Book$ about Money / A short list ♡ and some guiding ideas

If you wish to see the list only, scroll down. :)

First, I wished to share some thoughts about books on money….

I love when people ask me about good books on money! And then immediately get confounded … for 2 reasons.

1 - Because most of the books I read are a bit older, and I can’t fully remember if they feel modern enough now. (I stopped reading books on this topic, once I got enough knowledge, and found my own good relationship with money.) I’m sure there are great ones out that that I just don’t know about!

2 - Most importantly, because it really depends on what you’re looking for! There are so many aspects to working with money! I can answer this best when we have a little conversation first. (In fact, feel free to hit me up for a free 20 min Zoom chat.)

The best books on money, are the ones where: you like the tone, it gives you the knowledge you’re seeking, and motivates you to make some changes! Avoid books that feel too daunting, make you feel behind, or that you’re doing something wrong. Or define a protocol that feels too strict.

Below is a list of money topics.

I list them out, to offer you as menu, in case you’re still figuring out what you want to learn.

Also, I wish to point out that … there are many ways to “be good” with money. Though in our society, women have been steered to only one corner of this skill set: budgeting, saving money, being thrifty, paying off debt. Here are more ways to be good with money, that might get you a bigger bang for the buck!: earning more, feeling worthy and empowered, building wealth, being literate with our money systems.

These are the most common topics people are asking about:

• How to control or direct your spending (budgeting)

• Ways to save more

• How to get out of debt

• Investing, growing wealth

• Retirement

• Adulting money skills, building some basic money literacy and know-how

• Basic bookkeeping and accounting for business

I would love to get these topics on people’s radar too:

• Get fired up to earn more ~ how to feel worthy

• Learn what your thriving life costs, and put a price on it

• How to earn more

  • If you work for yourself, design your rates to earn enough+, If you have an employee job, find a way to ask for more

• How our money system is a bit whack, and you’re great!, but it’s still good to know how to play the game

• How your taxes work, so you can factor them into plans

• Feeling better about money, building a more peaceful relationship, being empowered

• How to work with people in the Finance world (financial advisor, accountant, etc.)

List of Money Books

I wish I had more modern books to offer you! If you find any that you love, please let me know.

Feminism and building wealth

I haven’t read these, but this is where I’d start today

Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love
Tory Dunlap

Perhaps heck out Suze Orman books

All-around Money Skills ~ Getting out of debt and building wealth

#7-Figure Net Worth: Modern Wealth Blueprint for Black Americans
by Brielle Mabrey

Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence
by Joe Dominguez and Monique Tilford
This is an oldie, but goodie. Though the program is kinda strict.

Adulting Money Skills with a Narrative

I Survived Capitalism and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt: Everything I Wish I Never Had to Learn About Money
by Madeline Pendleton

Charging enough if you’re self-employed

Sections of these books cover how to charge more.
If you follow this guidance, it’ll pay for the book in no time!

Unstuck: Method + Magic for Stepping Into your Worth
by Roxie Jane Hunt

How to Become Self-Employed in Seattle: A Guidebook, Companion, and Reference
by Jenny MacLeod (yours truly!)

Working with money if you’re self-employed

Accounting Made Simple:  Accounting Explained in 100 Pages or Less
by Mike Piper

Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine
by Mike Michalowicz
This book is overpromises (it could have been an article)…however, it’s got some great strategies around using bank accounts.

Feeling better about working with money

The Soul of Money: Transforming your Relationship with Money and Life
by Lynne Twist

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Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear which books you found helpful, whether from this list, or beyond. Good luck in your journey! And way to go for building up your money skills! I think it’s one of the most beautiful, simple, radical acts as a Feminist!

♡ Jenny

How to do a Retreat / Worksheets V.2

ROUGH DRAFT

I'm a huge fan of retreats!
Especially in the summer.

Yes, it's true ... it can feel super difficult to find the time, space, and money. And yes, it's true, it can feel indulgent. And bring up weird/uncomfortable feelings. (I feel guilty. Am I allowed to do this? Why am I so tired? Why am I sad, when this is supposed to be fun?)

Also, retreats pay off - both for you, to feel better. And for your business.
Also, you are worth it. 

You are the talent, you need support.
You are the leader of your business, you need space for inspiration and setting the next direction.
You are the manager of your talent, you need strategies to stay in alignment with your vision.

We spend most of our time during the year meeting other people's needs. 
This is the time of year to tune into your needs.
And then, to adjust the business to make it a more ideal job for you AND to offer more value for your clients/customers.

I believe it's essential to both you as a person, and the success of your business!
(Also, you can write-off the cost / it's a business deduction.)

♥
Interested in setting one up for yourself?
Check out these worksheets below. They are all in BETA form.
 

Read this one first - How to Do a Personal/Professional Retreat

Then program Options:
Taking Stock
Rest / Fill the Reserves
Intuition
Inspiration
New Skill
Focused Work
Debrief/Reflect on a specific experience or chapter.

Do you know any great Accountants or Bookkeepers?

This is a great question. Also, it is the #1 question I receive through email … so I decided to keep a full answer here for you - that I can update regularly.

Short answer - yes! I know some amazing folks.
Longer answer - they are often booked! So I’ve keeping a list of both people I know, and names I’ve heard of.

(I’m always on the lookout for more awesome people in the Financial world, so if you find any, please let me know.)

Additionally, here are some general tips:

• If none of these work out, ask all your friends and family … and get a list of names.

• Try to meet at least 3 - for some type of initial consult. You will learn a little bit each time, and you’ll get a sense of the various communication styles. And what you like and don’t like.

• Keep in mind - this is an equal power situation. You are the client, you’re an expert on your biz and your personality and work style. They are the expert of filing taxes and numbers. Be sure it feels good to talk with them and work with them.

• If you want someone who will teach you things, ask them specifically if they like explaining how taxes and bookkeeping work.

• For Accountants, be sure to ask if they file city and state taxes too! Many accountants do not.

Note: If you’re a Therapist - please see this list, specially collected for you.

/ / / / /

Patty Kelley, CPA and Katherine Griswold, MBA
portumbooks.com
Taking new clients, focus on small business. Offering full bookkeeping services, preparing documents for taxes, consulting, Quickbooks advising, and more!

Luke and Amy Weissgarber
ltwcpa.com/
Based in Bothell, just moved up from Texas. Recommended by trusted CPA, actively looking for clients.

Valerie Moseley, CPA
valeriemoseleycpa.com
Available for consults: self-employed, S-corps, interesting tax situations, etc.
Limited openings for perfect-fit clients

Jocelyn Muhl, CPA
northseattleaccountant.com
Accounting services include time for questions
Available for consults, and perfect-fit clients

Lindsey Gaughn, CPA
gaughanlindsey@gmail.com
Available for consults, bookkeeping and accounting services
Email to get in touch

Hipster Money / Alexandra Perwin, CPA
hipstermoney.com
Usually booked … sometimes available for consults, new clients who are perfect-fit

Clear Sky Money Matters / Emily Zillig
emilyzillig.com
Bookkeeping, money coaching

Sadie Frederick / Bookkeeper
sadieaccounts.com
Specializing in small Seattle nonprofit clients (also a long-time client of mine)

Something Different Accounting
https://www.sdacct.com
Loved their ad and vibe on Facebook

Courtney McNeff
freetracaccounting.com/our-team/
Recommended on Facebook, by self-employed friend. Sr. Accountant and Owner of Freetrac Services, LLC.

Justin Bourn, CPA
wzbcpa.com/team/justin-a-bourn/
A client said he’s friendly and easy to work with. Now the co-owner of this company. I hope to meet him some time.

Heather Lowrey
Wisemindfinancial.com
Money coach and bookkeeper. Has worked a ton with therapists, also is a therapist. I met her briefly, very friendly. She might have people to recommend.

♥

Good luck with your search! … and please do let me know if you find any great people to add to this list.
Jenny Girl Friday

King County Taxes - FAQs

What does the County tax us on?  How much are the taxes?

The county taxes us on property:
1 - real estate (land and buildings)
2 - "personal property" (equipment)

If your business owns any land or buildings, please contact them directly.
For "personal property", totaling OVER $7500, we pay about 1% in taxes. (We owe nothing if the value is under $7500.)

Do I have to report to King County?

Technically speaking, ALL businesses must register with King County and make a report every year.  Realistically speaking, many micro and small businesses do not know about the County, and are not registered, and it has not been a problem (so far). One similar situation is the Speed Limit. Many people drive over the speed limit, but never get a ticket—especially if you're over by only 2-5 mph. I cannot give any advice about what to do, but want to give you some context so you can make your own decision!

What counts as "personal property"?

"Personal property" is a funny term. It sounds like the opposite of business!  But it IS the term for equipment and supplies that you use to do business. Like: desk, shelves, computer, printer, art equipment, and even office supplies. Think of it like this: it's property that we can pick up and carry, on our person.

How do I register with the county?

Someday, I'll have a blog post on this...for now.......)
There is a form to fill out, either on paper or as an interactive PDF.
To find it~
1 
Go to the eListing page
2 
Look on the LEFT side Navigation
3 
Click the "Report New Business" button
4 
It will download a Word document
5 
It asks you to list "Owned Business Assets" ~ these are all the physical things your business owns (furniture, tools, computer) that do NOT get consumed.
6 
Notice, right underneath the the "Owned Business Assets" subtitle, there's a small box where you need to list "Supplies Monthly Cost". This is for things like paper and ink, things you use up.
7 
Send in form—either through email or snail mail.

Call the County with any questions!  206-296-5126

What happens after I register?

The county will add you to their system, and will most likely send you an email. Then, the following calendar year, you report any additional equipment the business has acquired, and/or any increases in supplies.

IF the total exceeds $7500, the business will be taxed about about 1%.
IF there's NO CHANGE, then we're still required to send in a report saying so.

How do I make a report to King County?

Go the eListing on the King County page.

If you need help, you can reach the County by phone or email. Don't be shy, it's their job!  Here's a quote from the website:  

"DID YOU KNOW?The assessor's staff is available to assist you in any way we can. If you have question or concerns, please feel free to call us at 206-296-5126."

What's Your Tax Prep Style?

Dear Readers, this is an evolving blog post. I’d love to get your feedback on which terms / descriptions work or don’t work for you!

Work with your nature. 

This is one of my favorite guiding principles. And it's more important than ever when it comes to chores or anything that feels tedious, new, overwhelming. 

What style fits you? ....when it comes to working on IRS tax prep?
(Nicknames are works in progress.)

♥  The truth?: I ignore it until the last minute, then scramble and get it all done. (Phoenix)
♥  I like to start as early as possible. In fact, I already have! I work steadily until the job is done finished. (Early bird)
♥  I do best breaking up a task. I prefer to work over several sessions. (Marathoner)
♥  I like to do the job all at once, on a planned day. (Personal work party)
♥  None of these fit exactly/I'm a mixture. (4 Leaf Clover)

The idea: choose your style. Name it. Claim it. Plan for it. Be at peace with it. Below are a few ideas for each style.

P.S. If you're new to this, I suggest reading the Marathoner description as well as your style.

♥

Phoenix 

Do your thing! No reason to fix something that works. When the time comes, find this email and these tools to offer some help: All-at-once Prep + CalculateBasic. If needed, here's an article if you get stuck somewhere. Perhaps, mark off a day or two around 4/12, 4/13, 4/14 to do the work. Lastly, if you can, clear your calendar on 4/15 or 4/16 to take a break, go to the spa or drive out of town to reward yourself and recover. (I'm keeping this short, because your mind is busy with other things right now. You'll get to this later.)

♥

Early Bird 

This message to you might be too late because you're probably finished. In case I caught you in time, here's an article that outlines the whole process. And a worksheet to capture all your numbers: CalculateBasic. You'd probably like to fill out this second sheet as well: Calculate Next Level. Before you get too far, please be sure to choose a reward for yourself. Set aside some money for it and plan whatever time it takes. Yes, you start early because it's your nature, there's an urge to. That's cool. Still, let's reinforce and reward that nature! We want to keep you happy in your job. If you feel a bit guilty, then it's probably the right amount.
Oh, and here's an article on filing options. As you know, it feels so good to get the appointment for the actual filing on the calendar, whether it's meeting your accountant, filing yourself online, etc. Heads up, there are a few changes this year! A new 1040 and a few new rules. I'll be sharing about that soon. I'm just mentioning it so you plan in a little extra time. If you'd like to dive into research now, here are the 1040 Instructions, start on page 6. 

♥

Marathoner 

Slow and steady wins the race! And, "Life ain't a track meet, it's a marathon." Ice Cube. You know that working slowly over time means less impact on your life, the pain can be spread out. If you've done this before, you've probably got a system already. If you're new / as a reminder to experienced folks: plan several work periods over the next 4 - 6 weeks. Prep time really ranges from 2 hours to 12 or more. Just take your best guess and plan in the time. You can pick a regular day + time, like "Fridays from 1 - 3pm", or choose a time block like "1 hour" to fit into your weekly schedule.  
One option is for you to follow along with the Sidekick Service Tax Prep series coming out soon. I've broken the process into 6-7 steps, and will send an email about each one...so you can follow along with me. If you'd like to space it out yourself, take a look at this article, with worksheets for each step. Or, look at this All-at-Once Prep Sheet to plan your own sessions. I also suggest choose a little treat for each work session and a big Reward for when you're all finished. 

♥

Work-Party Girl

You like to get in the zone; to give this task your whole attention, all at once. Like gearing up for party or 5K, you want to collect all your tools and resources, create the space, and get it done, and done well, and then shut the door and be finished. Tips for you (if you're new/need reminders): schedule three days on your calendar: 1- Personal Tax Work Party, 2- Time OFF to recover/reward yourself, 3 - Follow-up Tasks.
Create a space in your house to collect all of the things you'll need. Tax documents coming in the mail, bank statements, receipts, etc. Perhaps print out this sheet Collect Stuff. You can use it to slowly collect items prior to your Party day, or, do it first thing that morning. Consider getting a friend to hang out with you. Oh, and if you're the cook in your house, arrange for someone else to handle meals or to go out for dinner. Be sure to have a breakfast and lunch you love, plus snacks on hand. On that day, I suggest printing out these two sheets:  All-at-once Prep + CalculateBasic. Here's an article if you run into questions.

♥

Four Leaf Clover 

Perhaps none of these fit, you're a combination, or you're new to this and just don't know. Or, maybe you're a rebel and as soon as someone tries to type you, you don't like it! That's cool. I get that we're a spectrum and not everyone fits into boxes. A few ideas. First, find a way to name your own style. Think about what's true, even if you're different/changing all the time. The reason? It's empowering to claim what we do naturally and then we've got a strategy to stick to.  
Next translate your style into some logistics. Do you want to plan ahead, wait until inspired, ignore? Three Options for you. 1) read through the tips for the other styles, and whatever sounds good/calming/easy, then do that. 2) Plan to follow along with the Sidekick Service emails over the next 6 weeks. If it sounds good, do the work suggested for each. Then, if you want to jump off at any point, please do! 3) Look at this All-at-Once Prep sheet. Or skim this article. Then ask yourself this, Now that I see all the work involved, how do I want to tackle it?

Once you discover your name + system, I'd sure love to hear about it. Please email me at jennygirlfriday@gmail.com

I'm excited to hear what you think of these Styles + Tips! 

• How to Renew your LLC / PLLC (aka make annual report)

If you have an LLC or PLLC, you must ‘renew’ it each year to keep it going. Officially, it’s referred to as making your Annual Report. It’s quick and costs about $60. It’s due on the anniversary month of when you opened it.

Some reminders

This is different than your business license. Your LLC / PLLC is a legal entity that you created. It has its own limits, responsibilities and protections. It’s separate from you (like an 18 year old child). It can only practice business if you keep it alive and it is properly licensed. To keep it alive is a legal issue (vs. financial), that’s why we’re dealing with the Secretary of State.

Basic Info to Renew / Make Annual Report

TIME: 2 - 10 minutes
COST: $60
DUE: On the anniversary month when it was formed
Frustration Factor: 4 out of 10
WEBSITE: ccfs.sos.wa.gov/#/
GOVT: Secretary of State
HELP: 360.725.0377

Summary

Set up a profile if needed. Log in. Double check that your name and address is filled in for every role (governor, registered agent, executor, etc.). Get to the end, pay $60. Mark off your Important Dates List (Annual, Quarterly). Reward yourself!

Why?

LLCs / PLLCs were originally created for groups of people coming together to do business. Each owner is actually called a Member. The annual report is saying, Yes, it’s still going. Here’s who is doing which role. With bigger groups, this matters! For a single-member LLC / PLLC, it feels a little silly because generally we serve all the roles! By making this report, we confirming that all this info is the same.

Steps - Screen shots below

1 Go to SOS.wa.gov
2 Click on CORPORATIONS in the Top Nav to open the menu
3 Find CORPS & CHARITIES FILING SYSTEM
4 Sign in ….or create a profile, then sign in when directed
5 Find ANNUAL REPORT on the Left Nav
6 Search for your Business using your UBI or Name
7 Select your name from the List
8 Confirm all your information, make changes or additions if needed
9 Review
10 Add to Cart and Pay
11 Optional - print or save the pdf for your records
12 Mark as done on your Important Dates List
13 Reward yourself!

Screenshots

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Voila! All done for another year. Great job on getting another business chore finished. Having said that, I hope it was kind of fun and rewarding! Your work is still alive and kicking!

: ) Jenny Girl Friday

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

P.S. Was this helpful? I sure hope so! If YES, please consider leaving a Tip in the Tip Jar. (Unless you’ve already given an Annual Donation.)

Have any friends with an LLC / PLLC? Forward freely!

Why tips and donations? I’m currently doing all of this work during evenings/weekends. It’s slow going to build this Apothecary on the side. With more funds, I can ‘buy’ more time each month to grow the collection faster. I’m hoping to some day earn enough so it can be a one-day-a-week job.

If NO, then send me your questions, or let me know where things are confusing. I’d love to clear it up for you and other folks! jennygirlfriday@gmail.com