Fynlo & VA Bar: Empowering the Team Behind 18,000 Dreams
VA Bar isn’t just an academy—it’s a launchpad. A launchpad for 18,000 dreamers, each chasing their own version of freedom. Some want to escape the 9-to-5 grind, others dream of building a career that fits around family life, and many simply want to take control of their financial future. VA Bar gives them the wings—training in essential digital skills like social media, design, lead generation, and SEO. But even the strongest wings need fuel. And for freelancers, that fuel is financial clarity. Table of Contents Where Fynlo Comes In We’re not just building accounting software; we’re bridging the gap between ambition and achievement. We know the struggle—the late nights staring at spreadsheets, the frustration of financial jargon, the constant worry about getting it “right.” Our mission is simple: to make finances effortless, to give freelancers the confidence to grow, and to free them from the admin that holds them back. From Two Days of Drudgery to Days of Impact At VA Bar, the staff and tutors pour their energy into nurturing 18,000 dreams. But before Fynlo, two full days each month were lost to invoicing, payments, and record-keeping—precious time that could have been spent mentoring students, developing courses, and strengthening the VA Bar community. Not anymore. “We’re here to change lives, not chase invoices. Fynlo gives us the freedom to focus on what really matters—empowering our students to succeed.” — Ms. Tetchie, VP of Operations at VA Bar At VA Bar Academy, we are dedicated to empowering individuals through comprehensive upskilling and real-life experiences. Our mission is to provide top-quality virtual assistance training, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in virtual work environments. We emphasize practical learning by offering internships that immerse our students in real-world scenarios, fostering both personal and professional growth. Additionally, we prioritize economic advancement by providing job placement opportunities, ensuring a clear path to success for our graduates. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive community where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. Continuous improvement and innovation drive us to enhance our programs, preparing our students to meet the evolving demands of the virtual workspace. — Girlie E. Feratero, CEO/Founder at VA Bar A Partnership Driven by Passion Right now, a small team at VA Bar is using Fynlo—but that’s about to change. Soon, the entire team will have access to the same powerful tool that’s already making their lives easier. More time. More focus. More impact. This partnership isn’t just a business decision; it’s a shared mission. VA Bar and Fynlo share the same values—empowerment, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to customer success. We’re not just collaborating; we’re fuelling a movement. More Than Numbers — A Brighter Future We’re not just managing finances; we’re enabling possibilities. We’re not just streamlining processes; we’re giving educators the time and confidence to mentor the next generation of virtual assistants. Those two days a month? They’re no longer lost to admin. Now, they’re filled with creativity, student support, and real impact. Join us in transforming financial management for everyone. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, an educator, or simply someone looking to gain better control of your finances, Fynlo and VA Bar are here to support you. Try Fynlo today and experience the confidence that comes with financial clarity.
10 Absurdly Clever Tax Deductions That Got Approved
The IRS has seen some pretty wild tax deduction attempts over the years, and some of them actually worked! Check out our list of the 10 craziest tax deductions you have ever heard of! And if you’re a freelancer, don’t miss our other blog: “The Freelancer’s Guide to Tax Deductions.” Table of Contents 10 Wild Tax Deductions Legit Deduction or Wishful Thinking? Let’s Find Out! Now that you’ve seen some of the most surprising tax deductions that actually got approved, it’s time to test your own deduction savvy. Below are a few expenses. For each, one scenario is deductible, and the other isn’t. Can you determine which is which?Cat FoodScenario 1: Junkyard owner buys food for rat-patrolling felinesScenario 2: Snack for a pet catGuard DogScenario 1: Business guard dog expensesScenario 2: Pet dog expensesTutorsScenario 1: Specialized tutor for a child with a diagnosed learning disability, as recommended by their doctorScenario 2: Reading tutor for general academic improvementAfrican SafariScenario 1: Dairy business owners on a wild animal-focused tripScenario 2: Family vacationPrivate AirplaneScenario 1: Condo owners flying themselves to check on their rental propertyScenario 2: Vegas private jet ride Personal TrainerScenario 1: Trainer for a professional athleteScenario 2: Gym-goer getting ready for summerClown CostumesScenario 1: Professional clown costumeScenario 2: Halloween costumeSun ProtectionScenario 1: Sunscreen for carpenters/gardenersScenario 2: Sunscreen for beach trip Absolutely right! Scenario 1 is deductible, but Scenario 2 isn’t. Many of these cases are based on real stories, proving that the same expense can be approved or denied depending on the context and whether it meets the IRS rule of ‘ordinary and necessary.’ “Ordinary” means it’s common in your line of work, and “necessary” means it’s helpful and appropriate for your business—not just something you want. Tax deductions come with rules. For example, guard dog expenses are only deductible for the time the dog is actually working, and medical deductions are subject to limitations like the 7.5% AGI rule. Because tax laws are complex, it’s always best to consult a professional when in doubt. Itemized Deduction vs. Standard Deduction These unusual (and sometimes surprisingly successful) deductions highlight the importance of understanding the rules and keeping meticulous records. Navigating the tax code can be tricky, and knowing what qualifies as a legitimate deduction is crucial for any taxpayer. This is especially crucial when deciding whether to itemize or take the standard deduction. The TCJA changed the tax landscape, making the standard deduction the better option for most taxpayers. But if you have significant deductible expenses, itemizing can still work in your favor. The good news? The old deduction limit is gone, so you can claim the full amount if eligible. That said, with fewer people itemizing, the IRS is paying closer attention to those who do. If you’re planning to itemize, make sure your records are solid. Looking to keep your records organized and ready for tax filing? Schedule a call with our experts today for bookkeeping support.
How to Build a Personal Brand as a Freelance Makeup Artist
Brides, performers, actors, models, and artists browse the internet, searching for makeup artists for their special occasions. There are countless Makeup Artists (MUA) offering professional makeup services, making people stunning. But why does each MUA seem just “good enough” without truly standing out? What is missing? Beyond skillset and creativity, let’s uncover why personal branding is the key to standing out in the makeup artist industry. Table of Contents The Power of Personal Branding: YOU In a competitive industry, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt: The market is saturated. I’m not good enough. Imposter syndrome is creeping in. If you feel like you have to act or be someone else to succeed in your business, remember this: don’t compare your seedling to someone else’s fully grown tree. What sets you apart from the competition is your personal brand—YOU. Your personal values, mission, likes and dislikes, messaging, and even the tone you use in communication all contribute to your uniqueness. No one else can be you. Think of Apple and Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Tesla, or Gary Vaynerchuk and VaynerMedia. People don’t just buy products or services; they buy into the people, the vision, and the story behind them. The Know, Like, Trust Factor Have you ever noticed a brand for a long time, even when you didn’t need its service, and then turned to it when you finally did?Have you ever supported a business because of its story and values?Have you ever shared a business owner’s story because it resonated with you? Behind these experiences is the marketing principle Know, Like, Trust. It’s exactly what it sounds like—people need to know who you are, like you enough to stick around, and trust you so they feel confident buying from you—once, and then again and again. Here’s a quick exercise: Which of these actions help build the Know, Like, Trust factor? Yes, you got them all right! These are all effective ways to create an emotional connection with customers. Brand Building: Where to Start Now that we know personal branding is essential, what’s next? How do we build our own brand? Brand VisualsFor a makeup artist, showcasing your work is crucial. Your website and social media needs to show off your belief in the power of makeup and transformation. Show how makeup helps people capture precious moments and memories. Show the confidence your clients gain after your work. Beyond just a logo and headshots, it’s important to display how you help clients express their beauty in their own way. Let your potential clients watch your evolution as your skills grow with experience. Brand StoryYour brand isn’t just about your portfolio—it includes your brand story and messaging. This extends to all forms of communication: emails, blog articles, social media posts. The tone, content, and even hashtags contribute to your brand’s voice. Whether your brand is serious, playful, energetic, sentimental, or introverted, it’s all okay—just be yourself. One brand story that really inspires me is Danessa Myricks’. As a single mother of two, she needed a flexible career. Through extensive research and practice, she educated herself in makeup artistry. Today, Danessa Myricks Beauty represents more than just makeup—it’s about empowering individuals to express themselves creatively and confidently. Core ValuesShow up authentically in your messaging. Your website, Instagram captions, email responses—everything should reflect you, your core values, and your personality. People should experience you online first, and then meet the same you on their makeup date. Here’s an inspiring example from Danessa: “I didn’t want to just put makeup on people. I wanted people to feel the work. Because that’s what makes it different, and that’s always been what has driven me in my artistry and in the development of my style over the years. If they’re not feeling it, it’s not good enough.” — Danessa Myricks Make Use of Social Media and Your WebsiteShow up on your social media platforms and website. Don’t just promote your services—share glimpses of your life outside of business. Post about your pets, hobbies, or quirks. Not sure what to post on Instagram? Learn from experts like Michelle Phan and Charlotte Tilbury. Experiment, find your style, and most importantly, have fun with it! Consistently Show UpTo build Know, Like, Trust, consistency is key. You can share the best story ever, but if you don’t follow up, people will move on. Life gets busy—kids, work, and everything in between can make consistency tough. But sometimes, it’s our own ego getting in the way. If you post something and hear nothing back, it’s easy to feel like no one is listening. But the truth is, you never know who’s silently paying attention. Keep showing up—you never know who’s watching and ready to connect with what you bring to the table! Worried About Putting Yourself Out There? What if people don’t like me?When you share a distinct point of view, there will always be lovers and haters. While you may turn some people away, you will also attract the right ones. Not everyone has to like you, and that’s totally okay. I think I’m not perfect…These days, perfection isn’t expected. People appreciate authenticity. They want to see who you really are—what you’re reading, where you hang out on weekends. What if my posts get low engagement?Social media moves fast. If a post flops, it will soon be forgotten. And if needed, you can always delete it. Keep going and keep creating! Time to Act! It’s time to step up and make your mark! Start implementing these strategies today: The only way to grow is to take action. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start now! Need Help with Your Business Finances? Reach out to us—we’re here to help!
1099-NEC Forms: A Complete Guide for Businesses Hiring Independent Contractors
Reporting payments to independent contractors? This guide explains everything you need to know about the 1099-NEC form, from who needs it to how to file it correctly. What is a 1099-NEC Form? The 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation) form is used to report payments made to independent contractors, freelancers, and other non-employees for services rendered. It’s how the IRS tracks payments to self-employed individuals and ensures they’re reporting their income correctly. This is different from a W-2, which is used for reporting wages paid to employees. Who Needs to Issue a 1099-NEC? Businesses of all sizes are required to issue a 1099-NEC if you meet all of these conditions: Who Doesn’t Get a 1099-NEC? There are some key exceptions: The Importance of Form W-9 Before you even start working with a contractor, have them fill out a Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification). This form collects essential information you’ll need for the 1099-NEC, including: Getting the W-9 upfront saves you a lot of time and hassle later on. If a contractor is operating as an LLC, the W-9 will tell you how the LLC is taxed (as a sole proprietorship, partnership, C-Corp, or S-Corp), which helps you determine whether a 1099-NEC is required. Filing Deadlines and Penalties The deadline to file 1099-NEC forms with the IRS and provide copies to recipients is January 31st. Missing this deadline can result in penalties, which can range from $60 to $330 per form, depending on how late it is. Intentional disregard of the filing requirements can lead to even higher penalties. Key Takeaways and Best Practices By understanding the rules and following these best practices, you can navigate the 1099-NEC process with confidence and avoid potential penalties.
