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We offer top notch bookkeeping for brand and web designers who think big. Most importantly, we're here to make your numbers accessible and understandable. Curious about working with us? Come take a peek!

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The Dear(ly) Diary

bookkeeping tips, demystified (plus, a good dose of friendly advice on profitable entrepreneurship!).

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recent posts

Finances

Independent Contractor vs. Employee: Which One is Right for Your Online Business?

So you’re ready to hire help, are ya? Well congratulations, my friend!! You’ve just taken a big step towards growing your business. But with new outsourced help comes new things to know about taxes. And while most people know what a contractor is and what an employee is, do YOU know what the IRS thinks […]

Finances

Xero Vs. QuickBooks: Which One is Better for Online Business?

We live in the digital age — there are just so many tools out there now to help you run a business. Graphic design basics? Canva’s got you covered. Project management? Asana and ClickUp, baby! And you betcha there’s a million more programs where that came from.  And TBH? I’m not mad about it. Because […]

Budgeting, Finances

Is it Time to Raise Your Rates?

Raising your rates…let’s talk about it.  I know that many business owners (myself included sometimes) don’t really want to talk about money. Especially when it comes to asking clients for MORE money. Yeeesh. Money in our culture is kind of a taboo topic. You’re not supposed to share what you make with your coworkers at […]

Finances

Feeling Discouraged About Business Finances? Here’s What to Do

Let’s have a little heart-to-heart for a minute. How are you feeling about the financial side of your business? Maybe things are going great — you’re exceeding your profit goals, staying on track with your expenses, and feeling excited about your bank statement numbers.  But what if that’s not where you are right now? What […]

Finances

Are You Paying Yourself Enough? Knowing When to Raise Your Salary

We’re hearing a lot about fair wages nowadays, but this issue isn’t just about Amazon and other big corporations. It affects small business owners too — and maybe not in the way you think. In fact, many of us small business owners do a great job paying our employees and contractors fairly because we want […]

Finances

Bookkeeper vs. Accountant: What’s the Difference?

How is a bookkeeper different from an accountant? Which one should you hire to help with your business? Or do you need both? I’ve touched on the differences between bookkeepers and CPAs before, but now it’s time for a deep dive into what each professional can do for your business. A bookkeeper and an accountant […]

Budgeting, Finances, Planning

How to Plan for Maternity Leave as an Online Business Owner

Got a baby on the way? Whether you’re due in a few months or planning ahead for a few years in the future, you’re probably wondering what maternity leave looks like if you’re a business owner. Can you even take time away at all? Absolutely! I’ve taken maternity leave, and I’ve helped several of my […]

Finances

What Does It Really Mean for Your Business to Be Profitable?

Is your business profitable? What does that really mean? Is it having a “six-figure year”? Or meeting another arbitrary revenue goal? Bringing in six figures is great, but if you spend all of that on business expenses, you haven’t made a profit. If you hit your revenue goal but can’t afford to pay yourself, is […]

Finances

Why It’s So Important for Online Business Owners to Understand Their Finances

“I’m not a numbers person.” I hear it all the time from our bookkeeping clients and the people I chat with. I’m a bookkeeper for brand and web designers, as well as a number of other creative online entrepreneurs, and I KNOW so many of you think that numbers are totally out of your wheelhouse. […]