Podcasts about cpas

QuickBooks for payroll? You're Doing it All Wrong.

The Law Firm Review Secret No One is Telling You About

Join The Creative Finance Playbook Coaching Program & Learn Directly from Jenn & Joe:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativefinanceplaybook.com/wait-list?utm_source=zoom&utm_campaign=wlist⁠The BEST 2025 Wealth Move: Self-Storage + Creative FinanceIn this episode of the Creative Finance Playbook Podcast, Joe Delle Fave sit down with Alex Pardo (Storage Wins, The Flip Empire Show) to share how he went from closing 750+ single-family deals to building freedom with cash-flowing self-storage facilities—all without banks, big credit, or his own money.If you're a real estate investor looking for cash flow, wealth building, and financial freedom in 2025, this is your roadmap. Discover why so many investors are pivoting from BRRRR and traditional rentals to the recession-resistant storage asset class—and how to use creative finance strategies like seller financing, lease purchase, SBA blends, and partnerships to fund your next deal.In this episode you'll learn:✅ How to find motivated storage owners ready to sell✅ Defining your “buy box” to target the right facilities✅ Virtual “unmanned” operations with call centers + boots on the ground✅ Due diligence checklists & capital stack breakdowns✅ Why masterminds and mentorship compress your timeline to success

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupOn this episode of All Killer No Filler (the DTC Podcast from Pilothouse), Eric and Debbie dive into TikTok's Symphony suite, a growing toolkit of AI‑powered creative solutions that streamline ideation, ad creation, and brief generation. Debbie shares how Pilothouse is using Symphony to write better creative briefs fast, pairing that with affiliate creators to build consistent, scalable TikTok campaign performance.Why ListenLearn how TikTok's AI tools can accelerate creative ideation and asset refreshesSee how affiliate creators act like virtual sales associates for TikTok Shop campaignsDiscover how a simple tracking change dropped CPAs from $350 to $50Key MomentsAI Generated Creative: Debbie describes the “uncanny” experience of reviewing AI‑generated TikToks and the balance between excitement and authenticityAffiliate Strategy: Explanation of targeting L3 creators and how they drive predictable sales—even when viral moments fadePerformance Pivot: Story of resetting a Pixel and dramatically lowering ad costsTimestamps:00:00 What is TikTok Symphony02:00 TikTok Shop vs Off-Platform Strategy04:00 Brand Hesitations with AI Content06:00 From Viral Moments to Consistent Sales08:00 Finding and Working with TikTok Affiliates10:00 Measuring Affiliate Performance and KPIs12:00 Bundling Products on TikTok Shop14:00 Fixing High CPCs and CPAs with Fresh Pixels15:00 TikTok's Role in the Full Funnel16:00 Final Advice on Using SymphonyHashtags:#TikTokMarketing #TikTokAds #TikTokShop #EcommerceGrowth #AffiliateMarketing #AIMarketing #CreativeStrategy #DTCBrands #DigitalMarketing #GrowthMarketing Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

If Your Bookkeeper is Doing this You are Failing.

Today, I am pleased to welcome Craig Armstrong, Managing Partner of Veridian, a Miami-based tax, audit, accounting, and advisory firm. Craig has over 25 years of public accounting experience, including serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to local or middle market companies, as well as high net worth family offices and individuals. He began his career with the firm of Williams, Cox, Weidner, and Cox in Tallahassee, Florida, and held prior roles as Senior Manager of Corporate Accounting Special Projects with Ryder System, Inc. and South Florida Site Leader for audits of employee benefit plans at PwC in Miami. Craig co-founded CAPA, a certified public accounting firm in 2004 and merged with Hancock Askew in 2020 prior to forming Veridian in 2025. He serves on the audit and finance committee of the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami and is a member of the University of Miami's School of Business Accounting Advisory Board. Craig and his firm, Veridian, are advisor members of FOX and we are thrilled to have their expertise available within our membership community. In recent years, technological advancements have transformed the role of the advisor serving UHNW families. Craig talks about how the role of the advisor has evolved alongside technology, and particularly how the role of the CPA has changed. With the rise of AI, we are beginning to witness the next-stage transformation of the family advisor role. Craig shares his thoughts on what is likely to happen to the role of the fiduciary advisor in the era of AI – how will CPAs, estate planners, and wealth planners will coexist with the AI tools. One practical consideration advisors and families need to navigate is the increasingly divergent preferences between older-gen and rising-gen clients. Craig offers his tips on how professionals and clients can best manage the “generational tug of war” caused by their different values and preferences. Finally, Craig provides his and suggestions for UHNW clients on how best to interact with their CPA – especially given all the self-serve tools and AI solutions that are increasingly available in all professional services fields. Please enjoy this highly informative conversation with a leading expert and experienced UHNW advisor serving enterprise families.

In this episode, I welcome back Gerry Delang, founder of End Tax Problems Now, a firm he started in 2001 to help individuals and businesses resolve complex IRS issues. Gerry is who I call the “stress reliever”, because when you're facing the most feared collection agency in the world, you need someone who knows how to fight back and win.   We talk about what really happens when you get that dreaded IRS letter, why paying without question is the biggest mistake you can make, and how Gerry has successfully represented thousands of clients, including me during the 2008 crash. He also shares recent stories, common traps to avoid, and why most IRS issues are nothing to be ashamed of.   If you're an investor, entrepreneur, or anyone who's ever dealt with tax stress, this episode could save you thousands of dollars and a ton of sleepless nights.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:02 Who is Gerry Delang?  03:18 The IRS as the most feared collection agency in the world 04:45 Why ignoring IRS letters is the worst thing you can do 06:00 The mistake of paying first and hoping for a refund later 07:18 Common life events that create non-filers: divorce, illness, job loss 08:40 The trap of 800-number “IRS help” companies and why most fail 11:29 A recent personal story: a $5,000 IRS bill wiped away in one call 14:37 Why most CPAs don't want to touch tax resolution work 15:56 Even wealth advisors have IRS issues—Gerry's surprising story 17:43 How to connect with Gerry for private, judgment-free help 18:53 Stress relief, timing, and why you shouldn't wait   Quotables   “The IRS can freeze your paycheck, seize your bank account, or put a lien on your property with just one letter.”   “The last thing you want to do is give the IRS your money and then try to get it back.”   “When you offload to the right person, it's like taking a 50-pound weight off your chest.”   Links   Gerry Delang gerry@endtaxproblems.com   QLS Live http://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast   QLS 4.0 http://smartrealestatecoach.com/qls4.0podcast   Apprentice Program http://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast   In the Trenches Bootcamp http://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast   3 Paydays Virtual Event http://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast   Masterclass ($297) http://smartrealestatecoach.com/webinarpodcast   Masterclass (Apprentice) http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   Wicked Smart Books http://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast   Strategy Session http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   REI Blackbook http://smartrealestatecoach.com/reibb-dd   7 Figures Funding http://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod   Landvoice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod  

3 S-Corp Facts They Don't Tell You

Feeling scattered because you're offering every service under the sun to every kind of client?In this episode, I talk about the real cost of being in too many lanes — the wasted time, the extra software, the messy systems, and the lost leverage. I'll walk you through the four lanes you can choose from, how to decide on your primary lane, and when it actually makes sense to allow exceptions. If you're tired of tax season chaos and running on fumes, this episode will help you simplify and get your sanity back.…Link to full shownotes: https://www.businessstrategyforcpas.com/363…If you feel trapped by your own accounting firm, I can help you stop the chaos and end the long hours without losing revenue or hiring. Join 3000+ other CPAs who get my single-tip daily emails..Subscribe here: geraldinecarter.com/subscribe.Readers say they love it because they're short and on point.…Want client interviews?310 From Exhausted to Having Her Life Back: Wendy Norman, CPA304 From 55 Down to 15 Hours; Same Take-Home Pay with Melissa Downs, EA293 What it Takes to Work 15 Hours per Week with Erica Goode, CPAComplete list:geraldinecarter.com/client-interview-episodes…FOUR ways I help overworked CPAs go down to 40 hours without losing revenue or hiring:THE EMAIL COURSE – Freegeraldinecarter.com/stop-working-weekendsStop Working Weekends will teach you how to reduce your hours without giving up revenue. THE BOOK – $9.99geraldinecarter.com/bookDown to 40 Hours – A Roadmap for CPAs to End Overworking Without Losing RevenuePEAK FREEDOM COMMUNITY – $197/mogeraldinecarter.com/peak-freedomFor solo and small accounting firm owners who want to rise above the insanity of hustle-cultureDOWN TO 40 HOURS ACCELERATOR – $995/mogeraldinecarter.com/40For the overworked CPA at multiple six figures of revenue who is ready to stop working weekends, wants to implement overdue changes, and doesn't want to do it alone. You'll make progress faster and with more confidence. …

In this episode of The Art of Dental Finance and Management, Art Wiederman, CPA, continues his conversation with Mike Pennisi, owner and founder of the Rinnovo Group. With over 18 years of experience and more than 250 dental offices completed, Mike offers guidance for dental practice owners planning a new build, remodel, or office expansion.Art and Mike walk through the essential planning points, including defining the practice vision, reviewing contracts, ensuring facilities support today's technology needs, and addressing potential challenges with landlords. They also discuss ADA compliance, the differences between ground-up builds and expansions, how payment structures are arranged, and the effect of current tariff policies on construction costs.Listeners will gain insights into working effectively with construction professionals and coordinating with banks, CPAs, attorneys, and other advisors to keep projects on track. As a continuation of their earlier discussion, this conversation equips practice owners with the knowledge to avoid costly missteps and build a strong foundation for future growth.

Owning a business, especially as a solopreneur, makes it hard to stay in control of all the tasks you are in charge of within your business.  When you lean into boosting your productivity with a few of the productivity hacks I talk about today, you'll find you can be more productive when you are juggling the many different tasks in your business and even in your personal life.  You may be managing a team, handling clients, or one of a hundred different other tasks, all while trying to find a small piece of time for yourself.  This is common when you own your own business, but you want to make sure that you aren't getting burnt out when you are consistently trying to squeeze more out of each day.  In today's podcast episode, I'm talking about practical strategies that business owners have used to increase their productivity.  Whether you are starting a business or side hustle, you're a self-employed individual, a solopreneur, entrepreneur, mompreneur, freelancer, small business owner, a remote, virtual, online, or in-house bookkeeper, or a virtual assistant or VA, it doesn't matter if you have a team to manage or not, these hacks will certainly help you to get more done in less time… Join us in a community built specifically for accountants and high-stress professionals.  You'll receive support, accountability, and a community that understands what you're going through. We focus on stress reduction, increasing productivity, time management, goal achievement, health, happiness, and desired lifestyle:  https://www.financialadventure.com/community Schedule your Complimentary Stress Audit And Clarity Session, where we'll work together to create a clear and focused plan and overcome the obstacles that stand in your way so that you can move forward and immediately start enjoying your life with less stress, increased productivity, and more time to spend doing what you love with the people you care about: https://www.financialadventure.com/work-with-me Accountants, CPAs, Bookkeepers, Tax Preparers & Financial Professionals, sign up here to get updates on upcoming opportunities & grab the Audit Of Your Well-Being & Balance Guide here: https://www.financialadventure.com/accountant Ready to set up your business?  I have a program to help you get your business set up so that you can start making money.  Sign up for this program here: https://www.financialadventure.com/start Are you ready to try coaching?  Schedule an Introductory Coaching Session today.  You'll have the opportunity to see how you like coaching with an Introductory Coaching Session: https://www.financialadventure.com/intro Join us in the Mastering Your Small Business Finances PROFIT LAB if you are ready to take control of your business finances and create the profitable business you are striving for.  Are you ready to generate revenues and increase the profit in your business: https://www.financialadventure.com/profit If You Are Ready To Choose, Start Or Grow Your Side Hustle, Get Your Free Checklist And Assessment Here: https://www.financialadventure.com/sidehustle Grab Your FREE guide:  5 Essential Strategies For Stress-Free Bookkeeping: https://www.financialadventure.com/5essentials Your FREE Online Virtual Bookkeeping Business Starter Guide & Success Path Is Waiting For You: https://www.financialadventure.com/starterguide Join Our Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenbusinessownersultimatediybookkeepingboutique The Strategic Bookkeeping Academy, including Bookkeeping Basics, is open for registration!  You can learn more and sign up here: https://www.financialadventure.com/sba Looking for a payroll solution for your business?  You can get an exclusive 15% discount on your payroll services when you sign up here: https://www.financialadventure.com/adp QuickBooks Online - Save 30% Your First 6 Months: https://www.financialadventure.com/quickbooks Sign up for a virtual coffee chat to see if starting a Bookkeeping Business is right for you: https://www.financialadventure.com/discovery Show Notes:  https://www.financialadventure.com This podcast is sponsored by Financial Adventure, LLC ~ visit https://www.financialadventure.com for additional information and free resources.

Most business owners assume that having an accountant is all they need when it comes to taxes. But the truth? An accountant alone often means you're overpaying—sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars.In this episode of Life-Changing Money, Barbara pulls back the curtain on why an accountant isn't enough in today's world, the key differences between a tax preparer and a tax strategist, and how the right strategy can completely change your financial future. She also shares the most common missed deductions she sees business owners leave on the table—things like home office expenses, business travel, auto deductions, and even hiring your kids.If you've ever wondered why you're writing massive checks to the IRS despite making good money, this conversation is for you.Tune in to hear:The difference between accountants, CPAs, and tax strategists (and which one you really need)Why most accountants are reactive instead of proactive—and how that costs you moneyHow a tax strategist works with you year-round to implement strategies before tax seasonThe biggest tax-saving opportunities business owners overlookWhy switching accountants is easier than you thinkHow the right tax strategy team can save you money every single yearSign up for the FREE Write Off Your Life Masterclass happening September 17th: https://taxedacademy.com/woyl-mcHow To Get Involved:Life-Changing Money is a podcast all about money. We share stories of how money has impacted and radically changed the lives of others—and how it can do the same for you.Your host, Barbara Schreihans (pronounced ShREE-hands) is the founder and CEO of Your Tax Coach, and the creator of the Write Off Your Life Course. She is a top tax strategist, business coach, and expert in helping business owners and high-net-worth individuals save millions in taxes while increasing profits.When she's not leading her team, coaching clients, or dreaming up new goals for her company, you can find her drinking coffee, hanging out with her family, and traveling the world.Grab a cup of coffee and become inspired as we hear from those who have overcome and are overcoming their self-limiting beliefs and money mindsets!Do you have a burning question that you'd love to hear answered on a future show?Please email it to: podcast@yourtaxcoach.bizSign Up For Our NewsletterLife Changing Money PodcastGet Tax Help!

Ellen Alphonso, CPA, is a Senior Manager at Boyum Barenscheer PLLP and a recognized expert in employee benefit plan audits, with extensive experience guiding plan sponsors through the complexities of employee benefit plan compliance. Licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Minnesota, Ellen has led audits for retirement plans ranging from under $500,000 to over $5 billion in assets, offering a rare depth of insight across a wide spectrum of plan sizes and structures.Known for her collaborative approach and clear communication style, Ellen excels at translating technical audit findings into actionable strategies for fiduciaries and plan management. Her work emphasizes not only regulatory compliance but also the importance of accountability, transparency, and a participant-first mindset.Ellen leads Boyum Barenscheer's training initiatives for employee benefit plan audits, a vital component of the firm's ongoing compliance with its EBPAQC (Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center) credentials. She also contributes her expertise as a member of the Minnesota Society of CPAs' Audits of Employee Benefit Plans Conference Task Force, helping shape educational programming for practitioners across the state. Beyond her professional work, Ellen serves as the board treasurer for In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater, supporting the organization's mission to foster creativity and community through the arts.In this episode, Eric and Ellen Alphonso discuss:Prioritizing specialized expertiseStrengthening audit scope and practicesAddressing common pitfallsLeveraging auditors as partnersKey Takeaways:Auditors with deep experience in employee benefit plan audits reduce errors and ensure compliance. Choosing specialists, especially for first-time audits, safeguards accuracy.Effective audits go beyond financials to include compliance checks, reconciliations, and verification of new employee contributions, building stronger systems.Errors often stem from overextended HR/payroll departments, manual processes, or system changes. Proactive integration and training minimize risks.Strong audit firms provide more than compliance—they communicate with service providers, share best practices, assist with onboarding, and support fraud prevention through security measures.“Absolute best practice I see in my superstar clients is they do reconciliations regularly and on an annual basis.” - Ellen AlphonsoConnect with Ellen Alphonso:Website: https://myboyum.com/leadership/ellen-alphonso/ Connect with Eric Dyson: Website: https://90northllc.com/Phone: 940-248-4800Email: contact@90northllc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/ Important clarification from the podcast show dialogue: "If an ERISA plan exceeds 100 participants with an account balance but remains under 120 in perpetuity, then the plan would not require an audit for each subsequent year that it remains under 120 participants with a balance. Please verify current rules and check with your plan record-keeper, advisor, or CPA to ensure compliance with this requirement." The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change.It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances.

R. Kenner French emphasizes that many entrepreneurs are "leaving money on the table" by overlooking the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit. He explains that even experienced CPAs sometimes forget about it, highlighting how often business owners miss out. Unlike a deduction, this incentive is a dollar-for-dollar credit against taxes, meaning direct savings. Kenner stresses that entrepreneurs—especially those experimenting with AI or improving business systems—are prime candidates to benefit.He outlines that R&D tax credits are a U.S. government incentive to propel innovation and economic growth. Eligible activities must be based in the U.S. and can include developing new products, processes, or services, or even enhancing existing ones. Work done overseas, however, does not qualify. He provides real-world context, noting how even his company missed out on credits when hiring researchers abroad. The key takeaway: if innovation is happening domestically, it may qualify.Kenner details qualifying expenses such as salaries and wages of research staff, supplies like computers used for testing, contract research, and even a portion of overhead costs like utilities. He demonstrates the impact with a simple example: if a company owes $100,000 in taxes and claims $10,000 in R&D credits, the liability drops to $90,000. This means improved cash flow for businesses, along with the added societal benefit of fueling innovation.The process of applying requires identifying R&D activities, documenting expenses, and calculating eligible credits. He advises tracking R&D efforts regularly instead of scrambling at year-end and working with qualified advisors to maximize results. Importantly, businesses can often retroactively claim credits for the past two or three years. Staying proactive is critical, since tax laws evolve over time.Finally, Kenner highlights industries that commonly qualify, including pharmaceuticals, tech startups, and manufacturing. He encourages entrepreneurs to see R&D not just as a compliance item but as a way to market themselves as innovators with a competitive edge. He's central message is clear: properly identifying and claiming R&D tax credits can lower taxes, increase cash flow, and help entrepreneurs play a meaningful role in advancing society.Takeaways• Many entrepreneurs are unaware of R&D tax credits.• R&D tax credits can significantly reduce tax liability.• Eligibility includes developing new products or processes.• Expenses related to R&D can be claimed for tax credits.• It's essential to consult with a tax professional about R&D credits.• R&D tax credits can improve cash flow for businesses.• Innovative projects are incentivized by the government.• Documentation of R&D activities is crucial for claiming credits.• Businesses can retroactively claim R&D credits for previous years.• R&D tax credits can provide a competitive edge in the marketplace.Sound Bites• You are leaving money on the table.• It reduces your overall tax liability.• Unlock your business's potential.Listen & Subscribe for More:

The Secret to Law Firm Success No One is Talking About

In this episode, Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor, highlights a common mistake among dental practice owners: treating financial planning as a one-time task instead of an ongoing cycle. Just like dental hygiene requires regular checkups, financial hygiene needs consistent monitoring, updating, and adjustment.Wes explains the fourth phase of financial planning: Implement → Monitor → Revise → Repeat. Following a structured rhythm ensures clarity, accountability, and faster progress toward financial independence.Seven Key Activities for Dental Practice Owners:Review monthly financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet, cash flow).Update long-term personal financial plan annually (ideally in January).Revisit personal spending plan annually to track expenses accurately.Complete tax projections twice yearly (June and October/November).Update family payroll annually in January to optimize taxes and 401(k) contributions.Adjust doctor payroll three times yearly (January, June, October) for taxes and retirement.Complete cash flow forecasts and allocate surplus capital in June and October.Wes notes that traditional CPAs often focus on historical data and compliance, while dental-specific financial advisors help align practice cash flow with personal financial goals, creating real traction toward wealth.Key Takeaways:Financial planning is an ongoing cycle, not a one-time event.Monthly reviews and annual updates keep you proactive.Semi-annual tax and cash flow planning prevent surprises.Working with a dental-specific advisor accelerates wealth building.Consistency compounds into financial freedom and lifestyle flexibility.Resources Mentioned:Financial Activity Cadence

Business Weekend Hack for Tax Savings

Mastering Sales & Scaling Revenue with James DonovanWhat do door-to-door sales in Australia and high-ticket deals for CPAs have in common? James Donovan.In this episode, James shares how he went from knocking on doors to building a company that delivers high-margin clients to fractional CFOs and accountants. We dive into his approach to lead generation, sales process optimization, and how he handles objections like "the leads are bad" by owning the entire sales funnel—from click to close.You'll learn:Why persistence beats talent in salesHow to qualify clients before they qualify youThe power of niching down and systematizing growthWhy James is planning to buy an accounting firm (despite hating accounting in school)Whether you're scaling a service business, running B2B sales, or just looking to sharpen your revenue strategy, this episode is full of actionable gems.

Do you ever catch yourself standing in front of the fridge or pantry, not because you're hungry, but because you're bored, stressed, or just want a break from everything going on in your life?  Maybe you've had this thought: “Why can't I just eat like a normal person?”  I hear this from my clients all the time, especially high-stress professionals like accountants, lawyers, and business owners. People who can handle complex projects, manage other people's money or businesses, and make huge decisions every day. Yet when it comes to food? It feels like it's the one area that's out of control.  Today, I want to help you understand why you overeat, and more importantly, how you can stop, without relying on willpower. Because the solution isn't about discipline or “eating less.” It's about understanding what's really going on in your brain, the root cause, and learning how to process emotions instead of numbing them with food.  Let's dive in… Join us in a community built specifically for accountants and high-stress professionals.  You'll receive support, accountability, and a community that understands what you're going through. We focus on stress reduction, increasing productivity, time management, goal achievement, health, happiness, and desired lifestyle:  https://www.financialadventure.com/community I'm inviting you to sign up for the free private podcast where I do a deeper dive into this topic on the Mastering Your Mindset Moments podcast for high-stress professionals: https://www.financialadventure.com/private Schedule your Complimentary Stress Audit and Clarity Session, where we'll work together to create a clear and focused plan for you to move forward so you'll immediately start enjoying your life with less stress, increased productivity, and more time to spend doing what you love with the people you care about: https://www.financialadventure.com/work-with-me Accountants, CPAs, Bookkeepers, Tax Preparers & Financial Professionals, sign up here to get updates on upcoming opportunities & grab the Audit Of Your Well-Being & Balance Guide here: https://www.financialadventure.com/accountant Ready to set up your business?  I have a program to help you get your business set up so that you can start making money.  Sign up for this program here: https://www.financialadventure.com/start Are you ready to try coaching?  Schedule an Introductory Coaching Session today.  You'll have the opportunity to see how you like coaching with an Introductory Coaching Session: https://www.financialadventure.com/intro Join us in the Mastering Your Small Business Finances PROFIT LAB if you are ready to take control of your business finances and create the profitable business you are striving for.  Are you ready to generate revenues and increase the profit in your business: https://www.financialadventure.com/profit If You Are Ready To Choose, Start Or Grow Your Side Hustle, Get Your Free Checklist And Assessment Here: https://www.financialadventure.com/sidehustle Grab Your FREE guide:  5 Essential Strategies For Stress-Free Bookkeeping: https://www.financialadventure.com/5essentials Your FREE Online Virtual Bookkeeping Business Starter Guide & Success Path Is Waiting For You: https://www.financialadventure.com/starterguide Join Our Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenbusinessownersultimatediybookkeepingboutique The Strategic Bookkeeping Academy, including Bookkeeping Basics, is open for registration!  You can learn more and sign up here: https://www.financialadventure.com/sba Looking for a payroll solution for your business?  You can get an exclusive 15% discount on your payroll services when you sign up here: https://www.financialadventure.com/adp QuickBooks Online - Save 30% Your First 6 Months: https://www.financialadventure.com/quickbooks Sign up for a virtual coffee chat to see if starting a Bookkeeping Business is right for you: https://www.financialadventure.com/discovery Show Notes:  https://www.financialadventure.com This podcast is sponsored by Financial Adventure, LLC ~ visit https://www.financialadventure.com for additional information and free resources.

Working on cruise ships as an entertainer can get weird, and I'm not talking about hecklers. Just getting to the ship in another country is a journey in itself. Here's a quick story about a cruise ship fiasco that could have turned out very badly! https://www.TheWorkLady.com  Jan McInnis is a top change management keynote speaker and comedian. She uses short funny stories to emphasize her tips on how businesses can use humor to handle change. Jan is a top conference keynote speaker, comedian, Master of Ceremonies, and comedy writer. She has written for Jay Leno's The Tonight Show monologues as well as many other people, places, and groups—radio, TV, syndicated cartoon strips, guests on The Jerry Springer Show (her parents are proud). For over 25 years, she's traveled the country as a keynote speaker and comedian, sharing her unique and practical tips on how to use humor in business (yes, it's a business skill!). She's been featured in The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post for her clean humor, and she's the author of two books: Finding the Funny Fast – How to Create Quick Humor to Connect with Clients, Coworkers, and Crowds, and Convention Comedian: Stories and Wisdom From Two Decades of Chicken Dinners and Comedy Clubs. She also has a popular podcast titled Comedian Stories: Tales From the Road in Under 5 Minutes. In her former life, she was a marketing executive in Washington, D.C. for national non-profits, and she received the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives “Excellence in Education” Award. Jan's been featured at thousands of events from the Federal Reserve Banks to the Mayo Clinic.   https://www.TheWorkLady.com https://youtu.be/BtjxzDn-QLE https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmcinnis https://twitter.com/janmcinnis https://www.pinterest.com/janmcinnis/pins/ https://www.youtube.com/c/JanMcInnisComedian https://www.facebook.com/ComedianJanMcInnis https://www.instagram.com/jan.mcinnis/   Jan has shared her humor keynotes from Fortune 500 companies to international associations. Groups such as . .. Healthcare. . . Mayo Clinic, Health Information Management Associations, Healthcare Financial Management Associations, Hospitals, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Kaiser-Permanente, Davita Dialysis Centers, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Home Healthcare Associations, Assisted Living Associations, Healthcare Associations, National Council for Prescription Drug Companies, Organization of Nurse Leaders, Medical Group Management Associations, Healthcare Risk Associations, Healthcare Quality Associations   Financial. . . Federal Reserve Banks, BDO Accounting, Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group, Merrill Lynch, treasury management associations, bankers associations, credit unions, Money Transmitter Regulators Association, Finance Officers Associations, automated clearing house associations, American Institute of CPAs, financial planning companies, Securities, Insurance, Licensing Association   Government . . . purchasing officers associations, city clerks, International Institute of Municipal Clerks, National League of Cities, International Worker's Compensation Fund, correctional associations, LA County Management Association, Social Security Administration, Southern California Public Power Authority, public utilities, U.S. Air Force, public personnel associations, public procurement associations, risk management associations, Rehabilitation associations, rural housing associations, community action associations   Women's Events. . . American Heart Associations, Go Red For Women luncheons, Speaking of Women's Health, International Association of Administrative Professionals, administrative professionals events, Toyota Women's Conference, Women in Insurance and Financial Services, Soroptimists, Women in Film & Video, ladies night out events, Henry Ford Health Centers Women's Event, spirit of women events, breast cancer awareness,   Education . . . School Business Officials associations, school superintendent associations, school boards associations, state education associations, community college associations, school administrators associations, school plant managers associations, Head Start associations, Texas adult protective services, school nutrition associations, Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals, principal associations, library associations   Emergency, safety, and Disaster . . . International Association of Emergency Managers, Disney Emergency Managers, state emergency management associations, insurance groups, COPIC, Salt Lake County Public Works and Municipal Services Disaster Recovery Conference, Pennsylvania Governor's Occupational Safety and Health conference, Mid Atlantic Safety conference and Chesapeake Regional Safety Council, Risk associations.  

You've Been Doing Your S-Corp Salary All Wrong.

Today's show:Jason heard Lina Khan on The Bulwark and got a little fired up.Plus Google doesn't have to invest in Chrome… or basically do much of anything… Atlassian picked up not just any browser company but THE Browser Company… Follow-up thoughts on that MIT “companies aren't using AI” study… AND Jason's “two stock markets” theory. It's a can't-miss Friday TWiST.Timestamps:(00:00) Sony responds to Kpop Demon Hunters success… but Jason's not buying it!(10:44) Sentry - New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWIST(11:10) Jason heard Lina Khan on The Bulwark and he has THOUGHTS(12:40) Google doesn't have to divest Chrome! So what ARE the remedies?(18:31) Atlassian's buying a browser company? Which one? THE Browser Company.(20:57) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech(21:22) When early DPI is better than NO DPI.(26:58) AI that helps you GET a job?! What a twist!(29:46) Jason and Alex have questions about that MIT AI study…(30:57) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist.(32:07) More Browser News! Why Jason's bullish on Brave.(35:10) Perplexed by “Perplexity”: Jason's rules for domain names(39:54) The path is cleared for Polymarket's return to the US(47:06) Jason's “Two Stock Markets” theory(53:02) Mistral looking to raise 2 billion… euro!(56:08) Jason's political philosophy: More joy and happiness(59:18) Stripe's new stablecoin blockchain has no native token! So what's it for?(01:04:12) Jason's tips for lowering your churn rate(01:11:56) How to use Reddit to uncover pain pointsSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(10:44) Sentry - New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWIST(20:57) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech(30:57) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Secret Personal Injury Law Firm Tax Strategy.

In this episode, Dr. Grace Yum welcomes back dental accountant and financial expert Brian Hanks, founder of Dental Tax Advocates. Together, they dive into the most common frustrations dentists face with CPAs, strategies for choosing the right accountant, and key takeaways from the latest tax bill. Episode highlights: Why many dentists feel neglected or underserved by their accountants—and what's really behind it Smart questions to ask when choosing a CPA (fees, client load, specialization, communication) A quick checklist of what your accountant should be doing for you each year Two key updates from the “big beautiful tax bill”: bonus depreciation for equipment & SALT deduction changes Ready to thrive as a dentist and a mom? Join a supportive community of like-minded professionals at Mommy Dentists in Business. Whether you're looking to grow your practice, find balance, or connect with others who understand your journey, MDIB is here to help. Visit mommydibs.com to learn more and become a part of this empowering network today!

In this episode, Rory sits down with Christine Simone, founder of Caribou Wealth (now part of Move Health), to explore why healthcare planning is the missing piece in holistic advice for CPAs and advisors. Christine shares her journey of building a platform that helps firms support clients with Medicare, marketplace coverage, and employer plans—areas that are often overlooked despite being one of the top expenses in retirement. Discover how to identify client red flags, keep track of key enrollment deadlines, and use strategies like premium tax credits to reduce costs. Learn why healthcare can act as a barrier to big life transitions, such as starting a business or retiring before 65, and how addressing it empowers clients to move forward with clarity and confidence. Christine also unpacks how firms can implement healthcare planning without becoming insurance experts by partnering with the right resources and leveraging technology. Want to know how healthcare planning can save clients thousands and strengthen trust? Want to know the key dates and life events when healthcare needs to be addressed? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this insightful conversation with Christine Simone.

Are you a landowner buying or selling ag ground, or a land agent who wants a real, defensible way to put money back in your client's pocket? In this episode of The National Land Podcast, host Mac Christian talks with Alec Bean and Karly Pavlinac of The Soil Tax Guys about a powerful, underused tool: IRS Section 180. In plain English, you can deduct the excess soil fertility you acquire with a farm or ranch, treating those nutrients like an asset, if you follow the rules. Whether you row-crop, graze cattle, or market farmland, you'll learn how to lock in a one-time, use-it-or-lose-it deduction that can materially change deal math. What You'll Learn: How Section 180 works (fertility valued via soil tests and USDA pricing = tax deduction) The critical timing: test after closing and before any fertilizer is applied Typical values (~$500/ac averages) and real cases topping $1k–$6.5k/ac Three ways CPAs take it: all at once, 60/30/10 over 3 years, or over useful life Where it applies: food and forage production (crops, grazing)—not timber/hunting-only tracts State nuances: why land-grant university guidelines drive which nutrients count Deal strategy: pre-sale testing as a marketing tool, auction use, and portfolio roll-forward Risk & readiness: audit-defensible reports (GPS'd sampling, documentation) and common CPA misconceptions Edge cases: recent purchases with no fertilizer yet, and why inheritance usually doesn't qualify This episode is a must-listen for: Farm/ranch owners buying or selling ground Land brokers/auctioneers who want a sharper pitch (and faster closings) Operators expanding portfolios who reinvest tax savings into the next deal Heirs/trustees evaluating sale vs. hold strategies on working land Don't leave five or six figures on the table. If ag is the use, Section 180 should be on your checklist every single time.

143 - Avoid paying tax on gains through Opportunity Zone investments Do you want access to the videos, drawings, templates, tools, and be able to get your questions answered on the live calls or in the community? We'd love to have you join the Wealth Game basics today to get some additional free resources, videos, and tools: Visit www.wealthgame.io For specific one on one, or group support for tax planning, strategy, tax preparation, bookkeeping, accounting, or other CPA firm related services, we recommend going to www.bementcompany.com to connected with our team of CPAs and professionals. Thank you for listening to another episode of the Wealth Game Podcast. The goal is to get informal yet actionable advice directly to business owners and investors. The episodes are intended to be short and simple to allow busy professionals to get right to the point of growing their wealth and reducing their taxes. For additional information and links to all available platforms please visit our website at www.wealthgame.io Contact Us: Websites: www.wealthgame.io www.bementcompany.com You can also stream The Wealth Game on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vKCgwK9K7zw1FrXoNAdoh?si=b95d0293bb4b41ad Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wealth-game/id1638735155 Connect with Brent Bement: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brentbement X: https://x.com/brentbement Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brentbement/

Join The Creative Finance Playbook Coaching Program & Learn Directly from Jenn & Joe:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativefinanceplaybook.com/wait-list?utm_source=zoom&utm_campaign=wlist⁠⁠The BEST Real Estate Investing Strategy in 2025 | Creative Finance PlaybookWelcome back to the Creative Finance Playbook Podcast with Jenn & Joe Delle Fave! In this episode, we reveal why seller financing and creative finance are the BEST ways to invest in real estate in 2025—even if you don't have a ton of money, great credit, or want to deal with the banks.

Exposed! Retirement Contributions are Don't Save on Taxes!

Feeling overwhelmed, scattered, and all over the map in your firm?In this episode, I run through The Knock It Off List—14 habits that are eating your time, energy, and sanity. From people-pleasing and inbox living to free calls, unbilled work, and hanging on to “that one” legacy client, I'll show you what to quit and what to do instead. These aren't small tweaks—they're the everyday habits that quietly keep you stuck.  Knock them off and you'll have more space, more focus, and a firm that finally feels manageable.…Link to full shownotes: https://www.businessstrategyforcpas.com/362…If you feel trapped by your own accounting firm, I can help you stop the chaos and end the long hours without losing revenue or hiring. Join 3000+ other CPAs who get my single-tip daily emails..Subscribe here: geraldinecarter.com/subscribe.Readers say they love it because they're short and on point.…Want client interviews?310 From Exhausted to Having Her Life Back: Wendy Norman, CPA304 From 55 Down to 15 Hours; Same Take-Home Pay with Melissa Downs, EA293 What it Takes to Work 15 Hours per Week with Erica Goode, CPAComplete list:geraldinecarter.com/client-interview-episodes…FOUR ways I help overworked CPAs go down to 40 hours without losing revenue or hiring:THE EMAIL COURSE – Freegeraldinecarter.com/stop-working-weekendsStop Working Weekends will teach you how to reduce your hours without giving up revenue. THE BOOK – $9.99geraldinecarter.com/bookDown to 40 Hours – A Roadmap for CPAs to End Overworking Without Losing RevenuePEAK FREEDOM COMMUNITY – $197/mogeraldinecarter.com/peak-freedomFor solo and small accounting firm owners who want to rise above the insanity of hustle-cultureDOWN TO 40 HOURS ACCELERATOR – $995/mogeraldinecarter.com/40For the overworked CPA at multiple six figures of revenue who is ready to stop working weekends, wants to implement overdue changes, and doesn't want to do it alone. You'll make progress faster and with more confidence. …

Have you ever wondered why some businesses thrive while others barely survive?  Well, it often comes down to one fundamental quality…financial literacy.  Understanding your business finances is one of the most critical aspects when running your own business, and overall leads to your growth and prosperity.  In today's podcast episode, I'm diving into a topic that's absolutely a cornerstone for every business out there.  Taking the time to understand and build your financial literacy as well as the financial foundations for your business is crucial for your success, and it doesn't matter if you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or you've had your business for a while.  It's all about laying the groundwork and moving forward with your financial understanding.  Whether you are starting a business or side hustle, you're a self-employed individual, a solopreneur, entrepreneur, mompreneur, freelancer, small business owner, a remote, virtual, online, or in-house bookkeeper, or a virtual assistant or VA, having an understanding of the tools and the financial knowledge will help you take control of your business's financial destiny…  Join us in a community built specifically for accountants and high-stress professionals.  You'll receive support, accountability, and a community that understands what you're going through. We focus on stress reduction, increasing productivity, time management, goal achievement, health, happiness, and desired lifestyle:  https://www.financialadventure.com/community Schedule your Complimentary Stress Audit And Clarity Session, where we'll work together to create a clear and focused plan and overcome the obstacles that stand in your way so that you can move forward and immediately start enjoying your life with less stress, increased productivity, and more time to spend doing what you love with the people you care about: https://www.financialadventure.com/work-with-me Accountants, CPAs, Bookkeepers, Tax Preparers & Financial Professionals, sign up here to get updates on upcoming opportunities & grab the Audit Of Your Well-Being & Balance Guide here: https://www.financialadventure.com/accountant Ready to set up your business?  I have a program to help you get your business set up so that you can start making money.  Sign up for this program here: https://www.financialadventure.com/start Are you ready to try coaching?  Schedule an Introductory Coaching Session today.  You'll have the opportunity to see how you like coaching with an Introductory Coaching Session: https://www.financialadventure.com/intro Join us in the Mastering Your Small Business Finances PROFIT LAB if you are ready to take control of your business finances and create the profitable business you are striving for.  Are you ready to generate revenues and increase the profit in your business: https://www.financialadventure.com/profit If You Are Ready To Choose, Start Or Grow Your Side Hustle, Get Your Free Checklist And Assessment Here: https://www.financialadventure.com/sidehustle Grab Your FREE guide:  5 Essential Strategies For Stress-Free Bookkeeping: https://www.financialadventure.com/5essentials Your FREE Online Virtual Bookkeeping Business Starter Guide & Success Path Is Waiting For You: https://www.financialadventure.com/starterguide Join Our Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenbusinessownersultimatediybookkeepingboutique The Strategic Bookkeeping Academy, including Bookkeeping Basics, is open for registration!  You can learn more and sign up here: https://www.financialadventure.com/sba Looking for a payroll solution for your business?  You can get an exclusive 15% discount on your payroll services when you sign up here: https://www.financialadventure.com/adp QuickBooks Online - Save 30% Your First 6 Months: https://www.financialadventure.com/quickbooks Sign up for a virtual coffee chat to see if starting a Bookkeeping Business is right for you: https://www.financialadventure.com/discovery Show Notes:  https://www.financialadventure.com This podcast is sponsored by Financial Adventure, LLC ~ visit https://www.financialadventure.com for additional information and free resources.

In this episode, Barbara pulls back the curtain on how business owners can legally write off more of their everyday life by understanding and applying smart tax strategy. She shares insights from over 15 years in the tax world, including the gaps in traditional accounting, the pitfalls of relying on family or outdated CPAs, and the common misconceptions business owners have about taxes. Whether you're a brand-new business owner or bringing in multiple seven figures, this episode will shift the way you think about money, expenses, and what's possible when you understand the tax code.Tune in to hear:Why fall is the perfect time to finally get your tax strategy in orderThe #1 mistake business owners make with their accountantsHow to know if your CPA is costing you thousandsWhy your family member who "does taxes" is likely not the best fitWhat most 7-figure business owners still get wrong about taxesSign up for the FREE Write Off Your Life Masterclass happening September 17th: https://taxedacademy.com/woyl-mcHow To Get Involved:Life-Changing Money is a podcast all about money. We share stories of how money has impacted and radically changed the lives of others—and how it can do the same for you.Your host, Barbara Schreihans (pronounced ShREE-hands) is the founder and CEO of Your Tax Coach, and the creator of the Write Off Your Life Course. She is a top tax strategist, business coach, and expert in helping business owners and high-net-worth individuals save millions in taxes while increasing profits.When she's not leading her team, coaching clients, or dreaming up new goals for her company, you can find her drinking coffee, hanging out with her family, and traveling the world.Grab a cup of coffee and become inspired as we hear from those who have overcome and are overcoming their self-limiting beliefs and money mindsets!Do you have a burning question that you'd love to hear answered on a future show?Please email it to: podcast@yourtaxcoach.bizSign Up For Our NewsletterLife Changing Money PodcastGet Tax Help!

Entrepreneurs by nature are continuously occupied with running their business and wearing multiple hats throughout the day just to keep things running smoothly. Unfortunately, that leads entrepreneurs into making a number of common mistakes. Mistakes that damage the long-term success and potential of their business. Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to learn about the four most common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make that put the future of their business at risk, and how you can avoid them. Many entrepreneurs find themselves underserved when it comes to financial planning and often rely too heavily on their CPA for financial advice. One common mistake entrepreneurs make is assuming that as long as they meet payroll, stay current on taxes and receive payments from customers, their business is financially healthy. The problem is CPAs primarily focus on looking backwards and reviewing the previous year or quarter to meet tax filing deadlines, instead of looking forward and making strategic plans for the following year. Proper financial planning can help your business reduce its tax liability and increase its profitability. Another common mistake is entrepreneurs take the profit of their business as income, which may not be the most efficient method of distribution. Proper planning helps find the balance between income and profit. Financial planning can also help you determine whether your business structure is still appropriate for where you are or if it needs to evolve. Financial planning also helps mitigate risk, and there are three major risks that every business faces: death, disability, and divorce. Any of these risks becoming a reality can seriously derail a business and its long-term potential. Entrepreneurs tend to visualize positive outcomes rather than seriously considering what could go wrong and how they should address those potential problems. Having a financial plan can include agreements and other triggering events that can help facilitate a smooth outcome when facing such events. Another common mistake made by business owners is treating the business exit as merely a transaction rather than a transition. Exiting the business involves more than just the sale itself; it requires planning for life after the exit. Owners frequently overvalue their business leading to unrealistic expectations regarding the outcome of the sale. Many business owners also underestimate the time and effort required to prepare for a successful exit. Preparation for a sale can take years of planning, if done right, and should be incorporated into an overall financial planning process. Another common mistake is succumbing to the pressure of spending money to avoid tax liabilities. While tax planning is essential, it should not be the sole, driving factor behind financial decisions. FOMO (fear of missing out) can also lead to poor cash flow management, where entrepreneurs may be tempted to seize every opportunity that comes their way without considering its compatibility with their business vision. By having a well defined cash flow plan, entrepreneurs can allocate resources efficiently, reduce financial stress, and build wealth inside and outside of their business while helping to maintain stability during both prosperous and challenging times. A cash flow strategy is an integral part of an overall financial plan and acts as a roadmap, guiding financial decisions and helping you make the most of the cash flow.     Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube  Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify BrianSkrobonja.com/Resources     Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered  individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be  rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in  place. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you  away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or  lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the  issuing carrier. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole  basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no  statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and  opinions contained here in provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Any media logos and/or trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and no endorsement by those owners of Brian Skrobonja is stated or implied. The awards, accolades and appearances are not representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of future performance. Each of these awards have set criteria for their nominations and eligibility requirements. “Best Wealth Managers” and “Future 50 Company” are annual surveys conducted by Small Business Monthly. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public and no specific criteria is utilized to determine the winner other than number of votes. Some voters may not be clients of Brian Skrobonja and Skrobonja Financial Group. These awards are not representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of future performance.

Quarterly Review Process

Randy welcomes Hank Berkowitz, founder of HB Publishing and Marketing, for an insightful conversation on content, communication, and credibility in the accounting profession on Episode 227 of The Unique CPA. With over 25 years of experience helping CPAs and financial advisors amplify their voices, Hank shares practical strategies for building thought leadership, pitching stories to editors, and turning content into a valuable asset. Discover the difference between influencers and true thought leaders, the power of repurposing content, and why authenticity matters more than perfection. If your goal is to publish your first article, write a book, or simply get your ideas heard, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to help accounting professionals stand out and make an impact. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.----------------------------------------The climate challenge has become the defining issue's of our era, unlocking trillions of dollars in climate finance and creating an unprecedented opportunity for bold ideas. But how capital is deployed and the types of founders it backs will determine whether we see systemic change or just incremental improvements.That's where Cerulean Ventures comes in.Co-founded by Matthew Stotts, Cerulean is a pre-seed venture capital firm investing in founders applying AI and advanced technologies to build exponential solutions for nature.Rather than chasing status-quo climate investments or one-off moonshots, Cerulean seeks leverage points where software, data, and fintech can radically transform entrenched systems.I recently sat down with Matthew to dive into his journey, Cerulean's unique investment lens, and the transformative startups reshaping everything from agriculture to renewable energy. ----------------------------------------Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

Do you ever wonder why it feels so easy to fall off the wagon when you're chasing a goal? Why you start with excitement, maybe even momentum, but then, somewhere along the way, it starts to feel heavy, exhausting, or just plain hard, and you stop?  This isn't because you lack discipline, and it definitely isn't because you'll never change.  It's because of something called the motivational triad.  Our brains are wired for survival.  To seek pleasure, avoid pain, and conserve energy. That wiring kept our ancestors alive. But in today's world, it's also the reason it feels so much easier to grab a cookie than to meal-prep, to scroll Instagram instead of writing the book, or to stay stuck in the same routine instead of starting something new.  Your brain will always offer you the path of least resistance. That's normal. That's what our brains do. The trick is learning how to work with your brain instead of letting it run the show.  Today, we're talking about how you can persevere even when it gets hard, without beating yourself up, without slipping into all-or-nothing thinking, and without giving up on the life you actually want.  Let's dive in… Join us in a community built specifically for accountants and high-stress professionals.  You'll receive support, accountability, and a community that understands what you're going through. We focus on stress reduction, increasing productivity, time management, goal achievement, health, happiness, and desired lifestyle:  https://www.financialadventure.com/community I'm inviting you to sign up for the free private podcast where I do a deeper dive into this topic on the Mastering Your Mindset Moments podcast for high-stress professionals: https://www.financialadventure.com/private Schedule your Complimentary Stress Audit and Clarity Session, where we'll work together to create a clear and focused plan for you to move forward so you'll immediately start enjoying your life with less stress, increased productivity, and more time to spend doing what you love with the people you care about: https://www.financialadventure.com/work-with-me Accountants, CPAs, Bookkeepers, Tax Preparers & Financial Professionals, sign up here to get updates on upcoming opportunities & grab the Audit Of Your Well-Being & Balance Guide here: https://www.financialadventure.com/accountant Ready to set up your business?  I have a program to help you get your business set up so that you can start making money.  Sign up for this program here: https://www.financialadventure.com/start Are you ready to try coaching?  Schedule an Introductory Coaching Session today.  You'll have the opportunity to see how you like coaching with an Introductory Coaching Session: https://www.financialadventure.com/intro Join us in the Mastering Your Small Business Finances PROFIT LAB if you are ready to take control of your business finances and create the profitable business you are striving for.  Are you ready to generate revenues and increase the profit in your business: https://www.financialadventure.com/profit If You Are Ready To Choose, Start Or Grow Your Side Hustle, Get Your Free Checklist And Assessment Here: https://www.financialadventure.com/sidehustle Grab Your FREE guide:  5 Essential Strategies For Stress-Free Bookkeeping: https://www.financialadventure.com/5essentials Your FREE Online Virtual Bookkeeping Business Starter Guide & Success Path Is Waiting For You: https://www.financialadventure.com/starterguide Join Our Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenbusinessownersultimatediybookkeepingboutique The Strategic Bookkeeping Academy, including Bookkeeping Basics, is open for registration!  You can learn more and sign up here: https://www.financialadventure.com/sba Looking for a payroll solution for your business?  You can get an exclusive 15% discount on your payroll services when you sign up here: https://www.financialadventure.com/adp QuickBooks Online - Save 30% Your First 6 Months: https://www.financialadventure.com/quickbooks Sign up for a virtual coffee chat to see if starting a Bookkeeping Business is right for you: https://www.financialadventure.com/discovery Show Notes:  https://www.financialadventure.com This podcast is sponsored by Financial Adventure, LLC ~ visit https://www.financialadventure.com for additional information and free resources.

In this episode, Keith travels to Kentucky to interview Coach Carroll, a successful entrepreneur running two seven-figure businesses remotely. Coach Carroll shares insights on his tech and blue-collar companies, his real estate ventures, and leveraging AI for efficiency. The conversation covers his background, significant achievements, and the organizational strategies he created to keep his team aligned. He emphasizes the importance of investing in mentorship and knowledge for business success. The episode also touches on his biggest failures, the importance of helping others, and his long-term goals, including a nine-figure tech company exit.     “Pay to get ahead. Stop negotiating the price of your success. Hire the mentor, hire the coach, buy the course, go to the event—pay for the knowledge others already have so you can make quantum leaps in your business.” – DJ Carroll Topics Covered: Overview of His Businesses Revenue & Business Breakdown From Lawn Care to AI: The Origin Story   Organizational Strategy: Heading Adjustments   Books That Shaped His Success   Running Global Operations from the Command Center   Advice for Entrepreneurs Starting Out   Future Goals, Big Vision & Lessons from Failure   Fulfillment Through Helping Others & Where to Find Him   Q&A and Final Thoughts Key Takeaways Pay to Shortcut the Struggle: Don't waste years trying to reinvent the wheel. The fastest way to level up in business is to invest in mentors, courses, and events that give you access to proven strategies. Knowledge is one of the few assets that appreciates instantly and pays you back for a lifetime. Keep the Team Aligned: Success isn't just about building systems—it's about keeping people in sync. Monthly “Heading Adjustments” give employees space to share challenges, measure satisfaction, and realign with core values. This proactive approach prevents small frustrations from snowballing into resignations and builds a stronger, more engaged culture. Turn Setbacks Into Strategy: Every failure carries the seeds of a better system. Losing a business venture taught Coach Carroll the irreplaceable value of having the right CPAs, lawyers, and advisors. Instead of letting breakdowns end the game, treat them as tuition fees for your entrepreneurial education—fuel to grow smarter and stronger.   Connect with DJ Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_carroll/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-carroll-65589b21/ Website: http://www.coachcarroll.com/ Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  Start Getting Leads Now https://www.footbridgemedia.com/keith Resources You Need To Build A Successful Business https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources

How I Saved a Law Firm Owner $34,181 in Taxes in 15 Minutes

Bookkeepers Doing This Should be Fired Immediately

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In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil sits down with Nick Patel, a CPA who left corporate accounting to become a multi-unit franchise restaurant owner before pivoting back into accounting, this time with a focus on helping restaurant operators. Patel shares his personal journey from owning restaurants in Florida, the challenges of partnering with family, and the lessons learned from expanding too quickly. Today, he runs a thriving accounting and advisory practice that specializes in restaurants, helping owners navigate razor-thin margins, complex tax credits, and strategic planning.The conversation spans everything from partnership structures and breakeven analysis, to practical tools like Margin Edge and bill.com, to how strong customer service and “high touch” relationships are becoming rare advantages in business. Both Wil and Nick emphasize the importance of focus, humility, and planning as the foundation for restaurant success.8–10 Key Takeaways Focus Before Scaling – Patel's experience taught him to master one location before attempting rapid multi-unit growth. Confidence without experience can lead to mistakes. Partnerships Require Operating Agreements – Family or friends in business together must clearly define roles and responsibilities upfront to avoid conflict and confusion. Cash Flow Is King – Restaurants should aim for at least six months of fixed costs in reserves when opening to weather delays, early inefficiencies, and training costs. Market Research Matters – Demographics, traffic counts, and competitor sales tracking (even via receipt numbers) are critical before selecting a location. Leverage Tax Credits – Tools like the FICA tip credit and Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) can save restaurants tens of thousands of dollars annually, yet many accountants overlook them. The Value of Niche Expertise – An accountant who has actually owned and run restaurants brings empathy and practical insights that generalist CPAs may lack. Technology Should Enhance, Not Replace Relationships – Tools like Margin Edge, Ramp, and bill.com help manage costs, but true value comes from maintaining high-touch service and communication. Service Excellence Is a Competitive Edge – With customer service expectations so low across industries, simply answering calls and emails promptly can set a business apart. First Jobs in Restaurants Build Lifelong Skills – Both Wil and Nick argue that everyone should work in a restaurant at least once to learn resilience, multitasking, and people skills. Relationships Create Opportunity – Patel turned an “unsuccessful” restaurant experience into a successful CPA firm by maintaining strong relationships and becoming a preferred vendor.

The ONLY Thing You Need to Pay Your Kids

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In this episode of The Art of Dental Finance and Management, Art Wiederman, CPA, sits down with Mike Pennisi, owner and founder of the Renovo Group. Mike shares his knowledge of what dentists should know when designing and building a dental office. With over 18 years of experience and over 250 offices built, Mike shares valuable insights for practice owners considering a new build, remodel, or expansion.Art and Mike cover the key considerations dentists should discuss when planning their office, including aligning the design with their practice vision, supporting today's dental technology, and evaluating potential challenges with landlords. Other episode topics include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, the differences between ground-up builds and expansions, how payment schedules are structured, and the impact of current tariff policies on construction costs.Listeners will also learn how to coordinate with other professionals, such as banks, CPAs, and attorneys, to help ensure every project stage runs smoothly. This episode is a must-listen for any dentist planning to build, remodel, or expand their office.

Kiera and Kristy break down a few reasons why your practice might not seem (or might not be, period) to have any money. They touch on how to find your profit point, knowing your debt, staying on top of collections and AR, and more. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: The Dental A Team (00:00) Hello, Dental A Team listeners, this is Kiera. And today I have Kristy with me and I'm super excited because today is one of my favorite things to do as consultants and I call it office autopsy. ⁓ Don't worry offices, this is a mix of a few offices because believe it or not, offices think that they're on individual islands and believe it or not, you're not. ⁓ Multi-practices actually struggle, they actually do the same things that you struggle with. And so we just wanna make sure that we bring, we're not going to ever disclose who this office is.   We will mix a few offices together, but I think for people to see what the office's pain point was and then what as consultants were able to do. Kristy, we have some really fun ones. so Kristy and I decided we wanted to podcast today about some office autopsies of what, hopes to help more offices. So Kristy, welcome to the show today. How are you?   DAT Kristy (00:48) Good, thank you. Pleasure to be here.   The Dental A Team (00:50) Of course. Well, I'm super happy because I think the one that we run into a lot ⁓ is we call it cash flow row or cash flow woes, like whatever you want to talk about. But it's really when an office comes to us and they seem to not be able to figure out what's going on. ⁓ They feel like they're producing. Sometimes they're producing, sometimes they're not. So we'll kind of discuss like how to know if you're producing enough or not. But then they feel like they just like have no cash. And so giving some background.   Like I said, I'm going to blend a couple of practices together, but we have kind of going to do like two simultaneous ones. One practice was producing really, really well, but literally the owner felt like they had no money. We're talking like flat broke, felt like they were completely going to go under, had no money, but yet their production numbers were really good and their P &L looked really good. And we're just like, it showed on the P &L. I think, Kristy, you'll find this too, offices get so frustrated.   I got so frustrated and angry with my CPA when they said, well, Kiera, like according to the numbers, you have money. And I'm like, great, high five, jerk. I have no money in my bank account. Like it's the most infuriating feeling in the world of my CPA tells me I should have money, but there's no money. Flip that too on the other side when a practice isn't quite producing what they need to be producing to pay for their expenses. And they feel like they have no money and they are flat broke, which in reality that practice is flat broke because they need to produce more or they need to cut.   So we're gonna kind of dig on both sides of these with office autopsies of what we see, what we've been able to do. And let's start, Kristy, on the side of what do we do? Like, okay, first step, how do we find like the profit point? Like, how do we figure out what should an office be producing? Because I think that's also infuriating when doctors are like, but I'm just producing. I feel like I'm trying to out-produce my problems. Like, I don't know how to produce more. ⁓   how do you, Kristy, as a consultant, come in and help offices just gain that clarity? Because I think sometimes when we know the North Star and we know what we should be targeting, it actually becomes a lot easier to then build block schedules and then figure out what our overhead should be. But how do you help offices even dig into that? As point one to figure out, let's autopsy both of these practices, I think this is step one to really getting clarity.   DAT Kristy (03:00) Absolutely. I agree with you, Kiera. ⁓ The first step is to understand how much we're paying for things. What is the cost to keep the doors open? You know, we talk about overhead, right? But what is overhead? It's everything that we have to pay within a month. Rent, utilities, staffing, right? The other thing that I want to point out is many doctors don't include themselves in that. And I definitely want to pay them   The Dental A Team (03:16) you   DAT Kristy (03:30) Just like if they were an associate in the practice and so we want to include that in that overhead cost if you will and find that What I like to call profit point so we know where we're what's our? BAM right   The Dental A Team (03:48) bam, that bare ace minimum, like what do we have to   do? It's kind of like in real life. I mean, I think all of us have a bam in real life. You know what your mortgage or your rent is. You know how much it costs you to like do your groceries. You know how much daycare is, you know how much it costs you for like your Amazon spending. And some of those are fixed costs. So fixed are like your mortgage or your rent. You can't really change those. Those are fixed for you. Yes, like I get it. The semantics, we're not CPAs here. We're not like, that's not our world.   The semantics are can you change your rent? Potentially you could go find somewhere else. That is an option you could do. But most of the time those are pretty fixed. Just like our utilities are pretty fixed. You can be like my husband where literally our AC goes off at 6 p.m. at night. He freaking freezes us until 6 o'clock to save on these utilities until 9 o'clock. It drives me wild. I'm like in a hoodie freezing, shivering. And then the AC goes off and I'm like roasting. It's really entertaining because he wants to save the $3.   But genuinely speaking, like you're not really going to be saving on those fixed costs. are some fixed ones. Staffing is usually pretty fixed. However, we could add team members or take team members away. So therefore it's not as fixed. But like you said, Kristy, I think it's figuring out in a practice and agreed, doctors should be paid. Like nobody, think that that actually causes more stress for owners. If you don't even know what your paycheck is or you're just taking draws, because then how do you budget your life on a up and down volatile paycheck?   I think that creates a lot of stress versus like, okay, great. Let's just put you at a hundred grand or let's put you at whatever is a reasonable salary. Talk to your CPA. They'll be able to give you that. ⁓ And that can be agreed with Kristy. I like to pay you as an associate, but if right now the practice can't support that minimum should be a reasonable salary of say a hundred grand. So that way you can at least bank on that of getting that paycheck in your practice. Sometimes you have to adjust that, but generally speaking, if we at least give you some type of certainty and clarity,   that's going to help you then be able to budget your life around that too, in addition to budgeting your practice.   DAT Kristy (05:49) Absolutely. In fact, Kiera, sometimes even with startup doctors, I like them to even keep a spreadsheet of their production as if they were paying them as an associate. And then when they start to get profitable, we can back pay those wages. But definitely they have to take care of themselves first. ⁓ I've even seen where they get a little bit of animosity if not, right? Like, staff's driving these cars and they're getting their nails done and they're doing   The Dental A Team (06:00) Agreed.   Mm-hmm.   DAT Kristy (06:19) and I can't even pay myself. So I think it's very important that we understand what that is and work toward that, number one, if we're not there. And then if we are there, adding additional ⁓ percentage to that, which us as consultants can help guide that depending on your goals. If it's paying down debt, paying you as an owner doctor.   ⁓ And you know, we follow the EOS system, so adding those buckets for taxes and those sort of things that come up and we can be prepared for.   The Dental A Team (06:55) Yeah, no, I think it's brilliant, Kristy. And when you said that, I agree. You don't want to not be paid in your practice, because that gets, A, it's stressful, and B, it's annoying, and C, you've got all this debt on you. ⁓ But I also think when we're looking at our practices, there are pieces, so when doctors are like, I'm not getting paid, I just want to remind that sometimes we're being paid through things running through our practices. And so we've got to be careful, because that is,   Like if you didn't have your practice, you'd be paying for that out of pocket. And so that is technically part of your salary, doctors. And I don't want to be the like balloon pop girl over here. I do want to be realistic because a lot of times doctors are like, I'm not making money. And I'm like, but you forgot that these things are running through your practice. So you are being paid for those or those things are no longer coming to you, which is totally fine and legal. Talk to your CPA. Like we want you to do that. There's nothing wrong with it.   But when we're looking and we're like stomping our foot saying we're not being paid, sometimes I even have to remind myself of like, yes, but Kiera, if you didn't have the business, all those costs would be coming out of your W2 paycheck, not your business right off. So agreed with Kristy, when we're looking at this, step one is let's find that BAM, let's find that profit point, let's find out what you have to produce. And then from there, what we need to find out is also in addition to that, how much is our debt?   Because a practice should not have to be covering your debt, but you as a human needs to be covering your debt. So if your student loans, your practice loans, things like that, the practice isn't necessarily a poor performing practice. You just have all this excess of like, my gosh, I have to pay this off, which that's real life for you. And I think that's the difference of a CPA's bookkeeping for you versus your real life living through it. And I can tell you from personal experience, like this is very hard. Sometimes practice loans do go through your   your practice profitability. Again, this is pending on your CPA and how they recommend you do it. But most of the time your student loans and different things like that don't run through the practice. So, but you as a human need to have enough money to be able to pay for all those things. So I think it's finding out the practices, BAM, like Kristy said, finding out your personal BAM, because that might be different. And then from there, let's tack on 10 to 20 % beyond that. So let's say you know you've got to produce 50,000. Well, awesome. 10 % of that would be 55, adding   20 % excuse me, so 10 % of that is going to be an additional $5,000. To do 20 % of that's going to be an extra $10,000. So if I know I've got to do 50, I've either got to produce 55 or 60. Now that becomes much easier and I know beyond that I'm going to have 10 to 20 % leftover of the practice after everything's spent. Our ideal is to get it to where your 50,000 is 50 % of your practice and there's 50 % quote unquote profit beyond that. Now again,   that profit is a little bit funny because if we're doing a 50 % overhead and 50 % profit, doctor salaries usually are not included in that. If doctor salaries are included in that, then usually it's a 20 % profit at the end of that. So I know those two numbers feel a little like disjointed. They've been very disjointed for me. So if you're doing true overhead, we want it at 50%, 30 % doctor pay, 20 % profit. If you want to combine it all together, then it would be 80 % quote unquote overhead, 20 % profit. Now that 20 % profit though,   does technically pay for debt services. So watch that. You might need to scale down our 50 % down a little bit more or 80 % to then be able to offset that. So hopefully that wasn't too confusing for everybody. This is why we're consultants. This is why we help you. But I think when you understand like either need a 50 or an 80 % ultimate goals, we're trying to get 20 % cashflow at the end of the month. think for me, that's like the easiest thing. Like, okay, if I'm producing a hundred grand a month,   I want 20 % of that, so that's 20 grand. So like I'm trying to do easy numbers for all of you. I want 20 grand after everything's paid to still be remaining. Now, one other kicker as a business owner is that 20 % is also taxed. So don't forget that that gets taxed. So if you're at a 30 % tax bracket, well, you gotta take 30 % of 20 grand and then the rest of that you can spend. And this is why I think owners get so frustrated, because it's like, oh my gosh.   Like just tell me how much money I can have. And when I talked to a CPA and Kristy, I think you come across this, like our whole lives up until owning businesses, we've been paid at the W-2. So everything we got paid, we were able to use. Well, now as business owners, everything we're paid, we don't get to use. That's not the way the game works. ⁓ And it's due to write-offs and different pieces like that. So I think just knowing the rules of the game, I remember being so fresh with my CPA and I said, I like you're playing Monopoly with me. Like just tell me the dang rules.   So, and like, don't tell me like, no, you can't pass go, but you can pass go if you do X, Y, Z, but then like, no. So it's really, you've got to have a profitable practice of overhead. That's what we as consultants are really obsessed with. You also as an owner need to be responsible of how you spend. That's not to say you can't spend, but you do need to spend responsibly and you do need to set aside your taxes. And I think when you have all those pieces set up, then you can have guilt free spending because you're paying yourself.   Plus, you know what your true profit is. You've saved for taxes, you've saved for a rainy day, like Kristy was saying. We can put buckets into place to pay down more debt. You can put buckets in place for emergencies in your practice. You can put buckets in place for ⁓ vacations. I have a doctor I was just talking to on Alaska cruise and I was like, how's that bucket working out for you? And he's like, I love it, Kiera, you set it up for me. And I know how much I can spend on vacations. I know how much of my paycheck goes into that portion. He also used to spend an absurd amount on CE. So we set a true budget of how much CE money he could use.   But that's kind of where you then as owners aren't just trying to waffle through this and actually can figure out those profit points. And I do think, Kristy, like as much as we've belabored this so much at the beginning of this podcast, I feel this foundational piece is what makes owners crazy because they don't know the rules of the game. So they start spending all the money. Then you get this huge tax bill. Then you feel mad. Then you feel like you have no money when it's like, no, you did have money. just we accidentally spent it. So now we got to make up for it later because we didn't put these rules of the game into play.   Kristy, you might have a simpler way to do that. What are your thoughts around that?   DAT Kristy (12:49) No, I agree with you 100%. Otherwise, what I find is, you know, business owners, doctors, they just come up with this arbitrary number that they want to hit. But again, just because we're producing something doesn't mean we're profitable. And so they go together, but we have to understand the difference.   The Dental A Team (13:12) I agree. And I love that you said that because production feeds the ego and profit feeds the family. And so it does not matter what you're producing. And I agree with Kristy. It's like, I want to produce a hundred grand. I want to produce 200 grand. Well, high five. Let's help you do that. But on the flip side, let's make sure your expenses are there. And there's another practice I'm thinking of right now where they're like, we have no money. And I'm like, all right, if we have no money, truly it's let's do the checklist. Number one. Like, do you see me even scratch my head? I'm like, if you're not watching the video,   Just know when I hear people say, don't have money. I'm like, all right, it's either a production issue or a spending issue. It's one of the two. So just know those are the only two levers for when you're saying, I don't have money. It's either actually there's a third. There's technically a third. And that is a collection issue too, because we're either not producing enough. And if we are producing enough, we might not be collecting enough. And if we're doing both of those two things, then it's a spending issue. So let's break it down to this office autopsy. Kristy, let's go for a practice that is producing enough.   they don't have money, how did you fix or how did you find out that this practice had a collections issue?   DAT Kristy (14:14) Yeah, well number one we would look at.   How much was their net production and how much are they currently collecting? My minimum benchmark is always to be at 98 % or higher. Obviously, if we can get reservation fees to pre-collect on things, we may see that up a little bit higher. But if they're not at that 98%, what can we do to get them there? What's getting in the way? Is it patient? Is it insurance? Are we not submitting clean claims and getting them back in a timely fashion?   The Dental A Team (14:26) Agreed.   DAT Kristy (14:47) ⁓ But definitely that would be the first place to look.   The Dental A Team (14:51) Yeah. And so Kristy just said the benchmark. If you're not at 98 % collections, then there's a problem. Second piece is look at your AR and if you have more than one month's worth of production in your AR, we also know it's a collection problem. So when we diagnose on this practice, I remember we talked to a doctor and they're like, Kiera, I have no money. Kristy, I have no money. And I remember we're like, so actually you do have money. Believe it or not, the money is there. It's just sitting in uncollected amounts. So Kristy, you even went with another office and like they didn't have money and you just straight up called.   You like went with the office manager and you guys just picked up the phone and started calling on balances to get the money. And I really want doctors to know, and Kristy, I think this is the infuriating part as a consultant where I'm like, no, like you're producing well, you just have to collect the money that you're producing and don't like, don't even feel bad about it. So what do you do for teams that don't want to collect, that have these big ARs? Like what are a few simple steps? Like if that's my practice, I'm-   Hi, Kristy. I'm the doctor today. My team, this does not want to collect money and I feel like I can't pay any bills. What do you do in that scenario as a consultant, Kristy?   DAT Kristy (15:53) Yeah, well, I think we have to dig deeper into their own, like the team members own biases and what's getting in the way and get them comfortable to realize that we're not doing good by our practice and or patients if we're not collecting those balances. So, you know, really seeing what's the roadblock and let's work through it to overcome it because people deserve the care. Patients deserve to be healthy and   And part of that is also paying for the treatment, right? So just digging deeper, figure out what's getting in the way and helping them to overcome, create some verbiage for them to feel confident in being able to collect.   The Dental A Team (16:39) Yeah. And Kristy, I think you do an amazing job as a consultant. think this is where I love being consultants is like, you will actually help them sometimes call on accounts and help them see how easy it is. And ⁓ I also think when we're looking at AR, let's get our best bang for our buck. like, let's sort it to biggest balances and let's call on those first. Like, let's figure out different pieces. And like you said, there might be a myriad of reasons why your team members don't want to collect. don't think typically it's due to the fact that they don't want to collect. I think they're just scared. There's fear.   They're afraid of a patient being mad. They're afraid of not being able to explain the balance on the account. They might not understand why insurance is denying claims. Billing is a whole black hole, just so doctors understand, like there are a lot of nuances there. But I think on that side, if you are producing, like I remember this practice, they are producing like 150 to 200. And I was like, what do mean you don't have money? And we looked at the P &L and we're like, no, according to your P &L, you have money here. And we just realized it was a lack of collection process.   We implemented that Kristy, you helped this practice. They implement, they started collecting and now the doctor's like, wow, like two months later, I feel like I'm like happy as a clown because they literally have money now, but the money was there all along. And that's really like, I think a myth to dispel on this office autopsy is a lot of times the money is actually there. We're just not collecting. We don't have the correct processes in play to do correct insurance verification, to have better estimates, to collect in practice, to then have better ways that we are posting payments.   We don't have a process for how we're calling patients and insurance. And if you don't have that whole process dialed in, that can actually get really daunting for a practice. But Kristy, let's flip sides to the other dark side of this coin where they might not be producing enough. So like we said, it's either a production process, a collection process or a spending process. What do we do on the dark side where they're not producing enough? Like that's scary to me. So what do you do on that? I think there's like two zones here.   DAT Kristy (18:33) Yeah, absolutely. Well.   Number one, once we figure out that benchmark, typically, Kiera, we go and look at how much are they diagnosing, right? If we're looking to hit 100,000, we typically need to be diagnosing minimum three times that number ⁓ if we want to hit it, right? So where are we with diagnostics? And then where are we in case acceptance? how, if we are diagnosing that much, how much are we   actually getting patients to say yes to that treatment if you will.   The Dental A Team (19:09) Mm-hmm. And I think, Kristy, great point on that because it's twofold on this dark side of the coin of if we're not producing, are we diagnosing enough? And if we're diagnosing enough, are we closing enough? And those are two different people actually in this scenario. So doctors, have to diagnose. And if you're a doctor who's scared of diagnosing a couple tools, it's OK. I always tell doctors, it's your moral obligation to diagnose. As a patient, if you were to go in and there was someone who saw   Let's say you did a scan, I've had multiple MRI scans on my brain. Do you know how mad I would be at a doctor if they chose, because like they don't know if I can afford it, if I don't wanna hear the bad news or like whatever it is, they choose not to tell me what's on my brain or a broken bone or if I've got something in my blood work, I would be livid. And yet doctors, you're diagnosing, you're taking x-rays and if you're not telling these patients what's going on, ⁓ that's your moral obligation to do that. So if you're nervous about it, that's okay, I'm not here to tell you.   there's anything wrong with it. I just want to remind you that this is your moral obligation as a healthcare provider. So there's Pearl or Overjet of an AI solution that might be a solution for you ⁓ or just diagnosing one more thing than you normally would. If you're used to like watching, ⁓ that's okay. Maybe like just watch 75 % of it, but diagnose one of those things that you would normally watch and just notice patients don't get mad. They don't get angry. ⁓ Remember when you do get that frustration, it's just due to their expectations not being met.   So if you can even help them co-diagnose with you. So having your hygienist call out their perio numbers and let the patient know before they do it, like, hey, we're looking for the health of your gums, anything above a four, that's something that we need to watch if there's bleeding. And I'm gonna show you, so listen with me, you're gonna hear, ⁓ and then you'll be able to hear. Well, now that patient's listening actively with you of, wow, I heard like seven fours, or I heard like a six in there, now you don't have to try and teach them and say like, you've got perio.   They actually heard it and they co-diagnosed with you. You can show them x-rays of here's a healthy tooth. This is what a healthy tooth should look like. Now look at this tooth and what do you see? You guys, if there's decay in there, even the untrained eye usually can see that pretty big chunk of decay taken out of there or use intraoral photos to where that patient's co-diagnosing with you to gain the trust. And that actually makes it easier for you doctors, because then you're not teaching them. Or if you're like really nervous about it.   AI teaches them. Like it literally just puts the puts it up on there and you don't even have to hardly do anything other than just presenting it to them and educating them. So something simple there. And then if your team's not closing cases, amazing simple things like an NDT our handoff. next visit date, time, recare that can help tremendously. ⁓ having your team members track their treatment plans, having a consultant help them. Like we literally help listen to treatment plans, guide and give coaching on different ways that they can do it. So there's two ways if you're not diagnosing or producing enough.   that we can easily do that. And the next one would be a block schedule. Kristy, any other thoughts on that? Because I'm sure you've got pieces working with so many team members too.   DAT Kristy (22:06) Yeah, listening to you talk about the case acceptance, it's just hitting me that sometimes I think our fear is in telling them, but really if we take a step back and just include them in the process and figure out what are their long-term goals for their mouth and being able to speak to them in a relational way that...   The Dental A Team (22:23) Thank   DAT Kristy (22:29) really is flipping it to what is their goals and getting them what they want. I think that takes the pressure off of us telling the patient, right? And so, ⁓ truly, I think when we master this, it's a beautiful thing and you get patients to stick for very long time because they feel heard, right? And they still are in control of their care. So.   The Dental A Team (22:53) Totally, I agree with you, Kristy, and I love that you talked about like, they're part of the solution with you. And I agree, like, I can't as a treatment coordinator want this more than they do. It really has to be something that they're a part of. ⁓ And also just helping your team see, similar to doctors, when we're watching so many things, team members can accidentally be saying one or two words that's guiding a patient the wrong direction. We might be highlighting insurance more than we're highlighting total treatment. We might be putting emphasis on like your max on insurance or   Like we could just start with one thing because we're afraid of presenting total dollar amounts. All of those things are normal. That's like very normal. Your team's not struggling, team members listening. You're not doing anything wrong. Just highlighting that there are different ways that you can present it. And I call it like the sequence. So think about when you're back in high school and you had your locker combination. If your combination code was 321, you could put in the number 213 and your lock wouldn't open. You could also do 123 and it wouldn't open. You could also do 32...   three and it won't open. You can have the exact same numbers and just do them in the wrong combination and it won't open versus if we have the right pieces in the right combination, we actually get more case acceptance. So just realizing like what are my tools that I'm using? Am I putting them in the right sequence? Am I using the tools like insurance is a tool? It's a coupon. So let's maximize that, but it's not going to guide my treatment. Let's maximize getting full case acceptance. Let's maximize like Kristy said, knowing their ultimate goals and tying my treatment back to those ultimate goals.   just using the tools in the right sequence can also help with that case acceptance. Now, if you are a practice that's not diagnosing enough, I think that this becomes like a little bit of an ego check and I'm sorry to be the ego check day today, but it might be something where if we're not diagnosing enough and we are collecting and we're not producing enough, it might be time for us to look to see about cutting costs. And this is something where I don't love to have this conversation. However, bottom line is the practice has to thrive.   Otherwise we all will fail. And doctors like you won't be able to help your team. You won't be able to help patients. And ultimately your livelihood is on the line too. Nobody is happy in this scenario. So when an office is like, don't have money, great. We've looked to see, you diagnosing? We've looked to see, are we collecting? We've looked to see our case acceptance. Like let's check all the boxes. Flip side is what are we spending money on? Immediately I'm gonna go to anything that you no longer need in the practice. So I know we might have been in the glory days.   doing all these ITero scans. Well, guess what? Glory days are gone. We're no longer there. And I hate to be Debbie Downer, but the reality is we need to sell that. We need to get out of that contract. Anything we are not using in the practice, we need to cut those debts off of us. And this is just a yucky moment. And I'm sorry, but you've got to do it. And as a business owner, this is your job as a CEO is to watch the profitability of the business. Like you have to, and you have to make those hard cuts. And I will tell you, you do it one time. You're a lot more cautious on things you'll purchase in the future.   So we start cutting costs of things that are not paying for themselves. So if we've got extra equipment in the practice, if we've got other things that we can sell. Also, team members, we might have bulked. I've done this as a CEO, so I'm just gonna tell you, like, it was a really, really, really bad day when I realized I over-bulked anticipating something to happen in the practice, and I actually had to scale back and cut. That does not feel good, and it's something that we want to avoid. However, if we have ultimate, like, more team members than are necessary, or we could outsource to things,   I'm not here to say, determinate team members. Like we said, like we went through all the different scenarios, everything we possibly could do. But the reality is you may have bulked too much in a practice and you need to scale back and cut. And that's just a zone where you walk the walk of shame and you commit you're never going to do it again. But ultimately you have to get yourself to a profitable zone. You've got to look at your own spending. A doctor was like really struggling on spending and they had multiple credit cards. Consolidate those credit cards down to where you only have one. We pay it off every single time.   We look to see what other things we like work out deals with the lab or different people. ⁓ But you've got to be realistic. You might have to get a line of credit to get yourself out of it. You might have to take equity out of your home or your practice. Those are things I hate doing, but I also feel sometimes the pain of discipline is better than the pain of regret. And I would rather go through the pain of discipline and learning to like cut my costs and watch my costs and not hire. Like I might extra hire.   a hygienist. I might extra hire a treatment coordinator. Those are two players on my team that will actually generate revenue for me. And not to say assistants don't because assistants can, but I could get by with a Mr. Thurshy. Now, dentists, I know I'm going to get a lot of flak for that. The reality is you can do that for a short amount of time. And I just want to highlight like it's inconvenient, but it's also inconvenient not to have money to pay your bills. So like choose our heart on this. But this is a zone where like I heard a doctor and they were struggling and they   They spent like 10 grand on something unnecessary. And I'm like, that's a spending issue. That's a you issue. That's not a practice issue. And it's not a diagnosis issue. If you cannot produce what you have for your costs, it's like the person has to accept the fact that they bought too big of a house. Like you've got to scale down. You got to size down. And as much as that's an ego blow, that's also smart business ownership. So Kristy, that's my like soapbox. So doctors, like we said, it's first, let's make sure we're producing. Like, let's figure out our amount. have to, then we're going to check our production. Then we're going to check our collections.   Then we're going to check our diagnosis. We're going to check our case acceptance. We're going to check our block scheduling. Then we're going to go into any unnecessary costs that are on our PNL. ⁓ Look to see, there anything we could do to reduce costs? And then it's going to be, we've got to cut. And like, you've got to make that decision before you go under. ⁓ You owe that to your patients. You owe that to yourself and you owe that to your team. And it's a sad, crummy day, but it's part of business. Kristy, what are your thoughts?   DAT Kristy (28:27) Yeah, I think you nailed it. The only area we didn't uncover was you usually do have some unscheduled treatment that you may be able to tap into. And I would definitely explore that resource. But you nailed it, Kiera. I mean, you hit all of the boxes for sure.   The Dental A Team (28:46) So those are kind of like looking at a practice that says, I don't have cash. These are some of the ways to diagnose that we do within practices. And notice the very last thing that we went to was cutting. That's not our mission. That's not our process. And we're never going to tell you to cut somebody. That's going to be ultimately your decision. We're just going to remind you that as a CEO, that's part of your job. And I remember going through COVID, had a coach and she said, Kiera, you've got to have a list. You've got to have a list in your mind of like when things get tight, if they get there.   What are you going to do to make sure your business thrives and survives? And that has stuck with me when I realized like, that's why I'm paid a CEO salary. That's why I'm paid to make these hard decisions. That's why I ⁓ signed up to be a business owner. Like that's the hard side of success. Success has two parts of that coin too. There's the light side and the amazing side. And then there's the dark side that a lot of people don't talk about. So if you're looking at your practice and you're saying, I don't have cash, go through the checklist, Kristy and I just gave you. ⁓   And sometimes it does help to have a buddy in it with you, a consultant, somebody who's in it with you. Like Kristy, I think about the night that you picked up the phone with that office manager and you guys started calling, you called on accounts with them. I think sometimes not feeling alone in the process. think somebody pushing your team, because you're like, I don't know how to say this to my team. ⁓ Someone who can help guide them, someone who can help look at your diagnosis and help you diagnose maybe one more thing, ⁓ really can be an asset. And I call Kristy our money bloodhound.   If I have a practice on cashflow row, I'm like, all right, Kristy, I don't what you're gonna do, but girl, go to work and go start looking. And I think having an outside set of eyes, it's not sitting in there floundering with you, but can have a cool, calm, collected head, sometimes can be the most beneficial. So if you're struggling, reach out, we're here to help you. And it comes with no judgment. Kristy, don't think I've ever once heard you judge a single practice. You come with love, you come with open arms, and you come with solutions quickly.   to make sure they get there. So Kristy, any last thoughts you have for these practices who might be struggling, who are hearing this office autopsy being like, my gosh, that's been me, or my gosh, I feel like I'm headed that way. Any other thoughts you might have for them?   DAT Kristy (30:43) ⁓ Just again that you're not in it alone and having us to help ⁓ guide mentor and just make sure you have you know daily weekly monthly Systems in place and balance, you know a checklist balance. We got ya we can help   The Dental A Team (31:00) We do. do. Well, Kristy,   thanks for being on the office autopsy with me. Thanks for just loving our clients so much and helping them. I think that client who two years after you started helping say to us, I like have never been this free or like, my gosh, like this is what ownership should feel like. I think those are the wins that we live for as consultants of hearing you thrive, hearing your successes, hearing you have your dream life and not being so stressed, ⁓ even in possible situations that are stressful. So Kristy, thanks for being that consultant with us.   DAT Kristy (31:30) It's a pleasure. Thanks.   The Dental A Team (31:32) Of course, for all of you listening, don't be on cashflow row. Don't be struggling about these things. If you are part of any of the scenario, if you're like, my gosh, any of those things resonated, reach out. Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. Go to our website, click on TheDentalATeam.com book a call. Like truly it's a no judgment, just clarity, just momentum. Even if we can't help you, we've got resources. Even if you're not quite the right fit, that's okay. Like we will be there to support you. ⁓ but I think it takes courage to book the call. It takes courage to admit you need help. but there's so much freedom.   to know that you're not alone, that you're not having to do this alone and that there's somebody who truly can help you get out of the scenario and that's been there, done that and done it successfully many times. So reach out and as always, thanks for listening. I'll catch you next time on The Dental A Team Podcast.

3 Downsides To S-Corp Status

Today, we will address a critical pain point for businesses hitting the $5 million revenue mark: knowing when to bring your finance function in-house. Shannon discusses the drawbacks of relying solely on outsourced bookkeepers and CPAs and delves into the benefits of hiring a fractional CFO. From understanding how to lead a finance team effectively to knowing the technical skills required, this episode offers invaluable insights for business owners who want to retain more profits while minimizing risks. Shannon also explains the advantages of fractional CFOs in bridging the gap between outgrowing a bookkeeper and not yet being ready for a full-time CFO hire. The episode wraps up with practical tips on how to make strategic finance hires and ensure you are getting the best talent for your needs.   What You'll Hear [0:45] The Challenges of Scaling Finance Functions [3:10] The Importance of Leadership in Finance [4:45] The Role of Fractional CFOs [8:05 Hiring and Evaluating Finance Talent [13:40] Maximizing Customer Value   Learn more about our CFO firm and services: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/   Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Follow along on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/   The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. We love enthusiastic action, but please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

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