BeFreed
    Categories>Career & Business>Business Transactions: How Debits and Credits Work

    Business Transactions: How Debits and Credits Work

    27 min
    |
    |
    22 mar 2026
    BusinessFinanceEducation

    Struggling to balance your books? Learn how T-accounts and the accounting equation track your cash flow so you can avoid costly bookkeeping mistakes.

    Business Transactions: How Debits and Credits Work

    Mejor cita de Business Transactions: How Debits and Credits Work

    “

    The accounting equation—Assets equal Liabilities plus Equity—is the 'North Star' of the financial world; it is a simple formula that governs everything from a lemonade stand to a global tech giant.

    ”

    Esta lección de audio fue creada por un miembro de la comunidad BeFreed

    Pregunta de entrada

    Give a businesses transactions in debit credit while explaining how it works add the account title

    Voces del presentador
    Lenaplay
    Eliplay
    Estilo de aprendizaje
    Profundo
    Fuentes de conocimiento
    Accounting Made Simple
    10 Minute Guide to Accounting for Non-Accountants (10 Minute Guides)
    Profit First
    The ten-day MBA
    You Need a Budget
    The financial numbers game

    Preguntas frecuentes

    In the accounting world, a debit is not inherently "bad" or a loss, and a credit is not necessarily "good." They are simply directional entries used in a T-account model to maintain the balance of the accounting equation. A debit refers to an entry on the left side of the ledger, while a credit refers to an entry on the right side. Whether an account increases or decreases with a debit or credit depends entirely on the type of account it is.

    A helpful mnemonic mentioned in the script is "DEALER." The first three letters, D-E-A, stand for Dividends, Expenses, and Assets, all of which increase with a Debit on the left side. The last three letters, L-E-R, stand for Liabilities, Equity, and Revenue, which increase with a Credit on the right side. Using this system removes the emotional labels of "good" or "bad" and focuses on the functional category of the account.

    The double-entry system captures the "source" and "destination" of every dollar, creating a two-sided story for every transaction. While a single-entry system might only show that money was spent, double-entry shows exactly how that transaction affects the business's overall health—such as decreasing cash while simultaneously increasing an asset or an expense. This creates a built-in quality check: if the total debits do not equal the total credits, you know immediately that a mathematical or recording error has occurred.

    Adjusting entries are used to align a business's books with "economic reality" rather than just tracking when cash moves. Following the "Matching Principle," these entries ensure expenses are recorded in the period they actually support. For example, if you pay for six months of insurance upfront, you record it as a "Prepaid Insurance" asset and then use adjusting entries to "use up" one-sixth of that value each month as an expense. This prevents one month from looking artificially expensive and provides a truer picture of long-term profitability.

    Real or permanent accounts, such as Cash, Equipment, and Liabilities, maintain their balances and roll over from year to year. Nominal or temporary accounts, such as Revenue and Expenses, are "zeroed out" at the end of each fiscal year. This reset allows a business to see exactly how much it earned and spent in a specific year. The final profit or loss from these nominal accounts is then transferred into an equity account called "Retained Earnings" before the new year begins.

    Descubre más

    Tax, Deductions & Small Biz Bookkeeping

    Tax, Deductions & Small Biz Bookkeeping

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Tax, Deductions & Small Biz Bookkeeping

    This learning plan is essential for small business owners who want to move beyond basic record-keeping and master strategic financial management. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for optimizing taxes, securing profits, and scaling operations with professional-grade financial discipline.

    3 h 56 m•4 Secciones
    Learn accounting

    Learn accounting

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Learn accounting

    This plan provides a comprehensive bridge from foundational principles to advanced modern practices. It is ideal for aspiring professionals, entrepreneurs, or managers who need to translate complex financial data into actionable business strategies.

    4 h 7 m•4 Secciones
    Master Accounting, Cloud & Business Degree

    Master Accounting, Cloud & Business Degree

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Master Accounting, Cloud & Business Degree

    This interdisciplinary program bridges the gap between traditional financial expertise and modern technological infrastructure. It is ideal for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs who need to master both the balance sheet and the digital tools that power today's global economy.

    3 h 6 m•4 Secciones
    Convert bill to negotiable instrument

    Convert bill to negotiable instrument

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Convert bill to negotiable instrument

    This learning plan is essential for finance professionals and entrepreneurs who need to master the legal and operational mechanics of liquid assets. It bridges the gap between basic billing and sophisticated financial instruments, making it ideal for those in treasury, banking, or corporate law.

    2 h 16 m•4 Secciones
    Business, Finance, History & Self-Growth

    Business, Finance, History & Self-Growth

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Business, Finance, History & Self-Growth

    This comprehensive curriculum bridges the gap between technical business skills and personal character development. It is designed for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs who want to understand the historical and financial forces shaping our world while mastering their own habits.

    3 h 19 m•4 Secciones
    Finance, Business, Communication & Habits

    Finance, Business, Communication & Habits

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Finance, Business, Communication & Habits

    This comprehensive guide bridges the gap between financial literacy, professional strategy, and personal psychology. It is designed for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs who want to master the multifaceted skills required for modern career and life success.

    2 h 6 m•4 Secciones
    Finance

    Finance

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Finance

    This comprehensive track bridges the gap between basic personal money management and professional-level investment analysis. It is ideal for individuals seeking to transition from financial stability to sophisticated wealth creation and independence.

    3 h 6 m•4 Secciones
    Costing , Excel

    Costing , Excel

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Costing , Excel

    This plan bridges the gap between traditional accounting and modern data automation. It is ideal for finance professionals and business owners looking to streamline cost management using advanced Excel techniques.

    3 h 26 m•4 Secciones

    Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

    BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000 Mentes Curiosas
    Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

    BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000 Mentes Curiosas
    Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star
    1.5K Ratings4.7
    Comienza tu viaje de aprendizaje, ahora
    BeFreed App
    BeFreed

    Aprende Cualquier Cosa, Personalizado

    DiscordLinkedIn
    Resúmenes de libros destacados
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Categorías en tendencia
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Lista de lectura de celebridades
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Colección premiada
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Temas destacados
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Mejores libros por año
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Autores destacados
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
    BeFreed vs otras apps
    BeFreed vs. Other Book Summary AppsBeFreed vs. ElevenReaderBeFreed vs. ReadwiseBeFreed vs. Anki
    Herramientas de aprendizaje
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Información
    Sobre Nosotrosarrow
    Preciosarrow
    Preguntas Frecuentesarrow
    Blogarrow
    Carrerasarrow
    Asociacionesarrow
    Programa de Embajadoresarrow
    Directorioarrow
    BeFreed
    Try now
    © 2026 BeFreed
    Términos de UsoPolítica de Privacidad
    BeFreed

    Aprende Cualquier Cosa, Personalizado

    DiscordLinkedIn
    Resúmenes de libros destacados
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Categorías en tendencia
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Lista de lectura de celebridades
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Colección premiada
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Temas destacados
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Mejores libros por año
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Herramientas de aprendizaje
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Autores destacados
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
    BeFreed vs otras apps
    BeFreed vs. Other Book Summary AppsBeFreed vs. ElevenReaderBeFreed vs. ReadwiseBeFreed vs. Anki
    Información
    Sobre Nosotrosarrow
    Preciosarrow
    Preguntas Frecuentesarrow
    Blogarrow
    Carrerasarrow
    Asociacionesarrow
    Programa de Embajadoresarrow
    Directorioarrow
    BeFreed
    Try now
    © 2026 BeFreed
    Términos de UsoPolítica de Privacidad

    Parte de un plan de aprendizaje

    Master accounting and office communication

    Master accounting and office communication

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Master accounting and office communication

    5 h 44 m•5 Episodios
    Manage contractor taxes & resolve tax debt

    Manage contractor taxes & resolve tax debt

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Manage contractor taxes & resolve tax debt

    1 h 18 m•3 Episodios

    Puntos clave

    1

    Beyond the Left and Right Sides

    0:00
    0:13
    0:33
    0:40
    2

    The Accounting Equation as the Universal Bedrock

    0:54
    1:10
    0:40
    1:43
    1:48
    2:07
    2:22
    2:45
    3:14
    3:24
    3:38
    0:40
    3

    Visualizing the Flow with T-Accounts

    4:02
    4:13
    4:31
    4:36
    4:51
    0:40
    5:24
    5:27
    5:54
    6:05
    6:26
    2:22
    6:54
    7:05
    4

    Transaction Scenario One: The Startup Investment

    7:20
    7:37
    7:50
    7:54
    8:07
    0:40
    8:33
    8:38
    8:51
    8:53
    9:07
    9:22
    9:38
    0:40
    9:57
    10:17
    6:05
    5

    Transaction Scenario Two: Managing the Bills

    10:44
    10:58
    11:11
    11:19
    11:30
    11:33
    11:47
    0:40
    12:17
    12:29
    12:37
    12:52
    12:53
    13:15
    13:22
    6

    Transaction Scenario Three: The Business Loan

    13:33
    13:48
    14:01
    14:05
    14:19
    0:40
    14:41
    14:55
    15:14
    3:24
    11:19
    11:33
    15:47
    16:05
    16:15
    16:30
    0:40
    7

    The Art of Adjusting Entries

    16:57
    17:07
    17:26
    6:05
    17:45
    5:27
    18:04
    18:14
    18:30
    11:19
    18:46
    18:49
    19:07
    19:14
    19:25
    0:40
    8

    Avoiding the "Costly Mistakes" Minefield

    19:58
    20:07
    20:17
    20:22
    20:37
    20:44
    21:02
    0:40
    21:32
    21:43
    21:59
    22:05
    22:25
    4:36
    9

    Your Practical Bookkeeping Playbook

    22:52
    23:00
    23:20
    23:22
    23:33
    23:41
    24:02
    0:40
    24:35
    24:44
    25:03
    2:22
    25:18
    2:22
    10

    Closing Reflections on the Story of Your Business

    25:26
    25:43
    25:55
    0:40
    26:18
    26:31
    23:41
    26:49
    26:53
    27:01
    27:04

    Más como esto

    Portada del libro Accounting debits and credits: why they feel backwards
    Accounting Made Simple10 Minute Guide to Accounting for Non-Accountants (10 Minute Guides)Profit FirstThe ten-day MBA
    23 sources
    Accounting debits and credits: why they feel backwards
    Confused by the debit-credit flip? Learn how the accounting equation works so you can record transactions accurately and keep your ledger balanced.
    33 min
    Portada del libro Small business accounting doesn't have to be hard
    Accounting Made Simple10 Minute Guide to Accounting for Non-Accountants (10 Minute Guides)Profit FirstSimple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!
    10 sources
    Small business accounting doesn't have to be hard
    Stop wasting hours on manual data entry. Learn how to automate your bookkeeping and build an audit-proof system that gives you total financial clarity.
    22 min
    Portada del libro Profit, Revenue, and the Cash Flow Reality
    Cash Flow Management: How to Manage Cash Flow for Your BusinessRevenue vs. Profit: What's the Difference? - InvestopediaHow to Create a Budget for a Small Business
    3 sources
    Profit, Revenue, and the Cash Flow Reality
    A business can look successful on paper while running out of money. Learn to master the mechanics of cash flow and budgeting to keep your engine running.
    22 min
    Portada del libro Financial accounts and how they keep you in control
    Accounting Made Simple10 Minute Guide to Accounting for Non-Accountants (10 Minute Guides)Profit FirstSimple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!
    28 sources
    Financial accounts and how they keep you in control
    Struggling to track where your money goes? Learn how modern ledgers and AI tools turn financial chaos into a clear map of your spending and growth.
    28 min
    Portada del libro Accounting Fundamentals: Your Financial GPS for Business Success
    Accounting Made SimpleAccounting for Non-AccountantsProfit FirstFinancial Intelligence
    14 sources
    Accounting Fundamentals: Your Financial GPS for Business Success
    Discover how ancient accounting principles became the backbone of modern business decisions. Learn the essential language that reveals whether companies thrive or crash.
    49 min
    Portada del libro Accounting systems from source documents to reporting
    Accounting Made Simple10 Minute Guide to Accounting for Non-Accountants (10 Minute Guides)Profit FirstThe financial numbers game
    23 sources
    Accounting systems from source documents to reporting
    Struggling to turn messy invoices into clear reports? Learn the step-by-step cycle from daily entries to GST compliance and final balance sheets.
    21 min
    Portada del libro How to read a financial report
    How to read a financial report
    John A. Tracy
    Master the art of decoding financial statements and uncover vital business insights from balance sheets, income reports, and cash flows.
    9 min
    Portada del libro 10 Minute Guide to Accounting for Non-Accountants (10 Minute Guides)
    10 Minute Guide to Accounting for Non-Accountants (10 Minute Guides)
    Wayne A. Label
    Demystify financial jargon and master accounting basics with this accessible guide for entrepreneurs and business professionals.
    9 min