Yesterday, I worked with a new client to solve a common issue: their Chart of Accounts was packed with too many unnecessary and irrelevant accounts.
A lot of business owners don’t realize how important their COA is. It’s at the heart of your financial management. If it’s disorganized, your reporting, budgeting, and decision-making all take a hit.

We reviewed each account one by one, deciding what to keep and what to remove. In the end, they had a clear and useful structure that matches how their business actually works.

This isn’t only a business issue. It matters for personal finances as well!

If you haven’t looked over your accounts in a while, take this as your reminder. A simple COA is key to understanding your finances and running your business better.

Today I talked with a talented personal chef who needed help getting his bookkeeping in order after working with an inexperienced accountant. I’m always happy to help people with their finances, but I had to be clear about one thing. His business involves buying and selling alcohol, which isn’t part of the industries I serve.

He was respectful when I explained my position. He then asked how much it usually costs to hire a good bookkeeper to organize the books. I gave him a general price range and explained that rates depend on a few things, such as:

• The scope of work, such as reconciling past transactions or setting up new accounting systems,
• The bookkeeper’s level of experience,
• And the geographic location and local market rates.

The main lesson: Being clear about your ethical boundaries builds trust. Sharing honest information about the market also helps clients make good choices, even if you can’t take on their project.