Open a business bank account and card, and run every business dollar through them. Pick one place to track income and spending, even a simple spreadsheet, and save receipts as you go. If you’ll have employees, set up payroll through a payroll service from the first paycheck.

Set aside an hour each week to sort your transactions into categories and file your receipts. Once a month, check that your records match your bank statement. Small, regular habits keep your books useful and make it much cheaper to hand them off later.

Once the business covers its bills and has a small cushion, start paying yourself something consistent, even if it’s small, on a regular schedule. A steady amount is easier to plan around than taking money whenever it’s there. How you pay yourself depends on how your business is set up, so ask your tax preparer what fits.

Many owners set aside 25 to 30 percent of their profit for taxes in a separate savings account, so the money is there when it’s due. The right amount depends on your income, entity type and state, and you may need to make estimated payments during the year. Talk with your tax preparer early, not at filing time.

A sole proprietor and the business are legally the same, so business debts can follow you personally. An LLC is a separate legal entity that can help keep business and personal liability apart, though it takes a little more paperwork. Which one fits depends on your situation, so check with an attorney or tax professional before you decide.

When you’re making decisions without trusting your numbers, falling behind on your books, or spending more time on paperwork than on your business. If you’re just starting out, our [one-hour strategy session] is a good first step. If you’ve been in business a while, start with a Financial Diagnostic