“Whether or not you run a company, you are the CEO of your own life.”
This is something Simone Milasas says all the time, and it really resonates with me. You might not have a business, but if you have a busy life, then getting extra tracking with QuickBooks Online (QBO) might make sense for you. I’ll go over some of the things that make QBO a solid choice for your financial success as well as the tools I love to use.
Why Use QBO for Personal Finances?
Although QBO is traditionally marketed as a business finance tool, it can be a powerful system for personal money management when set up thoughtfully. Here’s why:
- All-in-One View: You can track your assets, spending, savings, and even investments in one central dashboard.
- Custom Chart of Accounts: By designing categories that reflect your lifestyle (vacations, household expenses, kids’ activities, savings goals), you get clarity on where your money is really going.
- Reports at Your Fingertips: With just a couple clicks, you can run cash flow statements, spending summaries, or net worth snapshots — no spreadsheet tinkering required.
- Automation & Bank Feeds: Link your accounts and let QBO pull transactions in automatically. This saves time and reduces the “oops, I forgot about that bill” moments.
A “Date with Your Money”
Author and financial educator Tori Dunlap (Her First 100K) often talks about having a “date with your money.” This idea is simple but powerful: set aside regular time — I recommend weekly — to check in with your finances.
When you combine this practice with QBO, your money dates become more than paying bills. You’re:
- Reviewing spending habits with real data.
- Tracking progress toward goals like building savings, paying off debt, or investing.
- Catching any mistakes, fraud, or forgotten subscriptions early.
- Making money feel less scary and more like a partner in your life.
- This is the time I like to ask, “Ok Money, what more can you do for me? How do I make sure you are growing?” Is it time to transfer money to your High Yield Savings Account or investment account?
Wrapping It Up
Whether you own a business or not, your life is your business. Tools like QuickBooks Online give you clarity, confidence, and control so you can make financial choices from a place of awareness instead of guesswork.
If you’ve been feeling like money just “happens to you,” try reframing it: you are the CEO of your own life, and your financial systems can support that role. With the right setup in QBO and a regular date with your money, you might be surprised at how much ease — and even joy — you can create with your finances.
more2heather@gmail.com | (206) 227-6128