When you’re juggling the many demands of running a business, it can be tempting to let your bookkeeping fall to the bottom of the list. But here’s the thing—keeping your financial records up to date isn’t just about ticking a box for tax season. It’s about knowing where you stand, making better decisions, and saving yourself stress (and sometimes even money) in the long run.
So, how often should you update your bookkeeping records?
We recommend weekly. Here’s why:
✅ Cash Flow Awareness: Weekly updates give you a clear picture of what’s coming in and what’s going out. You can catch issues before they become problems and avoid surprises at the end of the month.
✅ VAT and Tax Ready: Keeping on top of things weekly makes it far easier to file VAT returns, manage PAYE, or prepare for Self Assessment. No last-minute panic, no missing receipts, no hunting through months of paperwork.
✅ Informed Decisions: Need to invest in new equipment? Hire someone? A quick look at your up-to-date figures will help you decide with confidence.
✅ Reduced Stress: Regularly updating your records means everything is already where it should be. No more “I’ll do it later” pile-ups.
✅ Fewer Mistakes: The longer you leave it, the easier it is to forget what a transaction was for – or misplace an invoice. Weekly check-ins help keep things accurate and complete.
We get it – bookkeeping isn’t everyone’s favourite task. But by setting aside just a little time each week, you’ll stay in control and avoid the chaos that comes from letting things build up.
At Ryedaura, we help business owners stay on top of their books so they can spend less time worrying about numbers and more time doing what they love. Need a hand setting up a weekly system that works for you? Just give us a call on 01224 013 187.