Become Sensible

Tax season shouldn’t feel mysterious or reactive—especially not in a year with major law changes. When the July 2025 tax bill passed, most business owners had no idea how much it would shift their budgeting, hiring, and investment decisions for the coming year. If you want to grow wisely, the real question is: how do you use these new rules in your favor?On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through the biggest tax updates that matter for entrepreneurs and small business owners in 2025–2026. I explain why 100% bonus depreciation is back, how the expanded Section 179 deduction can help you control taxable income, why R&D expenses are fully deductible again, and what the new 1099-K thresholds mean for anyone using platforms like PayPal or Stripe. I also share the limits you need to prepare for—like shrinking meal deductions and rising healthcare costs for small teams. No politics, no jargon, just practical strategy you can apply immediately.My goal is simple: to help you use the tax code as a strategic growth tool rather than something you only think about at year-end. “Smart business owners don’t just file taxes—they use taxes to guide better decisions.” If you want clarity on how these changes affect your budgets, investments, and long-term planning, this episode will give you exactly what you need.LinksBonus Depreciation – IRS Publication 946Section 179 Deduction – IRS Depreciation GuidanceDomestic Research & Experimental (R&D) Expenditures – IRB 2025-38 / §174AForm 1099-K – Understanding Your FormQualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction – IRS FAQsEmployer-Provided Child Care Credit – About Form 8882ConnectFollow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn.Learn more about Balannx.Timestamps0:00 – Why the 2025 tax law matters more than you think1:30 – Bonus depreciation returns to 100%3:00 – How Section 179 became more powerful5:20 – R&D and experimentation expenses fully deductible again6:40 – Better rules for interest deductions8:40 – QBI deduction becomes permanent10:00 – Expanded childcare credits for employers12:00 – 1099-K reporting rollback14:10 – Key limitations: loss caps, energy credit changes16:00 – Meal deductions disappear in 202618:00 – Rising healthcare costs and planning ahead20:00 – Final guidance for using tax strategy intentionally

Most founders aren’t actually afraid of their numbers—they’re afraid of what those numbers might confirm about them. In this episode, I take you beneath the spreadsheets and tax forms to the deeper truth: money fear is a safety problem, not a financial one. And until you feel safe, no strategy will ever stick.On this episode of Become Sensible, I break down why avoidance around money is so universal, why women entrepreneurs in particular face systemic financial gaps, and why your nervous system—not your bookkeeping—drives so much of your financial stress. We explore how identity wounds shape your reactions to IRS letters, unread bank statements, and messy bookkeeping. Then we shift into how to build safety, clarity, and control so your numbers become tools—not threats—for making confident decisions. I also share four small habits that completely transform your relationship with money over time.When you understand your numbers, you rise differently. “Safety gives you clarity. Clarity gives you control. Control gives you power. And power gives you growth.”ConnectFollow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.Timestamps0:00 – Why this episode goes deeper than tactics0:54 – What founders are really afraid their numbers will reveal2:00 – Money fear as an identity wound, not a math issue3:24 – Why avoidance happens (and why it’s logical)4:58 – How lack of financial education, especially for women, feeds overwhelm6:26 – When your nervous system interprets money as danger7:52 – Why safety must come before strategy9:54 – How understanding numbers shifts decision-making power11:44 – Using data and instincts together as a founder12:42 – Four simple habits that build financial safety (Track one number weekly, 15-minute weekly review, One simple tax-year folder, Rewrite your money identity)16:28 – Why founders rise when they feel safe, not shamed18:10 – A reminder: you’re doing the best you can with the capacity you have19:36 – Invitation to take the first step toward money safety

As we close out Q4, many of us can feel the noise and pressure rising. When your numbers feel unclear or unstable, that’s your business telling you it needs attention. Before we start dreaming about big launches or expansion in 2026, we need a foundation strong enough to support it. Most founders skip the exact steps that make next year predictable—and it shows up as chaos later.On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through the three phases of financial architecture you must complete before January 1. I share why validated numbers—not emotions—are the only responsible way to plan, how to stress-test your margins for rising costs, and how to stop the capital leaks that silently drain profit. We also break down what a real cashflow map looks like, the layers that create stability, and the owner-compensation strategy too many entrepreneurs ignore. This is about entering 2026 with confidence and clarity.You’ll finish feeling grounded and ready to build—not just run—your business.“Bad data leads to bad decisions. Validate your foundation before you draw the blueprint.”LinksLearn more about Balannx: https://balannx.com/ConnectFollow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionahnguyen/Learn more about Balannx: https://balannx.com/Timestamps0:00 – Why Q4 anxiety is a signal from your business1:00 – Phase 1: Validation (bookkeeping, tax footprint, compliance)7:00 – Phase 2: Strength Testing (margin stress test & capital leaks)11:45 – Phase 3: Drawing Your 2026 Blueprint (cashflow map & allocation)18:00 – The real reason founders fail: unmanaged cashflow

So many founders hit the end of the year with a knot in their stomach. Numbers feel foggy, the tax reminders pile up, and suddenly every notification becomes existential. But the panic isn't because you've failed. It's because you're flying blind without the systems that keep your money working for you instead of quietly slipping away.On this episode of Become Sensible, I break down the seven most common (and costly) year-end financial mistakes founders make—and how to fix them before December 31st. From ignoring margins to guessing your tax bill to scaling on a shaky foundation, we’ll go over why these issues show up, how they compound, and the exact steps to regain control. This is a practical, no-drama reset for anyone who wants to enter 2026 with clarity, confidence, and cleaner books than ever.ConnectFollow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.Timestamps0:00 - Intro1:50 - Mistake #1: Waiting until tax season to look at your numbers6:22 - Mistake #2: Guessing your tax bill9:18 - Mistake #3: Ignoring contractor payments (1099 prep)10:38 - Mistake #4: Not reviewing margins before 2026 pricing12:38 - Mistake #5: Silent spending that drains profit14:45 - Mistake #6: Assuming growth - financial health16:56 - Mistake #7: Skipping a proper year-end close19:30 - Why clarity beats avoidance every time

At the end of every year, I see founders fall into the same trap: avoiding their finances because the work feels dry or overwhelming. But avoidance is expensive. A few overlooked numbers can easily turn into thousands in unnecessary taxes or missed opportunities—and I’ve seen it happen more often than you’d think. So I want to show you exactly how I close out my own year, and what I help my clients do long before tax season shows up.On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through the five financial and tax moves I recommend to every entrepreneur before December 31st. I’ll talk you through what “clean books” actually look like, how I review estimated taxes with clients, and why intentional year-end spending is more powerful than chasing deductions. We’ll also cover retirement strategies that can save you thousands and the budgeting steps I use with my own CFO clients to set up a strong 2026.These steps aren’t glamorous, but they give you something far more important: “Clarity is the real return on your investment.” When you understand your numbers, you move from reactive to confident—and that’s when your business becomes truly scalable.ConnectFollow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.Timestamps0:00 - Why year-end finances matter (and why founders avoid them)0:42 - The five core business foundations1:30 - Step 1: Cleaning and reviewing your books4:54 - How inaccurate books inflate tax bills6:21 - The three financial reports that matter8:03 - Step 2: Reviewing estimated taxes9:27 - Common estimated-tax mistakes10:33 - Step 3: Intentional year-end spending11:48 - What real tax planning looks like12:45 - Step 4: Funding your future (retirement strategies)14:36 - How scenario planning reduces tax surprises15:36 - Step 5: Reviewing financials + the 2026 budget16:57 - Building base, best, and worst-case plans17:45 - Final recap + year-end encouragement

What does it take to rebuild your life from nothing—and then dedicate it to helping others thrive? In 1975, my dear friend and longtime client, Rosemary Tran Lauer, arrived in America as a single mother with two young children, no degree, and little English. What began as a fight to survive became a lifelong mission to give back.Rosemary Tran Lauer is the founder of Devotion to Children, a nonprofit committed to early childhood education and care for families in need. She's also the founder of Tetra Global and author of Beggars or Angels, her memoir chronicling her journey from war-torn Vietnam to building a life of purpose, generosity, and faith in the U.S.On this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Rosemary to talk about resilience, faith, and the power of purpose. We explore her journey from refugee to entrepreneur and founder of Devotion to Children, a nonprofit providing early childhood education and childcare to disadvantaged families. We also reflect on her 30-year journey of impact, her memoir Beggars or Angels, and how she continues to balance profit and purpose as the founder of Tetra Global.Through every hardship, Rosemary reminds us that "devotion is an action, not a philosophy." Her story is a powerful testament to what love, grit, and service can build—and how one woman's courage can ripple out to change thousands of lives.Guest LinksDevotion to ChildrenBeggars Or Angels BookTetra GlobalConnectFollow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn.Learn more about Balannx.Timestamps0:00 - Intro3:00 - The faith and love that kept her going6:30 - Building resilience through gratitude and grit8:30 - Founding Devotion to Children and focusing on early education12:30 - The heart and community behind the annual gala18:00 - Real stories of impact and transformation22:00 - The cost of childcare and why support matters25:00 - Balancing profit and purpose in business29:00 - The power of love as a long-term motivator for change31:00 - Legacy, kindness, and paying it forward33:00 - Advice for anyone in hardship: don't give up36:00 - Final reflections and hope for the future

When creativity meets empathy, magic happens. But how do you build a business that balances both—while keeping your creative spark alive?On this episode of Become Sensible, I sat down with Heather Chandler, seven-time Emmy-winning filmmaker and founder of The IMG Studio. After a decade in broadcast journalism, Heather left the 3 a.m. newscasts behind to build a creative company that champions human stories—especially for nonprofits and causes that matter. Together, we unpack what it takes to lead with empathy, manage creative teams, and tell stories that move people to action."People do business with people they like." Heather shares how deadlines, storytelling discipline, and authenticity fuel both artistry and business success—and why creative excellence is really about evoking emotion, not chasing perfection.Connect Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.Heather Chandler on LinkedIn The IMG Studio WebsiteTimestamps 0:00 - Intro2:30 - The "enough is enough" moment that sparked change 5:00 - What storytelling taught her about discipline and deadlines 8:00 - Why authenticity wins in business storytelling 11:00 - The Emmy projects that redefined her creative path 13:00 - Balancing creativity with budgets and client expectations 16:00 - The Uganda documentary that deepened her empathy 18:00 - Why humans are wired for stories, not stats 21:00 - Finding the thread of humanity in every story 24:00 - Vulnerability vs. perfection in storytelling 26:00 - Leading creative teams with clarity and collaboration 28:00 - The value women bring to male-dominated creative industries 31:00 - Confidence and leadership after years in business 32:00 - Advice for anyone afraid to pivot 41:00 - The next decade of The IMG Studio 43:00 - The quote that fuels Heather's resilience 45:00 - Creative excellence in the age of AI 46:00 - Closing reflections on beauty, connection, and contribution

The new 2025 tariff adjustments are here—and for many small business owners, that means rising costs, tighter margins, and tough decisions. But before you panic, there’s a strategy to get through it.On this episode of Become Sensible, I share an essential breakdown of how the latest U.S. import tariffs are impacting everything from manufacturing materials to consumer behavior. I walk through what’s changed, what it means for your pricing and cash flow, and how to apply my five-step resilience framework to stay grounded and profitable no matter what the market throws your way.You’ll learn how to rework your cost structure, model new profit margins, diversify suppliers, and protect your cash runway—even as uncertainty looms.“You can’t control the policy, but you can control your planning, your forecasting, and your mindset.”If your business relies on imported materials or serves clients who do, this one’s a must-listen.🔗 ConnectFollow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedInLearn more about Balannx⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro01:00 – What’s changing with U.S. import tariffs this year02:15 – The ripple effects for small businesses and product margins03:00 – How higher costs hit even non-importing companies04:30 – Step 1: Rebuild your cost map05:35 – Step 2: Scenario forecasting—three models to test06:50 – Step 3: Localize and diversify your supply chain08:20 – Step 4: Rethink your pricing, packaging, and communication09:20 – Step 5: Protect your cash runway through Q410:30 – Important updates on small import exemptions12:30 – How service-based businesses are also affected13:00 – What you can control as a business owner14:00 – Closing encouragement: Strategy over panic

As we enter the final quarter of 2025, I can feel it—the air gets sharper, the noise quiets down, and suddenly we realize we have just 90 days left in the year.  But here’s the truth: “finishing strong” doesn’t mean adding more pressure. It means finishing with clarity.On this episode of *Become Sensible*, I’m sharing my Q4 Design Framework—the same method I use to reset, refocus, and lead myself like a CEO in both business and life. We’ll walk through how to reflect honestly, simplify your systems, anchor your habits, and build momentum through micro-wins. It’s about executing with precision, not perfection."Clarity is the most underrated business strategy.”By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple 90-day roadmap to close out the year with calm confidence—so you start 2026 not exhausted, but proud and peaceful.ConnectFollow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn.Learn more about Balannx.Timestamps  - 0:00 – Intro: Why Q4 feels different  - 1:15 – Why reflection comes before strategy  - 2:00 – Three questions I ask myself every quarter  - 4:00 – Facing avoidance and reclaiming energy  - 5:10 – My 90-Day Q4 Design Framework  - 6:00 – Choosing three focus categories  - 7:10 – Defining measurable success  - 8:40 – Translating goals into daily action  - 11:10 – Building momentum through micro-wins  - 13:30 – Simplifying systems and execution  - 18:30 – The “if–then” accountability method  - 21:00 – Communicating goals with your team or partner  - 22:20 – Habit stacking that actually sticks  - 24:10 – Tracking and adjusting weekly  - 25:10 – Discipline over motivation  - 28:00 – Finishing the year with peace, not pressure