Laura Jorstad is a freelance writer and editor whose assignments have ranged from fly fishing to military history, self-help to science fiction. Born and raised on the Minnesota prairie, she now lives at the foot of the Green Mountains with her cat, Isabel.

Melinda Morse started her successful home cleaning business in 1994 to help pay for graduate school. She has since earned a PhD, expanded her business, and launched a successful writing career.

"I would strongly recommend that you refrain from a Cash Only policy. Requesting payments in cash is highly unprofessional and a bit shady these days. Years ago, housecleaners were not able to maintain bank accounts due to low wages, or they could not afford to have taxes removed from their wages. Today's independent housecleaners can more than afford to maintain a banking account, and as a sole proprietorship, you are responsible for your own taxes. Dealing with cash is tricky; it's too easy to put the cash into your pocket, spend it, and not record it.

You need to create a paper trail for each transaction. Insist on personal checks or credit cards. If someone must pay with cash, never allow them to leave cash sitting unattended, such as on a kitchen counter. It's too easy for strangers to come along and help themselves to your money, and you have absolutely no claim or proof that you did or didn't receive the cash....."