Amy G Bayley, CPA

09/29/2026

Buy low, sell high!

Even though the homebuying market in Raleigh is cooling a bit, the city remains attractive to buyers, compared to many metros across the U.S. — for now. >> See the full article below ⬇️

09/29/2026

The most expensive part of somebody else’s photo might be what it makes you want to buy.

You see a new pickup in a driveway, and by the time you put your phone down, your own vehicle looks worse than it did five minutes ago.

It still gets you to work. It still brings the groceries home. But now you’re noticing the faded paint and wondering if you’re the only person your age driving something with 180,000 miles on it.

Then comes the remodeled kitchen. Then the birthday party with the balloon arch and a bounce house big enough to show up on a satellite map.

We used to see one neighbor’s big purchase when we drove past their house. Now we can see a hundred families’ biggest purchases before breakfast. Of course an ordinary Tuesday can start to feel like proof we’re behind.

But a photo can’t tell you whether the truck was paid for or financed for seven years. It can’t show you the conversation at the kitchen table after the contractor left, or the credit card balance when the party decorations came down.

And some people saved for those things. Some can comfortably afford them. Good for them. You just can’t tell which is which from the picture.

I don’t begrudge anybody a nice truck or a great party for their kid. I hate how quickly looking at somebody else’s purchase can turn into dissatisfaction with a life that was working fine before you opened the app.

The older vehicle in your driveway might be the reason you can take a family trip without putting it on a card. The kitchen you haven’t remodeled might be the reason a surprise repair doesn’t become a crisis.

Don’t let a picture you’ll forget by Friday talk you into a bill that follows you for years.

09/15/2026

Tacos over taxes!

09/15/2026

To all of my fellow tax preparers: we have almost made it! I am hoping to sit around the pool today and try to unwind. I won't truly feel free until I make sure that all of my electronic filings went through. Happy September 15th!

08/29/2026

I think that this is great news for those who do not itemize - many people. And also for worthy charities.

There’s a new tax benefit for charitable giving in 2026. Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, taxpayers who don’t itemize may be able to deduct up to $1,000 in cash contributions to certain qualified organizations, or up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. See the new charitable contribution deduction rules and find out what qualifies: https://ow.ly/yGkH50ZyczK

08/14/2026

Or have a relative do your books!

Doing it yourself might save you money on paper. But what is your time worth?

Spending hours wrestling with a website, designing graphics, writing content or tackling admin isn't really saving money if that time could be better spent growing your business.

Sometimes the smarter investment is simply finding someone who can do it faster and better.

Whatever's eating into your working day, there's a freelancer on PeoplePerHour who can take it off your hands.

https://www.peopleperhour.com

08/05/2026

One day at a time!

07/16/2026

CLOSES TODAY: The is hiring Customer Service Representatives in a variety of locations. Ready for your next opportunity? https://ow.ly/XA3n50ZnXC9