Get Comfy with Numbers | Making Bookkeeping & QuickBooks Easy for Female Entrepreneurs, Bookkeeping for Small Business

Epizode

• 125 Summer School Session 4: How Your 3 Reports Actually Work Together 30.06.2026 12min

  Welcome to the grand finale of Summer School!  We're wrapping up the series by showing you how the P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement all work together to tell one big story about your business. Haven't caught the other sessions yet? Go back and listen first! Links below. In This Episode Performance, position, and movement: what each report is actually telling you The road trip analogy (speedometer, GPS pin, gas gauge) How to pull all 3 reports in QuickBooks Online for the same time period Why you can be profitable and still feel broke What your P&L has to do with your taxes Links Mentioned  Session 1: Let's Talk P&L https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/122-summer-school-session-1-lets-talk-profit-loss/id1707561040?i=1000771854013   Session 2: Balance Sheet for Small Business https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/123-summer-school-session-2-balance-sheet-for-small/id1707561040?i=1000772954114  Session 3: Cash Flow Statement for Small Business  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/124-summer-school-session-3-cash-flow-statement-for/id1707561040?i=1000773875365  Grab your free podcast playlist:  https://erikamillard.com/podcast-playlist-bundles   Happy Bookkeeping!   
• 124 Summer School Session 3: Cash Flow Statement for Small Business 23.06.2026 9min

  You could be totally profitable on paper... and still feel like you're scraping by every single month. Sound familiar? That's exactly what we're digging into today! In this Summer School session, we're breaking down the cash flow statement (the report a lot of small business owners skip right over) and why that's a problem. By the end, you'll finally understand why your profit and your bank account don't always match, and what you can actually do about it. What We Cover What is the cash flow statement? Profit is what you've earned. Cash is what's actually sitting in your bank account. Those two numbers are often not the same, and the cash flow statement is what helps explain the difference. Why your profit and cash might not match: You billed a client but they haven't paid yet (hello, unpaid invoices!) You made a loan payment, but that cash is gone and it doesn't show up as an expense on your P&L You bought a big piece of equipment or a lot of inventory all at once, and recorded it as an asset instead of an expense The three sections of the cash flow statement: Operating activities: cash from the day-to-day running of your business Investing activities: cash spent on bigger purchases like equipment or long-term assets Financing activities: cash tied to loans, owner draws, contributions, and debt payments (Don't panic if you don't have an investing activities section. That's totally normal for newer or online-based businesses!) Cash basis vs. accrual basis: The gap between your profit and your cash can also depend on which method you use to record your books. If you're not sure what that means, go back to episode 67 where we break down the number one QuickBooks setting that most people miss. Do you really need this report if you already look at your P&L and balance sheet? Yes! The cash flow statement tells a story the other two can't. You can be profitable and asset-rich and still run out of cash if the timing is off. Common Questions Answered "My P&L says I made money, so why is my bank account so low?" Timing! Unpaid invoices, loan payments, and big purchases all hit your cash differently than they show up on your P&L. Profit and cash are not the same thing, and that's okay. "Is a slow cash month always a bad sign?" Not necessarily, but it is a warning sign. One slow month might not be a big deal. If it keeps happening, that's your cue to pay closer attention to your cash flow statement (and maybe even look into a cash flow management system). "Is cash flow the same thing as a budget?" Nope! Your cash flow statement shows what already happened. A budget is a prediction of what's going to happen. But they can work together and you can create cash flow forecasts to plan ahead. Resources Mentioned Episode 67: The #1 QuickBooks setting that gets missed (cash vs. accrual basis) Recent guest episode with Emily: How to manage cash flow and what it means for your taxes Free curated podcast playlist: Find out exactly where you are in your bookkeeping journey:  https://erikamillard.com/podcast-playlist-bundles Happy Bookkeeping!
• 123 Summer School Session 2: Balance Sheet for Small Business 16.06.2026 9min

  Most small business owners either ignore the balance sheet or have no idea what they're looking at... and honestly? That makes total sense! The terminology is confusing, and it doesn't feel as urgent as your P&L. But in this Summer School session, we're breaking it all the way down so you actually understand what a balance sheet is, why it matters for YOUR business, and what to look at when you open it up. In this episode, you'll learn: What a balance sheet actually is (and how it's different from your P&L) The ALOE acronym that makes it all click: Assets = Liabilities + Owner's Equity The most common asset types you'll see as a small business owner What liabilities and equity really mean in plain language How often you should actually be reviewing this report Why the balance sheet is a sneaky great place to catch errors Key Takeaways: The balance sheet is a snapshot in time, not a summary of activity. While your P&L shows how your business performed over a period, the balance sheet shows where things stand at one specific moment. These two reports work together, and you really do need both! Everything on a balance sheet falls into one of three buckets: assets (what your business owns or is owed), liabilities (what your business owes to others), and equity (what's left over for you as the owner). Remember ALOE! Even if you're a service-based business without a lot of physical assets, you still need to review your balance sheet. It's actually one of the best places to spot miscategorized transactions before they become a bigger problem. Resources mentioned: Grab the free playlist to find the episodes that match where you are in your bookkeeping journey: https://erikamillard.com/podcast-playlist-bundles  Next week: Summer School Session 3 drops next week, so stay tuned!
• 122 Summer School Session 1: Let's Talk Profit & Loss 09.06.2026 12min

  Hey hey, friend! Welcome to summer school!  All month long we're diving deep into financial statements and the foundations you actually need to understand your business. And we're kicking things off with the report you've definitely heard of but maybe never fully understood — the profit and loss. What We Cover in this Episode: What even IS a profit and loss report? You might know it as the income statement, the P&L, or just "that scary report." They're all the same thing! It's basically your business's scorecard for a specific period of time — what came in, what went out, and what's left over. Key terms you need to know: Revenue/Income — Every single dollar that came into your business (sales, services, affiliate income, referrals, all of it) Expenses — Everything you spent to run the business Gross Profit — What's left after you subtract your direct costs (cost of goods sold) from revenue Net Profit/Net Loss — The bottom line. What's actually left after ALL expenses come out Revenue is NOT profit (and why this matters SO much) A million dollar month means nothing if you spent $900k to generate it. We talk about why it's not always about the big income number — it's about how much you're actually keeping.  A live walkthrough of your QuickBooks P&L Pull up your report and follow along! We walk through: The income section (and why you should separate your offers/services) Cost of goods sold — what it is and who actually needs it Operating expenses The net income line at the bottom Your midnight Google questions, answered: How often should I actually look at my P&L? (Hint: at least monthly!) My P&L says I'm profitable but I have no money — what's going on? My categories are a mess — does that affect my report? Action Steps from This Episode Pull up your QuickBooks profit and loss report for the current or most recently completed quarter Make sure your transactions are categorized before you run it Look at your income section — are your different offers/services separated out? Check out that bottom line — are you profitable? Does it match what you expected? Mentioned in This Episode  Podcast Playlist Freebie — Not sure where to start with your bookkeeping? Grab the free playlist that meets you right where you are → [link in show notes]  Summer School Series — This is part 1 of 4! Each session covers one big financial foundation topic. Stay tuned for the next session!
• 121 Your Books Are Caught Up... Now What? Tax Strategy and Building Wealth with Emily Bowie 02.06.2026 34min

  Today I'm sitting down with Emily Bowie, one of the partners at Thorne Advisors, and y'all... this conversation is SO good. We're talking about what happens AFTER your books are clean, why profit doesn't always equal cash, and how to know when it's time to bring a tax strategist into your corner. In this episode, we cover:  The red flags that you've outgrown basic bookkeeping and need a tax strategist  What tax strategy actually is (and why it's not the same as just filing your taxes)  Questions you should ask before hiring a CPA  Why your bookkeeper and tax person need to actually talk to each other  The S corp breakdown you didn't know you needed, including when it actually makes sense to make the switch  Why a good tax pro will never make you feel like you're in the principal's office The S corp tipping point: Emily drops a really helpful rule of thumb here. That S corp conversion makes sense when your profit (not revenue!) hits $100k. Not $40k, not $60k. She explains why making the switch too early can actually create more headaches than it solves. Questions to ask when interviewing a CPA: Do you offer tax strategy, or just tax prep? What's driving your strategy recommendations? What are your core values around communication and timeliness? The biggest thing most business owners are missing? Having their bookkeeper and tax strategist actually in the same conversation. If those two people have never met, this episode will change how you think about your money team. Connect with Emily:  Website: https://www.thorneadvisors.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thorneadvisors/   Freebie: Grab the Cash Leaks guide (plus commonly missed tax deductions!) at https://www.thorneadvisors.com/cashleaks  
• 120 Avoiding Your QuickBooks? Here's What's Really Going On and What to Do Next 26.05.2026 9min

  Do you have QuickBooks open in a tab right now that you haven't actually clicked on in two weeks? This episode is for you. First things first: you're not lazy, you're not bad at business, and you are so not alone. Bookkeeping avoidance is one of the most common things I see, and today I'm breaking down exactly why it happens AND what to do about it. In this episode, I cover:  The 3 real reasons you keep avoiding your QuickBooks (hint: it's not because you're bad at this)  Why avoidance is actually making the problem bigger, not smaller  How to start breaking the cycle without needing a full free afternoon to do it  Why you need to drop the shame spiral for good The 3 reasons bookkeeping avoidance makes total sense: It feels overwhelming before you even start There's shame, guilt, or fear attached to what you might find Nobody actually taught you how to do this But here's the truth: the longer it sits, the heavier it gets. What would take 30 minutes today can turn into a 3-hour project next month. And without your numbers, you're making business decisions based on vibes... which is a different kind of stressful. The good news? You don't need a perfect 3-hour block to get caught up. You just need a plan and a starting point. Ready to stop dreading it and actually start doing it? Grab the free Cleanup Playlist Bundle in the link below. It walks you through how to clean up your QuickBooks, get caught up quickly, and figure out if you're missing anything. https://erikamillard.com/podcast-playlist-bundles 
• 119 Is Doing Your Own Books Actually Working for You? 19.05.2026 11min

  Is Doing Your Own Books Actually Working for You? 4 Honest Signs Every Small Business Owner Needs to Hear Be honest with yourself for a second... is your bookkeeping actually working? Not just kind of happening, but really working? There's a big difference between doing your own books and doing them well, and if you're a solopreneur or small business owner managing your own QuickBooks, this episode is for you. Today we're breaking down four honest signs to help you figure out where you actually stand with your bookkeeping, and what to do about it no matter where you land. Grab the free podcast playlist in the show notes — it's a curated starting point no matter where you are in your bookkeeping journey! The 4 Signs We Cover: Sign #1: Your Bookkeeping Isn't Getting Done Consistently Are your books only getting done when things slow down? Or is there a three-month pile of transactions waiting for you in QuickBooks? Consistency is the whole game with bookkeeping for small business owners, and if it's a struggle, it's usually a setup problem, not a you problem. We talk through some practical (and fun!) ways to actually make yourself sit down and do it. Sign #2: You're Not Sure Your QuickBooks Numbers Are Actually Right Your transactions are in QuickBooks... but do you actually trust them? If you have a quiet little voice wondering whether your profit and loss report is accurate, or you've been avoiding your reports altogether, this one's for you. We talk about what to look for and where to get support so you can actually use your numbers to make real business decisions. Sign #3: You've Been Avoiding QuickBooks Completely If QuickBooks is a tab you keep opening and closing without actually doing anything, that pit in your stomach is real information. Avoidance is almost never about laziness. For most small business owners doing their own bookkeeping, it's usually fear, shame, or confusion, and all of it is fixable. Sign #4: Doing Your Own Bookkeeping Might Not Make Sense Anymore Your business is growing. You're good at what you do. And bookkeeping keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list. There's no shame in reaching the point where DIY bookkeeping just doesn't make sense anymore. Outsourcing your books isn't failure. It's a smart business decision. Resources mentioned: Free Podcast Playlist: https://erikamillard.com/podcast-playlist-bundles  Monthly Support Club (membership): https://erikamillard.com/monthlysupportclub  Happy Bookkeeping!  
• 118 3 Real Conversations About QuickBooks... And What I Actually Said 12.05.2026 9min

  Not everyone needs QuickBooks right now. And some people who already have it? They're using it wrong. In this episode, I'm walking you through three real conversations I had with business owners all asking the same question: Is QuickBooks right for me? Each one got a different answer, and here's why. What you'll hear in this episode: The Spreadsheet Girly -- She had a perfectly fine system, low transaction volume, and zero urgency to switch. So why did I still nudge her toward QuickBooks? Because setting up your foundation before the busy season hits can save you from learning too many new things at once. Plus, if you don't have a way to invoice clients yet, you might as well have it all in one place. The Guy Who Wasn't Sure It Was Set Up Right -- He had QuickBooks. He clicked through all the setup prompts. But something felt off. Sound familiar? Having QuickBooks and having QuickBooks set up correctly are two very different things. We did a full review of his chart of accounts, settings, and categorization, and now he's working through the course with a lot more confidence. The Paper Ledger Lady -- She had discipline, she had a system, and she had been doing her own books for years. The problem wasn't her capability; it was the language barrier. QuickBooks uses accounting terminology that can feel like a foreign language if you don't have a background in it. The good news? You don't need an accounting degree. You just need someone to show you what to do. The thing all three had in common? They weren't lost. They just needed someone to point them toward what actually made sense for their situation. If you heard yourself in any of these stories, your next step is the free podcast playlist. It will help you figure out exactly where you are in your bookkeeping journey and which episodes to start with, so you're not sifting through 100+ episodes wondering where to begin. Grab the free playlist here: https://erikamillard.com/podcast-playlist-bundles  Topics covered: When a spreadsheet is actually fine (and when it's not) Signs your QuickBooks setup might have gaps Why the language of accounting feels so overwhelming How to go from "I don't know what I don't know" to feeling confident The mindset shift that helps you stop overthinking and start taking action
• 117 The Bookkeeping Era You're In Right Now (And What It Means for You) 05.05.2026 7min

  Are you Googling "how to do bookkeeping for my small business" and getting results that are either way too basic or way over your head? You're not alone, friend. In this episode, we're breaking down the three bookkeeping eras so you can figure out exactly where you are right now and what to do next. In this episode, you'll learn: The 3 bookkeeping eras every small business owner moves through How to identify which stage you're in right now The most common mistakes people make at each stage (and how to avoid them) What you actually need to move forward with confidence The 3 Bookkeeping Eras: Era 1: I Just Need to Get Started You're asking questions like: Is a spreadsheet good enough, or do I need QuickBooks? Which QuickBooks subscription do I need? Do I need a separate business bank account? This stage comes with a lot of fear, especially around making the "wrong" decision. The good news? You don't need to learn everything at once. You just need a clear plan to get started. Era 2: Things Got a Little Away from Me You've been doing bookkeeping for a while, but something feels off. Maybe you've been avoiding looking at the numbers, or you've Googled a QuickBooks problem and just... couldn't find the answer. This is super common. Most people are actually doing better than they think, but the overwhelm keeps them from finding out. Era 3: I Am So Done Doing This Myself Your time is better spent in your zone of genius, and bookkeeping just isn't it. If you keep waiting for the "perfect" time to outsource, this era is a sign that it's time to stop waiting and hand it off. Grab your free curated podcast playlist based on your bookkeeping era here:https://erikamillard.com/podcast-playlist-bundles  With 115+ episodes in the Get Comfy with Numbers library, the playlists are designed to cut through the overwhelm and give you the exact episodes you need for where you are right now.
• 116 Starting or Running a Nonprofit? Listen to This with Lisa Avila 28.04.2026 42min

  Today I'm sharing the mic with Lisa Avila a Non-Profit Strategist so we can cover everything you'd need to know if you wanted to start a non-profit business. The big vision, the money, the organization, avoiding burnout and everything in between!   Here are the ways we can connect: Take Home Target https://erikamillard.com/takehometarget  Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call   https://portal.erikamillard.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6814fec8e03a2f003a29c5f1/schedule   Happy Bookkeeping!
• 115 Waiting Until You Feel Ready Is Keeping You Stuck 21.04.2026 6min

  Women Podcasters Awards Vote Here!   https://www.womenpodcasters.com/erika-millard    Most people think they need to feel ready before they start. But what if that's the very thing keeping you stuck? In this episode, I share a personal moment—how I almost didn't start this podcast because I didn't feel "ready"… and why that had nothing to do with readiness and everything to do with fear. We talk about: The real reason you keep putting things off How "waiting until you're ready" shows up in your business (especially your bookkeeping) Why confidence doesn't come before action A simple, doable way to start—without overwhelm If you've been avoiding something because you don't feel ready yet, this episode will help you take that first step. Here are the ways we can connect: Take Home Target https://erikamillard.com/takehometarget  Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call   https://portal.erikamillard.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6814fec8e03a2f003a29c5f1/schedule   Happy Bookkeeping!
• 114 She Knew Her QuickBooks Was Off…But YouTube Wasn't Helping (Real Client Case Study) 14.04.2026 9min

  When you're hunting on YouTube for an answer to your bookkeeping question or problem, minutes can turn to hours. It seems the clarity you need is burried and hidden deep somewhere in these videos, it's just hard to know how to find it. Today we're talking about a real life example of this so I can teach you how to get the help you're looking for!   Here are the ways we can connect: Take Home Target https://erikamillard.com/takehometarget  Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call   https://portal.erikamillard.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6814fec8e03a2f003a29c5f1/schedule   Happy Bookkeeping!  
• 113 My Business Card Got Hacked…Here's What I'm Doing Differently 07.04.2026 10min

  Welp… it happened to me. My business card got hacked. And before you panic…everything is okay. But it definitely made me realize there were a few things I thought were 'fine'…that maybe weren't as safe as I thought. And honestly? It helped me tighten up a few things on the security side that I probably wouldn't have thought twice about before. I already had a lot of the right things in place, but this was one of those moments that made me want to make sure everything is as solid as possible.  We're covering public wifi, Quickbooks, card protection, email, and passwords. Let's go over these security steps together!   Here are the ways we can connect: Take Home Target https://erikamillard.com/takehometarget  Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call   https://portal.erikamillard.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6814fec8e03a2f003a29c5f1/schedule   Happy Bookkeeping!  
• 112 Which QuickBooks Plan Do You Actually Need? (Simple Guide for Business Owners) 31.03.2026 14min

  Feeling overwhelmed by all the QuickBooks options? You're not alone. In this episode, we break it all down in a simple, no-stress way so you can confidently choose the right plan—without overpaying or overcomplicating your bookkeeping. ✨ What You'll Learn: The real first decision: QuickBooks Online vs Desktop Why QuickBooks Online is the best choice for most small business owners When Desktop actually makes sense (and when it doesn't) 🚫 Why you should avoid QuickBooks Self-Employed A simple breakdown of each QuickBooks Online plan: Simple Start (best place to begin) Essentials (when you need bill tracking) Plus (for deeper insights + budgeting) Advanced (for larger teams) 💡 The truth about recurring invoices (and why you probably don't need to upgrade for them anymore) 💡 The truth about budgeting features (and when they actually matter) 🎯 Key Takeaways: Start simpler than you think More features ≠ easier bookkeeping Most service-based businesses will do great with Simple Start Upgrade only when your business actually needs it—not "just in case" ⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid: Choosing a higher plan too soon Starting with Self-Employed Sticking with Desktop just because it feels familiar Expecting software to fix messy books 💗 Bestie Truth: QuickBooks has made its lower-tier plans more powerful—don't let all the options pressure you into overcomplicating things. 📩 Next Steps: Not sure which plan fits your business? That's exactly what I help with. Send me a DM or book a free "Next Steps" session to get personalized guidance.   Here are the ways we can connect: Take Home Target https://erikamillard.com/takehometarget  Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call   https://portal.erikamillard.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6814fec8e03a2f003a29c5f1/schedule   Happy Bookkeeping!
• 111 Stay Visible Without Posting Every Day: Introvert-Friendly Marketing with Madelyn Furlong 24.03.2026 26min

  Today I'm bringing Madelyn Furlong on the pod to talk about marketing on social media as a service provider. We cover how to avoid burnout, smart ways to use AI, and what "introvert-friendly marketing" actually looks like in real life.   Have you been wondering how to create connection on Instagram without being on social 24/7? I ask Madelyn what she would recommend focusing on if you only had 20 minutes a day or even 1 hour a week. She talks about consistencey, she debunks visibility myths, and she shares her favorite "low-effort, high-impact" post to create when you're in a slump!   Listen in if you:   If you have low engagement, because we talk about the most important things you can troubleshoot If you want ideas for new ways to repurpose content, because we teach you how to create mulitple posts  If you feel like you're behind or inconsistent, because we share tips that will help you stick to the plan   Website: https://madelynvictoriaco.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelynvictoriaco/ Contact email: madelyn@madelynvictoriaco.com   Freebie: The 20-Minute Content Kit: https://madelynvictoriaco.com/content-kit Special offer: 2 custom sales emails to send to your list to go with your first month of social media management (normally a $250 offer!)
• 110 QuickBooks Setup, Cleanup, or Monthly Bookkeeping: How to Know What You Need 17.03.2026 13min

  Do you need help setting up your books… fixing them… or finally handing them off for good? If you've ever opened QuickBooks and immediately felt overwhelmed, you're not alone. One of the most common questions business owners ask is: "Do I need a fresh start?" "Or are my books just a mess?" "Or honestly… can someone just take this off my plate?" In this episode, we break down the three core types of bookkeeping support—so you can finally understand what you need (and stop second-guessing yourself). Because while these services sound similar, they solve very different problems. 🏗️ Bookkeeping Setup: Starting From Scratch 🧹 Bookkeeping Cleanup: Fixing the Mess 🔄 Monthly Bookkeeping Support: Staying on Track   We walk through a real client journey that perfectly illustrates this. She came in thinking she needed monthly bookkeeping support… But first: Her books needed a full cleanup from the previous year Before that, her system needed a proper setup to even begin fixing things Once those were done? Monthly bookkeeping became simple, smooth, and stress-free. 👉 The takeaway: It's not about which service is better—it's about where you are right now. 🎯 Quick Self-Check Ask yourself this one question: "When was the last time someone really reviewed my books and confirmed everything is correct?" Never? → You likely need Setup More than 3 months ago (or your CPA raised concerns)? → You need Cleanup Everything is accurate, but you're still doing it yourself? → You're ready for Monthly Support Take a second to write down your answer or record a quick voice note—clarity starts here. 🧠 Key Takeaway Setup gets you started right. Cleanup gets you back on track. Monthly support keeps you there. 🎁 Resources & Next Steps ✨ Free QuickBooks Health Check Not sure where you stand? Start here: 👉 erikamillard.com/qbhealthcheck ✨ Book a Free Next Steps Call Ready to hand this off or want expert guidance? Grab a call via the link in the show notes and we'll figure out exactly what you need. 🔎 Keywords (SEO Boost) quickbooks setup, bookkeeping cleanup, monthly bookkeeping services, small business bookkeeping help, quickbooks help for entrepreneurs, bookkeeping services explained, fix messy books, outsource bookkeeping, small business finances, accounting basics for business owners 📣 Final Thoughts Wherever you are—starting fresh, cleaning things up, or ready to hand it off—you're not behind. You just need the right next step. Be sure to subscribe and tune in next week for another conversation designed to make your business finances feel simpler and more manageable.     Here are the ways we can connect: Take Home Target https://erikamillard.com/takehometarget  Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call   https://portal.erikamillard.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6814fec8e03a2f003a29c5f1/schedule   Happy Bookkeeping!
• 109 The 5 Bookkeeping Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them) 10.03.2026 11min

  In last week's episode, I talked to all of you who are doing your own bookkeeping without any formal training — because honestly, that's how most small business owners start. Today I want to walk through the five bookkeeping mistakes I see beginners make all the time, so you know exactly what to watch for (and how to fix them). First, let's normalize something: every small business makes bookkeeping mistakes. Truly. Even experienced business owners do. So if you've ever felt behind or unsure about your numbers, you're not alone.   In this episode I break down the five biggest ones I see: • Mixing business and personal transactions – this is probably the number one stress creator for small business owners. • Not reconciling your accounts monthly – think of this as simply "checking your math." • Guessing categories or being inconsistent – bookkeeping doesn't require perfection, but it does need consistency. • Waiting until tax season – which usually creates that familiar panic cycle. • Adding apps and automations before you actually have a workflow.   The good news is you don't need complicated tools to get started. You don't need fancy dashboards, five connected platforms, or every integration available. What you really need is clarity first. In this episode I share a simple way to pause before adding new tools and ask three helpful questions: Where does the money start? Where does it get recorded? And who checks it each month? You'll also get one simple fix for each of the five mistakes, so you can make a small improvement right away. Bookkeeping isn't about being perfect — it's about staying consistent and supported. And, depending on where you are in your business, that support can look different. Some people stay DIY with a little guidance. Some need help cleaning things up. And some decide they're ready to fully outsource. All of those paths are valid — the goal is just making your bookkeeping feel a lot less overwhelming.   Here are the ways we can connect: Take Home Target https://erikamillard.com/takehometarget  Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call   https://portal.erikamillard.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6814fec8e03a2f003a29c5f1/schedule   Happy Bookkeeping!
• 108 Start Here: New to Small Business Bookkeeping Without Formal Training? 03.03.2026 10min

  If you're helping with bookkeeping but were never trained for it — you're not alone. Maybe you're the spouse, sister, office manager, or the organized one who got handed the finances when the business started growing. One day someone said, "Can you just handle the books?" — and now you're doing your best, hoping you're not missing something important. Here's the truth: you're not behind. You were never taught. And this is a learnable system. Why So Many People End Up Here Small business bookkeeping rarely starts with a formal job description. It often grows out of trust and necessity: Family businesses where everyone pitches in Admin roles that slowly expand into finances Being "the organized one" who gets promoted to handling money Helping a partner or friend keep things running If you've ever thought: What if I mess something up? Will the CPA think I did this wrong? What actually matters here? You're asking the right questions. Your Role Is Simpler Than You Think You do not need to become an accountant. Your job is to: Keep things organized Track money coming in and out Help the business owner understand reality That's it. Bookkeeping isn't about perfection — it's about clarity. The 5 Things Every Beginner Actually Needs to Know 1. Clean records matter more than perfection Consistency beats complexity every time. 2. Separate business and personal money This single step prevents most problems. 3. Categorizing transactions is not guessing You're telling the story of the business. 4. Reconciliation is your safety check This is how you know the numbers are real. 5. Reports help with decisions Your Profit & Loss report is your main friend. What Doesn't Matter Yet (Deep Breath) You do not need: Advanced accounting knowledge To memorize tax rules Perfect books Fancy systems To understand everything immediately You're learning. That's allowed. Common Beginner Mistakes (Totally Normal) Most accidental bookkeepers: Wait until tax season to look at the books Avoid reconciliation because it feels intimidating Try to fix everything at once Stay silent when they're confused These aren't failures — they're part of the learning curve. Why Your Work Matters Small businesses run because someone stepped up and helped. You're helping a real person support their family, employees, and dreams. You're not "just doing bookkeeping." You're protecting the business. You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone If this episode felt like someone finally explained things clearly, you're in the right place. You can: Follow the show for beginner-friendly guidance Listen to the next episode for step-by-step support Reach out when you're ready for extra help 🎧 Listen Next Next week: The three bookkeeping mistakes beginners make that cause the most stress — and how to avoid them.   Here are the ways we can connect: Take Home Target https://erikamillard.com/takehometarget  Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call   https://portal.erikamillard.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6814fec8e03a2f003a29c5f1/schedule   Happy Bookkeeping!
• 107 From Bookkeeping to Bigger Decisions: When to Bring in CFO Support with Geily Romero 24.02.2026 24min

  Geily Romero is a fractional CFO and financial consultant who has spent the last 8 years helping countless service-based entrepreneurs transform their relationship with money. She specializes in helping six-figure CEOs master, manage, and multiply their cash flow to build profitable businesses and fund the life they love. Her mission is to increase access to top-tier financial expertise, empowering entrepreneurs to achieve financial stability for themselves and their families.   And links: www.cuttingedgefinancialsolutions.com https://www.instagram.com/cuttingedgefinancialsolutions https://www.facebook.com/cuttingedgefinancialsolutions gromero@cuttingedgefinancialsolutions.com     Here are the ways we can connect: Take Home Target https://erikamillard.com/takehometarget  Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call   https://portal.erikamillard.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6814fec8e03a2f003a29c5f1/schedule   Happy Bookkeeping!
• 106 Break Up with These Money Habits (Before They Cost You) 17.02.2026 11min

  Okay, real talk. If you already know something feels off with your money… you don't need another podcast episode. You need clarity. If that's you, pause this, go grab a Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call , and let's actually fix it. We'll talk about your bookkeeping, figure out what's messy or unclear, and decide what needs to happen next. No pressure. Just a plan. But if you're not totally sure what's off yet… keep listening. Because today we're breaking up with some money habits that might be quietly costing you.   Here are the ways we can connect: Take Home Target https://erikamillard.com/takehometarget  Free QuickBooks Next Steps Session call   https://portal.erikamillard.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6814fec8e03a2f003a29c5f1/schedule   Happy Bookkeeping!