Before we begin…

This month, we are going to talk about teaching your kids about money and I want to start by making something super clear: You don’t have to have it all figured out. I know, I know…you want to sit down with your kids and show them that you’re a shining example of financial excellence, who has a flawless budget and zero debt. You aren't. You don’t. And that is JUST FINE.

Amy Esp 10/18/24 Amy Esp 10/18/24

Teaching your kids about money.

Last spring, my 12 year old came to me to discuss how he could make a little extra cash.

At first we talked about the usual chores: yard, pets, cleaning…

But then we started to talk about how he could help me track the family finances and budget. He loves math and has a head for numbers. Plus he’s come of age during the online school of COVID, so he felt really comfortable with computer work and navigating the software. I’ve had a personal Quickbooks account for a few years, but I am terrible at the upkeep (cobbler’s kid has no shoes and all that).

Amy Esp 9/24/24 Amy Esp 9/24/24

Wrapping the year up in a neat bow (stuff to think about in Q4)

As we cruise into fall, it's time to start thinking about the end of the year. I know, I know, it's early, but if you start now, your holidays will be chill and tax season will be breezy. I am a classic procrastinator. I literally just worked with my CPA to get my own taxes filed for 2023 after an extension, barely sliding under the wire for the S-Corp deadline. This year, my books are up to date, but there have been year’s where they definitely were not until well into the following year (0/10 do not recommend for both stress and understanding your business). We also work with dozens of businesses and nonprofits and I know how much better it feels when you have all of your ducks in a row. Not to mention how much better your business functions when you have up to date information to make well-informed decisions. This month, we are giving you the run down of everything you should do or think about before that clock strikes midnight on December 31st.

Angela Hall 9/19/24 Angela Hall 9/19/24

Values Statement: what it is, why you want one, how to write it.

You’ve probably heard the term “Mission Statement” and maybe your business even has one. But have you heard of a “Values Statement”?

While a mission statement outlines the purpose and goals of a business, a values statement defines what’s important to your business and by extension, its employees. A values statement can be used to remind you what your guiding principles are, which in turn can help you make day-to-day decisions. It’s sort of the “touch grass and take a deep breath” tool to help you when you feel overwhelmed by what decision to make.

Angela Hall 9/13/24 Angela Hall 9/13/24

Payroll 101: Setting up for your first employee

As your business builds steam, you will come to a point in the road where you have to decide: is this as big as I want to get, or is it time to bring in some help and take things to the next level? If you decide to hire your first employee, there are a few logistical steps you have to take before you actually bring someone on board:

Angela Hall 9/11/24 Angela Hall 9/11/24

What your employees need to know about paycheck withholding.

We often get a lot of questions about withholding in paychecks and just how that system works and how it affects your end of year taxes. If your employees are similarly confused about how the amount is calculated or if they can adjust that number somehow (or if they SHOULD adjust it), here is some info they will probably be interested in: