image for site

Stop Doing Your Own Bookkeeping

Published on May 2, 2025
Cover image of post "Stop Doing Your Own Bookkeeping—Here’s Why"

You might think you’re saving money by doing your own books.

But if your idea of bookkeeping is:

  • Logging into five accounts once a month

  • Praying your bank balances match your spreadsheet

  • Or ignoring it all until tax season...

It’s time to stop.

This post isn’t for the side hustler with five transactions a month. It’s for the business owners making money and wearing too many hats—and who might be unknowingly making expensive mistakes.


Here’s the Truth: DIY Bookkeeping Can Cost You

“I’ve noticed already that I’m catching mistakes I’ve made—unaccounted for revenue, uncategorized expenses, no clue if I’m profitable.”
— Real quote fromthis Reddit thread

If any of these sound familiar, you’re likely losing timeandmoney:

  • You haven’t reconciled your accounts in months

  • You’re miscategorizing expenses and missing deductions

  • You don’t actually know your net profit

  • You’re working weekends just to catch up on admin

How outsourcing bookkeeping saves time compared to doing it yourself


Why Founders Try to DIY (Even When They Shouldn’t)

Let’s be honest—it feels cheaper. But in reality:

  • Your hourly value is way more than what you’d pay a bookkeeper

  • Sloppy books = higher CPA bills + tax penalties

  • You’re making decisions off bad numbers (or none at all)

“We’ve seen founders spend 10–15 hours/month doing their books instead of hiring a vetted bookkeeper for $600–$1,500. It’s one of the first things that should be offloaded.”
— Kimi, Co-founder ofSam’s List


What You Think You're Saving vs. What You're Risking

DIY "Savings"Actual Risks
$300-$600/month not spent on a pro$5K+ tax errors from miscategorized items
Learning the business by doing booksWasted time doing non-revenue tasks
Full control of your dataIncomplete or inaccurate financial reports

When to Let Go

Here’s when to stop DIYing your books:

  • You’ve passed $250K in annual revenue

  • You manage team payroll or contractors

  • You feelanxiousopening QuickBooks

  • Your CPA charges extra just to “clean up” your books

  • You’re prepping for taxes and don’t trust your own numbers

Hiring someone doesn’t mean losing control—it means you’ll actuallyknowwhat’s going on.

Comparison chart showing the difference between DIY bookkeeping savings and the actual risks of doing it yourself


Who Should You Hire?

You don’t need a full-time CFO.

You need someone who:

  • Understands your industry

  • Can sync with your systems

  • Responds to emails

  • Sends monthly reports (not surprises)

Sam’s Listlets you find vetted bookkeepers by specialty—whether you’re in real estate, eCom, or services.


FAQ

Why shouldn't I do my own bookkeeping?

It takes time, opens you up to errors, and prevents you from making informed decisions. Founders should focus on running the business, not managing every expense line.

How do I know it’s time to stop?

If you’re overwhelmed, growing, or feel unsure about your numbers—bring in a pro.

What happens if I keep doing it myself?

You could miss deductions, misreport income, or delay tax prep—costing more than a bookkeeper would.


You Might Also Like:

1.When Should You Hire a Bookkeeper?

2.DIY vs Outsourced Bookkeeping

3.How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost?


Author: Kimi, Co-founder of Sam's List

Kimi writes about what she's learning while building Sam's List and shares honest takeaways from her conversations with accountants and financial advisors across the country. None of this is financial advice—just the stuff most people wish someone told them sooner.


Comments & Questions

Sign up or log in to comment

Browse Related Articles

Cover image for post "How to Do Bookkeeping for Real Estate: A Comprehensive Guide"
Simplify your real estate bookkeeping with our step-by-step approach. Ensure accurate tax records and financial clarity for your real estate...
Cover image for post "The 6 Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses: Top Picks for 2025"
Simplify financial management for your small business with the best accounting software. Find tools that offer invoicing, payroll, and...
Cover image for post "QSBS Tax Exemption: What Founders & Investors Need to Know in 2025"
Discover how the QSBS tax exemption can eliminate up to 100% of capital gains tax. Learn how to qualify and why it matters for founders...
Cover image for post "What is Outsourced Accounting? Benefits & Why Your Business Needs It"
Discover the benefits of outsourced accounting for businesses earning $250K+ annually. Get expert help with Sam’s List.
Sam’s List is a directory for exploring accountants, bookkeepers, fractional CFOs, financial advisors, and wealth managers. We do not provide financial, investment, tax, or legal advice, nor do we recommend or endorse any specific professional. Some professionals participate in paid programs for additional visibility or leads. Users should independently verify any professional before engaging their services. Learn more in ourTerms of Service.
Sam’s List logo
About Us
Accountants
Advisors
Fractional CFOs
Connect with an Expert