Sherry Clarke Sherry Clarke

How Much to Set Aside for Taxes in Your Business

One of the most common questions we hear from small business owners is:

“How much should I be setting aside for taxes?”

Many Utah business owners—contractors, medical and dental practices, wellness providers, real estate professionals, agencies, and other service-based businesses—were never really taught how to plan for taxes throughout the year.

So they:

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Sherry Clarke Sherry Clarke

Cash Flow Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges small business owners face—especially here in Utah, where many service-based businesses experience seasonal slowdowns, fluctuating client work, or unpredictable payment cycles.

The good news? Most cash flow problems come from a handful of habits we see over and over again. And once you understand what’s causing the issue, the fix is usually simple.

Here are the most common cash flow mistakes we see with Utah small businesses and what to do instead:

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Sherry Clarke Sherry Clarke

When to Move from DIY Bookkeeping to Professional Support

Many Utah small business owners start out doing their own bookkeeping. It’s practical in the beginning, keeps costs low, and helps you stay close to your numbers.

But as your business grows, there comes a point when DIY bookkeeping stops being “smart and scrappy” and starts slowing you down.

At Clarke Financials, we see the same patterns come up again and again with service-based businesses here in Utah—contractors, medical and dental practices, wellness clinics, real estate investors, attorneys, consultants, and more. These patterns are usually a clear sign it’s time to bring in professional support.

Here are a few of the most common signs.

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Sherry Clarke Sherry Clarke

LLC vs. S-Corp: What’s the Difference for Small Business Owners?

When you’re just starting your business, an LLC is usually the easiest and smartest choice. It’s flexible, protects your personal assets, and keeps your setup simple. But as your profits grow, you might be leaving money on the table if you don’t explore the S-Corp election.

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Sherry Clarke Sherry Clarke

The Top 5 Reasons Your Business Needs a Professional Bookkeeper

As a business owner, you wear many hats. From managing operations to building client relationships, your to-do list is endless. But one critical area that often gets overlooked or deprioritized is bookkeeping. While it might seem like a task you can handle yourself or push off until tax season, having a professional bookkeeper can be a game-changer for your business. Here are five compelling reasons why outsourcing your bookkeeping is one of the smartest investments you can make.

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Sherry Clarke Sherry Clarke

What Is an Accountant?

When running a small business, financial management can feel overwhelming. That’s where accountants come in. But what exactly does an accountant do, and how can they help your business thrive?

In this post, we’ll explore the role of an accountant, how they differ from bookkeepers, and why having professional financial support is crucial for small businesses in Utah County.

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