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Every practice owner has thought about it. You write the rent check, watch it disappear, and think: what if I owned this instead? In this episode, Julie pulls back the curtain on buying your practice building — the strategic case for it, the very specific financial conditions you need to meet first, and the situations where she'll tell you flat out not to do it. (There's one scenario she calls a hard line. "You will not change my mind. I will stay on this hill.") She also walks through what actually happens after you decide to buy: why the practice itself shouldn't be the one purchasing the property, the paperwork most owners try to skip to save a few dollars, and the tax mechanics that make this worth doing right — plus the one tax surprise waiting for you years later that nobody warns you about. If you've ever daydreamed about owning your space, this is the episode to listen to before you make an offer. In this episode: The real reason most practice owners buy — and it isn't on any spreadsheetThe stability and cash test you need to pass before you even start lookingWhy buying can hurt you in certain markets right nowThe structure decision that protects both your practice and your buildingWhy you can't do a handshake deal with yourselfThe tax advantage that does the heavy lifting — and the recapture that follows itWhat Julie tells clients to do before making an offerMentioned in this episode: Episode 206: How Much Is Too Much? The Rent Equation That Can Make or Break Your Profit — Julie's breakdown of how to run the math on your physical space and the revenue it needs to generate. Less than 20% of GreenOak's clients own their building. Julie's take on the other 80%+? They're doing just fine. This episode is educational only — check everything with your own accountant, tax preparer, and attorney. Links and Resources GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com

Part 2: Making It WorkIn Part 1, Ken Urie and Ernie Schmidt talked about the mindset of stepping back. In Part 2, they get into the how: what it actually takes to hand over the day-to-day and trust someone else to run your practice. They dig into letting a leader make calls you wouldn't have made, why the businesses they built are structured so a single decision can't quietly sink the ship, and what they each looked for when choosing the person to replace them. Ken hired from within, Ernie hired from the outside, and both explain the trade-offs. They also get candid about selling versus staying, including why the private-equity payday a lot of owners imagine rarely pencils out the way they expect. Julie keeps the thread on the financial reality underneath it all: the stability and systems that let this work, and why trying it too early tends to go badly. If you missed Part 1, start there for the mindset. This one is the playbook. In this episode: How Ken and Ernie decide when to step in and when to let a leader run with itWhy they say delegating too early, before stability and systems, is where owners get burnedHiring from within vs. from the outside, and what each of them looked forSelling vs. staying, and why the EBITDA/private-equity math often disappointsWhat their week actually looks like now as owners who've stepped back 📌 Resources mentioned in this episode: Connect with Ken Urie & Ernie Schmidt: Group Practice Success: https://www.grouppracticesuccess.com/ 📖 Profit First for Therapists: https://www.profitfirstfortherapists.com/ 💼 Work with my accounting firm, GreenOak Accounting: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/consultation 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/subscribegoa This episode is educational only. Check anything financial with your own accountant, tax preparer, and attorney.

Part 1: The Decision to Step Back Most group practice owners hit a moment where they wonder: could this business run without me in the middle of everything? This week Julie sits down with two owners who actually did it. Ken Urie (Mill Creek Family Services) and Ernie Schmidt (Palo Alto Therapy) have each grown large group practices and stepped back from day-to-day operations, and they coach other owners through the same shift. In Part 1, they get honest about the mindset side: what pushed them to replace themselves, how one leader basically self-selected into the role, and why neither of them planned any of it. Julie brings the money lens to their story: the stability and cash flow you realistically need behind you before stepping back is even an option, and the numbers a smart owner keeps an eye on once they do. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 gets into the logistics of actually handing over the wheel. In this episode: What finally pushed Ken and Ernie to replace themselves (it wasn't a tidy plan)Why years of stability, not a big idea, made stepping back possibleThe metrics Ken reviews every month, and how he uses average revenue per session to set pay and benefitsHow much financial transparency Ken and Ernie each give their leaders, and why they landed in very different placesJulie's take on the financial footing you want before you delegate the businessWhether you dream of stepping back someday or just want to stop being the bottleneck, Part 1 is where the mindset shift starts. 📌 Resources mentioned in this episode: Connect with Ken Urie & Ernie Schmidt: Group Practice Success: https://www.grouppracticesuccess.com/ 📖 Profit First for Therapists: https://www.profitfirstfortherapists.com/ 💼 Work with my accounting firm, GreenOak Accounting: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/consultation 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/subscribegoa This episode is educational only. Check anything financial with your own accountant, tax preparer, and attorney.

Running a private practice means making a lot of decisions, some exciting, some uncomfortable, and some that just can’t wait. In this quarterly check-in, I’m joined by Jacquie Carter from our GreenOak team to talk about what we’re actually seeing behind the scenes right now. From tax planning mistakes (yes, we’re going there) to payroll realities, hiring challenges, and a few hard truths practice owners don’t always want to hear, but really need to. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll deal with that later,” this episode is your gentle nudge… because later is today.  In This Episode, You’ll Discover: 1. Why tax planning starts now, not next April Waiting until tax season to “fix” your taxes? Unfortunately, that’s when it’s already too late. We break down what proactive planning actually looks like. 2. The financial decisions that quietly put practices at risk From overpaying payroll to pulling too much out of the business, we’re talking about the patterns we’re seeing (and how to course-correct). 3. What’s actually worth your time as a practice owner Not every project, rebrand, or idea deserves your attention. We’ll help you refocus on what truly moves the needle. Resources and Links Episode #209: Financial Transparency: How Much Is Too Much? Listen on Apple PodcastsMoney for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/AcademyWatch Therapy For Your Money on YouTube: Watch on YouTube Podcast Production, Audio Mixing, and YouTube Video Production by James Marland

If you’ve crossed (or are approaching) that $1M mark in your practice, you’ve probably realized something… growth doesn’t get easier—it just gets different. In this episode, I’m joined by Joshua Brummel from Therapy Flow to talk about the hidden bottlenecks that show up as you scale from $1M to $3M and beyond. These aren’t the obvious problems you solved early on, they’re the behind-the-scenes issues that quietly slow your growth, shrink your profit, and stretch your capacity as a CEO. We’re breaking down what’s really going on and what you need to focus on to keep moving forward. 3 Reasons to Listen You’ll understand why growth starts to feel harder (even when things are “working”). Hitting $1M doesn’t mean you’ve figured it all out, it means you’re entering a new level with new challenges.You’ll learn the bottlenecks that are most likely costing you time, money, and sanity. From clinician churn to lack of systems, these are the issues we see over and over again in growing practices.You’ll start thinking like a CEO, not just a practice owner. Scaling requires a shift in how you spend your time, make decisions, and lead your business.Links and Resources Mentioned Group Practice Con (Sept 10–11, Chicago): https://grouppracticecon.comTherapy Flow: https://mytherapyflow.comMoney for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/AcademyWatch Therapy For Your Money on YouTube: Watch on YouTubePodcast Production, Audio Mixing, and YouTube Video Production by James Marland

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—taking time off, booking the massage, squeezing in a workout—but still feeling exhausted… this episode is going to hit home. Because what if the problem isn’t that you need more self-care? In this conversation, I sit down with Valarie Harris, author of The Capacity Code, to unpack a powerful idea: many practice owners aren’t dealing with a self-care problem—they’re dealing with a capacity crisis. And until you address that, no amount of bubble baths or weekends off will fix the burnout. We’re diving into what capacity actually means, how it impacts your business (and your team), and why understanding your limits might be the key to building a sustainable, profitable practice. 3 Lessons From This Episode 1. It’s Not a Self-Care Problem—It’s a Capacity Problem Many practice owners default to self-care when they feel overwhelmed. But as Valarie explains, self-care often becomes avoidance or short-term relief rather than a real solution. What worked in a previous season of life may not match your current demands—and that mismatch leads to burnout. 2. Your Capacity Directly Impacts Your Practice Capacity isn’t just personal—it shows up in your business. When your capacity is low, you may notice: Increased reactivity and urgencyDifficulty making decisionsTeam turnover or disengagementDisconnection from your missionOn the flip side, when your capacity is strong, your team is more aligned, your systems run smoother, and your practice becomes more sustainable. 3. Avoidance (Especially Around Money) Is a Capacity Signal If you’ve been avoiding your numbers, delaying tax conversations, or feeling overwhelmed by finances, you’re not alone. But that avoidance is often a capacity issue, not a knowledge issue. Building simple, repeatable rhythms (like monthly money check-ins) can help you stay grounded and make better financial decisions without the stress. Links & Resources Get the book: The Capacity Code  https://www.thecapacitycodeunlocked.com/The Capacity Code on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hgaBTaMFollow Valarie on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/valarie.l.harrisMoney for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/AcademyWatch Therapy For Your Money on YouTube: Watch on YouTube Podcast Production, Audio Mixing, and YouTube Video Production by James Marland

What does it really take to scale a therapy practice to 7 figures, without burning out or creating chaos behind the scenes? In this episode, Julie sits down with returning guest Nicole McCance to break down her proven 5-step framework for scaling a group practice. From systemizing your operations and hiring the right first clinician to fixing your biggest conversion gaps, this conversation is packed with practical strategies you can actually implement. Whether you're building your team or refining your systems, this episode will help you grow a practice that’s both sustainable and profitable. 3 Reasons to Listen 1. You’ll learn a clear, step-by-step framework for scaling Nicole walks through the exact 5 steps she used to grow her practice to 55 clinicians—and what she’d do again (and differently). 2. You’ll uncover the hidden bottlenecks slowing your growth From weak systems to missed consult opportunities, this episode highlights what’s really holding many practices back. 3. You’ll get practical, actionable strategies you can implement right away Simple shifts in hiring, marketing, and client conversion that can immediately improve your results. Links and Resources Mentioned Nicole McCance’s Podcast: The Business Savvy Therapist: https://mccancemethod.com/podcast/ Free Masterclass: How to Build a 7-Figure Group Practice: https://mccancemethod.com/webinar-free-masterclass-from-solo-to-superteam/ Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/AcademyWatch Therapy For Your Money on YouTube: Watch on YouTube Podcast Production, Audio Mixing, and Youtube Video Production by James Marland

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve heard of Profit First… but I still have questions,” you’re not alone. In this episode, Julie is joined by Angelica Epps for a real, behind-the-scenes Q&A based on what practice owners are actually asking inside the Profit First Academy. From “Do I even make enough to start?” to “What’s the difference between profit and owner’s pay?”, nothing is off the table. This conversation is a great place to get clarity on how Profit First works in real life—especially if you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or just curious about whether it’s a fit for your practice. 3 Reasons to Listen 1. You’ve heard about Profit First, but still feel unsure how it actually works We break down the basics in a simple, practical way so you can connect the dots. 2. You’re wondering if your situation is “too messy” to start Whether it’s inconsistent income, debt, or tax stress, these are the exact questions we address. 3. You want to understand how other practice owners are thinking about money These are the real questions coming up every day inside the Academy. Links & Resources Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/AcademyPodcast Production, Audio Mixing, and Youtube Video Production by James Marland

What does it actually take to grow from clinician to CEO? In this episode, Julie sits down with Brian Gallagher to unpack the financial leadership shifts required to scale a private practice—without burning out or building a business that runs you into the ground. They dive into why so many practice owners stay stuck in a “household money mindset,” how to think like a true CEO, and what it really looks like to build a profitable, sustainable group practice. From hiring decisions to expansion strategy to the infamous “danger zone” of growth, this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss. 3 Reasons to Listen You’ll learn why your current money mindset might be holding your practice back. If you’re treating your business finances like your personal finances, it could be limiting your growth more than you realize. You’ll understand exactly when (and how) to hire without breaking your cash flow. Brian breaks down a simple, actionable framework for hiring that removes the guesswork (and fear).You’ll discover the “danger zone” of scaling—and how to avoid it. Not all growth is good growth. Learn why 4–8 locations can be risky—and what to do instead.Links & Resources Learn more about Brian Gallagher & MEG Business: https://www.megbusiness.comMoney for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/AcademyWatch Therapy For Your Money on YouTube: Watch on YouTubePodcast Production, Audio Mixing, and Youtube Video Production by James Marland

You’re tracking your KPIs… but what do you actually do with them? In this episode, I’m walking you through how to move beyond just looking at your numbers and start using them to lead your practice. Because tracking KPIs isn’t leadership—using them to drive decisions, assign ownership, and take action is. We’ll talk about leading vs. lagging indicators, how to set up a simple system for reviewing your numbers, and how to create clear next steps so you’re not reacting in panic mode. The goal is simple: replace panic with process so you can run your practice proactively instead of constantly putting out fires. 3 Reasons to Listen You’re tracking your numbers… but not sure what to do with themYou want to feel more in control of your practice instead of reacting to surprisesYou’re ready to build simple systems that turn data into clear, confident decisionsLinks and Resources Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/AcademyPodcast Production, Audio Mixing, and YouTube Video Production by James Marland

How Much Financial Transparency Is Too Much in Private Practice? Transparency with your team can be a great leadership quality. But when it comes to your practice finances, sharing too much information can sometimes create confusion, pressure, and unintended consequences. In this episode of Therapy for Your Money, Julie explores a topic that can feel a little controversial for practice owners: how much financial information should you actually share with your team? Many practice owners share financials because they want to build trust, be transparent, or reduce the feeling of carrying the business alone. But once financial information is shared, it can’t be taken back—and without the right context, those numbers can easily be misunderstood. Julie breaks down when it makes sense to share financial information, when it doesn’t, and how to create healthy boundaries around your numbers while still being a transparent and supportive leader. Need Someone to Talk Through Your Numbers With? Running a private practice can feel lonely, especially when it comes to financial decisions. If you have been wanting to talk through your practice finances with someone who understands the business side and can stay objective, reach out to a GreenOak Accounting team member. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone unbiased about your practice's financials. Our team helps practice owners understand their numbers, protect their profit, and make confident financial decisions. Links and Resources Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/AcademyPodcast Production, Audio Mixing, and Youtube Video Production by James Marland

Many private practice owners assume their business will eventually fund their retirement. After all, you’ve spent years building it, surely it will be worth enough someday to carry you through your later years. But relying solely on your practice as your retirement strategy can be risky. In this episode, Julie sits down with financial planner Eric Miller, CEO of Econologics, to talk about why practice owners should think beyond the eventual sale of their business when planning for long-term wealth. They explore common misconceptions about practice valuation, why diversification matters, and practical ways owners can start building multiple income streams while their practice is still growing. If you want to build a practice that supports both your business goals and your household’s long-term financial health, this conversation is a must-listen. 3 Reasons to Listen to This Episode 1. Many practice owners overestimate what their practice will be worth. Eric explains why emotional attachment and optimism often lead owners to assume their business will sell for more than it realistically will. 2. Selling your practice doesn’t mean you keep the full amount. Taxes, debt, and other factors can dramatically reduce what you actually walk away with after a sale. 3. Practice owners have unique opportunities to build multiple income streams. From retirement plans to real estate to brokerage accounts, there are several ways to create long-term financial stability beyond your practice. Links and Resources  Learn more about Eric Miller and Econologics: https://econologics.comMoney for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/AcademyPodcast Production, Audio Mixing, and Youtube Video Production by James Marland

When inquiry volume slows down, every single call matters. In today’s private practice landscape, you can’t afford to miss opportunities simply because you didn’t respond fast enough. Research shows that the first practice to respond often wins the client — even if they weren’t the client’s first choice. In this episode of Therapy for Your Money, Julie sits down with Uriah Guilford of Productive Therapist to talk about how AI-powered intake tools are helping solo and group practices answer every call, respond instantly, and convert more inquiries into booked appointments. We’re breaking down what AI can (and can’t) do, how it impacts your bottom line, and why speed might be your biggest competitive advantage in 2026. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI belongs in your private practice, this conversation is for you. Why You’ll Want to Tune In Why being “first to respond” often matters more than being the “best fit”How missed calls directly impact your revenueWhat an AI intake assistant actually does (and how it hands off to a human)The real cost comparison: human call centers vs. AI answering systemsHow solo practices and large group practices can both use AI strategicallyWhat happens when AI goes wrong (and how to avoid frustrating your clients)How faster follow-up can increase conversion rates without increasing marketing spendLinks and Resources Productive Therapist: https://productivetherapist.comExplore Simple Intake AI: https://productivetherapist.com/simpleintake/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GreenOakAccountingMoney for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/AcademyPodcast Production, Audio Mixing, and Youtube Video Production by James MarlandIf this episode got you thinking about where money might be slipping through the cracks in your practice, share it with a fellow practice owner. Because missed calls don’t just mean missed connections. They mean missed revenue. And every practice deserves to be profitable. 💚

The Rent Equation That Can Make or Break Your ProfitRent usually isn’t your biggest expense — payroll almost always takes that spot. But rent is one of the biggest long-term commitments you’ll ever make in your practice. When you sign a 5- or 10-year lease, that decision follows you. And I’ve seen it go both ways. I’ve seen beautiful spaces help practices grow efficiently and profitably. And I’ve seen gorgeous offices turn into financial anchors that are almost impossible to escape. In this episode, I’m walking you through the simple math that determines whether your space supports your profit… or slowly squeezes it. Because every practice deserves to be profitable — and the math has to math. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: 1️⃣ The ideal percentage your rent should fall within (And why 3–10% of gross income is your guardrail.) 2️⃣ How to reverse engineer your space before you sign the lease We break down real examples so you can calculate exactly how many sessions your space needs to generate. 3️⃣ Why utilization matters more than square footage Just because you’re open 40 hours doesn’t mean you can only schedule 40 hours — and that mindset shift can completely change your profitability. Final Thoughts It’s easy to fall in love with a space. It smells good. It looks beautiful. You can picture your dream practice there. But this is business. Before you sign anything, run the math. Reverse engineer it. Stress test it at 85% utilization. Ask yourself what happens if hiring takes longer than expected. Your space should support your profit — not strangle it. Ready to Run the Numbers? If you want to walk through the calculations step-by-step, I’ve written a detailed blog post that breaks everything down: 👉 Read the full blog here: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/post/maximizing-your-space-how-to-make-physical-therapy-clinic-real-estate-work-for-your-bottom-line Do the math before you sign. Your future self — and your profit margin — will thank you. And remember… every practice deserves to be profitable. Links and Resources Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy Podcast Production, Audio Mixing, and YouTube Video Production by James Marland

Divorce is hard. It’s emotional. It’s overwhelming. And when you own a private practice, it can feel even more complicated. Your practice isn’t just a job—it’s an asset. It’s a cash flow machine. It’s how you pay your bills, support your family, and serve your clients. So what happens to it in a divorce? How is it valued? Could you lose it? What about taxes, debt, or access to your bank accounts? In this episode, I’m walking you through what you need to know about divorce as a practice owner—from business valuation to protecting your income-generating asset—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. If this is something you’re going through (or even just want to be prepared for), this episode will help you understand the financial realities and protect what you’ve built. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How your private practice is treated as an asset in a divorce Why business value is not the same as cash in handWhat happens with taxes, joint returns, and past tax debtPractical steps to protect your business access and systemsWhy your practice can be your rebuilding plan on the other sideDivorce is never easy. But if you get to keep your practice, you are keeping the very thing that allows you to rebuild. Listen to this episode for practical guidance, calm perspective, and clear next steps. And if you know another practice owner who could benefit from this conversation, share this episode with them. They don’t have to navigate this alone. Links and Resources GreenOak Accounting: greenoakaccounting.com – Book a free consultation or explore services for practice owners.Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startupGreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.comTherapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.comProfit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.comProfit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy Podcast Production, Audio Mixing, and Youtube Video Production by James Marland YouTube