Beating the August Heat: Prepping the Fall & Winter Greenhouse

-
August in Alabama is notoriously hot, but if you want a thriving fall and winter harvest, right now is exactly when you need to start getting your hands dirty. Having a greenhouse is a huge advantage for extending the growing season, so I am rolling up my sleeves this weekend to get the fall crop preparation underway. Here is a look at what is going into the dirt this weekend, what is on the schedule for later this fall, and the long game for spring. 🌱 What I’m Planting This Weekend The planting window is perfectly timed right now, so these are the priority seeds going into the setup: Baby Broccoli: I just picked up these seeds, and they are going straight into the dirt! The window for broccoli closes by mid-August, and it is well-suited for direct seeding into the soil rather than using transplants. Spinach: The window also closes by mid-August. Because spinach has shallow roots, these seeds are going straight into the vertical stackable planters. Leaf Lettuce: Perfect for plantin...
Post a Comment

πŸ“… Day 5: How to Track Mileage Without the Stress

-

 

πŸ“… Day 5: How to Track Mileage Without the Stress

If you drive for business — even occasionally — tracking your mileage could lead to real tax savings. But let’s be honest: nobody wants to carry around a paper logbook or guess their odometer reading every day.

Good news: there are smarter (and simpler) ways to do it.

πŸš— Why Mileage Matters

The IRS allows you to deduct business-related driving at the standard mileage rate, which in 2025 is $0.67 per mile (subject to updates). That means:

100 miles = $67 deduction
1,000 miles = $670 deduction

For many solopreneurs, that’s hundreds or even thousands of dollars in write-offs — if you track it properly.

✍️ What Trips Can You Count?

  • Driving to meet a client
  • Picking up business supplies
  • Visiting a vendor or coworking space
  • Attending a business conference or training

🚫 Personal commutes don’t count (like from home to a regular office location).

πŸ“± 3 Stress-Free Ways to Track Mileage

  1. Mileage Apps (automated, low effort)
    • Try MileIQ, Everlance, or Stride
    • They run in the background, detect trips, and let you “swipe” business vs. personal
  2. Spreadsheet Tracker (simple + free)
    • Create a column layout: Date Start/End Miles Purpose
    • Use Google Sheets on your phone for quick logging
  3. Calendar Sync Method
  • At the end of each week, look at your appointments and log the trips
  • Good option if you don’t drive often but want to stay accurate

✅ Tip from a CPA

Even if you switch from the standard mileage rate to actual vehicle expenses, you still need a mileage log to prove business use. So start now — you’ll thank yourself come tax time.

Coming up next: Day 6 – What’s Actually Deductible When You Eat Out for Business (hint: it’s not your grocery run πŸ›’). Let’s dig into business meals tomorrow

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

🚨 Day 17: Red Flags That Could Trigger an IRS Audit

-
🚨 Day 17: Red Flags That Could Trigger an IRS Audit For most taxpayers, the word “audit” evokes dread. But as a CPA, I know that fear often stems from uncertainty—not necessarily wrongdoing. The IRS audits less than 1% of individual returns annually, but certain patterns and mistakes can increase your chances of being flagged. Whether you're self-employed, managing multiple income streams, or just trying to maximize deductions, awareness is your best defense. Here are the most common red flags—and how to avoid them. πŸ“Œ 1. Failing to Report All Income The IRS receives copies of your W-2s, 1099s, and other income statements. If your return doesn’t match what third parties report, their Automated Underreporter system will catch it. Avoid it: Keep a master list of income sources, especially if you freelance, sell products online, or earn interest/dividends. Double-check that all income is reported—even small amounts. πŸ“Œ 2. Excessive Deductions Compared to Income Claiming lar...
Read more

Understanding Dual Contributions: Korean National Pension vs. U.S. FICA

-
Image
Understanding Dual Contributions: Korean National Pension vs. U.S. FICA Navigating social security systems across borders can be confusing—especially for employees working between Korea and the U.S. A recurring question is: Can someone pay into both Korea’s National Pension and U.S. FICA (Social Security and Medicare taxes) at the same time—and what happens if they do? This post breaks down how the Korea–U.S. Totalization Agreement works, what “coverage” means, and the consequences of dual contributions. 1. The Totalization Agreement at a Glance πŸ‡°πŸ‡·πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Since 2001, the Korea–U.S. Totalization Agreement has coordinated social security coverage between the two countries. Its primary goal is to: Prevent double taxation of social security contributions on the same income during the same time period Protect future benefit rights for cross-border workers Key principles: At any given time, only one country’s social security system applies to your wages C...
Read more

πŸ§“ Day 15: How to Set Up a Retirement Plan (Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA)

-
 πŸ§“ Day 15: How to Set Up a Retirement Plan (Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA) If you're self-employed or running a small business, setting up a retirement plan isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Two of the most powerful options available are the Solo 401(k) and the SEP IRA. Both offer generous contribution limits and tax advantages, but they serve slightly different needs. Let’s break down how to set each one up and which might be right for you. 🧾 Option 1: SEP IRA — Simple & Scalable Best for: Freelancers, solopreneurs, and small businesses with a few employees ✅ How to Set It Up: • Open a SEP IRA through a brokerage (e.g., Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab) • Fill out IRS Form 5305-SEP (or use your provider’s version) • Link your business bank account for contributions • Make contributions by your tax filing deadline (including extensions) πŸ’° Contribution Limits (2025): • Up to 25% of compensation, capped at $70,000 • Only the employer contributes (you, if self-employed) ...
Read more