On this episode of Through The Pines we'll over money mastery in a gig economy including core challenges of a non-W2 worker, budgeting & cash flow for irregular income, taxes, self funded benefits like insurance, and more!

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while editing his daily vlog (he never publishes), this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: planwithbaxter.com

OUTLINE:

1. Core Challenges of non-W2 Money Management
   1. Irregular Income Realities
   2. No built-in safety nets: Lack of employer withholding for taxes, no auto-retirement contributions, self-funded health & disability
   3. Hidden Costs: Self employment tax
   4. Stress from volatility, trouble qualifying for loans/mortgages
2. Budgeting & Cash Flow for Irregular Income
   1. Calculate baseline average over last 6 months and create a budget
   2. Pay yourself first - auto-transfers
   3. Allocate dollars for taxes, operating expenses, owner compensation, and emergency fund
   4. Use Tools & a financial advisor
3. Taxes
   1. Quarterly estimated taxes: tracking, calculating & penalties
   2. Self employment tax breakdown: 15.3% / deductions
   3. Maximize deductions: mileage, equipment, health insurance premiums,
   4. Record keeping essentials: MileIQ or Expensify, saving receipts, may need an EIN
   5. Work with a CPA & a Financial Advisor
4. Self Funded Benefits
   1. Health Insurance options
   2. Disability Insurance
   3. Umbrella Insurance, business insurance, life insurance
   4. Retirement: IRA options (Trad, Roth, SEP), Solo 401(k), SIMPLE IRA

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This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

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Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

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This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2026