Therapy For Your Money

Julie Herres

Welcome to Therapy for your Money, a podcast about all things money and finance for private practice owners! If you are ready to feel confident and in-control of your financial life, then you are in the right spot. Therapy for our Money is hosted by Julie Herres, the CEO and Founder of GreenOak Accounting. She and her firm specialize in working with private practice owners across the United States, and have assisted hundreds of private practices with increasing their financial stability and profitability. She is on a mission to share her best practices she's learned along the way through her successful career as an accountant, discusses financial topics with a wide variety of guests, and help her listeners make data driven decisions to help their businesses.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 202: A Profit First Journey: Confessions of a First-Year Practice Owner

    A Profit First Journey: Confessions of a First-Year Practice Owner Starting a private practice can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming—especially when it comes to money. In this episode of Therapy for Your Money, Julie sits down with Alex Antonucci, a first-year practice owner who isn’t afraid to share the honest, behind-the-scenes reality of building a financially sustainable practice from the ground up. Alex opens up about student loan debt that rivaled the cost of his home, feeling unsure about retirement savings, and the mental load that comes with not quite knowing where your money stands. He also shares how implementing Profit First before opening his doors gave him clarity, confidence, and a financial system that now supports both his business and his life. If you’re a solo practice owner—or dreaming about growing into a group practice—this conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start. You just need a system that helps you make clear, values-aligned decisions along the way. 3 Things to Listen for in This Episode What it really feels like to start a practice with debt and uncertainty. Alex shares candidly about student loans, financial anxiety, and why he didn’t want money stress to follow him into practice ownership.How Profit First reduced decision fatigue.  Instead of constantly wondering “Can I afford this?”, Alex explains how letting the numbers guide decisions freed up mental energy and reduced stress.Planning for growth before hiring. From building buffers to offering generous benefits like PTO and retirement contributions, Alex walks through how he’s preparing to hire sustainably—without panic or guesswork.Resources & Mentions Billing Assistant Pro by Productive TherapistVirtual Assistant Support – Productive TherapistProfit First for Therapists (my book!)Profit First AcademyTherapy For Your Money websiteGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTree Pittsburgh - non-profit mentioned by Alex Alex Antonucci, LPC’s practice page - https://www.waxwingwellness.com/about Podcast, YouTube,  and Other Written Assets Produced by James Marland

    23 min
  2. FEB 6

    Episode 201: How Ginger Used Red Carpet Exits to Transform Her Practice from 1099 to W2

    Making the shift from independent contractors (1099s) to employees (W2s) can feel overwhelming for private practice owners—and let’s be honest, it can stir up a lot of big feelings for your team too! In this episode, Julie Herres sits down with Ginger Houghton, owner of Bright Spot Therapy, to unpack how Ginger’s “red carpet exit” approach turned what could have been a stressful transition into an experience rooted in trust, growth, and long-term success. Whether you’re considering this move or already knee-deep in the process, Ginger’s story offers practical strategies and plenty of encouragement. Three Reasons to Listen / Three Things You’ll Learn How to Build Trust During Big Changes: Hear Ginger’s actionable steps for fostering open communication and emotional safety—before, during, and after a major team shift.Red Carpet Exits Explained: Discover what “red carpet exits” actually look like, and why supporting clinicians to leave well can help your culture (and numbers) thrive.How to Prep for a Smooth 1099-to-W2 Transition: From timelines and tough conversations to financial realities and math tools, get a real-world roadmap for making this change without losing your team.Resources & Links Mentioned Bright Spot Therapy: https://brightspottherapy.com Ginger Houghton’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginger-houghton-03ba61172/ Ginger’s Course: Navigating the 1099-to-W2 Transition: https://ginger-s-site-0d8f.thinkific.com/products/courses/from-1099-to-w2-courseGinger Houghton’s Coaching Link: https://ginger-s-site-0d8f.thinkific.com/products/live_events/coachingGreenOak Accounting – Free Consultation https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/consultationProfit First for Therapists (my book!)Profit First AcademyTherapy For Your Money websiteGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comPodcast Production by James MarlandGet the All About Taxes Course.

    35 min
  3. JAN 30

    Episode 200: How I Would Start My Private Practice: with $5000 (3 of 3)

    If you’ve ever dreamed about opening your own private practice, but the numbers are making your head spin (hello, startup costs!), this episode is for you. I’m walking you through exactly how I’d build a private practice with a $5,000 budget. Where I’d spend, what I’d skip, and the mindset shifts that will help you stay sane and avoid financial overwhelm. There’s a lot of advice out there, but let’s get real: you don’t need a giant pile of cash to get started, you just need a plan that works for you. Review episodes 198 and 199, where I review starting your practice with $1,000 and $3,000.  If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I be spending here? Is this something I can do myself?”—I’m sharing my honest take and the real-life steps I’d take if I were starting from scratch. This isn’t about cutting every corner; it’s about building wisely, not just quickly. Top 3 Reasons to Listen Learn where every dollar matters: I break down exactly how I’d prioritize spending when you’ve only got $5,000 to launch your practice.Get the no-fluff outsourcing list: Curious what’s actually worth outsourcing early on (and what can totally wait)? I’ve got you.Practical, fast-action steps: Walk away with real-world ways to move faster—without tossing money out the window.Resources I Mentioned Billing Assistant Pro by Productive TherapistVirtual Assistant Support – Productive TherapistProfit First for Therapists (my book!)Profit First AcademyTherapy For Your Money websiteMoney for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comPodcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/

    19 min
  4. JAN 23

    Episode 199: How I Would Start My Private Practice: with $3000 (2 of 3)

    Starting a private practice with a limited budget can feel daunting—but with the right plan, $3,000 can go further than you think! In this episode, Julie Herres shares exactly how she’d launch a new practice if she had $3,000 to spend. Discover the must-haves, the smart shortcuts, and the areas where a little investment makes a big difference. Listen to Discover What to prioritize with a $3,000 start-up budgetWhat tasks are worth outsourcing (and which to DIY!)Practical advice on physical space, software, and keeping expenses leanUnderstand the real timeline for getting up and runningHow to avoid common money traps when launching your practiceLinks and Resources  TherapyFlow CRM: https://crm.mytherapyflow.com/ Upwork https://www.upwork.com/ Fiverr https://www.fiverr.com/ Vistaprint:  https://www.vistaprint.com/ Meg Business All-in-one billing, credentialing and front desk solutions: https://www.megbusiness.com/ Google Business Address Verification Guidelines For Your New Location: https://help.relentless-digital.com/google-business-address-verification-guidelines-for-your-new-locationWhy You Need a Physical Office Address to Claim a Profile: https://succeedingsmall.co/google-my-business-guidelines-for-small-businesses-why-you-need-a-physical-office-address-to-claim-a-profile/Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com Therapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.com Profit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com Profit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy Podcast Production and Show Notes by Coursecreationstudio.com

    15 min
  5. JAN 16

    Episode 198: How I Would Start My Private Practice: with $1000 (1 of 3)

    How I Would Start My Private Practice: with $1,000 What would it actually look like to launch a solo private practice with just $1,000? In this episode, Julie Herres kicks off a practical three-part series walking you through exactly how she would build a private practice from the ground up—starting with a shoestring budget. Julie shares candid insights, must-have tools, and where not to spend your cash, all while keeping things approachable (and a little bit fun).   What You’ll Learn: How to Prioritize Your $1,000Which foundational steps are absolutely necessary, and what can wait until later DIY Strategies to Stretch Your BudgetCommon Pitfalls to AvoidResources and Links Private Practice Startup Course: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup12Paperwork Packages:Private Practice Startup Paperwork Base: https://www.privatepracticestartup.com/private-practice-paperwork-basePrivate Practice Startup paperwork: https://the-private-practice-startup.thrivecart.com/base-package-299/?affiliate=greenoakFree HIPAA add-on: https://www.privatepracticestartup.com//hipaa-form?affiliate=greenoakBe Your Own Biller:Membership: https://www.beyourownbiller.com/byob-membershipCourse: https://www.beyourownbiller.com/ LLC/PLLC: Typically $50–$100 (check your state’s Secretary of State website)Domain Name:$15/year at the time of recordingvia Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/or Wix: https://www.wix.com/ Google Workspace (Email): $14/month at the time of recordingSign up: https://workspace.google.com/Google Workspace for Business: https://workspace.google.com/lp/business/ How to get a BAA from Google (for HIPAA): https://support.google.com/a/answer/3407054?hl=enEMR/EHR: $50–$100/month (compare options for features, ease, and integration)Miscellaneous Listings or Memberships: $0–$50/month (Psychology Today, TherapyDen, etc.)Wix Website: Core or Light plan $30/monthGet started with Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/Get started with Wix: https://www.wix.com/Intake Accelerator by Productive Practice Get the Intake Accelerator: https://productivetherapist.com/intake-accelerator/?affiliate=greenoakCredentialing: $250–$300 (estimate for professional help; DIY options available)Google Voice (HIPAA-compliant, paid plans only): $10/month Learn more: https://workspace.google.com/products/voice/Get the All About Taxes Course.

    31 min
  6. JAN 9

    Episode 197: Is Getting a Tax Refund a Good Thing for a Therapy Practice?

    Is Getting a Tax Refund a Good Thing for a Therapy Practice? Welcome back to Therapy For Your Money, and Happy New Year! I’m Julie Herres, and I know tax season brings lots of questions—especially when it comes to tax refunds. For many business owners, that refund feels like a windfall or a bonus, but is it actually a good thing for your private practice? In today’s episode, we’ll break down what your tax refund really means for your practice’s financial health—and what you might need to adjust going forward. (Spoiler alert: it’s not always as great as it sounds.) What We Cover 1. Green Flags: When a tax refund is a sign that your practice’s finances are on track. (Hint: it’s all about small refunds!) 2. Yellow Flags: Situations where a bigger refund means you missed out on cash flow you could have used all year long. We’ll talk about the sneaky reasons this happens—and what to do if you notice this pattern. 3. Red Flags: The danger zone! If you ever receive an unexpectedly large check from the IRS or your state, there are a few things you must check before celebrating. Julie shares common payroll pitfalls and why you need to get your accountant involved, fast. Subscribe: Catch every episode by subscribing to Therapy For Your Money on  Apple Podcasts or YouTube. Remember: Tax refunds aren’t always a high-five moment for your practice. A little curiosity (and a call to your accountant) can help you spot green, yellow, or red flags and set you up for a financially healthy year ahead! Links and Resources: Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com Therapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.com Profit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com Profit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy  Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio

    15 min
  7. 12/05/2025

    Episode 195: Insider Tips from Profit First Coaches

    Ever wish you could pick the brains of Profit First pros just for private practice? This episode brings you behind the scenes of Profit First Academy office hours with two of our most experienced coaches, Carolyn Chrestman and Hannah Dyer. Julie sits down with Carolyn and Hannah to share real questions from practice owners, common places people get stuck (and how to get unstuck), and what it really looks like to tailor Profit First to your own practice. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to dig deeper, you’ll walk away with encouragement, actionable tips, and a whole lot less confusion about your financials! In This Episode Real Profit First Strategies—No Judgment Hear how our coaches help practice owners make decisions, build confidence, and use Profit First as a shame-free tool for growth. If you’ve ever worried about asking a “dumb” question, this one’s for you!Behind the Curtain of Office Hours Get a peek at what actually happens in Profit First Academy office hours. From instant assessments to account setup, find out how our coaches break down overwhelm and guide you step-by-step.Practical, Personalized Tips from the Experts Learn how to choose account structures that work for you, avoid common accounting pitfalls, and adapt Profit First to support your goals—whether you run a solo or group practice.Links and Resources Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio

    25 min
4.9
out of 5
53 Ratings

About

Welcome to Therapy for your Money, a podcast about all things money and finance for private practice owners! If you are ready to feel confident and in-control of your financial life, then you are in the right spot. Therapy for our Money is hosted by Julie Herres, the CEO and Founder of GreenOak Accounting. She and her firm specialize in working with private practice owners across the United States, and have assisted hundreds of private practices with increasing their financial stability and profitability. She is on a mission to share her best practices she's learned along the way through her successful career as an accountant, discusses financial topics with a wide variety of guests, and help her listeners make data driven decisions to help their businesses.

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