The 3 Best Business Books I Read in 2022

This is the time of year I reflect back on 2022 and think about what worked well and what didn’t. I love belonging to my Smart Boss Business Book group. It is composed of amazing women who share their experiences and how they are applying what they learned from the books we are reading.

Atomic Habits by James Clear.

His theory on making small changes that have big results was really applicable to every part of my life. He presents the Four Laws of Behavior Change as a simple set of rules that we can use to build better habits. They are: 


  1. Make it obvious 
  2. Make it attractive
  3. Make it easy 
  4. Make it satisfying


He also suggested stacking habits to make them more ‘sticky’. I had been wanting to start some type of exercise program to improve my skiing and tennis game. I also wanted to watch more YouTube videos on ways firms like mine were using QuickBooks Online (QBO) in different industries. 


Boom! Thanks to habit stacking, I was watching videos while I walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes every morning. Even the walking and watching started small, I picked short videos, first five minutes and then made them longer every day to increase the amount of time I was walking. I was consistently walking 30 minutes a day in no time and ready to do any sport. I also learned a lot about QBO in different industries.


I love that he really goes away from the norm of setting goals and focuses on the system and who you wish to become. We are always setting goals for ourselves and I haven’t stopped doing that but I do it with a system that will help achieve who I want to be. Look out world!

The Power of What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant

Adam Grant has an interesting way of looking at situations and providing alternative views for you to consider, using humility and skill, like a scientist. He points out that we typically have three mindsets.


“As we think and talk, we often slip into the mindsets of three different professions: preachers, prosecutors, and politicians. In each of these modes, we take on a particular identity and use a distinct set of tools. We go into preacher mode when our sacred beliefs are in jeopardy: we deliver sermons to protect and promote our ideals. We enter prosecutor mode when we recognize flaws in other people’s reasoning: we marshal arguments to prove them wrong and win our case. We shift into politician mode when we’re seeking to win over an audience: we campaign and lobby for the approval of our constituents.”


Instead, he puts forth that we should be thinking like scientists, being actively open-minded, searching for reasons why we might be wrong – not looking for things to reinforce what we already know- then revising our views based on what we learn.


Grant also provides ways to help others see new possibilities using ‘motivational interviewing’. He suggests that you do this by asking open-ended questions, using reflective listening and affirming the person’s desire and ability to change.


I once again found this book applicable in all areas of my life. I was able to practice thinking like a scientist when my team would bring situations to me and I wanted to go down one of the 3 mindsets. This book also made me think more about communications with family members and how I could improve those conversations too.

You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

I was a little hesitant to read this book. I thought it would not be as useful as other books that I had read. As a group we were used to books that gave us clear paths to action. This was more of how to change your attitude and get a healthy relationship with money and use it to create a successful life. I loved her definition of Rich: “Able to afford all the things and experiences required to fully experience your most authentic life” That started me thinking differently about my life and what my current mindset was.

The walls of your comfort zone are lovingly decorated with your lifelong collection of favorite excuses.

I felt like I had a good relationship with money and I think I still do but this definitely made me realize I had put up walls for no reason. I put boundaries on my thinking about how much money I could make and what it took to do it. I told myself stories (excuses) about why I couldn’t make unlimited money.I have 6 kids and my focus is on them (true..but…) and I wanted more than just money, I want a life of interactions with my kids, travel,and fun. I realized I can have all three so why limit my dreams to only what I have decided is possible? 


My three main takeaways:


  1. Money isn’t evil and if you have an adversarial relationship with it, you will keep from realizing your full potential.
  2. Putting positive energy out into the universe, especially about finances, will do wonders to improve your situation.
  3. To make your money goals become reality, get specific about the amount of money you want to have and how you will use it.


She really pushes you to think beyond what you have in front of you and to ask the universe for help. When she starts to talk about the ‘universe’ I wanted to shut down my thoughts, as it sounds very intangible and admittedly a little too out there for me. But having read The Power of What You Don’t Know, I tried to use my scientist mode to lean into this and wrap my head around it. 


It is a different way of thinking and then again it isn’t. She likened it to the voice in your head, a spiritual guide or knowing that there is something bigger than you at work here. Ok, I can get on board with that and delve deeper into changing my attitude to fit with this new outlook on making money. This is an easy read – she is funny and very authentically herself. I really enjoyed reading about someone else’s journey and taking tips from her experiences and applying them to my life.


While we read several books in 2022, these three really made an impact on the way I work, lead my team and my life. I highly recommend them and if you want to continue the conversation or join our women’s Smart Boss Business Book club, email me (Alisa@firststepsfinancial.com) and I will get you on our list!

Our Latest Insight

Business Recovery Plan: Financial Strategies to Rebuild Your Business After a Difficult Period

By Alisa McCabe • December 26, 2025
Assess Your Current Financial Position Before implementing any recovery plan, you need a clear understanding of where your business stands. Conduct a comprehensive financial audit that examines cash flow, outstanding debts, operational costs, and revenue streams. This baseline assessment reveals which areas require immediate attention and which assets can support your recovery efforts. Create a detailed balance sheet that includes all liabilities and assets. Identify which expenses are essential and which can be reduced or eliminated. This honest evaluation forms the foundation for all subsequent recovery decisions. Prioritize Cash Flow Management Cash flow often determines whether a business survives or fails during recovery periods. Implementing effective financial strategies focused on cash flow means accelerating receivables while managing payables strategically. Consider offering early payment discounts to customers while negotiating extended terms with suppliers. Review your inventory management practices to free up capital tied in excess stock. Apply just-in-time ordering principles where feasible, and liquidate slow-moving inventory to generate immediate cash. Every dollar of improved cash flow strengthens your operational flexibility. Restructure Debt and Obligations When facing financial pressure, proactive debt management becomes crucial. Contact creditors early to discuss restructuring options before accounts become delinquent. Many lenders prefer working with businesses that communicate openly rather than dealing with defaults. Consider these debt management approaches: Consolidate multiple high-interest debts into single, lower-rate obligations Negotiate payment plans that align with your current cash flow capacity Explore refinancing options for long-term debts to reduce monthly obligations Prioritize secured debts to protect essential business assets Revise Your Budget and Reduce Costs Developing lean operational financial strategies requires examining every expense category. Distinguish between costs that directly generate revenue and those that don't. Focus cuts on non-essential areas while protecting investments that drive customer acquisition and retention. Renegotiate contracts with vendors, explore alternative suppliers, and consider shared services or outsourcing for non-core functions. Small cost reductions across multiple categories create significant cumulative savings that improve your bottom line. Diversify Revenue Streams Recovery plans shouldn't rely solely on cost-cutting. Smart financial strategies also emphasize revenue generation through diversification. Analyze your customer base to identify underserved needs or complementary products and services you could offer. Explore new market segments, develop strategic partnerships, or create subscription-based offerings that generate predictable recurring revenue. Digital channels often provide cost-effective ways to reach new customers without substantial upfront investment. Build Financial Reserves Once stabilization begins, prioritize building an emergency fund. Even modest reserves provide crucial breathing room during future challenges. Allocate a percentage of monthly profits specifically for this purpose, treating it as a non-negotiable expense. Consider these reserve-building tactics: Set aside 5-10% of monthly revenue automatically Deposit unexpected windfalls or tax refunds directly into reserves Maintain a separate account to avoid temptation of accessing funds Gradually increase reserve targets as profitability improves Monitor Progress and Adjust Successful financial strategies require ongoing monitoring and adjustment. Establish key performance indicators that track recovery progress, including profitability ratios, cash flow metrics, and debt-to-equity ratios. Review these indicators monthly to identify trends early. Stay flexible and willing to modify your approach based on results. What works initially may need refinement as circumstances evolve. Regular financial reviews ensure your recovery plan remains aligned with current realities and future objectives. Transform Your Business: Partner With Financial Experts for Sustainable Recovery Rebuilding your business after difficult times demands expertise, commitment, and proven financial strategies tailored to your unique situation. You don't have to navigate this journey alone. At First Steps Financial , we specialize in helping businesses develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies that drive results. We'll work alongside you to analyze your situation, identify opportunities, and create an actionable plan to restore financial health and position your business for growth. Ready to build a stronger, more resilient future? Let’s connect.

The Small Business Expense Tracking Guide

By Alisa McCabe • December 15, 2025
Why Your Expense Records Matter More Than You Think Think of your expense data as a financial mirror. It shows you exactly where your money is going and reveals patterns you might never have noticed otherwise. When you're diligent about small business expense tracking, you're not just creating paperwork. You're building a comprehensive narrative of your business operations that gives you real, actionable insights. Maybe you'll discover that your software subscriptions have crept up to an unsustainable level, or that certain supply vendors are significantly more expensive than alternatives. These discoveries become opportunities to optimize and grow. Create a System That Actually Works for You The best small business expense tracking system is the one you'll actually use consistently. Start by choosing a method that fits your working style. Some business owners prefer digital tools with automatic receipt scanning, while others thrive with traditional spreadsheets. What matters is consistency and accessibility. Consider implementing these foundational steps: Designate a specific time each week to log expenses Keep receipts organized in one central location Categorize expenses logically from the start Set up alerts for unusual spending patterns Categorizing Expenses: Your Secret Weapon Organization becomes your superpower when you group related expenses into meaningful categories. Rather than having a chaotic pile of receipts, thoughtful categorization reveals which areas of your business consume the most resources. You might have categories for equipment, office supplies, professional services, marketing, and utilities. Some expenses might not fit neatly into a single bucket, but spending time upfront to create clear categories pays dividends later when you need to understand your spending habits quickly. Real-Time Tracking Beats Catch-Up Work One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is waiting until the end of the month or quarter to handle small business expense tracking. By then, receipts are lost, details are forgotten, and the task becomes overwhelming. Instead, aim to log expenses as they happen or within a day or two. This real-time approach transforms expense tracking from a dreaded chore into a quick daily habit. You'll have more accurate records and spend less time backfilling information later. Use Technology to Work Smarter Modern tools have revolutionized how businesses handle expense management. Apps now exist that automatically categorize expenses, extract data from receipts, and sync information across devices. Ramp, for instance, offers a comprehensive spend management platform for businesses, combining corporate charge cards, expense management, bill payments, and accounting automation. Evaluate solutions that integrate with your existing software so everything works seamlessly together. A small investment in the right technology can save you enormous amounts of time and reduce human error significantly. Making Sense of the Numbers Once your small business expense tracking system is running smoothly, the real magic happens. You'll generate reports that show your spending trends, identify cost-saving opportunities, and support better business decisions. When you can answer questions about your expenses quickly and confidently, you position yourself as someone who truly understands their business. Your Next Step Forward The business owners who take control of their finances are the ones who ultimately build the most resilient companies. Small business expense tracking is the foundation of that control. If you're ready to take your financial management to the next level, consider partnering with an accounting firm that specializes in working with small businesses. At First Steps Financial, we go beyond simple number crunching. We become your strategic advisor, helping you interpret your expense data to make smarter decisions about cash flow management, spending allocation, and growth investments. We’ll help you implement systems that scale with your business, ensure nothing falls through the cracks, and free up your time to focus on what you do best: running and growing your company. That's the difference between struggling with finances and confidently piloting your business toward success. Let’s chat .

Nonprofit Accounting Best Practices: A Complete Guide for Board Members

By Alisa McCabe • December 1, 2025
Aligning Finances With Your Mission Every strong organization connects its mission directly to its finances. Effective nonprofit accounting ensures resources are allocated where they matter most. When financial goals align with mission objectives, organizations become more focused and achieve greater impact. Sharing regular financial updates with your team and board keeps everyone informed about fund usage and encourages accountability. This transparency builds confidence among donors and community partners over time. Staying Compliant and Accountable Sound nonprofit accounting practices help organizations meet financial regulations without requiring expertise in complex compliance matters. Organized records of donations, grants, and expenses demonstrate responsible stewardship of every dollar received. Regular review of financial reports allows board members to identify small discrepancies before they escalate into larger problems. Clean, well-maintained records enable organizations to focus on their core mission rather than scrambling to address preventable issues. Strengthening Financial Controls Strong internal controls protect your organization and increase the reliability of your financial reporting. Here are five essential ways to improve your nonprofit accounting system: Separate financial duties so no single person handles all money-related tasks. This division of responsibilities reduces risk and promotes accountability across the organization. Track restricted funds clearly to ensure money designated for specific purposes is spent according to donor intent and grant requirements. Monitor cash flow regularly to anticipate seasonal fluctuations and prepare for changes in funding streams. Schedule financial reviews or audits as appropriate for your organization's size and complexity to identify potential issues early. Keep your board fully informed so all members understand the organization's current financial position and can make sound governance decisions. These practices make it easier to achieve the efficiency and transparency that donors, grant makers, and regulators expect from nonprofit organizations. Planning Ahead With Budgeting and Forecasting Strategic planning is one of the most valuable tools for organizational stability. A well-designed budget helps nonprofits maintain steady operations even during periods of uncertainty. Combining budgeting with forecasting enables organizations to prepare for new grant opportunities or shifts in donor contributions. Flexible budgets that adapt to changing circumstances while remaining aligned with mission priorities give leadership teams confidence when making financial decisions that advance organizational goals. Simple Ways to Strengthen Financial Performance Improving nonprofit accounting doesn't require complex overhauls. These practical steps can create meaningful improvements: Review financial reports consistently to maintain awareness of organizational progress and identify trends early. Diversify funding sources to reduce dependence on any single grant or donor relationship. Use reliable accounting tools that simplify transaction tracking and streamline reporting processes. Train team and board members so everyone understands their financial responsibilities and can contribute to sound fiscal management. Seek professional guidance when specialized expertise is needed for complex accounting or compliance matters. Keeping systems simple and transparent allows nonprofit organizations to grow stronger and expand their impact in the communities they serve. Building Financial Confidence That Lasts Strong nonprofit accounting builds trust, confidence, and long-term stability. With appropriate processes in place, board members can focus on mission advancement knowing that finances are well-managed and transparent. Clear financial systems transform accounting from a burden into a strategic asset that supports every aspect of organizational success. Our team at First Steps Financial makes managing money easier and more meaningful. Connect with us to learn how we can help your nonprofit stay organized, compliant, and ready for growth.

CONTACT US

Contact Us