Am I Doing This Right? Bookkeeping For Photographers Q&A With Riverstone Bookkeeping 🇺🇸

If money, taxes, or bookkeeping have ever made you feel overwhelmed (or like you’re behind), this episode is for you. Today on Almost Monday, I’m sitting down with Abby from Riverstone Bookkeeping, a US-based bookkeeper who works primarily with creatives. I pulled questions directly from you—real “am I doing this right?” questions photographers and creative business owners are genuinely confused about—and Abby breaks everything down in a way that actually makes sense. We cover the foundations that apply no matter where you live (and yes, Abby is US-based—Canadian-specific details can differ, but the principles still hit). In this episode, we talk about: The best way to track your business finances (and when a spreadsheet is smarter than software) QuickBooks vs Xero—and why DIY bookkeeping can get expensive if it’s set up wrong The real difference between LLC vs sole proprietor (and why it’s not actually either/or) Cash vs accrual accounting explained with a photographer example Whether you should pay taxes quarterly vs annually (and what happens if you don’t) A simple rule of thumb for how much to set aside for taxes (based on profit) When you’re ready for yearly vs quarterly vs monthly bookkeeping Whether you need to print bank statements and receipts (spoiler: no) How long you should keep receipts (and how to store them without losing your mind) Writing off food as props, and what documentation matters Why you can’t usually write off clothing (and what DOES count) Claiming a vehicle: mileage vs expenses, car washes, and what’s actually worth it Photography gear: writing it off now vs depreciating over time (and why it depends) The write-offs photographers often forget: mileage, parking/tolls, and home office 1099s: when you need them, when you don’t, and why Venmo can be a headache A simple way to start retirement contributions as a business owner (even at 2%) Abby also shares what she offers—from monthly bookkeeping to catch-up bookkeeping and one-off consultations if you just want to pick her brain and get clarity without committing to a long-term service. If this episode lifted even a little bit of stress off your shoulders, send it to a friend who needs it—and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the Canadian bookkeeper episode coming next. Happy Almost Monday! Connect with Abby / Riverstone Bookkeeping: Website: https://riverstonebookkeeping.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverstonebookkeeping