Beating the August Heat: Prepping the Fall & Winter Greenhouse

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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...
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πŸ“… Day 6: What’s Actually Deductible When You Eat Out for Business (2025 Edition)

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πŸ“… Day 6: What’s Actually Deductible When You Eat Out for Business (2025 Edition)

Business meals can be a legit tax deduction — but only if you follow the rules. And no, your solo sushi craving doesn’t count (unless your client’s name is “Tax Return”).

Let’s break it down.

🍽️ What Counts as a Deductible Business Meal?

In 2025, most business meals are 50% deductible, but some are 100%. Here’s how to tell the difference:

✅ 50% Deductible

  • Meals with clients or prospects (as long as business is discussed and you’re present)
  • Meals while traveling for business
  • Team lunches or working meals (not lavish)

✅ 100% Deductible

  • Company-wide events (like holiday parties)
  • Meals provided for the employer’s convenience (e.g., working late at the office)
  • Promotional events open to the public (like a launch party with snacks)

🚫 Not Deductible

  • Entertainment (concerts, sports games — even if business is discussed)
  • Meals that are overly extravagant
  • Personal meals or groceries

🧾 How to Document It (Without Losing Your Mind)

  • Keep the receipt
  • Note the date, attendees, and business purpose
  • Use a “Meals & Entertainment” category in your tracker or accounting software

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip from a CPA
If you give event tickets as a gift and don’t attend, it might be deductible as a business gift (subject to the $25 limit). But if you go with them? It’s entertainment — and not deductible.

Coming up next: Day 7 – How to Hire Your Kid Legally- And Save Taxes.


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