We know that taxes, tariffs, and financial paperwork don’t exactly scream soft life, but what if we told you that they could be less overwhelming and more empowering? Meet Nicole Gillyard (Freeman-Kirkland), the powerhouse behind By The Numberz CPA and the visionary founder of C-Park Business Hub in Atlanta, who is flipping the script on finance and helping her clients make money moves with meaning.
As a Fractional CFO, CPA, and Tax Strategist, Nicole is not just about crunching numbers—she’s also about helping women (and especially entrepreneurs) build long-term wealth and confidence with their money.
BrownStyle Magazine sat down with Nicole to talk about taxes, underrated wealth-building strategies, and why financial knowledge is your most underrated power play. We hope this helps you win financially all year long!
Reframing Your Mindset Surrounding Taxes
According to Nicole, “tax season is not a one-time event—it’s a year-round process.”
If you want to avoid the stress of taxes in the Spring, her advice is simple: start now. Whether you’re running a full-blown business or a side hustle, keeping track of your income and expenses is a game-changer. “Being organized reduces mistakes, saves money, and helps avoid scary IRS notices,” the expert insists.
Reframing your mindset about taxes starts with getting organized. Nicole suggests using a bookkeeping app, spreadsheet, or even a shared Google Drive to easily and efficiently store receipts and financial docs. “Your records should match your bank and credit card statements. Check them monthly so tax time isn’t a mad dash,” she notes.
If you’re tired of owing each year, the tax expert suggests adjusting your withholdings or estimated payments now, not later.
The Costly Mistakes That Can Hold You Back
When it comes to filing taxes, Nicole says that one of the costliest mistakes you can make is misreporting income and deductions. You might think you’re playing it safe—but according to Nicole, that can cost you.
“Employees often miss easy wins like student loan interest or the Saver’s Credit,” she explains, noting the benefits of doing your research before submitting your tax forms.
She adds home office deductions and tracking mileage for work-related travel can also be helpful. “People forget to track mileage— which is 67 cents per mile this year. That adds up! If you’ve got proper records, you’re golden,” she adds.
The Must-Have Docs Before You Hit ‘Submit’
Feeling ready to file? Not so fast. Nicole breaks down a checklist of essentials to keep in your files for easy review:
- ✨ W-2s & 1099s (including PayPal, Venmo, or Stripe income)
- ✨ Business financials (profit/loss, balance sheet, etc.)
- ✨ Retirement and investment reports
- ✨ Deduction receipts (think tuition, medical bills, childcare, and mortgage interest)
- ✨ Quarterly tax payment records (if self-employed)
The Truth About Big Refunds
We love a big refund check, but is it a good thing? According to Nicole, it is all about how you look at it.
“A refund feels like free money, but it’s actually money you overpaid,” Nicole explains.
Instead of letting the government hold your cash interest-free, the CFO recommends adjusting your withholdings or quarterly estimates to ensure your money can work for you.
“You can invest it, use it to grow your business, or pay down high-interest debt,” she notes. “It’s about keeping more of your money year-round.”
Nicole’s all about helping women step into their financial power, which is why she doesn’t believe in gatekeeping tools that help you financially grow. “The goal is to build wealth while reducing what you owe,” she tells us.
Below are the tax strategies she thinks every woman should know:
✨ Max out retirement accounts like SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s.
✨ Start a side business for tax-deductible perks like travel, supplies, and your home office.
✨ Tap into real estate benefits like depreciation and cost segregation for long-term gains.
Tariffs, Your Wallet, And Tax Strategies Every Woman Should Know
Tariffs might sound like global politics, but they show up in your grocery bill and small business supply chain. “Higher tariffs raise the cost of imported goods. That means smaller margins for businesses and higher prices for consumers,” Nicole explains.
To help navigate raising prices, Nicole suggests supporting your local small businesses and being mindful about your purchases. “Even as a consumer, adjusting your budget for rising costs can make a big difference,” she shares.
For business owners, she highly suggests looking for local suppliers and locking in long-term contracts when possible.
Meet C-Park Business Hub: A Space Built for Success
Nicole’s passion for financial empowerment led her to create C-Park Business Hub—a coworking and business development space in Atlanta that’s all about breaking down barriers.
“Too many businesses fail because they lack resources—not because their ideas aren’t brilliant,” she reveals. To combat this, Nicole launched C-Park to offer affordable office space, expert-led workshops, grant support, and mentorship to underserved entrepreneurs.
“This is more than a space—it’s an ecosystem,” she says. “We’re proving success doesn’t have to be reserved for the connected and well-funded. Financial preparedness is the difference between success and struggle. Money isn’t magical but it is a tool. And just like any tool, you must learn to use it and respect it.”
Before You Launch A Business…
ICYMI: The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) introduced new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements for small businesses— but it’s been paused as of March 2025.
“This rule would’ve required small businesses to disclose who owns or controls them—or face daily fines and possible criminal charges. The suspension gives us breathing room, but business owners should still stay alert,” she notes.
As an advocate for budding entrepreneurs being in the know, Nicole offers the following advice before starting your new business in today’s climate:
- ✨ Know your break-even point
- ✨ Separate business and personal finances
- ✨ Understand quarterly taxes
- ✨ Keep a financial cushion
Last Thoughts
Feeling overwhelmed? Nicole encourages a mindset shift: “Instead of seeing money as stressful, see it as something you control. Track it, plan with it, and stay consistent.”
She reminds us, “Every wealthy person started with a decision to take control. Your financial soft life starts today!”
For more expert tips and resources, check out By The Numberz CPA and C-Park Business Hub.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
