Special Replay: What Homeschool Leaders Don’t Know About Non-Profit Status

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

What Homeschool Leaders Don't Know About Non-Profit Status

What Homeschool Leaders Don’t Know About NonProfit Status

Carol Topp, CPA, the HomeschoolCPA will share tips on important issues that homeschool leaders may not know about. This episode will focus on helping homeschool leaders understand nonprofit status for their groups. What does it take to be a nonprofit? Only two things! Did you know that nonprofit status is not the same thing as tax exempt status?

Visit Carol’s website here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

 

Does your homeschool group need to pay taxes?

Could they avoid paying taxes by being a 501c3 tax exempt organization? Do you know the pros and cons of 501c3 status? Do you know what 501c3 status could mean for your homeschool group?

I have the answers for you in my book The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization. The information I share in my book has been helpful to homeschool support groups, co-ops, music and sports groups and will help you understand:

  • The benefits of 501c3 status
  • The disadvantages too!
  • What it takes to make the IRS happy
  • What your state requires
  • Why your organization should consider becoming a nonprofit corporation
  • What is the difference between nonprofit incorporation and tax exemption
  • IRS requirements after you are tax exempt

Click Here to request more information!

 

 

 

 

Best of Life as a Lifeschooler: Co-ops: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

co-opsWe hope you are enjoying your summer break!  Here’s one of our best episodes to brighten your summer day: What makes homeschool co-ops good? And what makes them bad or downright ugly? Are there certain things that we should look for when we try to find a co-op?

On this episode, veteran homeschooler Christi Deason and I tackle the issue of homeschool co-ops and try to answer these questions. When Christi was homeschooling her children, the landscape of homeschooling and co-ops looked different than it does now. We talk about what has changed and where we see problems developing.

It seems everyone these days who homeschools is involved in a homeschool co-op of some sort. In fact, in the survey we conducted before this interview, all the respondents except one indicated that they had been involved in a co-op at some point in their homeschooling. But is it truly necessary for all families to even be involved in a co-op?

Our opinion is, simply, no. What works for some, may not work for your family. And there is nothing wrong with being your child’s sole teacher! For the homeschool pioneers, this was normal. Remember, homeschooling is about freedom, and your children will be successful if you follow the Lord’s leading.

So how do you know if a co-op is right for your family? We give some suggestions to help you determine if a homeschool co-op is right for you and some ideas of what to look for. Here are a few tips:

  • Look for something small
  • Look for something with families you know and respect
  • If your children are young, keep it fun-focused (not academic)
  • Look for something with some flexibility
  • Look for something that fills a true need

Here are some other things to remember:

  • Pray first and ask God if this is the right direction for your family
  • Be okay with the fact that what works this year may not work another year
  • Always be willing to “shift” if things don’t work out

There are some great co-ops out there! Just be careful to pray first and be discerning during the vetting process. Know what you want and don’t settle for any homeschool co-op simply because you think you need to. At the end of the journey, YOU are the teacher and you and your spouse are the ones responsible for your children’s education. God will show you what is best if you trust Him.


Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bridgeway Academy!

Bridgeway Academy was founded in 1989 in response to the need for more freedom in education as well as the protection that accreditation offers for homeschooling families. Since then, more than 30,000 K–12 students, and many charter and brick-and-mortar schools, have made Bridgeway Academy their trusted education partner.

As part of our commitment to personalized homeschooling, we are proud to offer both secular and Christian options for homeschool families, charter schools, state organizations, co-ops, athletic organizations, arts schools, and others who seek flexible education options for their families.

Click here to learn more!


Co-ops: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

co-opsWhat makes homeschool co-ops good? And what makes them bad or downright ugly? Are there certain things that we should look for when we try to find a co-op?

On this episode, veteran homeschooler Christi Deason and I tackle the issue of homeschool co-ops and try to answer these questions. When Christi was homeschooling her children, the landscape of homeschooling and co-ops looked different than it does now. We talk about what has changed and where we see problems developing.

It seems everyone these days who homeschools is involved in a homeschool co-op of some sort. In fact, in the survey we conducted before this interview, all the respondents except one indicated that they had been involved in a co-op at some point in their homeschooling. But is it truly necessary for all families to even be involved in a co-op?

Our opinion is, simply, no. What works for some, may not work for your family. And there is nothing wrong with being your child’s sole teacher! For the homeschool pioneers, this was normal. Remember, homeschooling is about freedom, and your children will be successful if you follow the Lord’s leading.

So how do you know if a co-op is right for your family? We give some suggestions to help you determine if a homeschool co-op is right for you and some ideas of what to look for. Here are a few tips:

  • Look for something small
  • Look for something with families you know and respect
  • If your children are young, keep it fun-focused (not academic)
  • Look for something with some flexibility
  • Look for something that fills a true need

Here are some other things to remember:

  • Pray first and ask God if this is the right direction for your family
  • Be okay with the fact that what works this year may not work another year
  • Always be willing to “shift” if things don’t work out

There are some great co-ops out there! Just be careful to pray first and be discerning during the vetting process. Know what you want and don’t settle for any homeschool co-op simply because you think you need to. At the end of the journey, YOU are the teacher and you and your spouse are the ones responsible for your children’s education. God will show you what is best if you trust Him.


Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bright Ideas Press

Homeschool moms are busy! Bright Ideas Press gets that. And that’s why, for over 25 years, we have promised to publish Christian-oriented homeschool curriculum that will fit your family—curriculum that is both affordable and easy-to-use with children of different ages and learning styles at the same time. Curriculum that busy Moms love!

Offering history, science, geography, and humanities curriculum and over 100 options of online classes and clubs for homeschool families, the team at Bright Ideas Press creates products and resources that will not only help simplify your life, but also inspire, encourage, and equip you to educate your children.

Find out more here!


No Parental Involvement. Is That a Good Thing?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

No Parental Involvement - is that a good thing for Homeschool Co-ops?A homeschool curriculum touted the benefit of their program to be “No parental involvement needed.” Is that a good feature or not? Listen as Carol Topp, CPA warns homeschool leaders of the trap they can fall into if they don’t include parents in their homeschool program.

Visit Carol’s website here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

 

 

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

 

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

 


Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Well Planned Gal

Rebecca from the Well Planned Gal understands the challenges of working within a budget, managing multiple children, and trying to keep up with a variety of information. That is why she created popular planner bundles!

Combine organizational tools with year long encouragement by bundling Well Planned Day planners with the popular Family Magazine. For a limited time, Save 30% with one of her  popular planner bundles. Each bundle contains 2 planner products with a one-year subscription to Family Magazine.  

Click Here to Go to Well Planned Gal


Accountability: Do you need it?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Accountability: Do you need it?“I’m looking at a homeschool program that meets twice a week because it will hold me accountable,” explained a mother of preschoolers interested in homeschooling. My question to her was, “Do you need accountability?” Maybe not! Listen as Carol Topp explains her reply to this new mom considering a homeschool program for a very young child.

Visit Carol’s website here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

 

 

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

 

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

 

Good,Fast And Cheap: Can a Homeschool Co-op Be All Three?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Good Fast and Cheap! Can a Homeschool Co-op Be All Three?A homeschool co-op offers drop-off high school classes and wants to remain high quality and low cost. The leader is struggling. I say she can’t offer all three: Cheap, good and fast (or convenient for parents). She’ll have to give up one of those goals to remain viable. Listen as Carol Topp, the HomeschoolCPA, explains how she advised this homeschool leader.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

 

 

Money Management in a Homeschool Organization

Does your homeschool group manage their money well? Do you have a budget and know where the money is spent? Do you know how to prevent fraud? This 115 page book will help you to open a checking account, establish a budget, prevent mistakes and fraud, use software to keep the books, prepare a financial statement and hire workers. Sample forms and examples of financial statements in clear English are provided.

Click Here to request more information!

 

 

 

More on Avoiding Leader Burnout

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

More on Avoiding Leader Burnout in Homeschool Co-ops with the Homeschool CPAListen as Carol Topp, the HomeschoolCPA, shares 5 more ways to avoid burnout as you lead your homeschool organization.

Visit Carol’s website here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

 

 

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

 

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

 

 


We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor, Like Arrows!

FamilyLife’s first feature film LIKE ARROWS, explores the joys and heartaches of parenting with a story that spans over 50 years. Join us in theaters across America for a special 2 night showing of LIKE ARROWS followed by exclusive after-show content with the film-makers, including celebrated faith-based film-makers Alex and Stephen Kendrick as well as FamilyLife Today’s Dennis and Barbara Rainey and Bob Lepine. You’ll leave encouraged and equipped with powerful next steps to make Christ the center of YOUR parenting.

LIKE ARROWS will be in theaters for two nights only, MAY 1ST and 3RD. To view the trailer and find theater info, visit the link below. If you missed the movie in theatres be sure to check out the Digital, DVD and Blueray versions on the website, LikeArrowsMovie.com

Visit here to learn more.


Painless Class Registration

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Painless Class Registration from the Homeschool CPADo you find registering classes in your homeschool group to be a dreaded chore? Seth Lowery from LoveMyGroups.com offers an online service called The Hub. It was built with homeschool groups in mind. Hear about how The Hub will make registration and accepting payments for classes easier!

Featured link:  http://www.lovemygroups.com/thehub-features/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

 

 

Homeschool Co-ops:  How to Start Them, Run Them, and Not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

 

100th Episode Show! What Does Homeschool CPA Do?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

100th episode show! What Does Homeschool CPA Do?For the 100th episode of the Dollars and Sense Show / HomeschoolCPA podcast I asked a few friends, “What does HomeschoolCPA do?”

There answers are usually spot on, but when asked to name a book I wrote some struggled with the titles. Enjoy this celebration podcast and learn about a few other great podcasts for homeschoolers.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

 

 

 

Homeschool Organization Board Manual

 

Homeschool board  members should keep all their organization’s important papers in a safe and accessible place. Usually, a 3-ring binder works well.

Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder.

But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:

  • Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
  • Board Duties
  • Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
  • What Belongs in the Bylaws?
  • Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
  • and more…

Click Here for more information!

 

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Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!


We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor Sony and their new movie, The Star, the Story of the First Christmas – Coming in Theaters November 17th!

Visit TheStarMovie.com to learn more.


Update to the Paying Workers Book

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization was released only a year ago, but it already needed an update.  Tune in for more from the Homeschool CPA.

Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization was released only a year ago, but it already needed an update.

Lots of things happened in the homeschool world that meant author Carol Topp, Homeschool CPA, needed to release a new edition. Find out what happened and what has changed in the book. For  the document of changes go to http://homeschoolcpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Summary-of-Changes-to-Paying-Workers-3rd-edition.docx

 

Visit Carol’s website here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

 

Are you paying workers in your homeschool organization? Can a volunteer be paid? Should a worker be treated as an employee or independent contractor? Do you know the difference?

Homeschool leader and CPA, Carol Topp, has the answers to your questions in her book Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization.

This 130 page book covers paying workers as employees or independent contractors. There are alos chapters on paying volunteers and board members. It includes sample forms, tips and advice to help you pay workers in accordance with the IRS laws to help your organization pay their workers correctly. Written specifically for homeschool organizations.

Click Here to request more information!

 


Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!


We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor Sony and their new movie, The Star, the Story of the First Christmas – Coming in Theaters November 17th!

Visit TheStarMovie.com to learn more.