Bookkeeping Basics: Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference
Corrie Verheijen, CPB · June 2025 · 2 minute read
Good bookkeeping doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does need to be consistent. These six habits will keep your finances organized, your stress low, and your accountant happy come tax time.
Keep Your Receipts
Every purchase, every transaction — keep the receipt. It sounds simple, but it’s the foundation of accurate books. Good news: you don’t need a shoebox anymore. Apps like Hubdoc or Dext can snap and store them digitally as you go.
Reconcile Your Bank Statements Monthly
Reconciling means matching your records to your bank statement to confirm everything lines up. Do this monthly (not annually!), and you’ll catch errors, duplicates, or anything suspicious before it becomes a real problem.
Use Accounting Software
If you’re still tracking finances in a spreadsheet, it might be time to upgrade. Tools like QuickBooks Online give you real-time visibility into your numbers, automate repetitive tasks, and make sharing information with your bookkeeper much smoother.
Set Up a Chart of Accounts
Think of your chart of accounts as the filing system for your finances. Setting it up properly from the start means your reports are meaningful and your year-end is a lot less painful. Not sure where to start? That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Keep Business and Personal Expenses Separate
This one is a big one. The moment personal and business expenses get mixed together, things get messy fast and it can create headaches at tax time. A dedicated business bank account and credit card is a simple fix that saves a lot of grief.
Review Your Financial Reports Regularly
Your financial reports aren’t just for tax season. Checking your profit & loss and cash flow statements monthly helps you spot trends, plan ahead, and make decisions based on real numbers, not guesswork.
Small, consistent habits really do add up. If any of these feel overwhelming or you’re not sure where to start, reach out! we’re happy to help you build a bookkeeping routine that works for your business!
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Book your free 30-minute consultFounder of CV Bookkeeping, Certified Professional Bookkeeper and Certified Advanced QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor.
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