Resources + Business Tools
This page may be your new favorite spot on the internet! We know bookkeeping, accounting, business, and now we’re sharing all our best guides, resources, and recommendations with you right here.
Free Bookkeeping + Accounting Resources
Download these high-quality checklists and templates to stay on top of your financial game.
Ultimate Independent Contractor Checklist
This checklist is designed to help you navigate the sometimes confusing process of hiring independent contractors.
The Ultimate Bookkeeping Checklist
Accurate, streamlined, strategic bookkeeping is at the core of our business. This checklist guide is designed to help you apply the detail-oriented, organized bookkeeping process we’re known for to your own business!
Month In Review Template
Get a clear overview of your monthly goals, needs, and opportunities with this easy-to-use monthly review template!
Guides for Small Business Owners
Use these expert guides to help you apply for specific certifications – as a minority or women-owned business – and set your small business up for success.
Small Business Guide
Minority Supplier Certification Guide
Women Owned Business Certification Guide
Stay Organized and Comfortable
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Crush 2025 with the KEM Business Goal & Monthly Interactive Digital Planner
The KEM Monthly Planner is the tool you need to stay on track and grow your business.
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Check out our swag shop to find the sweatshirt, mug, or other KEM item you want!
KEM’s Expert Recommendations
What Are You Looking For?
Choose The Right Accounting Software For Your Business
QuickBooks Online is our go-to accounting software. We use QBO with all of our clients and recommend it to every small business owner who wants to keep their business finances organized and accurate.
Choosing QuickBooks Online is the easy part – but knowing which version you need can be a little bit trickier.
QuickBooks Online Essentials
Most small businesses can start here!
Includes:
- Income and expense tracking
- Ability to use QBO receipt capture
- Mileage tracking
- Sales tax processing
- Creating estimates
- Creating invoices
- Receiving client payments
- Basic reporting options
QuickBooks Online Plus
You may want to upgrade to Plus if your business needs all the features listed in Essential plus:
- More reporting options
- Integration with specific third-party apps
- Ability to track inventory and manage client projects
QuickBooks Online Advanced
This option is typically for larger teams. If you have 5 active users or process higher than average volume of invoices and expenses, Advanced QBO is for you!
This option includes everything in Essentials and Plus, and the following:
- More team member permissions
- Batch invoicing
- Other premium upgrades
Find The Best Payroll Solution
Making sure everyone (including yourself!) gets paid on time is a crucial part of running a successful business.
This is a great solution for established businesses that are continuing to grow.
With ADP, you’ll get:
- Payroll processing
- Payroll tax setup in different states
- Ability to offer workers compensation insurance
- Option to set up additional employee benefits
This is a great solution for an emerging business owner who is establishing cashflow consistency and may need additional time to meet payroll.
A major benefit of QBO Payroll? The direct deposit deadline the night before you’d like the direct deposit to go out.
Pro tip: Always have a professional set up this option so you know the tax accounts and responsibilities are correct.
This is a great solution for an established small business owner who wants to process payroll but doesn’t want to manage any tax details. It’s like a less-robust version of ADP.
Some of our favorite benefits of using Gusto:
- Low entry free
- Good onboarding support
- Responsive customer service
- Assistance with launching retirement account and other employee benefits
One thing to note: Payroll must be submitted on time to ensure direct deposit hits timely
Let’s Keep Your Business Legal
We’re not attorneys, but we’d love to recommend our favorite options for keeping our own business and our clients’ legally protected.
Need a contract that will actually hold up? We love the attorney-reviewed contract templates from The Legal Paige!
You need a legal team without the expense of hiring a legal team or in-house attorney. That’s where LegalShield comes in!
You’re Making Money – Now What?
Choosing the right banking partner is a critical business foundation. We’re sharing three of our favorite financial partners and breaking down the pros and cons of each.
Pro tip: You should also establish a working relationship with a local bank or credit union
If you want a large bank with great credit card options and lots of account permissions, Chase is a great option for you.
If you want the best credit card rewards, Capital One is hard to beat. It’s also a large bank with lots of options!
If you want to go completely digital and create bank accounts that will allow you to seamlessly run your business, grant permissions to those on your team including your accountant, and have up to 20 bank accounts, this is your bank!
Their digital platform lets you request W9’s from vendors before you pay them (a valuable feature!) and access direct deposit payments for minimal monthly fees.
Relay is also a great option for anyone who follows the Profit First method.
Market Like A Pro
Show off your offers and services with these helpful marketing tools and platforms.
Graphic Design
You can create everything from social media graphics to slide decks and professional PDFs in this free, easy-to-use design app.
Email Marketing
If you wish email marketing could be pretty and easy – you’re going to love Flodesk! It makes customizing your emails simple + fun.
We Couldn’t Function Daily Without These Tools
We Hope You Found What You Need!
If you’re also looking for one-on-one support, chat with us!
