MyPocketFP Podcast

Jason Taylor

Welcome to MyPocketFP — the podcast where your wallet finally meets its financial planner… and they actually get along. Hosted by Jason Taylor, certified financial planner and money sensei, this show is your go-to guide for turning financial confusion into clarity. Whether you're prepping for retirement or wondering where last weekend’s spending spree went, Jason delivers smart tips, surprising insights, and practical strategies — all designed to fit right in your pocket. 💡 From bite-sized budgeting hacks to long-term wealth-building moves, MyPocketFP helps you take control of your financial life one episode at a time. Because your future deserves more than guesswork. Tune in weekly to discover how small monthly changes can lead to big wins in your financial endgame. And remember — your financial planner is now officially pocket-sized (and doesn’t charge by the hour). 📲 Ready to level up your money game? Visit MyPocketFP.com and start shaping your financial future today To learn more about MyPocketFP visit: https://www.MyPocketFP.com MyPocketFP  

  1. 2D AGO

    Simplifying Estimated Taxes with MyPocketFP

    Do I Need To Pay Estimated Taxes? Ever been blindsided by a tax bill that wipes out your month? We break down estimated taxes with clear rules, real examples, and a cash‑flow mindset so you can stop the April panic and stay ahead all year. Jason Taylor, CFP and creator of MyPocketFP, walks with us through who actually needs to pay estimates, when penalties kick in, and how to use profit—not just revenue—to set the right numbers. We start by separating clean W‑2 situations from the messy middle: 1099 contractors, small business owners, landlords, and anyone juggling side hustles or tips. If income isn’t getting withheld, the IRS expects you to pay as you go. You’ll learn why owing over $1,000 can trigger penalties, when first‑timers might get relief, and how midyear check‑ins in June and November reduce risk. Jason explains the quarterly schedule—April, June, September, and that crucial January payment—and why January 15 gets special attention once your books reflect the full year. We get practical about cash management. Should you hold the money because bank yields beat the underpayment penalty? Maybe—but behavior matters. If you don’t wall off tax savings, that “arbitrage” can turn into stress and debt. We cover servers and tips, the importance of honest tracking, and how policy chatter affects reporting habits. Then we show how MyPocketFP simplifies the process: upload a pay stub to confirm withholdings, add a simple profit and loss for your side income, and get a live estimate that adjusts as your year changes. By the end, you’ll know whether estimates apply to you, how to calculate them with confidence, and how to use an accountability plan to avoid surprise balances that wreck your cash flow. Subscribe, share this with a friend who freelances, and leave a quick review to help more people make smarter, calmer money moves. To learn more about MyPocketFP visit: https://www.MyPocketFP.com MyPocketFP

    9 min
  2. FEB 18

    Smart Deductions And Accountability Plans For Small Business Owners

    As A Business Owner, What Can I Do Now To Save On My Taxes? Tax bills don’t shrink by accident—they shrink with timing, structure, and clean documentation. We sat down with CFP Jason Taylor to map out the moves business owners can still make right now, plus the habits that keep more profit in your pocket all year. We start with the mindset shift: taxes are a year‑round project. Jason explains why accountability plans are the simplest way to capture gray-area costs like mileage, cell phone, internet, software, and education without crossing lines. Then we tackle entity choice. If you’re a sole proprietor or default LLC, every dollar of profit faces self-employment tax; with an S‑corp election, a reasonable salary bears payroll taxes while remaining profit may avoid them. The clock matters—file by March 15 to have it count for this year—and the math must support payroll, admin, and compliance. Retirement planning becomes a surgical tool once you know your effective tax rate. We compare SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), and when a defined benefit plan might make sense for high, steady profits. Jason breaks down the reality of deferral: you’re shifting tax to later, not erasing it, but the current‑year savings and compounding can be powerful. From there, we demystify the home office deduction with practical documentation tips and a reminder that the simplified method exists for those who want fewer records with a capped write‑off. Finally, we scan the policy horizon. Expect pressure on mileage methods and shrinking meals deductions while entertainment remains off the table. That means cleaner logs, careful purpose notes, and a monthly reconciliation routine to avoid leaving money behind. Whether you’re solo or building a team, you’ll leave with a checklist to tighten records, choose the right entity, fund the right plan, and avoid the common traps that trigger overpayment. If this helped you think differently about taxes, follow the show, share it with a fellow owner, and leave a quick review. Want to put these ideas to work? Visit online and grab the app to keep your planner in your pocket. To learn more about MyPocketFP visit: https://www.MyPocketFP.com MyPocketFP

    10 min
  3. JAN 26

    How Bringing Your Kids To Work Builds Confidence, Skills, And Long-Term Wealth

    What Are The Advantages Of Having Your Kids Work At Your Business? Ever wondered how to turn family time into a masterclass in money, confidence, and character? We’re pulling back the curtain on what happens when your kids step into your business—not as spectators, but as contributors with real responsibilities and real payoff. From greeting clients and stamping envelopes to basic bookkeeping in QuickBooks, we show how age-appropriate tasks can spark public speaking skills, sharpen focus, and build a habit that changes futures: finish what you start. We also get into the strategy that gets everyone’s attention: paying your kids a reasonable wage for legitimate work and channeling that earned income into a Roth IRA. With careful documentation and market-aligned pay, small contributions can compound for decades in broad-market index funds. We break down what “reasonable” looks like, how to track time or projects, and why records matter. You’ll hear how shifting income into a child’s lower tax bracket can create immediate savings, why the standard deduction is a big lever, and how to avoid the common traps—like inflated modeling rates without real deliverables. Beyond the dollars, we talk values and community. Volunteer work, charity events, and hands-on service give kids a wider lens on what meaningful work looks like. Exposure to many careers—accounting, therapy, retail, product, and more—teaches that income follows skill, not a single path. That perspective fuels ambition with purpose, whether it’s saving for a first hotel or building a side hustle that sticks. We also touch on state-specific opportunities such as employer-linked 529 advantages and why a quick chat with a tax professional can unlock benefits you might miss. If you’re ready to raise confident, capable kids who understand money and respect the process, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share this with a parent or business owner who needs it, and leave a review with the first job you’d give your kid—we’ll feature our favorites in a future show. To learn more about MyPocketFP visit: https://www.MyPocketFP.com MyPocketFP

    17 min
  4. JAN 19

    The W‑4 Breakdown: When Employees File and What Really Matters

    When And How Do Employees Fill In The W-4 Form For Tax Withholdings? Deadlines are creeping closer, but your tax withholding doesn’t have to feel like a black box. We break down a simple, reliable way to set up your W4, sanity-check your payroll, and avoid giving the IRS an interest-free loan. Whether you just started a new job, picked up a side gig, or went through a big life change like marriage or a new child, this conversation gives you a step-by-step path to get your numbers right and keep more predictable cash flow all year. We start with timing and the key triggers for updating your W4, then show how to calculate your effective tax rate from last year’s 1040 and use a quick pay stub check to see if your current withholding is on track. You’ll learn why “simple first, adjust later” beats overcomplicating deductions, how to use the extra withholding line to fine-tune results, and why aiming for break-even is often the smartest goal. We also clear up common confusion by comparing W2, W4, and W9—what each form does, who uses it, and how mix-ups lead to under-withholding. For small business owners, we cover pitfalls to avoid, secure storage best practices, and why outsourcing payroll can prevent costly mistakes. Expect practical examples, plain-English explanations, and a repeatable process you can reuse every year. Download the current W4 from IRS.gov, keep it basic, and let your pay stub math guide small tweaks through the year. If you’ve ever asked “Why did I owe so much?” or “Why is my refund huge again?”, this guide helps you fix the root cause with confidence. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share it with a friend who just changed jobs, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. To learn more about MyPocketFP visit: https://www.MyPocketFP.com MyPocketFP

    14 min
  5. JAN 7

    From Idea To Entity: Practical Steps To Launch A Business Without Derailing Your Finances

    What Do I Need To Know Before Launching A Small Business?  Big dreams need sturdy foundations. We sat down to map the clearest path from idea to launch, focusing on the money moves that keep founders safe, nimble, and ready for growth. From choosing an entity to keeping the IRS happy, we walk through the decisions that turn hustle into a healthy business, with real-world examples you can use right away. We start with the essentials—an emergency fund that protects your personal life while revenue ramps, and a small advisor team that punches above its weight: a CFP to frame risk and cash flow, an accountant to design your tax strategy, and an attorney to shore up liability and contracts. Then we dig into structure choices like sole proprietorship, LLC, S Corp, and C Corp, translating how each affects taxes, payroll, and future funding. Along the way, we share simple systems to separate business and personal expenses so your deductions actually stick, and audits don’t wreck your year. Research is the cheat code many skip. We explore how to interview owners outside a sale process to learn about hidden costs, staffing headaches, and seasonality. That insight feeds a business plan with best, base, and worst-case scenarios, realistic cash flow, and milestones you can track. We also make the case for hiring a bookkeeper early—why clean books save money at tax time, speed decisions, and prevent messy fixes. On the risk side, we talk partnerships and funding traps, spotting predatory terms, and building a network through associations to stay ahead of shifting regulations. Plus, a fun twist: Violet shares her vision for building a resort-style hotel from scratch, and what she’s already learning by talking to real owners. If you’re planning a launch—or refining one already in motion—this conversation gives you a practical checklist: cash first, entity choice, clean books, honest research, smart advisors, and cautious partnerships. Subscribe, share this with a founder friend, and leave a review to tell us the one step you’re taking this week. To learn more about MyPocketFP visit: https://www.MyPocketFP.com MyPocketFP

    14 min
  6. 12/31/2025

    The Truth About Debt: Why It’s Tricky and How to Simplify the Journey

    Why Is Debt So Tricky To Pay Off—and How Can I Simplify It? Debt doesn’t just drain your bank account; it drains your focus, confidence, and momentum. We brought clarity to a messy topic by breaking down why balances keep coming back, how to separate growth-focused borrowing from costly consumption, and what simple routines actually keep you paid off for good. Jason Taylor, CFP and creator of MyPocketFP, joins Julie Schwenzer to unpack delayed gratification, the psychology of spending, and the cash flow habits that make financial discipline feel easier, not harder. We get specific about the difference between good and bad debt, with a plain-English framework: use borrowing for assets that grow or skills that raise income, and avoid loans on things that shrink in value. You’ll hear when rules of thumb fail, why interest rates dictate your next move, and how to prioritize payments without getting overwhelmed. Jason walks through two proven strategies for multiple debts—knock out the smallest balance for quick wins or attack the highest interest to save the most—and explains how to choose the method you’ll stick with over time. We also tackle car decisions many people regret. Leasing can look sleek, but mileage caps, depreciation, and higher total costs can wreck cash flow. Jason lays out a practical path for staying out of the trap, plus no-nonsense credit habits: pay when you get paid, automate the essentials, and keep utilization naturally low. To keep motivation high, try his favorite mindset tools—visual cues tied to your goals, weekly money check-ins, and accountability that nudges action without shame. If you’re ready to simplify debt, protect your cash flow, and build real traction toward a home, education, or entrepreneurship, this conversation gives you the steps to start today. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help more listeners take control of their money. To learn more about MyPocketFP visit: https://www.MyPocketFP.com MyPocketFP

    10 min
  7. 12/29/2025

    From Weddings To Layoffs: A Practical Guide To Financial Stability

    How Do I Protect Myself Financially During Life Transitions?  Life doesn’t wait for your spreadsheet to catch up. Marriage, a new baby, a sudden job change, or a broken water heater can all test your finances at once, and we’re here to help you stay steady when everything shifts. Jason Taylor, CFP and creator of MyPocketFP breaks down a simple, durable approach: plan for the worst, automate the best, and adjust the rest. We start with the foundation—how to map your essential expenses, choose the right savings targets, and decide what “enough” looks like for your emergency fund. From there we explore the real moments that force financial decisions: merging money as newlyweds, navigating divorce with clarity, rolling over accounts during a career move, and preventing lifestyle creep after a bonus or inheritance. Jason explains what makes a plan more complex (think rentals, business ownership, tax strategy, and estate planning) and why starting early saves time, money, and stress. Insurance takes center stage as protection that keeps your plan alive when risk shows up. You’ll hear when term life is a smart move, why disability coverage might matter even more, and how to right-size your property policies so home disasters don’t derail long-term goals. We also get tactical: setting alerts for savings dips, tracking net worth, and using My Pocket FP to keep you accountable through transitions. Along the way we talk about money mindsets formed in childhood and how to teach kids the value behind a “yes” or “not now.” If you want a resilient money system that works through weddings, layoffs, promotions, and surprise repairs, this conversation gives you the checklist and the confidence to act. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s in a big life change, and leave a review with your top takeaway—we read every one. To learn more about MyPocketFP visit: https://www.MyPocketFP.com MyPocketFP

    10 min
  8. 12/22/2025

    How To Tell If Your Savings Are On Track And What To Do If They’re Not

    How Do I Know If I’m Saving Enough? Ever wonder if your savings are actually on track or if you’re just crossing your fingers and hoping? We dig into a practical way to answer that question with clarity, starting from your emergency fund runway and moving through the habits and math that make a real difference. Jason Taylor, CFP and creator of MyPocketFP, joins Julie Schwenzer to unpack why flat rules like “save 10 percent” miss the point and how a personalized savings rate gives you a smarter, simpler target you can steadily improve. Together we break down lifestyle-driven retirement planning, where the number you need depends on how you want to live, not your age. You’ll hear how to translate travel dreams or minimalist goals into an annual spending target, then back into the savings rate that fits today’s income. We also tackle near-term milestones such as down payments and car replacements, showing how to set a monthly number, choose safer vehicles for short horizons, and sequence goals so you can make progress without burning out. Debt gets a clear, no-shame review: what makes some borrowing “less bad,” how to prioritize high-interest balances, and why keeping a small but steady savings habit alive during payoff builds resilience. Jason also shares the psychological side of money—how early experiences shape our behaviors—and the simple systems that help you win anyway: automation, annual reviews, and tiny percentage nudges that compound over time. We wrap with a hands-on look at the MyPocketFP app, which centers everything on your savings rate so you can track, adjust, and celebrate visible progress. If you want a calm, confident plan that matches your life, not someone else’s benchmark, this conversation is your roadmap. Listen now, then subscribe, share with a friend who’s setting goals, and leave a quick review to help more people make smarter, lower-stress money moves. To learn more about MyPocketFP visit: https://www.MyPocketFP.com MyPocketFP

    7 min

About

Welcome to MyPocketFP — the podcast where your wallet finally meets its financial planner… and they actually get along. Hosted by Jason Taylor, certified financial planner and money sensei, this show is your go-to guide for turning financial confusion into clarity. Whether you're prepping for retirement or wondering where last weekend’s spending spree went, Jason delivers smart tips, surprising insights, and practical strategies — all designed to fit right in your pocket. 💡 From bite-sized budgeting hacks to long-term wealth-building moves, MyPocketFP helps you take control of your financial life one episode at a time. Because your future deserves more than guesswork. Tune in weekly to discover how small monthly changes can lead to big wins in your financial endgame. And remember — your financial planner is now officially pocket-sized (and doesn’t charge by the hour). 📲 Ready to level up your money game? Visit MyPocketFP.com and start shaping your financial future today To learn more about MyPocketFP visit: https://www.MyPocketFP.com MyPocketFP