Meet Rachel Furtado of Burg Bookkeeping!

Photo by Brandi Image Photography

Hey, babe! I’m pumped for you to get to know Rachel Furtado of Burg Bookkeeping. For the average entrepreneur, numbers are not a source of joy, But for Rachel, they 100% are! Rachel loves making the numbers add up and her favorite thing about being her own boss is getting to choose her co-workers, aka her Beagle named Watson. Rachel lives in sunny St. Pete with her husband and she celebrated her first business anniversary last quarter after launching her biz in January of 2019.

Cheers to many more epic business anniversaries for Rachel & I hope you enjoy her words! xx -G

Take a peek into Rachel’s daily life! | Video interview

Tell us about yourself and what you do!

I am a bookkeeper helping business owners track and understand their finances.

How did your business begin?

I've always loved numbers and wanted to work for myself. I found a great course online and fell in love with bookkeeping.

What's 1 challenge you've faced and how has it effected your business? What did you do to overcome it?

My biggest challenge is working too much. I work a ton, going above and beyond for my clients, but I need to take time for myself too. I've set up a schedule that gives me that needed break to step away from the computer and recharge.

What's 1 success you've had since you’ve created your business? How do you feel when you look back on it?

I'm very proud to be a Quickbooks Online Advanced Certified ProAdvisor. The Advanced Certification exams were difficult, but I studied hard and passed them all.

What's the best piece of advice you could give someone looking to start a business?

Make sure you are all in. Not on the fence. 100% invested. It helps to have the support of your family and friends. 

Photo by Forever Treasured Photography

What's a pivot you've made in your business?

During the first year of my business I would meet with my clients wherever and whenever. Now I ask them to schedule a meeting on a Wednesday. Having the in-person meetings on Wednesdays allows me to focus on the bookkeeping work all of the other days. I look forward to getting out of the office and meeting my clients, but I also need the dedicated time to work on the books at my office.

When are you at your happiest?

It makes me very happy when I can interpret financial information in a way that makes sense to my clients. Everyone is different and needs a slightly different interpretation. 

What do you tell yourself when things get difficult?

When things are tough, I tell myself to keep going. The benefits of having my own business outweigh the hardships. 

Whats 1 personal goal you've set for yourself this year?

Personally, I'd like to buy a condo or a house for my family. Preferably someplace with a pool.

What's 1 business goal you've set for yourself to accomplish this year?

My goal for this year is to help my client's make smart financial decisions that will get them through the pandemic and tough times ahead.

Photo by Forever Treasured Photography

What's the first thing you do on a Monday morning and why?

Coffee, because coffee :) Also, I take a long walk with my dog. Mondays are crazy with payroll and various reports due. I use the morning coffee and walk to prepare for the day ahead.

Where can you be found + what will you typically be up to on a Friday night?

Honestly, I'll be home with my husband and our dog. We watch 80's movies or an episode of Psych and go to bed early. 

Finish these sentences: 

My go to karaoke song is… “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.

My favorite cocktail is… Virgin Piña Colada. I don't drink alcohol. Never have been a drinker.

My favorite quote is...  “There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in.” -Leonard Cohen