In the competitive business landscape, business owners are constantly looking for an edge. Whether you are scaling a SaaS startup in South Lake Union or managing a growing medical practice in Kirkland, the goal is always the same: keep more of what you earn. However, there is a fine line between
The MBA Reimbursement Dilemma: Is Your Startup’s Education Assistance Plan Audit-Proof?
For many Seattle tech founders, the line between "building a business" and "getting an education" often blurs. We frequently see SaaS founders in the South Lake Union or Bellevue ecosystems who transition directly from an MBA program into a high-growth C-Corp. The question is: Can your startup
Is the ROBS Strategy Too Good to Be True?
TL;DR: ROBS is a high-risk, high-maintenance strategy. It is great for entrepreneurs who have $500k in a 401(k) but $0 in the bank and need to buy a franchise. For a profitable business like yours, an S-Corp usually offers the best balance of tax savings and "sleep-at-night" security. High-Stakes
How Small Businesses Can Acquire New Clients
"If a man can make a better mousetrap, the world will make a beaten path to his door." -Ralph Waldo Emerson Most business owners know the three classic pillars of client acquisition: outreach, advertising, and word of mouth. They matter (and they work), but they aren’t the whole picture. As
Can a W2 Employee Deduct Phone & Internet Because of Job Requirements?
No, you cannot deduct your personal phone (or home internet), even if your employer requires you to use your own phone for work calls. Here's why and when the rare exceptions apply. Why It’s Usually Disallowed for W-2 Employees Before 2018, unreimbursed employee expenses (such as using your
Tips to Improve Your Chance of a Small Business Loan
If you’re a small business owner struggling to get a loan, you’re far from alone. Many entrepreneurs have had frustrating experiences: being ghosted by “loan specialists,” denied despite revenue, or forced into predatory high-interest offers. Here’s how to understand those roadblocks, reframe
How to Use NotebookLM to Keep Track of Your Expenses and Taxes (Safely)
For small business owners, freelancers, and consultants, tax season doesn’t begin in April, it lasts all year. From tracking receipts to managing deductions and keeping notes on client income, there’s a constant flow of information to organize. That’s where NotebookLM can help especially if
Misunderstanding “Income” vs “Profit”: A Cautionary Tale for LLC Owners
A small business owner recently shared a familiar frustration: they were advised to reserve 45% of their income for taxes and ended up owing far more than expected. What seemed like sound advice felt more like a trap. The root of the problem? A critical misunderstanding between revenue (income) and








