Many business owners think of bookkeeping as just another expense—something they’ll get to “when they have time” or “once they grow a bit more.” But here’s the truth: A good bookkeeper doesn’t cost you money. They save—and even make—you money.

There’s a reason wealthy entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the importance of bookkeeping—it’s not just about taxes. It’s about control, clarity, and growth.

And yet, many service-based business owners are running on guesswork when it comes to their numbers.

Bookkeeping is more than a back-office task—it’s a strategic function that supports the health, transparency, and sustainability of your nonprofit. Investing in a professional bookkeeper isn’t just smart; it’s a step toward greater impact.

Recently, I came across a concept that completely shifted my perspective: your Freedom Figure. It’s the dollar value of your time. To calculate it, take your annual income and divide it by 2,080—the number of work hours in a year based on a 40-hour work week. For example, if your business earns $150,000 per year, your Freedom Figure is about $72/hour.

That means any task you can outsource for less than $72/hour is costing you money if you choose to do it yourself. And that includes bookkeeping.

Running a small or medium business is exciting, challenging, and, at times, overwhelming—especially when tax season rolls around. Beyond managing your monthly financial accounts, a professional bookkeeper can be your strategic partner in reducing tax stress and maximizing what stays in your pocket.

In an economic recession, service-based small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often find themselves on unstable ground. One of the most overlooked but essential assets during these times? A skilled bookkeeper.

When you're just getting started as a small business owner, spreadsheets are often the go-to solution for tracking income, expenses, and everything in between. They're simple, accessible, and—best of all—free. But as your business grows, so do financial complexities. Here are the top eight signs it's time to ditch those spreadsheets and bring in a professional bookkeeper.