One Step Better Podcast

Hiring home care workers and classifying them as 1099 contractors? That decision isn't just about what's easier or what the agency down the street is doing. If you're setting the schedule, assigning the work, and expecting specific people to show up, that's probably not a contractor. In this episode, we explain how misclassifying your team can lead to real problems with the IRS and...

Think succession planning is just for when you're ready to retire? Think again. In this episode, Matt and Mike get real about why most business owners wait way too long to think about it, and how building systems now makes your business more valuable AND more fun to run. You'll learn why your business might not be worth what you think it is, how to tell if you own a business or just a real...

You’ve got bookkeeping. You’ve got reports. But the numbers still don’t tell you anything useful. This episode is for business owners who’ve hit that moment of “Wait… I’m running a real business now, and I don’t actually know what’s going on.” We’ll talk through the key metrics that matter, the difference between bookkeeping and financial clarity, and why your accountant should be helping you make...

Hiring remote employees? Storing inventory out-of-state? Even one move across state lines can create a pile of tax and compliance issues you didn’t see coming. This episode walks through what business owners need to know before making multi-state decisions. You’ll hear how a single remote hire can trigger income tax, payroll tax, registration requirements, and sales tax nexus you didn’t even know...

You want to save for retirement and cut your tax bill. But picking the wrong plan or missing key deadlines can do the opposite This episode walks through the real retirement plan options for small business owners, using what’s working right now. You’ll hear why 401(k)s are more accessible than you think, why a SIMPLE IRA might be the best place to start, and what business owners often get wrong ab...

Are you still waiting to “see how the year ends” before making tax decisions? Thinking you’ll just deal with it all in January? That’s exactly how service-based business owners get hit with tax bills they didn’t see coming. In this episode, Matt and Mike explain what actually matters before December 31. They share how to handle equipment purchases the right way, when to plan bonuses, and why putti...

If you own a business, paying yourself isn’t always straightforward. Matt and Mike walk through what actually goes into getting paid as an owner, from how your entity type affects your options, to how Profit First helps make sure the money’s really there when you need it. They also touch on the emotional side of it: the weird tension of seeing money in the bank but not knowing what’s “yours,” and...

A bigger tax bill is NOT always bad news. Sometimes it just means your business grew. Tax surprises like this are common, and they usually don’t come from one mistake. They show up when systems can’t keep pace, when cash gets mistaken for profit, or when the tax plan never adjusts as the numbers change. In this episode, Matt and Mike talk through the real reasons tax surprises happen, how to keep...

Do your financials feel off, confusing, or just messy? Not sure where your money is going or if your books are even accurate? This is a common problem for business owners!!! Especially if you've outgrown your current system, had turnover in your bookkeeping, or just haven't had the time to keep things cleaned up. In this episode, Matt and Mike walk through the signs your books might need a...

Have you started a business and aren't sure if you need an LLC, an S-Corp, or something else entirely? Or maybe you’ve heard conflicting advice and you’re worried about making the “wrong” choice? Mike and Matt walk through what actually matters when you’re choosing (or changing) your business structure—LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, partnership—and when you can wait. You’ll learn how liability protectio...

Are you stuck trying to figure out if an LLC or S-Corp is better for your business? Or maybe you're realizing the structure you picked years ago no longer fits where you're headed? This is one of the most common mistakes we see. Picking the wrong business entity can lead to higher taxes, compliance headaches, and limited options as you grow. In this episode, Matt and Mike break down how to choose...

In this episode, Mike and Matt discuss the concept of employee-only entities, particularly for businesses with multiple locations. They explore the complexities and compliance risks associated with having separate entities for each location, emphasizing the benefits of consolidating employees into a single entity. The conversation covers practical steps for implementation, ongoing maintenance, and...

In this episode, Mike and Matt discuss the complexities of budgeting for a million-dollar business. They explore key considerations such as contingency planning, balancing growth and profitability, and the emotional challenges that come with managing larger budgets. The conversation also touches on the importance of personal finance discipline and how it intertwines with business growth. They emph...

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the often frustrating relationship between business owners and their accountants. They explore the expectations that business owners should have regarding communication, the frequency of meetings, and the proactive guidance they should receive. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the roles and responsibilities of accountants, as we...

In this episode of the One Step Better Businesspodcast, the hosts discuss the critical role of forecasting and planning inbusiness. They emphasize the importance of having a long-term vision andsetting clear goals to guide decision-making. The conversation covers theprocess of creating a three-year plan, understanding the one-year picture, andthe significance of budgeting and forecasting in achiev...

In this episode, Mike and Matt discuss the journey of business owners from the initial 90 days to the 180-day mark of working with Patrick Accounting. They explore the transition from feeling relief to developing confidence in their accounting systems, the importance of building effective systems and processes, and the shift towards proactive thinking and informed decision-making. The conversation...

In this episode, Mike and Matt discuss the concept of 'thriving' in business, emphasizing the importance of a shared understanding among team members and clients. They explore how education in accounting can empower business owners to feel in control of their financial situations, navigate tax complexities, and understand profitability. The conversation also highlights the significance of...

In this episode of the One Step Better Business podcast, hosts Mike and Matt delve into the intricacies of payroll processing costs. They discuss how businesses can determine if they are overpaying for payroll services, the various pricing structures used by payroll companies, and the hidden fees that can inflate costs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding billing methods, r...

In this episode of the One Step Better Business podcast, Mike and Matt discuss the types of clients that Whirks works best with, as well as those that present challenges. They emphasize the importance of transparency in client relationships and outline specific characteristics of ideal clients, including their willingness to adapt and their financial stability. The conversation also touches on the...

In this episode of the One Step Better Business Podcast, Mike and Matt discuss the importance of embracing change in business operations, particularly in payroll processes. They emphasize the need for clients to adapt to new systems and practices that enhance efficiency and empower employees. The conversation covers various adjustments clients may need to make, including logging into technology sy...

In this episode of the One Step Better Business podcast, Mike and Matt discuss the onboarding process for new clients at Whirks. They outline the importance of the initial kickoff call, the verification of client information, and the steps taken to ensure a smooth transition to the Whirks system. The conversation highlights the training and support provided during the onboarding phase, as well as...

In this episode, Mike and Matt discuss the concept of client journeys, particularly focusing on payroll services. They explore the various stages of the client journey, from initial frustrations and needs to achieving efficiency and maintenance mode. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs, addressing issues, and providing proactive support to ensure client success...

Payroll shouldn’t be painful, but for most small businesses, it is. In this episode of the One Step Better Podcast, Mike and Matt from Whirks and Patrick Accounting break down the four most common frustrations that business owners and operators face with their payroll systems and what to do about them. If you’ve ever said, “There’s gotta be a better way to run payroll,” this episode is for you. 04...

Summary In this episode of the One Step Better Podcast, Mike and Matt discuss the challenges of having difficult conversations in business, particularly with clients. They explore the importance of understanding financial statements, engaging clients in meaningful discussions, addressing employee performance issues, and the impact of technology and processes on business operations. The conversatio...

In this episode of the Once That Better podcast, hosts Mike and Matt delve into the intricacies of accounting fees, exploring what goes into the cost of accounting services. They discuss the shift from hourly billing to value-based pricing models, emphasizing the importance of predictability and the relationship between complexity and transaction volume in determining fees. As well as the need for...