A Bonus, A Stipend, and a Paycheck Walk into a Tax Office - Episode 5

Get a Spoonful of Tax Planning’s Alphabet Soup – Part 1 - The Tax Translator Episode 6

The Tax Translator™ Show Notes Get a Spoonful of Tax Planning’s Alphabet Soup – Part 1 - Episode 6 In this solo episode of The Tax Translator, Cecily Welch tackles a topic that confuses many taxpayers: tax-advantaged benefits and the alphabet soup of financial planning acronyms. Through practical examples, she explains how tools such as Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Dependent Care Accounts (DCAs) can reduce taxable income and create real tax savings—even though those savings may never appear directly on a tax return. The episode focuses on helping listeners understand not just what these benefits are, but why they matter and how they fit into overall financial planning. 💡 What You’ll Learn * How tax-advantaged benefits reduce taxable income * The difference between tax planning that appears on a return and tax planning that happens before income is reported * Why Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Dependent Care Accounts (DCAs) can create tax savings * How benefit elections impact your W-2 income * Why most tax-preferred strategies come with limits and eligibility rules * The importance of understanding benefit elections before open enrollment deadlines * Why tax planning often involves decisions that occur outside the tax return itself * How to evaluate whether the tax savings are worth the administrative requirements 💬 Quote of the Episode “Sometimes it doesn't actually show up on your return atall, but it has saved you money.”  —Cecily Welch, CPA, CFP 🎧 Earn CPE by Listening to The Tax Translator™ Thanks to growing interest from members like you, we've streamlined the process with a brand-new podcast self-study exam. Each episode of The Tax Translator ™  offers the option to purchase a self-study test for CPE credit. Episodes will feature a 3-question exam and will be worth 1 hour of CPE credit. A passing grade of 70% or better is required to earn credit. Exams may be submitted for CPE up to one year after thepurchase date. Here’s the link to purchase the exam for this episode: https://www.gscpa.org/Public/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=POD.TAXTRN.6 [https://www.gscpa.org/Public/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=POD.TAXTRN.6]   RESOURCES: Cecily Welch, CPA, The Accountant You Can Understand® https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilywelch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilywelch/] https://cecilywelch.cpa/ [https://cecilywelch.cpa/] Subscribe to The Tax Translator ™ LinkedIn Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-tax-translator%E2%84%A2-7130174142623977473/ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-tax-translator%E2%84%A2-7130174142623977473/] The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants Not a Member of The Georgia Society of CPAs?  Check out thebenefits of becoming part of the community. https://www.gscpa.org/content/Membership.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/content/Membership.aspx] Check out all of The Tax Translator™  episodes here: https://www.gscpa.org/content/olc/VirtualSeries/Tax-Translator.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/content/olc/VirtualSeries/Tax-Translator.aspx] Need more CPE? GSCPA’s CPE Catalog [https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx#?tab=1&k=&DateStartEnd=10%2F22%2F2025,10%2F22%2F2026&c_9=&c_10=&order=Recommended&c_3=&c_2=&c_7=&c_6=&c_8=&c_5=&i=0,0,0,0,0&is=20]  https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx [ https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx]

A Bonus, A Stipend, and a Paycheck Walk into a Tax Office - Episode 5

The Tax Translator™ Show Notes A Bonus, A Stipend, and a Paycheck Walk into a Tax Office - Episode 5   Have you ever said, "I've already paid taxes on that bonus," or wondered why your CPA keeps asking about compensation you've already received? In this solo episode, Cecily Welch breaks down one of the most common tax misunderstandings: the difference between tax withholding and actual tax liability. Using real-world examples and straightforward explanations, she walks listeners through how bonuses, commissions, stipends, and other forms of compensation are treated for tax purposes—and why misunderstanding withholding can lead to unexpected tax bills. 💡 What You’ll Learn * The difference between withholding and tax liability * Why bonuses and commissions are still ordinary income * How effective tax rates differ from withholding percentages * Why refunds and balances due don't measure CPA performance * How better communication leads to better tax planning * What taxpayers can do to avoid unpleasant surprises at filing time   💬 Quote of the Episode “Withholding is just a deposit on what your eventual taxliability is.”  —Cecily Welch, CPA, CFP 🎧 Earn CPE by Listening to The Tax Translator™ Thanks to growing interest from members like you, we've streamlined the process with a brand-new podcast self-study exam. Each episode of The Tax Translator ™  offers the option to purchase a self-study test for CPE credit. Episodes will feature a 3-question exam and will be worth 1 hour of CPE credit. A passing grade of 70% or better is required to earn credit. Exams may be submitted for CPE up to one year after thepurchase date. Here’s the link to purchase the exam for this episode: https://www.gscpa.org/Public/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=POD.TAXTRN.5 [https://www.gscpa.org/Public/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=POD.TAXTRN.5] RESOURCES: Cecily Welch, CPA, The Accountant You Can Understand® https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilywelch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilywelch/] https://cecilywelch.cpa/ [https://cecilywelch.cpa/] Subscribe to The Tax Translator ™ LinkedIn Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-tax-translator%E2%84%A2-7130174142623977473/ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-tax-translator%E2%84%A2-7130174142623977473/] The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants Not a Member of The Georgia Society of CPAs?  Check out thebenefits of becoming part of the community. https://www.gscpa.org/content/Membership.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/content/Membership.aspx] Check out all of The Tax Translator™  episodes here: https://www.gscpa.org/content/olc/VirtualSeries/Tax-Translator.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/content/olc/VirtualSeries/Tax-Translator.aspx] Need more CPE? GSCPA’s CPE Catalog  https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx [ https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx]

Ignorance Can Be Expensive with Dr. Sylvia Morris - Episode 4

The Tax Translator™  Show Notes Ignorance Can Be Expensive with Dr. Sylvia Morris - Episode 4 In this episode of The Tax Translator, Cecily Welch sits down with physician, author, and wellness advocate Dr. Sylvia Morris to explore the intersection of financial health and physical health. Through candid stories about inheritance, investing, caregiving, entrepreneurship, retirement planning, long-term care insurance, and financial decision-making, they discuss why understanding money is just as important as understanding your health. The conversation highlights how trusted advisors can help translate complex topics into practical decisions that improve both quality of life and long-term security. 💡 What You’ll Learn * Why financial health and physical health are deeply connected * The importance of finding trusted professionals who can translate complex topics into understandable advice * Lessons learned from receiving an inheritance at a young age * Why women should proactively plan for retirement, caregiving, and long-term care * Common misconceptions about Medicare and long-term care expenses 💬 Quote of the Episode “You can't really have physical health without financial health, and you can't have financial health without physical health.” — Dr. Sylvia Morris 🎧 Earn CPE by Listening to The Tax Translator™ Thanks to growing interest from members like you, we've streamlined the process with a brand-new podcast self-study exam. Each episode of The Tax Translator ™  offers the option to purchase a self-study test for CPE credit. Episodes will feature a 3-question exam and will be worth 1 hour of CPE credit. A passing grade of 70% or better is required to earn credit. Exams may be submitted for CPE up to one year after thepurchase date. Here’s the link to purchase the exam for this episode: https://www.gscpa.org/Public/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=POD.TAXTRN.4 [https://www.gscpa.org/Public/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=POD.TAXTRN.4] RESOURCES: Cecily Welch, CPA, The Accountant You Can Understand® https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilywelch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilywelch/] https://cecilywelch.cpa/ [https://cecilywelch.cpa/] This Week’s Guest: Dr. Sylvia Morris https://www.drsylviamorris.com/ [https://www.drsylviamorris.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsylviamorris/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsylviamorris/] The Game Plan: A Woman’s Guide to Becoming a Doctor and Living a Life in Medicine https://www.amazon.com/GAME-PLAN-Womans-Becoming-Medicine/dp/B0C5YM8SFJ [https://www.amazon.com/GAME-PLAN-Womans-Becoming-Medicine/dp/B0C5YM8SFJ] Boss Leap Podcast https://bossleappodcast.com/ [https://bossleappodcast.com/] Subscribe to The Tax Translator ™ LinkedIn Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-tax-translator%E2%84%A2-7130174142623977473/ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-tax-translator%E2%84%A2-7130174142623977473/] The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants Not a Member of The Georgia Society of CPAs?  Check out the benefits of becoming part of the community. https://www.gscpa.org/content/Membership.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/content/Membership.aspx] Check out all of The Tax Translator™  episodes here: https://www.gscpa.org/content/olc/VirtualSeries/Tax-Translator.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/content/olc/VirtualSeries/Tax-Translator.aspx] Need more CPE? GSCPA’s CPE Catalog https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx]

Started a Business? Then…YOU STARTED A BUSINESS with Joey McKinnon - Episode 3

The Tax Translator ™  Show Notes Started a Business? Then…YOU STARTED A BUSINESS with Joey McKinnon - Episode 3   In this episode of The Tax Translator, Cecily Welch talks with entrepreneur and nonprofit executive Joey McKinnon about the realities of starting and running a business while navigating taxes, compliance, and financial uncertainty. Joey shares his unconventional path from geologist to political strategist, how a side hustle unexpectedly became a business, and the lessons he learned through trial and error as an entrepreneur. The conversation explores business growth, financial clarity, compliance challenges, nonprofit operations, and the mindset shifts required to balance entrepreneurship, family life, and long-term financial planning. 💡 What You’ll Learn * Why many entrepreneurs accidentally “fall into” starting a business * The importance of understanding taxes and compliance early in business ownership * Common financial mistakes new entrepreneurs make * Why “being busy” does not always equal business success * The difference between nonprofit and for-profit operational challenges * How accounting and financial clarity help business owners make better decisions * Why flexibility and time freedom drive many entrepreneurs more than money * How entrepreneurs should think about retirement planning and long-term stability 💬 Quote of the Episode “Being busy does not necessarily mean being successful.’” — Joey McKinnon 🎧 Earn CPE by Listening to The Tax Translator™ Thanks to growing interest from members like you, we've streamlined the process with a brand-new podcast self-study exam. Each episode of The Tax Translator ™  offers the option to purchase a self-study test for CPE credit. Episodes will feature a 3-question exam and will be worth 1 hour of CPE credit. A passing grade of 70% or better is required to earn credit. Exams may be submitted for CPE up to one year after the purchase date. Here’s the link to purchase the exam for this episode: https://www.gscpa.org/Public/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=POD.TAXTRN.3 [https://www.gscpa.org/Public/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=POD.TAXTRN.3]  RESOURCES: Cecily Welch, CPA, The Accountant You Can Understand® https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilywelch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilywelch/] https://cecilywelch.cpa/ [https://cecilywelch.cpa/] This Week’s Guest: Joey McKinnon https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-mckinnon-p-g-a2221133b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-mckinnon-p-g-a2221133b/] Subscribe to The Tax Translator ™ LinkedIn Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-tax-translator%E2%84%A2-7130174142623977473/ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-tax-translator%E2%84%A2-7130174142623977473/] The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants Not a Member of The Georgia Society of CPAs?  Check out thebenefits of becoming part of the community. https://www.gscpa.org/content/Membership.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/content/Membership.aspx] Check out all of The Tax Translator™  episodes here: https://www.gscpa.org/content/olc/VirtualSeries/Tax-Translator.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/content/olc/VirtualSeries/Tax-Translator.aspx] Need more CPE? GSCPA’s CPE Catalog https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx]

Tax Credits: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly with Erica Stephens - Episode 2

The Tax Translator ™  Show Notes Tax Credits: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly with Erica Stephens - Episode 2 In this episode of The Tax Translator, Cecily Welch sits down with Erica Stephens, Executive Director of Nana Grants, to unpack the realities of childcare tax credits and whether they truly help the families they’re intended to support. Through candid conversation and real-world stories from low-income single mothers pursuing college degrees, Cecily and Erica explore the disconnect between policy intentions and lived experiences. The episode dives into refundable vs. nonrefundable tax credits, the hidden assumptions behind tax policy, and the broader challenges families face navigating financial systems while simply trying to survive and build a better future.💡 What You’ll Learn * The difference between refundable and nonrefundable tax credits * Why many low-income families cannot effectively use child care tax credits * How tax credits function more like reimbursements than immediate assistance * The hidden cash-flow assumptions built into many tax incentives * Why child care affordability impacts education, workforce participation, and economic mobility * How financial systems and bureaucracy disproportionately burden low-income families * The role nonprofits like Nana Grants play inchanging multigenerational poverty trajectories 💬 Quote of the Episode “A tax credit feels like encountering someone outside a grocery store who’s starving and saying, ‘Go buy groceries for the week, hang on to your receipt, and 12 months from now I’ll give you 15% back.’” — Cecily Welch 🎧 Earn CPE by Listening to The Tax Translator™ Thanks to growing interest from members like you, we've streamlined the process with a brand-new podcast self-study exam. Each episode of The Tax Translator ™  offers the option to purchase a self-study test for CPE credit. Episodes will feature a 3-question exam and will be worth 1 hour of CPE credit. A passing grade of 70% or better is required to earn credit. Exams may be submitted for CPE up to one year after thepurchase date. Here’s the link to purchase the exam for this episode: https://www.gscpa.org/Public/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=POD.TAXTRN.2 [https://www.gscpa.org/Public/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=POD.TAXTRN.2]  RESOURCES: Cecily Welch, CPA, The Accountant You Can Understand®https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilywelch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilywelch/] This Week’s Guest: Erica Stephenshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ericamstephens/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericamstephens/] Nana Grantshttps://www.nanagrants.org/ [https://www.nanagrants.org/] Nana Grants supports low-income single mothers pursuingcollege degrees by covering 100% of their childcare costs while they complete school. Their mission is built around the belief that childcare plus college equals economic mobility. The organization provides direct support that changesthe long-term trajectory of entire families. Subscribe to The Tax Translator ™ LinkedIn Newsletterhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-tax-translator%E2%84%A2-7130174142623977473/ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-tax-translator%E2%84%A2-7130174142623977473/] The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants Not a Member of The Georgia Society of CPAs?  Check out thebenefits of becoming part of the community.https://www.gscpa.org/content/Membership.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/content/Membership.aspx] Check out all of The Tax Translator™  episodes here:https://www.gscpa.org/content/olc/VirtualSeries/Tax-Translator.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/content/olc/VirtualSeries/Tax-Translator.aspx] Need more CPE? GSCPA’s CPE Catalog https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx [https://www.gscpa.org/public/catalog/search.aspx]