Tag: tax minimization

I’m on the road again enjoying sharing insights from the specialized industry accounting conference I am attending.  Today’s takeaways started even before we reached the registration desk, where I introduced Elizabeth Spradley, our firm’s accounting manager to some of the returning attendees and conference administrators.  They continued as we participated in the day’s workshops and on through the welcome reception. Here are my highlights and takeaways from Day 1 of…  Read more

I hope you enjoyed my photos and takeaways as much as I enjoyed sharing with you.  Please do send feedback if these tips have resonated with you.  Please share in the comments if and how you have implemented them in your firm/business/practice, I hope you can tell from these photos that I have taken “selfie” taking lessons. Andrea & Ivette You can be an inspiration to your accountability coach when…  Read more

I hope you are enjoying my photos and takeaways, please do send feedback if these tips have resonated with you.  Please share in the comments if and how you have implemented them in your firm/business/practice, but do not judge me by my “selfie” taking ability, I do feel I am getting better. Conference Day 2 takeaways started as soon as I finished my morning workout: Peloton Bike at the Hotel…  Read more

This week I’m in San Jose for an accounting technology conference and then I’ll be on to Florida and Long Island for specialized industry and tax conferences with my staff members. Sometimes it seems that the best part of the conference is the people you meet along the way… In the Delta Lounge before boarding On the airplane (photo credits go to my row-mate Howard) On the trip to the…  Read more

I hope you were able to watch the vlog I posted last week. In the video I discuss the importance of a solid vision statement, one that you and your team create together and believe in. Here is the link to watch the video and read the post in case you missed it.  I hope it inspires you to take action. Have you been working to create a successful business/professional…  Read more

On the road again, this week I am heading to San Jose for an accounting technology conference; in the next few weeks I am also scheduled to travel to Florida and Long Island for specialized industry and tax conferences with my staff members. Recently I have shared “best practices” for attending conferences and networking events, no need to reiterate, but follow these links for a refresher: Tips for getting the…  Read more

I hope you were able to watch the vlog I posted last week. In the video I discuss how we “create time” by eliminating or reducing administrative tasks with the smart use of technology. My example of an easy win is to implement an automated payroll portal system that eliminates administrative time for the employees and the “boss”.  Implementing just this one administrative task can free up time, eliminate notices…  Read more

In our office, we like to say “we create time”.  We would much rather be out playing than writing checks, entering invoices or adjusting accounting records.  We figured that if we “hated” these tasks, our clients would too. I love the example of how adding an automated payroll portal system eliminated administrative time for the employees and the “boss”.  Implementing just this one administrative task freed up time, eliminated notices…  Read more

In our office, we like to say “we create time”. How do we do that? By using cloud-based software to eliminate administrative tasks. We’ve set up systems for our clients to save them (and their bookkeepers) hours and sometimes days, basically tons of time they’d usually spend writing checks or manually entering things like bills, credit card statements, payroll detail, projections, etc. We put together several software applications that we…  Read more

If you’re like most small business owners, there are never enough hours in the day to complete every task on your list. Often you’re faced with prioritizing what you need to do right now – deal with a customer, meet a deadline, attend an event – and the things you know you should do for the ongoing growth of your business. Scheduling time to attend to these business activities on…  Read more

Small business owners know that to encourage and maintain a loyal customer base, they must stand out from their competitors. Offering outstanding customer service should be the cornerstone of any business and one of the best ways to create and maintain your customer base. How you and your staff treat your customers/patients/clients reflects on your entire business. Unfortunately, many small business owners focus a lot of attention on their products…  Read more

Think your taxes went up because of the new tax law, think again. It may be time to hire an expert! Caution! Don’t have breakfast at my house. Those who know us, know that even though the coffee is amazing, our refrigerator is usually bare. Of course if we know you will be visiting we will pick up bagels and cream cheese and you are in luck if we are…  Read more

It’s called DISCOVERY because that’s when we get to ask the questions…. WHO – are we focusing on your personal or business goals or challenges or all of the above WHAT – are those goals or challenges, let’s not focus on a solution “I need to set up a retirement plan”. Let’s focus on the goal “I would like to be able to retire in XX years and be able…  Read more

Do you feel like you are paying too much tax? Yes I know that almost everyone feels that way, but what if you are, and can do something about it… Right now our office is working on several tax plans that utilize: • capital gains planning • entity selection • income shifting • tax deferrals • charitable giving strategies • accountable plans • & more These proactive plans are saving…  Read more

The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act has created new limits on the business meals and entertainment deduction.  This limits the employee meals deduction to 50% and eliminates entertainment deduction entirely. Understandably a hot topic, getting value out of the meals is the subject of this morning’s article published the Journal of Accountancy: 8 Tips For Making the Most of Business Meals https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/newsletters/2019/sep/business-meals.html Their tips for getting the most out of…  Read more

I love what I do, but I also know that it is important to consider my expected lifestyle and cash flow needs once I am retired (is that even an option).  My husband and I are in agreement that an investment in real estate should be considered/included in our portfolio when building your retirement portfolio, if for no other reason than there are benefits of this type of investment for: long…  Read more

Remember your software, like your workout equipment, is just a tool or piece of equipment.  My recommendation, when working towards your goal with your accountant who is a well-trained and knowledgeable accountability coach you will be more successful reaching your maximum profitability.  Compare this to working with your training coach or with a piece of exercise equipment which keeps you on track.  Watch my short video about my after tax…  Read more

Have you ever pondered over an issue and felt the stress building up only to find that the solution pops into your head while you are in the shower, on a long walk, or sitting in traffic? I was working with a couple on a retirement and relocation plan. During our discovery session, I could practically feel their stress over some very hard decisions they would need to make over…  Read more

Funny how 6 months after this NPR interview with me and several other accountants we are still requesting clarification from the IRS on the business provisions included in the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. So much for tax simplification…  Read more

Save money by hiring an expert, know when to ask for help Imagine this … A group of friends were invited to dinner hosted by a famous chef. In greeting one of the guests, a well-known photographer, the chef commented: “I love your photos. You must have a very expensive camera.” The photographer smiled to herself and walked into the dining room. After dinner, the photographer approached the chef and…  Read more