Now, this list isn’t all-encompassing but it should give you a good idea of what to have ready for your CPA/Accountant. As a business owner, I encourage you to hire a CPA/accountant that specializes in taxes. Not all CPA/accountants are created equal and some are much more familiar with working with small business owners. I know it may be tempting to handle your own taxes, get a friend, or even go to one of the larger tax companies, but in my experience, small firms are more advantageous for us.

In addition to the checklist, my biggest piece of advice is to make sure you know your numbers!

Reconcile ALL of your business expenses and revenue for 2020.

One of my core values is transparency. I enjoyed reading their blogs because I value transparency. They were no different than the white men who I sat beside every day. The thing I learned the most from those white men, is how to ask for what I want. They asked for more money. They discussed their income and it HELPED them. So, I want to be that person for you. I know everyone will not subscribe to my way of thinking and that’s fine. As a way of holding myself accountable, and you as well, I invite you to start keeping monthly income reports and share them with somebody. If you’d like to send it to me, that’s great! I’ll keep your information confidential. If not me, maybe your business bestie. Get comfortable sharing your numbers and saying, aloud, how much you want to make and keep in 2021.

I know time is money is a cliche phrase but it’s true. You either spend time doing something or you spend money. In your business, you’re more than likely the head of ALL the departments. That responsibility takes a great deal of time from you...time that could be spent in other areas. When you hire, for example, you essentially are buying back your time.

I believe it is critical to be keenly aware of how you allocate your time in your business. By not paying attention to this one area, you can dramatically reduce your chances of success. Time is the ONLY thing we can never get back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Today, we celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We recognize him for his activism, ministry, and his pioneering efforts to create a different America for folks that look like you and me. Undoubtedly, you’ve already seen numerous quotes, videos, and think pieces about who he was and the impact he had on today. Most notably, you’ve more than likely seen snippets or references to his infamous, I Have A Dream speech. Folks love to quote that speech. It’s inspirational and motivational. Hope exudes from his words and resonates with our deep desire to belong.

The new year is peak personal development season. It’s the time of the year we sit down and plan out what we’d like to accomplish. You may or may not be a resolution or goal setting type of person, but as a business owner, it’s imperative that you put pen to paper on what you’d like to achieve this year.

If we’re being honest, we don’t particularly enjoy setting goals. I mean, I struggle with figuring out what I want to eat on a daily basis, how the heck am I supposed to create a plan for the next 12 months! On top of that, setting goals for my business has been another beast. How many clients do I need? What should I charge them? What’s my revenue goal? Am I going to get paid? How many services can I offer? It’s a lot!!!

Everyone needs information to help them take their business and personal finances to the next level.

Our mission is to give access to financial tools that create a generational legacy, transformation, and redemption for the black community through Black women-owned businesses.