The Planner Blog

CFA vs. CPA – 3 Differences You Should Know
Christian Brim Christian Brim

CFA vs. CPA – 3 Differences You Should Know

When considering a career in finance or accounting, the choice between becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can be pivotal. While both credentials are highly respected, they cater to different professional paths and skill sets. Read this article and explore three differences between the two.

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Outsourced Bookkeeping vs. In-House: What’s Best for Small Businesses?
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Outsourced Bookkeeping vs. In-House: What’s Best for Small Businesses?

Deciding between outsourced and in-house bookkeeping is a pivotal choice for small businesses aiming to streamline their operations and manage finances efficiently. Each option brings unique benefits and challenges. Outsourced bookkeeping offers access to expert knowledge and the flexibility to scale services according to your business needs, potentially at a lower cost. On the other hand, in-house bookkeeping provides greater control and immediate access to financial data, fostering a team-oriented environment. How do you determine which path aligns best with your business goals? Dive into our full article to explore a detailed comparison of these approaches and find the best fit for your business needs.

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5 Essential Tips for Filing Business Taxes as a First-Time LLC
Christian Brim Christian Brim

5 Essential Tips for Filing Business Taxes as a First-Time LLC

Filing business taxes for the first time as a limited liability company (LLC) can be overwhelming, especially when you’re still getting familiar with how business structures work. Forming an LLC offers flexibility and protection, but navigating taxes can be complicated. 

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Creative Minds, Smart Finances: 3 Essential Accounting Tips
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Creative Minds, Smart Finances: 3 Essential Accounting Tips

Learn how to balance creativity with smart financial management, ensuring lasting success in your business journey. With these accounting tips, discover how establishing a robust recording system, mastering reconciliation, and classifying expenses effectively can transform business revenues.

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Bookkeeping vs. Accounting: 5 Differences You Should Know!
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Bookkeeping vs. Accounting: 5 Differences You Should Know!

Uncover the crucial differences between bookkeeping and accounting in your creative business. This blog post reveals five relatable examples that clarify their distinct roles, showcasing why integrating both is vital for success. Dive in and transform your financial management today!

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Save More, Stress Less: 3 Tax Strategies Every Entrepreneur Must Know
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Save More, Stress Less: 3 Tax Strategies Every Entrepreneur Must Know

Mastering tax planning is crucial in today's competitive business landscape. This guide offers strategies for significant tax savings and smarter financial decisions, laying the foundation for enduring success. Tailored consultations with tax professionals are key for a prosperous future. Dive in for expert insights to secure your company's financial well-being.

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Understanding Self-Employment Tax: What Creatives Need to Know
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Understanding Self-Employment Tax: What Creatives Need to Know

The rise of self-employment among creative professionals is transforming the landscape of work. Creatives such as videographers, cinematographers, photographers, influencers, and marketing agencies are increasingly opting for the freedom and autonomy of self-employment.

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Balancing Multiple Income Streams: Tax Strategies for Creatives
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Balancing Multiple Income Streams: Tax Strategies for Creatives

Having many sources of income is not only usual but crucial, in the creative sector. Having a variety of income streams, such as teaching, royalties, merchandise sales, and freelance work, can help you stay afloat and even grow your business. But all this variety is complex, and tax and financial management are two areas where it shows. Let's talk about tax techniques that can help you manage your money and get the most out of your income.

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Harnessing Expertise: The Role of Tax Professionals in Optimizing Returns
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Harnessing Expertise: The Role of Tax Professionals in Optimizing Returns

Tax season often brings a mix of dread and confusion for many small business owners. Picture this: You’re in the middle of a busy season for your videography business, juggling multiple projects, when you remember it’s time to file your taxes. A sinking feeling hits as you recall the endless forms, confusing jargon, and fear of missing out on potential deductions. This scenario is all too common, yet it highlights a significant misconception – that tax filing is a straightforward, DIY task. The truth is, that the real value of a tax professional for small businesses lies in their strategic expertise, transforming what seems like a routine chore into an opportunity for optimization and growth.

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5 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Christian Brim Christian Brim

5 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

Running a creative business can be a wild ride, filled with unique challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a talented videographer capturing life’s moments or a marketing agency crafting compelling campaigns, one thing is certain: bookkeeping is probably not your favorite part of the job. But ignoring common bookkeeping errors can wreak havoc on your business’s financial health. Let’s face it, nobody wants the stress of financial discrepancies. Identifying and avoiding these mistakes can save your business time, money, and a lot of headaches. Below, we’re identifying the five most common bookkeeping mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.

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What is Overtime?
Christian Brim Christian Brim

What is Overtime?

Beginning July 1st, the Department of Labor will implement changes to the overtime rules, catching many small business owners flat-footed. Significant changes will be coming on July 1st of 2024, with even more changes starting January 1st of 2025.

Read on to learn more about whether your business will be affected.

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Beyond Receipts: Streamlining Year-Round Expense Tracking
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Beyond Receipts: Streamlining Year-Round Expense Tracking

Many small business owners struggle to manage their spending without becoming overwhelmed by receipts. However, there is good news: it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Implementing a thorough spending monitoring system can help ease financial management and assure IRS compliance year-round. Let's look at ways to improve how you track your spending and make the most of your small business and tax deductions.

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Strategic Financial Guidance: The Importance of Consistent Tax Advisory for Creative Entrepreneurs
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Strategic Financial Guidance: The Importance of Consistent Tax Advisory for Creative Entrepreneurs

As creative business owners, you might often find yourself in the middle of a storm of creativity, new ideas, and customer needs. With everything happening at once, it’s easy to forget about one of the most important things that makes your business successful: good financial management. Today, we're diving into the significance of consistent tax advisory services and how they serve as a cornerstone for the success of creative businesses like yours.

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Contractor or Employee: Decoding Tax Implications in Creative Collaborations
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Contractor or Employee: Decoding Tax Implications in Creative Collaborations

When it comes to creative partnerships, the difference between contractors and employees is more than just a formality; it's a crucial consideration that can have a major influence on your company's compliance and financial stability. This distinction specifically carries significant tax implications for both parties involved – freelancers and businesses alike. It is critical to have a clear and thorough grasp of this terrain as a creative business owner. To better equip you to make educated partnership decisions, let's explore the details of these intricate yet important business collaborations in more detail.

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Tax Deductions for Filmmakers: A Comprehensive Overview
Christian Brim Christian Brim

Tax Deductions for Filmmakers: A Comprehensive Overview

Filmmaking isn't just about creating captivating stories on screen; it's also about managing the business behind the scenes. Whether you're a seasoned director or just starting out in the industry, understanding the ins and outs of tax rules can significantly impact your bottom line. This blog post will focus on the specific tax issues that filmmakers face, discussing the many facets of the cinematography business model and offering advice on how to maximize your tax plan.

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The Art of Quarterly Tax Assessments: Staying Ahead Throughout the Year
Christian Brim Christian Brim

The Art of Quarterly Tax Assessments: Staying Ahead Throughout the Year

As creative entrepreneurs, we're often consumed by the artistic aspects of our businesses—crafting captivating content, producing stunning visuals, or orchestrating innovative marketing campaigns. However, aside from creativity, there's a critical piece of our business that demands our attention whether we like it or not: taxes. Yes, the dreaded tax season is a reality for all of us. But what if I told you there's a way to make tax time less stressful and more manageable? Enter quarterly tax assessments—a game-changer for staying ahead throughout the year.

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