Tax and Money Mastery Cut taxes, crush debt, and grow your money — made simple
Are you tired of feeling lost when it comes to your money? Wondering how to get real tax help or how to legally pay less to the IRS? Have you ever asked, “How do I increase my income, save more for retirement, or finally get out of debt?” You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.
Welcome to Tax and Money Mastery, the podcast that makes taxes and finances simple, strategic, and surprisingly empowering. Each episode breaks down complex topics like tax-saving strategies, debt elimination, business write-offs, and wealth-building methods into practical, easy-to-follow steps. You’ll learn how to keep more of what you earn, create lasting financial security, and use the tax code to your advantage — all while avoiding costly mistakes.
Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or everyday taxpayer, this show helps you uncover the tools and tactics that the wealthy use to grow and protect their money. You’ll discover how to structure your income efficiently, find hidden deductions, and prepare for retirement without draining your bank account. And if you owe the IRS or feel overwhelmed by debt, we’ll share proven strategies to help you take control and move forward with confidence.
I’m your host, Ashley Freeman, and my journey into taxes began back in the early 2000s when I launched my first business as a real estate investor. I was a new baby Christian who was scared to death as a single mom with 3 children who depended on me for support. At first, taxes were intimidating — but soon, I realized they were like a game. The more I learned the rules, the easier it became to win. I mastered strategies that allowed me to make over $300,000 per year and still get a tax refund instead of paying more to the IRS. Now, I’m here to share what I’ve learned so you can do the same.
Let’s be honest — most people would rather get a root canal than talk about taxes. The IRS letters pile up in the mail, and suddenly you’re playing a game of “peekaboo” with your mailbox. Or maybe you’ve stared at your tax return thinking, “Why does it feel like the more I make, the less I keep?”
I get it — I’ve been there. Taxes used to confuse me too… until I realized they’re just like Monopoly. Once you learn the rules, you stop landing on “Go to Jail” and start collecting $200 every time you pass “Go.” I am known by my CPA friends as the self proclaimed “Shoebox Receipt Girl.” If I can do it, you can too!
Listen on:
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Episode 13: Short-Term Rentals Explained — How Airbnb Investors Earn More Cash Flow and Slash Taxes
Short-term rentals have transformed the real estate landscape—but are they truly more profitable than long-term rentals, and why do savvy investors keep calling them one of the most powerful tax strategies available today?
In this episode, we break down how Airbnb and other short-term rental strategies generate higher cash flow, unlock unique tax advantages, and outperform traditional rentals when structured correctly. Whether you are a high-income earner, real estate investor, or tax professional, this episode explains why short-term rentals have become a cornerstone of modern wealth and tax planning.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The fundamental differences between short-term and long-term rental income models
Why short-term rentals often produce higher gross revenue and stronger cash flow
How short-term rentals can generate non-passive losses without Real Estate Professional Status
The role of material participation and why it matters for tax planning
How depreciation, cost segregation, and bonus depreciation work specifically for Airbnb properties
Common misconceptions about Airbnb investing and IRS scrutiny
When short-term rentals are not the right strategy—and how to avoid costly mistakes
Why Short-Term Rentals Offer Powerful Tax Advantages
Unlike traditional long-term rentals, short-term rentals may qualify as non-passive activities if the owner materially participates. This distinction can allow investors to use paper losses to offset W-2 income, business income, and other active income streams—a significant advantage for high earners seeking tax efficiency.
We explain:
The IRS rules governing short-term rental taxation
How average stay length impacts classification
Why short-term rentals are often called a “tax strategy disguised as real estate”
Key Takeaway
Short-term rentals are not inherently better than long-term rentals—but when aligned with the right income profile and tax strategy, they can dramatically increase both after-tax cash flow and overall return on investment.
The most successful investors do not debate short-term versus long-term rentals. They use both—strategically and intentionally—at different stages of wealth building.
Listen Now
If you are considering Airbnb investing, already own a short-term rental, or want to understand how real estate can be used as a tax planning tool, this episode provides the clarity you need to make informed decisions.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific guidance for your personal situation. Laws and regulations change, and the applicability of the concepts discussed may vary based on your individual circumstances. Before making any decisions, you should consult with a qualified professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.
If you require personalized assistance, you may contact me at TaxAndMoneyMastery.com.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c-_FdGlJnyyqfXyLS3Ujmu6uoyyuZvoSvt0mWpE7xHE/edit?usp=sharing
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
7 days ago
7 days ago
It is the most taxable time of the year. In this festive, fast-paced holiday game episode of Tax Me If You Can, we put Santa, his reindeer, the elves, and even the Grinch under IRS-level scrutiny. Naughty or Nice: Tax Edition blends real tax principles with holiday humor, testing whether seasonal myths hold up against federal tax law.
This episode is designed to entertain while quietly reinforcing core tax concepts—deductions vs. personal expenses, employee classification, taxable income, and business-use rules—making it perfect for tax professionals, business owners, and anyone who enjoys learning tax strategy without falling asleep.
Holiday Tax Questions We Tackle
Can Santa deduct cookies left out for him, or are they nondeductible personal treats?
Are reindeer employees or independent contractors, and why control matters under IRS rules
When a Christmas tree becomes a business deduction (and when it absolutely does not)
Why you cannot write off family gifts as “business development,” no matter how convincing the wrapping paper
Whether elves qualify for overtime pay under federal labor and tax standards
If coal received for Christmas becomes taxable income when monetized
Why Christmas lights rarely qualify as utility expenses
How Santa’s mileage deduction would work—assuming rooftop landings ever get formal IRS guidance
Why the Grinch cannot claim the Whos as dependents or business assets
When candy canes might qualify as office supplies (and when they are just candy)
What You’ll Learn (While Laughing)
The difference between personal expenses and deductible business costs
How the IRS determines employee vs. contractor status
Why “holiday intent” does not override tax law substance
How everyday tax rules apply—even in absurdly festive scenarios
Common misconceptions taxpayers make during the holidays
Who This Episode Is For
Tax professionals looking for lighthearted continuing education
Business owners who want tax concepts explained simply
Podcast listeners who enjoy tax trivia, games, and humor
Anyone who wants to test their tax knowledge—holiday style
Why This Episode Works
This episode proves that tax education does not have to be dry. By wrapping real IRS rules in holiday-themed questions, Tax Me If You Can: Naughty or Nice Tax Edition delivers memorable lessons that stick—long after the ornaments come down.
You can contact me at: taxandmoneymastery@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific guidance for your personal situation. Laws and regulations change, and the applicability of the concepts discussed may vary based on your individual circumstances. Before making any decisions, you should consult with a qualified professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.
If you require personalized assistance, you may contact me at TaxAndMoneyMastery.com.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Dead or Alive? The Tax Pros and Cons of Gifting vs. Inheriting
Should you give assets away while you are alive—or wait and pass them on through your estate? The answer can mean the difference between millions in unnecessary taxes and a highly efficient wealth transfer. In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood areas of tax and estate planning: the strategic choice between inter vivos gifting and post-mortem inheritance.
You will learn how the annual gift tax exclusion, the lifetime estate and gift exemption, and the powerful stepped-up basis at death impact capital gains, income taxes, and long-term family wealth. We also explore when gifting during life makes sense, when it can actually increase taxes, and how high-net-worth families balance generosity with smart tax planning.
This episode is essential listening for business owners, real estate investors, and high-income earners who want to transfer wealth efficiently while minimizing tax exposure.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The difference between gifting during life (inter vivos) and inheriting at death (post-mortem)
How the annual gift tax exclusion works and when it does not affect your lifetime exemption
Why gifted assets carry over original cost basis and how that can create capital gains taxes
How inherited assets receive a stepped-up basis, often eliminating decades of built-in gains
When gifting now makes sense despite losing the stepped-up basis
Common estate planning mistakes that unintentionally increase family tax bills
Practical examples comparing “gift now” vs. “inherit later” outcomes
Who This Episode Is For
High-income earners planning multi-generational wealth transfers
Real estate investors with highly appreciated properties
Business owners considering gifting equity to children or heirs
Families evaluating estate planning and tax minimization strategies
Anyone confused about gift taxes, basis rules, and inheritance planning
Why This Episode Matters
Gifting feels generous—but generosity without strategy can be expensive. Understanding how basis rules, gift tax exclusions, and estate planning laws interact allows you to make informed decisions that protect both your legacy and your heirs. This episode provides a clear, practical framework for deciding when it is better to give during life and when waiting can produce superior tax outcomes.
You can contact me at: taxandmoneymastery@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific guidance for your personal situation. Laws and regulations change, and the applicability of the concepts discussed may vary based on your individual circumstances. Before making any decisions, you should consult with a qualified professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.
If you require personalized assistance, you may contact me at TaxAndMoneyMastery.com.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
What if you could lock in a large charitable tax deduction today, reduce your current-year tax bill, and still decide where the money actually goes later—all while keeping your giving organized, flexible, and strategic? In this episode of Donor-Advised Funds Explained: The Smartest Way High Earners Give and Save on Taxes, we uncover why donor-advised funds have become one of the most powerful tax-planning tools used by high-income earners, business owners, and investors. You will learn how DAFs allow you to give on your timeline, deduct at your highest tax rates, eliminate capital gains on appreciated assets, and integrate charitable giving seamlessly into a long-term wealth strategy—without the complexity of a private foundation.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific guidance for your personal situation. Laws and regulations change, and the applicability of the concepts discussed may vary based on your individual circumstances. Before making any decisions, you should consult with a qualified professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.
If you require personalized assistance, you may contact me at TaxAndMoneyMastery.com.
Below is the link for DAFs
https://www.renaissancecharitable.org/
Their phone is 866-803-0389
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
The REPS Advantage breaks down exactly how Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) works, why it is one of the most powerful tax tools in the Internal Revenue Code, and how you can qualify ethically, legally, and confidently.
In this episode, we explore the tactics that allow real estate investors to convert passive losses into active deductions, accelerate depreciation, leverage cost segregation studies, maximize material participation, and use the IRS rules to build long-term wealth. Whether you are a W-2 high earner, a real estate developer, or a growing investor ready to scale, this podcast delivers the clarity and direction you need to use real estate to offset taxes.
How Real Estate Professional Status actually works – without the confusing jargon
The tests you must meet to qualify for REPS and how to document your hours
Why grouping elections matter and how they unlock tax savings
The connection between REPS, cost segregation, and accelerated depreciation
How investors legally reduce their tax burden using real-property trades and businesses.
Why This Episode MattersReal Estate Professional Status is more than a title — it is a legal tax strategy that can transform your finances. When used properly, REPS allows investors to unlock passive losses, shelter active income, supercharge depreciation deductions, and accelerate wealth building. This episode offers a clear and practical roadmap, empowering you to capture every benefit available under the tax code.
You can contact me at: taxandmoneymastery@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific guidance for your personal situation. Laws and regulations change, and the applicability of the concepts discussed may vary based on your individual circumstances. Before making any decisions, you should consult with a qualified professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.
If you require personalized assistance, you may contact me at TaxAndMoneyMastery.com.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
In this episode, we break down one of the most powerful and misunderstood tax strategies used by high-income professionals: short-term rentals (STRs). Discover how doctors, executives, engineers, nurses, tech professionals, and other high-earning W-2 employees legally use STR tax rules to create massive deductions—often wiping out tens of thousands of dollars in taxable income.
If you've been searching for ways to lower your tax bill without quitting your job, this episode gives you the exact framework, simplified explanations, and real-world examples you can use immediately.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The “STR Loophole” Explained — why short-term rentals are treated differently than long-term rentals for tax purposes.
How High Earners Qualify even if they work full-time and don't meet real estate professional status (REPS).
The IRS Rules You MUST Know including material participation tests, average stay requirements, and compliance essentials.
How STRs Allow W-2 Income Offset — the mechanism that creates massive front-loaded depreciation deductions.
Cost Segregation Benefits — how investors accelerate depreciation to reduce taxes fast.
Example Tax Savings Scenarios showing how investors legally reduce $20k… $50k… even $100k+ in taxable income.
Common Myths and Mistakes that get people audited or disqualified.
Short-term rentals are one of the few legal IRS-approved strategies that allow everyday W-2 earners to unlock the same tax advantages that high-net-worth investors have used for decades. If you want to finally take control of your taxes instead of feeling controlled by them, this episode is a must-listen.
If this episode helped you understand STR tax strategies, please rate, review, and share the podcast with friends who want to keep more of the money they work hard for.
You can reach me at taxandmoneymastery@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific guidance for your personal situation. Laws and regulations change, and the applicability of the concepts discussed may vary based on your individual circumstances. Before making any decisions, you should consult with a qualified professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.
If you require personalized assistance, you may contact me at TaxAndMoneyMastery.com.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Description:Discover how to enjoy a joyful, meaningful Christmas without debt, stress, or financial regret. In this episode of Tax & Money Mastery, we break down 7 proven strategies to help you save money, cut unnecessary spending, and earn extra cash quickly before the holidays arrive. Learn practical budgeting hacks, simple side gigs that pay fast, and faith-based financial principles that keep you grounded during the busiest spending season of the year.
Whether you're trying to stretch your paycheck, avoid credit card traps, or simply want a smarter way to prepare for Christmas, this episode gives you the tools to stay financially free, maximize your resources, and protect your peace.
Perfect for families, entrepreneurs, and anyone committed to a debt-free holiday season.
#DebtFreeChristmas #ChristmasSideHustles #TaxAndMoneyMastery
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific guidance for your personal situation. Laws and regulations change, and the applicability of the concepts discussed may vary based on your individual circumstances. Before making any decisions, you should consult with a qualified professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.
If you require personalized assistance, you may contact me at TaxAndMoneyMastery.com.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
In this episode, we break down how quarterly estimated taxes work, why entrepreneurs must pay them, and how to avoid IRS penalties using smart planning. Learn how to calculate what you owe, the safe-harbor rules, and simple strategies to stay compliant while keeping more of your hard-earned income. Perfect for small-business owners, freelancers, real-estate investors, and anyone wanting tax clarity. #QuarterlyTaxes #EstimatedTaxes #EntrepreneurTaxes #SmallBusinessFinances #TaxPlanning #FinancePodcast.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific guidance for your personal situation. Laws and regulations change, and the applicability of the concepts discussed may vary based on your individual circumstances. Before making any decisions, you should consult with a qualified professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.
If you require personalized assistance, you may contact me at TaxAndMoneyMastery.com.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
5 Paying Your Children Reducing Taxes and Instilling God's Work Principles
In this episode, we explore a powerful strategy that blends smart tax planning, family stewardship, and biblical principles of work. Learn how paying your children through your business—when done correctly and legally—can reduce your tax burden, keep more income within your household, and teach lifelong lessons about responsibility, diligence, and honoring God through our labor.
We break down how the IRS allows business owners to hire their children, how income shifting lowers overall family taxation, and what jobs children can legitimately perform in a family business. You’ll also discover how work becomes a discipleship opportunity, helping your children understand Colossians 3:23 and God’s design for meaningful, wholehearted effort.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to strengthen your tax strategy or a parent wanting to build godly work ethic in your home, this episode offers a clear, practical, faith-centered approach to managing your finances with integrity and purpose.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific guidance for your personal situation. Laws and regulations change, and the applicability of the concepts discussed may vary based on your individual circumstances. Before making any decisions, you should consult with a qualified professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.
If you require personalized assistance, you may contact me at TaxAndMoneyMastery.com.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Unlock Tax-Free Reimbursements: The Ultimate Accountable Plan & 280A Wealth Strategy delivers a clear, strategic breakdown of two of the most powerful—yet commonly misunderstood—tax advantages available to S-Corp and C Corp owners, and entrepreneurs. In this episode, you will learn exactly how to structure an IRS-compliant accountable plan, how Section 280A (the administrative office and home-use deduction) really works, and how combining these strategies can create substantial, legal, tax-free reimbursements for your business.
We explore how to document expenses correctly, how to reimburse yourself without increasing taxable income, and how to avoid the common mistakes that trigger IRS scrutiny. You’ll also discover how these tools support stronger stewardship, better cash flow management, and long-term wealth building for business owners.
Whether you are looking to reduce your tax burden, strengthen compliance, or simply learn smarter ways to retain more of what you earn, this episode gives you a practical, step-by-step framework for using the accountable plan and Section 280A to your advantage.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific guidance for your personal situation. Laws and regulations change, and the applicability of the concepts discussed may vary based on your individual circumstances. Before making any decisions, you should consult with a qualified professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.
If you require personalized assistance, you may contact me at TaxAndMoneyMastery.com.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.