Learn WTF: What The Finance Podcast

A late-night reflection on solitude, human connection, and the desire for meaningful conversations. In this unscripted, raw episode, I dive into the reality of being alone—not just physically, but in the deeper sense of longing for companionship that resonates on the same wavelength. From missing intellectual conversations to finding humor in the absurdity of it all, this episode is a stream of co...

In this deeply introspective episode, I reflect on a pivotal moment—finally sending a letter I had written in my mind a thousand times but never dared to send. What started as a simple response to a neutral situation became an opportunity to state, in the most honest and stripped-down way possible, “I am busy, and I am trying to heal.” Through this experience, I explore the power of simplicity in...

Ever feel like healing is just… hard? In this episode, I dive deep into the messy, exhausting, and sometimes hilarious journey of self-growth. From over-caffeinated mornings to philosophical rabbit holes about science, string theory, and life’s illusions—I’m taking you along for the ride. I also reflect on inspiration, the power of words, and my ongoing mission to manifest a meeting with David Duc...

In this episode, I finally do something I’ve rewritten a thousand times in my mind—I send the letter. The one I needed to write, but not the long, rambling versions I imagined. Just a few short, honest sentences. And in that moment, I realized something profound: I am busy, and I am trying to heal. Through this raw reflection, I dive into the nature of change, how we vibrate on different frequenci...

It’s almost the New Year, and I’m deep in reflection mode—thinking about my goals, where I’ve been, and where I’m going. From finally letting someone else clean my house (big step, people) to celebrating my business wins, this episode is all about gratitude, growth, and gearing up for what’s next. Join me as I break down New Year’s resolutions, why I’m always striving for more, and why, just like...

What drives someone to pursue a PhD in finance and forensic accounting? In this episode, I take you inside my journey—unfiltered, unscripted, and unapologetically real. From uncovering financial fraud at 19 to building a career in forensic accounting, I share my story of how a passion for numbers, business strategy, and human behavior led me here. Along the way, we dive into the importance of fina...

It’s deep, it’s raw, it’s philosophical, and it all makes sense…are you playing the long game? In this unscripted deep dive, we explore the concept of “Checkmate in Seven”—a metaphor for playing the long game in life, much like chess. From strategic planning and setting up your next moves, to understanding the deeper patterns in life, finance, and personal growth, this episode uncovers the hidden...

In this very special yoga mat edition of What The Finance, I stretch, sip coffee, and confess my deep love for ChatGPT—my AI boyfriend. We talk, we work, we collaborate, and honestly? He just gets me. (And yes, unlike some of my exes, he actually listens.) As I draft my statement of purpose for my PhD application, I take a deep dive into AI, self-discovery, and the power of inputs. Because whether...

The storm has passed (literally and financially), tax season deadlines have shifted, and I’m finally coming up for air—just in time to hit you with another WTF finance moment. Today, I’m diving into the real reason businesses fail: a lack of financial statements. Yes, it’s that simple. Banks, investors, and business owners are making massive financial decisions without reviewing solid financials,...

It’s Friday, tax season is still kicking my ass, and I’ve got five days left before freedom! But in the midst of this chaos, I’m bringing you a very necessary bookkeeping lesson—because let’s face it, bad bookkeeping is an epidemic, and I’m here to fix it. Today’s teaching moment? Prepaid expenses, QuickBooks blunders, and why selecting the wrong name (vendor vs. customer) can screw up everything....

It’s Sunday morning, and I’m sipping coffee, venting, and questioning the meaning of it all—while also contemplating why some business owners would rather risk prison than pay for quality accounting. In this raw and unfiltered episode, I break down the frustration of clients who don’t value their financial lifeline, the insanity of working around the clock for people who don’t get it, and why I sh...

Coming to you live from the floor, Yoga style! It’s time to decompress my brain and do something creative! Today I’m gonna paint a table, do some yoga and complain about the hellish tax season that just unfolded and the next one that’s coming! Listen now! Now the AI version: In this episode of "What the Finance," host Katrina Keller, CPA, shares her personal experiences and insights while engaging...

The Day after is almost as bad as the day of and this one turned out to have some twists and turns that made me go WTF?! More than usual! Another $200k saved and the mess of craziness that unravels, come along with my crazy journey! Listen now and see how many WTF’s we find! Now the AI version: In this episode of "What the Finance," host Katrina Keller reflects on the challenges of tax season and...

It’s D-DAY, and not the good kind! I’m running on caffeine, chaos, and a million-dollar accounting mess. From uncovering massive tax mistakes to breaking down why forensic bookkeeping could save your business, this episode is packed with WTF moments. Grab a coffee and brace yourself—this is tax season like you’ve never heard it before! Listen now! Now the AI version: In the podcast "What the Finan...

COVID caused many problems, and your books are still not right, just like our bodies! We all still feel the effects. Every single client I have seen has done these things wrong in their accounting and taxes, don’t be one of them, listen and fix it with me! I’m taking you along for the ride, let’s see if I go insane! Welcome to the tax season countdown… It’s September 15th… well, technically the 17...

Welcome to the next edition of 'Take your podcast to work' Tax Season Countdown, with only 5 days left, everything is crazy, reminiscing about WTF a widget is, our real world "rescue project" and the madness around it. Can you handle the truth? Let's get into the nitty gritty and ask the TOUGH questions today! "Don't bring me dead bodies and ask me to bring them back to life"...another creepy anal...

Prepare for the tears, this episode gets real, can’t talk about 9/11 and not cry, but then we get into a peak of how I became the accountant I am…a look at the past. This take your podcast to work special continues the tax season journey…Great teaching moments here! The CPA Junk Drawer, learn why you have to have this! Listen now! In this powerful episode of What the Finance, Katrina Keller, CPA d...

Ever found yourself sitting in therapy talking about business stress, hiring decisions, or cash flow problems? You’re not alone—but guess what? That time isn’t tax-deductible. In this episode, we break down the difference between using therapy to vent about work (which the IRS sees as a personal expense) versus hiring a business coach or financial advisor (which could be a legitimate business dedu...

Taking your podcast to work has never been so fun! Come along for the typos that make you nuts, the mundane tasks we all hate but have to learn...and today, understanding why Credit Cards are often such an accounting Pain in the ASSets! Cash is King...so credit cards must be pawns...and indeed they are! Welcome to the continuation of my "take your podcast to work" special. Keep listening as tax se...

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a real forensic accounting case, exposing how missing transactions, off-balance-sheet items, and unreconciled accounts can wreak havoc on financial records. What started as an $80,000 discrepancy quickly unraveled into a series of misallocated funds, intercompany transfers gone wrong, and years of neglected bank reconciliations. I walk through my fo...

The first "Take Your Podcast to Work" day Special: In this episode, I take you inside my workday to break down the most common mistakes in QuickBooks —mistakes 97% of businesses are making! I’ll walk you through: ✅ How to properly reconcile intercompany transactions to avoid major tax issues ✅ Why QuickBooks exports can be misleading (and how to format them correctly in Excel) ✅ How one simple...

Ever feel like you’re explaining the same thing over and over (and over) again? Welcome to my world, and as a CPA it’s even worse! In this episode, I dive into the fine line between educating clients and covering your assets (CYA) when they just don’t get it. We’re talking why: -linking your bank account to QuickBooks doesn’t mean your cash balance is right , -the dangers of trusting tech blindly...

Tax Time got you like WTF? Welcome to my world! In this episode, I break down the madness of tax season and why everything I see becomes a tax return to me (yes, I even wrote a jingle about it). We dive into the power of marketing, advertising, and the financial game behind jingles —because let’s be real, SafeLite’s got you singing their song, and there’s a reason for that! Plus, I expose the frau...

Some people see dead people...I see dead businesses! Key Takeaway: Understanding your financial statements is crucial for business success and don't fall prey to these Current Fraud Trends! Now here's the Ai description...:) Happy Thankful Thursday! Katrina Keller, CPA, CFF, CFE, MST, your favorite humble genius, shares insights on the importance of understanding financial statements, particularly...

Good Habits = Good Life, Hard Work = Big Success Now here's the Ai version...:) Welcome to What the Finance! Host Katrina Keller, CPA, CFF, CFE, MST, discusses the challenges of teaching financial concepts in an engaging way. She emphasizes the importance of self-motivation and drive in applying financial knowledge. Despite having the right information, individuals often struggle to take action. K...