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Alison Mead

The Blog of Silicon Bullet

By Alison Mead, Bookkeeping Mentor ...



Sage version 33 release, Whispers of new features, Nature's wisdom blooms
Sage version 33 released: smarter, smoother, and future-ready

Here's more information about the Sage version 33 release. It's about reducing admin and tightening compliance. Expect cleaner email management, better VAT handling across the UK and Ireland, and improved AI document capture. ...

Making Tax Digital, For the self-employed, the stress, Counting numbers, pain
Making Tax Digital for the self-employed: thresholds, quarterly updates, and ways to stay calm

Making Tax Digital for the self-employed will change how many sole traders and landlords handle income tax reporting. It's quarterly updates plus a year-end declaration, built from your digital tax records in MTD software. Th ...

Self-assessment tax return, Numbers and forms to fill, An annual task?
Do you need to submit a self-assessment tax return by the end of January 2026?

Wondering if a self-assessment tax return is due by the end of January 2026? This explains who typically needs to file, how the £1,000 trading allowance fits around the 5th of April, and why HMRC may still expect a return if ...

Bookkeeper balancing, Ledgers and numbers with care, Numbers dance on page
Why Should You Use A Bookkeeper?

Keeping track of your accounts is a science as well as an art form. Yes, of course you can do it yourself, but wouldn't a bookkeeper make your life a whole lot easier? Having a clear picture of your finances at any given time ...

Bookkeeping buddy, Helping you keep track of funds, Together we thrive!
Some Great Reviews For My Bookkeeping Buddy Subscription

Do It Yourself bookkeeping often feels like a chore when you're managing your own business accounts or even just starting off as a bookkeeper. This is why I created by Bookkeeping Buddy subscription and I'm getting some great ...

Bookkeeping business in 2026, Numbers tell the story true, Balance in the end
Building Your Bookkeeping Business in 2026

The usual question I see asked in bookkeeping groups and forums is, where can I find customers, or how can I get experience now that I have passed my bookkeeping exams and started my bookkeeping business ... ...

Sage 50 accounts, And payroll subscription shifts, Balance books with ease
Sage 50 Accounts and Payroll subscription changes

Here's the Sage 50 accounts and payroll subscription changes in plain English. Direct prices rose earlier, partner-billed rises land later. Learn how timing and route to purchase affect your bill ... ...

Etsy app for Xero, Simplifies financial woes, Balance with ease now
Why side hustlers should try the Etsy app for Xero today

The Etsy app for Xero helps side hustlers automate sales, fees, and taxes, cutting administration and accounting errors. It turns messy payouts into clear records. It's a smart, simple boost for your bookkeeping ... ...

Autumn budget 2025, For bookkeepers, time to grow, Balanced accounts thrive
Autumn Budget 2025: What Every Bookkeeper Needs to Know

The 2025 Autumn Budget arrived with its usual mix of political theatre and careful phrasing, but beneath the headlines sit several changes that every bookkeeper should be aware of ... ...

AI bank reconciliation in Xero, Efficient and swift, Balancing books with ease
AI bank reconciliation in Xero: will it transform your monthly close?

AI bank reconciliation in Xero promises faster month-end with automation and human review. It can streamline matching while maintaining oversight. Here's what to consider before switching it on, because I wonder if it is a go ...

Bookkeeping Buddy, Numbers, ledgers, expenses, Balance with patience
Bookkeeping Buddy: Why DIY Bookkeeping Doesn't Mean Doing It Alone

Many small business owners attempt DIY bookkeeping to save costs and maintain control. Yet, this path can be daunting. Learn how you can manage your finances more effectively with my Bookkeeping Buddy subscription, ensuring y ...

Bookkeeping buddy, Numbers and spreadsheets galore, Together we thrive!
Being a Bookkeeping Buddy Means Being Part Of A Community

I created my Bookkeeping Buddy community last year to offer a higher level of support to bookkeepers across the country, and it really has turned into a community. At a recent Accountex London exhibition, two of my Bookkeepin ...

Bookkeeping is hard, Numbers and figures abound, Balance must be kept
Building A Bookkeeping Business: Increasing Your Prices

You may have already done the difficult part of starting your own bookkeeping business; you've found clients, you've decided on your pricing, and now you're getting on with the day-to-day of looking after the clients you've . ...

Tiktok, the clock ticks, Counting down to monitisation, Moments slip away
How Small Creators Can Earn Money From TikTok

I have been experimenting with monetising on social media to see how easy it is and how it all works, so I am better able to help and advise those with side hustles and the self-employed on how to report their income, and eve ...

IT support, your lifeline, Check who you call, it may be a scam
Be Careful Who You Call For IT Support

If you have a problem with your computer and need help, be really careful who you call for support. We have had two calls in the last couple of days from domestic clients who had printer connection issues, googled a support n ...

Anti-Money Laundering, Cracking down on dirty cash, Justice for all, clean
Download an Anti-Money Laundering package that actually helps!

Want Anti-Money Laundering made simple? My updated AML package offers templates, checklists, and practical tips that slot straight into your workflow. Download it today and stay confident with clear steps ... ...

New Xero certification, A symbol of growth, Endless possibilities
Get Ahead With The New Xero Certification

Here's the lowdown on the new Xero certification. It's clearer, faster, and fits around real work. Let me explain what's changing, why it matters, and how to get started ... ...

Sage 50 login issues, Frustration mounts with each try, Tech support awaits
Sage 50 Login Issues Explained: Why Users Must Now Enter An Email

Here's the lowdown on Sage 50 login issues and the new email sign-in. Users now need a Sage ID for added security - even without cloud features. This blog post provides a quick setup guide and instructions on how to assist ot ...

National insurance, For side hustlers hustling, Securing our dreams
Understanding National Insurance For Side Hustlers

Here's a guide to National Insurance for side hustlers. It explains Class 2 NIC changes, voluntary payments for low profits, and Class 4 when earnings rise. It's a check-up for your pension record ... ...

Payhip helped me, To sell my subscription with ease, Earning while I sleep
How Payhip Helped Me Bring Bookkeeping Buddies To Life

When I first came up with the idea for my Bookkeeping Buddies Subscription, I was excited and yes, even a little overwhelmed. I knew what I wanted to offer - a friendly space for business owners and bookkeepers to learn, conn ...

Side hustle tax return, Threshold, a goal to reach for, Extra income blooms
HMRC Triples The Side Hustle Tax Return Threshold

The side hustle tax return threshold is rising from £1,000 to £3,000, likely from April 2027. Many with modest earnings will avoid full self assessment. Until then, current tax rules still apply ... ...

Xero on the screen, Numbers dance in perfect form, Balance achieved, peace
Exciting Changes Are Coming To Xero: Now You Can Navigate With Ease!

Change is on the horizon for Xero users! Prepare for an upgraded navigation system and new homepage designed to simplify bookkeeping and improve business insights effortlessly ... ...

Xero Price Rises, Unexpected expenses, Budgets stretched thin
Prepare for Xero Price Rises: Essential Updates and Insights for Your Business

As Xero prepares for significant price rises from the 1st of September 2025, users must stay informed about these changes. While some plans remain unchanged, understanding the details of the new pricing structure is crucial f ...

Sage 50 Accounts Version 32, Numbers and data flow, Balance sheets align
Unveiling Sage 50 Accounts Version 32: A Comprehensive Overview of New Features

Sage 50 Accounts Version 32 introduces enhancements designed to streamline operations and improve user experience. With AI integration, document attachment capabilities, and banking compliance updates, this version promises t ...

Xero offers more ways, To receive payment with ease, Effortless and swift
Xero Now Offers More Ways to Get Paid With Stripe & GoCardless

Xero now offers more ways to get paid, having integrated the likes of Stripe and GoCardless, allowing businesses to accelerate their cash flow and improve client satisfaction. Learn how to leverage innovative payment solution ...

Flat Rate VAT, A set fee for all to pay, Simple yet complex
How Sage Business Cloud Calculates Flat Rate VAT

If your business is registered under the Flat Rate VAT Scheme, understanding how Sage Business Cloud calculates your VAT return is key to staying compliant and maintaining accurate records. How does the system work, and what ...

Withdraw free licenses, For charities in need, Their work hindered now
Microsoft Withdraws Free Licenses for Charities And Non-Profits

Microsoft has announced it will withdraw free licenses for charities, specifically the Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 packages, from the 1st of July 2025. This decision marks a turning point for non-profits ...

Xero Cashbook Subscriptions to become Xero Simple

If you’re a Xero user, you might have already heard the news that Xero Cashbook is out, and Xero Simple has arrived. But don’t worry, this isn’t one of those “new name, same headaches” kind of changes. In fact, it’s quite the ...

Cyber attack strikes hard, Codes and firewalls no match, Silent destruction
How a Cyber Attack Compromised a Bookkeeper's Security

When a cyber attack struck a bookkeeper friend of mine, it revealed the hidden dangers of downloading files from seemingly trustworthy sources. In this blog post, she chronicles the experience, offering essential insights int ...

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