Over the past 30 years in the bookkeeping business, we find that a lot of people who decide to turn a hobby into a business, or just simply decide to become their own boss, sometimes start out using their personal banking and credit cards accounts.

If you really enjoy pouring over your bank and credit card statements every month and can easily track what was what, you should probably become a bookkeeper! If you would rather focus on your core business, get a separate bank account and credit card. They don’t have to be business accounts, just separate from personal use.

If you do not want to open another credit card account, get yourself colored highlighters. When the statements comes and you are matching transactions to receipts, highlight business transactions in one color and personal in a different color. Add up all business transactions and pay via your business bank account. Even if you are still writing checks, just send a check from each bank account.