Welcome to Week 2 of our SevenRivers professional development series!
This week, we focus on Financial Flow Basics, a vital component of running a successful doula business. At SevenRivers Doula Solutions, we believe financial management is not just about numbers—it’s about empowering you to confidently run your business while concentrating on what you do best: supporting and caring for families.

Let’s explore the essential steps and strategies you can use to set up and maintain a healthy financial flow for your doula business.

Why Financial Management is Critical for Doulas

As a doula, your primary focus might be on supporting families during some of the most significant moments of their lives. However, effective financial management is what ensures your business remains sustainable and profitable. By mastering your finances, you can:

• Keep Track of Income and Expenses: Gain clarity on your cash flow.
• Prepare for Taxes: Avoid last-minute stress by staying organized.
• Plan for Growth: Invest in professional development, marketing, or expansion opportunities.
• Ensure Stability: Build a foundation that allows you to thrive in your business while maintaining peace of mind.

To make managing your finances approachable, we’ve outlined two paths to financial success. Choose the one that fits your needs, time, and comfort level.

Path 1: The DIY Approach

If you’re ready to take on the challenge of managing your finances yourself, here are some foundational steps to follow:

Step 1: Organize Your Finances

The first step in mastering your finances is choosing the right tools. While there are many bookkeeping options, QuickBooks stands out for its ease of use and tailored solutions for small business owners. With QuickBooks, you can:

• Track your income and expenses.
• Generate detailed financial reports.
• Automate recurring invoices or expense tracking.

By dedicating just 30 minutes to setting it up, you’ll have a reliable financial system in place. Not sure how to get started? Check out our YouTube tutorial, “Set Up Your Doula Business Finances in 30 Minutes,” for a step-by-step guide.

Step 2: Separate Business and Personal Finances

One of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make is mixing personal and business finances. Open a dedicated business bank account to simplify your bookkeeping and establish clear financial boundaries. This will also make tax preparation easier and maintain a professional image.

Step 3: Track and Categorize Your Expenses

Knowing where your money is going is key to managing your finances effectively. Common expense categories for doulas include:

• Marketing and Advertising: Website, social media ads, or printed materials.
• Travel Costs: Mileage, tolls, or transportation for client visits.
• Professional Development: Workshops, certifications, or conferences.
• Equipment and Supplies: Birth kits, books, or tools used during client care.

Many bookkeeping tools like QuickBooks allow you to easily categorize these expenses, ensuring you’re always prepared for tax season.

Step 4: Budget and Set Financial Goals

Creating a budget is a crucial part of financial planning. Begin by determining your monthly fixed costs and expected revenue. Then, set both short-term and long-term goals. Examples might include:

• Short-term Goals: Save for marketing materials or client gifts.
• Long-term Goals: Build a financial cushion that covers three to six months of expenses.

With a budget and clear goals, you’ll feel more in control of your finances and your future.

Step 5: Save for Taxes

Taxes can be a daunting topic for many small business owners, but planning ahead can make all the difference. A general rule of thumb is to set aside 20-30% of your income for taxes, depending on your region and income level. Tools like QuickBooks can help generate tax estimates, or consult a financial professional for personalized advice.

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust Regularly

Financial management isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. Schedule regular check-ins (monthly or quarterly) to review your income, expenses, and progress toward your goals. Use these moments to adjust your budget or financial strategies as needed.

Path 2: The SevenRivers Bookkeeping Service

If you’d rather focus on births than bookkeeping, let us handle the numbers for you. Our specialized Bookkeeping Service: is designed specifically for doulas and birth professionals, providing you with expert support and peace of mind.

Here’s what you get with our SevenRivers Bookkeeping Service:

• Complete Financial Management: Tailored solutions for doula businesses.
• QuickBooks Setup and Maintenance: Get started with the industry’s leading bookkeeping software, with ongoing updates and support.
• Monthly Financial Reports: Receive detailed insights into your business’s performance.
• Tax Preparation Support: Ensure you’re prepared for tax season with organized records and expert guidance.
• Expense Categorization and Tracking: Leave the sorting and organizing to us.
• Payment Processing Oversight: Streamline your client payment systems.
• Quarterly Business Reviews: Regular check-ins to assess progress and refine strategies.

Our service starts at $199/month—less than the cost of one prenatal visit, but with year-round financial peace of mind.

Why Choose SevenRivers?

At SevenRivers Doula Solutions, we understand the unique needs of birth professionals. Our Bookkeeping Service: isn’t just about managing numbers—it’s about giving you the freedom to focus on your passion: supporting families. Whether you prefer the DIY approach or want expert support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Watch Our Step-by-Step Tutorial

To make your financial journey even easier, we’ve created a detailed YouTube tutorial, “Set Up Your Doula Business Finances in 30 Minutes (Step-by-Step Tutorial).” This video walks you through setting up QuickBooks and organizing your financial flow. Be sure to watch it today and start implementing these strategies!

Stay Connected

Managing your doula business finances may feel overwhelming at first, but remember—you’re not alone. At SevenRivers Doula Solutions, we’re here to provide the resources, tools, and support you need to succeed.

Visit us at sevenrivers.com for more insights, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly tutorials and tips.

Bonus FAQ Section

Q: What tools do doulas need for financial management?
A: QuickBooks is a great option for tracking expenses, categorizing income, and preparing for taxes.

Q: How much should I budget for business expenses?
A: It depends on your services, but common expenses include marketing, travel, and certifications.

Q: Why use SevenRivers Bookkeeping Service:?
A: We provide personalized financial management tailored to doulas, so you can focus on births, not bookkeeping.

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