ACap ReCap: Financial and Tax Tips

Ara Oghoorian
  • 5.0 (7)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

ACap Advisors & Accountants is a boutique fee-only Wealth Management and full-service Accounting firm based in Los Angeles. We handle everything from taxes to investments to risk management and estate planning, providing comprehensive, unbiased financial advice in one location. In our ACap ReCap episodes, we discuss the latest financial news, answer the frequently received financial questions, and share financial tips with you. If you have questions or suggestions email us hello@acapam.com Find more details at https://www.acapam.com/ #financialadvisor #fiduciaryfinancialadvisor​ #finance #financial #money #wealthmanagement #assetmanagement #investment #tax #taxplanning

  1. 3D AGO

    From Brokerage to Big Rigs: Tristan Bordalo on Building Sellable Businesses, an Entrepreneur's Guide

    In this episode, Ara sits down with serial entrepreneur Tristan Bordallo to break down what entrepreneurship actually looks like after the Instagram quotes fade away. Tristan shares his 22-year journey—from getting laid off, to bootstrapping a trucking brokerage, to buying six-figure trucks he didn’t even know how to drive. They dig into the real mechanics of building a business that lasts: choosing the right entity, why operating agreements matter more than optimism, how partnerships can implode if you’re careless, and why most founders never build something sellable. Tristan also pulls back the curtain on hiring employees, letting go of control, managing cash flow, surviving audits, and operating in one of the most regulated industries in the country. This is a straight-talk conversation about money, risk, regulation, and why loving the work—not chasing quick cash—is the only way to survive entrepreneurship long term. If you’re building (or thinking about building) a business, this episode will recalibrate your expectations fast. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    48 min

  2. DEC 17

    7 Smart Money Moves to Make Before December 31 to Cut Taxes and Boost Your Investment Strategy

    Before the year is over, there are still real, actionable steps you can take to reduce your tax bill and tighten up your investment plan—but once January hits, those opportunities disappear for good. In this episode, we break down 7 critical money moves you should consider before December 31, including 401(k) contribution strategies (and what’s new for 2025), tax-loss harvesting, required minimum distributions, FSA deadlines, charitable giving tactics, business compliance items, and year-end equipment purchases that can accelerate deductions. This isn’t theory. It’s a practical, no-nonsense walkthrough of what actually matters at year-end—and where people leave money on the table by waiting too long. If you want to be more intentional with your money, minimize taxes, and avoid costly mistakes before the calendar flips, this episode is your checklist. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    8 min

  3. DEC 10

    How a 7-Figure Content Creator Can Save Over $100K in Taxes

    In this case-study episode, Ara and Matt pull back the curtain on a real client scenario (names changed) featuring Jasmine, a 7-figure online content creator, and her husband George, a W-2 employee at a large company. Together, they walk step-by-step through how they take a chaotic, high-tax situation and turn it into a coordinated, long-term tax and retirement plan. You’ll hear exactly why Jasmine’s single-member LLC structure is costing her tens of thousands in unnecessary payroll taxes, and how a simple S corporation election could save her over $75,000 per year. Ara and Matt also break down why the “buy rental real estate to lower your taxes” advice doesn’t work for high-income earners like Jasmine and George, and what to do instead. In this episode, they cover: Why a high-earning content creator should consider switching from single-member LLC to S corpHow S corp reasonable compensation works and where the real payroll tax savings come fromThe difference between passive rental real estate losses and active income—and why high earners don’t get the deduction they think they’re gettingWhen a Solo 401(k) (a.k.a. Individual 401(k)) beats a SEP IRA, and how to stack employee deferrals + employer contributionsHow the backdoor Roth IRA works—and how existing IRAs can quietly blow it upUsing a Solo 401(k) rollover to unlock the backdoor Roth strategyThe cash balance pension plan: a “401(k) on steroids” for very high-income yearsWhy owner-occupied commercial real estate is a completely different animal from rental property for tax strategyIf you’re a high-income professional or business owner (especially in a high-tax state like California) and feel like you’re flying blind with taxes and retirement, this walkthrough shows you how a coordinated plan can realistically create six-figure annual tax savings while rapidly building long-term wealth. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    29 min

  4. DEC 3

    Making IT Your Secret Weapon: Cybersecurity and AI for Small Business

    Are you worried your business could be taken down by a hacker, ransomware attack, or one wrong click from an employee? In this episode, Ara sits down with Bonesy Ijeoma, founder and CEO of AllSafe IT and AllSafeIntelligence (and fellow EO Los Angeles member), to break down how small and mid-sized businesses can turn IT from a constant liability into a true force multiplier. Bones shares his journey from teenage tech whiz helping his dad’s accounting firm, to database developer, to consultant, to building multiple IT and AI companies that support airport retailers and growing businesses across the country. Together, they dig into what managed IT actually is, why it matters more than you think, and how AI can radically streamline your operations without losing the human touch your clients expect. You’ll learn: What a managed IT provider really does day-to-day (beyond “fixing computers”)Why onboarding and offboarding employees is a critical security risk most owners underestimateThe three biggest warning signs your business and data are already at riskHow to think about Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365 as you growPractical ways to use AI today (including how Ara’s firm uses it to troubleshoot tax software)Why AI should start with business problems, not shiny toolsHow infrastructure-as-a-service and remote desktops can secure a distributed workforceWhere AI has the highest impact: eliminating copy-paste and low-value busywork so your best people can do their best workIf you’re a business owner who’s been DIY’ing IT, dealing with recurring outages, or wondering how to use AI without creating chaos, this episode will give you a clear, practical roadmap—and a few hard truths—on how to keep your company safe and ready to scale. Guest Contact Info Bones Ijeoma | AllSafeIt Managing Partner  (888) 400‑2748 ext.115 https://allsafeit.com   www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    30 min

  5. NOV 26

    5 Roth IRA Myths That Are Costing Investors Money

    Too many investors make the same avoidable mistakes with Roth IRAs — and it often comes from believing outdated or flat-out wrong information. In this episode, we break down the five biggest misconceptions people have about Roth IRAs and explain what the rules actually say. If you’ve ever thought you make too much to contribute, assumed Roths are only for young investors, or believed you can tap all the money whenever you want, this conversation will straighten it out. In this episode, ACap partners Ara & Matt walk through income limits, backdoor strategies, withdrawal rules, conversions, future tax brackets, and why so many people misunderstand how Roths fit into a long-term financial plan. If you want clarity — not noise — on how to use Roth IRAs the right way, this episode is the blueprint. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    4 min

  6. NOV 19

    How Banks Really Approve (or Deny) SBA & CRE Loans

    Every successful business and real estate investor needs the right financing—but how do banks actually decide who gets approved? Ara sits down with Mike Henry, Chief Credit Officer at Mission Valley Bank, to reveal what lenders really look for, how underwriting works, and what business owners can do to improve their odds. You’ll learn: The key factors banks use to approve or deny loansHow to choose the right type of financingWhat “cash flow is king” really means for borrowersWho this is for: Perfect for small business owners and real estate investors preparing for their next big loan. Resources:  *To explore your options with Mission Valley Bank, contact Michael Henry at mhenry@missionvalleybank.com **If you’re exploring financing, loop in your CPA and advisor early to prep clean financials and speed up underwriting. Disclosure: The host serves on the Board of Directors of Mission Valley Bank. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    43 min

  7. NOV 16

    Why QQQ Keeps Calling You: What This Proxy Vote Actually Means

    If you own shares of QQQ and your phone won’t stop ringing, there’s a reason—and it’s not spam. In this episode, Ara breaks down the proxy vote that’s triggering the nonstop calls, texts, and emails. He cuts through the noise and explains why QQQ is restructuring, what the vote is actually about, and how the proposed changes—like lowering the expense ratio—impact your portfolio. You’ll learn what a proxy vote is, why the fund needs a quorum, and why your participation matters even though voting isn’t mandatory. A straightforward, no-nonsense guide to understanding what’s going on with one of the most popular ETFs in the world. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    3 min

  8. NOV 12

    Demystifying SBA Loans with Michael Carlson

    If SBA financing still feels like a black box, this conversation will flip on the lights. Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager for SBA Lending at Mission Valley Bank, Michael Carlson (UCLA Anderson MBA, CFP® professional), joins us to break down what SBA loans really are, how they’re funded, and when they’re a better fit than conventional bank loans. We cover the two flagship programs—7(a) and 504—including when to use each, how the 504’s two‑loan structure with a CDC works, and why the 7(a) is often chosen for flexibility. Michael explains down payment requirements (including scenarios that can be effectively 0% down for owner‑occupied real estate expansions), fixed vs. variable rates, 25‑year vs. 10‑year amortizations, and when short interest‑only periods make sense. You’ll also hear how lenders actually underwrite these deals: What lenders look for beyond credit scores: character, relevant experience, and global cash flow.Cash‑flow math made simple: add‑backs (depreciation, amortization, interest, officer comp adjustments, rent replacement), and why DSCR of ~1.25x is standard (SBA can go down to ~1.15x in some cases).Collateral & guarantees: how SBA collateral “discounts” work, when personal real estate may be pledged, and why 20%+ owners must personally guarantee.Prepayment penalties explained: typical 7(a) 5‑3‑1 vs. 504 schedules (e.g., 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 and longer) and the >20% annual prepay trigger.Timeline & costs: realistic 45–90 day process and the SBA guarantee fee (often up to ~3.75%) that can be financed into the loan.Myth‑busting: SBA doesn’t lend directly (banks do), it isn’t free money, and it isn’t a one‑day approval—or a year‑long gauntlet.Who this is for: Business owners buying or refinancing owner‑occupied real estate, acquiring a company, funding equipment or inventory, or seeking working capital—especially first‑timers who want a clear, candid walkthrough of the process and paperwork (tax returns, PFS, debt schedules, resumes, and more). Resources:  *To explore your options with Mission Valley Bank, contact Michael Carlson at mcarlson@missionvalleybank.com, *If you’re exploring SBA financing, loop in your CPA and advisor early to prep clean financials and speed up underwriting. Disclosure: The host serves on the Board of Directors of Mission Valley Bank. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

ACap Advisors & Accountants is a boutique fee-only Wealth Management and full-service Accounting firm based in Los Angeles. We handle everything from taxes to investments to risk management and estate planning, providing comprehensive, unbiased financial advice in one location. In our ACap ReCap episodes, we discuss the latest financial news, answer the frequently received financial questions, and share financial tips with you. If you have questions or suggestions email us hello@acapam.com Find more details at https://www.acapam.com/ #financialadvisor #fiduciaryfinancialadvisor​ #finance #financial #money #wealthmanagement #assetmanagement #investment #tax #taxplanning

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