Its Not All Numbers
Hello to all, hoping you're well and not succumbed to the latest flu or covid round.
With the clocks now returned to good 'ole Greenwich Meantime, and the autumn weather feeling about 10 degrees cooler, who else has unpacked the thick socks, fleecy jumpers and covered the sofa with blankets and throws! ... tell me it's not just me!!
Before October disappears in a cloud of pumpkin dust, a little reminder from me to you ...
Do you back-up your computer files? I will admit that up until now I've relied on the fact that I use cloud drives for storing my working files .. BUT .. at the start of the month, I had an untimely reminder that I should really make sure I have a back-up of these (and I'm not referring to the chaos caused by the AWS outage last week!).
The issue ... my laptop went into failure state ... and after a little research and a chat with my friendly IT guru/buddy - established that the main drive that allows it work as it should, had developed a fault that would highly likely end in complete failure - without warning!
And then began a frantic hour or two of making sure every file was in the cloud drive and then making a copy of everything on an external hard drive. Followed by a search for a new laptop and an anxious wait for delivery and fianally a week of setting it up - and you really don't realise until you have to start again, how many little shortcuts and bookmarks you use to make life and work that little bit simpler.
So, please if you take nothing else from this email - make sure you have a backup of all your work.
The numbers bit..
How's your bookkeeping habit ... is it on your habit tracker? Why not .. just 15* minutes a day can keep you on track and in the groove so you can clearly see the story your numbers are telling you and be confident in your (financial) decision making for both you and your business ... your dreams are waiting for you 😉
And speaking of regular bookkeeping, as a solo service provider / freelancer / small business owner you have the spectre of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax looming large (April 2026 for those earning over £50,000 in 2024/25) - and this will need you to submit interim returns quarterly. So that bookkeeping habit you start now will make even more sense .. Honest!
For those still getting stuck at the 'choosing the accounting software' stage, I've done a little research for you I'll link to the blog below. These are my thoughts on what software I believe will give the best support for you, but the one thing to remember when making your choice, is: It is YOUR choice so make sure you're happy that it feels right for YOU don't be swayed by TV adverts or anyone pushing you to sign up. If you're not comfortable using something you won't use it.
And if you need more than a blog to help you work out your finally choice, hit reply and book a 'Power Hour or Power Half Hour' and we can talk it through.
My 3 things ...
♻️Sustainability
As mentioned the new laptop was a necessary spend and the one I choose was an upgrade and newer model. But while new to me it was a refurbished item from Laptop Outlet.
But you'd never know it looks brand new no scratches or visible marks.
Looking for new tech, give them a view:
Laptop Outlet: Buy Laptops, Tablets, PCs, Monitors & Mobiles
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📖 Reading
Well! my TBR pile isn't getting smaller .. in fact the opposite but with the night's drawing in here's to adding 'reading a chapter a day' to the habit tracker!
I'm going to start with 'The Bucket, The Tent and Me' by Emma Kennedy, as just the title reminds me of childhood holidays!!
Watch this space.
The Tent, the Bucket and Me a book by Emma Kennedy - Bookshop.org UK
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🥾 Walking
With the leaves falling, time to get out and kick through them before they turn soggy and mushy!!
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Until next time, Jane
Thanks reading would love to hear your thoughts on any of the above or if you have any questions about your numbers, drop me an email.
''Helping you look after your numbers, so you can look after your business''
Crack the code, know your numbers & find the FUN in your FUNDS
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(or, if you prefer, Finance and Money Mentor) for female freelancers, small business owners and self-employed folks like you. I know you want to get your business working for you. You’re after the freedom to travel, to work fewer hours, maybe even to retire early.
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