Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler

Episode 69: Why So Many High-Income Entrepreneurs Still End Up Broke (and How to Fix That)

Why do so many business owners still struggle financially even while making good money? For today's episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler answers this question while he shares practical advice on bookkeeping, cash flow, hiring, forecasting, and building long-term wealth the right way. He also explains why financial systems matter and how small mistakes in money management can quietly destroy a growing business. Listen and enjoy! You’ll Learn How To: * Build a financial system that supports business growth * Use bookkeeping to make smarter decisions * Forecast cash flow and plan financially * Avoid common money mistakes high-income entrepreneurs make What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:19) The real foundation of a successful business is your books and records (03:07) The biggest mistake bunch of coaches make in their books (04:43) The “three-box” wealth-building system (05:27) Magic in building wealth (06:50) The importance of forecasting (09:29) The “3X Rule” to hire safely (11:25) Reserves matter more than most entrepreneurs realize (13:31) The importance of accountability even when the business is doing well (14:17) How to attract clients on a day-to-day basis? (17:15) The financial systems entrepreneurs need before scaling (18:19) Marcus’ biggest takeaway from the Coaching Inc event (20:26) Entrepreneurship can feel lonely without the right community (22:06) Connect with Marcus Crigler Who This Episode is For: * Real estate entrepreneurs who want to scale * Entrepreneurs scaling past inconsistent income * Business owners who are struggling with financial systems Why You Should Listen: This episode is a strong reminder that making more money doesn’t automatically solve financial problems. Marcus explains why systems, reserves, forecasting, and discipline matter just as much as revenue growth. Connect with Marcus Crigler: * Website: https://beccfo.com/ [https://beccfo.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7]  * Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler [https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler]

Episode 68: The IRS May Owe Real Estate Investors Thousands of Dollars

In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney break down the growing buzz around the “Kwong refund” and why it could mean significant money back for taxpayers, especially real estate investors. The discussion centers around a major court ruling involving penalties and interest that the IRS may have been charged illegally during the federally declared COVID-19 disaster period. Listen as they explain what the ruling means, who could qualify for refunds, and why investors shouldn't wait to take action. If you've ever paid late filing penalties, late payment penalties, or IRS interest between 2020 and 2023, this episode is for you. You'll Learn How To: * Understand what the Kwong court ruling means * Find out if you may qualify for an IRS refund * Avoid mistakes when filing refund claims What You'll Learn in This Episode: (03:43) Marcus introduces the Kwong court ruling (04:28) Over $500,000 in potential refunds for clients (05:34) Tens of millions of taxpayers may qualify for Kwong refunds (07:38) How one taxpayer challenged the IRS (10:03) What does IRS Code Section 7508A mean (12:38) The important timeline for Kwong refunds: January 2020 through July 2023 (14:57) Why real estate investors are more likely to be affected than traditional employees (16:52) The IRS is not automatically sending refund checks (17:29) The IRS appeal process and why timing still matters (18:39) Filing a protective claim for refund helps secure your refund rights (19:32) Proper filing procedures are critical when dealing with the IRS (20:24) The July 10, 2026, deadline (21:45) Your CPA should already be discussing this opportunity with you (22:55) How their team helps real estate investors review potential claims Who This Episode is For: * Real estate investors who may have paid IRS penalties/interest during the COVID period * Entrepreneurs who want to know their rights regarding the Kwong refund * Anyone curious if they qualify for refunds Why You Should Listen: Marcus and Kaden simplify a complicated tax topic into a practical conversation that helps investors understand the opportunity, the risks, and the next steps for the Kwong refund. If you have ever wondered whether you have overpaid the IRS, this episode gives you a good reason to check. Connect with Marcus Crigler: * Website: https://beccfo.com/ [https://beccfo.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7]  * Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler [https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler]  Know more about the Kwong Court Ruling: https://reikwongrefunds.com/ [https://reikwongrefunds.com/]

Episode 67: Why Thach Nguyen Thinks Most Investors Buy Rentals the Wrong Way with Thach Nguyen

In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Thach Nguyen to talk about what most investors get wrong when building rental portfolios. Thach shares how he went from selling real estate in Seattle in the early '90s to building a long-term portfolio through BRRRRs, multifamily projects, and ADUs. He also explains why focusing too much on passive income too early can slow people down financially. If you are trying to build wealth through rentals without getting overleveraged or stuck chasing bad deals, this episode is filled with practical advice and real-world perspective. Listen and enjoy! You'll Learn How To: * Build long-term wealth through rentals * Use active income to buy and hold real estate * Use ADUs and development strategies to maximize property value * Manage and evaluate a growing rental portfolio strategically What You'll Learn in This Episode: (02:29) How Thach built his Seattle real estate business (05:27) Choosing real estate investing over other industries (06:50) From being an agent to becoming a realtor (08:37) The “make money, save money, invest money” mindset (09:24) The real difference between earned income and passive income (11:06) Why Thach believes investors should maximize active income first (14:07) Relying heavily on syndications can become risky (17:15) Generational wealth isn't about giving but teaching (21:58) The biggest challenge investors face today is finding good deals (25:20) ADUs are becoming one of the biggest opportunities in real estate (30:00) Adapting and reinventing strategies as market changes (33:13) How Thach and his wife actively manage and review their portfolio (36:41) How Springboard to Wealth grew into a nationwide investing community (40:48) Obsession and deep market knowledge matter in real estate investing Who This Episode is For: * Real estate investors building rental portfolios * Entrepreneurs focused on long-term wealth creation * Anyone trying to balance active income with passive income goals * Investors looking for a smarter approach to scaling real estate Why You Should Listen: Thach Nguyen keeps the conversation simple, direct, and experience-driven. He discusses what has worked for him over the past 30 years in real estate. Connect with Thach Nguyen: * Website: https://springboardtowealth.com/ [https://springboardtowealth.com/]  Connect with Marcus Crigler: * Website: https://beccfo.com/ [https://beccfo.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7]  * Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler [https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler]

Episode 66: How to Build Monthly Cash Flow With Self Storage Units - Bree Hartman

Self-storage is both a business and a commercial real estate investment. You can double down on both and make it more passive with the right systems in place. Joining us in this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast is a self-storage investor and educator, Bree Hartman, to talk about how she built an $8 million self-storage portfolio starting with one deal she found while pregnant with her daughter. Bree shares how she went from working a W-2 job and running a gym to buying self-storage facilities using SBA loans, partnerships, and simple operational systems. She also breaks down why self-storage can become a strong monthly cash flow business when you focus on finding underperforming facilities and adding value over time. This episode gives a practical look into how self-storage investing works. Listen and enjoy! You'll Learn How To: * Use SBA loans and partnerships to buy larger assets * Create recurring monthly cash flow with self-storage units * Build systems that make self-storage more passive * Find good storage deals through Google Maps What You'll Learn in This Episode: (02:43) If you want to go fast, find a community, and insert yourself (04:30) Building an $8 million self-storage portfolio in under six years (05:57) From W-2 job to entrepreneurship (07:49) Buying a $3.1 million facility while becoming a new mom (10:06) How to make a self-storage facility a successful model? (10:40) Utilizing SBA loans to acquire your first storage facility (12:18) Turning self-storage into a scalable business with systems (14:06) The truth about “passive income” in self-storage investing (15:24) The three-part framework and operations for storage facilities (17:34) Myths surrounding self-storage investing (19:45) Self-storage works as a subscription-based business (21:15) The “7-11” strategy for increasing rental income (24:05) How Bree finds storage deals using Google Maps (30:20) The importance of learning underwriting and market analysis (31:11) “A storage owner can’t say yes to an offer they don’t have in their hands.” (33:23) Deal finding cheat sheet and storage offer calculator Who This Episode is For: * Real estate investors who want to move from traditional real estate investing * Business owners who want to explore self-storage investing * Anyone who wants to build long-term cash flow Why You Should Listen: Bree keeps the conversation practical and straightforward. She explains how self-storage investing really works without making it sound overly complicated. Connect with Bree Hartman: * Website: https://www.selfstorageschool.com/ [https://www.selfstorageschool.com/]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bree.theinvestor/ [https://www.instagram.com/bree.theinvestor/]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bree.TheInvestor [https://www.youtube.com/@Bree.TheInvestor]  * Get your storage offer calculator by calling 916-579-7209. Connect with Marcus Crigler: * Website: https://beccfo.com/ [https://beccfo.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7]  * Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler [https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler]

Episode 65: Tax Strategy Masterclass - Why Smart Investors Pay Less (And W2s Pay More)

The people who pay the most in taxes are often those who fail to plan, while those who pay the least are typically those who plan all year long. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler breaks down the real tax strategies that investors and entrepreneurs use to legally reduce what they owe while building long-term wealth through real estate. Listen as he explains the difference between depreciation and cost segregation, and the difference between passive and active real estate investing. He also explains why planning is more important than last-minute filing, and how the tax code rewards entrepreneurship and investment. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: * Use depreciation to reduce taxable income * Understand the difference between passive and active real estate investing * Offset passive income with real estate losses * Use tax planning strategies What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:43) How real estate depreciation works (03:15) The difference between cost segregation and bonus depreciation (04:53) Understanding passive vs active investing (06:05) Investing matters more than simply saving money (07:15) What qualifies someone as a real estate professional (08:57) Passive investors still receive major tax advantages (10:08) About Passive Income Generators (PICs) (11:26) Where to find passive income and losses on your tax return (12:52) How spouses can use real estate professional status strategically (14:55) Depreciation is a tax deferral strategy (17:26) How lower future income can create tax arbitrage opportunities (18:44) The tax code favors entrepreneurs and investors (20:28) Why entrepreneurship opens the door to more tax strategies Who This Episode Is For: * Real estate investors looking to maximize tax advantages * Entrepreneurs focused on building long-term wealth * Anyone interested in reducing taxes legally Why You Should Listen: Marcus breaks down how real estate tax benefits work in the real world, why planning matters, and how entrepreneurship and investing can create opportunities that traditional W-2 income simply doesn’t offer. Connect with Marcus Crigler: * Website: https://beccfo.com/ [https://beccfo.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7]  * Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler [https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler]