We're all busy so keeping your business finances organized throughout the year can feel like navigating upstream in a river. Keeping tabs on critical paperwork such as bills, receipts, investment statements, and tax documents can be a daunting task, especially for small business owners who are often wearing multiple hats. So it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Transforming what feels like financial chaos into clarity is not only possible, but it is very doable. It is also essential for peace of mind and financial health.
This article outlines practical strategies you can implement to maintain order in your finances throughout the year.
Build a Solid Base: Embrace Having a System
The foundation of achieving financial clarity starts with adopting a systematic approach to managing your business finances. This means setting up a structure that allows you to track and manage your financial documents and obligations efficiently, in a simple to follow way that avoids the feeling of overwhelmed.
Use digital tools: Leverage financial software and apps to track your spending, savings, and investments in real-time, enabling you to conveniently access all your financial information in one place. These tools can categorize your expenses, provide insights into your financial habits, and help you set and monitor goals. There are tons out there (some better than others) with various capabilities so it's worth taking the time to do some research to find the one that will work the best for you. The most effective tool will be the one you'll consistently use.
Organize documents: Create a filing system for both physical and digital documents. Use clearly labeled folders for different categories (e.g., taxes, receipts, bills) and maintain a separate, secure location for important documents like tax returns, investment statements, and insurance policies. You'll want to make sure to label them in a way that makes it easy to find the documents when you need them.
Stay Consistent: Schedule Regular Check-ins
Consistency is key when it comes to financial organization. So it's important to schedule regular financial check-ins to check your business's financial standing at various points throughout the year.
Weekly Reviews: Briefly go over your transactions and budget to catch any discrepancies early. This also provides an opportunity for you to adjust your spending habits if necessary.
Monthly Summaries: At the end of each month, review your progress towards your financial goals. This is also a good time to organize any receipts or documents accumulated over the month.
Quarterly Audits: Every three months, assess your investment portfolio, savings goals, and tax strategies. This can help you make adjustments in response to any significant financial changes and catch things sooner instead of later!
Simplify Your Financial Life
Reducing the complexity of your financial obligations can significantly contribute to maintaining clarity and helping finances not be as stressful.
Consolidate Accounts: If possible, consolidate checking, savings, and investment accounts. Fewer accounts mean fewer statements to track and manage which will help you avoid having to look in multiple places for your information.
Automate What You Can: Automate regular payments and savings contributions. This ensures that bills are paid on time, and savings goals are steadily met without the need for constant attention.
Tax Planning and Organization
Taxes are a significant aspect of financial management that can cause considerable stress if your documentation isn't organized. By integrating tax planning into your year round routine, you can avoid the rush and confusion associated with tax season.
Track Deductible Expenses: Keep an ongoing record of expenses that can be deducted, such as charitable donations, business expenses (for self-employed individuals), and education costs.
Understand Tax Obligations: Stay informed about your tax obligations, including any quarterly payments you need to make as a freelancer or business owner. Knowing your obligations can help you set aside the correct amount and avoid penalties and interest. It also prevents you from getting behind and having to pay a large lump sum at tax time.
Consult with a Professional: Find an accountant or tax advisor that can offer personalized advice to optimize your tax strategy and help keep your financial records in order throughout the year. We recommend finding an accountant that is familiar with or has served other business owners in your industry/field.
Preparing for the Future
Finally, part of keeping your finances organized is looking ahead. This means preparing for both expected and unexpected events.
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund in place to cover unexpected expenses without disrupting your financial organization. A good rule of thumb is to have at least six months of your expenses stashed away for a rainy day.
Estate Planning: Organize documents related to your estate planning, such as wills, trusts, and power of attorney. This is a crucial step in ensuring your financial clarity extends beyond your own needs in the event someone you trust needs to step in to manage your finances.
Getting clear on your finances requires a commitment, but the peace of mind and control it brings to your life are truly priceless. By following the practices outlined above, you can maintain an organized financial life year-round. Remember, the goal isn’t just to survive the storm but to navigate through it with confidence, knowing that your finances are in order.
DISCLAIMER: We are accountants but we aren't your accountant. For tailored guidance on your individual accounting and tax matters, it's best to consult with a professional. They can provide personalized advice that suits your unique situation.