Separate personal and business finances

Mixing personal and business money is the #1 reason small-business books become a nightmare. Keeping them separate isn't bureaucracy — it's what lets you see if you're actually making money and protects you at tax time.

Do this

1. Run all business income into the business account, and all business expenses out of it.
2. Pay yourself by transferring money to your personal account — don't buy groceries on the business card.
3. When you accidentally mix one up, record it right away so the books stay honest.
4. Review the business account weekly for any personal charges that slipped in.

Keep It Separate Checklist

• Business income → business account only
• Business expenses → business card/account only
• Pay yourself with a transfer, not direct purchases
• Log any accidental mix the same day
• Set a weekly 5-minute review to catch slip-ups