How to Read a Profit and Loss Statement (Without Falling Asleep)</span>
Justin Benoit Justin Benoit

How to Read a Profit and Loss Statement (Without Falling Asleep)

If you own a business, your Profit and Loss statement (also called a P&L statement or income statement) is one of the most important financial reports you’ll ever look at.

It shows whether you’re actually making money, or just moving it around.

The problem? Most people glaze over five seconds in. So here’s how to read your profit and loss statement like a pro, in plain English.

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The Small Business Owner's Guide to AI Bookkeeping: Do This First
Justin Benoit Justin Benoit

The Small Business Owner's Guide to AI Bookkeeping: Do This First

Hey there! I'm Justin from Red Leaf Bookkeeping, and I get asked about AI bookkeeping almost daily. "Should I jump on this AI trend?" "Will it replace my bookkeeper?" "Where do I even start?"

Here's the thing – AI isn't some scary robot taking over your finances. It's actually a pretty amazing tool that can save you hours of tedious data entry and help catch mistakes before they become expensive problems. But like any tool, you need to set up your workspace properly before you can use it effectively.

Think of it this way: you wouldn't start painting a room without laying down drop cloths first, right? Same principle applies here. Before you dive into any AI bookkeeping software, there's one crucial step that'll make or break your entire experience.

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7 Mistakes You're Making with QuickBooks Online (and How to Fix Them)
Justin Benoit Justin Benoit

7 Mistakes You're Making with QuickBooks Online (and How to Fix Them)

Hey there! If you're running a small business and using QuickBooks Online, you're already ahead of the game. But here's the thing – even the best accounting software can't work miracles if we're not using it right.

I'm Justin from Red Leaf Bookkeeping, and I've seen these same QuickBooks mistakes pop up again and again with our clients. The good news? They're totally fixable, and I'm here to walk you through exactly how to get back on track.

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Common Accounting Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Justin Benoit Justin Benoit

Common Accounting Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Hey there! I'm Justin Benoit from Red Leaf Bookkeeping, and I've seen it all when it comes to small business accounting mistakes. Don't worry, every entrepreneur makes these errors at some point. The good news? They're totally fixable, and once you know what to watch for, you can avoid the headaches (and the money drain) that comes with them.

Let's dive into the most common accounting mistakes I see small business owners make, and more importantly, how you can sidestep them entirely.

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Are You Making These Common Small Business Tax Mistakes? (And Missing Out on Thousands)
Justin Benoit Justin Benoit

Are You Making These Common Small Business Tax Mistakes? (And Missing Out on Thousands)

Tax season can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when you're juggling everything else that comes with running a business. But here's the thing – many small business owners are unknowingly leaving money on the table or setting themselves up for costly penalties that could have been easily avoided.

I'm Justin Benoit, owner of Red Leaf Bookkeeping, and over the years, I've seen the same tax mistakes pop up again and again. The good news? Once you know what to look for, these issues are totally preventable. Let's dive into the most common tax missteps that could be costing you thousands – and more importantly, how to fix them.

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DIY Bookkeeping Vs Professional Services: Which Is Better For Your Small Business?
Justin Benoit Justin Benoit

DIY Bookkeeping Vs Professional Services: Which Is Better For Your Small Business?

"Should I do my own bookkeeping or hire someone?"

It's honestly one of the biggest decisions you'll face as a small business owner. I've seen businesses thrive with both approaches, and I've also seen them struggle when they pick the wrong fit for their situation.

Let me break this down for you in a way that actually makes sense – no fancy accounting jargon, just real talk about what works and what doesn't.

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