What No One Tells You Before You Start A Business

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?

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Let’s get you started on the right track so you’re never a trainwreck.