PLS Balance My Books: BLOG

Running a spa or salon isn’t just about creating the perfect blowout, rejuvenating facials, or Instagram-worthy nail art. Behind the scenes, there’s a whole world of numbers, receipts, and reports that—let’s be honest—aren’t nearly as glamorous. But they are just as important. At PLS Balance My Books , we specialize in bringing financial clarity to small businesses—and yes, that includes the beauty world. Whether you're a solo esthetician, a boutique nail studio, or a bustling full-service spa, clean books can make or break your business. Here’s why professional bookkeeping is a must-have service in your industry. The Beauty Industry’s Hidden Complexity You’re juggling walk-ins, appointments, inventory, commissions, booth rentals, product sales, and maybe even tips. That's a lot of moving parts. And each one touches your books in a different way. For example: Product sales vs. service income must be tracked separately for accurate reporting and tax purposes. Commissi...

There’s a lightbulb 💡 moment every savvy business owner hits eventually — the day they realize their books might be “technically correct” but functionally useless . Today, let’s talk about that moment. Specifically, the realization that while your CPA is great at preparing your tax return, they might not be the right person to manage your day-to-day financials. Here's why having a professional bookkeeper (and not just your CPA) in your corner is essential to actually running your business. The Tax Return Trap Let’s start with what a CPA does best: taxes. Certified Public Accountants are focused on making sure your business complies with tax law and pays no more than it legally has to. That’s their job — and they’re excellent at it. But their focus is narrow by design. CPAs often view your financial data through the lens of the IRS, not your operations. So when a CPA codes your transactions, it’s with one goal in mind: to plug them into the right lines of a tax return. Here’s the t...

  Running a small business is kind of like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle — on a tightrope — during a windstorm. With that kind of chaos, it’s understandable that bookkeeping might fall to the bottom of your to-do list. Maybe you’re using a spreadsheet “for now,” or maybe you’re letting your bank balance be your profit indicator (yikes). We get it. You’ve got products to ship, clients to chase, and fires to put out. But here’s the blunt truth: Winging it with your books is a fast-track to financial headaches, IRS letters, and missed growth opportunities. Let’s talk about why. 1. Guessing Isn’t a Strategy If your version of financial reporting is checking your bank app and saying, “Looks like we’re good,” you’re flying blind. Without up-to-date and accurate records, you can’t: See what’s actually making you money Track overdue invoices Budget effectively Identify sneaky cash leaks It’s like driving a car with no dashboard. You might get wher...

When you're running a business—especially a small one—it's natural to keep a close eye on every dollar spent. Bookkeeping often seems like a simple, behind-the-scenes task, so it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option available. But when it comes to your finances, cutting corners can cost you much more in the long run. What Are Realistic Bookkeeping Fees? Bookkeeping fees vary depending on the size and complexity of your business, your location, and whether you're hiring a freelancer, an in-house bookkeeper, or an outsourced firm. That said, here are some typical price ranges: Freelance or Contract Bookkeeper: $30–$70 per hour Bookkeeping Firm: $300–$2,000+ per month, depending on services and volume In-House Bookkeeper: $40,000–$60,000+ per year, plus benefits For a small business with moderate activity, you can expect to pay $400–$1000 per month for competent, outsourced bookkeeping. If your business is more complex—multiple revenue streams, inventory, emp...