The AEM Blog

Top-shelf insights and resources from our small business to yours—on the house!

Many business owners assume that if revenue looks strong, the business must be doing well. But revenue and financial health are not the same thing. A business can be profitable on paper and still struggle with cash flow. Understanding how to evaluate your cash flow gives you a clearer picture of your business’s stability and […]

Uncategorized

March 17, 2026

Cash Flow Check: How to Know If Your Business Is Financially Healthy

Every year, millions of people turn to DIY tax software expecting a quick, affordable way to file their taxes. The advertisements make it seem simple. Answer a few questions, click submit, and your taxes are done. For some very straightforward situations, that may be true. But for many individuals and business owners, relying entirely on […]

Resources, Tax

March 10, 2026

When DIY Tax Software Goes Wrong: Common Tax Filing Mistakes Individuals and Business Owners Make

Not sure if you should be paying quarterly estimated taxes? Learn who needs to pay, how estimates work, and how to avoid tax surprises. Should You Be Paying Quarterly Estimated Taxes? One of the most common surprises business owners face is receiving a large tax bill at the end of the year. Often, the issue […]

Small Business, Tax

March 2, 2026

Should You Be Paying Quarterly Estimated Taxes?

For many business owners, bookkeeping becomes urgent in March. That’s when the emails start. The scrambling begins. Receipts are hunted down. Reports are printed for the first time in months. But tax season should not be the only time your financials are organized. When your books are tax-ready all year long, everything changes. Tax Season […]

Accounting, Quickbooks, Small Business, Tax

February 23, 2026

Why Your Books Need to Be Tax-Ready All Year (Not Just in April)

You don’t need to memorize every line of your financial reports. But there are a few key numbers every business owner should know without having to dig through spreadsheets or wait for tax season. These numbers give you clarity. And clarity creates confidence. Here are the five financial numbers that matter most. 1. Monthly Revenue […]

Accounting, Non-Profits, Quickbooks

February 16, 2026

The 5 Numbers Every Business Owner Should Know by Heart

Many business owners look at their numbers once a year, usually at tax time. By then, it’s too late to fix small issues that quietly grew into bigger problems. Monthly financial reviews are not about micromanaging every dollar. They are about staying informed enough to make confident decisions and avoid unnecessary surprises. Here are the […]

Accounting, Non-Profits, Quickbooks, Resources, Small Business

February 9, 2026

Financial Reports Every Business Owner Should Review Monthly

Getting Ready for Tax Season: What Your Accountant Needs From You Tax season feels stressful for many business owners, but most of that stress comes from feeling unprepared. The good news is that preparing for taxes does not have to be overwhelming. When your information is organized and your books are accurate, tax season becomes […]

Accounting, Quickbooks, Small Business, Tax

February 3, 2026

Tax Prep Checklist for Small Business Owners

Most business owners look at their numbers when something feels wrong. Cash is tight. Expenses look high. Tax season is approaching. But profitable, stable businesses do something different. They look at their numbers consistently, not reactively. Monthly financial check-ins are one of the simplest habits that separate stressed business owners from confident ones. Why Waiting […]

Accounting, Non-Profits, Quickbooks, Small Business

January 26, 2026

Monthly Financial Check-Ins: The Habit That Keeps Businesses Profitable

Most business owners only look at their Profit & Loss statement when their accountant asks for it at tax time. That is a missed opportunity. Your P&L is not just a tax report. It is one of the most powerful tools you have for understanding how your business is actually performing and where your money […]

Accounting, Client Case Studies, Non-Profits, Quickbooks, Resources, Small Business

January 19, 2026

What Your Profit & Loss Statement Is Really Telling You

Why 1099s Cause Confusion Every January Every January, business owners start asking the same questions.Do I need to send a 1099? Who actually needs one? What happens if I mess this up? 1099 requirements feel confusing because the rules are specific, the deadlines are firm, and the penalties can add up quickly. Add in contractors, […]

Accounting, Non-Profits, Resources, Small Business, Tax

January 12, 2026

1099s Explained: Who Needs One, Who Doesn’t, and Common Mistakes

1099's bookkeeping tax accounting quickbooks