements align with your application?
Is your business structured and compliant?
Messy books raise red flags. On the other hand, clean books can help you:
✅ Speed up the approval process
✅ Prove financial stability
✅ Demonstrate professionalism and organization
✅ Qualify for better terms or higher amounts
Real-World Examples
Loan Application Denied: A client came to us after being denied a small business loan. The issue? Their financials were outdated and inconsistent. After we cleaned up their books, they reapplied and got approved—with a better interest rate.
Grant Success: One of our nonprofit clients used our reports to secure a $50,000 grant. The grantor specifically complimented the professionalism of their financial documentation.
How We Help Keep Your Books Loan-Ready
Our bookkeeping service doesn’t just keep you organized—we help position you for growth and funding. Here's how:
🔹 Monthly reconciliation & reporting
🔹 Audit-friendly recordkeeping
🔹 Profit & loss tracking
🔹 Support with funding applications
🔹 Year-round guidance & cleanup
Whether you're preparing for a bank loan, an SBA program, or a local grant opportunity, we ensure your books are ready when opportunity knocks.
Final Thought: Clean Books = Open Doors
Funding is competitive. Don’t let disorganized books be the reason you miss out. With a trusted bookkeeping partner, your financials can become one of your biggest assets—not a liability.
At MakeCentsBookkeepingllc we can categorize your transactions, reconcile your business accounts, and provide your business financial statements.
Financial Literacy Series: 💰 Family Financial Literacy Activity: "Build Your Dream Day on a Budget"
🎯 Goal:
Teach kids (and even adults) how to make spending choices, compare value, and understand budgeting—all while planning a fun day together.
🧩 How It Works:
Set a Budget
Give your family an imaginary budget (e.g., $100 or $250). You can tailor the amount based on your kids' ages.List Options
Create a menu of real-life activities and their costs.Plan Your Day
Have each family member create their own "dream day" or vote on one family plan—but they can’t go over budget!Discuss Choices
Ask questions like:Why did you choose this over that?
What would you need to give up to include something else?
How would you plan ahead to afford a more expensive activity?
🧠 What It Teaches:
Prioritizing wants vs. needs
Trade-offs and opportunity cost
Budgeting and basic math
Working together as a family to make money decisions
🛠 Bonus Add-On:
Create a simple printable worksheet for kids to:
Add up their choices
Draw or describe their “dream day”
Reflect on what they learned
At MakeCentsBookkeepingllc we can categorize your transactions, reconcile your business accounts, and provide your business financial statements.
DIY Bookkeeping: When It Works, When It Doesn’t
Keeping track of your finances is a non-negotiable part of running a successful business. But does that mean you need to outsource bookkeeping right away? Not always. In fact, DIY bookkeeping can work quite well—under the right circumstances. However, there comes a point when it can cause more harm than good.
In this post, we’ll break down when DIY bookkeeping makes sense, and when it’s time to hand it off to a professional.
✅ When DIY Bookkeeping Works
1. Your Business Is Small and Simple
If you’re a freelancer, solopreneur, or just starting out with minimal transactions each month, managing your own books might be entirely manageable.
Example: A graphic designer with five clients and ten invoices a month can likely keep accurate records using tools like Wave, QuickBooks Simple Start, or even a spreadsheet.
2. You’re Comfortable With Numbers
If you're organized, detail-oriented, and understand basic accounting concepts, DIY bookkeeping may save you money and help you stay closely connected to your finances.
3. You Use Bookkeeping Software
Modern bookkeeping tools automate a lot of the heavy lifting—like bank feeds, invoice tracking, and basic reporting. If you’re committed to using them consistently, they can make DIY doable.
4. You’re Just Tracking Income and Expenses
If you're on a cash basis and only need to track income and expenses (vs. inventory, payroll, or accruals), your bookkeeping tasks are relatively straightforward.
🚩 When DIY Bookkeeping Doesn’t Work
1. You’re Too Busy to Keep Up
Once your time is better spent growing the business or serving clients, bookkeeping often becomes a burden—or gets neglected entirely.
Missed reconciliations, late invoices, or untracked expenses can cost you more than a bookkeeper would.
2. Your Transactions Are Complex
Multiple revenue streams, employees, international sales, inventory, or sales tax? These add complexity fast. DIY systems can break under that weight.
3. You're Making Mistakes
If your reports don’t match your bank balances, you're unsure about categorizing expenses, or you’re behind on reconciliations, it’s time for help.
4. You Dread Tax Season
If you find yourself scrambling every April (or overpaying your CPA to clean up your books), that’s a clear sign DIY isn't working anymore.
5. You Want to Scale
Growth requires accurate, timely financial data. Lenders, investors, and advisors all need clean books to help you move forward.
A Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds?
If you’re not ready for a full-service bookkeeper, consider outsourcing monthly reviews or quarterly check-ins. Some small business owners keep day-to-day records themselves, then have a pro clean things up before taxes.
Final Thoughts
DIY bookkeeping can work beautifully—for a while. But as your business grows, complexity increases, and your time becomes more valuable, don’t hesitate to delegate. Clean books are more than a tax-time chore—they’re the foundation of smart business decisions.
Not sure if it’s time to hire help? Start by reviewing how much time you spend on bookkeeping and whether your records are accurate. That answer usually tells you all you need to know.
At MakeCentsBookkeepingllc we can categorize your transactions, reconcile your business accounts, and provide your business financial statements.
Top 10 Bookkeeping Mistakes Small Businesses Make—and How to Avoid Them
1. Mixing Personal and Business Finances
The Mistake: Using the same bank account or credit card for both personal and business expenses.
Why It Hurts: It creates a bookkeeping nightmare and raises red flags with the IRS during audits.
How to Avoid It: Open separate business checking and credit accounts. Keep all business transactions isolated.
2. Not Keeping Receipts or Supporting Documents
The Mistake: Tossing receipts or assuming bank statements are enough.
Why It Hurts: You may lose valuable deductions and have nothing to show during an audit.
How to Avoid It: Use digital tools like receipt scanners or bookkeeping apps to store records electronically.
3. Neglecting to Reconcile Accounts
The Mistake: Failing to regularly compare your books to bank or credit card statements.
Why It Hurts: Errors or fraud can go unnoticed, and your financials may be off.
How to Avoid It: Reconcile your accounts at least monthly using accounting software or with the help of a bookkeeper.
4. Misclassifying Expenses
The Mistake: Placing expenses in the wrong category (e.g., meals as office supplies).
Why It Hurts: Skews your financial reports and may lead to incorrect tax filings.
How to Avoid It: Learn basic accounting categories or work with a professional to set up your chart of accounts properly.
5. Procrastinating on Bookkeeping
The Mistake: Waiting until tax season to catch up.
Why It Hurts: You risk mistakes, missed deductions, and last-minute panic.
How to Avoid It: Set a regular weekly or monthly schedule to update your books consistently.
6. Not Using Accounting Software
The Mistake: Relying on spreadsheets or manual entries.
Why It Hurts: It’s time-consuming and prone to human error.
How to Avoid It: Invest in cloud-based accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave to automate and simplify your bookkeeping.
7. Forgetting to Track Invoices and Receivables
The Mistake: Not following up on unpaid invoices or not recording them properly.
Why It Hurts: You lose cash flow and risk bad debt.
How to Avoid It: Use accounting software to track outstanding invoices and send automated reminders to clients.
8. Overlooking Payroll Taxes
The Mistake: Mishandling payroll or failing to set aside taxes.
Why It Hurts: You could face penalties, interest, or IRS scrutiny.
How to Avoid It: Use payroll software or a payroll service to calculate and remit payroll taxes accurately and on time.
9. Not Backing Up Financial Data
The Mistake: Storing all data locally without backups.
Why It Hurts: A computer crash or data loss could destroy essential records.
How to Avoid It: Use cloud-based software with automatic backups, or back up files manually to secure cloud storage.
10. Trying to Do It All Yourself
The Mistake: Assuming you can handle bookkeeping without help.
Why It Hurts: You may make costly errors or miss strategic financial insights.
How to Avoid It: Hire a professional bookkeeper or CPA, even part-time, to review your books and provide guidance.
Final Thoughts
Bookkeeping mistakes can be expensive—but they’re also avoidable. By staying organized, using the right tools, and knowing when to ask for help, you can take control of your business finances and focus on growth with confidence.
At MakeCentsBookkeepingllc we can categorize your transactions, reconcile your business accounts, and provide your business financial statements.