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TITLE: No You Cannot Deduct Your Cat | Melissa Kennebrew

What if the problem isn’t your taxes—but the system you’re using to manage money?

Summary:
Melissa Kennebrew of MBK Financials joins the Safari to break down why so many small business owners feel blindsided at tax time—and how to fix it before the next surprise bill hits.

Melissa works with high-net-worth clients and growing small businesses that are tired of scrambling at year-end and guessing their way through deductions, bookkeeping, and quarterly estimates. In this episode, we unpack the difference between tax avoidance (legal) and tax evasion (illegal), why clean records matter more than last-minute “write-off shopping,” and the common mistakes both new and established businesses make.

We also dive into the Profit First system, a simple cash flow framework that helps owners manage money the way they actually think—by looking at bank balances. Melissa explains how separating revenue into operating, owner pay, tax, and profit accounts can eliminate stress, build predictability, and help owners finally reward themselves for the business they’re building.

Along the way we tackle common questions around deductions, home office fears, startup losses, and the simple habits that keep businesses proactive instead of reactive.

If you want better cash flow, smarter tax planning, and fewer financial surprises, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use immediately.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS 

• The difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion—and why intent matters
• Why successful businesses still get surprised by tax bills
• The biggest bookkeeping mistakes new businesses make
• How the Profit First system simplifies cash flow management
• Why “write-off shopping” at year end is usually the wrong strategy
• Clearing up myths about home office deductions and startup losses

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: https://mbkfinancials.com

 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakennebrew/
 • Instagram: MBK Financials

• biascorp.com/ (BIAS Corp)

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari

• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
 • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
 • Website | https://chrislalomia.com

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