After getting laid off in February, I started Prairie Bookkeeping. Here's what my first year as a small business owner taught me about gratitude and growth.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we're naturally thinking about gratitude and giving back. For many women business owners, this often translates into generous pricing—adjusting rates based on what clients can afford, offering discounts without being asked, or hesitating to raise prices even when you know your expertise has grown. This practice, commonly called "empathy pricing," feels noble. But here's what research reveals: empathy pricing might be the least generous thing you ca

According to recent research, most service providers are missing opportunities to charge for the full value they deliver, with 57% of agencies losing significant monthly revenue to unbilled scope creep, while 30% experience even greater losses. Perhaps the most surprising statistic is that only 1% of agencies can successfully bill for all out-of-scope work. Understanding the story your data tells can reveal exactly how much value you're giving away for free—and what you ca

These aren't just forgotten subscriptions—they're zombie subscriptions. Dead software that keeps feeding on your profits month after month, draining your cash flow while providing zero value to your business. This isn't about demonizing useful business tools. It's about surviving the zombie subscription apocalypse before these undead expenses completely infect your bottom line.

The businesses that make it through tough times aren't necessarily the most profitable—they're the ones that see problems coming and have time to respond. In a market where 22% of owners struggle to cover basic bills, having 13 weeks of cash visibility isn't just nice to have—it's your competitive edge.

Being seasonal isn't a character flaw in your business model. It's a different operating style that requires different financial strategies, but it also provides unique advantages once you learn to leverage them.

Small Business Owner figuring out customer profitability

Payment processing doesn't have to be a mystery that quietly drains your profits. While that advertised 2.9% rate might actually cost you 4.5% once you factor in all the hidden fees, you now have the tools to see through the marketing and calculate your true costs. The processor with the flashiest ads or lowest headline rate is rarely the best choice for your specific business.

You're profitable on paper but struggling with cash flow. Sound familiar? The problem might be simpler than you think: hidden costs are eating your profits, and you're not charging enough to cover your true expenses.

Here's the thing nobody explains in plain English: profit and cash measure completely different things. Your profit and loss statement is like a report card for your business model. Your bank account? That's what you can actually spend on groceries this week.

You wouldn't build a house without a solid blueprint, and you shouldn't run your business without a well-organized chart of accounts. Think of your chart of accounts as the filing system for all your financial transactions—it's the backbone that supports every financial report, tax return, and business decision you'll make.

Ever stare at your P&L and feel like you're trying to decode a foreign language? You're not alone. According to QuickBooks®, nearly half (42%) of small business owners had limited financial literacy before starting their businesses. Many have lost potential profits as a result. I don't want that to happen to you. Let's break your P&L down into pieces that actually make sense.

90% of Iowa Small Businesses Miss These Tax Deductions - Are You One of Them? Save thousands on your 2025 taxes with these commonly overlooked deductions specifically for Iowa small businesses.

Small businesses are the backbone of Iowa's economy. Our state has over 272,500 small businesses, accounting for 99.3% of all Iowa businesses (BoostSuite, 2023). But not all small businesses thrive long-term. The difference between those who flourish and those who struggle often comes from their financial habits.

Let's be honest - as a small business owner in Iowa, you're probably wearing so many hats your neck is getting tired! From being your own sales team to handling customer service issues (often at midnight), the last thing you need is another spreadsheet giving you a headache.