You know that feeling when you finally get your tax return back, and the number staring at you is way higher than you expected? That’s financial heartbreak. 💔

But it doesn’t have to be that way! In this episode, we’re talking about how to stay ready so you don't have to get ready.

What You’ll Learn:

🔹 Why tax surprises happen (and how to dodge them)

🔹 The real key to saving on taxes (hint: it’s not just deductions)

🔹 Simple ways to keep your finances organized year-round

🔹 How to work with your accountant, not just drop off paperwork

No more last-minute stress—let’s get you prepped and in control.

• (00:00) - This is Build to Enough
• (01:08) - Understanding Financial Heartbreak
• (02:00) - Importance of Proactive Financial Planning
• (03:34) - Strategies for Avoiding Tax Surprises
• (04:47) - Role of Bookkeeping in Tax Planning
• (05:38) - Quarterly Estimates and Clear Communication
• (07:48) - Mid-Year and Year-End Tax Planning
• (09:02) - Practical Tips for Tax Preparation
• (11:04) - Staying Organized and Professional Help
• (12:25) - Review and Adjust Your Tax Strategy

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

Do you ever wonder if your business is set up to grow the way you actually want it to? In this episode Keila breaks down how to use your financial data as a compass to reaching your goals.

She’ll dive into the common traps business owners fall into—like overextending resources, running on gut instinct, or ignoring key numbers—and how tracking the right metrics can help you avoid them.

Plus, she explains how tools like dashboards and reporting can give you a clearer picture of what’s working, what’s not, and how to course-correct along the way.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and build your business in a way that works for you, this episode is packed with actionable tips to get you there!

• (00:00) - Introduction to Scaling Your Firm
• (01:06) - Importance of Data in Business Growth
• (02:00) - Challenges of Ignoring Data
• (04:10) - Financial Metrics and Goals
• (05:47) - Spotting Inefficiencies
• (06:24) - Intentional Decision Making
• (07:11) - Client Support Strategies
• (09:18) - Scenario Planning
• (10:23) - Actionable Steps for Business Growth
• (12:15) - Conclusion

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

How many times have we set big, ambitious goals at the start of the year, only to feel overwhelmed a few months in? 🙋🏽‍♀️

This week on Build to Enough, Keila shares why traditional goal-setting often fails us and how to flip the script. Instead of chasing someone else’s version of success, let’s focus on what’s enough for you.

✨ In this episode:
✔️ How to set goals aligned with your values and capacity
✔️ Why "enough" is the key to sustainable success
✔️ Practical tips to create intentional, focused goals

• (00:00) - Welcome to Build to Enough
• (01:21) - Setting Goals for the New Year
• (03:01) - Defining 'Enough' in Your Business
• (04:15) - Implementing SMART Goals
• (07:25) - Avoiding Burnout and Overcommitment
• (13:10) - Practical Tips for Sustainable Success
• (14:43) - Conclusion and Looking Ahead

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

As we enter the new year, enjoy this bonus rebroadcast of "Finding Your Capacity Sweet Spot"

Determining the right number of clients to take on without compromising quality or burning out is essential. On this episode, Keila talks about how to set ideal revenue goals, assess your bandwidth across life and work, and strike the perfect balance between earning target income and maintaining sanity. Going beyond "work-life balance" into intentionally designing your business around your desired lifestyle.

Connect with Keila!
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick
Website - www.krht.co

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

Keila Hill-Trawick breaks down how accounting firms can evolve beyond basic tax preparation to offer meaningful advisory services that benefit both the firm and their small business clients. She distinguishes between tax preparation, advisory, and planning services while providing practical steps for implementing these offerings without overwhelming your firm. Drawing from her experience at Little Fish Accounting, Keila explains why fixed-fee comprehensive packages often serve small businesses better than à la carte tax services, and how firms can deepen client relationships while creating new revenue streams.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Build to Enough
• (00:52) - The Importance of Tax Advisory Services
• (01:11) - Specializing in Small Firms
• (03:43) - Defining Tax Preparation and Advisory
• (06:35) - Implementing Tax Advisory Services
• (10:25) - Benefits for Firms and Small Businesses
• (12:28) - Conclusion and Next Steps

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

Ever feel like traditional accounting services are putting you on a hamster wheel—lots of work, not enough impact? Adam Lean from The CFO Project is here to show us how to break free.

In this episode, Adam dives into how accountants can level up their practices by offering high-value advisory services that go beyond the numbers. He’s trained hundreds of accountants to escape the commodity trap, work smarter (not harder), and make a real difference for their clients.

We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, shifting your mindset, and how to make the leap into advisory work—all while keeping your life balanced and your sanity intact. If you’re ready to create more impact and work fewer hours, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Build to Enough
• (00:57) - Meet Adam Lean of the CFO Projectr
• (02:11) - The Need for CFO Advisory Services
• (03:49) - Starting the CFO Project
• (07:37) - Benefits of Advisory Services for Accountants
• (08:43) - Different Paths for Accountants in Advisory
• (12:17) - Changing Accountants Client Growth Mindset
• (18:07) - Overcoming Challenges and Imposter Syndrome
• (26:45) - Mentorship and Community Support
• (29:56) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Keila!
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick
Website - www.krht.co

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

Former accountant turned Guideline product manager James von der Lieth breaks down how small accounting firms can offer competitive retirement benefits without breaking the bank. From navigating state mandates to understanding the new Starter 401(k) option, James shares practical insights on implementing and managing retirement plans for both firms and their clients. Learn how modern 401(k) providers are making it easier than ever to offer retirement benefits, plus discover how accounting firms can create new revenue streams by helping clients with their retirement planning needs.

Connect with James!
Guidline - https://www.guideline.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-von-der-lieth-3450b33b

Connect with Keila!
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick
Website - www.krht.co

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

HR expert Kira La Forgia breaks down what small business owners need to know before making their first (or next) hire. From understanding the true costs beyond salary to showcasing company culture authentically, she shares practical insights on building teams that align with your business values and goals. While many entrepreneurs focus solely on finding help, Kira emphasizes the importance of stepping into leadership and creating sustainable systems that support both business growth and employee success.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome
• (01:25) - Kira's Background and Business Journey
• (02:11) - Understanding Small Business HR Needs
• (03:19) - Signs It's Time to Hire
• (06:00) - Strategic Hiring and Budgeting
• (10:09) - The Hidden Costs of Hiring
• (15:24) - Showcasing Company Culture
• (22:35) - Effective Interview Strategies
• (26:02) - The Challenges of Small Business Hiring
• (27:07) - Paradigm's Recruiting Service
• (32:56) - Final Thoughts and Advice

Connect with Keila!
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick
Website - www.krht.co

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting