Blood, Sweat & Business

While a backlog and "brain drain" at the IRS might lead some to believe they can fly under the radar, the agency is increasingly relying on sophisticated data matching and computer software to flag inconsistencies in tax reporting. This episode of Kaizen Time explores the major audit triggers facing every small business, from mismatches in K-1 and W-2 forms to the growing scrutiny surrou...

The "One Big Beautiful Bill" has transitioned the 2026 fiscal year from a period of "wait and see" into a year of action, offering small business owners a much-needed sense of permanence regarding tax policy. This episode examines how the restoration of key incentives like the Research and Development (R&D) credit and the permanence of Section 179 and bonus depreciation hav...

With the days of the "three martini lunch" long gone, this episode offers crucial financial advice regarding current and upcoming changes to meal and entertainment deductions, helping small business owners navigate what is deemed "ordinary and necessary" by the IRS. We detail the two main categories for meals: the 50% deduction (e.g., meals with clients or employee training) an...

Addressing a major shift in tax protocol, this episode provides essential financial advice for small business owners by detailing the IRS's new mandate to eliminate paper checks for all payments and refunds as of September 30, 2025. We emphasize that electronic transfer is the most secure and efficient method, urging taxpayers to transition to direct deposit for refunds and utilize online opt...

The word "trust" is often associated with the ultra-wealthy, but this episode clarifies why a basic revocable living trust is a critical piece of financial advice and planning, especially for any small business owner. Without a trust or at least a will, the unexpected death of an owner forces assets through the lengthy process of probate court, creating paralyzing uncertainty for employe...

This episode offers valuable financial advice for small business owners who want to employ their children, focusing on the significant tax advantages and the opportunity to instill an entrepreneurial spirit. We explain how a child employee, especially within a sole proprietorship or qualifying partnership, can earn income up to the standard deduction (around $15,000) virtually tax-free at the fede...

Determining the true worth of a small business is far more complex than valuing a simple asset, and this episode provides essential financial advice on business valuation metrics. We explain the core formula—cash flow (measured as EBITDA or Seller's Discretionary Cash Flow) multiplied by a risk factor—and detail how elements like repeatable processes, strong documentation, and accurate accoun...

As geographical barriers dissolve for hiring and client acquisition, this episode offers crucial financial advice and management strategies for establishing a successful "remote-first" culture, especially for small business owners who are moving away from traditional in-office operations. We emphasize that building a thriving remote culture requires intentionality, treating remote employ...

This episode explores the polarizing topic of the four-day workweek, moving beyond the simple pros and cons to provide actionable financial advice for small business owners considering the shift. We highlight that the success of a reduced work schedule is entirely dependent on the specific needs of the business, discussing varied models like staggered shifts or four ten-hour days that allow flexib...

In this episode, we tackle the massive trend of return-to-office mandates being enforced by major companies, offering crucial financial advice for every small business owner currently considering the same move. We examine the true driving factors behind these mandates, often revealing that real estate investments and underutilized office space may be more influential than genuine concerns over emp...

Financial security is paramount for every small business, and this episode focuses on protecting payroll from the rising threat of fraud, a crucial component of sound accounting services. We explore two major types of scams: sophisticated email phishing targeting payroll administrators with requests to change direct deposit information, and hacking employee self-service accounts to reroute paychec...

This episode provides essential financial advice for tipped employees and those who work overtime, breaking down the IRS guidance on the taxability of these earnings under the new regulations. We dive into the specific rules for tipped workers, including which occupations qualify for the deduction, the $25,000 limit, and the new Schedule 1A form that will affect tax returns. Additionally, we clari...

Many small business owners are looking for creative ways to attract and retain talent in a competitive market, and a modern approach to payday may be the answer. This episode provides essential financial advice on Earned Wage Access (EWA), a benefit that allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages before their official payday, which is becoming popular in high-turnover industries li...

This episode of Kaizen Time provides crucial financial advice for small business owners on developing and utilizing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to effectively manage their operations and enhance their accounting services. The discussion covers how to create simple, impactful KPIs that drive revenue, such as cost per unit and gross margin, and delves into often-overlooked financial metrics li...

This episode of Kaizen Time provides essential financial advice for small business owners on effectively managing remote employees, a key aspect of modern accounting services and operations. Learn the five crucial areas of remote management, including setting clear, measurable expectations, utilizing robust collaboration tools like video conferencing, and fostering autonomy among team members. The...

This episode of Kaizen Time offers crucial financial advice for small business owners looking to minimize complexity in their operations and accounting services. Discover how prioritizing standardization, compartmentalization, and automation can streamline processes, improve consistency, and enhance productivity. The discussion also highlights the importance of learning to say "no" to op...

This episode of Kaizen Time offers crucial financial advice for small business owners contemplating growth, delving into whether "bigger is always better" for their operations and accounting services. Explore the nuanced advantages and disadvantages of scaling up, including economies of scale, purchasing power, and resource management, while also highlighting potential pitfalls like incr...

This episode of Kaizen Time offers essential financial advice for small business owners on leveraging Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to boost productivity, a critical element of effective accounting services. Learn why consistent monitoring of KPIs, from daily individual goals to broader team metrics, is vital for early problem detection and maintaining business momentum, preventing issues from...

This episode of Kaizen Time offers crucial financial advice for small business owners on effectively managing remote employees, a key aspect of modern accounting services and operations. Discover five core principles, including setting clear, measurable expectations and leveraging robust collaboration tools like video conferencing and project management software, to ensure productivity and engagem...

This episode of Kaizen Time offers unique financial advice for small business owners by exploring the meaning behind the firm's name: Kaizen, a Japanese term for "change for the better" or "continuous improvement." Discover how this philosophy deeply influences their approach to accounting services, emphasizing constant learning, proactive advisory, and a technology-first...

This episode of Kaizen Time offers crucial financial advice for small business owners, delving into the concept of Return on Investment (ROI) as a vital tool in your accounting services toolkit. Discover why simply having a profitable business isn't enough when considering significant investments, such as expanding facilities. The discussion highlights the importance of comprehensively analyz...

What does a better hiring process look like for small business owners? In this episode of Kaizen Time , host Mark Valleskey talks with Brian Bride, Director of Payroll Operations, about how applicant tracking systems (ATS) can simplify hiring—especially when you're juggling dozens (or hundreds) of applicants. They break down how to: Organize candidates into smart "buckets" Personali...

This episode of Kaizen Time provides crucial financial advice for small business owners regarding new tax changes in the Big Beautiful Bill for tipped wages and overtime, focusing on what this means for accounting services and payroll in 2025. While a new bill has passed, listeners will learn why immediate changes to W-4 information aren't recommended, as IRS guidance and specific occupation...

This episode offers vital financial advice for small business owners navigating the remainder of 2025, emphasizing the importance of proactive accounting services and cautious sales expectations. Discover strategies for cutting expenses, increasing efficiency, and expanding your market reach, even considering venturing beyond local boundaries. The discussion also explores industries poised for gro...

This episode offers valuable financial advice and insights into hiring for small business owners, particularly when bringing on younger and newer employees. It delves into the firm's core hiring philosophy of seeking individuals who are hungry, humble, and smart, and addresses the evolving challenges of a workforce, including the impact of recent educational shifts on basic technical skills....