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PODCAST

Become Sensible

Imagine transforming the way you think about your business finances, and unlocking your full potential.I’m Fiona Nguyen, CPA and the innovative mind behind Balannx, and that’s the goal of my podcast.This is not just another finance podcast; it"s a lifeline for impact-driven entrepreneurs eager to navigate the complexities of accounting and taxes with confidence and clarity. I’m dedicated to empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs with the financial and tax knowledge needed to thrive. Born

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

10:08

Financial Autopsy: The Hidden Cost of “Good Enough”...

Become Sensible ·

2026/01/29

In this episode, I want to talk about the work most founders don’t see—until something breaks. The kind of work that doesn’t feel urgent when revenue is growing, but becomes unavoidable when banks, the IRS, or cash flow start asking harder questions. If your numbers look “fine” but don’t actually make sense, you’ve got some work to do.Today I sit down with my team member Aries to unpack what really happens when businesses outgrow standard bookkeeping. Aries is a member of our internal team at

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10:01

NEW January 2026 SBA 8(a) Audit Rules Could Suspend...

Become Sensible ·

2026/01/08

If your company holds an SBA 8(a) AA certification, December 2025 quietly changed the rules—and missing the details could cost you your status. Many firms assume this only applies once you’ve won a contract. It doesn’t. And the deadline is closer than most business owners realize.On this episode of Become Sensible, we break down the new SBA 8(a) AA financial audit requirements that went into effect in December 2025. We cover exactly what documents the SBA now requires, why general ledger data must

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21:37

Getting on the Right Path for 2026

Become Sensible ·

2025/12/26

As the year winds down, there’s a particular kind of tension founders feel—part reflection, part pressure, part quiet awareness that something is shifting. This moment isn’t loud or dramatic, but it matters. What you do here determines how you enter the next year.On this episode of Become Sensible, I slow things down to talk about how to intentionally close 2025—personally and professionally. We explore why misalignment can hide inside “successful” seasons, how your body and resistance offer useful

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38:56

Plan 2026 by Identity, Not Goals

Become Sensible ·

2025/12/18

On paper, planning for a new year sounds simple: set goals, make a plan, stick to it. But most people don’t get stuck because they don’t know what to do. They get stuck because the version of themselves required to do it isn’t fully formed yet. That’s where most planning breaks down.On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through the exact framework I use before I plan goals, strategies, or habits. We start with identity, then move through emotion, action, repetition, and only thenoutcomes. I

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19:48

Five Big 2025 Tax Changes That Matter

Become Sensible ·

2025/12/11

Tax season shouldn’t feel mysterious or reactive—especially not in a year with major law changes. When the July 2025 tax bill passed, most business owners had no idea how much it would shift their budgeting, hiring, and investment decisions for the coming year. If you want to grow wisely, the real question is: how do you use these new rules in your favor?On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through the biggest tax updates that matter for entrepreneurs and small business owners in

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19:48

Why Money Fear Isn’t a Numbers Problem

Become Sensible ·

2025/12/04

Most founders aren’t actually afraid of their numbers—they’re afraid of what those numbers might confirm about them. In this episode, I take you beneath the spreadsheets and tax forms to the deeper truth: money fear is a safety problem, not a financial one. And until you feel safe, no strategy will ever stick.On this episode of Become Sensible, I break down why avoidance around money is so universal, why women entrepreneurs in particular face systemic financial gaps, and why your nervous system—not

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19:48

The 3 Financial Phases You Need BEFORE Jan 1

Become Sensible ·

2025/11/27

As we close out Q4, many of us can feel the noise and pressure rising. When your numbers feel unclear or unstable, that’s your business telling you it needs attention. Before we start dreaming about big launches or expansion in 2026, we need a foundation strong enough to support it. Most founders skip the exact steps that make next year predictable—and it shows up as chaos later.On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through the three phases of financial architecture you must complete before

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20:59

The 7 Financial Mistakes Sabotaging Your Q4

Become Sensible ·

2025/11/20

So many founders hit the end of the year with a knot in their stomach. Numbers feel foggy, the tax reminders pile up, and suddenly every notification becomes existential. But the panic isn't because you've failed. It's because you're flying blind without the systems that keep your money working for you instead of quietly slipping away.On this episode of Become Sensible, I break down the seven most common (and costly) year-end financial mistakes founders make—and how to fix them before December 31st

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19:44

5 Financial and Tax Moves Every Founder Should Make...

Become Sensible ·

2025/11/13

At the end of every year, I see founders fall into the same trap: avoiding their finances because the work feels dry or overwhelming. But avoidance is expensive. A few overlooked numbers can easily turn into thousands in unnecessary taxes or missed opportunities—and I’ve seen it happen more often than you’d think. So I want to show you exactly how I close out my own year, and what I help my clients do long before tax season shows up.On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through the five

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38:24

From Survival to Service with Rosemary Tran Lauer

Become Sensible ·

2025/11/06

What does it take to rebuild your life from nothing—and then dedicate it to helping others thrive? In 1975, my dear friend and longtime client, Rosemary Tran Lauer, arrived in America as a single mother with two young children, no degree, and little English. What began as a fight to survive became a lifelong mission to give back.Rosemary Tran Lauer is the founder of Devotion to Children, a nonprofit committed to early childhood education and care for families in need. She's also the founder of Tetra

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38:59

Heather Chandler on Creative Storytelling & Building...

Become Sensible ·

2025/10/30

When creativity meets empathy, magic happens. But how do you build a business that balances both—while keeping your creative spark alive?On this episode of Become Sensible, I sat down with Heather Chandler, seven-time Emmy-winning filmmaker and founder of The IMG Studio. After a decade in broadcast journalism, Heather left the 3 a.m. newscasts behind to build a creative company that champions human stories—especially for nonprofits and causes that matter. Together, we unpack what it takes to lead

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14:57

What the 2025 Tariffs Mean for Your Business

Become Sensible ·

2025/10/23

The new 2025 tariff adjustments are here—and for many small business owners, that means rising costs, tighter margins, and tough decisions. But before you panic, there’s a strategy to get through it.On this episode of Become Sensible, I share an essential breakdown of how the latest U.S. import tariffs are impacting everything from manufacturing materials to consumer behavior. I walk through what’s changed, what it means for your pricing and cash flow, and how to apply my five-step resilience

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27:58

Finishing 2025 with a POWERFUL Q4 (Without Burning Out)

Become Sensible ·

2025/10/16

As we enter the final quarter of 2025, I can feel it—the air gets sharper, the noise quiets down, and suddenly we realize we have just 90 days left in the year.But here’s the truth: “finishing strong” doesn’t mean adding more pressure. It means finishing with clarity.On this episode of *Become Sensible*, I’m sharing my Q4 Design Framework—the same method I use to reset, refocus, and lead myself like a CEO in both business and life. We’ll walk through how to reflect honestly, simplify your systems,

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1:00:41

Scaling with Purpose: Leadership Lessons from Paul...

Become Sensible ·

2025/10/09

In an age where “growth” is often mistaken for success, what does it really take to scale a company with integrity, purpose, and impact?On this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Paul Blackman, Jr., Managing Principal of Trusted Advisory Group, to unpack two decades of leadership experience across the public and private sectors. From overseeing $4B in city projects as Deputy Director of DC General Services to leading complex developments in healthcare, housing, and education, Paul shares

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34:21

How Branded Packaging Drives Sales and Loyalty with...

Become Sensible ·

2025/10/02

What if the box your product ships in could make or break whether your customer buys from you again? Most entrepreneurs overlook packaging — treating it as a cost center, not a marketing channel. But as you’ll hear today, your box may be your most powerful untapped growth lever.Derick is the founder of CustomBox.io, a packaging company helping small businesses replace plain shipping boxes with affordable branded packaging that boosts loyalty, lowers costs, and scales revenue. With a background

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1:06:53

How Rebecca & Yoni Levian Built Skyehigh Interactive...

Become Sensible ·

2025/09/25

In this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Rebecca and Yoni Levian, the husband-and-wife duo behind Skyehigh Interactive, a branding and web design agency trusted by major names and beloved by entrepreneurs who want both strategy and soul in their brands.These two have built Skyehigh Interactive into a boutique agency known for delivering world-class branding and design with a personal, value-driven touch. Their work blends strategy, creativity, and authenticity to help clients scale with

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16:23

How to Survive the Incoming Tariffs of 2025

Become Sensible ·

2025/04/10

Tariffs might feel like something only politicians argue about on the news—but they could hit your business where it hurts. Whether you sell products or services, these policy shifts have ripple effects that show up in your supply chain, your pricing, and your customers’ wallets. So what can you actually do about it?On this episode of Become Sensible, we explore how small business owners can stay resilient in the face of changing tariff laws. Fiona breaks down what tariffs really mean for

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11:50

The Ultimate Pre-Tax Checklist 2025: What to Do...

Become Sensible ·

2025/04/03

Tax deadlines don't just bring paperwork---they bring panic. If you're a business owner making multiple six figures, that final stretch before April 15 can feel like a blur of spreadsheets, missed receipts, and unanswered questions. But what if you could face it with confidence instead?On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through a comprehensive checklist designed specifically for business owners navigating tax season. From organizing essential financial documents to understanding

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19:11

9 Money Habits Killing Your Small Business (And How...

Become Sensible ·

2025/03/27

You're probably making money---but are you actually keeping it? Too many of us hustle hard, only to find ourselves scrambling during tax season, running out of cash mid-launch, or underpricing our way into burnout. Sound familiar?On this episode of Become Sensible, I break down nine common money habits that quietly derail even the most promising businesses. From skipping tax planning to relying on revenue as our only success metric, I share the exact mindset shifts and strategic practices that can

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14:59

Deadly Mistakes To Avoid When Setting Up Your LLC

Become Sensible ·

2025/03/20

Just because you have an LLC doesn't mean you're fully protected. Many business owners assume their LLC shields them from legal and financial risks---but small mistakes in setup and management can leave them vulnerable. Are you making these costly errors?On this episode of Become Sensible, I break down the most common LLC mistakes entrepreneurs make and how to avoid them. We'll also cover tax-saving strategies, how to protect your business assets, and the key documents you MUST have in

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