One of the ways I continue to serve my clients is by staying up to date with the latest changes in QuickBooks Online. Every year, QuickBooks ProAdvisors complete a recertification exam to maintain their certification and learn about the newest tools and features. I'm excited to share that I've officially completed my 2026 QuickBooks Online Recertification! This year's training covered some exciting updates, including: ✅ New AI-powered features to help automate bookkeeping tasks and improve productivity ✅ Enhanced Sales and Customer tools for managing client relationships ✅ Better Expense and Vendor workflows to simplify day-to-day bookkeeping ✅ Banking and Accounting updates for improved accuracy and efficiency ✅ A preview of the new Intuit Accountant Suite, which will eventually replace QuickBooks Online Accountant with even more practice management tools ✅ Workflow improvements throughout QuickBooks Online to make navigation and daily tasks faster and easier One thing that really stood out to me is how QuickBooks is evolving beyond accounting. It's becoming a platform that helps businesses manage not only their finances, but also customer relationships, projects, and workflows—all in one place. If you're only using QuickBooks to categorize transactions, you're probably missing out on some powerful features. You can view my updated certification here: https://www.credly.com/badges/f115fdc6-a800-48bc-81c8-890003483b64/public_url I'm looking forward to bringing these new insights to my clients and the DBR Bookkeeping community. Let's start Doing Business Right! Dr. Bryan Raya

Let's be honest. Many business owners would rather do almost anything than bookkeeping. They'll spend hours on marketing, networking, sales, content creation, or product development... But ask them to review their financial reports and suddenly it's time to reorganize the garage. 😄 Why? Some common reasons: • It feels overwhelming • The terminology is confusing • They're afraid of making mistakes • It doesn't feel exciting • They don't see the immediate payoff But I've noticed something interesting. Many times, we don't actually hate bookkeeping. We hate what we don't understand. As entrepreneurs, we all have strengths and weaknesses. Some people love sales. Some love operations. Some love creativity. Some love spreadsheets. And sometimes the things we avoid the most are the very areas where we need to grow. That doesn't mean you need to become a professional bookkeeper. But understanding your finances can lead to better decisions, less stress, and more confidence as a business owner. The businesses that thrive aren't always run by people who love bookkeeping. They're often run by people who recognize its importance and either learn it or build systems and support around it. 👇 What's your honest feeling about bookkeeping? Love it? Hate it? Tolerate it? Or are you somewhere in between? DBR

When entrepreneurs think about growing their business, they usually focus on increasing revenue. But profitability isn't just about making more money. It's also about understanding where your money is going. Over the years, I've found that many service-based business owners overlook or underestimate some important expenses: 📌 Software and subscriptions (CRM systems, scheduling software, QuickBooks, Canva, AI tools, email marketing, project management platforms, etc.) 📌 Marketing and lead generation (Advertising, networking memberships, website expenses, sponsorships, printing, and promotional materials.) 📌 Professional services (Bookkeeping, tax preparation, legal services, consultants, coaches, and virtual assistants.) 📌 Continuing education (Courses, certifications, conferences, masterminds, books, and training programs.) 📌 Vehicle and travel expenses (Mileage, fuel, maintenance, lodging, meals, and client visits.) 📌 Equipment and technology (Computers, monitors, phones, cameras, microphones, and office equipment.) 📌 Payment processing fees (Credit card fees, Stripe, PayPal, and other transaction costs.) The challenge is that many of these expenses don't seem significant on their own. But when you add them together over a year, they can have a major impact on your profits. That's why understanding your numbers is so important. Not to obsess over every dollar—but to make informed decisions about pricing, spending, and growth. To help, I've included a basic Expense Cheat Sheet that covers many of the common expense categories service-based businesses should be tracking. 👉 What's one business expense that caught you by surprise when you first became an entrepreneur? If you'd like to learn more about bookkeeping, financial clarity, profitability, and building better business systems, check out the DBR Bookkeeping Community. Let's start Doing Business Right! DBR p.s. Need just a mini course? Check out the classroom and the #DBR Financial Starter Toolkit Summary

A lot of people ask me why I chose bookkeeping. Honestly? I think it's a fantastic business model. Why? ✅ It solves a clear problem for business owners ✅ It's recurring revenue (clients typically need monthly support) ✅ It has relatively low overhead ✅ It's scalable with systems and technology ✅ It's needed year-round, not just seasonally And perhaps most importantly... It helps business owners better understand their finances and make better decisions. Now, like any business, it has its challenges. No business is perfect. But for me, bookkeeping was a great way to get my foot in the door in entrepreneurship while developing a valuable skill: financial management. The more I learned about business finances, the more I was able to help both my clients and myself. What business models do you think are great for new entrepreneurs? What would you recommend to someone starting their first business? Let's keep Doing Business Right! DBR