How to track expenses to improve bookkeeping

Businesses and personal expense tracking has been made easier by technology. Digital solutions exist for any and all financial tracking you may need in your daily life. One of the benefits of analyzing and improving your tracking skills is that it will help you manage your time and money more efficiently. Here are some tips to get you started:

Review spending habits

Are you aware of your company's spending habits? Bookkeeping skills are necessary to improve your financial position and reach your goals. Many small business owners leave this aspect of the business to an outsourcing company, but they must learn to develop an awareness of how they spend their money, what they buy and when to stop spending.

Break old habits

If the owner is unaware of how the company's money is spent, the company will fail. Your first step to better bookkeeping is acknowledging the weaknesses of your current system. Are you using the latest digital resources on the market? Consider accounting software like PeachTree or QuickBooks to track all of your expenses online. You can also find mobile and web applications that suit your needs.

Old school accounting methods with ledgers, receipts and journals are needed for successful record keeping for legal reasons. You have to have proof of where your expenses come from for tax purpose so invest in software, but keep your physical documentations available at all times.

Mobile apps for tracking

Mobile apps are available for small business owners to keep track of every purchase, receipt and sale on their smartphones. The level of security, accuracy and real-time tracking offered with apps such as PayPal, Lemon and ShoeBoxed helps you keep up with the daily hustle and bustle of running a business. Software is an instantaneous system you can use to keep your bookkeeping on track, but you have to know the basics to transform data into financial record. So, what are your next steps to improving your bookkeeping methods?

• Keep receipts and financial records stored in a secure location.
• Avoid overspending business funds on frivolous activities.
• Determine your accounting system - cash or accrual.
• Develop a momentum, take an online course in bookkeeping and apply the skills to your business.
• Review your expenses on a schedule or work with a professional accounting if necessary.

Many business owners fall into a trap of estimating their finances instead of having a definite account. Use your new tools with intention to acquire the information you need to make better business decisions. Great bookkeeping starts with knowing the basics, working the kinks out of your system and making the right financial decisions based on financial records. You should also add to a professional bookkeeper to your team. To get started call Mobile Tax at 302-381-3345