Episode 9: When to DIY and When to Hire

Savvy or Surrender - The Main Street Business Owners Guide to Maximizing Profit and Minimizing Taxes

Podcast Title: Savvy or Surrender Podcast – Episode 9
Host: Steven Young

Episode Title: When to DIY and When to Hire

Summary:
In this episode, Steven Young explores the critical decision every business owner faces: when to handle tasks yourself and when to bring in a professional. Drawing from personal stories and client experiences, Steven breaks down the cost-benefit analysis of DIY versus hiring, especially in the context of bookkeeping, taxes, and business growth.

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• [0:00] Introduction
  Steven welcomes listeners and introduces the topic: DIY vs. hiring a professional.
• [0:48] The “Chief Everything Officer” Trap
  Why business owners try to do it all and when that becomes a problem.
• [1:35] Personal DIY Story: Landscaping Gone Wrong
  Steven’s experience with a home project, the hidden costs, and the moment he realized he needed an expert.
• [4:02] The True Cost of Cheap Help
  How hiring cheap or doing it yourself can lead to expensive mistakes.
• [5:23] When DIY Makes Sense
  Criteria for when it’s okay to DIY: low revenue, no employees, simple finances.
• [6:27] The Value of Understanding Your Systems
  Why it’s good to know your numbers and systems, even if you plan to outsource later.
• [7:45] Red Flags: When It’s Time to Hire
  Signs you need a pro: revenue over $100k, employees, IRS letters, emotional money decisions.
• [9:02] The Peace of Mind from Hiring a Pro
  How professionals can relieve stress and help you sleep better at night.
• [10:15] The Value of Your Time
  Real client stories: doctors and business owners who lost money by DIYing their taxes and books.
• [11:07] Staying Involved in Your Finances
  Even when you hire, you should know your numbers and review reports.
• [11:56] Taking the Next Step
  How to move out of DIY mode and get a business review.
• [12:19] Client Story: From DIY to Professional Help
  A client’s journey from doing his own books to hiring Steven, and the financial impact.
• [14:02] Planning for Growth: The Expansion Account
  Using Profit First to safely scale your business and prepare for hiring.
• [16:41] The Profit First System Explained
  How to set up accounts, manage cash flow, and use the Profit First formula.
• [21:31] Additional Accounts for Growth
  Creating accounts for debt, expansion, or new hires.
• [22:51] Weekly Allocations and Automation
  Tips for making Profit First work for you.
• [23:49] DIY Taxes and When to Get Help
  The risks of using TurboTax and missing deductions.
• [24:46] Final Thoughts & Resources
  When to DIY, when to hire, and where to get more help.

Resources Mentioned:

• Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
• MeetWithSavvy.com – Book a discovery call
• Savvy CEO Alliance – Free community for business owners

Connect with Steven Young:

• Website: Savvy Tax Strategies & Bookkeeping

Call to Action:
If you’re feeling stuck in DIY mode or want to learn more about optimizing your business finances, book a discovery call or join the Savvy CEO Alliance community.

Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review.

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