Posts by Amy Ragan

Some customers look great on paper. They bring in revenue. They keep your calendar full. They may even be one of your largest accounts. But behind the scenes, they require constant attention, ask for extra work, pay slowly, and use far more time than expected. That is how unprofitable customers hide in plain sight. When…

A Tax Deduction Does Not Automatically Make It a Good Purchase Year end can make a major business equipment purchase feel especially tempting. A new computer system, vehicle, machine, or piece of office equipment may qualify for valuable tax deductions. That can make buying before December 31 look like an easy decision. But a tax…

See Your Business Through Fresh Eyes Imagine your business walked into an interview tomorrow. You are not the owner for a moment. Instead, you are a potential employee, customer, vendor, or even investor deciding whether this is a company you want to work with. Would you be impressed? That question can reveal more than another…

Choosing a CPA is a little like choosing a mechanic, a doctor, or someone to cut your hair. You are trusting them with something important, and you would really prefer not to discover six months later that you picked the wrong one. The funny thing is, CPAs can have very different approaches to working with…

Why Paying Yourself Should Be Part of Your Business Plan Running a small business means making decisions about customers, employees, expenses, taxes, and growth. Yet one financial decision often gets pushed aside: paying yourself. Some business owners take money whenever the bank account looks healthy. Others avoid taking anything because they feel every dollar should…

Why the September Deadline Deserves Your Attention September may feel far away, but the next federal estimated tax deadline is approaching quickly. For many small business owners, the September estimated tax payment is due September 15, 2026. Waiting until the final few days can create stress and put unnecessary pressure on your cash flow. Estimated…

Fraud does not always look suspicious at first. Sometimes it arrives as an ordinary invoice from a company that appears familiar. The amount seems reasonable, the payment request feels urgent, and a busy employee approves it without asking questions. By the time anyone realizes the vendor was fake, the money is gone. Small businesses are…

One Expensive Surprise Can Change Everything The air conditioner stops working during the hottest week of the year. A major customer pays late. Equipment breaks, sales slow down, or an unexpected bill arrives. These situations are stressful, but they should not automatically become financial emergencies. A healthy small business cash reserve gives you room to…

Before the Weekend Rush Begins Back to school season brings crowded stores, longer checkout lines, and customers searching for every possible savings opportunity. For Alabama retailers, it also brings a short but important window when certain purchases may qualify for sales tax exemptions. The 2026 Alabama sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday,…

Stop Guessing What Accounting Costs. Get Your Personalized Estimate in Under Two Minutes. One of the first questions business owners ask is, “How much does an accountant cost?” Unfortunately, finding the answer is not always easy. Many accounting firms ask you to schedule a consultation before discussing pricing. Others advertise a starting price that may…