Pacheco Business Services

Shoeboxes & Online Accounting

Paula Pacheco — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:39:20 +0000

Do you do work for others on a one-off basis? FreeAgent is an online money management and accounting tool intended for small, service businesses of 1-3 employees. This will include most kinds of freelancers, contractors and consultants. Whether you are just getting started, or are already in business as a sole proprieter or limited company, FreeAgent can save you time.

A shoebox just won’t do over the longterm.

Could FreeAgent help you keep track? If you’re keeping your bills and invoices in a shoebox, a tool like this could be of great help if you’re a contract worker, or a tool like Mint.com, for your personal financials. Be sure to check with a qualified bookkeeper to make sure your financials are receiving the attention they need, whether you use a program like this or want to go a more traditional route. Regardless, it’s imperative to keep track of everything as you go through your year. Even if it comes to using a shoebox, better that, than nothing at all.

- Paula, Your Guide to Internet Bookkeeping

Expense Tracking and Reporting

Paula Pacheco — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:46:45 +0000

Did you ever wish you could jot down a quick note on costs of a business lunch, but have no paper…and forget to jot down the details when you get back to the office? You’re left several days later with a conglomerate receipt wich you divided into three…or was it four? You can’t remember and figuring these things out time after time can be a hassle!

I’ve found a new tool to help you though, and you can use it from your cellphone, computer, via Twitter, instant message, etc! Xpenser helps you record expenses as soon as they happen and forget about them. you can record expenses via whatever means are available to you quickly and painlessly. Send them in via Email, SMS, IM, or voice (call a number and say your expense). Use the Web interface to edit and finalize them, and be done with them. No more forgetting your cash expenses, no more half-day expense entry sessions!

- Paula, Your Guide to Internet Bookkeeping

Invoicing for Online Professionals

Paula Pacheco — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:28:53 +0000

I just discovered another really cool tool! Ronin is a flexible application designed for creative professionals looking for an easy, affordable, web-based way of managing clients and invoices. As a Ronin customer, you are guaranteed free upgrades with your subscription – there are no fees or update costs.

Here’s a few things you can do with Ronin:

Send invoices and track payments

Create invoices from scratch or generate them from projects. Easily send invoices through email to your client contacts.
Send estimates and get approval

Send estimates and receive immediate approval over email. Resolve declined estimates with comments and history.
Manage clients and time

Track hours worked in separate projects. Bill by the hour or by the project. Client contacts can log in and access past projects and invoices.
Get paid quicker

Remove the hassle of chasing down payments. PayPal integration lets you accept payments through the web.
Provide Log-ins for your clients

You can invite client contacts to log in and access their projects, invoices, estimates and archives.

Could this tool provide value for your business? Potentially, but you’ll want to check with your bookkeeper to make sure all the potential categories pertinent to your business are mapped out in the tool, and with regard to both state and federal taxation rules.

Remember, that when you use an online tool, your accounts must also be reconciled in your paper ledgers, or in computer financial management tools such as QuickBooks. Your bookkeeper or accountant will best be able to advise you on these matters.

- Paula, your Guide to Internet Bookkeeping

Personal Finance Tool: Mint.com

Paula Pacheco — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:38:45 +0000

Do you know how much money you have? What your income, outgo and debt really look like? Hiring a personal bookkeeper for your family or your business is one good way to keep track of these and other financial metics. But in addition to a bookkeeper’s help, it’s important to empower yourself on a DAILY basis to keep up-to-the-minute track of your finances. Luckily, with the advent of secure Web 2.0 applications, you can access a free tool to do all this online: http://www.mint.com. Use Mint to help you manage your personal finances. Try it, it’s easy and it works!

And when it’s time to meet with your bookkeeper, you’ll be that much more ahead.

- Paula, your Guide to Internet Bookkeeping

PS: Here’s what the Mint.com website has to say about why you might want to use their service:

Credit cards are convenient, but if you regularly carry a balance you could end up paying more in interest than you did for the thing you bought. Credit card debt can pile up quickly. Here’s how credit management from Mint can help you dig out.

Get a lower interest rate.

Add your credit cards to Mint’s personal finance software and we’ll instantly show you your APR and what you’ve been paying in interest and fees. Then we’ll analyze your spending and payment history to see if you’d save money with a new credit card— some offering 0% APR. Use our information to either get a card better tailored to your lifestyle, or negotiate a lower rate with your current company.

See where you’re spending.

With your credit and debit cards connected to Mint, we’ll automatically download and categorize your transactions for you every night. Check out your spending trends to see where you can improve.

Decide where to cut back…

Set realistic goals for the categories you’ve decided to cut back on. If you spent $200 dining out last month, try a budget of $150. Mint will send you a gentle reminder via email or text message if you spend over your personal budget.

…and reduce your debt faster.

Apply your savings to the payment on your highest interest credit card. Now you’re putting a dent in your debt. And Mint’s personal budget software will show you how your financial health improves when you do.

Welcome To Freedom From Bookkeeping Worry!

Paula Pacheco — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:46:09 +0000

Hi, my name is Paula Pacheco, and I am an Internet Bookkeeper living in the Silicon Valley, California.

I help both small and mid-level businesses manage their Internet and on site sales. I also teach existing company Bookkeepers how to maximize their time and effort using cutting edge internet based technology.

First, let me tell you that I intend this website, for your education & use, whether or not we everconnect in person. Please click on the links that you’ll find here to learn more about how to manage your money, sanity & time.

Now a little about me. Prior to starting my own consulting business, I worked in the corporate sector . My professional managerial background included High Tech start-ups, the Entertainment Industry, and Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, Bank America, & the Pacific Stock Exchange.

I am currently the Director of the Olympiad of the Arts for the West Valley/Mission College Community District in Saratoga, CA. The not for profit Olympiad of the Arts is a competition for creative & performing arts for all high school & lower division college students in Santa Clara County.

How may I help you? You don’t have to live in California. Just call me for a complimentary consultation at 408-966-5811. Or please email me at:408-966-5811.

Pacheco Business Services

Shoeboxes & Online Accounting

A shoebox just won’t do over the longterm.

Expense Tracking and Reporting

Invoicing for Online Professionals

Send invoices and track payments

Send estimates and get approval

Manage clients and time