Not all business checking accounts are created equal... This email contains referral links. See my disclosures. Hi Reader, If you’ve been on my list for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me harp on having a separate business checking account. And yes, I’m going to remind you why that matters in a minute. But first, let me say something that doesn’t get talked about enough: Not all business checking accounts are created equal. Many small business owners are still using a checking...
3 months ago • 3 min read
What Qualifies as a Legitimate Tax Deduction? This email contains referral links. See my disclosures. Hi Reader, Although I’m not a tax preparer or tax attorney, I am quite familiar with the IRS tax rules for small business owners, thanks to years of running a bookkeeping business and filing my own small business taxes. Everywhere I look, I see internet “tax hacks” dishing out bad advice—advice they often want you to pay for! Do you think these hack-gurus will reimburse you for penalties and...
3 months ago • 4 min read
Before busy season, do a 15-minute margin check This email contains referral links. See my disclosures. We’re heading into the busiest selling season. I want you to sell a ton—but also keep the profit. It would be disappointing to crush it in December and see no change in your bottom line. Here’s a quick method (and example) you can use to confirm your real margin. This looks a bit technical, but don’t worry, I have an easy-to-follow example. You can do this, it’s important! But if you need a...
7 months ago • 4 min read
The Results Are In... This email contains referral links. See my disclosures. Recently, many of you filled out a short survey about your business. Thank you for participating! If you're curious about how your results compare with other sellers, here's a peek behind the curtain. I received the most responses from Etsy sellers, followed by Amazon, and then Shopify. Each platform had a few standout sellers earning well above the rest, but for the averages below, I’ve removed those outliers to...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read
Less Stress, More Profit This email contains referral links. See my disclosures. How did preparing your taxes go this year? Smooth as butter? Room for improvement? If you’ve ever felt like running your business is a constant game of “Where did I put that invoice, inventory, or tax form?” you’re not alone. Many small business owners don't realize how disorganized they are until tax time, a product launch, or a financial emergency forces them to scramble. Today, let’s tackle the three pillars...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read
Summer Reset: How I'm Stepping Back (and How You Can Too) This email contains referral links. See my disclosures. Summer is always full of sunshine, adventures, and squeezed-in responsibilities, but this summer will be especially full for our family! Our oldest daughter is graduating from high school and heading to college in the fall. My husband is turning the big 5-0 (yes, there will be a party!). We’re also celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. On top of our regular summer fun, it will...
about 1 year ago • 3 min read
11 DIY Bookkeeping tips to make your life easier This email contains referral links. See my disclosures. If you’re managing your own books, here are simple ways to make it easier and save you time—and time is money! 1. Separate financial accounts. Always.I know I say this a lot—but it’s that important. Keep separate bank accounts and credit card for your business. Whether you’re using a spreadsheet or bookkeeping software, this makes tracking clean and simple. It’s also what the IRS expects...
about 1 year ago • 4 min read
Your Etsy Edge This email contains referral links. See my disclosures. I don’t know if it’s old age 😉, but lately, I’ve been on a mission to simplify, declutter, and reduce unnecessary friction in my life. Instead of scouring endless news sites for the latest headlines, I now subscribe to just one concise newsletter (The Pour Over) to stay informed without the overwhelm. If you're an Etsy seller, that’s exactly what I want to do for you. I personally subscribe to multiple Etsy-related...
about 1 year ago • 3 min read
Grow your income without working more hours This email contains referral links. See my disclosures. Imagine having more time for what you love—and still growing your income! But how exactly do you do that when you’re busy trading time for dollars, completing client projects, or working for someone else? The key is unlocking the power of digital products. With a digital product, you create something once and sell it over and over again—no extra effort required. You could spend an hour...
over 1 year ago • 2 min read