In this episode of Business Brain, we dig into a to-do list rethink that’s saving a ton of mental energy. Dave realized his business-by-business categories were forcing him into dozens of tiny decisions all day long, so he moved that decision to the front end with two lists: Must Do and Might Do. The Must Do list is ruthlessly gatekept, and the Might Do list stays switched off until the essentials are handled and there’s room to wander. We also talk through Shannon’s take on calendars, reminders, and the to-did list, plus why the names you give your lists actually matter.
Then we tackle a listener question about the tax benefits of owning a small business. We cover why a great expense account can beat a big paycheck, how having two accountants with different risk tolerances helps you make smarter calls, and the gut-check questions we ask before taking a deduction, including whether it’s a penalty decision or a prison decision. From vehicles and tech to travel, conferences, and accelerated depreciation, the real takeaway is building an ongoing relationship with your accountant and planning before December, not after, so you can keep building your Charmed Life with fewer surprises at tax time.
- 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #796 for Wednesday, October 14th, 2026
- October 14th: World Standards Day
- 00:01:45 Business Brain Blueprints
- 00:03:25 Creating two to-do lists: Must do, Might Do.
- The names are important.
- The To-Did List
- 00:15:30 SPONSOR: Whatnot is the largest dedicated live shopping platform. Just search Whatnot in the app store and start selling today
- 00:16:58 Deductions, Depreciations, Write-Offs are the reasons to own multiple businesses!
- @Norcalmensnetwork asks: what are the tax benefits of owning a small business?
- Living a pre-tax lifestyle
- Is this decision penalty or prison?
- Accelerate Depreciation
- 00:22:25 Expense items
- Travel
- Conferences
- Curriculum
- Vehicles
- Cell Phone service
- Technology
- 00:26:42 Business Brain 796 Outtro
- This Episode’s Big Takeway: Be Ruthless with your To-Do List, and get a good accountant!
- Check out Business Brain Blueprints
- Tell Your Friends!
- Business Blueprints
- Review Business Brain
- Subscribe to the show
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