Manage Finances
Bookkeeping software and services, what each covers, and when to hand your books to an accountant.
Guide · Accounting and bookkeeping
Good bookkeeping isn't complicated: separate accounts, software connected to your bank, a short list of categories and an hour a month. Here's the whole system, from setup to the year-end handoff to your accountant.
· 7 min read
Guide · Business taxes
A single-member LLC owner pays themselves with an owner's draw, not a salary, and is taxed on the LLC's profit whether or not they take it out. Partners use distributions and guaranteed payments. S corp owners must take a reasonable salary. Here's how each works.
· 7 min read
Guide · Business taxes
A business can deduct ordinary and necessary expenses, but the biggest savings come from the ones owners forget: start-up costs, the home office, mileage at 72.5 or 76 cents a mile in 2026, equipment under Section 179, and health insurance. Here's the list, with the records each needs.
· 7 min read
Comparison · Accounting and bookkeeping
Online bookkeeping services range from Pilot's $99-a-month Essentials plan to Bookkeeper360 at $399 and QuickBooks Live from $300. Here's what each includes, when a service beats software plus a part-time bookkeeper, and why you should insist on books you own.
· 7 min read
Comparison · Accounting and bookkeeping
For most small businesses, QuickBooks Online Simple Start ($38 a month) or Xero Growing ($59 a month, unlimited users) is the right starting point. FreshBooks Plus ($43 a month) suits freelancers and agencies who live in invoices. Here's the full comparison at list prices.
· 7 min read
Comparison · Invoicing
Zoho Invoice and Wave Starter invoice for free. FreshBooks Plus ($43 a month) adds real accounting for service businesses. Bonsai Essentials ($25 a month, or $19 billed annually) wraps proposals, contracts and invoices into one workflow. Here's how to choose.
· 7 min read
Comparison · Business banking
Ramp is the easier corporate card to qualify for, with a $25,000 minimum balance and a strong free plan. Brex suits funded startups with $50,000 or more and wants to grow with them. Neither suits a sole proprietor or a brand-new company with little cash.
· 7 min read
Comparison · Accounting and bookkeeping
Zoho Books' free plan is the most complete, including bank reconciliation, as long as revenue stays under $50,000. Wave's free plan has unlimited invoices but no automatic bank import. QuickBooks' free plan allows two invoices a month. Here's how to choose.
· 7 min read