204 ⎸ Q: How long should we retain client documents?
Send us a textIn this episode, I'm tackling a listener question about document retention in our digital age. You know how we used to worry about keeping physical files for 3, 5, or 7 years? Well, now that everything's digital and stored in the cloud, does that change our retention strategy? Spoiler alert: it's way more complex than I initially thought! I'm breaking down both IRS guidelines for small businesses AND AICPA guidelines for accounting firms, plus sharing exactly what we do in our own firm.What You'll Learn:The difference between IRS requirements for small businesses vs. AICPA guidelines for accounting firmsHow to create your own document retention policy (and why every firm owner needs one)The logistics of offboarding clients while protecting yourself legallyWhat documents you should NEVER delete and what you can purge after 7-10 yearsResources mentioned:Ask YOUR Questions at: http://speakpipe.com/ambitiousbookkeeperIRS Publication 583 and 552AICPA GuidelinesIRS.govDropbox, OneDrive, Google Workspace, Google DriveCanopy, Content SnareFor experienced bookkeepers & accountants:Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaGrab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklistGrab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboardFor new bookkeepers:Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvvFor online businesses:Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial: https://www.ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contactConnect with us:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaPodcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.DubsadoDecoded.com
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203 ⎸ Q: Is the NonProfit Sector a Viable Niche?
Send us a textIn this episode, I'm answering an audience question about whether the nonprofit sector is a viable niche for a new bookkeeping firm. I dive deep into the pros and cons of specializing in nonprofits and share actionable strategies for making this niche work.What You Can Expect to HearHow to overcome the common challenge of nonprofits expecting discounted pricing through value-based pricing strategiesSpecific scalability tactics including productizing services, choosing specialized software, and building efficient processesNetworking strategies and the sweet spot for targeting mid-size nonprofits that have budget but haven't internalized their accounting functionFor experienced bookkeepers & accountants:Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaGrab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklistGrab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboardFor new bookkeepers:Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvvFor online businesses:Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial: https://www.ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contactConnect with us:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaPodcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.DubsadoDecoded.com
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202 ⎸ Healing Money Trauma with Meenadchi
Send us a textIn this eye-opening episode, Serena sits down with Meenadchi, an ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how intergenerational trauma impacts our relationship with money. This isn't your typical business conversation - we're diving deep into the personal stuff that affects how you run your business and serve your clients … and get a little woo!In this episode you’ll hear:How trauma from your ancestors (even great-grandparents) lives in your body and affects your money decisions todayWhy your "difficult" clients might not be responding because of their own money trauma - and how understanding this changes everythingThe surprising science behind why we existed in our grandmother's bellies and what that means for inherited patternsPractical exercises you can do right now to start healing your relationship with money, including writing a letter TO moneyResources mentioned in this episode:Free money magic meditation: https://meenadchi.myflodesk.com/moneymagicTrauma of Money™: https://www.thetraumaofmoney.com/Creme de la Creme Networking Group: https://cremedelacreme.coachesandcompany.com/Meet MeenadchiMeenadchi (she/her) is an ancestral healing practitioner, TEDx speaker, and communications expert whose work centers social change and embodied transformation. Using the modality of Family Constellation Therapy, Meenadchi supports socially-conscious changemakers and entrepreneurs heal inherited and ancestral money trauma, so that we can be paid well for our work and so that we can pour funds into our communities from a state of overflow instead of self-sacrifice. Meenadchi holds a clinical license in occupational therapy and has historically served communities impacted by gender-based violence, complex trauma, and serious mental illness. She is the author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication (2019) and is a faculty member with the Trauma of Money™.Connect with MeenadchiWebsite: http://meenadchi.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenadchi/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/with.meenadchi/Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpGet access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.DubsadoDecoded.com Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify
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201 ⎸ [Q&A] Nonprofit Niche, Software, and Standing Out as a New Bookkeeper
Send us a textIn this May Q&A episode, Serena dives deep into the practical side of building a bookkeeping business, covering everything from software partnerships and pricing strategies to finding your niche and standing out from the competition. She shares real-world advice on working with Xero and Gusto, addresses common struggles with client onboarding, and provides actionable tips for bookkeepers at every stage of their journey.In this episode you’ll hear:How to handle software costs and partnerships with Xero and GustoStrategies to differentiate yourself in a crowded bookkeeping marketThe real talk on choosing your niche and why you shouldn't let others talk you out of what you loveGame-changing client onboarding tactics that eliminate problem clients from day oneResources mentioned in this episode:Xero, Gusto, QBO, Hubdoc, Jet Convert, Dubsado, Relay Bank, Squarespace, Kajabi, Bluehost & HoverBookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaBBA VIP upgrade optionSquarespace for Bookkeepers program by Tia: https://www.riledupgoats.com/ssfbBookkeeping Biz Workshops (coming August, evenings, 3 days)Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.DubsadoDecoded.com Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify
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200 ⎸ What I Learned in 2024 & Q1 of 2025
Send us a textIt’s the 200th episode of The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast and Serena pulls back the curtain on her bookkeeping firm's 2024 performance, sharing both the wins and challenges. She gets real about client churn, revenue growth, personal struggles with mold toxicity, and the hard lessons learned about communicating with clients who aren't taking crucial financial advice.In this episode you’ll hear:Client management reality check - How one client's bankruptcy and fraud issues led to major communication style changesPersonal health struggles - Living in toxic mold for 2 years and how it affected business decisions and energy levels2025 strategy shifts - Moving away from high-ticket CFO services toward team-handled base packages for better work-life balanceResources mentioned in this episode:Episode 175 | Threads: Is it Worth it? https://youtu.be/Ola7HlpRy2UElevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevateElevate Mastermind (only for program graduates)Dubsado Decoded (with Kendra Courtney): https://kendracourtney.com/dubsado-decoded/AI Unlocked Summit registration: https://ambitiousbookkeeper--gemmabonhamcarter.thrivecart.com/ai-unlocked/619bde31ff59d/Bookkeeping Biz Workshops (launching August 2025)Xero, QBO, Hubdoc, ChatGPT, Asana, Airtable, TaxJar, A2X, DubsadoBusiness by Design (James Wedmore's program): https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/Xero Con, Podcasting Moms Conference, BBD Live, Wave SeattlePrescott Area Young ProfessionalsThanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)BuzzsproGet access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.DubsadoDecoded.com Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify
The Ambitious Bookkeeper podcast is for bookkeepers & accountants who are growing or aspiring to start their own business. Our mission is to elevate the bookkeeping profession by providing support and resources for new and experienced firm owners. We share actionable tips on running a successful bookkeeping business, tools and resources, plus guest expert interviews that will help you elevate your business. Where you can find us: Website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com BBA: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/serenashoup Instagram: https://instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
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