In this insightful episode, our host Hope Brown welcomes Christi Venable, MA, NCC, LPC, LCPC, a national certified counselor and licensed professional counselor specializing in workplace mental health and corporate wellness through Smile Therapy Services. As entrepreneurs navigate the challenging business landscape of 2025, Christi joins us to share valuable strategies for maintaining mental wellbeing while running a successful business. Remember, if "if your mind is not right, your money is definitely not gonna be right," so let’s discuss the crucial connection between mental health and business success. #MentalHealth #EntrepreneurWellness #SmallBusiness #BusinessSuccess #BeyondTheReceipts #BusinessWellness #SelfCare #TheTaxMindedBookkeeper
Key Topics:
Identifying warning signs of entrepreneur stress and burnout
The impact of current economic and political climate on business owners
Implementing practical mental health strategies for business owners
Supporting employee mental health in small businesses
The connection between mental wellbeing and financial success
Managing business pivots during stressful times
Self-care practices for entrepreneurs
Essential Takeaways:
Schedule intentional breaks and outdoor time
Build a community of supportive peers
Set clear, time-bound goals
Focus on proactive rather than reactive leadership
Give yourself grace during the growth process
Practice patience in business development
Surround yourself with both mentors and mentees
Quotable Moments:
"If your mind is not right, your money is definitely not gonna be right." - Hope Brown
"Rest is not a luxury. It's a requirement." - Christi Venable
"We put a lot of money into business coaching... but if you are not well up here, your business ultimately will suffer." - Christi Venable
Guest Contact Information for Christie Venable:
Website: http://www.smiletherapyservices.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smiletherapyllc/
About the show: Beyond the Receipts with Hope Brown explores both the financial and personal aspects of entrepreneurship, bringing expert insights and practical advice to business owners ready to scale their success.
Subscribe to our newsletter at https://bbizsolution.com/mailing-list for more tips on navigating your business taxes and staying compliant in 2025!
In this eye-opening episode, Hope Brown sits down with Enrolled Agent and Tax Resolution Specialist LuSundra Everett (The Home Biz Tax Lady) to demystify IRS audits and share practical strategies for protecting your business. Whether you've received an audit letter or want to prevent one, we discuss essential insights business owners can use.
Guest Bio:
LuSundra Everett is an enrolled agent and owner of Everett Tax Solutions and ETS Tax Relief. Known as The Home Biz Tech Lady, she specializes in small business tax preparation, planning, and tax problem resolution. She's been an enrolled agent since 2017 and is deeply involved in the tax community as a National Tax Practice Institute Fellow and past president of the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents.
Key Topics:
Dealing with the increase of IRS audits in 2025
How advanced technology is changing the way IRS reviews tax returns
Common mistakes that can trigger IRS attention
The truth about reasonable compensation for S-Corps
Why "living tax-free" can cost you more in the long run
Practical tips for organizing receipts and contractor documentation
How to handle an IRS letter if you receive one
The importance of estimated tax payments
Essential Takeaways:
Schedule intentional breaks and outdoor time
Build a community of supportive peers
Set clear, time-bound goals
Focus on proactive rather than reactive leadership
Give yourself grace during the growth process
Practice patience in business development
Surround yourself with both mentors and mentees
Quotable Moments:
"It is a lot easier to get rid of paper that you don't need than produce paper that you do." - LuSundra Everett
"Pay now or pay later... The tax-free life sounds cute, but baby, the execution is not where it's at." - LuSundra Everett
Resources Mentioned:
S-Corp Reasonable Compensation service information: https://bbizsolution.com/tax-planning
The Tax Minded Bookkeeper Comprehensive Tax Preparation Checklist https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/40190/132790657589707901/share
IRS Form W-9:https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
Lunch & Learn financial training classes: https://bbizsolution.com/lunch-learn-series-1
Guest Contact Information for LuSundra Everett:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebiztaxlady/
ETS Tax Relief: https://etstaxrelief.com/ and https://homebiztaxlady.com/
About the show: Beyond the Receipts with Hope Brown explores both the financial and personal aspects of entrepreneurship, bringing expert insights and practical advice to business owners ready to scale their success.
Subscribe to our newsletter at https://bbizsolution.com/mailing-list for more tips on navigating your business taxes and staying compliant in 2025!
Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D-mQKB8kDxA
Follow Hope Brown, The Tax Minded Bookkeeper on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taxmindedbookkeeper/
Working with Brown Business Solutions and The Tax Minded Bookkeeper in 2025: https://bbizsolution.com/how-to-work-with-us
Join Hope Brown for a heartfelt look at how tax preparers work tirelessly to help their clients succeed. Learn insider tips that can save you thousands, discover why timing matters so much, and understand how building a strong relationship with your tax preparer can transform your business's financial future.
Key Topics:
Essential Takeaways:
Schedule intentional breaks and outdoor time
Build a community of supportive peers
Set clear, time-bound goals
Focus on proactive rather than reactive leadership
Give yourself grace during the growth process
Practice patience in business development
Surround yourself with both mentors and mentees
Quotable Moments:
Resources Mentioned:
About the show: Beyond the Receipts with Hope Brown explores both the financial and personal aspects of entrepreneurship, bringing expert insights and practical advice to business owners ready to scale their success.
In this empowering episode, Hope Brown welcomes Cristel Sias, a dynamic small business advisor with a rich background in executive coaching and strategic business development. With over 17 years of experience, Cristel has been instrumental in helping business owners develop profitable strategies, injecting $234 million in revenue into the local economy through the Goldman Sachs Small Business Program. Join us as Cristel shares invaluable insights on maintaining entrepreneur wellness while scaling your business effectively in 2025.
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Connecting with Cristel Sias:
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About the show: Beyond the Receipts with Hope Brown explores both the financial and personal aspects of entrepreneurship, bringing expert insights and practical advice to business owners ready to scale their success.
In this episode of Beyond the Receipt, host Hope Brown welcomes financial strategist Robin R. Haynes to discuss what business owners need to know about preparing for business loans. With over 26 years of experience in the financial industry and as a business advisor for the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program, Robin shares invaluable insights on both personal and business credit readiness.
Key Topics:
Featured Guest: Robin R. Haynes - Financial Strategist & Business Advisor
Quotable Moment: "Before you even go to the financial institution and apply for a loan, you have to ask yourself three questions: Why do I need the money? How is it going to be dispersed? And how am I going to pay it back? If you cannot answer those questions, then you need not to apply." - Robin R. Haynes
Connecting with Robin R. Haynes:
Welcome to Season 2 of Beyond the Receipts! In this season premiere, Hope Brown breaks down essential year-end tax and financial planning strategies that could save your business thousands. Learn the critical difference between reactive and proactive business owners, and discover exactly what you need to do before December 31st to minimize your tax burden.
Key Timestamps
Episode Highlights
Resources Mentioned
Key Takeaways
Action Items
Connect With Us
Next Episode Preview
Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring industry experts, including financial analysts, business coaches, and HR professionals who will help us think outside the box about business finances.
Notable Quotes
"The decisions you make before December 31st are the ones that really count. Everything else is just damage control."
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Beyond the Receipts is a podcast dedicated to helping small and mid-sized business owners understand the tax planning and financial recordkeeping aspects of their business.
Feeling lost in the fog of running your small business? This episode of Beyond the Receipts Podcast cuts through the confusion and equips you with a powerful tool: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Think of KPIs as your personalized business compass. We'll show you how to set clear goals, define measurable metrics, and establish timelines to track your progress and propel your business forward.
But KPIs are more than just numbers. They unlock valuable insights that empower you to make strategic decisions that get real results. Learn how to analyze your KPIs regularly and use them to take your business from hustle to thriving.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Tune in to this episode and discover how KPIs can become your secret weapon for business growth and compliance.
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In this episode of Beyond the Receipts, we're delving into the 2024 IRS's Dirty Dozen list of tax scams released earlier this year. This is the must-know list if you want to avoid falling prey to the many tax scams out there. Picture phishing emails so convincing they could deceive even the most cautious among us, and phony pitches about employee retention credits that promised substantial returns but only led to trouble.
It happens far more often than you might think, so it's time to sharpen our vigilance! This episode will arm you with crucial knowledge to recognize some of the most common tax-related scams, ensuring you don’t become a victim. Plus, I'll expose the risks of following questionable tax advice found online and highlight the critical importance of consulting with an IRS-licensed tax preparer vs. the infamous “ghost preparer”.
My mission? To empower you, the business owner, the freelancer, the everyday taxpayer, to safeguard your tax situation safely and securely.
Get ready to protect yourself by joining me on Beyond the Receipts. Let’s tackle the IRS Dirty Dozen together and ensure your tax situation remains smooth and secure. Don’t miss this pivotal episode packed with tips that could safeguard your wallet and your peace of mind!
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Hey there, tax season warriors! Ready to dive into the trenches of financial management with me? In this episode of Beyond the Receipts, we're unpacking the wild ride that was tax season 2024 and gearing up for an even better 2025.
While the wounds are still “fresh” join me as we uncover the invaluable "Lessons Learned" from the mouths of my amazing business owner tax clients this past tax season. From navigating record keeping without inducing a headache to tackling estimated tax payments without feeling blindsided, and even the secrets of maximizing deductions and credits, we've got you covered.
Honestly, many of our clients (and maybe you too) are ready to say goodbye to the last-minute tax scramble each year and do better in 2024. We're talking about fostering open communication with their tax preparers or bookkeeper year-round, engaging in proactive planning instead of resorting to last-minute panic next tax season, and more. Together, we're building a financial fortress to minimize tax headaches and maximize savings.
So, are you ready to level up your tax game and overall accounting management in your business? Hit that play button and let's gear up to dominate tax season 2025 with this arsenal of best practices straight from business owners just like you. Trust me, you won't regret it (and your future self will thank you too).
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Ever wonder how you, the fearless entrepreneur, can rock your retirement planning? In the latest episode of Beyond the Receipts I was able to dive into this question with our very first guest on the pod, financial guru, Romy Pickron! In my interview with her, we explored exciting options for solopreneurs and small businesses to stash away cash for their golden years.
From IRAs to employee plans like SIMPLE and SEP IRAs, Romy, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, shares expert insights on maximizing tax advantages and sidestepping pesky penalties. The bottom line? There are tailor-made retirement savings options waiting for bold trailblazers like you!
Romy Pickron, CFP®, isn't just about acronyms. She's on a mission to empower everyday people, especially first-generation wealth builders, to achieve financial freedom. As the founder of Asset Achievers, a virtual financial management platform, she's got your back. She's also co-founded Reducify, a fintech app aiming to crush student debt – major bonus points there! Romy is an active member of the Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA) and has been recognized for her financial wisdom.
Ready to take charge of your financial future? Tune into Beyond the Receipts Podcast to hear the full conversation!
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Forget the last-minute scramble – turns out, filing a tax extension is a total lifesaver if you need more breathing room. Here's the deal: both individuals and businesses can get an extension that buys you six whole months to file your return. That's huge! No more panicking over missing documents or scrambling to meet the deadline. An extension basically hits the pause button and lets you avoid those pesky late-filing penalties.
But here's the key – you gotta file the extension form itself before the original deadline. Think of it like reserving your spot for a stress-free tax season later. Once you have that extra time, I recommend using it wisely. Deep dive into your finances, gather all those receipts, and make sure everything is squeaky clean. You can even use these months to consult a tax pro if needed.
The best part? Filing an extension doesn't mean you're off the hook for taxes owed. You can still make estimated payments to avoid any penalties for not paying on time. So, ditch the tax-time craziness! This episode of Beyond the Receipts totally flipped the script on extensions. It's all about taking control, avoiding mistakes, and keeping the IRS happy. Trust me, your future self will thank you for listening.
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In this episode of Beyond the Receipts, we’ll dive deep into the world of Tax Planning versus Tax Preparation. Let me be your tax-savvy tour guide through the highlights. First off, tax planning isn't just for the big shots; it's a powerhouse for both small businesses and individuals looking to master the art of minimizing tax liabilities. One of the major keys to it is being proactive – think of it as a year-long chess match against your expected tax bill! But remember, timing is key! This episode emphasizes the critical importance of when you implement those tax-saving strategies. It's like hitting the financial sweet spot, and you definitely want to nail it. But here's where it gets really interesting – teaming up with a tax professional who not only knows the ins and outs of the tax laws but also gets your personal and business goals. And here's the kicker – tax planning is not a one-time deal. You should be ready to actively work your tax plan throughout the year, and watch the magic unfold.
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Picture this: A tax preparer who's got their hands on a well-organized treasure trove of financials and accounting wizardry. It's like handing them a golden ticket to a stress-free tax season. In this episode, we unravel the secret sauce behind a seamless tax preparation experience – and it all starts with keeping your financial house in order. But wait, there's more! We're not just talking about sorting your receipts into a neat little pile. No, we're delving into the realm of strategic communication. Yep, you heard it right – having a heart-to-heart with your tax preparer about your business goals and plans. It's not just about the numbers; it's about crafting a financial narrative that speaks volumes. Tune in to this episode of Beyond the Receipts - it's the ultimate prep session for a stress-free and financially rewarding tax season!
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On this episode of Beyond the Receipts, we're cracking the code of S corporations. Forget boring tax jargon – we're breaking it down like you're sipping coffee with a financial bestie. We'll answer the burning questions: what are S corps, how do they save you taxes, and how do you pay yourself without tripping over the IRS red tape? Think you can just switch to S corp status and watch the tax savings roll in? Hold your horses! There's a catch - and it involves paying yourself a "reasonable" salary. We'll spill the tea on what that means and how to avoid audit headaches. This ain't just theory, folks. We're sharing real-world insights, practical tips, and a healthy dose of cautionary tales to help you decide if S corp life is for you. Let's do this!
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Dive into the latest episode of Beyond the Receipt that unravels the pivotal shifts in business regulations! Come 2024, LLCs and various entities are poised for a transformative change: they must now unveil crucial beneficial ownership information details to FinCEN. But here's the catch: overlooking this mandate could fetch hefty fines, soaring up to $500 daily, or even lead to unforeseen legal repercussions. This is an episode you don’t want to miss as you embark on another year in business, or if you’re planning to start one.
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Join us in this episode of Beyond the Receipts, as wel delve into the intricacies of form 1099-NEC, a crucial document that businesses must file to report non-employee compensation. We'll break down the essentials, offering insights to help businesses navigate the compliance maze—from tracking payments and deciphering payment methods to making the most of e-filing platforms and seeking professional advice. Tune in for a simplified guide to 1099-NEC, ensuring you stay in the financial know-how. Don't miss out on unraveling the intricacies that impact businesses today!
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This week on ‘Beyond the Receipts’, we’ll cover the four key deductions that are often misunderstood or misused by small business owners: home office deduction, meals and entertainment deduction, vehicle deduction, and travel expenses. In this episode, we don't just scratch the surface – we unearth the challenges faced by small business owners in the quest for accurate deductions and provide guidance on rectifying common mistakes. It's not just about claiming, it's about conquering the complexities and avoiding the pitfalls that can lead entrepreneurs astray.
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This week, we dive into the often-dreaded topic of IRS audits – the kind of conversation that doesn't usually make it to the top of anyone's "favorites" list. But fear not, because this episode is your secret weapon, loaded with valuable insights and proactive strategies tailor-made for us business owners. We’ll talk about some practical advice on prevention and readiness, from accurate income reporting to steering clear of hobby losses disguised as business deductions, as well as going on the savvy move of using an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for enhanced business credibility. The mission here? It's not about inducing nightmares; it's about arming entrepreneurs with the skills needed to face audits head-on. 😎
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Get ready to tackle the year-end with confidence! In this episode, I'm here to guide you on preparing for a successful year-end. I'll walk you through crucial aspects of financial management, from handpicking the perfect tax professional to forging a comfortable and efficient working partnership. We'll also dive into decoding the significance of year-end dates and unlocking the power of financial forecasting. You'll learn how to analyze your income and expenses to estimate year-end financials for strategic tax planning. These are just a sneak peek of the eight critical tax tips I've got in store for small business owners as we gear up for the grand finale of 2023. Don't miss out on the full episode to supercharge your year-end strategies and finish 2023 STRONG! 💪🏽
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This episode of "Beyond the Receipts" (Small Business Tax & Finances) is all about a topic that's about to sizzle in a few months, and we're here to provide you with a two-month head start for the sizzle-fest. We're talking about the nitty-gritty of reporting payments to independent contractors or navigating the labyrinth of the 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation) form. You see, many small business owners might not be losing sleep over it right now, mainly because they're in the throes of closing out the year. However, it's time to give you the lowdown, straight from a fellow business owner's perspective, especially if you're a rookie in the entrepreneurial arena.
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