Guides

Working time recording in Germany 2026: what small businesses need to know
Working time recording in Germany 2026: what already applies after the Federal Labour Court ruling, what the draft law plans, which exemptions for small businesses are being discussed and what good time recording needs. Read more...
Building a staff schedule: rules and tips for small teams
Staff schedules for small teams: needs first, then people. Rest periods, breaks, mini-job limits and public holidays in Germany, plus the typical mistakes and how to avoid them. Read more...
Keeping a household budget: how to stay on top of it and stick with it
Keep a household budget without giving up after three weeks: categories, the 50-30-20 rule, an emergency fund, a debt plan and working from your bank statement instead of receipts. Read more...
Cancelling contracts in Germany: notice periods for phone, energy, gym and subscriptions
Which notice periods apply to mobile phone, internet, energy, gym, insurance and streaming contracts? The key rules in Germany, the cancellation button and how to never miss a deadline again. Read more...
Pricing handmade products: how to include materials, time and fees
What should your candle, jewelry or sewn piece cost? Step by step to a price that covers materials, working time, packaging and platform fees, with a worked example. Read more...
Utility cost statement in Germany: a step-by-step guide for private landlords
Preparing the annual utility cost statement (Nebenkostenabrechnung) yourself as a private landlord in Germany: deadline, recoverable costs, allocation keys, required details and common mistakes, with a worked example. Read more...
Etsy fees 2026: what you really keep from a sale
Etsy fees 2026 explained: listing fee, transaction fee, payment processing and Offsite Ads, with a worked example of how much of a 20-euro sale actually reaches you. Read more...
Handover and acceptance record in the trades: what goes in it and why it matters
With acceptance, your invoice becomes due, the warranty period starts and the burden of proof shifts. What goes into an acceptance record, how to note defects and which mistakes to avoid. Read more...
Change orders in the trades: how to get paid for extra work
“Could you just do this as well while you're here?” How to quote extra work properly as a change order, get it confirmed and bill it in the final invoice instead of ending up out of pocket. Read more...
Required invoice details in Germany: checklist under Section 14 UStG
Required invoice details as a checklist: everything under Section 14 of the German VAT Act, the rules for small-amount invoices up to EUR 250 and for small businesses, plus the most common mistakes. Read more...
Creating an e-invoice: step by step, without a subscription
Create an e-invoice in six steps: your details, customer details, line items, checks, format and sending. With common mistakes and a solution without a monthly fee. Read more...
ZUGFeRD or XRechnung: the difference and which format you need
ZUGFeRD or XRechnung? The difference explained simply: when ZUGFeRD is enough, when a customer requires XRechnung, and why a normal PDF is not an e-invoice. Read more...
Materialaufschlag im Handwerk – Aufschlag, Marge und Angebotspreis kalkulieren
Material markup in the trades: markup, margin and quote price
How to calculate material markup in the trades: the difference between markup and margin, worked examples, overheads and a practical process for quotes. Read more...
Project time tracking in Excel: template, formulas and planned vs. actual hours
Time tracking in Excel: log working hours by project, compare planned and actual hours and evaluate project costs. With a layout, an example and practical tips. Read more...
E-invoicing in Germany 2027 for small businesses (Kleinunternehmer): obligations and exemptions
E-invoicing 2027 for small businesses in Germany: what is mandatory when receiving invoices, when no e-invoice has to be issued and which transition periods apply. Read more...
Break-even berechnen – Formel, Gewinnschwelle und Mindestpreis
How to calculate the break-even point: formula and worked example
Work out your break-even point simply: the formula for units and revenue, a worked example and the minimum price. For freelancers and small businesses. Read more...
Stundensatz berechnen für Freelancer und Selbstständige im DACH-Raum
How to calculate your hourly rate: a formula for freelancers and the self-employed
How freelancers and the self-employed calculate their hourly rate: formula, billable hours, costs, profit and project pricing, with notes for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Read more...
Handwerker Kalkulation mit Excel – Angebote, Marge, CRM und Projekte
Contractor estimating with Excel: quotes, margin and projects under control
Contractor estimating with Excel: organise costs, margin, quotes, follow-ups, projects, job reviews and open payments in a structured way. Read more...
E-Rechnung 2026/27 – Empfang, Prüfung, Zahlung und Archiv organisieren
E-invoicing in Germany 2027: receiving, checking and workflow
E-invoicing in Germany 2026/27: organise receiving, checking, due dates and archiving in a structured way. Deadlines, transition rules and a simple workflow for businesses. Read more...