In this episode of The Up Side, Eli sits down with Brandon Murphy, CPA, to break down the real-world tax and accounting questions business owners struggle with most — and the mistakes that quietly cost them thousands.

Brandon shares his path to becoming a CPA, why so many entrepreneurs rush into incorporation too early, and how to think strategically about your business structure from day one. Together, they unpack when it actually makes sense to incorporate, how early-stage losses should be handled, and why "looking professional" is rarely a good tax strategy.

They also dive into one of the most common questions new business owners ask after incorporating: how do I pay myself? Brandon explains the practical differences between salary and dividends, when simplicity matters more than optimization, and why the "it depends" answer is often the most honest one.

If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or side-hustler trying to make smarter decisions around tax, cash flow, and long-term planning — this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and take the next right step with confidence.