Been There Done That Bookkeeping Blog

What's the Difference Between a Bookkeeper and a CPA? When small business owners feel overwhelmed by their finances, many well-meaning friends and colleagues rush to recommend that they consult a CPA. But more often than not, what they really need is a bookkeeper . Understanding the difference can save time, money, and unnecessary stress. Let’s clear up the confusion and help you make the proper referral, so business owners can get the right support at the right time. What Is a CPA? A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is licensed to: Perform audits File tax returns Offer tax-saving strategies Most CPAs focus on compliance , making sure everything meets IRS regulations. They usually work with clients during tax season or quarterly deadlines. While some CPAs offer bookkeeping, it’s often squeezed in between tax filings, audits, and other time-sensitive work—so it's not their primary focus. Important: They expect your books to be clean and organized. If they aren...

  Boosting Productivity and Efficiency Through Color In the world of business and home organization, small details can make a significant difference. One of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools for staying productive and efficient is color coding — or, as we call it, Rainbow Invoicing . Color coding helps you instantly recognize, prioritize, and take action without having to sift  through piles of paperwork or digital files. It creates a visual language that your brain can process faster than reading labels or lists, making your workflow more streamlined and less stressful. Our Story: Color Coding in Action When my husband and I managed vehicle repairs, we discovered the magic of color coding firsthand. Each day of the week, we used a different color of copy paper for repair orders: Blue for Monday Yellow for Tuesday Green for Wednesday Salmon for Thursday White for Friday At a glance, when we looked at the vertical file wall, we could tell immediately what day ...

Managing your time effectively is crucial for staying organized and reducing stress, particularly when balancing work and family life. One simple and powerful way to do this is by using time blocking . What is Time Blocking? Time blocking is the practice of setting aside a specific chunk of time on your calendar to focus on a single task. Instead of trying to juggle everything at once, dedicate focused time to essential activities, such as reconciling your financial records. Why Time Block for Financials? Reconciling your financials can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list. However, leaving it undone can cause mistakes, missed payments, or tax season headaches. Blocking out time ensures it gets the attention it deserves without feeling rushed. How to Time Block for Reconciling Financials: Pick a Regular Time:  Select a specific day and time each week or month to dedicate to working on your books. For example, every Friday at 2 PM. Set a Timer: Give yourself a sp...