What to Expect When You Hire a Bookkeeper And How to Get the Most Out of the Relationship

Hiring a bookkeeper is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business, but it can also feel a little intimidating if you’ve never done it before.

Maybe you’re wondering:

• What exactly does a bookkeeper do?

• What do I need to have ready?

• Am I supposed to already have it all together?

Spoiler: You’re not.

Let’s break down what to expect, what not to expect, and how to make this partnership work smoothly for everyone involved.

✅ What a Bookkeeper Does

Think of your bookkeeper as your business’s financial organizer, helping you:

• Track income and expenses

• Reconcile bank accounts

• Categorize transactions

• Keep books clean and audit-ready

• Provide reports like P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow

A good bookkeeper helps you understand where your money is going—and how to use that info to make smart business decisions.

❌ What a Bookkeeper Doesn’t Do (Usually)

Just so we’re clear—your bookkeeper isn’t your:

• Tax preparer (though we’ll help you stay organized for tax season)

• Financial advisor (we track what is happening, not tell you where to invest)

• Magic wand (we can’t “fix it all” if we don’t get the documents we need!)

The best results come from working with your bookkeeper, not expecting them to read your mind or rescue a year of chaos with a week’s notice.

What You’ll Need to Have Ready

Don’t worry, you don’t need perfect books to get started. But here’s what does help:

• Access to your bank and credit card statements

• Access to your accounting software (if using one)

• Any outstanding invoices or bills

• Notes on any unusual transactions or personal spending mixed into business

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know where to start.” That’s literally what I’m here for.

What to Expect From Me

When you work with Balanced Books with Delaune, you can expect:

• A judgment-free zone

• Clear communication and timelines

• Monthly check-ins so you always know what’s happening behind the scenes

• Custom tools that match your style (especially if you’re neurodivergent or juggling a lot)

I’ll never make you feel silly for asking questions or admitting you’re overwhelmed. We work with grace, not guilt.

Pro Tips for Making It a Great Experience

• Respond to requests in a timely way, we can’t move forward without your input

• Be honest about what's going on in your business (I don’t judge, ever)

• Use our tools (trackers, portals, folders) to stay organized

• Keep communication open, this is a partnership, not a hand-off

Final Thoughts

Hiring a bookkeeper is an investment in your peace of mind.
We’re not just here to crunch numbers, we’re here to help you feel grounded, informed, and in control of your money.

If you’ve been running your business on vibes and prayer, it’s time for a system that actually supports you.

Ready to get started?

Book your free consultation at:
ad4bal.com/schedule

The Hidden Costs That Are Wrecking Your Budget (and How to Catch Them)

This post dives into the sneaky, often-overlooked expenses that quietly derail financial plans, from irregular bills to emotional spending, and how readers can get ahead of them using simple strategies (plus your free budgeting tool, if you want to tie it in again).

🚨 Spoiler Alert: It’s Not the $6 Coffee 🚨

We love to blame Starbucks, but the real budget busters are usually sneakier and more stressful.

If your budget keeps breaking down no matter how carefully you plan, you might be overlooking these hidden costs that don’t show up on the surface.

Let’s shine a light on a few culprits:

1. Irregular Bills

Annual subscriptions. Car tags. Amazon Prime. Insurance premiums.
These hit once or twice a year and feel like a surprise every. single. time.

What to do:
Create a “sinking fund” for these irregulars. Divide the annual cost by 12 and stash that amount monthly.Also put a calendar reminder on the due date so it doesn’t sneak up on you, set the reminder to remind you early.

2. Medical Co-Pays + Prescriptions

Even with insurance, these little charges add up fast, especially if you or your kids get sick a lot.

What to do:
Build a “medical buffer” line into your budget just $10–$25/month can make a huge difference when flu season rolls around. If your company offers an HSA, make sure you utilize it and the tax breaks you receive on qualified medical purchases.

3. Emotional Spending

Retail therapy. Impulse snacks. Buying something “just to feel better.”
(It’s me. I’ve been there.)

What to do:
Make a “guilt-free” spending line. Giving yourself a little room to feel human prevents shame spirals and keeps your finances honest.

4. Forgotten Fees

Late fees. ATM charges. App purchases.
These are the budget termites, small but destructive. And you’re lighting your own money on fire and giving it to someone else to profit from.

What to do:
Do a quick sweep of last month’s transactions and mark anything that made you go: “Ugh, forgot about that.”

5. Kid & Pet Surprises

School projects, field trips, pet meds, last-minute vet visits, it adds up fast.

What to do:
Create a small rolling buffer labeled “Life Happens” or “Murphy’s Law” to cover those inevitable pop-up costs.

Final Thoughts:

You’re not failing at budgeting.
Your budget is just missing some of the plot twists.

Building in these “hidden” categories gives you the breathing room to stay on track, even when life throws a wrench (or a dentist bill) your way.

Ready to build a flexible, real-life-friendly budget?

Get my free tool when you sign up for my email list:
ad4bal.com/begin

How to Utilize AI for your Small Business (Without Losing the Human Touch)

If you’ve ever wished you could clone yourself just to get through your to-do list...
AI might be the next best thing.

From automating everyday tasks to uncovering business insights, artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech giants anymore. It’s reshaping how small businesses show up, work smarter, and serve better. And trust me, it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds. In fact, it might just be the helping hand you didn’t know you needed.

So, What Exactly Is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to software systems that can "think" like humans. It processes information, solves problems, spots patterns, and even holds conversations.

Think of it like a digital assistant that can work 24/7 without burnout. While some AI tools are incredibly advanced, many are designed to be beginner-friendly and intuitive, making them ideal for solopreneurs and small business owners. You don’t need to be tech-savvy. You just need to be open to trying something new.

1. Administrative Time-Savers

• Email replies: AI tools like ChatGPT can draft professional emails or quick replies to FAQs in seconds.
  This means no more staring at a blinking cursor trying to sound professional after a long day. You can still review and tweak the message, but the time you save adds up fast.

• Scheduling: Tools like Calendly or Motion can automatically book appointments, send reminders, and even organize your to-do list.
  No more email ping-pong trying to find the right time or forgetting to follow up. These tools can sync with your calendar, set boundaries, and help you show up on time with less stress.

• Data entry: Use OCR tools like Scanbot or AutoEntry to convert receipts, invoices, or handwritten notes into clean digital data.
  If you've ever spent an hour trying to make sense of a crumpled receipt pile, you’ll love how AI can clean up and sort your records in seconds. It’s like having a personal filing assistant in your pocket.

2. Marketing Support

• Social content: ChatGPT, Jasper, or Copy.ai can help brainstorm post ideas, write captions, or outline newsletters.
  You still get to infuse your unique brand voice. It just helps beat the blank page. This is especially helpful for batching content or when you’re in a creative slump.

• Hashtag help: Use tools like Flick to analyze your audience and generate the most effective hashtags.
  It takes the guesswork out of visibility and can help you grow faster without spending hours researching. Bonus: many tools offer real-time performance insights too.

• Visuals on demand: Create stunning graphics with Canva’s Magic Design or AI art tools like DALL·E, even if you’re not a designer.
  Perfect for social posts, blog headers, or marketing campaigns when you need something quick but high-impact. It’s like having a creative team at your fingertips without the overhead.

3. Bookkeeping & Finance

• Smart categorization: Platforms like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Zoho Books use AI to auto-categorize expenses and reduce manual work.
  This speeds up reconciliations and cuts down on human error. It’s not perfect, but it gives you a head start and frees you up to focus on strategic decisions.

• Automated nudges: Set up polite invoice reminders so you don’t have to chase down payments yourself.
  This protects your client relationships while still keeping your cash flow steady. No more uncomfortable follow-ups or lost revenue due to delays.

• Forecasting made easy: Tools like Float or LivePlan use your data to create cash flow projections that actually make sense.
  This helps you plan ahead, make smarter investments, and avoid financial surprises. If you’ve ever felt like you were guessing your way through the month, AI can offer real clarity.

4. Customer Experience

• Chatbots: Services like Tidio, Intercom, or ManyChat offer 24/7 responses to basic customer questions without sounding robotic.
  They can handle order updates, FAQs, and even intake forms while you sleep. You get fewer interruptions, and your customers still feel taken care of.

• Survey summaries: Got feedback? Tools like AI-powered survey analyzers can highlight trends from Google Forms, Typeform, or JotForm in seconds.
  Rather than combing through dozens of open-ended responses, AI helps you spot recurring themes so you can respond and adapt quickly. It’s a great way to keep your audience engaged and improve service quality.

5. Creative Brainstorming

Need help naming a new product, drafting website copy, or coming up with your next promo idea?
AI can be your collaborative partner. It’s always available and never afraid to pitch a weird idea.

These tools are especially helpful when you’re stuck in perfectionism or decision fatigue. You can generate 10 versions of a caption, tagline, or headline in seconds and pick the one that feels right. And if you're having trouble visualizing your concept, AI can mock up graphics or mood boards to bring it to life.

Balance Is Everything: Use AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch

AI can absolutely change the game, but it’s your human touch that builds loyalty and trust.

Your clients want connection, not just efficiency. Let AI take the admin load off your plate so you can spend more time doing what you love and serving your clients in meaningful ways. Technology doesn’t replace heart. It helps it shine through more clearly.

Pro Tip:

Start with one task that drains you the most. Then ask yourself:
“Can AI help with this?”
Chances are, the answer is yes. And once you start, it gets easier to spot more ways to streamline your systems without losing your soul in the process.

Let’s Talk: Are You Using AI Yet?

Curious but cautious?
Already experimenting?
Still feeling overwhelmed?

No matter where you are on your journey, AI can be a powerful partner in your business. It works best when it works for you. If you’re ready to explore how AI can fit into your workflow without losing your unique voice, I offer personalized consults to help you streamline your systems. No robots required, just real results.

Book your free consultation here.

You Don’t Hate Budgeting… You Hate the Way It’s Typically Taught

Why traditional money advice doesn’t work for neurodivergent brains, and what to do instead

Budgeting always feels like a punishment, doesn’t it? Don’t worry, if it does. It’s the system, not you. Let’s rebuild your money routine in a way that actually works for your life, your brain, and your values.

First we need to address something a lot of budgeting advice leaves out:

The emotional and mental load of managing money when you’re neurodivergent (ADHD, autistic, or otherwise wired a bit differently).

If you’ve ever:

• Made a budget and never looked at it again

• Avoided opening your banking app out of sheer dread

• Or felt like you were “bad with money” just because your brain doesn't vibe with spreadsheets...

You’re not alone.

Traditional Budgeting Doesn’t Work for Everyone

Most budget advice assumes you’re a robot with unlimited energy and zero executive dysfunction. (Spoiler alert: that’s not us.) And honestly? The problem isn’t you, it’s the system.

Rigid tracking methods. Shame-based language. Unrealistic expectations.
It’s no wonder so many of us tap out before the budget even gets finished.

When you're neurodivergent, the usual rules often don’t stick. Not because you’re lazy, bad with money, or incapable of “adulting.” It’s because traditional budgeting is built for brains that thrive on routine, delayed gratification, and spreadsheet satisfaction.

So, why is budgeting so hard for us?

Let’s break it down.

1. Executive Dysfunction vs. “Just Do It”

Neurotypical advice: Just make a routine, write it down, and stick to it. Simple.
Neurodivergent brain: Cool cool cool… what’s a “routine” and why does my fridge have 7 types of mustard and no dinner food?

Executive dysfunction makes planning, initiating, and following through on tasks way harder. A budget isn’t just a math problem, it’s a behavior shift. That means budgeting advice has to start where you are, not where Dave Ramsey thinks you should be.

2. Time Blindness & Future You

When you’re time blind, “next week’s bills” don’t feel real… until it’s 2AM and you're checking your bank account with rising dread.

Traditional budgets expect long-term planning. You need a system that works in real time.

3. All-or-Nothing Thinking

You overspent. The budget is “ruined.” Might as well blow the rest and start again Monday, right? Nope. You’re not bad at budgeting. You just need a flexible system that bends without breaking.

Most neurodivergent individuals thrive with grace-based systems, not shame-based ones.

So what actually helps?

Try these 5 simple shifts:

1. Name Your Budget Something Fun

“Budget” sounds restrictive. Name it something you like and enjoy. Try calling it your:

• Money Map for More Disney Trips

• Financial Empowerment Quest

• Treat Yourself Tracker

• Money Flow Guide

Changing the name changes your brain’s emotional response, and makes it easier to open the dang file.

2. Use Categories That Make Sense to You

Instead of “Household,” try:

• “Kiddo Chaos” for your toddler supplies

• “Snack Gremlin” for those grocery trips where only cravings were conquered

• “Sanity Fund” for anything that keeps you functioning (therapy, caffeine, a candle that smells like Target on payday)

Make it personal. That’s how your brain will remember it exists.

3. Budget in Short Time Frames

Monthly budgets can feel overwhelming. Try:

• Weekly or bi-weekly budgeting

• Payday-based planning (my personal fave)

• A “Today Budget” to get through just one day successfully

It’s like breaking down a mountain into manageable hills. Momentum builds with wins, not with guilt.

4. Build in Rewards (and Forgiveness)

Budgeting isn’t about punishment, it’s about building a life that feels safe and supported.

So yes:

• Add the treat (but budget reasonably for it)

• Include the impulse fund (because dopamine is our worst enemy and we’re gonna slip-up)

• Forgive the chaos days and try, try, and try again.

Consistency beats perfection. Every. Time.

5. Budgets That Match Your Brain

Your budget should feel like a support tool, not a punishment.

That’s why I built a neurodivergent-friendly budgeting tool with:

• Step-by-step setup in Google Sheets

• Gentle check-ins each month to help you reflect (not spiral)

• Prompts to help align your spending with your values

• Flexibility because life doesn’t follow a formula

No apps. No micromanaging. Just one easy-to-follow, free spreadsheet that helps you see where your money is going and decide where you want it to go next.

How to Get Started:

1. Grab the tool
   Sign up for my free Balanced Beginnings newsletter here.

2. Follow the prompts
   Each section walks you through the setup with simple, non-overwhelming questions.

3. Make it yours
   Use the built-in savings goal, sinking fund, or debt payoff templates, or skip them for now. Your pace is the right pace.

Final Thoughts

You’re not bad with money.

You just haven’t had the right tools, or the right support.
This is your gentle permission slip to stop shaming yourself and start where you are.

Ready to take the next step?
Click here to Join Balanced Beginnings and grab your free budgeting tool today.

Preparing for a Bookkeeper: How to Get the Most Out of Your Money

Hiring a bookkeeper can feel like a big leap, especially if you’ve been DIY-ing your finances or flying by the seat of your pants. But the truth is, bringing in a bookkeeper isn’t just about catching up. It’s about leveling up.

Whether you’re ready to hire or just wondering what it takes, here’s how to prep like a pro and make the most of your investment.

1. Don’t Panic if it’s not Perfect

Spoiler alert: We expect a little mess. That’s kind of the job. You don’t need a perfect spreadsheet or a pile of perfectly labeled receipts. You just need to be honest about what’s going on so we can get clarity together.

2. Know Your Goals

Are you trying to get out of debt? Grow your business? Finally understand where all your money’s going? Having clarity on your why helps your bookkeeper tailor everything to your specific goals, not just general bookkeeping rules.

3. Gather the Goods

Here’s what helps us hit the ground running:

• Business bank statements (last 3–6 months)

• Any spreadsheets or financial tracking you’ve been using

• Access to QuickBooks or other accounting software (if applicable)

• A list of recurring expenses or monthly obligations

4. Ask Questions (Seriously!)

A good bookkeeper will never make you feel dumb for asking questions. This is your money. We’re just the guide. Want to know why a category matters or how something’s calculated? Ask away. We’re here for education and support, not just number crunching.

5. Be Open to a Fresh System

Sometimes the way you’ve been doing things isn’t wrong—but it’s not efficient either. Part of prepping for a bookkeeper is being open to better ways to track, organize, and plan. We want systems that support you, not stress you out.

Bonus: What You’ll Get in Return

• Confidence in your numbers

• Less time spent stressing over spreadsheets

• A clear path to your goals

• Peace of mind you can’t put a price tag on

Not sure where to begin?
The Sunrise Series is the perfect first step. This is a gentle, judgment-free way to get clarity on your numbers and start fresh.

How to Create a Budget That Actually Works for You

Let’s be honest. Budgets get a bad rep. Most people think of them as restrictive, boring, or something that reminds them of what they can’t do.

But a budget that works for you isn’t about punishment. It’s about clarity, confidence, and giving your money a job that supports your life.

Here’s how to create a budget that actually sticks, especially if you’ve tried (and ditched) a few before.

1. Start Where You Are, Not Where You Wish You Were

We’re not building the “perfect budget.” We’re building a real one. Start by tracking what you’ve already been spending for the last month or two. No shame. No guilt. Just data. This gives you a foundation that reflects your current habits, not some Pinterest ideal.

2. Define Your Budget Personality

Some folks love spreadsheets. Others need visual boards, cash envelopes, or app alerts. Are you detail-oriented or big-picture focused? ADHD-prone or hyper-organized? Choose a format that fits your brain, not someone else’s.

3. Focus on Your Values, Not Just Your Bills

Your essentials matter. But so do your joys. A good budget balances survival spending (like rent and groceries) with values-based spending (like music classes for your kid, weekend coffee dates, or future travel). When your budget reflects your why, it’s easier to stick to.

4. Leave Room for Flexibility

Budgets fail when there’s no wiggle room. Build in a cushion for surprise expenses and life’s curveballs. (Pro tip: label it “Life Happens” so it feels like a built-in safety net, not a failure.)

5. Adjust and Check-in

Your first budget isn’t your final budget. Revisit it monthly, especially after big life shifts. Progress doesn’t look like perfection. It looks like small, consistent tweaks that keep you aligned.

Bonus: Not Sure Where to Start?

That’s what I’m here for. Whether you need a spreadsheet that actually makes sense, a debt payoff plan, or just someone to sit with you and figure out the numbers, I’ve got you!

Check out my Scaled Back Package or ad4bal.com/shop for more services I can help with.

You deserve a budget that brings peace, not pressure.

5 QuickBooks Tips Every Small Business Owner Should Know

If QuickBooks feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. The truth? It doesn’t have to be scary—it just needs to be set up right. Whether you’re new to QuickBooks or still kicking the tires, here are 5 essential tips to make your life a whole lot easier.

1. Use Bank Rules Like a Boss

Tired of manually categorizing the same Starbucks runs and software subscriptions? Bank rules are your new best friend. You can set QuickBooks to auto-categorize recurring expenses, saving you hours (and your sanity).

2. Reconcile Monthly—Not Yearly

Waiting until tax season to reconcile your accounts? That’s a fast track to panic. Take 10–15 minutes each month to match your bank and credit card statements to what’s in QuickBooks. It’ll keep your records clean, your CPA happy, and your future self out of spreadsheet purgatory.

3. Customize Your Chart of Accounts

The default accounts in QuickBooks are fine, but your business deserves better. Streamline your reports by customizing your Chart of Accounts to reflect your income and expenses—not generic guesses. It’ll make insights way easier to pull.

4. Memorize Reports You Love

Do you have a favorite report format you keep tweaking? Good news: QuickBooks lets you save custom reports so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Just memorize it (literally—it’s a button), give it a name, and access it anytime.

5. Don’t DIY Forever

There’s no shame in starting small and learning as you go—but at some point, QuickBooks gets more powerful when paired with an expert. Whether it’s a monthly check-in or a full setup overhaul, getting a bookkeeper involved can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

Bonus: Need help with setup or clean-up?

That’s what I do. From custom spreadsheets to QuickBooks cleanups, I help small businesses get (and stay) organized—with a little heart, a lot of ethics, and zero judgment.

Let’s connect if you need help getting started or want a second set of eyes on your books.

5 Quick & Easy Ways to Save Money (That Actually Work)

Let’s be honest: most money-saving advice feels like it was written by someone who thinks "just stop buying lattes" is revolutionary. I’m not here for that. I need coffee; I get it, friend! I’m here for real, sustainable wins; not shame, guilt, or spreadsheets that make you want to cry.

Here are 5 quick ways to save money without overhauling your entire life:

1. Audit Your Subscriptions (~5 minutes)

We all do it—sign up for that “free trial” and forget about it until it’s drained $96 from your account six months later.

Do this:
Log into your bank account or credit card and scan for recurring charges. Cancel or pause anything you’re not using right now. You can always re-subscribe later.

Pro Tip: Set a 3-month calendar reminder for any new free trial you start.

2. Use a “No-Spend” Trigger Word

Every time you're about to impulse spend, say a trigger word like “pause” or “priorities” out loud. It feels silly, but it works.

This rewires your brain to think before you tap “buy now.”

Try it: “Pause. Do I want this more than my savings goal?”

3. Meal Plan Around What You Already Have

Before you make your grocery list, check your pantry. Seriously. You probably already have 2 meals hiding in your cabinet.

Use what you’ve got first, then fill in the gaps.

Pro Tip: Can’t think of anything? Use an AI site to help you. I love ChatGPT. They can help you think about possibilities you are missing out or hadn’t thought of!

Bonus: Save those $3 impulse buys for something you’ll actually eat.

4. Unfollow the Temptation

Social media ads are ruthless. If you keep buying things you saw on Instagram… unfollow the brand or mute the account.

Your bank account doesn't care how aesthetic the packaging is.

5. Round Up Your Purchases

Use a budgeting app or bank feature that rounds up every purchase and stashes the change into savings. It’s like digital couch-cushion money.

You won’t miss the 72 cents. But it adds up… fast.

The Real Secret?

Saving money isn’t about restriction, it’s about awareness and being intentional. So keep that $3 latte you enjoy if it brings you some peace. Pick a different area to look at instead.

It’s the little daily choices that bring financial peace.
Start with one of these tips, and keep showing up. Your future self will thank you.

Want personalized help? My Save Space subscription is designed for people just like you. No shame, no overwhelm; just gentle support to help you save, spend, and breathe easier.