Act By Tomorrow, LLC

03/13/2026

Great local resource for Polk County Iowa!

If your household annual income is generally $69,000 or less, you can get your taxes completed free of charge through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Services (VITA) program. Several VITA sites are available in Polk County through the The Iowa Center.

Find a location and schedule a VITA appointment at: theiowacenter.org/vita/

02/11/2026

Real estate agents… are we pretending tax season isn’t happening? 👀

Because a LOT of agents right now are scrambling to piece together 2025 income and expenses to send to their CPA.

If they even have one yet.

And here’s the part no one talks about… most CPAs are already full this time of year. They’re not taking new clients.

But here’s the secret 👇

When you approach a CPA and say,
“I already have everything tracked. Clean P&L. Clean Balance Sheet. Ready to go.”

You instantly move to the top of the list.

That’s why I created a simplified income and expense tracker specifically for real estate agents.

You plug in your transactions.
It organizes everything.
It converts it into a neat, professional P&L and Balance Sheet.

No guessing.
No messy spreadsheets.
No panic in March.

If you want the tracker I built for agents, DM or comment EXPENSES below and I’ll send you the link.

10/24/2025

Starting the Next Chapter: Financial Peace University

After finally finishing my bachelor’s degree in accounting, I’m stepping into the next big season: paying off my student loans.

I just started Financial Peace University and already feel more grounded. For me, this isn’t just about paying off debt. It’s about creating peace in my home, building new habits, and applying the same values I try to help others with in their business.

As a bookkeeper, I spend my time helping business owners gain clarity and confidence with their finances. Now I’m putting that same intention into my personal life. It’s a reminder that even as professionals, we’re always growing.

Have you ever taken Financial Peace University or followed Dave Ramsey’s approach? What worked for you? I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been on a similar journey.

Here’s to better habits and true financial peace.

08/25/2025

I just returned from my honeymoon in Bolivia with my family, and it’s hard to put into words how special the experience was. We spent time at Refugio Los Volcanes, surrounded by red cliffs, lush green valleys, and the quiet beauty of nature all around us.

Being in a place so breathtaking made me pause and think about what really matters: time with the people I love most, making memories my kids will carry with them forever. Life can move so fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the to-do lists and routines. Moments like these remind me to slow down, breathe, and be present.

I came home with a renewed sense of gratitude for my family, for the ability to travel and explore, and for the work that gives me the flexibility to create these experiences.

06/25/2025

This one goes out to my biggest supporters.

On the left: the very first “degree” my daughter ever awarded me, proudly framed and displayed for years as my daily motivation.

On the right: the official one, hard earned through late nights, early mornings, and countless sacrifices.

Both mean the world to me, but the one drawn with love reminds me exactly why I do what I do.

🎓✨

05/05/2025

Big milestone moment

After 13 years, 6+ restarts, and countless detours, I finally earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting.

There were so many times I told myself life was too busy to keep going. But a few years ago, when I became a full-time mom to two amazing kids, something shifted. I knew I wanted to show them what persistence looks like in real life.

Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
1. Your path doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s.
2. You’re never too busy or too old to invest in yourself.
3. When you grow, your business and your family grow with you.
4. The best kind of motivation is having little eyes watching you do hard things.

My kids even made me a diploma of their own, and it’s the most meaningful one I’ll ever receive.

Thanks to everyone who’s supported me along the way. This moment means everything.

05/01/2025

I’ve been reading Never Split the Difference lately, and it’s hitting differently now that I’m running my own business.

I didn’t expect negotiation to show up in so many places—pricing my services, setting boundaries with clients, navigating hard conversations, even protecting my time. I thought negotiation was reserved for boardrooms and big deals, but now I see it’s part of daily life as an entrepreneur.

One quote really stuck with me:
“He who has learned to disagree without being disagreeable has discovered the most valuable secret of negotiation.”

That one stopped me. Because in this season of building, learning, and stretching, I’m realizing the goal isn’t always to be right—it’s to connect, to understand, and to move forward with confidence and clarity.

If you’re wearing all the hats too, you probably know what I mean.
This book has given me tools I didn’t know I needed.

Have you read it? Or is there a book that changed how you show up in your business? I’d love to hear.

03/31/2025

🚀 Future-Proofing Your Business Finances: How AI & Automation Are Transforming Small Business Finance

Imagine a business where invoices send themselves, cash flow is predicted with accuracy, and reports generate in real time. It’s not the future—it’s happening now. AI and automation are reshaping small business finance, helping owners save time, reduce errors, and improve cash flow.

💡 Why AI & Automation Matter
Many small businesses struggle with manual bookkeeping, late payments, and forecasting blind spots. AI-driven tools can change that:

Bookkeeping on Autopilot – AI-powered software (QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks) categorizes transactions, reconciles statements, and flags inconsistencies.
Faster Invoicing & Payments – Automation tools generate invoices, follow up on late payments, and offer multiple payment options.
Smarter Financial Forecasting – AI analyzes trends, identifies spending patterns, and predicts revenue fluctuations.
Fraud Detection & Compliance – AI-driven monitoring detects unusual transactions in real time, reducing fraud risks.
💰 How Small Businesses Can Get Started
1️⃣ Adopt Cloud Accounting Software – Automate bookkeeping and reduce errors.
2️⃣ Use AI for Expense Management – Tools like Expensify & Dext extract receipt data and categorize expenses.
3️⃣ Automate Payments & Invoicing – Reduce late payments with smart invoicing solutions.
4️⃣ Leverage AI for Financial Insights – Apps like Float or Fathom provide predictive cash flow analysis.

📊 The Bottom Line?
AI and automation aren’t replacing accountants, but they’re empowering businesses to work smarter and stay ahead. Those who embrace these tools gain a competitive edge—those who don’t risk falling behind.

⚡ Have you implemented AI or automation in your business finances? What’s been the biggest benefit? Let’s discuss in the comments! ⬇️

03/28/2025

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: How to Use Business Loans Strategically

💰 Debt isn’t the enemy—mismanaged debt is. When used wisely, business loans can fuel growth, expansion, and profitability. The key is knowing the difference between good debt and bad debt and leveraging it strategically.

🚀 Good Debt: A Strategic Investment
Good debt increases revenue, efficiency, or long-term value. Examples include:

Equipment Financing – Buying machinery or technology that boosts productivity.
Expansion Loans – Opening new locations or scaling operations for higher profits.
Hiring Key Talent – Bringing in experts who drive business growth.
Marketing & Sales Investment – Funding campaigns with a strong ROI.
📊 Example: A restaurant upgrades its kitchen with a loan, serving more customers and increasing revenue—an investment that pays for itself.

🚨 Bad Debt: A Cash Flow Trap
Bad debt doesn’t generate enough value to justify its cost, often leading to financial strain. Examples include:

High-Interest Credit Cards – Using them for daily expenses without a repayment plan.
Luxury Office Upgrades – Prioritizing aesthetics over profitability.
Unnecessary Inventory Overstocking – Tying up cash in excess stock.
📉 Example: A business renovates its office but struggles with operational costs, leading to financial distress.

🔹 How to Use Debt Wisely
📌 Have a Clear ROI Plan – Ensure loans contribute to revenue growth.
📌 Compare Loan Terms – Look for low-interest rates and favorable repayment terms.
📌 Don’t Overleverage – Maintain a healthy debt-to-income ratio.
📌 Plan for the Unexpected – Keep cash reserves for financial flexibility.

🔑 Smart financial management isn’t about avoiding debt—it’s about using it to fuel success.

💬 What’s your take? Have you used business loans strategically, or have you faced bad debt pitfalls? Share below!

03/27/2025

These Costly Financial Mistakes Could Be Draining Your Business—Are You Making Them?

Financial missteps can turn success into struggle, and many aren’t obvious until it’s too late. Here’s how to avoid them.

🚨 1. Scaling Too Fast
Case Study: An e-commerce brand expanded too quickly, leading to high overhead and cash flow shortages.
Lesson: Growth is great, but expanding before ensuring profitability can lead to debt and inefficiencies.

🚨 2. Ignoring Cash Flow
Case Study: A service-based business had high revenue but struggled to pay bills due to slow client payments.
Lesson: Profit ≠ Cash Flow. Implement strict invoicing policies, automate payments, and negotiate better terms with vendors.

🚨 3. Failing to Budget for Taxes
Case Study: A tech startup reinvested profits into R&D, only to face an unexpected six-figure tax bill.
Lesson: Tax planning should be year-round. Set aside estimated tax payments and maximize deductions.

🚨 4. Taking on Bad Debt
Case Study: A restaurant took out a high-interest loan for renovations but couldn’t generate enough sales to cover repayments.
Lesson: Poorly timed or unnecessary loans can cripple a business. Always calculate ROI and compare financing options.

Protect Your Business
Monitor cash flow daily – Track incoming and outgoing funds.
Create an emergency fund – Save consistently for downturns.
Plan for taxes year-round – Work with a tax strategist.
Be strategic about debt – Only borrow when necessary and on favorable terms.
Avoiding these mistakes isn’t just about survival—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient business. What financial lessons have you learned? Share in the comments! ⬇️

03/26/2025

📢 Tax Planning Isn’t Just for April: Why You Need a Year-Round Strategy 💡💰

Most business owners think about taxes only when April rolls around.
But here’s the truth: reactive tax planning costs money, a lot of it.
Smart businesses take a year-round approach to tax strategy, ensuring
they maximize deductions, optimize cash flow, and avoid surprises when
tax season hits.

🔍 Why Year-Round Tax Planning Matters:
✅ Missed Deductions Add Up – Many tax-saving opportunities (like
retirement contributions, depreciation, and business expenses) require
action before the year ends.
✅ Better Cash Flow Management – Planning quarterly can help businesses
avoid large, unexpected tax bills and keep working capital in check.
✅ Tax Code Changes Can Impact You – Waiting until April to adjust
means you might lose out on new tax-saving opportunities.
✅ Business Growth Requires Strategy – If you plan to expand, hire, or
invest in assets, tax implications should be factored in from the
start.

🔹 3 Ways to Implement a Year-Round Tax Strategy:
📌 Quarterly Tax Reviews – Instead of scrambling in April, meet with
your accountant every quarter to adjust strategies and take advantage
of deductions before it’s too late.
📌 Track Expenses & Deductions in Real-Time – Use bookkeeping tools
like QuickBooks or Xero to categorize and flag tax-deductible expenses
throughout the year.
📌 Leverage Tax-Advantaged Accounts – Contributions to retirement
plans, HSAs, and business investment accounts can significantly reduce
taxable income if planned in advance.

💡 The Bottom Line: Tax planning isn’t just about filing on time, it’s
about optimizing every dollar your business earns. The businesses that
plan ahead don’t just pay less in taxes, they increase profitability
and financial stability.

💬 Are you proactively planning your taxes, or do you find yourself
scrambling in April? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇