Dollars & Sense

By Carol ToppEducation Parenting Kids & Family

Dollars & Sense episodes

May 16, 2019 Special Needs Children in a Homeschool Co-op
Special needs children can be a challenge for a homeschool group leader. In this episode, Faith Berens, Special Needs Consultant at the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) explains to host Carol Topp how a homeschool co-op can welcome a child with special needs.
In this episode of the Homeschool CPA podcast, Faith shared:
• All children want to feel welcomed
• Tips for accommodating a child with special needs including using intake forms and having a pre-visit time
• Why asking “How can we support you?” is so helpful to a parent
• A helpful book to read aloud to children, Just the Way I am: God’s Good Design and Disability
• A resource for homeschool leaders Homeschooling Children with Special Needs by Sharon Hensley
• The website Understood.org has helpful videos and a podcast
HSLDA’s list of resources https://hslda.org/content/strugglinglearner/default.asp
Faith Berens can be reached at [email protected]
The next episode (#172) Faith will share some more resources and practical tools for homeschool leaders to help families of children with special needs.

Featured Product
Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!
Click Here to request more information!
The post Special Needs Children in a Homeschool Co-op appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
15 min
May 03, 2019Converting a Business to a Nonprofit: Tax Exempt Status
Some homeschool groups that started as a for-profit business want to convert to a nonprofit organization. Most of these nonprofit organization also want 501c3 tax exempt status from the IRS as well.
In this 3-part podcast series Carol Topp, CPA has explained the basics of a nonprofit organization and how to form a nonprofit corporation. In this third episode Carol discusses 501c3 tax exempt status.
The first two episodes (#168 and 169) can be found at HomeschoolCPA.com/Podcast
In this episode, Carol will discuss:
The benefits of tax exempt status
The application process and Forms 1023-EZ and 1023.
Time and cost to apply for 501c3 status
A successor to a for-profit entity must use IRS Form 1023 (not the shorter 1023-EZ) to apply for 501c3 status.

In the podcast Carol mentioned her book, The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization. It will be very helpful as you apply for 501c3 tax exempt status.

Featured Product
Webinar recording on Creating a Nonprofit for Your Homeschool Community
This webinar recording is helpful for both new nonprofits, or if you’re unsure if your group is a nonprofit, or for a business wanting to convert to a nonprofit.
The webinar runs about 90 minutes and covers:
The difference between a business and a nonprofit
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a nonprofit
Forming a board: who can be one it, what do they do, etc.
Creating bylaws
Drafting a budget
Setting up a bank account
Forming a nonprofit corporation in your state
The timeline to get this all done
The expense to accomplish this
The cost is only $10!
For more information visit HomeschoolCPA.com/CreateNP

In the podcast I mentioned my book, The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization.
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

The post Converting a Business to a Nonprofit: Tax Exempt Status appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
16 min
April 18, 2019Converting a Homeschool Business to a Nonprofit: Nonprofit Incorporation
Sometimes a homeschool group started as a for-profit business desires to convert to a nonprofit organization for its many benefits. Can that be done? How hard is it? How costly is it?
In the next 3 podcast episodes Carol Topp, CPA will explain how to convert a for-profit business into a nonprofit organization. In this second episode Carol discusses bylaws and nonprofit incorporation:
The first episode #168 on forming a nonprofit board aired on April 4, 2019. Find it at HomeschoolCPA.com/Podcast
What makes a nonprofit? How is it different from a for-profit business?
A board (not an individual) operates the nonprofit organization.
They explain the purpose, membership and design of board. They also describe Board job descriptions and duties. Sample bylaws can be found at HomeschooLCPA.com/Samples.
Articles of Incorporation (your founding document) and to be organized and operate as a nonprofit organization. Read some of Carol’s articles on nonprofit incorporation:
How do we become a recognized nonprofit?
Do we need to Incorporate?
5 Great Reasons to Incorporate
Featured Product
In the podcast I mentioned that I’m offering a webinar on Creating a Nonprofit for Your Homeschool Community
Airing live on Monday April 22, 2019 at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT/6 pm MT/5 pm PT.
Who should attend?
Brand new start up homeschool groups
Existing groups that never formed as a nonprofit
Homeschool communities run as a business that want to convert to be a nonprofit
Leaders that are unsure if their homeschool group is a business or a nonprofit. It can be confusing!
Cost is only $10
For more information visit HomeschoolCPA.com/CreateNP

The post Converting a Homeschool Business to a Nonprofit: Nonprofit Incorporation appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
19 min
April 04, 2019Converting a Homeschool Business to a Nonprofit: The Basics
Sometimes a homeschool group that started as a for-profit business now desires to convert to a nonprofit organization for its many benefits. Can that be done? How hard is it? How costly is it?
In the next 3 podcast episodes Carol Topp, CPA will explain how to convert a for-profit business into a nonprofit organization.
In this first episode covering the basics Carol discusses:
Your organization’s purpose will not be making a profit but now will be educational and maybe religious.
The control of the group’s mission and activities shifts from the owner to a board. A nonprofit is not owned by anyone. At least 3 members need to be on the organization’s board.
Officers are Chair, Vice, Secretary and Treasurer. Add more board members if needed.
Board members should be unrelated to each other (by family and by business relationships) and unrelated to any paid employees. So a board cannot be all the paid staff/teachers/tutors, but could be parents, community members, etc.
The Board has duties of care, loyalty, management (or obedience to law)
The board has authority and responsibility. No “rubber stamp” boards!
An officer of the Board signs all contracts, agreements, licenses, etc. not the Executive Director
The board has control, not the Exec Director. The board decides who to hire and fire, what purpose and activities are,
Conflict of Interest Policy. A paid staff member (Executive Director) can attend board meeting, but no vote because she has a conflict of interest. Sample Conflict of Interest Policy can be found at HomeschoolCPA.com/Samples.

Featured Product
In the podcast I mentioned that I’m offering a webinar on Creating a Nonprofit for Your Homeschool Community
Airing live on Monday April 22, 2019 at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT/6 pm MT/5 pm PT.
Who should attend?
Brand new start up homeschool groups
Existing groups that never formed as a nonprofit
Homeschool communities run as a business that want to convert to be a nonprofit
Leaders that are unsure if their homeschool group is a business or a nonprofit. It can be confusing!
Cost is only $10
For more information visit HomeschoolCPA.com/CreateNP

The post Converting a Homeschool Business to a Nonprofit: The Basics appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
17 min
March 21, 2019Working Yourself Out of a Job
Do you have too many plates spinning? Do you wear too many hats in running your homeschool program? Jamie Buckland, a homeschool leader from West Virginia started Appalachia Classical Academy and knows where you are coming from!

Jamie explains to host Carol Topp how she is working herself out of a job. Some of her advice incudes:
Listen to your staff (employees or volunteers)
Give opportunity for feedback
Welcome correction and be open
Let them own it. This can apply to hired teacher, volunteers or board members
Trust the process and your people

Carol and Jamie both belong to a Facebook group for homeschool leaders called I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 600+ homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/
Jamie is the owner of Classical Program Consultant a consulting service for homeschool leaders interested in launching a classical homeschool program. Her website is JamieBuckland.net.
Are you interested in starting a homeschool program like Jamie described? Jamie and Carol teamed up to give a webinar on the ABCs of Starting an Academic Homeschool Program. You can benefit from their combined knowledge in this webinar. http://homeschoolcpa.com/how-to-start-an-academic-homeschool-program/

Featured Product
Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA
Do you have questions about leading your homeschool organization? Carol Topp’s website, books and this podcast are a great way to learn the basics, but maybe you need advice specific to your group. Carol Topp, CPA can arrange a private phone consultations with you and your board members.
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.
We can arrange a conference call so all your board members can call in from their own homes. The call can be recorded for those unable to attend.
Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.
The post Working Yourself Out of a Job appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
18 min
March 14, 2019Having Those Hard Conversations When You Lead a Homeschool Group
Ugh! As a homeschool leader, don’t you hate having those hard conversations with families, students of your staff? Jamie Buckland, a homeschool leader from West Virginia started Appalachia Classical Academy and understands having to deal with conflicts.
Jamie explains to host Carol Topp how she manages to deal with conflict in her group. Some of her advice incudes:
Don’t ignore conflict
Do not generalize over a specific violation
Set clear expectations
Time your conversations.
Practice what you will say
Close the conversation.
Carol and Jamie both belong to a Facebook group for homeschool leaders, called I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 600+ homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/
Jamie is the owner of Classical Program Consultant a consulting service for homeschool leaders interested in launching a classical homeschool program. Her website is JamieBuckland.net.
Are you interested in starting a homeschool program like Jamie described? Jamie and Carol teamed up to give a webinar on the ABCs of Starting an Academic Homeschool Program. You can benefit from their combined knowledge I this webinar (and several included resources as well). http://homeschoolcpa.com/how-to-start-an-academic-homeschool-program/

Featured Product
In the podcast Jamie mentioned managing conflict. My book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out devotes a chapter to dealing with volunteers and conflict. You might find it helpful as you lead your homeschool group.
Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out
Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!
Click Here to request more information!

The post Having Those Hard Conversations When You Lead a Homeschool Group appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
18 min
March 07, 2019Should You Pay Homeschool Teachers
Should your homeschool program pay teachers? Jamie Buckland, a homeschool leader from West Virginia started Appalachia Classical Academy and pays her teachers as employees. How and why would she do that? This podcast will give you something to think about and consider for your homeschool program.

Jamie explains to host Carol Topp how she started her classical homeschool program including:
How she received advice from other homeschool leaders
Why her program charges tuition
Why she pays teachers as employees
The benefits of having employees
The difficulties of using volunteers

Carol and Jamie both belong to a Facebook group for homeschool leaders called I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 2500+ homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/
Jamie is the owner of Classical Program Consultant a consulting service for homeschool leaders interested in launching a classical homeschool program. Her website is JamieBuckland.net.
Are you interested in starting a homeschool program like Jamie described? Jamie and Carol teamed up to give a webinar on the ABCs of Starting an Academic Homeschool Program. You can benefit from their combined knowledge I this webinar (and several included resources as well). http://homeschoolcpa.com/how-to-start-an-academic-homeschool-program/
Featured Resource
In the podcast Jamie mentioned paying teachers or tutors as employees. My book, Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization has more information about paying Independent Contractors and employees.
Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization
Are you paying workers in your homeschool organization?
Can a volunteer be paid?
Should a worker be treated as an employee or independent contractor?
Do you know the difference?
Homeschool leader and CPA, Carol Topp, has the answers to your questions in her book Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization.
This 130 page book covers paying workers as employees or independent contractors. There are also chapters on paying volunteers and board members. It includes sample forms, tips and advice to help you pay workers in accordance with the IRS laws to help your organization pay their workers correctly. Written specifically for homeschool organizations.

The post Should You Pay Homeschool Teachers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
20 min
February 28, 2019Dealing with Angry People
Sometimes homeschool leaders must deal with angry members. It seems as if the ugliness from social media creeps into our homeschool groups. It’s happened to Alicia Strunkel, a homeschool leader form Georgia. Alicia explains to host Carol Topp how she has learned to deal with upset people both online and in person.
Alicia shares some tips including:
Don’t try to defend yourself
Don’t become argumentative
Don’t fan the flame and it dies out
Let it go!
Aim for personal peace
Alicia also explains her emotional base and how her faith plays a role in her leadership in a beautiful, heartfelt way
Listen to the end (15 minutes) for a boost of encouragement for homeschool leaders.
My favorite quote from Alicia was “We can’t make them happy, so there is no point in refuting (the argument) on social media. Argumentation doesn’t solve anything.”

Featured Product
In the podcast Alicia mentioned managing conflict. My book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out devotes a chapter to dealing with volunteers and conflict. You might find it helpful as you lead your homeschool group.
Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out
Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!
Click Here to request more information!
The post Dealing with Angry People appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
16 min
February 21, 2019Dealing with Opposition When You’re a People Pleaser
Are you a people pleaser? Alicia Strunkel, a homeschool leader form Georgia, is, but after 11 years of leading homeschool groups, she has learned how to deal with opposition.
Alicia explains to host Carol Topp how she has learned to deal with her feeling when people are upset with her decisions.
Alicia shares some tips including:
Putting your feelings aside
Look at the situation objectively
Look at the bigger picture
Ask yourself “What can I learn?”
Focus on your group’s purpose
My favorite quote from Alicia was “Look at the situation objectively. It doesn’t really have to do with you as a person.”

Featured Product
In the podcast Alicia mentioned your group’s purpose and vision.
Does your homeschool group have a mission statement and a clear purpose?
Do you board members know it?
Carol Topp’s Homeschool Organization Board Manual Can be a big help in writing a purpose and mission statement to 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

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bright Ideas Press
Homeschool moms are busy! Bright Ideas Press gets that. And that’s why, for over 25 years, we have promised to publish Christian-oriented homeschool curriculum that will fit your family—curriculum that is both affordable and easy-to-use with children of different ages and learning styles at the same time. Curriculum that busy Moms love!
Offering history, science, geography, and humanities curriculum and over 100 options of online classes and clubs for homeschool families, the team at Bright Ideas Press creates products and resources that will not only help simplify your life, but also inspire, encourage, and equip you to educate your children.
Find out more here!
The post Dealing with Opposition When You’re a People Pleaser appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
11 min
February 14, 2019Keep Meetings to a Minimum
Does your homeschool group have a hard time getting volunteers? Maybe you need to keep meetings to a minimum since homeschoolers are busy people. Homeschool leader Michele Gross shares some great tips on keeping meetings to a minimum but still staying in communication. Michele has been a homeschool leader for 15 years and currently is the founder and director of The Learning Connection in New Jersey.
In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share:
Keep meetings to a minimum. Time is precious to homeschool leaders.
Using apps like Trello (a To Do list), GroupMe and email forums to communicate
Use conference calls for urgent matters. FreeConferenceCall.com is an option.
Use an incentive to recruit volunteers. Michele and Carol have a few ideas.
Open up volunteer positions to teenagers in you homeschool group! Listen to all the benefits it has for them!
My favorite quote form Michele was “Think of avenues where you won’t have to micro manage, but you’ll know what’s going on.”

Featured Product
In the podcast I mentioned my book
Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!
Click Here to request more information!

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bright Ideas Press
Homeschool moms are busy! Bright Ideas Press gets that. And that’s why, for over 25 years, we have promised to publish Christian-oriented homeschool curriculum that will fit your family—curriculum that is both affordable and easy-to-use with children of different ages and learning styles at the same time. Curriculum that busy Moms love!
Offering history, science, geography, and humanities curriculum and over 100 options of online classes and clubs for homeschool families, the team at Bright Ideas Press creates products and resources that will not only help simplify your life, but also inspire, encourage, and equip you to educate your children.
Find out more here!
The post Keep Meetings to a Minimum appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
16 min