Business By The Books with Danielle Hayden

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, host and founder of Kickstart Accounting Inc., dives into a challenge many entrepreneurs face: how to bring cash into your business without falling into the trap of constant pivoting. With cash flow struggles top of mind for many business owners, Danielle makes the case for staying consistent with your core offerings rather than introducing new ones. She explores the common mistakes visionary entrepreneurs make when they chase shiny new ideas, shares the importance of giving strategies time to yield results, and emphasizes why consistent effort is the key to long-term, sustainable cash flow. Key Takeaways: Consistency > Constant Change: Real business growth happens when you stick with your core strategies and offerings long enough to see results. Shiny Object Syndrome: Visionary entrepreneurs thrive on new ideas but often struggle with focus. Resist the urge to pivot every time progress feels slow. Compounding Efforts: Success lies in the "boring" repetition of what works. Consistency builds trust, credibility, and, ultimately, cash flow. Balance Innovation with Fundamentals: Leave room in your budget to experiment with new strategies while staying committed to your foundational offerings. Topics Discussed: Introduction: The Challenge of Cash Flow (00:00 - 00:29) Why Visionaries Struggle with Consistency (01:24 - 03:12) Sustainable Cash Flow through Consistency (03:32 - 04:27) Applying Pressure and Staying Consistent (05:22 - 06:22) Balancing Innovation with Consistency (06:59 - 07:48) Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

The holidays are here, and it's the perfect time to show appreciation for the people who make your business thrive—your employees, contractors, and clients. But we know that gift-giving as a business owner can feel tricky. So, how do we balance generosity while staying compliant with the IRS? In this episode, host Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., is here to guide you through the gift-giving process in a way that's simple, stress-free, and keeps you tax-compliant. From what counts as a deductible gift to thoughtful ways to give your team a boost of morale and company culture, Danielle breaks it all down in an easy-to-follow framework. Whether you're planning something small or looking to go big, this episode will help you gift confidently and compliantly, all while making your team and clients feel truly valued. Key Takeaways: Follow IRS Gift Rules: Gifts to employees must be tangible and under $75 to remain tax-free, while cash or gift cards are always taxable. Use a Gift-Giving Framework: Clarify your motivation, identify the recipient, consider the perceived value, and ensure the gift aligns with IRS limits. Make Payroll Gifts Meaningful: Create special moments around payroll-based gifts with personalized communication or gross-up amounts to cover taxes. Document for Deductions: Keep detailed records of all business gifts, including cost, recipient, and purpose, to ensure tax compliance. Consider Personal Gifting Options: Use owner's draws for personal generosity while ensuring compliance with salary requirements for S Corp owners. Topics Discussed: What Qualifies as a Business Gift (00:00:50 - 00:01:25) Framework for Business Gift-Giving (00:02:17 - 00:04:36) IRS Rules for Gifts to Employees (00:05:03 - 00:08:38) IRS Rules for Gifts to Contractors & Clients (00:08:39 - 00:10:18) Gift Recordkeeping (00:12:09 - 00:13:01) Giving Gifts with Owner's Draws (00:13:28 - 00:15:21) Resources: Free Guides | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/Gift/ How to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner 6 Tax Tips Every Business Owner Should Know Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

In this episode, we're diving into something unexpectedly powerful: how gratitude can transform our mindset and lead to financial success. Host Danielle Hayden, founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., has helped thousands of entrepreneurs take control of their numbers and build thriving businesses over the years. But here's the thing, success isn't just about the numbers. Our mindset plays a huge role, and that's where gratitude comes in. Danielle shares how a simple daily gratitude practice can help reduce stress, boost motivation, and shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. Whether we're tackling tough financial decisions, working toward big business goals, or just looking for ways to stay energized and focused, taking a moment to celebrate our progress can help us find new focus and continue to grow businesses we love! Key Takeaways: Why Gratitude Matters: Discover how gratitude enhances relationships with team members and clients, shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance, and boosts motivation and focus. Gratitude as a Daily Practice: Learn how listing things you're grateful for—whether 3 or 20—can rewire your brain, reduce stress, and help you celebrate progress. Overcoming Financial Stress: Danielle explains how gratitude can help business owners release financial anxiety, make more strategic decisions, and stay motivated during challenging times. Budgeting with Gratitude: Shift your perspective on budgeting from limitation to empowerment, focusing on the opportunities it brings for growth and impact. How to Start Your Gratitude Practice: Simple, actionable steps to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine, including journaling, setting goals, and celebrating wins with your team. Topics Discussed: Introduction to Gratitude and Financial Success (00:00:00 - 00:00:57) Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance (00:02:06 - 00:03:01) Boosting Motivation and Celebrating Small Wins (00:03:01 - 00:03:54) Reducing Financial Stress with Gratitude (00:03:54 - 00:04:56) Practical Steps to Start a Gratitude Practice (00:07:45 - 00:08:48) Resources: Money Personality Quiz | kickstartaccountinginc.com/quiz Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

As the year winds down, it's time to tackle an important yet often overwhelming task for many business owners: preparing for 1099s and tax season! In this highly-requested episode, Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., teams up with Kelsey Chester, Kickstart's Lead Account Manager, to deliver a step-by-step guide to staying organized and compliant with IRS rules when filing your taxes. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode has something for you. From IRS compliance to best practices for collecting W9s and knowing when to transition contractors to employees, Danielle and Kelsey cover it all with practical advice and actionable insights to help you tax prep with confidence. Key Takeaways: Understanding W9s and 1099s: A W9 gathers contractor info, while a 1099 reports payments over $600—always collect a W9 before paying contractors. Best Practices for W9 Collection: Collect W9s electronically, store them securely, and require submission before issuing payments. Payment Methods and 1099 Requirements: Personal Venmo/Cash App payments may require a 1099, while business platforms like PayPal might issue them automatically—verify with the platform. Contractor vs. Employee: Contractors control their work methods and tools, while employees follow your guidance, schedule, and use your resources. Making the Shift to Employees: Transitioning to employees ensures compliance, builds retention, and avoids IRS penalties for misclassification. Plan Ahead for Payroll Setup: Start payroll planning early to streamline the January rush. Topics Discussed: What is a 1099 and a W9? (00:01:08 - 00:02:57) Best Practices for Collecting W9s (00:02:57 - 00:04:12) Storing W9s and Organizing Financial Records (00:04:12 - 00:05:10) Who Needs a W9 and When to Collect It? (00:05:10 - 00:06:34) Payment Methods and IRS Guidelines (e.g., Cash App, Venmo) (00:06:34 - 00:08:23) Difference Between Contractors and Employees (00:08:23 - 00:11:32) When to Move Contractors to Employees (00:11:32 - 00:14:20) Benefits of Hiring Employees (00:14:20 - 00:15:00) Clarification on Employee Benefits for Part-Time Employees (00:15:00 - 00:15:19) Summary and Getting Help (00:15:55 - 00:18:28) Resources: Tax Forms | https://www.irs.gov/ Free Guides | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/gift/ 6 Tax Tips Every Business Owner Should Know Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Have you ever found yourself using your personal credit card for business expenses? Or maybe you've accidentally paid for a personal expense from your business account? Trust us, you're not alone! In this episode, host and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., Danielle Hayden, breaks down why it's crucial to keep your business and personal finances separate and the steps you can take to make sure it's all sorted (even if things have gotten a little mixed up already). Danielle dives into the often-overlooked consequences of commingling funds, which can impact your legal protections, make bookkeeping messy, and even increase your risk of an IRS audit. But don't worry! We're here to help you understand the risks and, most importantly, what to do if you've already blurred those lines a bit with practical steps you can implement now. Key Takeaways: Legal & Financial Protection: Danielle explains how mixing funds can "pierce the corporate veil," leaving personal assets exposed in case of legal claims. Keeping accounts separate ensures you maintain your business's legal integrity. Impact on Business Health: When you blend personal and business expenses, it becomes nearly impossible to get a true read on your financial health. Separating expenses helps you pinpoint what's working in your business, what isn't, and whether cash flow issues are related to personal or business spending. IRS Risks & Tax Deductions: Discover why commingling could increase your chances of an audit and how clean financial records can help you maximize deductions and minimize stress. Action Steps if You've Already Commingled: Danielle walks through actionable steps to sort it all out, from categorizing personal expenses as owner's draws to creating an accountable reimbursement plan. Regularly Reviewing Credit Cards: Thinking about rewards? Danielle shares why it's worth finding a business card with perks you love, so you won't feel tempted to use your personal card. Get Help When You Need It: If managing finances alone feels overwhelming, Danielle invites you to connect with her team at Kickstart Accounting for reliable, ongoing support to keep your finances in check. Topics Discussed: Examples and Risks of Commingling (00:00:28 - 00:02:20) Impact on Business Health (00:02:46 - 00:04:03) Cash Flow and Commingling (00:04:03 - 00:05:01) Challenges in Tax Deductions and IRS Risks (00:05:01 - 00:06:25) What to Do if You Have Already Commingled (00:06:25 - 00:07:34) Action Steps for Business Owners (00:08:04 - 00:11:12) Wrap-Up – Importance of Recording All Business Expenses Properly (00:11:12 - 00:12:03) Resources: Free Guides | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/gift/ How to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner 6 Tax Tips Every Business Owner Should Know Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

It's that time of year again! In this episode, host and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., Danielle Hayden, dives into the topic on every business owner's mind toward the end of the year—bonuses—a perfect way to celebrate and reward your team's hard work! With Danielle's easy 4-step framework, she'll walk you through how to structure bonuses thoughtfully, so you can show appreciation while keeping your business financially strong. Get ready to learn practical, step-by-step strategies that will help make rewarding your team a stress-free, financially savvy experience! Key Takeaways: Determine Profitability: Only consider bonuses if your business is profitable, verified by examining the year-to-date net income. Check Cash Reserves: Ensure that sufficient cash is available to avoid cash flow issues. Ideally, set aside funds throughout the year to prepare for bonuses. Allocate a Bonus Pool: Danielle recommends distributing 10% of net income as a guideline, though this depends on your business's performance and goals. Identify Eligible Employees: Assess eligibility by listing all employees and evaluating their tenure, alignment with company values, and overall performance over the year. She suggests categorizing performance levels (exceptional, meets expectations, or below expectations) to ensure fair distribution. Plan the Timing: Choose when to pay bonuses based on tax strategy. Paying before year-end counts toward this year's expenses, while paying afterward counts toward next year. Topics Discussed: Introduction to Team Bonuses and Financial Stability (00:00:00 - 00:00:51) Framework Overview for Bonus Distribution (00:00:51 - 00:01:25) Step 1: Determine Year-to-Date Net Income (00:01:25 - 00:02:45) Step 2: Check Cash Balance (00:02:45 - 00:03:27) Step 3: Decide Bonus Pool Amount (00:03:27 - 00:04:09) Step 4: Identify Eligible Employees (00:04:09 - 00:06:28) Step 5: Importance of Timing for Tax Purposes (00:07:30 - 00:08:47) Summary of Bonus Distribution Framework (00:08:47 - 00:09:55) Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Struggling to hit revenue goals in your business? Budgeting without a plan might be holding you back. In this episode, Danielle and Kris Dunaway break down how a CFO partnership gives you a clear roadmap to achieve your goals, bringing clarity, strategy, and real growth to your finances. You'll learn the power of a rolling budget, how to adjust spending as you grow, and smart strategies to manage and reduce debt with Kickstart Accounting Inc.'s tailored CFO framework. Listen in to discover how a CFO partnership can take your business to the next level! Key Takeaways: Understand the difference between one-time budgets and rolling budgets, including how each can guide your spending throughout the year. Learn how Kickstart Accounting Inc.'s CFO framework goes beyond traditional bookkeeping to help business owners reach their goals. Get tips on debt management and repayment strategies to reduce your financial stress. Topics Discussed: Services included in a CFO partnership (1:17) Annual budgets versus rolling budgets (3:38) Setting goals with the Kickstart Accounting Inc. CFO framework (7:55) Why budgets are so important in small business (12:47) Debt management and repayment strategies (13:46) The benefits of CFO partnerships (16:11) Resources: Learn more about Kickstart Accounting Inc.'s CFO Services! https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/CFO Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

If you have a problem sticking to a budget, this episode has solutions. Host Danielle Hayden shares six simple strategies that will help you stay on budget no matter what your financial goals are. From how to avoid overspending to preparing for unexpected expenses, these actionable strategies will keep you in control of your finances without feeling restricted. Listen now to learn how to use this expert guidance to achieve your goals while managing your business finances! Key Takeaways: Discover six practical strategies that will help you stick to your budget. Learn how to spend money intentionally based on your goals and Money Mindset Personality Type. Underspending can be just as harmful as overspending, limiting your ability to meet both short and long-term business goals. You should use budgeting as a flexible tool to adapt to changes in your business while staying focused on your financial goals. Topics Discussed: Budgeting success story: a client transformation (2:04) Introducing 6 strategies to help you stay on budget (5:11) How to budget based on your Money Mindset Personality Type (9:26) Why you should implement a contingency fund (11:46) Connect with Kickstart Accounting Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Ever feel like your business is thriving, but you can't seem to keep up with the finances? Brandee Gaar, a luxury event planner and wedding industry thought leader, found herself in this exact situation. In this episode, she shares how embracing budgeting and forecasting transformed her business, helping her navigate seasonal fluctuations, ensure consistent payroll, and plan for sustainable growth. Join host Danielle Hayden and guest Brandee Gaar as they dive deep into the world of business financials, exploring how budgeting goes beyond just tracking revenue. Discover how to leverage all your business data to monitor progress, align spending with your goals, and avoid tax surprises. Tune in to learn how budgeting can provide you with financial clarity and peace of mind! Key Takeaways: Budgeting gives business owners the freedom to invest in their business with confidence. Reforecasting can help you manage cash flow, minimize tax burdens, and navigate seasonal changes in your business. Creating a realistic budget aligned with long-term goals is crucial for business success. Active involvement in your finances is key to making smart business decisions. Topics Discussed: Why budgeting is the backbone of a business (1:25) Forecasting to navigate seasonal changes in business (4:37) Budgeting versus goal setting (8:45) Using your numbers to accurately (11:00) Reforecasting strategies and budgeting tips (13:08) Budgeting for the season of your business (18:35) Tax planning and long-term financial strategies (20:29) How to become an active player in your business (24:53) Resources: Learn more about Kickstart Accounting Inc.'s CFO Services! http://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/CFO Connect with Brandee Gaar: Website | https://brandeegaar.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brandeegaar/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@brandeegaar Connect with Kickstart Accounting Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Forget everything you thought you knew about budgeting! Kickstart Accounting Inc.'s goal-oriented budgeting process lets you invest with intention instead of feeling restricted — unlike traditional methods that only focus on cutting costs. In this episode, CEO Danielle Hayden introduces their approach and walks through each step to creating and implementing an intentional spending plan. Tune in to learn how to build a budget that propels your business forward and actually helps you hit your goals. Key Takeaways: Learn why goal-oriented budgeting drives growth and empowers business owners more effectively than traditional budgeting. Before mapping out a budget, set clear, specific goals to guide your financial decisions. Sign up for the Kickstart Accounting Inc. Budgeting Webinar to get support in creating a goal-focused budget. Topics Discussed: The problem with traditional budgeting (1:01) Kickstart Accounting Inc.'s goal-oriented budgeting approach (4:27) What you need to do before creating a budget (5:38) How to spend strategically while sticking to a budget (7:23) Kickstart Accounting Inc.'s Budgeting Webinar (9:27) 8 essential steps to build a goal-oriented budget (10:25) Resources: Learn more about the upcoming Kickstart Accounting Inc. Budgeting Webinar! http://kickstartaccountinginc.com/2025 Download the Kickstart Accounting Inc. Healthy Spending Worksheet! http://kickstartaccountinginc.com/healthy Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc