In this episode of The Price of Civilization, host Pietro Canestrelli sits down with CPA and bookkeeping expert Laura Bender, owner of Pro Balance Books, for an insightful discussion about one of the most overlooked foundations of business success: accurate financial records. While many entrepreneurs view bookkeeping as simple data entry, Laura explains why it is actually the cornerstone of informed decision-making and long-term growth.

Drawing on more than 25 years of accounting experience, Laura shares how timely and accurate bookkeeping allows business owners to understand the true story their financial statements are telling. Together, she and Pietro explore why so many small businesses struggle with cash flow, tax surprises, and financial uncertainty—not because they lack revenue, but because they lack visibility into their numbers. From understanding balance sheets and profit-and-loss statements to using cash flow projections and financial reporting, they explain how business owners can stop operating on instinct and start making strategic decisions backed by data.

The conversation also dives into the important relationship between bookkeeping and tax planning. Pietro explains how proper bookkeeping can make the difference between a manageable IRS audit and a costly nightmare, while Laura highlights why every business owner should build a financial team that includes a bookkeeper, tax professional, and trusted advisors. Together, they make the case that successful businesses aren't built by chance—they're built on strong financial foundations.

In this episode, you'll learn:
● Why bookkeeping is the foundation of a healthy business.
● How accurate financial records help business owners make better decisions.
● The difference between bookkeeping, accounting, and financial advisory services.
● Why reconciling accounts every month is critical for avoiding costly mistakes.
● How proper bookkeeping can protect you during an IRS audit.
● The importance of understanding both your balance sheet and profit-and-loss statement.
● Why cash flow forecasting helps businesses avoid financial surprises.
● How building the right financial team can help your business grow and thrive.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Price of Civilization, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation. Every episode is designed to help you better understand the hidden costs and opportunities that shape our modern world.

Connect with Pietro Canestrelli
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ietaxlaw/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ietaxattorney/

LinkedIn:Law Office of Pietro Canestrelli, a Tax Controversy Boutique, APC | LinkedIn

Pietro’s Personal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pietro-canestrelli-18032a21

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ietaxattorney

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ietaxattorney?_r=1&_t=ZT-976CgcsahYc

Connect with Laura Bender
Website: https://probalancedbooks.com/

Facebook: Pro Balanced Books, Inc. | Facebook

Instagram: Laura Bender (@probalancedbooks) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Laura Bender, CPA - Pro Balanced Books, Inc. | LinkedIn

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Many business owners are working hard, bringing in revenue, and still feeling unsure about where the money is going.

That is where better bookkeeping can make all the difference. 📚

In the next episode of The Price of Civilization, Pietro speaks with Laura Bender, CPA and owner of Pro Balanced Books, about the role accurate financial records play in decision-making, cash flow, tax planning, and business growth.

Because successful businesses are not built on guesswork. They are built on strong financial foundations.

Episode 4 Drops Tomorrow! Available on all of your favorite podcast platforms.

#BookkeepingMatters #SmallBusinessOwners #CashFlow #TaxPlanning #businessgrowth

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What does bookkeeping have to do with building a stronger business?

More than most business owners realize. 📊

In Episode 4 of The Price of Civilization, Pietro sits down with Laura Bender, CPA and owner of Pro Balanced Books, for a conversation about why accurate financial records are one of the most important foundations of long-term business success.

They discuss cash flow, tax surprises, financial visibility, and why business owners need to understand what their numbers are really telling them.

Full Episode will be available on all major podcast platforms on Tuesday August 18th!

#Bookkeeping #SmallBusinessFinance #BusinessOwners #TaxPlanning #FinancialVisibility

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We’re excited to announce that Law Office of Pietro Canestrelli made the 2026 #Inc5000 list! See our rank and the full list here: inc.com/inc5000
Time to celebrate! Our firm is No. 934 on this year’s #Inc5000 list. See the full list here: inc.com/inc5000

We want to thank all of our amazing clients from when we opened as a baby company in 2016 until now. Thank you for believing in us, for trusting us with one of the most stressful experiences one can have, and for staying with us through resolution.

We want to thank our Passionate & Compassionate team that shows up each and everyday to meet our clients where they are and advocate for them.

This is only the beginning. Thank you.

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In this episode of The Price of Civilization, host Pietro Canestrelli welcomes internationally certified DISC coach and business strategist Volker "VJ" Jaeckel for an engaging conversation about the power of understanding human behavior. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in leadership development, sales, marketing, and organizational coaching, VJ explains how behavioral profiling can dramatically improve communication, hiring decisions, and business performance.

Together, Pietro and VJ explore how DISC is much more than a personality assessment. It is a practical framework that helps leaders understand how people think, communicate, make decisions, and respond to challenges. From building stronger teams to improving client relationships, they discuss how adapting your communication style can create better outcomes in both business and everyday life. Pietro also shares how DISC has become an invaluable tool within his own law practice, helping his team better serve clients navigating difficult tax situations.

The conversation also takes a personal turn as VJ shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in Germany, serving as military police during the fall of the Berlin Wall, and eventually building a successful career in the United States as a leadership coach, marketing executive, and entrepreneur. His story is a powerful reminder that understanding people is often the key to unlocking opportunity and creating lasting impact.

In this episode, you'll learn:
● What the DISC behavioral framework is and why it has remained effective for decades.
● How personality styles influence communication, leadership, and decision-making.
● Why hiring the right person for the right role can transform a business.
● How DISC can improve sales, client relationships, and team performance.
● The different communication styles every business owner should understand.
● Why tax professionals and business advisors benefit from adapting to their clients' personalities.
● How better communication can strengthen marriages, families, and workplaces.
● Coach VJ's inspiring journey from Germany to becoming a leadership coach in America.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Price of Civilization, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation. Every episode is designed to help you better understand the hidden costs and opportunities that shape our modern world.

Connect with Pietro Canestrelli

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ietaxlaw/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ietaxattorney/

LinkedIn:Law Office of Pietro Canestrelli, a Tax Controversy Boutique, APC | LinkedIn

Pietro’s Personal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pietro-canestrelli-18032a21

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ietaxattorney

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ietaxattorney?_r=1&_t=ZT-976CgcsahYc

Connect with Coach VJ:

Website: https://vj.focalpointcoaching.com/ (and) https://volkerjaeckel.com

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/volker-jaeckel

Instagram: Coach VJ (@get2.the.point) • Instagram photos and videos

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In this episode of The Price of Civilization, host Pietro Canestrelli welcomes internationally certified DISC coach and business strategist Volker "VJ" Jaeckel for an engaging conversation about the power of understanding human behavior. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in leadership development, sales, marketing, and organizational coaching, VJ explains how behavioral profiling can dramatically improve communication, hiring decisions, and business performance.


Together, Pietro and VJ explore how DISC is much more than a personality assessment. It is a practical framework that helps leaders understand how people think, communicate, make decisions, and respond to challenges. From building stronger teams to improving client relationships, they discuss how adapting your communication style can create better outcomes in both business and everyday life. Pietro also shares how DISC has become an invaluable tool within his own law practice, helping his team better serve clients navigating difficult tax situations.


The conversation also takes a personal turn as VJ shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in Germany, serving as military police during the fall of the Berlin Wall, and eventually building a successful career in the United States as a leadership coach, marketing executive, and entrepreneur. His story is a powerful reminder that understanding people is often the key to unlocking opportunity and creating lasting impact.


In this episode, you'll learn:


●     What the DISC behavioral framework is and why it has remained effective for decades.


●     How personality styles influence communication, leadership, and decision-making.


●     Why hiring the right person for the right role can transform a business.


●     How DISC can improve sales, client relationships, and team performance.


●     The different communication styles every business owner should understand.


●     Why tax professionals and business advisors benefit from adapting to their clients' personalities.


●     How better communication can strengthen marriages, families, and workplaces.


●     Volker "VJ" Jaeckel's inspiring journey from Germany to becoming a leadership coach in America.


If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Price of Civilization, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation. Every episode is designed to help you better understand the hidden costs and opportunities that shape our modern world.


Connect with Coach VJ:


Website: https://vj.focalpointcoaching.com/  (and) https://volkerjaeckel.com 


LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/volker-jaeckel 


Instagram: Coach VJ (@get2.the.point) • Instagram photos and videos (https://www.instagram.com/get2.the.point/)  


Connect with Pietro Canestrelli


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ietaxlaw/ 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ietaxattorney/ 


LinkedIn:Law Office of Pietro Canestrelli, a Tax Controversy Boutique, APC | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-office-of-pietro-canestrelli-a-tax-controversy-boutique-apc)  


Pietro’s Personal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pietro-canestrelli-18032a21 (http://www.linkedin.com/in/pietro-canestrelli-18032a21)  


Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ietaxattorney 


TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ietaxattorney?_r=1&_t=ZT-976CgcsahYc 

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Some of the biggest challenges in business come down to communication.

In the next episode of The Price of Civilization, Pietro Canestrelli speaks with Volker “Coach VJ” Jaeckel about how DISC can help leaders, teams, and professionals better understand how people think, communicate, make decisions, and respond to challenges.

Their conversation explores how adapting your communication style can improve leadership, hiring, client relationships, sales, and team performance.

Episode 03 drops Tuesday, August 11.

Watch or listen when it goes live on all major Podcast platforms.

#DISCAssessment #BusinessCommunication #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamPerformance #PodcastEpisode

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Coming Tuesday on The Price of Civilization.

Tax Attorney Pietro Canestrelli sits down with Volker “VJ” Jaeckel, an internationally certified DISC coach and business strategist and founder of Focal Point Business Coaching Temecula Valley, to discuss how the behavioral assessment and personality model "DISC" can improve communication, leadership, hiring decisions, sales, client relationships, and team performance.

The full episode drops Tuesday, August 11.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the full conversation.

#DISCAssessment #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessCommunication #TeamPerformance #Podcast

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In this second episode of The Price of Civilization, host Pietro Canestrelli sits down with Chief Visionary Officer & Director of Business Operations, Josephia Rouse for a thoughtful conversation about two of life's most stressful experiences: divorce and taxes. Together, they explore why both processes create uncertainty, fear, and emotional exhaustion—and why having the right professionals by your side can change the outcome entirely.

Drawing from years of experience helping clients navigate complex family law matters, Josephia shares how she built and grew a successful law firm around one simple philosophy: helping people rebuild their lives after separation. The discussion highlights the importance of planning ahead, understanding tax consequences during divorce negotiations, and creating a future-focused strategy instead of reacting out of fear or anger.

Pietro and Josephia also examine issues that often go unnoticed until it's too late, including innocent spouse relief, hidden business structures, aggressive tax strategies, and the emotional toll that financial uncertainty can take on families. More importantly, they discuss why education, communication, and trusted advisors are often the difference between years of chaos and a clear path forward.

In this episode, you'll learn:

● Why divorce and tax problems often create the same emotional responses.

● How poor planning during a divorce can lead to unexpected tax consequences.

● The importance of understanding filing status, child tax benefits, and asset division.

● Why communication and a strong legal team matter more than most people realize.

● The risks of complex tax structures and hidden assets during divorce proceedings.

● How innocent spouse relief can protect someone from liabilities they never knew existed.

● Why the best legal strategy is often about finding resolution—not revenge.

● How the right advisors can help you move forward with confidence instead of fear.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Price of Civilization, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation. Every episode is designed to help you better understand the hidden costs and opportunities that shape our modern world.

Connect with Josephia Rouse
Website: https://divorcewithaplan.com/
Youtube: Divorce With A Plan - YouTube
TikTok: TikTok - Make Your Day
LinkedIn: Divorce With A Plan | LinkedIn
Instagram: Divorce With A Plan (@divorcewithaplan) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Divorce With A Plan | Facebook

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Most people think ignoring letters buys them time. It doesn’t.

The IRS doesn’t go from zero to handcuffs overnight. What really gets people in trouble isn’t missing one payment, it’s the pattern that follows when they go quiet.

There’s a simple move that calms the storm before it hits, but most people don’t do it until it’s too late.

You should probably watch this before you throw away another notice.

#irsletters #taxhelp #taxattorney #taxdebt #taxrelief #taxproblems #taxaudit #taxresolution #taxlaw #taxfiling #taxconsultation #cpalife #taxtips #taxsupport

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Everyone’s in a rush to “declutter.” But some papers don’t forgive you when they’re gone.

Most people think keeping tax records in the US is about being neat. It’s not, it’s about protection. The IRS doesn’t care how tidy your desk is, only how ready you are when they knock.

There’s a simple rule that decides when it’s safe to toss a record, and when throwing it out could cost you.

You should probably watch this before your next clean-out.

#ustax #taxrecords #taxhelp #taxadvice #taxattorney #irsrules #taxfiling #taxtips #taxseason #taxorganization #cpalife #taxplanning #taxconsultation #paperlessfiling #taxsupport

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You think taxes care where your company is? They don’t.

Most people assume their job location decides their taxes. It doesn’t, your residency does. And if you live in the US, that default can cost you more than you think.

There’s one form and one small payroll change that could keep you from paying twice, but hardly anyone knows it exists.

You’ll want to hear this before your next paycheck.

#ustax #taxhelp #taxadvice #remotework #taxrules #taxattorney #taxcredits #statetaxes #withholdingtax #payrolltips #taxseason #cpalife #taxfiling #taxconsultation #taxtalk

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Most people think a “sorry” and a long story can erase tax penalties. It won’t.

The IRS doesn’t want emotion, it wants proof. And the people who win know how to give it to them in one page, not ten.

There’s a pattern behind every letter that gets approved. Miss one part, and your request dies in the pile.

You need to hear this before you send that letter.

#irsletters #taxrelief #taxattorney #taxhelp #taxpenalties #reasonablecause #taxlaw #taxadvice #taxresolution #taxconsultation #taxproblems #taxfiling #taxsupport #cpalife #taxstrategy

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People think the IRS hunts for the late ones. That’s not what they’re watching.

It’s not the date that puts you on the radar, it’s what your numbers whisper once they hit the system.

There’s one quiet move that keeps you out of trouble, even if you file late. Most people never do it.

Watch this before you send that return.

#irsdebt #taxhelp #taxrelief #irsproblems #taxattorney #taxlawyer #taxresolution #backtaxes #latefiling #taxissues #taxstrategy #taxadvisor #taxcompliance #taxnotice #irswarning

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People think the IRS moves slow because they don’t care. That’s not the reason.

It’s not the clock that delays your approval, it’s the way your file looks when it lands on someone’s desk.

There’s a simple move that can turn months of waiting into days… but almost no one does it.

Watch this before you send your application.

#irsdebt #taxrelief #taxhelp #irsproblems #taxattorney #taxlawyer #offerincompromise #backtaxes #irssettlement #taxresolution #irsnegotiation #taxstrategy #taxadvisor #taxplanning #taxissues

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It’s not the number that kills your deal. It’s the paper behind it.

Most people think IRS plans fail because they can’t afford the payments. Truth is, most fail because the IRS never believed the story your documents told.

There’s a reason your “approved plan” didn’t last. And it has nothing to do with how much you owed.

Watch this. It’ll make the next time you deal with the IRS a whole lot clearer.

#irsproblems #taxrelief #taxattorney #taxlawyer #irsdebt #taxhelp #irssettlement #backtaxes #taxresolution #irsnegotiation #taxstrategy #taxadvisor #taxplanning #irsissues #taxlaw

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Most people don’t lose to the IRS because of bad math. They lose because their story doesn’t make sense on paper.

You think it’s about the numbers, but it’s not. The IRS reads your life through your documents, not your explanations.

There’s a way to make them see what’s really behind your offer… but it starts long before you send the form in.

Watch this before you file.

#taxrelief #irsdebt #taxhelp #offerincompromise #taxattorney #taxresolution #backtaxes #irsproblems #taxlawyer #taxstrategy #irsoffer #taxconsultation #taxcase #taxfiling #dealingwithirs

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Silence wins more than small talk ever will.

Most people think talking shows honesty, but in an audit, it only shows what they can use against you.

There’s a simple way to take control before things spiral, and it starts with one question most people never ask.

Watch this before your next IRS meeting, it’s worth it.

#ustaxhelp #ustaxlawyer #ustaxaudit #taxaudithelp #taxrelief #usataxstrategy #irshelp #taxdispute #taxresolution #taxattorney #taxtips #businesstaxes #taxplanning #selfemployedtaxes #ustaxes

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By the time you hear from them, it’s already too late to play defense. Most people think an IRS notice starts the fight, but the truth is, it’s the final round. They’ve been building their case in silence.

#irsaudit #taxinvestigation #taxattorney #taxlaw #taxhelp #taxissues #taxadvisor #taxstrategy #taxdefense #irsproblems #taxplanning #taxrelief #taxresolution #taxfiling #irsupdate

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Think the IRS just spins a wheel to pick audits? Not even close. They’re watching for patterns, numbers that don’t add up, lifestyles that don’t match returns. It’s not luck. It’s data.

#irsaudit #taxaudit #taxattorney #taxlaw #taxhelp #taxissues #taxadvisor #taxstrategy #taxdefense #irsproblems #taxplanning #taxrelief #taxfiling #taxresolution #irswatchlist

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Most people think the IRS looks at every return by hand. They don’t. It’s algorithms now, cold, automatic, and trained to catch even the smallest mismatch. One number off can flag your name.

#irsaudit #taxaudit #taxlaw #taxattorney #taxdefense #taxrelief #taxstrategy #taxadvisor #irsissues #taxhelp #taxfiling #taxresolution #irsproblems #taxplanning #taxseason

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Some people get audited for a reason, and it’s not bad luck. The IRS looks for patterns, not mistakes. Certain choices quietly raise your risk while others keep you off their radar.

#irsaudit #taxaudit #irsflags #taxattorney #taxdefense #taxstrategy #taxplanning #taxlaw #irsissues #taxrelief #taxadvisor #taxhelp #taxresolution #irsproblems #taxseason

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The IRS doesn’t roll dice when they come after people. There’s a system running behind the scenes, quietly tracking who might be next. Most people never even realize they’ve been flagged until it’s too late.

#irsaudit #taxaudit #irsalerts #taxhelp #taxattorney #taxdefense #taxstrategy #taxlaw #irsproblems #taxrelief #backtaxes #taxresolution #taxissues #irsinvestigation #taxadvisor

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Most people think audits just “happen.” They don’t. The truth is, there’s always a trigger, something small that sets off a chain reaction you never saw coming.

#irsaudit #taxaudit #taxhelp #taxattorney #taxissues #taxlaw #irsproblems #taxrelief #taxplanning #taxdefense #backtaxes #taxresolution #taxconsultant #taxstrategy #irshelp

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You think it’s random? It’s not even close. Most people still believe audits are just bad luck. But every move you make on a tax return gets tracked, scored, and flagged.

#irsaudit #taxaudit #taxattorney #irshelp #taxissues #taxlaw #taxrelief #taxdefense #irscollection #taxplanning #taxstrategy #backtaxes #taxresolution #taxconsultant #irsproblems

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They play with unlimited power, and most people don’t even know the rules. You can’t beat a system that’s designed to wear you down. But you can outsmart it, if you know how it really works..

#irshelp #taxaudit #taxattorney #taxrelief #irsdebt #taxlaw #taxresolution #taxproblems #taxstrategy #backtaxes #taxdefense #taxconsultant #taxplanning #irscollection #taxissues

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Time doesn’t heal this, it multiplies it. Most people think ignoring a tax problem gives them space to breathe. In reality, it gives the IRS more power to crush them later.

#irshelp #taxaudit #taxrelief #irsdebt #backtaxes #taxlaw #taxattorney #taxresolution #taxproblems #taxstrategy #taxdefense #taxplanning #irscollection #taxconsultant #taxissues

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Business operations. What documents do you need to protect your business?

#businessoperations #corporatecompliance #internalbusinessdocuments #taxandbusinesslawyers #businesslaw #businessattorney

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I formed my business, now what? Do you know your legal obligations and how to be and stay in compliance?

#corporatecompliance #LOPC #businesslaw #businesslawyers #taxandbusinesslawyers #businessattorney

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Business sales
Are you considering a business sale? We can help guide you through the process and tax consequences.

#taxandbusinessattorneys #sellingyourbusiness #buyingabusiness #businessmerger #businessspinoff #businesswindup #businessacquisition #businesslawyer #businessattorney #LOPC

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Business succession planning. Do you have a plan in place? Who will take care of your business if you become incapacitated or pass away? We can help.

#businesssuccessionplan #businessplanning #LOPC

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Role of Directors. What are their duties?

#directorroles #businesslaw #businesslawyers

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The importance of keeping accurate minutes for corporate compliance for your business.

#corporatecompliance #businesslawyers #businesslaw #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesssupport #LOPC

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Loaning money: Promissory notes

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Dissolving your small business properly

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Small Business: Shareholders

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