In episode four of The Financially Focused Photographer, we're tackling something that might not sound exciting but will absolutely transform your business – setting up bookkeeping systems that actually work for creative professionals like you.

Building on our previous discussions about money mindset (Episode 1), strategic investments (Episode 2), and knowing your true take-home pay (Episode 3), today we're diving into the foundation that makes all of those concepts work: good financial data.

Because here's the thing – you can't make informed business decisions without accurate numbers. And accurate numbers come from consistent, proper bookkeeping.

1. Why completely separating business and personal finances is essential (not optional!)
2. Understanding "piercing the corporate veil" and why it matters for LLCs
3. How proper separation enables the Profit First system from Episode 3
4. Real example: The wedding photographer who saved 5 hours monthly with proper separation

1. Spreadsheets: Only for absolute beginners with minimal transactions
2. Wave Accounting: Free option that's a step up from spreadsheets
3. QuickBooks Online: The gold standard (with a WARNING about Self-Employed)
4. FreshBooks: Great for service-based businesses
5. Photography CRMs: Why HoneyBook, Dubsado, etc. aren't true accounting solutions
6. Professional Help: When it makes sense to outsource

Despite its name, QuickBooks Self-Employed is NOT for small businesses! It's for gig economy workers and lacks:

1. Balance sheet reporting
2. Proper bank reconciliation
3. Inventory tracking capabilities
4. Upgrade path to QuickBooks Online
5. Strategic reporting features

1. Why default chart of accounts don't work for photographers
2. The importance of photography-specific income and expense categories
3. How we structure accounts for our monthly clients
4. Creating meaningful financial reports that actually help you make decisions

1. Tiffany's personal weekly system that transformed her business