Balance Your Books

Get ready for the 2027 tax preparation season now, during the 4th quarter of 2026!Kimberly M. Johnson, CPA, MBA, shares 4 things you can do right now to get ready:1. Know your organization’s status. Are you a sole proprietor, LLC, or S-Corp?2. Make sure you have the correct information for your employees, vendors, and contractors.3. Gather all your business expenses, especially those paid with per...

Latino entrepreneurs contribute to their communities, create jobs, support families, and build generational wealth—but navigating taxes, documentation, payroll, banking, and changing immigration policies can create serious challenges for business owners. In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode of Balance Your Books, Kina and Kimberly sit down with Martha Juarez Ramirez, owner of Servicios...

Misclassifying W-2 employees and 1099 contractors can cost a small business far more than payroll taxes - it can trigger penalties, audits, back taxes, and even lawsuits. If you hire people, pay contractors, or are thinking about scaling your team, this conversation with HR expert Anika Bowles is the reality check you need. Kina and Kimberly bring back Anika Bowles of Anika Bowles Consulting to br...

Unlock the secret to building a thriving business by mastering one often-overlooked aspect: people. In this episode of Balance Your Books, industry expert Anika Bowles joins us to reveal the critical first steps every entrepreneur must take before expanding their team. If you're wondering how to ensure your business is truly "people-ready," this episode is your ultimate guide to avoi...

Kina and Kimberly expose the costly mistakes behind Uncle Nearest’s recent legal troubles, revealing how lax governance and unchecked fraud can destroy a brand built on legacy. If you’ve ever wondered what silently threatens your business’s future, this episode is your wake-up call. By understanding the secrets of smart financial governance—and avoiding common pitfalls—you can shield your business...

Link Up & Level Up explores how connection, collaboration, and community fuel real business growth. In this episode, we break down how to build relationships that support your goals, network without the awkwardness, and create partnerships that help you move forward faster. It’s important to know that sometimes excellence is not enough — the right connections can take you further than skill al...

Paid in Benefits- Running a business is a grind, but choosing the right benefits doesn’t have to be. Welcome to  Paid in Benefits —the show that cuts through the noise and samples the best practices for small business healthcare. We’re here to help you navigate the system, save on your taxes, and take care of your people without skipping a beat. Don’t get played by the premiums—get your business ...

In this episode , Kina & Kimberly explore the rise and fall of Spirit Airlines, lessons in business management, and the importance of strategic planning and customer service in the airline industry and small businesses.

You won’t believe the shocking ways fraudsters manipulate finances—and how small lapses in control can lead to millions lost. Kimberly's birthday week prompts a revealing deep dive into the hidden warning signs, real-life scandals, and smart strategies to prevent financial betrayal in your business—and even on your next cruise. Join us for a candid exploration of financial integrity, control s...

When women athletes and league owners unite behind a common goal, incredible transformations happen—raising salaries, securing new teams, and expanding reach. This episode dives into the groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement in the WNBA, where players now participate directly in league revenue, ensuring their growth mirrors the league’s success. It’s a game-changer that highlights the imp...

In this episode, we dive into the real-world lessons behind major business expansions, including the rise of Pinky Cole’s Slutty Vegan and Uncle Nearest’s whiskey empire. Learn why rapid growth often leads to financial storm clouds and how to navigate funding with clarity — whether through debt, equity, or franchising. We break down the importance of forecasting, the dangers of personal guarantees...

The podcast episode "explores the journey and challenges faced by Uncle Nearest, a luxury liquor brand founded by Fawn Weaver. The hosts, Kina and Kimberly, discuss the brand's growth, its historical significance, and the financial hurdles it encountered, including issues with debt financing and receivership. They emphasize the importance of financial transparency and accountability in bu...

Most entrepreneurs overlook the crucial steps that can make or break their business growth — but what if mastering cash flow, strategic hiring, and solid systems was simpler than you think? This episode uncovers the game-changing insights from a podcast pick that perfectly echoes our advice for taking your business to the next level. You’ll discover:The importance of weekly cash flow tracking and...

Kina and Kimberly discuss small business optimism for 2026, based on a Bank of America survey. They cover topics like tariffs, labor, AI, inflation, cash flow, and actionable programs for small business owners.

In this episode of Balance Your Books, we conclude our tax preparation discussion with the "So What" of your tax returns. Kimberly and Kina (April is on assignment) discussed the importance of timely tax filing, leveraging business income for funding and some critical year-end tax requirements. As always, please consult your tax professional for information specific to you and your busin...

In this episode of Balance Your Books, we continue our discussion of tax preparation. We tap into LLCs and S-Corps and the importance of self-employment tax. April, Kina and Kimberly get into a very detailed discussion based on their experiences with clients and their own taxes. We also discuss the requirement to pay yourself if you’re an S-Corp owner. Please consult your tax professional for info...

In this episode of Balance Your Books, we’re ushering in The Most Wonderful Time of the Year -tax preparation…NOT! In part 1 of this 3 - part series, we discuss deductible business expenses as you get ready to face the IRS in 2026. We’ve touched upon these tax tips in previous podcasts, now we’re going deeper. 

In this episode of  Balance Your Books , we’re keeping it real about walking the talk. When the cost of producing this very podcast went up unexpectedly, we had to pivot—fast. We’re also touching on the current government shutdown and how it’s affecting healthcare subsidies, especially for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s a timely reminder that planning, awareness, and adaptability aren’t...

In this episode of Balance Your Books , we’re getting into the why behind your business—and what you're doing to reach your goals. Are you clear on what you want to accomplish? Have you built an annual budget or mapped out a five-year forecast? It’s not enough to plan once and hope for the best. We’re talking about reviewing your financials monthly to stay on track, and setting time aside each...

In this episode of Balance Your Books, we’re digging into the difference between risky and strategic. Growth doesn’t come without a little courage—but it’s not about jumping without a plan. It’s about taking calculated risks backed by real numbers and clear insight. We’re talking smart investments, intentional decisions, and knowing the consequences before you commit. Because fear can cost you opp...

In this episode of Balance Your Books , we’re talking about what it really takes to secure funding for your business. Banks don’t make it easy—so if you’re not prepared to personally guarantee that loan, the first question is: do you have assets to back it up? We also break down the importance of profit and retained earnings, including what retained earnings actually are and why they matter when y...

This episode of Balance Your Books is all about protecting your peace while protecting your profits. We’re talking about mental clarity and how crucial it is to step back and reset—whether that means meditating, walking it out, or just taking a long shower. Because let’s be real: you can’t make smart decisions when your mind is running on empty. We also dig into that gut feeling—if you have to con...

In this episode of Balance Your Books , we’re unpacking the real work behind leveling up your business. Growth isn’t just about doing more—it’s about making smart, sometimes tough decisions. That might mean shifting your team, taking a hard look at what marketing efforts are actually moving the needle, or checking in with your co-owners to make sure everyone’s still aligned with the vision. No mat...

This week on Balance Your Books , we’re talking about the power of knowing your numbers—and what happens when you don’t. From understanding what you’re bringing in to what it’s really costing you to run your business, financial awareness is non-negotiable. We’ll also touch on why you should always be able to speak confidently about your business’s financial health, whether you’re pitching to inves...

In this episode of Balance Your Books , we’re talking about the tricky business of hiring friends. Just because someone’s close to you doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for your company. We explore how to assess their skill set, navigate honesty in the workplace, and what to do when it’s time to part ways. Can your circle handle the truth—or are they just saying yes to keep the peace? Let’s talk...