The Hidden Mistakes That Keep Your LLC Small (and How to Grow Into an S Corp) – Ep. 249

Nov 18, 2025

12:24

forum

Ask episode

view_agenda

Chapters

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

You've set up your LLC, you're running an established business, and things are moving along, but are your financial habits actually helping you grow and is your LLC protecting you the way you think it is?

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., breaks down the five hidden mistakes that hold LLC owners back and shows you how to build the right habits to protect your business, pay yourself confidently, and prepare to scale into an S Corp when the time is right.

Key Takeaways:

Separate Your Business and Personal Finances: Mixing personal and business expenses can "pierce the corporate veil" and undo your legal protections. Keeping everything separate not only protects your assets, it also keeps your books clean and your numbers clear.
Pay Yourself Intentionally with Owner's Draws: If you're not paying yourself regularly, it's easy to dip into business funds without realizing it. Taking consistent draws helps you stay disciplined and sets the foundation for switching to payroll when you become an S Corp.
Save for Taxes Every Single Month: You pay taxes on your profits, not just what you take home. Setting aside 25–30% of your net income for taxes keeps you from being blindsided at tax time.
Review Your Numbers Monthly: If you're not looking at your profit, cash flow, and expenses every month, you're running blind. Regular reviews help you catch errors, make smart decisions, and identify when it's time to level up to S Corp status.
Keep Educating Yourself: Knowledge is power—and profit. Understanding deductions, tax rules, and best practices can save you thousands and help you confidently step into your CEO role.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00) Intro: What an LLC Is and Why It Matters for Your Taxes

(02:32) Mistake 1: Co-Mingling Business and Personal Funds

(03:40) Mistake 2: Not Taking Owner's Draws

(03:24) Mistake 3: Not Saving for Taxes

(05:16) Promo Break: Kickstart's "Check Your Books" Service

(07:34) Mistake 4: Ignoring Your Numbers or Not Regularly Reviewing Financials

(08:29) Deciding When to Elect for S Corp Status

(09:04) Mistake 5: Not Educating Yourself

(09:55) Real Life Client Success Story

(11:12) Action Step: Audit Your Current Habits

(11:47) Outro: Like, Share and Subscribe!