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So... how does one get started? You MUST start with your foundation. Every business, no matter how small, must have an "accounting" department. Yep, even us solopreneuers! The IRS says we must have a good recordkeeping system in place, so be ready in case you're ever audited. (This is NO different for our personal finances either.) Here are three things you can do to shore up your foundation.

1.) Get a paper management "system" in place that provides a stress-free flow. Corral your financial stuff in one place and create a bill payment area for you to work. Include a simple filing system for all your receipts, accounts statements, customer invoices and reports. Have some retention guidelines to help you decide what to keep and what to toss.

2.) Use some sort of computer tool. QuickBooks for a small business or Quicken for home. Heck, even use a spreadsheet like Excel if you need to start somewhere.

3.) Determine a regular schedule of when you will handle your financial matters. Create a checklist to help remind you what to do on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and year-end basis.

Just get started! Sharpen your discipline now and agree to stick with it for six months. I promise you'll see results in just a few months if you are honest with yourself and make some changes. If you fall off the cart, get back on! This is the one area in which you are in control.