Bookkeeping Basics

Information may not be reliable

"Should I hire a bookkeeper or do my own bookkeeping?" That's a question I heard many times while I was working as a Staff Accountant for a local CPA firm here in Northern California.

It's amazing how often a business structure gets started without the owner(s) first answering this very important accounting question, because the reality of being both a business owner and doing your own business books can be overwhelming if you are not well prepared.

With that being said, doing your own accounting could actually be the best thing for you to do! Just as long as you are well aware of all of the details that go into following the proper accounting procedures. :)
I, myself, had to decide whether or not to do my own books when I started my own home based bookkeeping business in 2001. Of course, I decided to do my own accounting. (How could I not, right?)
What I have found to be true throughout the years is that both business owners and professional accountants alike can always use some ongoing reliable help, accounting tips and guidance.

I've also learned that it's never too late to get help.
This is true whether you are just starting a business or looking to improve your existing one.
As well as if you are a responsible accountant just trying to offer the best service possible to all of your clients.

When I first started my home based business, reliable internet information was hard to come by. I had a terrible time finding what I was looking for and wished that I had some more help. But I didn't have help and had to learn how to become a qualified, professional California bookkeeper and income tax preparer expert the hard way.

However, I sure did learn a lot through the process of researching libraries and the internet for reliable information! And I was ultimately able to compile a great deal of valuable information, both online and offline, that I will be working hard to put all together for you here. This way you will not have to struggle the same way I did when I first got started.
So, please feel free to use this site as your very own reliable accounting resource guide in a way that I didn't have when I first got started with my own home based bookkeeping business. It was created to help you with the basics and much, much more!
The informative articles will keep you posted on issues of special interest lately. Including articles on such things as working from home, different business structures, deductible expenses and estimated tax payments. Bookkeeping articles are a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest bookkeeping and tax alerts, so make sure you stop by.
While bookkeeping 101 will provide you with helpful information on everything from setting up a chart of accounts to better understanding your balance sheet and profit and loss statements. For example, did you know that the accounts payable account is used to record the bills of a business that are outstanding and is also referred to as A/P which is Accounts Payable for short? Or that accounts receivable is the term that bookkeepers and accountants use to refer to the outstanding money that is owed to you for sales that you have already made that haven't been paid for yet? There is much to be learned on the 101 page.
The basic accounting forms page is a great resource of free accounting templates and tax deduction lists for an easier tax time. The free bookkeeping forms, excel & Quickbooks templates you find here should be very helpful. Please feel free to go ahead and download and/or copy any of the bookkeeping templates you find on the forms page.
And there are over 100 accounting definitions provided for your reference as well. Use this as an accounting resource to help improve your bookkeeping knowledge. It's super easy to use. Just pick a letter to go directly to the accounting definitions and bookkeeping terms associated with that letter. Or use the available Search Engine to search the entire website.

Would you like to save money on financial software, computers, cell phones and office supplies? Then you will definitely want to check out my Office Supplies Store which offers all of the above at discounted prices. What I have done is to build one individual store tailored for each of 10 main office supply categories and 3 office art categories. So, whichever product you are in need of, you can simply click on the link to go to its store. I must always stay up to date on the latest and greatest business software and so will be updating these pages frequently with my personal favorites. It's always nice to know that someone else has experience with software and that it comes recommended.
Or, perhaps you are in need of some humor. If you would like a good laugh, I have included some of my favorite accounting jokes here also. Here is an example of what you will find: What do accountants suffer from that ordinary people don't? - Depreciation. I've heard and read some great accounting jokes throughout the years. I never really feel like I fit the stereotypes, but who knows! Some of these definitely ring true for me and give me a good and needed chuckle from time to time. I hope that you will enjoy them as well. If you know a good joke yourself, please feel free to share. There is an easy to use form where you can add your very own favorite joke for the rest of us to enjoy as well. :)
Meanwhile the news and Q & A pages will keep you current on all of the latest important accounting information while also offering an outlet for you to post and share your own accounting news and commentary. This page has become quite a helpful forum! There are hundreds of different kinds of questions being asked here. So many that I was overwhelmed with the response and hardly able to keep up. As such, I've now included a page where you yourself can help me answer questions. This is a great way to pay it forward and even get some great free advertising and business exposure as you are welcome to leave your contact information when you post also.
Check out the free tests page to find out how much you really know about accounting. You will find both short quizzes and more in-depth bookkeeping tests here. I hope that you will find them to be enjoyable, and enlightening!
This page is full of helpful accounting links. There are many great sites on the World Wide Web, but finding the best sites can be a frustrating experience. This is where I have put together a list of websites that I have found to be very helpful resources full of information for bookkeepers, small business owners and professionals. Just follow any of the links to get more information. Or contact me if you would like me to consider including your link here.
Not to be missed is the motivation page. Are you in need of some great quotes for your inspiration? I hope so, because I am very excited to present you with many different types of office inspiration here. An inspirational atmosphere is especially important in the office. Thus the reason why I decided to include this inspirational page in my website. The type of energy found in a workplace can make all the difference to your bottom line. Not only are motivated employees inspired to work hard and with integrity, but they are also typically more healthy! All of which translates into overall positive workers, work environments and more successful businesses.

Finally, if you would like more information about me and all of the services that I provide, you will find that here too. Please make sure to leave a comment to let me know if there is anything else you would like to see added. Your feedback is always appreciated! :)

I would love your feedback. If there is anything you would like to see added, please contact me and let me know. Has this website been a help to you? Please let us know what your experience has been at my testimonials page. Thank you in advance for your contribution.
I hope my site will serve you well in your pursuits, all the best to you!

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Bookkeeping Articles, Accounting and Tax Alerts
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Bookkeeping Basics Blog
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Bookkeeping Links Full of Helpful Links & Bookkeeping Resources
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Bookkeeping Supplies Store - Reliable office products, bookkeeping software.
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Bookkeeping Ezine Provides Free Monthly Bookkeeping Tips That Can Save You Money
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