Determining the right number of clients to take on without compromising quality or burning out is essential. On this episode, Keila talks about how to set ideal revenue goals, assess your bandwidth across life and work, and strike the perfect balance between earning target income and maintaining sanity. Going beyond "work-life balance" into intentionally designing your business around your desired lifestyle.Connect with Keila!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawickWebsite - http://www.hellokeila.comRESOURCES:Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and sign up for our newsletter at www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

Having a lean team requires making strategic and intentional hiring decisions. Learn how to build a mighty small team that can help your business thrive. When your staff is small, every team member has an amplified impact, so it's crucial to hire all-star players. We'll discuss how to use your financials strategically to hire critical roles first and find candidates that fit your culture and empower your team.Connect with Keila!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawickWebsite - http://www.hellokeila.comRESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comLearn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and get access to new goodies by signing up for our newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/build-to-enough-7058560126642769920/Follow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting 

Growth shouldn't be the only marker of success. In this episode, Keila discusses moving away from the pressure of constant expansion and exploring what it means to build a business that's sustainable, aligns with your lifestyle, and brings you fulfillment. Welcome to Build To Enough!Connect with Keila!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick Website - http://www.hellokeila.com RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comLearn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and get access to new goodies by signing up for our newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/build-to-enough-7058560126642769920/Follow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting 

Many of us have heard horror stories from accountants about their experience working in the industry - the long hours, being under-compensated, the high costs of completing accounting accreditations ... It’s no wonder the pipleline of accounting professions is dwindling and experienced accountants are leaving the profession altogether. Or is it?In this episode, Liz Kolar brings more than 35 years of accounting and professional education experience to the table as she joins Keila to provide her perspective on the shortage of accountants and what firms are doing to address it. Tune in to learn why Liz thinks the best time to become a CPA is NOW! KEY POINTS:Liz Kolar’s unique industry perspective When did the decline of accountant candidates begin?Why are candidates NOT choosing accounting Is there a CPA pipeline crisis?What are firms doing to make accounting more desirable? QUOTABLES:“The feedback we're getting, it’s a very complex issue. It's not one issue we can resolve, and everybody will come back. There are multiple factors. And they're all quite concerning.” - Liz Kolar GUEST RESOURCES:Liz Kolarsurgent.comLinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/lizkolar RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comLearn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and get access to new goodies by signing up for our newsletter: mailchi.mp/littlefishaccounting/socialFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting   The Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

You landed a million dollar project, but the money will only come later. So how much do you have right now to cover expenses incurred before that check clears? Because it’s not just about how much you’re bringing in but the amount of money coming in on time for the amount that has to go out.  So in this episode, Keila talks cash flow - why it’s important, what you need to pay attention to, and the pitfalls she sees many entrepreneurs fall into. An episode not to be missed for all small businesses with ebbs and flows working on a project or launch basis. KEY POINTS:Why your small business needs a cushion Double counting sales and outstanding invoices How Little Fish strategizes cash flow QUOTABLES:“So what does all of this mean? Well, cash is king.” - Keila    RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comLearn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and get access to new goodies by signing up for our newsletter: mailchi.mp/littlefishaccounting/socialFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccountingThe Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

Inclusion strategist, certified coach, speaker, and author Amber Cabral is back to discuss what it means to build a business that not only feels successful to you but also feels like a business you actually want to run.  Tune in as Amber shares her journey from solopreneur to realizing she couldn’t do it all on her own and had to grow, all while keeping the heart of her business alive. And how she decided that the impact, culture, and legacy of her small business was worth more than the “big dollars.” KEY POINTS:The journey from solopreneur to business ownerIdentifying your “enough” number The impact and culture of intentionally small businesses “How much is the money worth?”Why you need to get clear about what you love doing in your businessQUOTABLES: “The bigger you get, the harder it is to translate the heart of the mission.” “Figure out early if you're building a business and want to work in your field or building a business you want to sell.”  GUEST RESOURCES: Amber Cabral Ambercabral.com www.cabralconsultingllc.com IG | instagram.com/bamcabral LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/ambercabral  RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comLearn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and get access to new goodies by signing up for our newsletter: mailchi.mp/littlefishaccounting/socialFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccountingThe Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

The more offers you have, the more money you will make, right? WRONG! While it may sound counterintuitive, in this episode, Keila discusses why reducing the number of offerings you provide can amplify and exceed your previous profit and revenue targets. Take Little Fish for example, who doubled their revenue in just two years after eliminating their buffet of services! So tune in and find out if narrowing your service offerings is right for you and how you can get paid more to do less.  KEY POINTS:Why you may want to offer fewer servicesHow narrowing down can save on costsWhat to consider when cutting your list of services“All money ain’t good money.”QUOTABLES:“When you slow down how many services you offer, or actually just streamline down to a lower number of services, you really have the opportunity to make those better.” - Keila Hill-Trawick “It's hard to be an expert in your field that can provide value to clients when your hands are in a bunch of different buckets. So start looking at your suite of services and ask yourself, could we do less for more?” - Keila Hill-Trawick  RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comLearn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and get access to new goodies by signing up for our newsletter: mailchi.mp/littlefishaccounting/socialFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccountingThe Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

In this special episode, Keila invites her first guest of the season - Natasha Pierre! A social media manager turned video marketing coach, speaker, podcaster, and creator, Natasha helps clients who struggle with strategy and confidence when it comes to content creation. Through her signature group programs and educational content, she helps clients build their brand with a confident video marketing strategy that ultimately grows their business, community, and impact simultaneously.  Tune in as Natasha shares her own entrepreneurial journey, from the loneliness that comes with growth to walking away from a lucrative business in order to protect her peace.  So lean in and don’t miss this conversation on burnout, boundaries, and fitting your business into your life rather than fitting your life into your business. KEY POINTS:Natasha’s journey from entrepreneur to coach and creator The struggle to find balance while growing Staying intentionally and experimentally small What does “enough” feel like for you?Trusting your gut and learning to say noSetting the foundation for the life you want to live  QUOTABLES: “It's this place where we can still innovate, still have ideas, and still say yes to things. Where I feel really excited, but not compromise well-being and stress and overwhelm.” - Natasha Pierre “Be honest with yourself when something needs to go or when something's no longer a good fit. Even when that was what you thought was going to be it. It's hard, but it's worth trusting that instinct or that nudge.” - Natasha Pierre  GUEST RESOURCES: Natasha Pierreshinewithnatasha.comIG | instagram.com/shinewithnatashaListen to The Shine Online Podcast on all major streaming platforms!link.chtbl.com/shineonline  RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccountingThe Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

Today is a special day in our little corner of the world as it is the 100th episode of Fish Food! And what better time to honor this labor of love than Little Fish’s 5-year anniversary!Tune in as Keila shares some insight on Little Fish’s growth, where they started, where they are now, and what we can expect in the future. Plus, a little bonus from members of the Little Fish team that you don’t typically hear from!So lean in and join Keila and Little Fish’s journey of pivots, changes, and figuring out how they can best serve you and their clients! KEY POINTS:- Why entrepreneurship is not what Keila thought it was!- How Little Fish was born - What brought Kelia success in the beginning? And now?- “Nobody can make it out here alone.”- Growing, niching down, and rebranding - Building company culture and training your management muscles QUOTABLES:“Entrepreneurship is not what I thought it was going to be, in good ways and challenging ways. Everyone talks about the freedom, and the space, and the money. But there's also the fear, and the management, and the constant changes of being a startup.” - Keila Hill-Trawick“I wanted to be more than an accounting firm. We are a safe space. I want to be an advisory firm that gives support, that allows you to take a deep breath and know that everything is going to be okay.” - Keila Hill-Trawick RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting   The Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

Today Keila brings you the last in her “Beyond the Numbers” series, a deeper look into why numbers themselves aren’t necessarily good or bad. And how the story behind the numbers is what we really need in order to make decisions for our business that not only make the most sense but also build a life and business that we can be proud of. Taxes seem to be every entrepreneur's favorite topic, from the fear around them to how to do them right to ways they affect our business. So today, Keila goes beyond the flat monetary amount and explores what taxes reveal about your business, what they don't tell you, and how you can use them to make strategic decisions about your future.   KEY POINTS:Why the real tax work is done throughout the year How do taxes work?Preparing your taxes and getting a refund QUOTABLES:“You want to make decisions based not just on taxes but at least taking into account that all of the money that you make won't actually belong to you.” RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccountingThe Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

In this episode, Keila continues her “Beyond the Numbers” series, a deeper look into why numbers themselves aren’t necessarily good or bad. And how the story behind the numbers is what we really need in order to make decisions for our business that not only make the most sense but also build a life and business that we can be proud of.Tune in today as Keila talks budgets and forecasts and how they can help you make some quick decisions about the direction you want to go with your business and whether to make any changes to what you’re offering or how you’re offering it.  KEY POINTS:- What is a budget and how do we make one?- Why a zero-based budget may work for you- Forecast - where are you trending to end up?- How to use your budget and forecast to “mind the gap” QUOTABLES:“It does nobody any good to set goals that are too high for what you're actually able to achieve and then just feel like you're missing them every time. Remember, a budget is less of a goal and more of a plan.” RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting    The Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

In this episode, Keila continues her “Beyond the Numbers” series, a deeper look into why numbers themselves aren’t necessarily good or bad. And how the story behind the numbers is what we really need in order to make decisions for our business that not only make the most sense but also build a life and business that we can be proud of.Tune in today as Keila talks balance sheets! From what's included on the balance sheet to a breakdown of what those accounts mean, dive into what you can learn from your balance sheet and how you can use it to make strategic decisions for your company. KEY POINTS:- What is a balance sheet?- How many accounts does your business need?- Accounts receivable versus Accrued receivable - Breaking down assets and liabilities- Do your reconciliations! QUOTABLES:“So you might be wondering, now that I have this balance sheet, and I've looked at it, I've opened it, how does it help me to make strategic decisions? Well, the first is cash on hand.” RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting   The Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

In this episode, Keila is excited to bring you the first of her “Beyond the Numbers” series, a deeper look into why numbers themselves aren’t necessarily good or bad. And while they don’t mean anything as a standalone, the story behind the numbers is what we really need to know in order to make decisions for our business that not only make the most sense but also build a life and business that we can be proud of.So tune in as Keila dives into profit and loss statements and why it is the foundational piece of helping you make the best strategic decisions about your business. Find the common deductible expenses spreadsheet mentioned in this episode here: drive.google.com/file/d/1gzoqJvta260ESLGwXv0jLfzBcuzKXgu_/view?usp=sharing KEY POINTS:- What is a profit and loss statement?- Breaking down revenue, expenses, and deductibles- How often should we be bookkeeping?- Explicit versus implicit data- “Don’t get too focused on the number itself” QUOTABLES:“The whole point of your profit and loss and all of your financial statements is to tell you a story. It's not enough to just look at a number; you really want to know what the numbers are trying to tell you.” RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting  The Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

More money does not protect your reputation. More money doesn’t necessarily cover all the new expenses that come with it. More money often means more complications and changes. So is more money really more problems? Tune in as your host gets real about why the pursuit of money is not enough. And if you got it, how do you keep it? How do you make more money, create a team, build a business, and keep your sanity as well as your profit? KEY POINTS:Is manifestation a trap?More money, more problems?Why you need an analysis of your businessDon’t confuse your worth with how much you make! What do you want and why?QUOTABLES: “More money doesn't automatically lead to more confidence. The more you make, the more hurdles you're going to jump into, the more changes you're going to have to make.”  “Just know that the money itself isn't the goal. The decisions, the feelings, the power on the other side? Absolutely. But it's a journey to get there.”  RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccountingThe Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)More money does not protect your reputation. More money doesn’t necessarily cover all the new expenses that come with it. More money often means more complications and changes. So is more money really more problems? Tune in as your host gets real about why the pursuit of money is not enough. And if you got it, how do you keep it? How do you make more money, create a team, build a business, and keep your sanity as well as your profit? KEY POINTS:Is manifestation a trap?More money, more problems?Why you need an analysis of your businessDon’t confuse your worth with how much you make! What do you want and why?QUOTABLES: “More money doesn't automatically lead to more confidence. The more you make, the more hurdles you're going to jump into, the more changes you're going to have to make.”  “Just know that the money itself isn't the goal. The decisions, the feelings, the power on the other side? Absolutely. But it's a journey to get there.”  RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccountingThe Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

Your business is going to grow and change and mold. What you started at the very beginning is not going to be the same in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years. So what then? It’s around this time that you start trying to make decisions about whether you should just burn the whole situation down or maybe just do something different. So in this episode, your host breaks down the difference and shares the things you need to think about when you're trying to determine if you should start over or make a pivot. KEY POINTS:- Do you like what you’re doing?- The first step to consider before breaking, rebuilding, or pivoting - Where are you making and spending your money?- How much energy do you have?- What to ask yourself before making any changes QUOTABLES:“You got a couple years under your belt, you've been doing it, you've got some processes, it feels good. But inevitably, something is going to break." RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting   The Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

While your host isn’t necessarily a fan of the consistent pursuit of growth, she also doesn’t believe you have to go at it alone! If you want to avoid burnout and breakdowns, you need to delegate! Even if you’re staying small, you need a strong team behind you in order to serve clients in the exact manner you want. So in this episode, Keila helps you decide when it’s time to hire help and the steps you should take to do so.  KEY POINTS:- How do you know when it's time to develop a team?- Invest in automations first!- Task doers versus process owners - What is the most important thing for you to hire for? QUOTABLES:“Most people wait way too long to hire. It’s out of desperation. By the time you are hiring somebody you are in a place where you're like, I just need your help. And the reality is, by the time you do that, it's generally too late.” RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting  The Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

We didn’t start businesses to feel trapped by them. But the bigger we get, the more complex, involved, and expensive they tend to be. So in this episode, your host asks you to start questioning growth. Do you really want to scale? Or do you just want the fame, attention, cash, and clients behind it?If you want to get paid, create a life you enjoy, and dump the constant chase for more, this podcast is for you!  KEY POINTS:- What is a micro-business?- The biggest mistake when starting a business- Do you really want to scale? - What is your enough?- 4 ways for a small business to stay small QUOTABLES:“If you don't determine what is enough for you, what is the place at which you're like, ‘I'm good, we could just ride this out for a little bit’, you may end up on this continuous hamster wheel of just going after things simply for the sake of growth.” RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting   The Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

Welcome to the new version of the Fish Food Podcast, now on audio and video, making it even easier for you to get the accounting and tax advice you need!While we are here to talk making money, keeping as much of it as you possibly can, and tracking it appropriately for taxes, in this episode, host Keila Hill-Trawick answers some common questions about herself and Little Fish Accounting.From why Keila decided to leave corporate to who can benefit from her services, lean in and learn why Little Fish Accounting and the Fish Food Podcast are your new true partners in finance. KEY POINTS:- The inspiration behind Little Fish Accounting- What makes Little Fish Accounting stand out?- How does Little Fish Accounting help entrepreneurs?- Why is Keila Hill-Trawick so passionate about her work?- The biggest myths about financial experts QUOTABLES:“One of the reasons that I knew I could be good at it is because I care. And I know that kind of sounds cliche, but I realized that a lot of people that were in what are essentially ‘done for you’ service industries are so focused on the task that they're not thinking about the experience.” RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting   The Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

A podcast for entrepreneurs who started working for themselves to build companies that grow into thriving businesses, The Fish Food Podcast is here to provide bite-sized accounting and entrepreneurship advice in 20 minutes or less. With host and CPA Keila Hill-Trawick, tune in as each episode presents easily digestible tips and tricks for small business owners, from start-ups to established companies. So whether you're acting as your own accountant or looking for a new one, the Fish Food Podcast is for you!  RESOURCES:Like what you’re hearing? Check out Little Fish Accounting at: www.littlefishaccounting.comFollow Little Fish Accounting on social media!IG | instagram.com/littlefishaccounting    The Fish Food Podcast is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

Wondering what it’s like to work with a tax professional? In this episode, I continue last week's conversation about how to prepare for a stress-free tax season and invite Kenya Todd, our account manager, to lay out what it's like to work with Little Fish. Not only do we lay out what our year-round service, Tax Prep Suite, entails, but we also interview one of our clients, Nix Avant-Brown, about her experience with this service. In the interview, Nix tells us how using Tax Prep Suite helped her go from feeling beat down and completely financially disorganized to being motivated about taking control of her business finances by asking for help. Before wrapping up the episode with details on how you can sign up for Tax Prep Suite, I also answer a couple more specific tax questions.If you haven't already, check out part one of this conversation for everything you need to prepare for end-of-the-year taxes.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to  Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs, then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg 

Merry-almost taxes! This week I have a special episode where I'm sharing actionable steps to help you prepare for a stress-free tax season. I'm answering frequently asked questions about quarterly estimates, best practices when working with a tax professional, and what expenses you should deduct annually.In this episode, I'm sharing an overview of how taxes work and why the IRS prefers that you make an educated guess and 'pay on the go.' I'm also breaking down the different types of taxes that you need to be aware of, why staying on top of your bookkeeping will help avoid financial surprises at the end of the year, and what happens if you don't pay your quarterly taxes.Do you know the first two rules of deductible expenses? Worry not; I'm sharing what the IRS expects and why we should all be thoughtful of year-end spending versus deducting expenses just for the sake of it. Finally, I share a crucial tip for staying organized (hint: it's bookkeeping) and why honesty and transparency is vital when working with your tax preparer, especially if you want to minimize the amount of taxes you need to pay at the end of the year.Are you interested in working with Little Fish? Curious about our year-round service, the tax-prep suite? You'll want to tune in next week for part two of this conversation, where we chat with our account manager and spotlight a client success story.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg 

I’m so excited to bring you a  client spotlight episode. Ona Oghogho is the founder of Adode Media, a full-service podcast production, content, and storytelling studio for entrepreneurs and small businesses. To call Ona a “creative powerhouse” is an understatement. In addition to Adode Media, she’s also the founder of Blk Pod Creative – a global digital community for Black audio creatives, and Blk Pod Festival – an annual podcast conference where Black audio creatives come together to learn and network.She joins us today to share how she became an expert in the podcasting industry and why she ultimately decided to expand her business to encompass a full spectrum of marketing and storytelling services. She also shares her expert advice for podcasters, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced podcaster.This is an incredibly impactful and powerful episode if you’re interested in propelling your business forward through podcasting, or for anyone who might be interested in entering the podcasting arena. Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctgConnect with OnaInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/onaoghogho/Website: www.onaoghogho.com

It seems like everyone in the business and entrepreneurship world is always moving on to new goals, and aiming for new heights.  However, I’ve always known that there was going to be a cap to Little Fish’s growth because there are sacrifices I’m not willing to make for the sake of my team and the lives that I want us to be able to lead. And that’s okay.In today’s episode, I’m talking about what it means to intentionally reject never-ending growth and how you can do so with care and intention. I talk about optimizing the way we, as a team work, in order to meet our revenue expectations without burning out and how you can too.Then, I talk about the important role numbers play in determining your team size and how much effort you’ll be putting into reaching your goals. Finally, I talk about getting honest with yourself about your goals and the life you want to live, and how change is always in the air if you want it.  This is an important conversation that isn’t discussed much in the entrepreneurial space, so tune in and join us for this discussion.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

When I first started Little Fish, I had one mission – to make accounting information accessible and digestible for small business owners who are often left out of the conversation. I didn’t have my branding figured out, I didn’t have a clear target audience in mind, and I didn’t even have a business plan or a real goal until this year. So this episode is for my listeners who have dreamed about starting a business of their own, but are remaining on the fence because they don’t know where or how to begin. In this episode, I share why you don’t need to have everything figured out before starting your business. Then, I walk you through the things you should prioritize as you continue to build your business. This episode is your permission to simply just start and go after the business you can’t stop thinking about. Tune in, take notes, and know that you’re not alone on this crazy, exciting journey of entrepreneurship.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

Confession: I don’t like tracking my time. It’s hard for me to clock in and clock out when I’m wrapped up in my day-to-day tasks. But in this episode, I’m making the case for tracking your time. Today, I share 3 reasons why you should track your time and the benefits you and your business will gain from doing so. Tracking your time reveals the gaps and needs in your business so that you can develop a more strategic plan of action. From reflecting on what you and your team have been able to focus on to developing realistic and accurate estimates, this episode is a must if you don’t have a good grasp on the amount of time you’re spending on your business.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

I'm so excited to introduce you to none other than Simone Little. Simone Little is an operations architect (also known as a chief operating officer) who helps small, women-owned businesses run their business efficiently and productively without burning out. She joins the show today to chat with us about the importance of having systems. More specifically, she explains how having the right systems can impact your finances for the better.In this episode, Simone starts by distinguishing the difference between operations and operating. She also gives us a little background into her entrepreneurial journey, who she serves, and the challenges she faced in accounting and tracking taxes as a business owner herself.Finally, Simone shares her expert advice on the operations and operating tasks you should be prioritizing, whether you’re just starting your business, in the middle of your journey, or have been established for many years. This episode is filled with actionable advice so tune in, take notes, and get ready to set up the right systems for your business.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

Did you know that 37% of small businesses outsource accounting and financial responsibilities? However, many of them report having bad experiences that make it difficult to trust a new provider. In this episode, I’m sharing what you need to look for when you’re finding the right accountant or tax professional for your business. I share tips to help you navigate the process, the basic services to look for when hiring an accountant, and why you need to get transparent about the deliverables you’re expecting from them. I also share why it’s so important to look for an accountant or tax professional that is interested in having a long-term relationship with you and your business, and why that will benefit you in the long run. Tune in to this episode and learn how to find the right person to handle the financial responsibilities of your business.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comEpisodes Mentioned:What's The Difference Between an Accountant and a Bookkeeper Outsourcing Finance FunctionsFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

As the end of 2022 approaches, you’ll hear a lot of your favorite influencers share the rush of squeezing in your end-of-year tax spending. This isn’t sound advice, but it’s common because it gives off the impression that it’ll save you in tax deductions. In today’s episode, I share why the “spending free” advice is just cash out the door. From what deductions really look like and why they don’t equate to an even dollar-to-dollar amount, I share why you shouldn’t follow the advice to go spend crazy just to fit in a deduction or two. This is an important episode, so tune in and listen to why you shouldn’t follow this popular advice and what you should do instead if you’re looking for beneficial and strategic tax deductions.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comPast Episodes Mentioned:Having Business Cash On Hand and Establishing Emergency FundsFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

Tax season is a notoriously stressful time of year. But what if I told you that by doing 3 simple things, you can eliminate the shock, surprise, and strain of it all? In this episode, I’m sharing the 3 steps you need to take in order to prepare for taxes throughout the year. This will help you alleviate worry during the already stressful tax season, so you can head into it confidently, knowing exactly what to expect. From why bookkeeping is the foundation to how to manage the contractors you hire, this episode is an incredibly valuable resource for business owners who normally feel overwhelmed by their taxes. So tune in, especially if you’re feeling unprepared for the upcoming tax season. Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

In today’s episode, we’re discussing taxes. More specifically, we’re reframing your beliefs around taxes by helping you understand why taxes are funds that never belonged to you. If you listened to last week’s episode all about having cash on hand, this episode will help you understand why taxes are different from your business cash and how you can better prepare your business to handle them when tax season approaches. From how to have better insight on your taxes to why you should hire a professional to handle your taxes as a small business owner, this episode will give you the tools and resources you need to feel better prepared and more equipped to handle your taxes without the stress.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

A lot of business owners tend to make a clear distinction between their bookkeeper, their accountant, and their tax person. However, it is extremely valuable to have all your accounting and tax functions in one place instead of spreading it across experts. This is why in today’s episode, I’m talking all about why small businesses can benefit from a more cohesive accounting and tax support. I share 3 benefits of having all your accounting and tax functions under one roof, from avoiding the hassle of being a middleman between your bookkeeper and tax specialist, to have a more cohesive and comprehensive look at everything regarding your finances. So tune in and take notes.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

Everybody wants to get paid. No one starts a business just so they could avoid receiving money, or worse… chase up on payments constantly. In today’s episode, I’m talking you through everything you need to know in ordered to get paid on a timely basis. The tips I share in this episode are easy to follow and incredibly actionable. I share ways in which you can make receiving money very easy just by switching to electronic and online payments. Then, I discuss how you can prepare for additional fees from using these payment systems. From setting up expectations with your clients to avoiding the need to chase them for overdue payments, this episode will provide you will all the tips necessary to make getting paid a breeze.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

In the previous episode of Fish Food, we discussed how important it is for your business to manage and account for cash flow. There will always be peaks and valleys in the seasons of running your small business, which is why in today’s episode, I want to share how you can establish a financial safety net through having business cash on hand and emergency funds. I share ways in which you can build a reserve of money available for your business so you can handle current operating needs while preparing a cushion for business dips and pauses. From the accounts you need to establish to keep track of your cash flow to setting appropriate emergency fund goals, this episode is a must for all business owners, no matter where you are on your journey.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

Making enough income in just one side of the equation. Making enough income at the right moment so that you have the cash on hand to pay your team and vendors is another. However, the latter is key to keeping your company afloat.That is why in today’s episode, we’re talking about the most common cash flow challenges and what you can do about that. Most of the time, what you have isn’t a bill paying issue. Instead, not being able to categorize and do your bookkeeping is the culprit. In this episode, I’m talking about why bookkeeping is the foundation of everything, how you should think and approach your invoicing, and how to manage your accounts payable and team payments. We also discuss the importances of planning a budget that covers your expenses, and how to keep track of the cash you have at hand.This is a quick and easily digestible episode that’ll help you build your business’s finances on solid footing, so tune in and take notes!Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

Raising prices for your services can feel scary, but it's often necessary as your business grows and evolves. But how do you if it's time to raise your prices?As your business grows and your costs increase, you may find that you need to raise your prices. This can be a scary proposition, but it's often necessary in order to keep your business afloat. By doing some research and understanding your options, you can make sure that you raise your prices in a way that won't hurt your business or alienate your customers.In this week's episode, Keila dives into five factors to consider to optimize your pricing strategy while keeping the needs of your business in mind. Tune in as she breakdown the five elements for developing a pricing strategy.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs, then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg 

Building a consistent and trusting relationship with your financial manager or accountant is a game-changer. In today’s short and sweet episode, I’m reframing how you think about your relationship with your bookkeeper, financial manager, or accountant.I discuss what we learned about our clients when we first started Little Fish Accounting and how we discovered that long-term, consistent education alleviates a lot of our client’s fears and uncertainties regarding their finances.Take a few minutes to tune in to this quick episode and learn how building a trusting relationship with your financial manager can greatly change your mindset around your finances. Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs, then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg 

Knowing how to review your financial statements is a crucial skill as a business owner. Not only will knowing how to read these numbers help you make empowered decisions, but it’ll help you plan for growth, check-in with your business, and maintain your financials as expected.In this episode, we’re discussing how to review your balance sheet and what you should be looking for from your average expenses each month and your accounts receivable line. Then we discuss reviewing your P and L, starting with revenue and ending with your expenses. I share why you need to ensure that your line items are giving you the information that you need in order to make important decisions and the importance of running your reports on a consistent basis.This is a quick episode that’ll help you understand how you should be reviewing your financial statements and what you can do to find the support you need.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs, then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

If you’ve seen Little Fish Accounting out in the world or on the internet, you know how seriously we take compliance and advisory. Our entire firm is built and based around the idea that compliance and advisory make up the most important pieces of your financial strategy. But what does it mean?In today’s episode, I explain exactly what compliance and advisory mean individually while helping you understand why your business needs it. I share examples and instances of how compliance can show up in certain functions, like payroll or on your financial statements. I also explain why being so focused on compliance and failing to seek advisory services is the number one issue I see business owners make.If you want to level up your finances to make better, more strategic business moves, then this episode is for you. Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs, then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

Understanding the different categories that make up your chart of accounts will help you make better and more informed financial decisions in your business. That is why in today’s episode, I’m defining what a chart of accounts is. More specifically, I’m breaking down the different categories you can expect to see on your chart of accounts.From the three main categories of your balance sheet and what each of them means to how to read and categorize your profit and loss statement. This episode is a must-listen for business owners and freelancers who feel like their accounts are all over the place. Get a pen and paper ready, and tune in!Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs, then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg

Hello, hello! Welcome back to Fish Food, the podcast for entrepreneurs that are building companies that grow into thriving businesses. We aim to provide accounting/business tips in 20 minutes or less!Delegation is a skill any entrepreneur needs to have. While your business may be small, it can be overly ambitious to take on every task. Knowing who to delegate to and when to delegate is a critical element to ensure your business is firing on all cylinders and reaching its full potential This is especially true with your finances. Constructing a financial team to help with your business affairs is something that should be at the forefront of every entrepreneur's mind. It can be tempting to take on this task as a small business owner. But cutting costs in this regard may come back to harm you in the long run.Today, we are going to focus on how to create this term and why delegating this responsibility is vital to your business’s vitality. We hone in on why it’s dangerous to try to handle your finances alone, prioritizing tracking business expenses, debunking myths regarding the IRS and taxes, as well as where to find resources to help you with your financial strategy. This is definitely an important episode for business owners that are looking to prioritize their financial obligations.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg 

Navigating the world of finances is overwhelming, especially as an entrepreneur or freelancer. In today’s episode, I’m giving you some quick tips on what you need to know about bookkeeping, reviewing financial reports, and tax repair so that you can take better charge of your finances.Good bookkeeping is so much more than logging your income and expenses. At its core, it is the foundation of all your reports from which the financial strategy and goals for your business are built. That’s why I’m walking you through an overviewing of the tasks that go into bookkeeping. Then, I explain what financial reports are and the three things you need to do (and keep in mind) when you review them.Last but not least, I discuss the importance of good bookkeeping and how bookkeeping and tax repair intertwine and impact one another. This episode will help you understand why bookkeeping alone isn’t enough so that you can take charge of your finances and grow your business with peace of mind.Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg 

Welcome back to another episode of Fish Food, the podcast for entrepreneurs building companies that grow into thriving businesses. We aim to provide accounting/business tips in 20 minutes or less! Managing your expenses is a major part of life as an entrepreneur. Since you are the boss, the bottom line falls on you. Every financial decision you make plays a huge part in staying afloat. Understanding how to handle your revenue and expenses can make or break your business. Part of this involves cutting costs.Cutting costs may not be the most popular thing to consider when managing your business, but it’s necessary. Knowing where every dollar is going, whether it be on supplies, marketing, or staffing, adds up. Thus, keeping a close eye on what’s going out is just as important as what’s coming in.Today, we will dive into the right way to manage and cut expenses. We discuss the need to remove personal expenses from your budget, the differences between various expenses and costs, and how to manage staffing needs with an eye toward the balance sheet.  This is a must-listen for anyone who is auditing their business's finances. Great tips on how to get started! Thanks for listening! Looking for tips, insights, and support with all your accounting needs? Then head over to Fish Food Resource Hub! If you're ready to outsource your Accounting and/or Tax prep needs then contact us at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg Past Episodes: Build: Moving Beyond DIY Accounting

Welcome back to another episode of Fish Food, the podcast for entrepreneurs that are building companies that grow into thriving businesses. We aim to provide accounting/business tips in 20 minutes or less!  As a small business owner, it can be natural to use personal funds for business (and vice versa). Even though you are a small business, creating separate accounts for business and personal matters is critical to protecting yourself, your business, and any assets you have.Today, we are going to go over a few key tips on why creating this separation is so important. Building this infrastructure can play a major role in your business's vitality. We discuss the reasons why you should have separate accounts, debunking common LLC myths, and the steps you should take if you need help getting started. This is a great listen for anyone looking to set their business (and themselves) up for financial success. Thanks for listening!We love hearing from our listeners! How’d you like this episode? Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.com. Check out these resources 3 Steps to Setup a Business Bank Account4 Common Errors that Small Businesses Make & How to Avoid ThemFind us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg 

As an entrepreneur, your pricing strategy is a primary factor in determining the success of your business. Your time, level of expertise, and infrastructure make you more efficient at what you do and your prices should reflect that. On this episode, we discuss how charging for the experience is a way to optimize your earnings while also allowing you to serve your clients better.We love hearing from our listeners! How’d you like this episode? Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.com.

Being an entrepreneur can be terrifying when the world is more uncertain than usual. There are so many rumors (and recent truths) about a new direction for our country and the citizens living in it, and it can be hard to believe in the future of our businesses and dreams when we are facing so much fear. But there are ways that we can better prepare ourselves for potential pivots or downturns so that we're not completely caught off guard. In today's episode, we're talking about how to prepare financially when we don't know what's coming, and  ways that I take time to assess where we are and what I can control, in order to take the best next steps towards continuing my own personal and professional growth.

We all have a "how it started / how it's going story", and Little Fish is no different. Beginning as a solopreneur, to a team of a couple of contractors, and now today, a team of FT and PT employees, we've had ups, downs, and in-betweens as we created then grew a different kind of CPA firm. In this episode, we talk about:How I thought I would get out of accounting as a careerStumbles when first hiring team membersHow our founding mission guides us today.If you've ever wondered how Little Fish got here from our humble beginnings, this episode takes you from my college days (with multiple majors, no less) to a stint with the Feds, all the way to unexpected entrepreneurship.  

As an entrepreneur, outsourcing is an important step that allows you to focus on growing and achieving your business goals. Think about how much time you could get back if you could offload some tasks off your plate. On this episode we discuss how not hiring could be holding you back and best practices to keep in mind as you look to expand your team.We love hearing from our listeners! How’d you like this episode? Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.com...

You're low on funds but not worried because you’re expecting some outstanding invoices to come in soon. Once they pay, you’ll back in the black to cover your bills and make payroll. The problem is the client has already paid, so that money isn’t coming….In this episode we walk through how to avoid this situation with proper bookkeeping, and why managing your accounts receivable accurately ensures for proper cash flow planning. Find us on the webwww.littlefishaccounting.comInstagramFacebookSubscribe to our newsletter to receive bi-weekly tips, guidance, and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribeWe'd love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and topic ideas to podcast@littlefishaccounting.com.

Is bookkeeping something that can be done by anyone or should it be left to the accounting professionals? Good bookkeeping helps business owners accurately track their company’s performance to make good, strategic decisions for their business. This means it’s important to get a good idea of your income and expenses to decide what’s next.For those who want to know the difference, check out our podcast titled What's The Difference Between an Accountant and a Bookkeeper? where we discuss key differences that might help you decide what you need for your company.Find our socials:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctgSubscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance, and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribeWe'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com..

*Updated version! As your business grows, it is important to ensure that all transactions are being properly tracked. In fact, businesses that use cloud accounting systems have five times more customers than businesses that don’t.Cloud accounting is the best way to go when it comes to managing your business because it allows you to track financial activity occurring within your business accounts without the headache of doing it manually.If you want to start managing your money with a cloud accounting system, we’ve got you covered! Sign up using our referral link: https://quickbooks.grsm.io/keilahilltrawick2068We love hearing from our listeners! How’d you like this episode? Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.com.

You may have heard that filing as an S Corp is a great way to structure your business, or that you need to set up an S Corp because you want favorable tax treatment. Find out in this episode if that’s true for your business.For those who want to know when to start thinking about an S Corp and where to begin, check out our podcast titled 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐒 - 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩? where we discuss what to do if you’re interested and how it will affect your taxes at the end of the year. Find our socials:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctgSubscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribeWe'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com..

Let’s talk about tax deductions. There is a lot of misinformation on the Internet that could have serious implications. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered and will be discussing what qualifies as an approved expense to avoid conflict with the IRS.Need to know where to start? Our team has put together a free resource library to save you valuable time and energy in your business! Connect With UsOnline - www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram - @littlefishaccountingFacebook - @littlefishacctg..

As an entrepreneur, it’s important to have a  plan for your taxes year-round so you’re not surprised with a big bill at tax time.The key to avoiding surprises is to keep up with your bookkeeping and manage your quarterly tax payments.We love hearing from our listeners! How’d you like this episode? Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.com.

If you’re doing our job, who’s doing your job? This week we discuss what’s in store for your businesses once you reach a phase of growth. This may be the point that you decide to enlist professional help. Some questions you should be considering:* What does an S-Corp tax status look like for my business?* How am I tracking against my budget?* How do I make sure my business is growing efficiently? If you’re ready to offload your accounting and taxes, our Virtual CFO service might be a good fit. Check out our website for more information! 

Once your business becomes more established, you’re going to want to start transitioning from DIY for some accounting tasks to free up time for yourself. It can be challenging to identify what those tasks should be and when is the best time to make that change. In this episode Keila breaks down the attributes of businesses that fall into the ‘Build’ phase of the entrepreneur journey and what they should be paying attention to.We highly recommend transitioning to a cloud accounting software platform like Quickbooks to save you time and to prevent headaches during tax time.Connect With UsOnline - www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram - @littlefishaccountingFacebook - @littlefishacctg

Being a new entrepreneur can be scary and overwhelming, especially when it comes to tracking your business finances. But there are a few simple steps you can take to establish a solid accounting foundation which will make preparing for your tax filing a breeze. If you’re looking for guidance to ensure you are setting things up properly from the start, this episode is for you. Need more? Our team has put together a free resource library to save you valuable time and energy in your business! Ready to get started with Quickbooks? Use our referral link. Connect With UsOnline - www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram - @littlefishaccountingFacebook - @littlefishacctg

In this episode Keila breaks down changes we’ve made to the Little Fish Accounting business model to better serve entrepreneurs, including those who aren’t quite ready to sign up for service. Whether you’re just getting started, are working on actively building your business or are focusing on long-term growth, we’ve got something for everyone.   Connect With UsOnline - www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram - @littlefishaccountingFacebook - @littlefishacctg

We are working on new podcast content that will be releasing soon! In the meantime we prepared this bonus episode as an invitation for you to sign up for our Tax Prep Suite service. If you're struggling with keeping up with quarterly taxes and tax time causes you anxiety, this service is for you. We take care of all your tax needs throughout the year. We are accepting new clients through the end of the year but early bird pricing is only good through the end of October 2020 (a savings of $1,500). Learn more at www.littlefishaccounting.com/tax-prep-suite.

She breaks down business entity types and what it takes to run each one in DC, and what benefits each one carries. As a pro bono service provider, Christine and her organization hold education at a high level. They want the people they serve to feel equipped to make informed decisions for their businesses. “Do everything right from the beginning, understand what you’re doing, and plan for when things go wrong” so that you’re setting yourself up for success from the beginning. Best practices make your life easier down the line. If you’re in the DC area and need legal advice for your business, you can schedule brief opportunities with The DC Bar Pro Bono Law Center through their website. They also have written resource guides and archived training and webinars (new ones are coming down the pipeline, so make sure to join their mailing list for updates) without the fancy words or frills; they get you what you need to get your business on its way. All of their services are FREE of charge, so if you’re in the DC area, make sure to get connected with them.

Today we sit down with friend of the show, and HR Heroine, Tiffany Williams, to talk about how she managed to marry her love for art and graphic design with her passion for writing. Tiffany is the Career Cultivation Enthusiast behind Pitch, a resume, ghost writing, and notary service provider based in Atlanta, GA.  She’s a master wordsmith with a passion for preparing working professionals to present themselves in the best light possible. Tiffany aims to equip her clients with everything they need to be successful in their respective industries. Need help adding some personality to your resume? Visit Pitch’s website to learn more about their offerings. You can also find them on Instagram @pitch.hrYou can also check out the conversation we had with Tiffany a while back about preparing for your next career move in these uncertain times on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Was this episode helpful? We’d love to hear your feedback. Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM (@littlefishaccounting), or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comLooking for someone to fill in the accounting gaps for you? Visit the Little Fish Accounting website to review our partnership packages or schedule a clarity call. Your support keeps Little Fish Accounting swimming.

Are you in a space where you know your business is evolving, but you’re getting leads that no longer align with that trajectory? Then this conversation is for you! Kat and the crew want to help you uncover your brand’s true purpose and attract a new caliber of clientele.  “I want Afternoon Culture to be that place that people come to once they’ve had their ‘Aha’ moment and are ready to pivot.” - Kat AraujoWhat did you think about this episode? We’d love to hear your feedback. Let us know via DM on Instagram (@littlefishaccounting), or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comLooking for someone to fill in the accounting gaps for you? Visit littlefishaccounting.com/services to review our partnership packages or schedule a clarity call. Your support keeps Little Fish Accounting swimming.

Takia McClendon is a running coach, personal trainer, and activist on a mission to debunk diet and fitness myths. As co-founder of City Fit Girls, a Philadelphia-based fitness and running community that aims to empower people to get moving on their own, Takia is constantly seeking ways to use running as an act of resistance for people who don’t have access to boutique studios and other pricey fitness resources. Traditionally, the face of running in this country is white and skinny. City Fit Girls challenges the culture of the sport simply by BEING. The initiative started through Takia and her co-founder’s willingness to share their own fitness journeys online. The more they shared, the more people wanted to be apart. Seeing a need to impact public health outcomes through overall fitness (physical and mental), City Fit Girls was born. To learn more about Takia and her virtual strength club options, follow her on IG @TakiaMcClendon . Ready to get moving in your city? Follow @CityFitGirls or visit their website www.cityfitgirls.com for more information on getting connected to a local chapter. Was this episode helpful? We’d love to hear your feedback. Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM (@littlefishaccounting), or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comLooking for someone to fill in the accounting gaps for you? Visit littlefishaccounting.com/services to review our services or schedule a clarity call. Your support keeps Little Fish Accounting swimming.

So, you’ve reached the point in your entrepreneurial journey where you need help to function effectively. You find the perfect candidates, offer them the job, onboard them and they’re ready to get to work...and get paid. This week we discuss the two classifications of people who do work for you - independent contractors and employees. It is in the best interest of the employer to keep as many contractors on their team as they can. Employees tend to be more expensive, as they’re eligible for benefits (health insurance, retirement, stipends, and other perks) in addition to their agreed upon base pay. Even though contractors are easier to pay than employees, you can’t just classify everyone as such simply because it’s less taxing, literally and figuratively. Questions to ask in making the determination:•Does your company control or have the right to control over when and how the worker does the job?⁣⁣⁣• Does the company require that the worker show up to perform the work at a specific site or office location?⁣⁣• Will the worker receive benefits?⁣⁣⁣• Is the work engaged for a specific time period?⁣⁣⁣• Is the worker an individual or a business (including LLCs)?⁣⁣⁣• Can the worker take on other work outside of the work your company is requesting?⁣⁣Was this episode helpful? We’d love to hear your feedback. Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM (@littlefishaccounting), or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comLooking for someone to fill in the accounting gaps for you? Visit littlefishaccounting.com/services to review our partnership packages or schedule a Clarity Consulting Call. Your support keeps Little Fish Accounting swimming.

In our current social climate, the conversation around advocacy and allyship are on-trend across professional and personal spaces alike. At some point, most of us have probably had to carry the burden of serving as the BIPOC spokesperson to people in our network who say, “I want to support, but don’t know what I can do”. Well, diversity and inclusion strategist, Amber Cabral, has literally written the book on what to do. Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture provides a practical take on how to effectively occupy both spaces and fight for fair on all fronts. We sat down with her to talk all things diversity, equity and inclusion related.Allies and Advocates is a wrecking ball, knocking down barriers in the largely white, largely male publishing world, and affirming that black talent is worth investing in. You can order your copy on Amazon here . Visit ambercabral.com for all things Amber Cabral and find her on Instagram and Twitter as @BamCabral. This episode is jam packed with gems! We’d love to hear your take-aways. Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM on Instagram (@littlefishaccounting), or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comLooking for someone to fill in the accounting gaps for you? Visit www.littlefishaccounting.com/services to review our partnership packages or schedule a clarity consulting call. Your support keeps Little Fish Accounting swimming!

In the age of COVID-19, many people are taking advantage of a slower-paced world by finding opportunities to grow their businesses. As a result, some have transitioned to a place where they may need to hire help and are seeking guidance on how to appropriately pay the people doing work for them. If you’re one of those people, do you know what payroll really means?If you’ve asked questions such as, ‘What is payroll? How and who can I pay? When do I pay myself? What about state and federal withholding?’, etc.-- we have you covered.On this week’s episode, we’re diving into:The DO’s  and DONT’s of payrollHow to select the business entity type that is most tax advantageous for youThe importance of documentation reflecting how you’re paying people in the event that you’re audited, and more!As always, thanks so much for being here – your support keeps Little Fish Accounting swimming. To learn more about us, visit www.littlefishaccounting.com, find us on Instagram (@littlefishaccounting), on Facebook (Little Fish Acctg), or email us at hello@littlefishaccounting.com We also love hearing from our listeners! How’d you like this episode? Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.com .Episode Links and more:We recommend using Gusto, an all-in-one platform that supports small business owners with onboarding, payroll, and insurance. We especially like their payroll system as it’s so straightforward and intuitive. Here’s a link to check them out. Podcast Vocabulary WordsBusiness entity type We’ll be discussing these four - sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, & S corpPayroll taxesOwner’s draw

“So Keila, what’s the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper, and which one do I actually need?” This is a question that I’m asked almost every day both on and offline and since both accounting and bookkeeping play important roles in maintaining pristine financial records, we’ll be breaking it all down in this week’s episode and learning:The job functions and differences of both accountants and bookkeepers.What questions to ask your bookkeeper and/or accountant to fully understand how your business is running financially.Which service provider will be able to advise you on how to best spend any surplus funds you may come into. Always remember, financial reporting accuracy does matter when running a business. After you dive into this episode, tell us what you think! Visit us on Instagram and let us know via DM on Instagram (@littlefishaccounting), or send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.comLooking for someone to fill in the accounting gaps for you? Visit littlefishaccounting.com/services to review our partnership packages or schedule a clarity call. Your support keeps Little Fish Accounting swimming.

Contrary to popular opinion, Millennials aren't the only ones doing side work and following their dreams, Baby Boomers are emerging as entrepreneurial spirits as well! This week, we get to hear from Generation X firsthand through a reluctant representative -- my mom. As a Program Analyst for the CDC she has a deep passion for African American genealogy research and shares:• Her experience discovering her passion• How to create opportunities to monetize it• The sometimes harsh realities that come with balancing full-time work and your passion project, plus more! I truly believe that our ancestors are calling out for their stories to be told. They lived through a time where they couldn’t speak for themselves, so we are in a unique position to speak for them by both knowing and sharing their stories. Let us know your thoughts once you’ve listened to this unique episode, we’d love to hear from you! For more information about your specific accounting needs, visit our blog at www.littlefishaccounting.com/blog. We love hearing from our listeners! Send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.com or visit us on Instagram to send us your feedback on our content. To learn more about us, visit www.littlefishaccounting.com, find us on Instagram (@littlefishaccounting), on Facebook (Little Fish Acctg), or email us at hello@littlefishaccounting.com.

To make the best strategic decision for your accounting needs, you need to understand the differences between accrual and cash accounting and how your choice may affect how you file your taxes. While the biggest difference may be easy to understand — deciding when to recognize income and expenses — there are other nuances that need a bit more explaining.  So, in this episode, we discuss:• The difference between cash accounting and accrual accounting.• How each type of accounting recognizes revenue.• Why choosing between the types of accounting matters to your business.• Our preferred accounting strategy for your business. For more information about your specific accounting needs, visit our blog at www.littlefishaccounting.com/blog. We love hearing from our listeners! Send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.com or visit us on Instagram to send us your feedback on our content.To learn more about us, visit www.littlefishaccounting.com, find us on Instagram (@littlefishaccounting), on Facebook (Little Fish Acctg), or email us at hello@littlefishaccounting.com.

If you’ve been tuning into our podcast for awhile or hanging out with us on Instagram, you’re not surprised when we say this: You should be charging more for your goods and services. Yes, you!When you undercharge for your service or product, you’re not only sending a clear message to existing and potential clients and customers about your value, you’re also telling them how to perceive your worth as well. But this decision to undersell yourself doesn’t just affect you and your business, but others as well. On this episode of the podcast, we talk about:• How undercharging actually takes away from the growth of your business.• The example you set for your team when you undervalue and undercharge.• How resentment builds toward your clients, leading to unnecessary conflict.• How the community suffers when you don’t have the resources or time to reinvest in it.We know your value and we want you to know it, too. So, if you’ve been on the fence about raising your prices and nervous about how your clients and customers will respond, you’ll definitely want to tune into this episode. And as always, we love hearing from our listeners! Send us an email at podcasts@littlefishaccounting.com or visit us on Instagram.To learn more about us, visit www.littlefishaccounting.com, find us on Instagram (@littlefishaccounting), on Facebook (Little Fish Acctg), or email us at hello@littlefishaccounting.com.

Entrepreneurs are no strangers to isolation — we often work alone and make most of our decisions by ourselves. And while we’re used to going at things solo, it doesn’t mean we thrive in that environment. That’s why we’re so excited to get to know and introduce you to people who are making moves to not only grow their businesses, but working to grow the community of entrepreneur networks. Meet Stephen Miller, co-founder of Locale. Locale hosts pop-up co-working days in non-traditional spaces in New York and Washington, D.C. to connect remote-working entrepreneurs while promoting travel and diversifying work locations. In today’s interview, we talk about:• Some common obstacles entrepreneurs face while working remotely.• The power of pacing yourself in your business.• Separating the urgent from the important.• Giving yourself time to think abstractly about your business. As always, thank you for tuning in to the podcast! If you want to find out more about Locale, you can visit www.localeworkspace.com or find them on Instagram - @localeworkspace.  To learn more about us, visit www.littlefishaccounting.com, find us on Instagram (@littlefishaccounting), on Facebook (Little Fish Acctg), or email us at hello@littlefishaccounting.com.

The past quarter of the year has been unlike anything we ever anticipated for our businesses. The pandemic has introduced a new level of complexities to our ventures, but thankfully, state and federal agencies have been aiming to help businesses like yours navigate the change in sales numbers. For those of you who are running the show solo as sole proprietors, you may have taken advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program. You probably also have some questions about it. Well, we’re here to answer them! In this episode, we talk about:• How to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program.• How much you can get from the program.• What you can spend your PPP money on.• How to request PPP forgiveness.Thanks for tuning into this week’s podcast! If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section or on Instagram — we’re always looking for ways to better serve you. Related Links:Schedule C formPPP forgiveness application To learn more about us, visit www.littlefishaccounting.com, find us on Instagram - @littlefishaccounting, on Facebook at Little Fish Acctg, or email us at hello@littlefishaccounting.com. 

There’s a gap in society — those who were taught financial literacy early on, and those who weren’t. We feel like we should be managing our finances well, but we don’t know the first place to start. As a result, this lack of knowledge is a pain point for many, leading to shame, feeling overwhelmed, and guilt. Because we know so many of us struggle with these feelings on a daily basis in our businesses, it’s nice to have someone on the podcast who understands. Meet financial coach, Keina, founder of Wealth Over Now. Her target demographic is passionate, single women who need help creating financial goals, saving more money, and stressing less. Using her personal finances knowledge, today on the podcast, we discuss:How mindful spending is something everyone should practice. The importance of knowing where and how you spend your money.Prioritizing what you value instead of going without.Why Keina prefers “spending plans” instead of “budgets.”When it’s time for you to secure your own financial coach.As always, thanks for tuning into our podcast! To find out more information about Keina and Wealth Over Now, visit www.wealthovernow.com or visit her on Instagram - @wealthovernow.  To learn more about us, visit www.littlefishaccounting.com, find us on Instagram - @littlefishaccounting, on Facebook at Little Fish Acctg, or email us at hello@littlefishaccounting.com. 

So, you’ve made the leap and you’ve decided the world needs your product or service. Congratulations! We’re so proud to support you on this journey — it’s both rewarding and incredibly challenging, at times.As a way to support you, welcome to the Accounting for Entrepreneurs Workshop, which will help you understand and set up your business’s personal accounting. During this workshop, you’ll learn:• Why accounting is necessary to your business.• How to properly report your finances.• The difference between various financial reports.• The importance of keeping your personal and business finances separate.• Types of taxes and the top challenges business owners face. • Types of deductible expenses.• The difference between a payroll employee and a contractor. You’ll definitely want to tune into this workshop. To learn more and to contact us, you can visit www.littlefishaccounting.com, find us on Instagram - @littlefishaccounting, on Facebook at Little Fish Acctg, or email us at hello@littlefishaccounting.com.

Because of the uncertain times we’re living in and the accompanied chaos it brings, it’s likely everything in work and life feels a little off balance. As we’re all trying to define what normal in this season looks like for us, it’s important to stay on top of the things we can control. That’s why I’m so glad to have Tiffany, the founder of Pitch HR, join us on today’s episode. Pitch HR specializes in helping clients make great first impressions through résumé assessments and adjustments. Whether your job is on hold or you’re still working at your normal pace, it’s important, especially now, to have a certain level of preparedness, even if that means being ready to switch jobs quickly.On this episode, we’re: - Debunking myths on résumé length.- Discussing how to properly consolidate your résumé.- Teaching you how to pitch yourself and determine if an employer is a good fit.- Sharing the best questions to ask during an interview.- Equipping you on how to best ask and answer questions about compensation.We hope this episode’s content helps you be prepared for whatever comes next. If you want to learn more about Pitch HR and its services, visit PitchHR.com. Thanks for listening! As always, come chat with us in the comments section or over on Instagram. Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg  Subscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe  We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

Whether you’re selling your homemade goods from the trunk of your car or if you’re five years into your LLC, knowing how to pay yourself is one of the most-asked questions entrepreneurs have. And on today’s episode of the Fish Food podcast, we’ve got answers!You’ll want to tune into this episode if:•  You’ve ever wondered the difference between a sole proprietorship, a partnership, an LLC, and an S corporation.• You have a difficult time deciding whether or not classifying your business as an S corporation will help you save money on your taxes.• You don’t quite know how to pay yourself.• You’d like to understand how the state and federal government view your business and what your taxes will look like.As always, we’re here to help entrepreneurs just like you. If you have any questions or would like more information about anything related to business, taxes, and the like, go follow us on Instagram to continue the conversation! Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg Subscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com 

Ticora is founder and chief esquire officer of The Creator’s Law Firm, a boutique firm that specializes in helping people protect their creative work, products, and business names. Not only is she dropping invaluable knowledge about how to strengthen your business, she also dives into how she got her start in entrepreneurship, how she overcame her fear of starting something new, and what she’s working on now. On the podcast, we’re discussing:- The gift of doubt from others.- The difference between a trade secret and a copyright and why one may serve your business better than the other. - How to understand what intellectual property is and what it means for your business.- How procrastination fuels imposter syndrome.- The common mistakes business owners make with trademarks.We hope you enjoy today’s podcast! As a bonus, Ticora has given listeners a discount to her online legal toolkit, Breadwinner, using the code ‘Fish.’ Find out more information at https://ticoradavis.com/breadwinner.  

Any time a small business launches and not only survives, but thrives, it’s a pretty big deal. It’s been two years of hard work, a lot of effort, and even a few tears. So, today we’re chatting with Little Fish’s founder, Keila Hill-Trawick, as she takes a trip down Memory Lane where she shares:-Three reasons why she’s celebrating her small business. -Her work history and background.-What it was like to quit her full-time job in exchange for the scary world of entrepreneurship. We’ve had so much fun working with our clients and helping so many others through our bimonthly newsletter, our social media platforms, and of course, our podcast. It is our hope that you feel empowered and less fearful about your business’s finance and accounting needs.Cheers to more years serving you and sustaining our small business, we appreciate you for joining us on this journey! Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg Subscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

The definitions of inventory and cost of goods sold.Best practices for organizing and tracking inventory.Why you have to wait to claim cost of goods sold as a deduction.As always, we’re happy to provide you the necessary information to help your business thrive and grow! After you listen to this podcast, we’d love to hear from you. Make sure to leave us a comment — let’s chat! Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg Subscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

In today’s episode, we’re:-Chatting about how Anika got her start as a business owner.-Discussing common hurdles new business owners face and the resources available to them.-Learning about how to produce goods and services and why understanding buying cycles is important.-Talking about the differences between selling your goods wholesale versus consignment and what that looks like from an inventory standpoint.As always, thank you for tuning into the podcast! We’d love to hear your thoughts about today’s episode, so feel free to leave us a comment. To learn more about Nubian Hueman, visit nubianhueman.com. Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg Subscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

For a lot of us, the extension feels like we can take a deep, thankful breath, a welcome change especially during a time like the one we’re in now. So, in today’s episode, we’re talking about what this extension will mean for business owners, especially in the areas of: - How the extension affects any taxes you owe.- How the extension affects those who had a March 15 file date deadline.- Why it may be beneficial to file now instead of waiting until July.- What documents you need to have readily available when it’s time to file your taxes. We hope this episode is helpful to you! We’d love to hear from you, so please leave us a comment and let’s start a conversation.Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg Subscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

As entrepreneurs, we’re no strangers to the inevitable rise and fall of income and product and service cycles. And even if our funds and time are limited, there are ways we can still support each other.   In today’s episode, we’re talking about: What you can buy — even when you don’t have a lot of money — from a small business to show your support.The power of leaving a positive online review.Why showing yourself and others grace during this season is of the utmost importance. We hope you enjoy the podcast! Every little bit counts in a time of crisis, and together, we can do something big. Leave a comment below to share with others how you’re making an impact, no matter how big or small. 

For all of you out there who are balancing working full time and using whatever time is left to pour into your passion projects, you are not alone. Right now, there are thousands of like-minded dream chasers burning the candle at both ends, all for the sake of both financial security and doing something that feeds the soul.At least, that’s what Bessie Akuba’s doing. During the day, she analyzes data for the federal department of defense. And when she’s not solving problems in creative ways during her 7 a.m.-3 p.m. shift, she’s combining life experiences and those she’s gained at work to help others express themselves creatively using all of their passions at Creative Overlap and Create Louder.On today’s episode, we’re talking about: How keeping your day job sometimes aids in greater flexibilityThe transition between full-time work and freelancingHow Imposter Syndrome shows up in your side hustleHow partnership eases certain financial and time restrictionsI’m so excited about this conversation with Bessie and I can’t wait for you to hear her insights on the importance of expressing yourself creatively and balancing life and work. Once you listen, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.How to find Bessie Akuba:Instagram: @bessieakuba | @creativeoverlap | @createlouder

So, in today’s episode we’re chatting about:-Some of the most common deductible expenses-What the IRS is really concerned about when it comes to filed expenses-Plus: How you can use your home, cell phone, and travel as tax deductionsYou don’t want to miss this week’s episode. And once you listen, let me know your thoughts in the comments section!Resources:Cheat sheet Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg Subscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve might have heard the phrase, ‘S Corp’ being tossed around every now and then. Once you heard the phrase, which stands for Subchapter S Corporation, you then probably wondered what it means, how it could benefit your business, and if you’d even qualify for the tax designation. There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding S Corps, so in this episode we’re here to dispel any rumors and clear any confusion by diving into: * How to weigh the pros and cons of the status.
 * What to do if you’re interested in becoming an S Corp
 * How an S Corp status will affect your taxes at the end of the year.
 I’m really looking forward to helping you unpack S Corp status and decide if it’s right for you and your business, so after you listen to this week’s podcast, let me know what you think! Find us online: Website: www.littlefishaccounting.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccounting Facebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg Subscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources. www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

Knowing when to leave a job, city, or opportunity can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you’re not certain if it’s the best time or if your next step aligns with what you actually want to do. Today’s podcast guest, Chasity Cooper, has had to make those difficult decisions since her work as a writer has taken her from Chicago to New York to DC and back again, with her current full-time role as an managing editor for a marketing communications firm outside of Chicago. When she’s not creating content for print and digital publications, she’s using her background in journalism to introduce others — particularly African Americans — to the world of wine. She’s created a platform, Wine With Chas, to learn how people of color are positioning themselves as influencers in the hospitality industry, and taking her findings and sharing it with the world. In this episode, we’re talking about: * What it’s like to transition between entrepreneurship, working full time for someone else, and back to entrepreneurship again
 * When you know it’s time to move on from your current role
 * How consistently building your craft opens once-closed doors of opportunities
 * How your passion project has the opportunity to help others learn and grow
 This is a conversation I can’t wait for you to hear. After listening, let’s have a conversation of our own! I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Find us online: Website: www.littlefishaccounting.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccounting Facebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg Subscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources. www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

Have you ever wondered if your side hustle should be your main source of income, felt hesitant to take a big leap because of your current financial security? If so, you’re not alone! There are tons of people who work both a 9-5 and a passion project — and enjoy the luxury of doing them simultaneously. Today on the podcast, we’re chatting with Nikita Mitchel who is one of such people! By day, she works in business planning and reporting at a global tech company, and in her spare time, she runs Above The Bottom Line; a platform that keeps track of how companies worldwide respond to social justice issues, politics, the environment, and other big humanity challenges. In this week’s episode, we’re getting to the heart of: * How to know whether you should make your passion project your full-time employment.
 * What to do when you value the financial security of your current job.
 * How our expectations for our work evolve over time.
 * How keeping your passion project your side gig may be a better fit.
 You don’t want to miss this one, especially if you’re on the fence about balancing a full-time career and your side hustle. After you listen, I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Your small business journey can feel like a lot of trial and error in the beginning, so in this episode, we’re breaking down four common errors that can and should be avoided at all costs from the start.From underpaying estimated taxes and filing late, to not separating your expenses or taking advantage of deductibles — this quick episode aims to save you time, money, and the headache of having to scramble when your tax burden comes due! Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctg Subscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

Since owning and operating a successful candy reselling enterprise in middle school, our next guest hasn’t been afraid to rewrite and reconfigure his ideal role by doing everything from heading tech startups and becoming a DJ, to pursuing an MBA and getting into creative tech spaces like in his current role, as the lead content creator a wildly successful ATL-based media company. In this week’s episode with Brandon Butler of Butter ATL, whom I’ve known for close to 20 years, we’re chatting about:* Brandon’s journey from middle school to now as a multi-passionate tech creative.* What life looks like when you have an entrepreneurial spirit and still work for someone else.* Why he believes “It doesn’t always have to make sense if it makes you money.”* Plus, shares the question he always asks himself and others before starting a new business venture. Whether you’re a small business owner or in Corporate America with an entrepreneurial spirit coursing through your veins, you’ll definitely want to take a listen. After you do, tell me what you think!Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctgSubscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance, and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribeWe'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

If you’re one of many Americans who have a job where payroll taxes are withheld, the W-4 may be one of the most confusing and misunderstood tax forms you may encounter. Luckily, with new tax reforms in place, the W-4 has been redesigned to give better clarity and make your yearly tax burden more accurate!In this week’s episode, we’re breaking it all down and answering questions like:* What the W4 actually is and how it’s used* How often you should check it* How, when, and where to change and/or update it (if you even have to change it at all)Dive into this bite-sized dose of Little Fish goodness and gain clarity this tax season. After you do, tell me what you think!Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctgSubscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance, and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribeWe'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com

Imagine leaving Corporate America to start a business that was not only in full alignment with the organizations and causes that you most resonate with but also helped you grow and expand to help other small businesses along the way! If this sounds like a conscious entrepreneur’s dream, today’s guest, Maryam Pugh of Philadelphia Printworks, has been living it by creating a thriving business at the intersection of social justice, heritage, and screen printing!In this week’s episode, we’re chatting about:* Why your prices should reflect the value that you offer customers* Why peace is knowing that what’s meant for you won’t pass you by* Why you should always refer back to your mission statement & more! If you are a business owner at any stage, you’ll definitely want to take a listen. After you do, tell me what you think!Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctgSubscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribeWe'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@littlefishaccounting.com 

It’s that time of year where most Americans are paying a bit more attention to their mailboxes for important tax documents as we approach tax season. If you’re a small business owner who pays works out contractors and/or freelancers, this year, it may be you doing the sending!In this week’s episode, we’re talking about the 1099-MISC form by breaking down who you’ll need to give the form to, how you’ll know if you need to send one, penalties if you miss the January 31st deadline, and more!W-9 Form: irs.gov/w9Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctgSubscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe

There are few things worse than having a deadline looming and being unprepared  — especially when it comes to dealing with the IRS! This week, we’re here to quell your fears and help you get your organizational ducks in the row, with five simple ways for you to prepare BEFORE tax season. Utilize these tips and you're sure to get cool points with your tax preparer!For more, make sure to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter and follow us on IG @littlefishaccountingLinks to resources mentioned in this episode:Income + Expense spreadsheet link: https://store.littlefishaccounting.com/income-expenses-spreadsheet-by-month-quarter-yearLink to Episode 7 (Retirement): https://www.littlefishaccounting.com/fish-food/episode-7-entrepreneurs-and-retirement

Defining your business entity for tax purposes is one of the foundational steps you’ll take when starting a business, but how do you know which one is best for you?From Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships to LLCs and S Corps, in this week’s episode, you'll discover how each entity impacts your business while exploring elements of each entity including:How to clearly define the different types of business entities and understand how they work.What tax forms and documents you’ll use once you’ve chosen your business entity.The advantages and benefits of the entity you ultimately choose.Find us online:Website: www.littlefishaccounting.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: www.facebook.com/littlefishacctgSubscribe to our newsletter! Biweekly tips, guidance and resources.www.littlefishaccounting.com/subscribe

Don’t let social media fool you —it’s absolutely possible to do meaningful work that you actually enjoy, while working a 9-5! Our next guest has done just that by pulling inspiration from her full-time job, to create and monetize an online community space of women who are passionate about education, storytelling, and personal and professional development. By changing the narrative surrounding Black women and how we are defined by our work, we believe she’s opening space to cultivate a more courageous work-culture where we can all be more vulnerable. Dive into this episode, featuring Ashley Adams of Schoolin Life Podcast and explore:How entrepreneurship (as presented on social media) is one-sided and why we should stop glamorizing it.Why your day to day work doesn’t have to compete with your side-hustle.How partnering with other businesses allows you to operate in excellence and why making investments in your team and business will always pay off in the long run.If you've ever felt like you have to make a choice between your day job and building a small business or you consider yourself multi-passionate -- this episode is for you! This is the first interview in a series of chats with small business owners at various stages, designed to give you peace of mind about your journey. After you listen, tell me what you think!Find us online!littlefishaccounting.comIG: instagram.com/littlefishaccountingFacebook: facebook.com/littlefishacctg 

Podcast rules are made to be broken, right? Fresh off my attendance at the ShePodcasts conference in Atlanta, I'm dropping in to tell you what's not coming, what I learned, and what's changing.Find us online at littlefishaccounting.com, follow Fish Food wherever you get your podcasts, and check us out on instagram @littlefishaccounting.

We're getting ready for Season 2, but in the meantime, have you ever wondered about how Little Fish got started? Dig into this bonus episode to find out a bit about Keila's background, the accidental beginning of the business, and what we did to get here.

In the season finale of the Fish Food podcast, we’re wrapping things up with a recap of the last 12 episodes plus a special call-to-action for our listeners and supporters as we start creating brand new episodes for you to dive into this Fall! Brought to you by: @switchandboard

As small business owners let's keep it real — when you have unique ideas that seem crazy to the outside world, entrepreneur life can feel lonely and isolating. Our next guest has set out to eliminate this by building a community of creators and entrepreneurs in the DMV who come together to connect and share resources with each other! We think she’s created the blueprint for how small business owners can work together as a collective, so dive into this episode, featuring Takia Keys of Creative Lab DC and learn about: The most common mistakes creatives make when starting a business. Why it’s important to realize that no one can take care of your passion like you can. Why you need good people around you to help you think critically about your ideas and next steps. If you are a business owner at any stage, you’ll definitely want to take a listen. After you do, tell me what you think! Brought to you by @switchandboard

So you’ve just found out that your hobby can actually make you extra money — congrats! Now, how do you know when it transitions from being a hobby to a full-blown business? IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, WE'RE BREAKING IT DOWN FOR YOU SO THAT YOU CAN FIND OUT: The difference between hobby and business income. How the IRS determines if you’re running a hobby or a business. How deductions and expense tracking work for each income type. Whether you’re a blogger, painter, or simply love creating handmade goods for friends and family, this episode is for you! Brought to you by @switchandboard

So you’ve heard that registering as an LLC makes your business official but what does it really mean? How does it impact your business tax-wise and what are the advantages of choosing this entity for your small business? In this week’s episode, we’re pulling from the Little Fish community to dive into one of the most highly-requested topics and will break down the basics like: How to start an LLC in your state. What tax preparation looks like as an LLC. The advantages of an LLC over other entities. Brought to you by @switchandboard

As an entrepreneur, running a financially healthy business is the goal, so part of achieving this lies within making sure that you aren’t underreporting income or overstating deductions and have the evidence to back it up if the IRS comes calling! IN THIS EPISODE, WE'RE MAKING SURE YOU'RE COVERED BY DIVING INTO: • Why you should track income and deductions as you go. • Why you should save all supporting documents. • How to keep all of your records both digitally and manually. • How to properly prepare estimates when records aren’t available Brought to you by @switchandboard

When presenting your business to the world and showing up competitively in today’s market — eye-catching, high-quality imagery is a must!IN THIS EPISODE, FEATURING TAMERA DARDEN OF DARDEN CREATIVE, WE'RE DIVING INTO:• Why you should never put the cost of service above quality and consistency.• Why there’s nothing wrong with doing something DYI-style until you can invest in a quality service provider.• How taking risks can do wonders for your confidence as a small business owner.If you are a business owner at any stage, you’ll definitely want to take a listen. After you do, tell me what you think!Brought to you by @switchandboardBooksBig Magic - Elizabeth GilbertYou are a Badass - Jen SinceroYou are a Badass at Making Money - Jen SinceroBig Idea Food - Marlena BanksPurpose Driven Life - Rick WarrenGirl, Stop Apologizing - Rachel HollisGirl, Wash Your Face - Rachel HollisPhotography Inspo@WhatShe Pictures - www.instagram.com/whatshepictures/Photography Business Masterminddardencreative.com/photography-business-mastermindBrought to you by @switchandboard

The Fish Food podcast is curated each week with small businesses in mind so this time, we’re pulling from the Little Fish community to dive into one of the most highly-suggested topics — retirement!From business newbies and solopreneurs to established businesses with teams ranging from 2-100, we’ve covered everything you need to know about account types, contribution limits, deadlines and more! Notes are highly suggested, so grab a pen and paper and dive in!Retirement spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10z2l8rZMib32r4OrgS_uN0hmSfbCyVqqfkGydPq_HHo/edit#gid=0Brought to you by @switchandboard

Few letters you receive in your lifetime will strike as much fear like a letter from the IRS but while most Americans first response may be to either full-on panic or pretend the letter doesn't exist --- in this week's episode, I'm breaking down why you should simply take a deep breath, put your fear aside, then go through my foolproof five-step process designed to put your mind at ease the next time an IRS letter catches you off guard! IN THIS EPISODE, WE’RE DIVING INTO: Why it might not be as bad as you think, H How to gather the information necessary to resolve the request, and How to take care of any remaining tax or penalties due after you have responded to the assessment. If you’ve ever received a request from the IRS based on a tax return filing and wondered what to do next, this one is for you. Brought to you by @switchandboard

April 15 has been stamped in our brains as the ultimate financial date to remember but get this: tax prep shouldn't start the month, the day, or even the night before, you should be getting prepared year around! If tax season seems to sneak up on you and even thinking about the tax process leaves you frustrated, confused, or having daydreams about fleeing the country -- you'll want to dive into this week's episode where I break down some simple steps you can take throughout the year to make your next tax date considerably less stressful! IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, WE'RE DIVING INTO: What financial terms like estimated taxes, tax deductions, and penalties really are and what they mean for you throughout the year. What percentage of your profit you should be saving for federal and state taxes. The three things to stay on top of year around to ensure a seamless tax season & so much more! Brought to you by @switchandboard

IN THIS EPISODE, FEATURING MICHELLE BURGESS OF BURGESS LAW LLC, WE’RE DIVING INTO:The areas you should focus on legal-wise as a creative,The pros and cons of using online contract builders.Why you should absolutely have second eyes when filing a trademark and so much more!IF YOU’RE A CREATIVE OR SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, YOU’LL DEFINITELY WANT TO TAKE A LISTEN. AFTER YOU DO, TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! You can contact Michelle at:www.burgesslawpllc.comInstagram: @lawyerforcreativesBrought to you by @switchandboard

It’s one of the most often questions asked from small business owners: what taxes do I owe and when? Take a few minutes to listen to tax basics for entrepreneurs, including discussion of the proper forms, common deductions, and when to include income and expenses. Brought to you by @switchandboard

You know you need specific people on your team for your small business, and an accountant is one. But do you know why? Maybe not. Let’s go through the reasons you want someone to serve as your accountant, bookkeeper, and / or tax professional. Stay tuned! Brought to you by @switchandboard

Join Little Fish Accounting for the inaugural episode where I'm breaking down the top three foundational accounting vocabulary and tips that you can and should apply to your business as a freelancer or entrepreneur. After you’ve chosen a name, product, and the business is set up, how do you get started on the road to profitability? Stay tuned! Brought to you by @switchandboard

Introducing Fish Food, a new podcast about accounting and taxes brought to you by Little Fish Accounting and Switch and Board. Premiers May 21st. Stay tuned!