#020: Stop DIY Bookkeeping with Kirk Johnson (Kirk Says It’s Dry as Dust, But You NEED This)

If your books are a mess, your business is bleeding money and you might not even know it yet. We joke that this topic is “dry as dust” but in reality it’s like water to your store’s thirsty soil - If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by bookkeeping or tempted to ignore your numbers, this episode is for you!

Cathy sits down with Kirk Johnson, RETAILMavens’ Profit First Maven, to discuss why your store’s money management systems are the hidden engine behind your success. They dig into the high cost of messy books, the dangers of DIY accounting, and how cleaning up your business finances can transform not just your store but your life. This episode is all about clearing the fog and giving you practical steps to protect your profit margin and your peace of mind.

What You’ll Learn:

• The impact of messy financial management on your profit margin and stress levels
• How clean books empower better decision-making in your small business
• Why outsourced bookkeeping can actually make you more money
• How to read a balance sheet and make sense of your cash flow

Key Takeaways:

• [05:17] Real-life stories of retailers who transformed their businesses by getting their numbers in order.
• [12:33] Why accidental clearance sales (pricing errors) can destroy your profit and loss margins.
• [16:59] The dangers of DIY bookkeeping and why hiring an expert is crucial.

Resources Mentioned:

• Did we convince you not to DIY your bookkeeping? Learn more about RETAILMavens monthly bookkeeping services here!
• Check out Captain Kirk's QuickBooks Corner for expert bookkeeping tips and insights every month inside our Richer Retailer community on Facebook: Retail Mavens Facebook Group.
• Learn how to scale your retail business with our free training: 3 Steps to Maximize Profit & Reduce Overwhelm.
• Already know you’d like to partner with RETAILMavens? Apply for a game plan call here.

Your Millie Moment:

• Schedule 15 minutes to review your balance sheet and profit and loss statement
• Ask yourself if DIY bookkeeping is really the best use of your time
• Consider how your financial health affects your freedom, stress, and ability to grow

Have questions? Reach out via email!

Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!

Connect with ambitious store owners in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.

Bottom line? Numbers aren’t just numbers, they’re your future. Understanding your books is the first step to protecting your profit margin, strengthening your cash flow, and finally feeling in control of your small business again.