The Roofer Who Made $50K More Without Increasing Revenue: A Profit First Case Study

Overall Summary:
In this episode of Savvy or Surrender, host Steven Young breaks down a real-world case study of a roofing company generating over $1.2 million in revenue but still feeling broke at year's end. Through implementing the Profit First methodology and the Savvy Path to Cash system, this business increased owner pay by $25,000 and net profit by $25,000—without changing their revenue. Steven reveals how proper cash flow management, strategic account allocation, and expense optimization can transform a high-revenue business into a truly profitable one.

Key Timestamps:

• [0:00] Introduction: The million-dollar revenue problem
• [4:32] Introducing Profit First methodology
• [7:53] The Savvy Path to Cash solution
• [12:16] Case study results: before and after breakdown
• [17:11] Introducing the Savvy Boss program
• [18:17] The critical question: would your business survive if revenue stopped growing?

Keywords:
Profit First, cash flow management, contractor, bookkeeping, roofing business profitability, small business financial management, tax planning for contractors, business expense optimization

Hashtags:
#ProfitFirst #CashFlowManagement #ContractorFinance #SmallBusinessTips #BusinessProfitability #SavvyOrSurrender #EntrepreneurFinance #FinancialPlanning

Contact & Resources:

• Schedule a free discovery call: meetwithsavvy.com
• Email: podcast@savvytaxstrategies.com
• Website: savvyorsurrender.com

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Summary:

Thinking about starting a business in 2026? Before you dive in, you need to understand the tax implications and financial realities of entrepreneurship. In this episode, Steven Young from Savvy Tax Strategies breaks down the critical difference between startup costs and operating expenses, using two real-world case studies: becoming a realtor or buying a franchise.

Steven shares honest insights about the emotional rollercoaster of business ownership and explains why some expenses can be deducted immediately while others must be capitalized and amortized over years. Whether you're considering a low-capital business like real estate or a capital-intensive franchise, this episode will help you understand what's truly deductible, what must be depreciated, and how to set yourself up for financial success from day one.

[0:00] Introduction: Why people start businesses at the beginning of the year

• [0:36] Should you be a business owner? The emotional reality
• [1:54] Real stories: When business ownership doesn't work out
• [3:33] The ups and downs of entrepreneurship
• [4:14] Choosing your business entity structure
• [5:35] The two critical timelines: Before vs. after starting
• [6:19] Case Study #1: Becoming a realtor
• [7:16] The 5 core tax rules every business owner must know
• [8:44] What "capitalized" really means
• [10:00] Section 179 and equipment deductions
• [10:54] Subscribe and leave a review!
• [11:34] The IRS taxes the timeline, not your intentions
• [11:54] Realtor licensing costs: What's deductible?
• [13:22] Pre-licensing vs. post-licensing expenses
• [14:09] Ongoing realtor expenses you CAN deduct
• [14:31] Can you deduct clothing, hair, and makeup?
• [16:00] Equipment, home office, and the $2,500 safe harbor rule
• [17:11] Home office deduction: Standard vs. itemized
• [19:01] Case Study #2: Franchise startup
• [19:37] Using retirement funds (ROBS) to buy a franchise
• [20:39] What must be capitalized in a franchise
• [22:18] Section 179 for tangible equipment
• [23:47] Post-opening deductible costs
• [24:26] Side-by-side comparison: Realtor vs. Franchise
• [24:36] Real story: The nurse who lost his retirement
• [25:37] Success story: ROBS loan + Profit First system
• [26:18] Introduction to Profit First methodology
• [27:03] Closing: Free discovery call offer

SEO/ Keywords:
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Hashtags:
StartingABusiness #SmallBusinessTax #EntrepreneurTips #TaxDeductions #FranchiseBusiness #RealtorTips #BusinessStartup #TaxStrategy #SmallBizOwner #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAccounting #StartupCosts #Section179 #HomeOfficeDeduction #ProfitFirst #BusinessPlanning #TaxPlanning2026 #NewBusinessOwner #SelfEmployed #BusinessFinance

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Title:
How to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner- Consistent Paychecks, Tax Tips & Profit First Explained: Episode 18

Description:
Are you a business owner struggling with inconsistent paychecks? In this episode, Steven Young- host of Savvy or Surrender Podcast breaks down exactly how to pay yourself—no matter your business structure (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Partnership, S Corp, or C Corp). Learn the difference between draws, salaries, and distributions, how to set up your accounts for predictable income, and how to use the Profit First method to ensure you get paid—every month. Plus, get actionable tax tips to keep more of what you earn and avoid common mistakes that cost business owners thousands.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your pay structure, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you become a savvy CEO and never surrender to the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Why Your Paycheck Feels Optional
00:31 – Meet Steven Young & The Savvy Podcast
01:37 – How Business Structure Affects Your Pay
03:23 – Sole Proprietor & LLC: Draws Explained
05:26 – The Importance of Separate Business Accounts
07:03 – How Taxes Work on Business Income
09:02 – Estimated Tax Payments & Key Dates
12:15 – Paying Yourself Like Payroll (Even Without W2)
14:00 – Partnerships & Guaranteed Payments
16:36 – S Corps: Salary vs. Distributions
19:28 – What’s a “Reasonable Salary” for S Corps?
23:11 – Why Owner Pay is Often Inconsistent
26:06 – The Profit First Method for Consistent Pay
29:15 – Setting Up Owner’s Pay & Buffer Accounts
32:10 – S Corp Tax Tips & Avoiding Common Mistakes
35:10 – How to Build a Pay Buffer for Slow Months
38:00 – Q&A, Resources, and Final Thoughts

Keywords:
how to pay yourself as a business owner, business owner salary, profit first method, owner’s draw vs salary, S corp salary, LLC pay structure, business tax tips, consistent paycheck, small business finance, Steven Young, Savvy Podcast, business owner mistakes, how to set up business accounts, estimated tax payments, guaranteed payments, owner distributions, business structure pay, entrepreneur pay, business owner financial advice

Resources:

• Schedule a discovery call: https://meetwithsavvy.com
• Get the Tax Savings Playbook: https://savvytaxstrategies.com

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!

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What if your year-end review actually changed next year’s results? We unpack a wild stretch of growth—moving from a part-time practice to a team of four, relocating into a new office, and crossing the 500% revenue growth mark—while being honest about what it cost and what we’d do differently. The big story isn’t just the numbers; it’s how we used clarity to make faster, better decisions when plans went sideways.

We break down the channels that truly moved the needle. BNI and local partner networks accounted for roughly half of new business thanks to layered referrals and built-in trust. Dave Ramsey leads paid for themselves and seeded a recurring client base. On the flip side, Facebook ads devoured budget with low-quality leads and weak ROI, so we shut them down and doubled down on what worked. You’ll also hear the full SBA office saga: a near-miss purchase, a creative lease-to-own path, and why pristine books are non-negotiable when lenders start asking hard questions.

Staffing became the crucible where our systems were tested. Turnover, a sudden absence, and undocumented work created client pain we had to own. The fix: move tax and bookkeeping workflows to the cloud, standardize checklists and handoffs, and set clear expectations that survive personnel changes. Along the way, we lean into Profit First to avoid “growing broke,” tighten collections, and track simple KPIs—lead source mix, CAC, LTV, cycle times, realization rates—that guide hiring, spending, and service promises. The goal is bigger than surviving tax season. We’re building durable profit and creating options that compound for families over time.

Want the framework we use to turn reflection into action? We map out five steps—what worked, what didn’t, biggest wins, biggest challenges, and how to fix it—so you can run your own review and enter 2026 with a clean plan. If this resonates, subscribe, share the episode with a business owner who needs honest numbers, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find us. Ready to talk? Book a discovery call at meetwithsavvy.com and let’s see if we’re a fit.

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Title: Decoding the Business Credit Myth-Steps to Build Business Credit with Jimmy Rios: Episode 16

❗Download the episode to learn how to build and use business credit the right way—without accidentally putting your personal finances on the chopping block.

Overall Summary:
In this episode of the Savvy or Surrender Podcast, host Steven Young sits down with Jimmy Rios, business credit expert, author, and founder of Rios Business Advisors. Jimmy shares his expertise on how business owners can establish and grow business credit, the key differences between personal and business credit, and actionable steps to separate your business finances for long-term success. The conversation covers common misconceptions, practical tips for getting started, and the importance of professionalizing your business structure. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode provides a clear roadmap to unlocking business credit opportunities.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest Jimmy Rios
• 01:21 – Jimmy’s background, family, and business journey
• 03:45 – The story behind Rios Business Advisors and their holistic approach
• 06:50 – Transition to business credit: why it matters
• 07:23 – Common misconceptions about business credit
• 09:36 – Steps to start building business credit (LLC, EIN, business bank account)
• 12:00 – Importance of separating personal and business finances
• 14:10 – Setting up business accounts and net 30 vendors
• 16:00 – Professionalizing your business: address, phone, email, and listings
• 18:00 – Getting your DUNS number and registering with credit bureaus
• 19:41 – Where to apply for business credit first (hardware stores, gas cards, etc.)
• 21:00 – How business credit is reported and how to build it over time
• 23:00 – Differences between personal and business credit bureaus
• 25:00 – Final advice: don’t procrastinate, get started now
• 26:30 – How to contact Jimmy Rios and Rios Business Advisors
• 28:00 – Host’s closing remarks and call to action

Hashtags:

SEO Keywords:
business credit, how to build business credit, Jimmy Rios, Rios Business Advisors, business credit myth, business credit steps, business credit vs personal credit, DUNS number, net 30 vendors, business bank account, LLC setup, business credit bureaus, small business finance, business funding, business loans, business credit cards, business structure, financial planning, Savvy or Surrender Podcast

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Title: 7 Essential Year-End Tax Moves for Business Owners: Episode 15

❗Don’t forget to download the episode — that way you never miss the game-changing cash flow tips that keep your business running strong.

Summary:
In this episode of the Savvy or Surrender Podcast, host Steven Young breaks down seven actionable, IRS-approved tax strategies every business owner should consider before the year ends. From accelerating legitimate expenses to leveraging retirement contributions and understanding the latest on state and local tax deductions, Steven provides practical advice to help you maximize deductions, minimize tax liability, and set your business up for financial success in the coming year. Bonus tips on charitable giving and avoiding common tax planning mistakes are also included.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Year-end tax scramble & episode overview
• 00:28 – Host intro & subscribe reminder
• 00:49 – No-fluff approach & who this episode is for
• 01:39 – Move #1: Accelerate legitimate expenses
• 03:19 – Move #2: Equipment and vehicle purchases
• 04:31 – Section 179 & bonus depreciation explained
• 04:51 – Move #3: Retirement contributions (Solo 401k, HSA, SEP IRA)
• 08:09 – HSA changes & maximizing health savings
• 09:54 – Self-directed plans & tax-free crypto trading
• 09:49 – Move #4: Pay yourself & timing for S-Corp owners
• 10:07 – Determining reasonable salary
• 11:05 – Payroll, bonuses, and year-end deadlines
• 11:45 – Move #5: Accountable plan setup for reimbursements
• 13:12 – How to document and implement an accountable plan
• 15:21 – Real-world example: Contractor savings
• 16:40 – Importance of formalizing the plan & business documentation
• 17:52 – Move #6: Harvest losses & clean up your books
• 18:33 – Writing off bad debt, obsolete inventory, and accurate bookkeeping
• 19:34 – Move #7: State and local tax (SALT) strategies & pass-through entity tax
• 22:31 – Example scenario: S-Corp, state tax, and federal savings
• 25:01 – Bonus moves: Charitable giving & Idaho Youth Ranch credit
• 26:33 – Biggest year-end mistake: Waiting to plan
• 27:00 – Call to action: Schedule a discovery call & subscribe

Keywords:
year-end tax planning, business tax deductions, IRS strategies, Section 179, bonus depreciation, Solo 401k, HSA, SEP IRA, accountable plan, S-Corp, payroll, pass-through entity tax, SALT deduction, bookkeeping, charitable giving, tax credits, small business, financial planning, Steven Young, Savvy or Surrender Podcast

SEO Description:
Discover 7 must-do year-end tax strategies for business owners with Steven Young on the Savvy or Surrender Podcast. Learn how to maximize deductions, leverage retirement accounts, set up accountable plans, and take advantage of new IRS rules before December 31st. Perfect for entrepreneurs, S-Corp owners, and anyone looking to save on taxes and grow their business wealth.

Hashtags:

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Title: Quarterly Tax Payments for Contractors- Avoid Penalties & Stress: Episode 14

❗Don’t forget to download the episode — that way you never miss the game-changing cash flow tips that keep your business running strong.

In this episode of The Savvy or Surrender Podcast, host Steven Young demystifies the process of paying estimated taxes for business owners and contractors. He covers who needs to pay quarterly taxes, how to calculate your payments, and the importance of setting aside money regularly—highlighting the Profit First method. Steven also explains the IRS Safe Harbor Rule, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do if you fall behind. The episode wraps up with practical advice for S Corp owners, tips for avoiding penalties, and a call to action for listeners to take control of their tax planning.

00:00 – Introduction: Why estimated taxes matter for business owners

00:22 – Host introduction and episode overview

00:50 – Call to action: Subscribe, like, and review

01:10 – What are estimated taxes? Who needs to pay them?

02:09 – Federal and state estimated tax basics

03:01 – Who is required to pay quarterly taxes?

04:13 – Common mistakes: Forgetting to set aside money for taxes

05:01 – The IRS Safe Harbor Rule explained

06:34 – Calculating your estimated tax payments

08:21 – Mistake #1: Waiting until tax time

09:10 – Penalties and how to get them abated

10:49 – Mistake #2: Not setting money aside weekly (Profit First method)

11:53 – S Corp owners: Payroll and estimated taxes

13:33 – How and when to pay estimated taxes (quarterly deadlines)

15:21 – What to do if you’re behind on payments

16:09 – Penalties, interest, and the importance of filing early

17:13 – Why the IRS may not contact you right away

18:13 – States vs. IRS: Who acts faster?

18:33 – Final thoughts: Having a plan and using Profit First

19:13 – Call to action: Schedule a free discovery call and holiday wishes

SEO Keywords

• Estimated taxes
• Quarterly tax payments
• IRS Safe Harbor Rule
• Business owner taxes
• S Corp tax planning
• Profit First method
• Tax penalties and abatement
• State income tax
• Small business tax tips
• Tax deadlines for business owners

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Title: 5 Audit Triggers Contractors MUST Avoid

Season 1 Episode 13

❗Don’t forget to download the episode — that way you never miss the game-changing cash flow tips that keep your business running strong.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Savvy or Surrender Podcast, host Steven Young breaks down the five most common mistakes that increase your chances of getting audited by the IRS as a business owner—especially for contractors and those in the trades. Steven explains how audits are triggered, what red flags the IRS looks for, and provides actionable tips to avoid costly mistakes. From underreported income to messy records and misclassified workers, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay compliant, organized, and stress-free come tax season.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Why audits happen and what to expect
01:18 – Welcome to the Savvy or Surrender Podcast
02:36 – IRS audit algorithms and how they target businesses
03:58 – What to expect from a typical audit letter
06:44 – Red Flag #1: Underreported income (1099s, payment processors, cash jobs)
09:44 – How to handle 1099-Ks from Venmo, PayPal, and more
11:40 – Bookkeeping software recommendations
13:10 – Red Flag #2: Excessive or unusual deductions (auto, equipment, travel)
15:00 – How to document large write-offs and avoid expense clumping
18:24 – Red Flag #3: Misclassifying workers (contractors vs. employees)
20:23 – The IRS test for employee vs. contractor
23:33 – Why you need W-9s and written contracts
25:33 – Red Flag #4: Messy or missing records (receipts, mileage logs, estimates)
28:21 – Best practices for digital recordkeeping
31:02 – Red Flag #5: Home office deduction mistakes
33:14 – How to correctly claim your home office and storage space
35:28 – The importance of consistency, documentation, and honesty
38:00 – Outro: How to get more support from the Savvy Tax Hub

SEO Keywords:
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Hashtags:

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