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Hi! I'm RaLea.

⚡ 2024 Wrapped! ⚡

Published 3 months ago • 3 min read

Hey Reader,

We're almost done with 2024, so I thought it would be fun to jump on the "year-end wrap-up" bandwagon and share my most popular things and recommendations!

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⭐ 2024 in Numbers ⭐

  • January 1 subscribers: 656 vs. December 27 subscribers: 1,020 (thanks to bundle participation!)
  • January monthly bookkeeping clients: 32 vs. December monthly bookkeeping clients: 40
  • 2023 VIP Bookkeeping Weeks completed: 0 vs. 2023 VIP Bookkeeping Weeks completed: 5 (I'm so in love with this new bookkeeping offer & the VIP Day model taught by Sarah Masci that I am getting certified!)

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⭐ Top 3 posts on Balanced FI ⭐

  1. ​How to Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Business I wrote about my own experience, starting my bookkeeping firm over 10 years ago. My kids are now at the point where I can grow my business, and I'm loving it!
  2. ​30 Day Challenge + Free 30 Day Tracker A new year is a great time to start a new habit... and this 30 day tracker is a great visual reminder. I wrote about a 30-day no- or low-spend challenge, but you can choose your own flavor.
  3. ​How to Find Grants to Pay Medical Bills This one also draws on my personal experience as the mom of a medically complex kid without a trust fund. The US health system is broken, but I do my best to help others find ways to pay for their care
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⭐ Top 3 software recommendations ⭐

  1. for personal finance: Monarch Money I use Monarch myself, and love the reporting features & ease of use. There is a fee, but it's a great replacement for the now-discontinued Mint
  2. for business finance: QuickBooks Online Other than 1 complex inventory client, all my bookkeeping clients are on QBO. Yes, the monthly subscription fee keeps going up, but it's still the best accounting software I've found, from the bookkeeper AND business owner standpoint.
  3. for payroll processing: Gusto I only use Gusto for my payroll clients. The customer service has always been great, and it's so easy to use that I have a few business owners who run their own payroll with ease.

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⭐ Top 3 favorite new offers ⭐

  1. ​VIP Bookkeeping Week I may be weird, but I love bookkeeping clean-ups & catch-ups. I love digging into a company's books & fixing things, or blazing through a year of bookkeeping in a week. All VIP Bookkeeping Weeks booked before January 1 will be completed at 2024 prices!
  2. ​Small Biz Money Manager - Airtable Version I'm new to Airtable but it's SO powerful. I love the reporting options of this small business bookkeeping template!
  3. ​Small Biz Money Manager - Google Sheets Version This is another small biz bookkeeping template, but in Google Sheets. It has a few different features from the Airtable version, and it's been a hit since people are more comfortable in Sheets

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⭐ Top 3 life things ⭐

  1. ​Skylight Calendar My husband got mine from Costco as an early Christmas present, and it's completely changed chores with my 5-year-old. My girls, and visitors, also love the picture slideshow when it's sleeping. The calendar itself is a game-changer for planning with the whole family!
  2. ​Peloton App I have an off-brand bike collecting dust in the garage, but I love the Peloton app for fitness classes & tracking my walks. It's cheaper than a gym!
  3. ​Electric Standing Desk I change position while working WAY MORE with this standing desk, and I've noticed a decrease in shoulder/neck tension and lower back pain
  4. (runner up 1) Walking Pad The walking pad I purchased a year ago is unavailable, but it's one of the best purchases for my home office. I wish the Bluetooth actually connected it to my Apple Watch, but it's still an easy, convenient way to get in a walk while working at my desk (it's easier to do than it sounds)
  5. (runner up 2) Apple Watch I used my birthday money to buy a new Apple Watch after my old one didn't charge. I didn't even get the fanciest, newest version, and it's perfect for tracking fitness goals & viewing messages when my phone is across the room.

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Do I sound like a basic white lady? Yep... but I didn't include a Stanley cup because I don't own one 🤣 I've been focusing on growing my business & my own health over the last 4 months, and I plan to continue to do so next year.

I hope you can commit to similarly healthy and ambitious goals next year (if you want to)!

Before you go, let's be friends! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest (all @ balancedfi)

Enjoy,

P.S. what did you love in 2024? Hit reply & let me know!

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Hi! I'm RaLea.

Balanced FI helps real families find their own unique balance of living life & financial goals

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