Become Sensible

So many founders hit the end of the year with a knot in their stomach. Numbers feel foggy, the tax reminders pile up, and suddenly every notification becomes existential. But the panic isn't because you've failed. It's because you're flying blind without the systems that keep your money working for you instead of quietly slipping away.

On this episode of Become Sensible, I break down the seven most common (and costly) year-end financial mistakes founders make—and how to fix them before December 31st. From ignoring margins to guessing your tax bill to scaling on a shaky foundation, we’ll go over why these issues show up, how they compound, and the exact steps to regain control. This is a practical, no-drama reset for anyone who wants to enter 2026 with clarity, confidence, and cleaner books than ever.

Connect

• Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:50 - Mistake #1: Waiting until tax season to look at your numbers
• 6:22 - Mistake #2: Guessing your tax bill
• 9:18 - Mistake #3: Ignoring contractor payments (1099 prep)
• 10:38 - Mistake #4: Not reviewing margins before 2026 pricing
• 12:38 - Mistake #5: Silent spending that drains profit
• 14:45 - Mistake #6: Assuming growth - financial health
• 16:56 - Mistake #7: Skipping a proper year-end close
• 19:30 - Why clarity beats avoidance every time

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At the end of every year, I see founders fall into the same trap: avoiding their finances because the work feels dry or overwhelming. But avoidance is expensive. A few overlooked numbers can easily turn into thousands in unnecessary taxes or missed opportunities—and I’ve seen it happen more often than you’d think. So I want to show you exactly how I close out my own year, and what I help my clients do long before tax season shows up.

On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through the five financial and tax moves I recommend to every entrepreneur before December 31st. I’ll talk you through what “clean books” actually look like, how I review estimated taxes with clients, and why intentional year-end spending is more powerful than chasing deductions. We’ll also cover retirement strategies that can save you thousands and the budgeting steps I use with my own CFO clients to set up a strong 2026.

These steps aren’t glamorous, but they give you something far more important: “Clarity is the real return on your investment.” When you understand your numbers, you move from reactive to confident—and that’s when your business becomes truly scalable.

Connect

Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Why year-end finances matter (and why founders avoid them)
• 0:42 - The five core business foundations
• 1:30 - Step 1: Cleaning and reviewing your books
• 4:54 - How inaccurate books inflate tax bills
• 6:21 - The three financial reports that matter
• 8:03 - Step 2: Reviewing estimated taxes
• 9:27 - Common estimated-tax mistakes
• 10:33 - Step 3: Intentional year-end spending
• 11:48 - What real tax planning looks like
• 12:45 - Step 4: Funding your future (retirement strategies)
• 14:36 - How scenario planning reduces tax surprises
• 15:36 - Step 5: Reviewing financials + the 2026 budget
• 16:57 - Building base, best, and worst-case plans
• 17:45 - Final recap + year-end encouragement

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What does it take to rebuild your life from nothing—and then dedicate it to helping others thrive? In 1975, my dear friend and longtime client, Rosemary Tran Lauer, arrived in America as a single mother with two young children, no degree, and little English. What began as a fight to survive became a lifelong mission to give back.

Rosemary Tran Lauer is the founder of Devotion to Children, a nonprofit committed to early childhood education and care for families in need. She's also the founder of Tetra Global and author of Beggars or Angels, her memoir chronicling her journey from war-torn Vietnam to building a life of purpose, generosity, and faith in the U.S.

On this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Rosemary to talk about resilience, faith, and the power of purpose. We explore her journey from refugee to entrepreneur and founder of Devotion to Children, a nonprofit providing early childhood education and childcare to disadvantaged families. We also reflect on her 30-year journey of impact, her memoir Beggars or Angels, and how she continues to balance profit and purpose as the founder of Tetra Global.

Through every hardship, Rosemary reminds us that "devotion is an action, not a philosophy." Her story is a powerful testament to what love, grit, and service can build—and how one woman's courage can ripple out to change thousands of lives.

Guest Links

• Devotion to Children
• Beggars Or Angels Book
• Tetra Global

Connect

• Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Balannx.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Intro
• 3:00 - The faith and love that kept her going
• 6:30 - Building resilience through gratitude and grit
• 8:30 - Founding Devotion to Children and focusing on early education
• 12:30 - The heart and community behind the annual gala
• 18:00 - Real stories of impact and transformation
• 22:00 - The cost of childcare and why support matters
• 25:00 - Balancing profit and purpose in business
• 29:00 - The power of love as a long-term motivator for change
• 31:00 - Legacy, kindness, and paying it forward
• 33:00 - Advice for anyone in hardship: don't give up
• 36:00 - Final reflections and hope for the future

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When creativity meets empathy, magic happens. But how do you build a business that balances both—while keeping your creative spark alive?

On this episode of Become Sensible, I sat down with Heather Chandler, seven-time Emmy-winning filmmaker and founder of The IMG Studio. After a decade in broadcast journalism, Heather left the 3 a.m. newscasts behind to build a creative company that champions human stories—especially for nonprofits and causes that matter. Together, we unpack what it takes to lead with empathy, manage creative teams, and tell stories that move people to action.

"People do business with people they like." Heather shares how deadlines, storytelling discipline, and authenticity fuel both artistry and business success—and why creative excellence is really about evoking emotion, not chasing perfection.

• Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.
• Heather Chandler on LinkedIn 
• The IMG Studio Website

• 0:00 - Intro
• 2:30 - The "enough is enough" moment that sparked change 
• 5:00 - What storytelling taught her about discipline and deadlines 
• 8:00 - Why authenticity wins in business storytelling 
• 11:00 - The Emmy projects that redefined her creative path 
• 13:00 - Balancing creativity with budgets and client expectations 
• 16:00 - The Uganda documentary that deepened her empathy 
• 18:00 - Why humans are wired for stories, not stats 
• 21:00 - Finding the thread of humanity in every story 
• 24:00 - Vulnerability vs. perfection in storytelling 
• 26:00 - Leading creative teams with clarity and collaboration 
• 28:00 - The value women bring to male-dominated creative industries 
• 31:00 - Confidence and leadership after years in business 
• 32:00 - Advice for anyone afraid to pivot 
• 41:00 - The next decade of The IMG Studio 
• 43:00 - The quote that fuels Heather's resilience 
• 45:00 - Creative excellence in the age of AI 
• 46:00 - Closing reflections on beauty, connection, and contribution

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The new 2025 tariff adjustments are here—and for many small business owners, that means rising costs, tighter margins, and tough decisions. But before you panic, there’s a strategy to get through it.

On this episode of Become Sensible, I share an essential breakdown of how the latest U.S. import tariffs are impacting everything from manufacturing materials to consumer behavior. I walk through what’s changed, what it means for your pricing and cash flow, and how to apply my five-step resilience framework to stay grounded and profitable no matter what the market throws your way.

You’ll learn how to rework your cost structure, model new profit margins, diversify suppliers, and protect your cash runway—even as uncertainty looms.

If your business relies on imported materials or serves clients who do, this one’s a must-listen.

• Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Balannx

• 00:00 – Intro
• 01:00 – What’s changing with U.S. import tariffs this year
• 02:15 – The ripple effects for small businesses and product margins
• 03:00 – How higher costs hit even non-importing companies
• 04:30 – Step 1: Rebuild your cost map
• 05:35 – Step 2: Scenario forecasting—three models to test
• 06:50 – Step 3: Localize and diversify your supply chain
• 08:20 – Step 4: Rethink your pricing, packaging, and communication
• 09:20 – Step 5: Protect your cash runway through Q4
• 10:30 – Important updates on small import exemptions
• 12:30 – How service-based businesses are also affected
• 13:00 – What you can control as a business owner
• 14:00 – Closing encouragement: Strategy over panic

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As we enter the final quarter of 2025, I can feel it—the air gets sharper, the noise quiets down, and suddenly we realize we have just 90 days left in the year.  

But here’s the truth: “finishing strong” doesn’t mean adding more pressure. It means finishing with clarity.

On this episode of *Become Sensible*, I’m sharing my Q4 Design Framework—the same method I use to reset, refocus, and lead myself like a CEO in both business and life. We’ll walk through how to reflect honestly, simplify your systems, anchor your habits, and build momentum through micro-wins. It’s about executing with precision, not perfection.

"Clarity is the most underrated business strategy.”

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple 90-day roadmap to close out the year with calm confidence—so you start 2026 not exhausted, but proud and peaceful.

Connect

• Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Balannx.

Timestamps  

- 0:00 – Intro: Why Q4 feels different  

- 1:15 – Why reflection comes before strategy  

- 2:00 – Three questions I ask myself every quarter  

- 4:00 – Facing avoidance and reclaiming energy  

- 5:10 – My 90-Day Q4 Design Framework  

- 6:00 – Choosing three focus categories  

- 7:10 – Defining measurable success  

- 8:40 – Translating goals into daily action  

- 11:10 – Building momentum through micro-wins  

- 13:30 – Simplifying systems and execution  

- 18:30 – The “if–then” accountability method  

- 21:00 – Communicating goals with your team or partner  

- 22:20 – Habit stacking that actually sticks  

- 24:10 – Tracking and adjusting weekly  

- 25:10 – Discipline over motivation  

- 28:00 – Finishing the year with peace, not pressure  

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In an age where “growth” is often mistaken for success, what does it really take to scale a company with integrity, purpose, and impact?

On this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Paul Blackman, Jr., Managing Principal of Trusted Advisory Group, to unpack two decades of leadership experience across the public and private sectors. From overseeing $4B in city projects as Deputy Director of DC General Services to leading complex developments in healthcare, housing, and education, Paul shares what it means to grow a business that uplifts communities—not just bottom lines.

We talk about the myths of scaling, the power of relationships, and why “integration” matters more than “balance” when you’re leading a team and a family. “A problem well framed is half solved,” Paul says—and his story proves that clarity, consistency, and connection are the foundation of every sustainable business.

Paul Blackman, Jr. is the Managing Principal of Trusted Advisory Group, a Washington, D.C.–based consulting firm specializing in project and construction management, real estate development, and strategic advisory for public and private clients. A former Deputy Director of DC General Services, Paul has led over $4 billion in infrastructure projects and now mentors organizations and leaders on how to scale with purpose and integrity.

Guest Links

• Trusted Advisory Group
• Paul Blackman, Jr. on LinkedIn

Connect

• Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Intro
• 0:32 – Paul’s journey from public service to entrepreneurship
• 4:00 – Bridging private- and public-sector values
• 9:00 – Early days of building Trusted Advisory Group
• 13:00 – The first big break and lessons from A-list partnerships
• 17:30 – Why relationships and time are the real business currencies
• 23:00 – Finding purpose during the pandemic and leading through uncertainty
• 29:00 – Shifting from operator to visionary leader
• 35:00 – Listening, feedback, and avoiding blind spots as a CEO
• 40:00 – Balancing high standards with sustainable growth
• 46:00 – Reinvesting wisely and preparing for the AI-driven future
• 55:00 – Paul’s advice to his day-one self and closing reflections

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What if the box your product ships in could make or break whether your customer buys from you again? Most entrepreneurs overlook packaging — treating it as a cost center, not a marketing channel. But as you’ll hear today, your box may be your most powerful untapped growth lever.

Derick is the founder of CustomBox.io, a packaging company helping small businesses replace plain shipping boxes with affordable branded packaging that boosts loyalty, lowers costs, and scales revenue. With a background spanning e-commerce, marketing, and software, he’s passionate about leveling the playing field for small business owners.

On this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Derick to explore how branded packaging builds trust, fuels repeat sales, and even creates sustainability wins. He shares his path from corporate roles at Yex, Cox Media, and Home Depot to scaling a side hustle into one of the top Shopify stores. We dive into lessons on customer reviews, capital challenges, and why you can’t be everything to everyone as you grow.

If you’ve ever underestimated the customer touchpoints in your business, this episode will spark new ideas—and maybe inspire you to rethink your product's packaging!

Resources

• Visit CustomBox.io Online
• Check out CustomBox.io's Instagram

Connect

• Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionahnguyen
• Learn more about Balannx: https://balannx.com/.

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Intro
• 0:30 – Why packaging is part of the customer experience
• 2:15 – Derick’s path from corporate to CustomBox.io
• 4:50 – Early wins, setbacks, and $40K in month two
• 6:30 – Surviving the hard first six months
• 9:15 – Authentic reviews and customer passion
• 11:00 – Landing your first big client by solving pain points
• 13:45 – Scaling milestones: 10,000 orders and top 25% on Shopify
• 15:00 – Balancing speed, cost, and quality (“pick two” rule)
• 20:00 – Why CustomBox.io focuses on small businesses
• 24:00 – What most brands get wrong about packaging
• 28:30 – Environmental impact and the vision for 100% recycled boxes
• 32:30 – Lessons learned and advice to day-one Derick

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In this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Rebecca and Yoni Levian, the husband-and-wife duo behind Skyehigh Interactive, a branding and web design agency trusted by major names and beloved by entrepreneurs who want both strategy and soul in their brands.

These two have built Skyehigh Interactive into a boutique agency known for delivering world-class branding and design with a personal, value-driven touch. Their work blends strategy, creativity, and authenticity to help clients scale with purpose.

We dive into their journey from agency life to running their own business, what it’s really like to build a company together while raising kids, and the lessons they’ve learned about clarity, design, and trust.

Rebecca shares how she transitioned from teaching to design, the importance of choosing clients intentionally, and why clarity of message trumps everything else. Yoni opens up about supporting the business in its early days, his background in video production, and the challenges of blending family and entrepreneurship. Together, they offer practical advice for entrepreneurs who want to land bigger clients, strengthen their brand presence, and create work that resonates.

Guest Links

• Skyehigh Interactive Website
• Instagram @skyehighinteractive

Connect

• Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Introduction of Rebecca & Yoni Levian
• 3:00 – How Skyehigh Interactive began
• 7:00 – Balancing family life and entrepreneurship
• 15:00 – Critical lessons for new business owners
• 19:00 – The importance of clarity and niche in branding
• 24:00 – Approaching and landing bigger clients
• 33:00 – The elements that build trust on a website
• 44:00 – Scaling challenges and future ideas
• 50:00 – How they know when creative work is ready to ship
• 53:00 – Why client relationships stay deeply personal at Skyehigh

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Tariffs might feel like something only politicians argue about on the news—but they could hit your business where it hurts. Whether you sell products or services, these policy shifts have ripple effects that show up in your supply chain, your pricing, and your customers’ wallets. So what can you actually do about it?

On this episode of Become Sensible, we explore how small business owners can stay resilient in the face of changing tariff laws. Fiona breaks down what tariffs really mean for product-based and service-based businesses, and walks you through the key questions to ask when forecasting your financial future. You’ll learn how to evaluate your costs, assess your pricing, and run scenario analyses that give you options instead of panic. We also talk through cash flow planning and why creativity is your best defense in uncertain times.

Connect

Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.

Timestamps

-  0:00 - Introduction: Why tariffs matter more than you think

-  1:30 - Understanding the basics of tariff taxes and how they impact the economy

-  3:00 - Are you product-based, service-based, or in trading? Why it matters

-  4:15 - Why forecasting gives you confidence and clarity

-  5:10 - Step 1: Analyze your cost of goods sold and how tariff changes affect them

-  6:30 - Step 2: Scenario planning—how to identify alternatives to imported materials

-  7:45 - Step 3: Can you raise prices—or should you absorb the cost?

-  9:10 - Step 4: Pricing, packaging, and communicating value to your customers

-  10:20 - Step 5: Reviewing your cash runway and why it’s critical in economic shifts

-  11:15 - Step 6: Get creative—strategies to adapt your offerings and product tiers

-  12:30 - How tariffs indirectly affect service-based businesses too

-  13:45 - Financial forecasting for service providers: assumptions, pricing elasticity, and labor costs

-  15:10 - Final thoughts: Strategy over panic, and preparing for what’s ahead

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.