QuickTips: Tips & Tricks For Bookkeeping Success
Would you mind telling me just where the heck January went!?
It’s hard to believe that it’s already the middle of February and we’re already in the thick of tax season. That being said, I am truly proud to report that so many of the clients I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the last year are sitting pretty with 2018 officially behind them – tax returns included.
These are clients who came to me last year in true train wreck fashion. But rather than throwing their hands up in defeat, they took the time to learn and educate themselves in better bookkeeping practices. The results have been phenomenal!
In 2018, we created processes and procedures to allow them to make quick work of tax season. In doing so, they were able to get on to bigger and better things early in the New Year. Now, as we look ahead to 2019, we will work on managing, growing and maintaining their business.
There is no time to look back – only forward!
Listen to episode 152, “Process Documentation: Crystal Clear or Clear As Mud?” on unsuitable on Rea Radio, featuring Bridgette Lafferty, a manager on Rea’s retirement plan services team.
No, You’re Books Aren’t Too Messy
Many of the clients I met with last year were convinced that their books were just too far gone. Sure we were confronted with quite a few challenging situations, but we didn’t give up. In fact, one particular husband and wife business team not only achieved better books, they developed a better relationship. … I guess you could now add couples therapist to my title!
Seriously though, if you don’t want to stumble through 2019, it’s time to get your act in order. No matter how messy your books are or how unstructured you’ve been in the past, there is still a light at the end of the tunnel. That is, as long as you are ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Then, when next February rolls around, you too could be like my clients who breeze through tax season lickety-split.
(Did I mention that since they now have clean books and a clear picture of their overall financial wellness, they’ve ALL started working with bankers too? Now that is a major game changer that’s sure to strengthen their bottom line in the short- and long-term!)
Read Also: Baby Stepping Into The New Year With QuickBooks®
Pucker Up
I heard something the other day on a podcast, and I thought it would be perfect to share with you. …
In today’s world, there is no reason for you not to know how to do something. The internet is full of how-to videos and resources for, literally, everything, including QuickBooks and best bookkeeping practices. Don’t believe me? Google it! These days, if you want to make a change or learn something new, the answers and tools are at your fingertips. Actually, it’s probably more work to remain ignorant.
So, in honor of February, this month’s QuickTip will take the form of a simple KISS. And while you’ve already heard this acronym, it bears repeating:
Keep
It
Simple
Stupid
At the end of the day, all bookkeeping is is tracking money in and out and organizing it into the appropriate bucket. Nothing fancy is required. Therefore, the true key to good bookkeeping is to *drum roll please* DON’T OVERTHINK IT.
Overthinking your bookkeeping work actually creates mess and chaos and, before you know it, your chart of accounts becomes an “everything” list – a place where you track everything from bottled water to toilet paper. (Yes, folks, I have seen it.)
“KISS” is this month’s QuickTip. I hope you take this simple message to heart and begin looking at your bookkeeping from a new perspective. And, as always, I’m here to help guide you along the way!
By Matt Long (Wooster office)