Blog
Plain-text accounting insights, tutorials, and updates from the Beancount.io team. Browse by tag.
Gross Profit: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and Why It Matters
Learn what gross profit is, how to calculate it with the right formula, how it differs from net profit, and how to use it to make smarter pricing, product, and scaling decisions for your small business.
GnuCash Review: Is It Still Worth Using in 2026?
GnuCash is free, open-source, and time-tested—but is it still the right choice in 2026? This honest review covers GnuCash's features, pros, cons, and how it compares to modern alternatives including Wave, QuickBooks, and plain-text accounting.
Credit Card Processing for Small Businesses: A Complete Guide
Credit card processing costs 1.5%–3.5% per transaction—and most small businesses overpay. Learn how card processing works, how to decode fees, choose the right processor, and cut costs by up to 40%.
CD vs. Savings Account: Which Is Better for Your Business Cash?
Should your idle business cash go into a CD or a savings account? This guide breaks down interest rates, liquidity, FDIC insurance, and the CD ladder strategy so you can make the right call for your business in 2026.
Business Line of Credit: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use One
A business line of credit gives you flexible access to capital—draw only what you need and pay interest only on what you use. Learn how it works, secured vs unsecured options, qualification tips, and when to use it vs a term loan.
Best Quicken Alternatives in 2026 (Free and Paid)
Tired of Quicken's rising costs and reliability issues? We break down the best Quicken alternatives in 2026—free and paid—for budgeters, investors, and small business owners.
Accounts Payable Software: Why Your Small Business Needs It (and How to Choose)
Manual accounts payable costs small businesses $15–$22 per invoice and leads to late payments, errors, and fraud risk. Learn how AP software fixes this—plus a practical guide to choosing the right tool for your business.
What Is a Good Profit Margin? Industry Benchmarks and How to Improve Yours
A 5% profit margin can mean thriving in one industry and failing in another. This guide explains what a good profit margin looks like by industry, how to calculate all three types, and proven strategies to improve yours.
Owner's Equity: What It Is, How It Works, and Why Every Small Business Owner Should Track It
Owner's equity is the most honest measure of your business's financial health—and most small business owners don't check it enough. Learn what it is, how to calculate it, what changes it, and how to use it to build long-term wealth.
How to Automate Your Bookkeeping: A Complete Guide for Small Businesses
Stop spending 8 hours a week on manual bookkeeping. This guide walks you through exactly how to automate your bookkeeping—from bank feeds and receipt capture to AI-powered categorization—so you can focus on growing your business.
Ecommerce Accounting Challenges: How to Manage Your Online Business Finances
Ecommerce accounting is more complex than traditional retail. Learn about the 6 biggest challenges — from multi-channel reconciliation and sales tax nexus to inventory COGS and cash flow timing — and how to solve each one.
Best Accounting Software for Consultants: What to Use and Why It Matters
Consultants have unique accounting needs: time tracking, project-based billing, and self-employment taxes. Here's how to choose the best accounting software for your consulting practice — from FreshBooks to Xero to Wave.