Welcome to
The Ledger Lounge
Hey there, friend!
Whether you’re a spreadsheet skeptic or a budget (or a super spender) lover in recovery, you’ve just found your new favorite corner of the internet.
The Ledger Lounge is where we talk real money stuff—without the shame, stress, or sleep-inducing jargon.
You’ll find:
Practical tools and gentle guidance
Budgeting and bookkeeping tips
Encouragement for wherever you’re at (even if it’s “literally just opened my bank app for the first time in weeks”)
At Balanced Books with Delaune, we believe clarity creates calm, and that everyone deserves a soft place to land when it comes to their finances.
So grab your drink of choice, get comfy, and come hang out in The Ledger Lounge.
I’m so glad you’re here.
What No One Tells You Before You Start A Business
Ready to start a business but not sure where to begin? Here’s what no one tells you before the invoices and spreadsheets hit. A gentle guide for anyone building from scratch—without the overwhelm.
A gentle guide for the dreamers, doers, and overthinkers about to dive in
Starting a business sounds exciting, and it is.
But if you’ve ever felt like you jumped in without knowing what you were signing up for, you’re not alone.
Whether you're still in planning mode or already knee-deep in invoices and impulse decisions, this post is for you.
Because here’s the truth:
Most people start their business focused on the fun parts, and end up overwhelmed by the backend.
Let’s fix that.
1. You Need to Separate Your Money Immediately
Open a business checking account, even if you’re a sole proprietor and even if you’re not making money yet.
Why?
Because when tax time rolls around or you try to track expenses, your personal account is going to be a confusing mix of Target runs, Venmo payments, and mystery charges.
2. Your Business Structure Matters
Sole Proprietor, LLC, S-Corp; it can be confusing!
But your structure affects:
How you’re taxed
Your liability
How “real” your business looks on paper
Whether your Social Security number stays private
You don’t have to know everything now, but it’s important to look at what structure fits best for your situation. Don’t forget any required insurance, sales tax licenses, food handling permits, or TABC certifications, etc. based on your industry.
3. You Need a Chart of Accounts
(Even if You Don’t Know What That Is Yet)
Your Chart of Accounts is your financial filing cabinet. You can view a sample list of these here.
It tells your bookkeeping system where to put your income and expenses.
Trying to clean this up later is a mess. Set it up correctly from the start and your future self (and your bookkeeper) will be grateful.
Want a starter Chart of Accounts that you can import directly into QuickBooks Online? Put you name and email in and you can download a sample automatically!
4. Budgeting for Business Is Not the Same as Budgeting Personally
You’re going to have:
Fluctuating income
Surprise expenses
Unexpected tools or fees you need on the fly
Plan ahead for:
Software subscriptions
Quarterly taxes (self-employment taxes are roughly 20 percent of income)
Client acquisition costs such as design tools or online courses
Make a rough outline of monthly income versus expenses, and include a “Whoops” fund. You’ll thank yourself later.
5. Don’t Wait to Start Bookkeeping
The longer you wait, the harder and more expensive it becomes, especially if cleanup services are needed later.
Even if you’re not ready to hire help, you can:
Track income and expenses consistently
Save receipts and categorize weekly
Use tools like QuickBooks, Wave, FreshBooks, or Odoo
(You can check out last week’s Freebie Friday post for a breakdown of these tools if you’re unsure where to start.)
If you are ready for help, find a bookkeeper who will meet you where you are. No judgment necessary.
Final Thoughts
No one starts a business because they’re excited to reconcile bank accounts.
Okay… maybe some of us did.
But if you’re building something real and meaningful, you deserve a foundation that supports you rather than buries you in chaos.
Quiet structure. Thoughtful planning. A little guidance before you leap.
That’s what sets you up for success.
P.S.
I’ll be talking about all of this and more with my friend Whitney Williford on her Fit Mom Society Podcast! Stay tuned.
Already feeling overwhelmed and need help cleaning it up?
ad4bal.com/schedule
Let’s get you started on the right track so you’re never a trainwreck.
What to Expect When You Hire a Bookkeeper And How to Get the Most Out of the Relationship
Hiring a bookkeeper doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here’s what to expect, what to have ready, and how to make the most of your new financial sidekick.
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.