Dollars & Sense

By Carol ToppEducation Parenting Kids & Family

Dollars & Sense episodes

November 19, 2020What do the Duties of Care and Loyalty Look Like?
What do the Duties of Care and Loyalty look like?
HomeschoolCPA Carol Topp frequently mentions that homeschool leaders have a duty of care and loyalty to their groups. What does a duty of care look like? How do I know if I am being loyal?
This recording is from a workshop given to homeschool leaders in Austin Texas in February 2020.
Some of the ways to demonstrate a duty of care and loyalty for a leader include:
Have Board meetings
Manage the money well
Have insurance
Avoiding conflict of interest
No self dealing (the board gives itself discounts)
Handout of the workshop: https://homeschoolcpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Top-Tips-Handout-2020.docx
Featured Resources:
Money Management in a Homeschool Organization
Does your homeschool group manage their money well?
Do you have a budget and know where the money is spent?
Do you know how to prevent fraud?
This 115 page book will help you to open a checking account, establish a budget, prevent mistakes and fraud, use software to keep the books, prepare a financial statement and hire workers. Sample forms and examples of financial statements in clear English are provided.
A checklist of best practices to avoid embezzlement. It is available at HomeschoolCPA.com/Fraud
Podcast # 105 Podcast episode on preventing fraud
How to avoid self-dealing. The board cannot vote themselves benefits like discounts. Listen to Podcast #71 on how to thank volunteers without self-dealing.

The post What do the Duties of Care and Loyalty Look Like? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
21 min
November 12, 2020Mindset for Homeschool Leaders
Mindset for Homeschool Leaders
HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp spoke to a group of homeschool group leaders in Texas about a good mindset and attitudes that are necessary for leading a homeschool group. In this episode Carol reminds leaders of three things they may have forgotten:
You cannot be all things to all people-so stop trying!
Your organization is not essential to the success of homeschooling!
You are not responsible for homeschooling other peoples’ children!
This recording is from a workshop given to homeschool leaders in Austin Texas in February 2020.
Handout of the workshop: https://homeschoolcpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Top-Tips-Handout-2020.docx
During the podcast Carol mentioned the I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group. Please join us! https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/
Featured Resource
Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA
Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions about being a homeschool group leader. My most popular service for homeschool leaders. It’s like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!
Cost: $100/hour to nonprofit organizations. $150/hour to for-profit businesses.
Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.
Click Here to request more information!

The post Mindset for Homeschool Leaders appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
12 min
October 15, 2020Using Zoom and Giving Refunds
During the COVID-19 pandemic many homeschool programs used Zoom to stay connected with members. Three group leaders share how they used Zoom in their programs in this podcast episode.
In June 2020, Carol Topp of HomeschoolCPA.com hosted a webinar titled Planning an Uncertain Future for homeschool group leaders. The purpose of the webinar was to help homeschool groups plan their fall activities given the COVID-19 pandemic was making it uncertain of they could operate.
This podcast will air the highlights in small chunks over five episodes.
Join this episode and the other episodes as Carol and three panelists discuss:
Part 1: Making decisions as a board or team
Part 2: Tools a homeschool group can use for planning an uncertain future
Part 3: Dealing with social distancing rules and wearing masks
Part 4: Questions regarding lawsuits, health restrictions, and accommodating new families
Part 5: How to communicate the plan to the members
Part 6: Using Zoom, offering refunds and other topics.
During the podcast Carol mentioned the I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group. Please join us!
The webinar is available to watch on YouTube or no charge. It runs for one hour and 38 minutes!
Featured Product
Books for Homeschool Leaders
HomeschoolCPA has several books to help leaders start and run a homeschool program
Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out
Money Management for Homeschool Organizations
The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization
Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization
Homeschool Board Member Manual
Taxes for Homeschool Business Owners
All these books can be found at https://homeschoolcpa.com/bookstore/

The post Using Zoom and Giving Refunds appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
16 min
October 08, 2020Communicating Plans and Organizing Classrooms
On June 1, 2020, Carol Topp of HomeschoolCPA.com hosted a webinar titled Planning an Uncertain Future for homeschool group leaders. The purpose of the webinar was to help homeschool groups plan their fall activities given the COVID-19 pandemic was making it uncertain of they could operate.
The webinar is available to watch on YouTube at no charge. https://youtu.be/AaQ1c_XuUvY? It runs for one hour and 38 minutes! This podcast will air the highlights in smaller chunks over five episodes.
Join this episode and the other five episodes as Carol and three panelists discuss:
Part 1: Making decisions as a board or team
Part 2: Tools a homeschool group can use for planning an uncertain future
Part 3: How are the panelists dealing with social distancing rules and wearing masks
Part 4: Questions regarding lawsuits, health restrictions, and accommodating new families
Part 5: How to communicate the plan to the members and organize a classroom
Part 6: Using Zoom, offering refunds and other topics.
During the podcast Carol mentioned:
A mentoring program to train others in helping homeschool leaders. Get details at com/mentoring
The I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group. Please join us! https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/
Featured Product
Mentoring from HomeschoolCPA
Carol Topp, CPA, the homeschool CPA, is offering a mentoring opportunity to train mentees to assist homeschool groups and their leaders.
A potential mentee should have:
Love and passion for homeschooling.
Education and experience in accounting. A BS or BA in business or accounting. CPA license (even if currently inactive) is strongly preferred.
Experience in nonprofit leadership such as being on a board of a church or nonprofit organization
For more information go to https://homeschoolcpa.com/mentoring/
The post Communicating Plans and Organizing Classrooms appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
21 min
October 02, 2020Do you have a concern about lawsuits related to COVID-19?
Do you have a concern about lawsuits related to COVID-19?
As a homeschool group leader you may have concerns that a lawsuit could be brought against your group is someone contracts COVID-19.
On June 1, 2020, Carol Topp of HomeschoolCPA.com hosted a webinar titled Planning an Uncertain Future for homeschool group leaders. The purpose of the webinar was to help homeschool groups plan their fall activities given the COVID-19 pandemic was making it uncertain of they could operate.
The webinar is available to watch on YouTube at no charge. https://youtu.be/AaQ1c_XuUvY? It runs for one hour 38 minutes! This podcast will air the highlights in smaller chunks over five episodes.
Join this episode and the other five episodes as Carol and three panelists discuss:
Part 1: Making decisions as a board or team
Part 2: Tools a homeschool group can use for planning an uncertain future
Part 3: How are the panelists dealing with social distancing rules and wearing masks
Part 4: Questions regarding lawsuits, insurance, health restrictions, and accommodating new families
Part 5: How to communicate the plan to the members
Part 6: Using Zoom, offering refunds, and other topics.
Insurance providers for homeschool groups https://homeschoolcpa.com/insurance-providers-for-homeschool-groups/
During the podcast Carol mentioned the I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group. Please join us! https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/
Featured Product
Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA
Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions. My most popular service for homeschool leaders. It’s like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!
Cost: $85/hour to nonprofit organizations. $100/hour to for-profit businesses. $60 minimum.
Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.
Click Here to request more information!

The post Do you have a concern about lawsuits related to COVID-19? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
15 min
September 24, 2020Social Distancing in a Homeschool Group
Social Distancing in a Homeschool Group
Three homeschool leaders discuss the challenges of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June 2020, Carol Topp of HomeschoolCPA.com hosted a webinar titled Planning an Uncertain Future for homeschool group leaders. The purpose of the webinar was to help homeschool groups plan their fall activities given the COVID-19 pandemic was making it uncertain of they could operate. This podcast will air the highlights in small chunks over five episodes.
Join this episode and the other episodes as Carol and three panelists discuss:
Part 1: Making decisions as a board or team
Part 2: Tools a homeschool group can use for planning an uncertain future
Part 3: Dealing with social distancing rules and wearing masks
Part 4: Questions regarding lawsuits, health restrictions, and accommodating new families
Part 5: How to communicate the plan to the members
Part 6: Using Zoom, offering refunds and other topics.
During the podcast Carol mentioned:
Criteria to consider when social distancing: “From Camping To Dining Out: Here’s How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities”
npr.org/sections/health-shots/ May 23, 2020
For the RegFox discount Amanda mentioned, email her at [email protected]
The I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group. Please join us! https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/
The webinar is available to watch on YouTube at no charge. https://youtu.be/AaQ1c_XuUvY? It runs for one hour 38 minutes
Featured Product
Books for Homeschool Leaders
HomeschoolCPA has several books to help leaders start and run a homeschool program
Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out
Money Management for Homeschool Organizations
The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization
Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization
Homeschool Board Member Manual
Taxes for Homeschool Business Owners
All these books can be found at https://homeschoolcpa.com/bookstore/

The post Social Distancing in a Homeschool Group appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
15 min
September 17, 2020Tools for Planning an Uncertain Future
Tools for Planning an Uncertain Future
Carol Topp of HomeschoolCPA.com hosted a webinar titled Planning an Uncertain Future for homeschool group leaders in June 2020. The purpose of the webinar was to help homeschool groups plan their fall activities given the COVID-19 pandemic was making it uncertain of they could operate.
This podcast will air the webinar highlights in small chunks over five episodes.
Join this episode on using a decision matrix and the other five episodes as Carol and three panelists discuss:
Part 1: Making decisions as a board or team
Part 2: Tools a homeschool group can use for planning an uncertain future
Part 3: How are the panelists dealing with social distancing rules and wearing masks
Part 4: Questions regarding lawsuits, health restrictions, and accommodating new families
Part 5: How to communicate the plan to the members
Part 6: Using Zoom, offering refunds and other topics.
Download the Decision Matrix spreadsheet at HomeschoolCPA.com/DecisionMatrix
During the podcast Carol mentioned the I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group. Please join us! https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/
The webinar is available to watch on YouTube at no charge. https://youtu.be/AaQ1c_XuUvY? It runs for one hour 38 minutes.
Featured Product
Webinars for Homeschool Leaders
HomeschoolCPA offers several recorded webinars for homeschool leaders. Most are 60-90 minutes and come with handouts and other resources. Prices range from free to $25 each.
Create a Nonprofit for Your Homeschool Community The first steps in starting a nonprofit: a board, bylaws and nonprofit incorporation
501c3 Application for Homeschool Nonprofit How to apply for 501c3 tax exempt status
IRS and State Filings What you need to do after 501c3 status
Tax Preparation for Homeschool Businesses How to prepare your tax return for homeschool business owners
Financial Reports How to present financial reports that are clear and easy to understand to board members FREE
ABCs of an Academic Homeschool Program How to start an academic, classical homeschool program

The post Tools for Planning an Uncertain Future appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
20 min
September 10, 2020Planning an Uncertain Future for Homeschool Groups
Planning an Uncertain Future for Homeschool Groups
On June 1, 2020, Carol Topp of HomeschoolCPA.com hosted a webinar titled Planning an Uncertain Future for homeschool group leaders. The purpose of the webinar was to help homeschool groups plan their fall activities given the COVID-19 pandemic was making it uncertain if they could operate.
The webinar is available to watch on YouTube at no charge. https://youtu.be/AaQ1c_XuUvY? It runs for one hour 38 minutes! This podcast will air the highlights in smaller chunks over five episodes.

Join this episode and the next five episodes as Carol and three panelists discuss:
Part 1: Making decisions as a board or team
Part 2: Tools a homeschool group can use for planning an uncertain future
Part 3: How are the panelists dealing with social distancing rules and wearing masks
Part 4: Questions regarding lawsuits, health restrictions, and accommodating new families
Part 5: How to communicate the plan to the members
Part 6: Using Zoom, offering refunds and other topics.
During the podcast Carol mentioned the I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group. Please join us! https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/
Featured Product
The Board Manual for homeschool organizations will be very helpful to organize your board and run your homeschool organization successfully!
Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder. It has:
A list of important documents to keep in your binder
Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
A calendar of board meetings
But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:
Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
Board Duties
Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
What Belongs in the Bylaws?
Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
Best Financial Practices Checklist
How to Read and Understand Financial Statements
Developing a Child Protection Policy
Read more about the Homeschool Organization Board Manual

The post Planning an Uncertain Future for Homeschool Groups appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
19 min
August 27, 2020Special Replay: Tax Exempt Q&A with Homeschool Leaders
This episode is an excerpt from the Indiana Homeschool Leaders Retreat. Carol Topp discusses tax exempt status and answers questions about self-declaring tax exempt status for your homeschool support group.

Visit Carol’s website here

FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization
Does your homeschool group need to pay taxes? Could they avoid paying taxes by being a 501c3 tax exempt organization? Do you know the pros and cons of 501c3 status? Do you know what 501c3 status could mean for your homeschool group?
I have the answers for you in my book The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization. The information I share in my book has been helpful to homeschool support groups, co-ops, music and sports groups and will help you understand:
The benefits of 501c3 status
The disadvantages too!
What it takes to make the IRS happy
What your state requires
Why your organization should consider becoming a nonprofit corporation
What is the difference between nonprofit incorporation and tax exemption
IRS requirements after you are tax exempt
Click Here for more information!

Save
The post Special Replay: Tax Exempt Q&A with Homeschool Leaders appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
17 min
August 13, 2020What’s the Difference Between Pod Schools and Homeschools?
Have you heard of pod schools? They are groups of parents who gather together to educate their children outside of their public school system. They became very popular as in-person schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall of 2020.
In the previous episode (#195) host Carol Topp, the Homeschool CPA, discussed with guest Julie Schiffman two distinct differences between pod schools and homeschools.
Who does the educating, the pod teacher or the parent?
Where does the education take place: In the pod space (a home or rented facility) or everywhere?
In today’s episode, Julie explains two more important differences between “pandemic pods” and homeschooling.
How is the curriculum chosen and delivered: Set by the school or chosen by the parent and customizable for the child’s needs?
Why? What is the motivation to educate this way: a pandemic or something deeper?
Julie Schiffman is owner of TenToad.com a website dedicated to helping parents transition from school to homeschooling though Virtual Homeschool Fairs.
During the podcast Carol mentioned Julie’s Learning Pods Checklist and Considerations
Featured Product

Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA
Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions about starting and running a homeschool organization, co-op or tutorial program. This is my most popular service for homeschool leaders. It’s like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!
Cost: $85/hour to nonprofit organizations. $100/hour to for-profit businesses.
Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.
Click Here to request more information!

The post What’s the Difference Between Pod Schools and Homeschools? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
25 min