The Cash Flow Factor

Could switching to an S Corporation save your business thousands in taxes? In this episode of The Cash Flow Factor, Dawn Porthouse breaks down how S Corps work, who they’re really for, and the costly mistakes to avoid.

You’ll learn:

• How S Corps reduce self-employment taxes

• What “reasonable salary” actually means

• The compliance traps that catch new S Corp owners off guard

• Whether an S Corp is better than an LLC for your situation

📥 Grab your free Business Structure Cheat Sheet at SmartBizCheatSheet.com
🎧 Full episode archive at thecashflowfactor.com

Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) sounds like the smart move—until it isn’t.

In this episode of The Cash Flow Factor, host Dawn Porthouse breaks down the real pros and cons of LLCs so you can make an informed, confident decision about your business structure. Whether you're launching your first business or restructuring a growing one, this episode will walk you through:

• What an LLC really protects (and what it doesn’t)

• Tax flexibility explained in plain English

• Real-life examples from small business owners

• Why an LLC might limit your growth or investor appeal

• When an S-Corp or C-Corp might be a better fit

🎧 Listen in and download your free Business Structure Cheat Sheet at SmartBizCheatSheet.com

📖 Want the written breakdown? Read the full blog at porthouseadvisors.com

Is partnering with someone the best move—or a fast track to conflict?

In this episode of The Cash Flow Factor, Dawn Porthouse breaks down the real-world pros and cons of business partnerships. From general to limited to LLPs, you’ll learn what structure fits your goals—and what red flags to watch for.

Discover how to protect your assets, set clear roles, and build a partnership that supports long-term growth. If you’re in one (or considering one), this is a must-listen.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• The 3 main types of partnerships (GP, LP, LLP)
• How to structure roles, profit splits, and risk exposure
• Hidden dangers—shared liability, conflict, and imbalance
• Why legal agreements are critical
• When partnerships work—and when they don’t

🎁 Free Resource: Download your Business Structure Cheat Sheet and compare your options: https://smartbizcheatsheet.com/

💬 Need help choosing the right structure? Book a free Clarity Call: https://structurecall.porthouseadvisors.com/book

🎧 Next Up: LLCs – Find out why they’re the go-to choice for entrepreneurs.

Subscribe, rate, and share with a business partner (or future one)!

Is your business structure secretly costing you profits? In this episode of The Cash Flow Factor, Dawn Porthouse kicks off the Business Structure Series by unpacking the real pros and cons of starting as a sole proprietor.

Many entrepreneurs begin here because it’s fast, simple, and cheap. But what looks easy upfront can become risky as your business grows. From unexpected tax burdens to unlimited personal liability, Dawn explains what every freelancer, consultant, and small business owner needs to know before choosing—or staying with—a sole proprietorship.

Whether you’re testing the waters or already running full speed ahead, this episode will help you spot the red flags and plan smarter for long-term success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• ✅ What a sole proprietorship is and why it’s the default for most new entrepreneurs

• ✅ The benefits: simplicity, control, and low costs

• ✅ The hidden pitfalls: personal liability, self-employment taxes, funding challenges, and limited growth opportunities

• ✅ Key signals that it’s time to upgrade to an LLC or corporation

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• 📥 Free Business Structure Cheat Sheet – Compare sole proprietorships, LLCs, and corporations side by side so you can make confident choices. Get it here.

• 💬 Want help figuring out your next step? Book a free Clarity Call with our team. In 20 minutes, we’ll talk through your goals, answer your biggest structure questions, and point you toward the smartest path for growth. Grab your Clarity Call here

Next Episode: Partnerships

We’ll dive into the opportunities—and potential headaches—that come with sharing ownership. Don’t miss it!

🎧 Subscribe now so you never miss an episode, and share this with a fellow entrepreneur who’s ready to protect their profits.

In this episode of Cash Flow Factor, host Dawn Porthouse discusses common tax mistakes that can drain a business's cash flow and offers strategies to avoid them. Key topics include the importance of maintaining separate personal and business finances, using dedicated business accounts and accounting software, properly classifying workers, managing quarterly estimated tax payments, and maximizing tax deductions. The episode highlights the benefits of working with tax professionals and CFO advisors to navigate complex tax laws and optimize financial strategies for business growth.

In this episode, Dawn discusses the "over-reliance trap" and how it impacts small business owners. She shares simple strategies and actionable tips to help business owners focus on business advice and growth by learning how to **delegate tasks**. Discover how to improve your **productivity** and **entrepreneurship** skills, so you can **get things done** and spend less time on daily tasks.

Meet Michael Kasberg, ESQ, a passionate attorney and business owner who has built a successful law practice from the ground up through hard work and determination. As a solo practitioner, Michael shares his inspiring journey of overcoming various challenges that he faced along the way and achieving remarkable success through effective practice management and strategic planning. With a keen entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to excellence, Michael has turned his law practice into a thriving business that serves clients with dedication and integrity. In this engaging video, he shares his invaluable secrets to success that have helped him navigate the complexities of running a law firm. From the early days of his law practice, where he had to establish his reputation and clientele, to his current status as a respected business owner in the legal community, Michael's story is not just one of personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to learn from his experiences, insights, and the lessons he has gathered throughout his career. Whether you are an aspiring attorney, a small business owner, or simply someone interested in the journey of entrepreneurship, you will find valuable takeaways and motivation in Michael's compelling narrative.

In this episode of 'The Cashflow Factor,' host Dawn Porthouse demystifies financial statements, emphasizing their importance as tools for business understanding and growth. The episode explains the three key financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, offering practical advice on how to read and use them effectively. Dawn introduces key financial ratios and metrics, shares common mistakes to avoid, and presents a case study of a boutique store owner who improved her cash flow and revenue through better financial management. The episode concludes with actionable steps for business owners, including scheduling regular reviews, starting with one report at a time, leveraging technology, seeking professional help, and investing in financial education.