Frequently Asked Questions

Do you charge by the hour?

No. We only work on flat monthly rates, so you always know what to expect and there are no surprise invoices. See what clients like you typically invest on our Pricing page.

What tax support is included?

It depends on your tier, and we never prepare or file annual tax returns.

• Every tier: clean, organized books your CPA can rely on at year-end.
• Partnership and Growth: guidance on quarterly tax estimates and how much to set aside, so payments don't catch you off guard. For interior designers, sales tax filing and payments are available too.
• Not included: preparing or filing annual tax returns, federal or state. That's your CPA's role, and we work alongside them.

Do you file sales tax for interior designers?

Yes. In our Partnership and Growth tiers, we can file and pay your sales tax and make sure you understand the math behind it. It's not required, though. Some designers prefer to keep it on their own plate because it's quick and keeps them close to their numbers, and that works too.

Do you run payroll?

No, we don't run or set up payroll. We do ask for access to your payroll software, or regular payroll reports, so every payroll entry is recorded correctly and in the right detail in your books.

Do you only work with businesses in Nashville?

No. We're based in Nashville, Tennessee, and work remotely with businesses across the U.S.

Who will I work with?

You'll work with our small, close-knit team. Every client starts with a kickoff call, no matter the tier, so we're set up right from the beginning. After that, some calls include Joy and others are with a team member who knows your business well. We've worked together for a long time, and because we're a team, your books never depend on one person's schedule. And since we're not a large firm, you get consistent, personal attention instead of being one of thousands of clients.

How do we communicate and share documents?

Through one shared team inbox and our secure client portal. You never have to wonder who to email or who to CC: everything goes to one shared inbox the whole team can see, so your message never sits waiting on one person. Monthly reports are delivered in the portal, and when a question about a specific transaction comes up, we ask it there, so you can answer in a few taps from the mobile app. Clients consistently tell us how quick and easy it makes things.

How do you keep my financial information secure?

We never send financial reports or sensitive documents as email attachments. Email wasn't built for that: attachments can be forwarded, sit in inboxes indefinitely, or end up with the wrong person. Instead, everything is shared through our secure client portal. Everyone on our team signs a confidentiality agreement, and when we connect to your bank or credit card accounts, we use our own login, never yours, which is considered best practice.

Do you need access to my bank and credit card accounts?

We prefer it, but it's not required. With our own login, we can pull your statements directly, so you're not asked for them every month. If sharing access isn't possible for any reason, we'll find another way that works.

Do you use AI in your work?

Yes, carefully and with intention. We only use secure tools, and we use AI to support our team, never to replace the people you work with. For example, an AI notetaking tool records and summarizes our calls, so nothing gets missed and the whole team stays up to date on your business without anyone scribbling notes. Taking busywork off our plates leaves more room for our real human superpowers: creativity and empathy. We also love talking with clients about how AI fits into their own businesses, because we believe it's quickly becoming part of what makes a company valuable.

Do I need to read Profit First or already use it?

No. We walk you through the method and customize it for your business, including the right allocation percentages for you. The book is a great read for the stories and the "why" behind the method, so we're always happy to recommend it, but it's not required. You also don't have to follow it exactly by the book; our advisory ties back to Profit First because it's simple and effective, but the plan is built around you. Profit First guidance is part of our Partnership and Growth tiers.

Do I need to be profitable or debt-free to use Profit First?

Not at all. Profit First is how you get profitable, not a requirement to start. Most business owners begin it when profit feels out of reach, and it's one of the most effective ways we know to pay down debt. We used it ourselves to pay off $32,000 in under nine months.

Can I keep my current bookkeeper and work with you on advisory only?

Sometimes, yes. Most clients have us handle their bookkeeping too, because it keeps their reports consistent and on schedule. But if your current bookkeeper delivers accurate, regular reports and you're looking for a more strategic partnership, we can work alongside them on the advisory side. We'll talk through your setup on an intro call.

What accounting software do you work in?

Mostly QuickBooks Online, but we also work with clients on Xero, FreshBooks, and Wave. We don't require you to switch, especially if your system has worked well for years. If we see a better option, we'll recommend it. For example, when a QuickBooks file is months or years behind, starting fresh can be faster and more cost-effective than catching up the old one. It depends on your situation, and we'll talk it through with you.

Do I have to use QuickBooks for invoicing?

No. Use whatever invoicing tool fits how you work and how your clients pay you. Sometimes a platform built for your industry is the better choice, and we're happy to recommend options.

Will you check my integrations?

Yes. Plenty of apps say they integrate with QuickBooks, and technically they do, but an integration that isn't set up and mapped correctly can create more cleanup than it saves. We'll review the integrations you have, make sure they're set up correctly, and recommend whether each one should stay connected. If you're considering a new one, we're happy to help you test it.