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Tools, Tips + Resources

Tools of the Trade

Books That Changed My Life

Tools of the Trade

“The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.” – Benjamin Franklin

Investing in the best tools will save you a ton of money, an incredible amount of time, and (not for nothing) can cut down on stress. 

Whether you are a one-person show, or you have an army of employees, good tools help you to automate and achieve maximum efficiency (and if you know me inefficiency is my kryptonite).

I promise I only recommend tools and services I have used myself! 

Fine print: Some of the links below are affiliate links which means I may get a commission if you purchase. Bonus for you? Some of them may give you a discount and who doesn’t love saving a little money? 

Year.li

Service: 1099 & Tax Form Filing

I know how stressful 1099 time can be for bookkeepers, so PUH-LEASE do yourself a favor and find tools that make life so much easier, like Year.li. This is a filing program that does the heavy lifting of filing federal and state 1099s, 1095s, and W-2s for you. 

Gusto

Service: Payroll Services

Gusto is great for bringing payroll into the 21st century. I use it to pay employees and contractors, keep client data organized, and stay compliant. As you grow your practice, this is must-have for managing payroll and receiving backend HR support.

Financial Cents

Service: Workflows & Project Management

Financial Cents is great for tracking client work, getting client responses faster, and organizing everything with one easy-to-use practice management software that your team will love.

Transaction Pro

Service: App for QBO Mass Uploading or Deletions

Automation is a LIFESAVER when it comes to keeping client data organized and accurate. Transaction Pro is an awesome QuickBooks integration that helps you import, export, and delete data quickly.

QuickBooks Online

Service: QBO

Of course, I can’t forget to mention the holy grail of bookkeeping: QuickBooks Online. Get ultra-organized, connect bank accounts, sync accounts, the list of benefits goes on and on. 

Harvest

Service: Time Tracking Software

If you charge by the hour, or work with contractors who do, Harvest is an easy-to-use time tracking tool. It even includes an integrated invoice generator and automatic payment reminders.

Teamwork

Service: Project Management Software

I’ll admit it — I got a lotta big ideas, but sometimes I need help getting organized. Teamwork lets my team see all our projects, tasks, and to-dos in one easy spot. Honestly, it’s my go-to for all things project planning and task management.

CorpNet

Service: Business Filing Services

Starting a business is… yeah, kinda scary. But CorpNet provides the tools and guidance needed to start your business while staying compliant. They’ll help you with everyyyything from selecting a business structure to keeping tax deadlines top-of-mind.

MoneyThumb

Service: Financial File Conversion

Have stubborn PDF files that you need to convert to a CSV or into QBO? MoneyThumb is a gift from the GODS! Absolutely brilliant product that saves you time, money and a whole lot of stress!

Lucidchart

Service: Process Mapping Tool

I don’t know about you, but sometimes trying to write my ideas down just doesn’t get the message across. So I use Lucidchart, a tool that can help me diagram my thoughts, visualize the process, and get my team in sync. It’s an effective and intuitive way to really bring your ideas to life.

Books That Changed My Life

The links below are Amazon affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you purchase.

ATOMIC HABITS
Author: James Clear

YOUR BEST YEAR
Author: Michael Hyatt

YOU ARE A BADASS AT MAKING MONEY
Author: Jen Sincero

168 HOURS: YOU HAVE MORE TIME THAN YOU THINK
Author: Laura Vanderkam

DO THE WORK
Author: Steven Pressfield

BUILT TO SELL
Author: John Warrillow

REWORK: CHANGE THE WAY YOU WORK FOREVER
Authors: Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson

TRACTION
Author: Gino Wickman

THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY
Author: Ryan Holiday