98. The Money Mistakes Most Coffee Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron and Ben dive into the often-overlooked world of coffee shop finances. From the stress of payroll weeks to the dangers of "checkbook accounting," they explore why many café owners struggle with numbers—and why that's perfectly normal. They share practical ways to either take control of your own financial tracking or find the right professional help, emphasizing the importance of understanding cost of goods, labor percentages, and how to read meaningful reports. Whether you're running one shop or managing multiple locations, this episode is packed with actionable tips to protect your bottom line and free you up to focus on what you do best.   Minute by Minute: 0:00 – Introduction 2:00 – Why payroll weeks feel so painful + the pitfalls of "checkbook accounting" 5:00 – How bad months can sneak up on you financially 8:00 – Deciding whether to DIY or outsource your bookkeeping 12:00 – Why breaking down COGS matters 15:00 – How monthly reporting should actually look 17:00 – The stress of not knowing where to start fixing problems 20:00 – Why you can't do everything yourself forever 22:00 – Final encouragement for coffee shop owners