Hello, Unbreakable Mompreneurs! If bookkeeping is the last thing you want to do—until tax time shows up and panic sets in—this episode is your fresh start. I’m joined by Debbie DeKnight (RightWay Profits), a 30+ year accounting pro who supports small businesses with fractional CFO, Profit First® coaching, and done-for-you bookkeeping. Debbie keeps it real about why finances—not just sales—determine the health, freedom, and future of your business.
Why sales ≠ success: If your expenses scale with revenue, you’ll stay on the hamster wheel.
The weekly habit that changes everything: Look at your numbers weekly (not “when you get a minute”).
Software is not optional: QuickBooks Online, Xero, etc.—if you’re beyond a hobby, you need proper tools.
The 10-Day Rule for spending: If it’s not essential to delivering your product/service, wait 10 days. Most “needs” disappear by day 5–6.
Stop leaking profit: Snacks, swag, subscriptions, “tiny” automations, and untracked marketing add up—fast.
Marketing with a brain: Track ROI or turn it off. Refuse long-term contracts without proof of results.
Set real boundaries: Your calendar should protect CEO time, money time, and mom time.
How to use Profit First®: Open separate accounts for Income, Profit, Owner’s Pay, Tax, and OpEx so your money has a job before it’s spent.
What healthy cash actually looks like: That big checking balance isn’t real if payroll, taxes, and owner’s pay aren’t carved out.
All revenue lands in “Income.”
On a set cadence (weekly/biweekly), transfer fixed percentages to:
Profit (reward the risk you’re taking)
Owner’s Pay (you are your most important employee)
Tax (business pays business + personal taxes)
OpEx (run the company on what’s left)
Live within OpEx. If it’s not enough, you have a spending problem—not a sales problem.
“Sales minus profit equals expenses.”
Flip the old equation. When you pay you and future you first, you force smarter operating decisions.
DIY Bookkeeping: Up to ~$500k annual revenue (get trained; don’t wing it).
Outsource Bookkeeping + Quarterly CFO: ~$500k–$750k.
Monthly Fractional CFO (forecasting, pricing, profit strategy): ~$750k–$1M+ or any time you’re growing fast, adding debt, or feeling out of control.
You make decisions by gut, not reports.
You can’t read your P&L and Balance Sheet with confidence.
You’re surprised by payroll, annual subscriptions, or taxes.
You’re carrying debt while “celebrating” record revenue.
Subscriptions you don’t use (or can’t justify) keep renewing.
It’s okay to ask for help—at home and in business.
Block non-negotiables on your calendar (dinner, games, recovery time).
Enjoy the early years. They move fast—faster than you think.
Pick a numbers day (30–60 minutes) and put it on repeat.
List every recurring expense & subscription; cancel or pause what’s not pulling weight.
Open your Profit, Owner’s Pay, Tax, OpEx accounts and set starter percentages.
Choose/confirm your bookkeeping software and get trained (no spreadsheets for real businesses).
If you’re stuck, book a call with a pro. Your peace is worth it.
Website: rightwayprofits.com
(Ask about Profit First® coaching, fractional CFO, and small-business bookkeeping.)
I’m Charisse Walker—mompreneur, real estate expert (Chalker Properties Group, eXp Realty), and author of Flipping the Iceberg. My mission is to help women build thriving businesses without sacrificing faith, family, or freedom. Here, you’ll get practical strategy, mindset upgrades, and real talk to keep you strong and sustainable.
Website: unbreakablemompreneurs.com
Instagram: @charissewalker1
If this episode helps you breathe easier about your books, share it with a fellow mompreneur and drop a comment with your biggest money win this week. You’ve got this. 💙
In this episode you’ll learn:When to level up support:Red flags your finances aren’t healthy:Mom-life truths we loved:Action steps (do these this week):Connect with Debbie DeKnightAbout Unbreakable Mompreneurs