About Lu Bauer

How Much is Enough?Money Balancing ActThe Tax Balancing Act
Moneyphobias and Our Clients:
Financial Professional Training		Money Empowerment for WomenBuilding Money Skills
Women Challenging and Changing Their Money Beliefs Financial Aspects of Divorce

The Money Balancing Act

A Holistic Approach to Our Relationship with Money
A Professional Development Workshop (8 hours a day for three days)

This course offers a holistic approach to money and finance, interweaving the basics of professional and small business finances with an empowering approach to transforming one's relationship with money. The taboo against talking about money or acknowledging its presence and power in our lives is very strong in our society. Utilizing tools such as visualizations, affirmations, gentle exercises and peer support, the students move from exploring cultural beliefs about money to developing a personal vision of a healthy and successful relationship to their financial life.

Course modules also cover setting up and maintaining recordkeeping systems and current vital information on income tax rules and strategies. This is powerful knowledge for the successful operation of a professional practice and for advising small businesses. In addition to gaining these practical skills, students will have the time to focus on the deeply personal work of transforming their limiting beliefs about money.

Money topics will include:

  • Money - What is it? Developing a working definition.
  • Understanding the norms and taboos - Debunking money myths.
  • Moneyphobias - Naming the fears.
  • Our early introduction to money - Childhood experiences and money genealogy.
  • Identifying our unique money belief system - Which beliefs are limiting?
  • Visioning change - choosing new directions, next steps.
  • Learning about our spending habits and figuring out how much is "enough".
  • Resources for enhancing present money management skills.

    Business topics will include:
    I. Recordkeeping Concepts and Systems

  • Why Bother? -- The Need for Recordkeeping
  • Survey of Recordkeeping Systems -- Checkbooks, Journals, One-Write, General Ledger, Computer
  • A Model System for Consultants -- Cash Disbursements, Receipts, Proofs, Summaries, Reconciliations
  • Tips for Developing a Vital, Profitable Business

    II. Income Taxes I

  • Filing Requirements -- Tax Returns, Self-Employment Taxes, Estimated Taxes, Due Dates
  • Business Income and Deductions -- Cash vs. Accrual, Cash In vs. Income, Cash Out vs. Deductions
  • Business vs. Hobby Losses
  • Net Operating Losses
  • Possible Problem Areas -- Insurance, Interest Expense, Charitable Contributions, Telephone Expense

    III. Income Taxes II

  • Automobile Expenses -- Standard or Actual Method
  • Business Travel
  • Business Meals, Entertainment and Gifts
  • Home Office Expenses -- Deductions and Limitations
  • Fixed Assets -- Expense and Depreciation
  • Amortization of Start-Up Costs
  • Gain/Loss on Sale of Business Property
  • Employees and Payroll Taxes

    IV. Synthesizing New Money & Business Skills

  • Applying New Money Skills and Awareness in Real-life Situations
  • Helpful Attitudes and Strategies for Dealing with IRS
  • Dealing Directly with Money Issues in Fee Negotiations
  • Policies that Improve Cash Flow and Collections
  • Systems to Establish for Business Financial Planning
  • Available Business Retirement Savings Programs

    Each day's work will include both personal money and business topics. A variety of learning modes will be used including group discussion, personal revelation, lecture, dyad work, individual interventions, journaling, visioning, drawing and affirmation work. The course will conclude with the module Synthesizing Money and Business Skills.

    • ---
    THE BALANCING ACT
    Lu Bauer, CPA
    PO Box 96
    Brunswick, ME 04011
    Phone: 207.729.0531 
    Email: lu@lubauer.com