In this episode Cody and Taylor break down the money habits that separate consistently successful local business owners from the rest. They cover the three key figures owners must track—cash balance, net profit, and owner distributions—why profit and cash flow are different, and how simple budgets and intentional systems prevent surprises.

The hosts also discuss practical tax and financial strategies, including timely planning, proper entity structure, depreciation, retirement savings, knowing margins over emotions, and asking for help before a crisis. The episode focuses on actionable steps to keep a business profitable and sustainable year after year.

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhodes talk with Curtis Cole of Medari Advisors about the financial and regulatory complexities of medical businesses, especially pharmacies. They cover how insurance billing, delayed reimbursements, and inventory management can mask true profitability.

The conversation highlights the most important financial tools—monthly reviews of cash flow statements, P&Ls, and KPIs—plus strategies like compounding, diversifying revenue, tax planning, entity structuring, and qualifying for R&D credits to improve margins and reduce tax bills.

Listeners learn practical steps to clean up financial statements, implement tax-efficient plans, and seek targeted advisory support to turn accounting data into better business decisions.

Hosts Taylor and Cody break down key mid‑tax‑season updates: why some refunds are larger this year, recent law changes affecting seniors, overtime and tip reporting, and the shift away from paper checks.

They explain common filing problems—IP PINs for identity verification, Form 1095‑A reconciling marketplace premium tax credits, and PATH Act delays for certain refunds—and give practical advice on what documents to gather and steps to take to avoid rejections and surprises.

This episode breaks down retirement planning into three simple buckets—employer plans (401k/403b), individual accounts (IRA/Roth), and taxable brokerage accounts—and explains how each is taxed and used.

Hosts discuss the key choice between traditional and Roth accounts, the importance of employer matching, time and compounding, HSAs as a retirement vehicle, and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) for those 72+.

Practical takeaways: know your numbers, diversify tax treatment, increase contributions when possible, and review your plan regularly.

Hosts Taylor and Cody break down the famous saying "nothing is certain except death and taxes," explaining how taxes and estate planning affect everyday finances. They cover different tax types, why taxes can be the largest lifetime expense, and how proper planning can produce major savings.

The episode also explains wills vs. trusts, probate, transfer-on-death deeds, step-up in basis, and practical steps listeners can take to protect assets and reduce costs for heirs.

Hosts Taylor and Cody explain why the start of the year is the best time to move tax planning from an annual scramble to a year‑long strategy. With the individual 1040 season opening, they encourage proactive steps to avoid costly surprises.

Actionable tips include reviewing last year’s return, checking W‑4 withholdings and estimated payments, maximizing tax‑advantaged accounts (401(k), HSA), and scheduling a mid‑year tax check‑in. They stress regular communication with a tax advisor to spot opportunities and make small changes that compound into significant savings.

The episode emphasizes that tax planning is for everyone, not just the wealthy — thoughtful, timely decisions reduce taxes legally and lead to fewer surprises and better financial outcomes throughout the year.

A practical episode covering year-end tax tasks: issuing W-2s and 1099s, collecting W-9s, key deadlines, 2026 reporting changes, and tips for smoother tax-season planning.

In this episode Cody Melton sits down with Todd Fannin, founder of Tack Designs, to trace his journey from printing shirts to fund an international adoption to building multiple successful businesses serving national and industrial clients.

Todd shares key moments—landing big contracts, adopting the EOS operating system, financial rules like Profits First, and practical leadership and culture lessons—along with advice for entrepreneurs on scaling responsibly and managing cash.

In this episode Taylor Rhodes sits down with Cookie, a Realtor who transitioned from corporate life to real estate and built a successful business through grit, mentorship, and relentless customer service. She shares real-world insights on the realities of the job: mountains of paperwork, last-minute hurdles before closing, and the importance of managing taxes as a self-employed agent.

Cookie also offers practical advice for new agents and buyers — find a mentor, save rather than splurge on commissions, get prequalified, and focus on relationships to earn repeat and referral business.

Host Taylor Rhodes interviews Nettie Plank, owner of Nettie Ann’s Bakery in Shoto, about her 23-year journey from a small start-up to a thriving local bakery.

The episode covers early challenges (long hours, startup costs, hiring), standout products like sourdough and oatmeal whoopie pies, and how faith, community, and mentorship shaped the business and its team.

Listeners will get practical advice for starting a business and a heartfelt look at how a bakery can become both a livelihood and a ministry.