Stop Avoiding Your Numbers (They’re Costing You More Than You Think)

Watch the Episode on YouTube

What if the reason your business feels stressful isn’t more work, it’s how you’re handling your money?

In this episode, Megan Schwan pulls back the curtain on the financial mistakes almost every solopreneur makes (especially early on) and how to fix them without becoming a numbers nerd.

We’re talking pricing mistakes, scope creep, avoiding your books, fearing taxes, and why most solopreneurs are unknowingly treating themselves like underpaid employees. Megan breaks down bookkeeping systems, tax strategies, and the Profit First method in a way that actually makes sense, and helps you step fully into the CEO role.

If you’ve ever said, “I’ll look at my numbers next month,” this episode is for you.

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Connect with Megan Schwan

• Visit Sidekick Accounting Services

• Connect with Megan on Facebook

• Connect with Megan on Instagram
• Connect with Megan on LinkedIn

Favorite Quote About Success:

"If you don't know your numbers, you don't know your business." - Marcus Lemonis

Episode FAQs

What bookkeeping systems do solopreneurs really need to stay organized?

You don’t need complicated spreadsheets or expensive tools, but you do need structure. Megan recommends:

• A real accounting software (like Wave, QuickBooks Online, Zoho Books, or Xero)

• A mileage and receipt tracking system to capture deductions

• A cash flow management system like Profit First to prioritize paying yourself, saving for taxes, and stabilizing cash flow

These systems help you treat your business like a business, not a side project.

What’s the first step if finances feel overwhelming or intimidating?

Start doing your bookkeeping consistently. Megan emphasizes scheduling regular time to work on your business, not just in it. Reviewing your reports and understanding where your money is going builds confidence, clarity, and better decision-making. Avoiding the numbers only makes problems bigger later.

How can solopreneurs become more recession-proof?

Two big moves:

• Create a budget so you have a plan for your money and can ask smarter questions when numbers don’t match expectations.

• Save for taxes proactively (about 8–15% of sales) so tax bills don’t derail your cash flow or peace of mind.

Megan also explains how Profit First helps solopreneurs build “real profit” and spot issues before they become emergencies.

Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. 

So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, click here to check out LifeStarr Intro!  

About Megan Schwan

Megan Schwan is the CEO and Founder of Sidekick Accounting Services. As a single Mom to 4 beautiful children she understands the necessity and benefit of running a profitable and successful company. Most businesses provide for families both the owners and the employees. Her mission and passion is changing the statistic that 8 out 10 small businesses fail and empowering other "regular" people to create the business of their dreams.

Megan is also a speaker, coach and published author. She pours into the small business communities providing education and support to starting and growing businesses. As your Accounting & Tax Sidekick she and her team are here to help you understand, use and grow!

When she is not working to change the world of small business she enjoys exploring new places and experiences with her kids!