Conference Calls & A$$holes - Harsh Realities in Business & Life

Another Conference Call That Should Have Been An Email - Jury Results Are In!

Was it worth standing your ground if it meant saving a client more than $300,000? In this episode of What the Finance, Katrina revisits a contentious conference call that sparked a previous episode and reveals how the story ultimately ended. What started as a simple request for documentation turned into weeks of delays, unnecessary conflict, and a heated exchange with another accountant who questioned her motives and expertise. But when the documents finally arrived, the results spoke for themselves. Katrina breaks down the importance of strategic tax planning, proper documentation, partnership agreements, and why proactive financial advice can make an enormous difference in a client's outcome. She shares how careful planning and execution helped a long-time client avoid a costly tax burden and instead secure a significant tax benefit. Along the way, she explores: * The difference between tax preparation and tax planning * Why documentation is critical in business and finance * How strategic thinking can dramatically impact tax outcomes * The value of trusted advisors who understand the bigger picture * Business partnerships, exit strategies, and financial planning * Why asking the right questions matters * Handling difficult personalities in professional settings * The importance of advocating for your clients The episode also takes a personal turn as Katrina shares updates on her wellness journey, her return to coffee after nearly 80 days, lessons about gratitude and family, thoughts on supporting adult children, and the excitement of finally receiving a custom couch after a seven-month wait. Part business lesson, part life lesson, and part personal reflection, this episode is a reminder that persistence, preparation, and paying attention to the details can create extraordinary results. If you've ever wondered whether it's worth pushing for answers, standing by your expertise, or spending extra time to get things right, this episode is for you.

Conference Calls & A$$holes - Harsh Realities in Business & Life

Ever had a berating conference call that’s should’ve been an impersonal email..? Well strap in! On this deeply personal episode of What the Finance, Katrina Keller shares a powerful story about navigating one of the hardest weeks of her life while still showing up for her clients and her business. While dealing with a family health crisis and the uncertainty surrounding her father's condition, Katrina finds herself on a contentious business call involving a complicated partnership dispute, missing documentation, and an accountant whose behavior raises serious questions about professionalism, ego, and bias. This episode explores: * The reality of balancing personal tragedy and professional responsibility * How to handle difficult personalities in business * Gender bias and being underestimated in professional settings * Why documentation matters in accounting, tax, and business disputes * Knowing when to engage—and when to let someone expose themselves * The importance of confidence, composure, and emotional intelligence * Business relationships, client advocacy, and protecting your interests * Lessons learned from decades of working with entrepreneurs and partnerships Katrina also shares practical tax and accounting advice, including key financial documents every business owner should understand and why asking the right questions can save you from costly mistakes. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that everyone is carrying battles you can't see. Whether in business, life, or relationships, compassion, professionalism, and perspective matter more than ever. Life doesn't stop when business starts. Sometimes the hardest moments teach us the most important lessons.

Is this the David Duchovny Review podcast? Finding your human!

David Duchovny, you are my spirit animal! Welcome back to *What the Finance* with your favorite humble genius, Katrina Keller! In this episode, Katrina takes you on a personal journey of self-discovery and transformation, reflecting on the past 70 days of her life without coffee and the profound changes she's experienced along the way. Tune in as she shares insights on the importance of self-care, the value of nurturing relationships with clients who truly appreciate your work, and the significance of leaving a legacy for future generations.  Katrina also discusses her recent experiences at a NASA symposium that inspired her to rethink education and the role of creativity in our lives. As she prepares for a home painting project, she emphasizes the need to take breaks and reconnect with our passions. This episode is filled with raw honesty about mental health, the human experience, and the power of recognizing both the soul and the human within us.  Join Katrina as she invites you to embark on your own journey of self-exploration, encouraging you to embrace change and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. Whether you're in a financial rut or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what truly matters in life. Don’t forget to subscribe and share the love!

Art, Life Choices, and Financial Freedom: Lessons from an Art Festival

In this episode of *What the Finance*, host Katrina Keller shares her inspiring experience at a recent art festival that sparked deep reflections on life, creativity, and the financial choices that shape our paths. Join Katrina as she recounts her journey through a vibrant festival filled with art, food, and intriguing conversations. Katrina discusses the impact of attending the festival, pushing herself out of her comfort zone, and the joy of connecting with fellow artists and entrepreneurs. She shares a particularly enlightening encounter with a former CPA who transformed her life by pursuing her passion for creating whimsical robots from recycled materials. This conversation leads to a broader discussion about the significance of following one's passions, the challenges of balancing financial stability with artistic pursuits, and the value of happiness over monetary gain. As she reflects on her own journey as a creative professional, Katrina emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices that align with our true selves and desires. She explores the concept of financial freedom and how it relates to living authentically and pursuing what truly brings us joy. Tune in for an engaging episode filled with insights, personal anecdotes, and the reminder that life is a series of choices—what if one day you chose a different path that made you happy? Join Katrina on this thought-provoking journey as she seeks to inspire others to embrace their creativity and pursue the lives they truly desire.

Coffee, Castles, and K-1’s: From Dickens to Deductions

Surprise—it’s a coffee episode… or maybe not! ☕ Katrina (aka January Ember when the soul takes over) takes us on a whimsical ride from sipping coffee again after 52+ days of no coffee, to spring-cleaning her life and her beloved Dickens Village Museum. This episode blends storytelling, art, and finance in true WTF fashion: ✨ Behind-the-scenes of a one-of-a-kind Dickens Village masterpiece—complete with Hogwarts Express, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and museum-quality detail. ☀️ Reflections on creativity, balance, and reconnecting with your soul (literally by looking into your own eyes). 📊 A crash course in Schedule K-1s, shareholder allocations, and why a “zero” on a tax form should make you suspicious. 📚 The bigger picture: why foundational financial education should be taught in schools, and how ignorance isn’t bliss—it’s expensive. This one’s part coffee confession, part art museum tour, part tax truth bomb, and part soul-searching mantra. As always, it’s about finding joy in the process—whether that’s dismantling a Dickens village, challenging bad bookkeeping, or reconnecting with yourself. 👉 Share this episode, subscribe, and join the movement: let’s educate, empower, and create a world where confidence (and happiness) are the ultimate returns. ⸻ In this episode of **What the Finance**, host Katrina shares a delightful journey as she reintroduces coffee back into her life after a 52-day break. With a few sips a day, she reflects on her evolving relationship with coffee and how it ties into her daily routine. Katrina also takes listeners on a whimsical tour of her enchanting miniature Dickens Village, a creative project that has transformed her office into a charming display of historical landmarks inspired by her love for literature. From Shakespeare’s Birthplace to Scrooge's accounting house, she shares the evolution of her village and how it has grown into an extraordinary artistic expression. As she navigates the balance between her creative passions and her professional identity as a CPA, Katrina dives deep into the importance of self-connection. She emphasizes the relationship between our human experience and our souls, encouraging listeners to take the time to engage with themselves and nurture that inner voice. Throughout the episode, Katrina reflects on personal growth, the complexities of tax season, and the necessity of education in understanding financial responsibilities. She highlights the need for foundational knowledge about taxes and finances, questioning why these crucial topics aren’t taught earlier in life. Join Katrina for an engaging and insightful conversation filled with creativity, introspection, and practical financial wisdom. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to explore their passions, connect with their inner selves, and gain a better understanding of the financial world. Don’t forget to subscribe and share the love as Katrina continues to inspire listeners to embrace their own journeys in finance and beyond!