As a small business owner, staying on top of your finances is crucial for success. One key tip that can save you time, stress, and unnecessary hassle is to maintain your bookkeeping throughout the year, rather than waiting until the last minute.

Here’s why: By consistently keeping track of your expenses and income throughout the year, you avoid the dreaded year-end scramble. Instead of spending precious holiday time buried in paperwork, you can relax and celebrate your achievements with peace of mind.

Personally, I’ve adopted a simple yet effective approach to bookkeeping. I make it a habit to pay off my credit card balance every week and enter those expenses into QuickBooks promptly. This takes me just about 10 minutes each week. At the end of the month, I reconcile my bank account, which typically takes around 15 minutes.

By staying disciplined and staying on top of my bookkeeping throughout the year, I save myself hours of tedious work and unnecessary stress. Plus, I get to enjoy the holidays without the looming cloud of financial paperwork hanging over me.

In contrast, if I were to let my bookkeeping pile up until the end of the year, I’d be facing a week-long marathon of data entry—a task I’d likely come to resent. By prioritizing consistency and discipline throughout the year, I ensure a smoother and more enjoyable holiday season.

So, fellow small business owners, I urge you to make bookkeeping a priority year-round. Trust me, the peace of mind and holiday cheer you’ll gain are well worth the effort.