Thursday, October 17, 2024

Tips for Online Classes & Meetings

a person sitting at a desk with a laptop
Photo by Surface on Unsplash

Technology has created more opportunities for people all around the world to communicate and share knowledge face-to-face, even when they are miles apart.

Since 2020, I have taught and watched hours upon hours of online lecture and theory classes, with very specific guidelines and expectations -- often dictated by an outside, faceless bureau. Holding students to such high standards helps to make them exceptional, but sometimes they need a little extra help to get there. I am especially sympathetic for neurodivergent folks and those living with chronic pain and illnesses.

Whether you're a student, a professional, or just interested in trying out or improving your participation in online classes and meetings, here is some advice.

Technology Considerations:

  • High-speed internet is going to make your experience a lot smoother and reduce headaches. Mid-level internet will probably be okay.
  • While mobile devices can seem convenient, not all devices and meeting software(s) will cooperate well together. I really recommend using a mobile device in conjunction with a laptop or desktop computer -- one can be your camera source while the other can be used to view slideshows and participate in chat or other activities.
  • Mobile devices, in general, are distracting and may turn off your camera when notifications and text messages come through or when attempting to bring up other resources and activities.
  • Have a single, stable set-up for your camera. If you're trying to hold your phone in your hand while moving all over the place, it's distracting and nauseating for the viewer.

Set-Up Considerations:

  • Face into a light-source, or position it so that it's at a 45-degree angle to you/your camera -- this is considered your "key light." Any light-sources behind you need to be less bright. Natural sunlight is considered the best, if available.
  • Face your camera head-on, ensuring you are centered with your head, neck, and shoulders visible.
  • Be mindful of your camera positioning.
  • Be mindful of your wardrobe. 
  • Yes, these two points are tied together. 
  • No, you don't want to know why.
  • Have a designated space for your meetings, if possible. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it gives you a place to keep supplies at-hand so you're not searching for them mid-meeting. 
  • Ensure you have a distraction-free background since some classes won't allow you to use filters or blurring.
  • Be able to sit-up straight and take notes. This shows respect to your instructor and fellow classmates; instructors appreciate you for setting a good, professional example to others.

During Your Meeting or Class:

  • If your meeting is being recorded, you cannot have any people enter your camera's line-of-sight -- they have not consented to being recorded.
  • Tell your housemates to leave you alone. This includes your pets. It's okay if they're laying quietly in the background; it's not okay if they're distracting you or the people watching you.
  • If your human housemates can read and still won't leave you alone, holding up a sign that says "GO AWAY" can work wonders. For human housemates who can't read, consider hand signals -- with varying degrees of politeness.
  • Refrain from eating or chewing gum. It is considered poor etiquette.
  • Consider leaving the meeting and rejoining if you receive a phone call, someone arrives at your door, or some other unexpected event pulls you away.

Should You Be Online?

  • If you can't fully focus on your class or meeting (i.e. you're trying to play videogames, watch or listen to other media, or otherwise multitask), then no, you should not participate.
  • If you're too ill or in too much pain to sit up, then you are not able to participate and you're unlikely to retain new information.
  • If you are driving -- and your meeting requires you to be on-camera and actively participating -- then, no, you should not be online. If you're allowed to listen, please consider using a hands-free device and ensure your microphone is muted.
  • If you or a loved one are in the hospital, please do not attempt to participate. 

I hope that these tips will help you to improve your online learning and networking experiences!
 
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Friday, August 23, 2024

[Reblog] "How to Charge For Your Work Without Feeling Icky" by Leonie Dawson

When my students struggle with accepting money for their work, I like to share this story and quote from Leonie Dawson and her mentor --

“You must charge for your art. In everything – everything – there needs to be an exchange of energy. An equal one.

One that fills me up. One that fills you up.

If I give you a massage that nourishes and sustains and relaxes you, I ask you for money to nourish and sustain my life too. We must both be involved in the exchange, otherwise it is one-sided. We must both be invested, so we both receive value.

If I do not allow you to pay money for my service, I do a disservice to myself, but also to you. You must contribute too, in order to be fulfilled. You will value the things you pay for more.

And my life will be better because I have helped your life be better. And your life will be better, because you have helped my life be better too. If you choose to ignore this exchange, you are doing both of you a great disservice.

Everything – everything – must be an equal exchange of energy. It is sacred. Money is the manifestation of energy. Money is sacred too.”



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Thursday, August 1, 2024

Notes on Oncology Massage (In No Particular Order)

"Cancer treatment, like a lot of things, is not so much about decisions as it is about trade-offs." - Hank Green

This is by no means an exhaustive list and is likely to be added to, later. 

  • "First, do no harm."
    • All sessions should be approved by a doctor and/or surgeon prior to treatment.
    • Understand the risks and contraindications -- recognize that oncology massage is a whole different breed of massage therapy.
    • Touch is never contraindicated. Remember that touch is vital for mental, emotional, and physical health, and we want to use touch as safely, effectively, and ethically as possible. Focus on what we can do, and trust that it will be more than enough to make a difference.
    • Slow down, be still, be soft. Maintain a quality of contact that isn't tentative or feathery.
    • Massage is generally okay 6- to 8-weeks post-surgery, so long as any drains, ports, and irritated/healing areas of skin are avoided. This is also dependent on the client's medications, including any active drug or cancer treatments (extended or trials).
    • Do not add to the body's "To Do" list.
    • Do not use pressure over a tumor site or area of active cancer.
    • Avoid joint movements that would affect a tumor site or area of active cancer.
    • If the exact location of the cancer is currently unknown, avoid all pressure everywhere. Static Level 1 pressure only.
    • If there is active lymphedema, refer out. Seek additional training.
  • Massage -- often including the anticipation of receiving a massage and the environment in which massage is often performed -- triggers the parasympathetic response (rest & digest), providing relaxation and allowing for healing.
    • Chronic inflammation and chronic stress are risk factors for developing cancer.
    • Medical treatment can be traumatizing.
    • Through massage, endorphins are released which can help to fortify the immune system. The vagus nerve, especially, contributes to anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting actions.
  • Sometimes, oncology massage is simply about Presence -- providing affirmations, love, increasing feelings of well-being, and helping to empower the caregivers by educating them on what they can do.
  • The lymphatic system is directly tied into the cardiovascular and immune systems. Many lymphatic structures have valves and smooth muscle tissue to support their function. When the lymphatic system becomes compromised, so too does oxygen delivery to and waste pick-up from tissues throughout the body. This can affect blood pressure and create swelling.
    • The Right Lymphatic Duct receives lymph fluid from the right-side of the head, neck, arm, and upper chest quadrant. This fluid is then fed into the Internal Jugular Vein.
    • The Larger Lymphatic Duct (or Thoracic Duct) receives lymph fluid from literally everywhere else. The fluid is then fed into the Subclavian Vein.
    • "Mucus membranes" actually have lymphoid tissues (and lymphocytes -- immune cells) to try and stop pathogens from entering the body.
    • Lymphatic Watersheds represent linear areas on the skin that separate territories from each other and contain relatively few lymph collectors.
    • Lymphedema can, unfortunately, occur in the trunk of the body ("truncal lymphedema").
    • Regardless of diagnosis, it's important to ask: "Is the lymphatic system functioning as normal or is it compromised? Has it been exposed to radiation?" If one or more lymph nodes have been damaged or removed, the client is at risk of lymphedema.
  • Cancer cells replicate rapidly, much like bone marrow cells, hair follicles, and cells in the mouth.
  • Chemotherapy and other cancer drugs target the growth and division mechanisms of cells -- the molecular systems and processes. At this time, these treatments can and will affect healthy cells of the entire body, but research is working to fine-tune the targeting so that the specific cancer cells take a greater hit than the beneficial cells.

“You always have to keep in the back of your mind exactly what your intent is with this person. And the intent for doing massage with cancer is not to heal them or cure them; the intent is to touch them with love and to provide as much quality of life as you can without doing any harm.”

– Cheryl Chapman, via “Massage and the Cancer Patient” by Kieran McConnellogue, Massage & Bodywork magazine, December/January 2000

Important (re)Sources:

ABMP Continuing Education Classes:

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Wednesday, January 17, 2024

5 Reasons Why Massage Therapy School Might Not Be For You


You're squeamish.


Bodies are weird. If the sight and sound of someone cracking their neck sets you off, images of cadaver dissections gross you out, you swoon at the sight of blood, or any other bodily fluids and functions make you want to vomit -- this might not be the best career for you. 

You lack reliable transportation.


Some massage therapy programs are hours-based, so every minute has to be accounted for. You need to be able to get to school on time; if not, how are you going to show up to your future jobs on time? You can't rely on your clients to be understanding 100% of the time.

You're unable or unwilling to practice outside of school -- including asking friends, family, and acquaintances if they would like a free session.


If you can't give the work away for free, how are you going to market it and get paid for it? It also comes down to the quantity of sessions you give -- the quality will improve later. Sleeping with a textbook under your pillow will not, in fact, increase your knowledge by osmosis. You have to physically put your hands on people to develop your skills. 

You have significant physical disadvantages or health concerns that make giving and receiving massage difficult and/or inadvisable.


Giving a massage is physically demanding. You need to be able to stand, lunge, lean, squat, and lift -- and a lot of this movement comes from having strength in your knees, thighs, and core. If you have cardiovascular, nervous system, or liver or kidney disorders, receiving massage may be contraindicated (that is, "a bad idea") for you.

You're unable or unwilling to clean, follow rules and regulations, and/or otherwise be professional.


Your caregivers are not going to be following behind you during school or at work to make sure your space is clean. During your training, you will have opportunities to learn skills such as laundry, sweeping, vacuuming, and keeping a bathroom and other surfaces clean. Sanitation, infection control, and universal precautions are especially important considering our close-contact with complete strangers. You will be given specific expectations and guidelines to abide by that are often meant to prepare you for work after graduation; some rules and regulations are state-mandated, while others are in place to qualify you and your school to receive federal financial aid. Finally, you're going to need to be polite, civil, and a generally pleasant individual to work with. These are skills you will be able to develop and practice during school, but it's preferrable that you have some familiarity with them beforehand.

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Friday, October 13, 2023

Bodywork Content & Journaling Prompts

Post-It Note labeled Short Video Ideas with a list of suggestions as written below.
A partial list that I developed in a flash of inspiration.

  • Why did you choose your program/modality? (i.e. Therapeutic/deep tissue, craniosacral, Polarity therapy, Thai massage, ashiatsu, etc.)
  • Who do you want to work with and why? What are some specific benefits you and your services can provide to these people?
  • Explain a specific pathology and how your techniques of choice can help.
  • What has been your most profound bodywork experience, either as a client or as a practitioner?
  • Demonstrate a self-care technique such as a stretch or tool (i.e. a tennis ball in a sock, a foam roller, etc.). Consider accessibility options for the visually and hearing impaired.
  • What skills or modalities have you enjoyed learning and applying the most?
  • Describe your bodywork style -- flowy, relaxation/spa environment? problem-solving? deep, intense work?
  • If you could take your bodywork anywhere in the world, where would you like to go? (Or, where would you most like to receive bodywork?)
  • Where is your favorite vacation spot?
  • What is the funniest thing that has happened during your training or during a session?
  • What is the best advice you have ever been given?
  • Talk about your favorite product and why.
  • If a year from now, you won the lottery and received $25 million (after taxes), what would you do differently? Continue working? Take time off? Retire?

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Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Highlights from "The Role of Fascia in Movement and Function"


"The Role of Fascia in Movement and Function" by Christopher Daprato and Kenneth Leung, representing the UCSF Department of Physical Therapy. Footage is provided by the University of California Television (UCTV), recorded May 9, 2017, during an event titled: "Move Better, Feel Better: What Can Physical Therapy Do For You?" 

There is a lot of good, useful information. However, the full recording is over 80-minutes long (1:21:34) including a Q&A portion, and is more easily digested in smaller chunks. As the video description points out, "Knowledge about health and medicine is constantly evolving. This information may become out of date."


Time Stamps:



YouTube Clips (<60 seconds each):


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Saturday, October 1, 2022

Professional Licensing, Public Records, & Disciplinary Actions


I've now been through 10 renewal cycles with my massage license. If I could go back and change one thing on my initial application, I wouldn't have taken "Full Name" so literally and I would have left my middle name out. (It's nothing too terrible, but not something I'd usually share with the general public.)

One thing that might surprise you is that, with the exception of your social security number and credit card information, the information submitted is *not* confidential.

Per the current individual license application:
"PUBLIC RECORD:  This application is a public record for purposes of the Maine Freedom of Access Law (1 MRSA §401 et seq).  Public records must be made available to any person upon request.  This application for licensure is a public record and information supplied as part of the application (other than social security number and credit card information) is public information.  Other licensing records to which this information may later be transferred will also be considered public records.  Names, license numbers and mailing addresses listed on or submitted as part of this application will be available to the public and may be posted on our website. 

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:  The following statement is made pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 (§7(B)).  Disclosure of your Social Security Number Is mandatory.  Solicitation of your Social Security Number is solely for tax administration purposes, pursuant to 35 MRSA §175 as authorized by the Tax Reform Act of 1975 (42 USC §405(C)(2)(C)(1)).  Your Social Security Number will be disclosed to the State Tax Assessor or an authorized agent for use in determining filing obligations and tax liability pursuant to Title 36 of the Maine Revised Statutes.  No further use will be made of your Social Security Number and it shall be treated as confidential tax information pursuant to 36 MRSA §191."
Upon your application being approved, your name (whatever and however you write it on the application), your mailing address's city/state/zip code, and your phone number may become accessible to the public. Your listing will also include your state professional license number, status (usually Active or Failed to Renew), expiration date, and how you received your license (schooling, etc). 

Massage therapy as a licensed profession in Maine falls under the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation's Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation:

"The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) and its licensing boards and programs are established for the sole purpose of protecting the public by licensing qualified individuals in each professional area and by imposing discipline on licensed individuals and entities to prevent harm to the public."
The direct link to the Massage Therapy Licensure office is here: https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/massage-therapy-licensure
"Massage Therapy Licensure was established to provide for the regulation of persons offering massage therapy services, in order to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare, and to protect the public from incompetent and unauthorized persons in the State of Maine.

The primary responsibilities of the Office is to review and approve qualified applicants for licensure as a licensed massage therapists[sic], to promulgate rules as necessary, to investigate complaints, and to take appropriate disciplinary action for noncompliance with current laws and rules."
The office's website provides a handful of useful links and resources for both practitioners and consumers. The general public is able to search for individuals, companies, disciplinary actions, courses, and course providers here: https://www.pfr.maine.gov/almsonline/almsquery/welcome.aspx 

Ideally, the database would only ever need to be used to verify licensure.

Yours truly, however, is a nosy, curious person.

I have used the "Search Disciplinary Actions" feature to explore what sorts of cases have come up over the last few years. I was unsurprised but still disappointed that there were, indeed, cases of alleged misconduct on the part of licensed massage therapists. Another interesting incidence involved therapists not disclosing they had convictions prior to applying for licensure, or they had been convicted of misdemeanors while holding a professional license -- even if the misdemeanor had nothing to do with their profession. Such misdemeanors may include: driving with a suspended license, disorderly conduct, theft under $1,000, assault, and operating under the influence. 

In exploring the related rules and regulations, I learned that if you are ever convicted of a misdemeanor, you must report the conviction to your professional licensing board within 10 days of the conviction. 

Some consequences include fines, license probation, and license suspension. Some cases are consent agreements between the State and the massage therapist regarding probationary actions. Others include highly detailed accounts of evidence and testimonies given at adjudicatory hearings. 

And, friends, some of these details and pieces of evidence come from text messages and conversations within the therapist's office. They come from therapists failing to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, including avoiding dual-relationships. Draping -- respecting a client's need for privacy, modesty, security, and emotional expression -- must be impeccable at all times. Detailed intake forms, SOAP notes, and incident reports need to be created, taken, and kept secure.

Finally, we need to hold each other accountable.

If ever you meet a practitioner who doesn't abide by these ethical ideals and it can't be resolved with a polite conversation, you have a moral obligation to report them to their licensing board. If you can't do it for your own sake, then do it to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the rest of the public.

Ignorance of the Laws & Rules is no excuse. Blaming emotional and physical isolation due to the pandemic is no excuse. Pointing fingers like a schoolkid, saying, "But they're doing it and they're not in trouble!" is no excuse.

Protect your integrity and reputation -- for both your sake and the sake of our industry. Be lawful, ethical, and professional in order to be successful. 
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Thursday, May 26, 2022

Professional Writing Advice

Sandy beach with crashing waves; the phrase "Omit needless words." in white text, credited to William Strunk, Jr., in a brown text box below it and a watermark for QuoteFancy.

Omit needless words.

Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail and treat his subjects only in outline, but that every word tell.


Strunk, William. Elements of Style. Ithaca, N.Y.: Priv. print. [Geneva, N.Y.: Press of W. F. Humphrey], 1918; Bartleby.com, 1999. https://www.bartleby.com/141/strunk5.html. May 26, 2022.

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Sunday, January 3, 2021

"Help! My body hurts! What do I do?"


As students begin learning and practicing bodywork, they begin to notice aches and pains in their own bodies. Remember that we are using our muscles and joints in different and perhaps newly repetitive ways. You are working to gain strength and stamina, and to develop muscle memory. 

Here's the run-down of my usual advice:

- Check-in with your medical providers. I went to a chiropractor for the first time after I graduated from massage school. I had to relearn how to move my newly adjusted body. You may want to discuss aches and pains with your general practitioner, an osteopath, or a physical therapist. If you have an acute injury in Southern Maine, check out OrthoAccess's walk-in clinics.

- Get professional bodywork sessions. Receiving work from classmates and other students is great, in a pinch. Graduates and folks that have been practicing for years may help to target and treat your pain faster and give you better advice for self-care.

- Do other physical activities. You might consider adding strength training, yoga, or other practices to improve your physical health and flexibility.

- Use over-the-counter medications and products as directed by a medical professional. Biofreeze, IcyHot, Tigerbalm, CBD, and arnica-infused products can help with some swelling and pain, and many of them are commercially or locally available.

- Remember the Rule of RICE:
  • Rest: Sometimes the best way to alleviate your aches and pains is to limit or stop doing the activities that triggered them in the first place. That doesn't mean stopping them forever -- it means giving your body time to recover and heal in-between sessions.
  • Ice: One of the best ways to treat inflammation, reduce blood-flow to an area, and reduce nerve impulses. Can use from 10- to 20-minutes at a time; wrap in a towel to prevent frostbite. If your aches and pains are in your arms and hands, run them under cold water for up to a minute.
  • Compression: Braces and wrappings are also helpful for reducing inflammation.
  • Elevation: Keep excess fluids close to your trunk, not in your extremities.  
- Once the acute inflammation is reduced, add heat. Alternating cold-heat-cold therapies helps to create a sort of "pump" through vasoconstriction and vasodilation. This helps with controlling blood-flow to the area and aids in healing.

- Self-massage and other household tools. Grab a tennis or lacrosse ball and lean into it against a wall or the floor. Put it in a tube sock for greater control. Purchase knobbers or find yourself a few good stones to target knots and trigger points in your hands and arms. Foam rollers and other devices can be good for legs, thighs, and spines. 

- Use a combination of the above suggestions. As someone who lives with chronic pain (not related to my career), using only one or two methods usually doesn't cut it. If I fall behind in using two or more of these strategies consistently, it can take a lot of effort to get back out of a pain spiral.

Take it easy on yourself. Don't give up. You will get there!

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Saturday, May 2, 2020

Massage & COVID-19: What Now?

Photo by Keenan Constance on Unsplash

I have a lot of strong feelings that are difficult for me to put into words. So much of this experience -- rooted in grief and trauma -- has been subjective, making it difficult (impossible, really) for each of us to remain objective.

I can't dictate what you should do. I can only present tools, opportunities, and resources so that you can decide what is best for you.

If nothing else, I implore you:

Make decisions not from a place of fear and anger, but with an informed, educated understanding.

Resources I've Collected:
Big Names in the Massage Industry That I Respect and Listen To:
  • Tracy Walton: "Since 1998, she has developed, taught, and continually updated Oncology Massage Therapy: Caring for Clients with Cancer. ... For over 13 years, Tracy taught physiology and pathology at the Muscular Therapy Institute (now Cortiva Institute – Boston) where she also served as Academic Dean and Chair of the Science Department."
  • Ruth Werner: author of six editions of A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, from 1998 until now; writer for Massage and Bodywork Magazine with her column "Pathology Perspectives;" past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation.
  • Til Luchau: "With a diverse background that includes manual therapy, somatic psychology, transformative education, as well as organizational and leadership development, Til's ability to connect interdisciplinary, big-picture ideas to practical, real-world applications has made his talks, trainings, and events popular worldwide."
  • Whitney Lowe: "Lowe’s been in the profession for over 30 years. He is the author of the profession’s first accessible assessment text, 'Orthopedic Assessment in Massage Therapy.' ... He is a member of the editorial advisory board of the 'Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies,' and is a regularly featured author in publications such as Massage & Bodywork, Massage Today, and Massage Magazine."
  • Diana Thompson: a licensed massage therapist for 30 years, specializing in post-operative care; author of "Hands Heal: Communication, Documentation and Insurance Billing for Manual Therapists," now in its fourth edition; a past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education, and community service.  


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Saturday, March 28, 2020

Fruits Basket's Rice Ball (Onigiri) Analogy

White rice molded into the shape of a triangle, a red dot of pickled plum at its center, wrapped with black nori seaweed.

"Maybe the reason that you don't see it is because it's stuck to your back. What I mean is, a person's admirable qualities. They're just like, say, a pickled plum on a rice ball! In other words, the person's the rice ball and the plum is stuck to their back. So all over the world, you could have rice balls made with all sorts of wonderful ingredients, all different flavors and shapes and colors, but since it's stuck in the middle of everyone's back, someone could have a plum and not even know it. They'd look at themselves and think, 'I'm so plain, nothing but white rice.' Even though it isn't true -- because turn them around and sure enough, there it is ... there's the plum. So, if someone is jealous of somebody else, well then it's probably because it's easier to see the plum on someone else's back than your own." -- Tohru Honda, Fruits Basket

Five white triangle-shaped rice balls wrapped in black nori seaweed, each with a different ingredient on top.

When you can't identify your own admirable qualities, ask a friend or loved one what strengths and qualities they see in you.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Expenses & Taxes: Where to Start

This post includes affiliate links, but only if you purchase memberships.


One of the major projects in my school's curriculum is that each student needs to complete their own business plan, complete with a marketing plan and financial projections. When I wrote mine, I had no idea what I was doing or what would be reasonable numbers in terms of money. Now that I've been self-employed for four years, I feel comfortable offering some advice.

Keep in mind that I'm currently a single, solo practitioner earning less than $20,000 a year -- I file the usual 1040 tax form along with a Schedule C form that details my business expenses. There are different rules and guidelines for S-Corps, Partnerships, LLCs, and the rest, which I cannot speak to at this time. I'm also not a tax preparer and this information should not be construed as legal or financial guidance.

First of all, get yourself a separate business checking account. This is where your starting capital (funds) can be deposited and then you can track additional income or expenses from there. Trying to do it all within your own personal checking account can get messy, especially when it comes time to file your taxes (or, Heaven forbid, if you get audited). I have a business checking account through my credit union and they charge me a $5 a month fee, but I earn a modest amount of interest and a $.25 credit a month for paperless statements.

As of 2019, self-employment income was taxed at about 15.3%. Take your total income and multiply it by 0.153 (or whatever percentage you need or prefer) -- the number you get, you should set aside for taxes, just in case. You should always check the current year's tax information incase that number changes; you can choose to set aside more, but for peace of mind incase you have to pay-in, don't do any less. (If you break even or get a refund, you'll have a little extra cash for the next year's tax savings and/or to give yourself a bonus.)

Gift certificate sales count as income during the calendar year in which they're bought. Set the money aside in a separate savings account and take out funds as they're redeemed. If you spend the money before they're redeemed, you're essentially robbing your future self of that cash. Also, Maine requires you to keep track of unclaimed gift certificates, should you need to refund or report the money as "unclaimed property." Learn more about reporting guidelines. (Also also? You don't have to sell gift certificates if you don't want to.)

How much you should pay yourself is up to you. There's no right or wrong answer for this because it's all super subjective.

Expense categories allow you to loosely group together the totals of your receipts and invoices for easier placement on your Schedule C form. You can preemptively work with your accountant and/or tax preparer to determine the best category for specific expenses, but here are a few general suggestions:

  • Cost of Service: sometimes known as Cost of Sales or Cost of Goods Sold (if you were a retailer or plan to sell retail), this is where your linen and lubricant expenses go. Bolsters, essential oils, hot stone supplies, and other small expenses of doing massages also go here. Expect to spend anywhere from ~$100 at the start up to $400+ in a year.
  • Advertising & Marketing Materials: for on-line ads, newspaper ads, business cards, brochures or rack cards -- things that you hand out with your name on them for the sake of drumming up business. I spent about $60 in 2019, but this is a low figure.
  • Bank & ATM Fee Expense: this is where I put that $5 a month fee from my credit union -- costing me $60 a year.
  • Equipment: ** this is ONLY for purchases of $100+ that constitute large objects that may lose value (depreciate) over time, such as a hydraulic lift, a new massage table, a UV-sanitizing hot towel cabinet, etc.
  • Insurance: your ABMP membership or other liability insurance should go here. That's usually about $200+ a year, unless you go for a cheaper provider (not recommended).
  • Legal & Professional Services: if you hire somebody else to do your book-keeping and to file your taxes, plan for about $100-250+ a year.
  • Licensing: your yearly fee for re-licensing with your state. It's $40 in Maine.
  • Merchant Fees: I use Square to process credit cards, so I track the fees they take out here. In 2019, I spent $240 out of the money I took in.
  • Office Supplies: pens, paper, lightbulbs, cleaning supplies, etc. This is super variable, so you could budget as little as $100, or up to $300 or more.
  • Rent or Lease Expense: if you're renting a space, it's going to be super variable according to your location, square footage, whether or not utilities are included, etc.
  • Software & Web Hosting: where I track my $12 a year fees to Google for each of my URLS, as well as my on-line scheduling service subscription, etc. I spent about $350 last year.
  • Utilities: if they're not included in your rent, put them here.
For other random expenses that don't fit into these categories, just make note of them so that your tax preparer can find the best spot for them, even if that ends up being in the "Other" category. Because the tax rules change all the time (even within the same year), no one can guarantee what specific expenses will be deductible and which ones won't be. Milage is always a sticky one with very specific rules, but you can try to track it manually or through a subscription to the MileIQ app (not an affiliate link). Charitable donations are generally not a deductible business expense, unless your business name appears in the charity's public marketing. Clothes also do not count unless you purchase something with your business name and logo printed or embroidered on it. For more general guidelines, check out "Can I Deduct That?: 100 Things You Can (or Maybe Can't) Take as Business Deductions" by Margo Bowman and Kelly Bowers (not an affiliate link).

Buying in bulk can help you save cash in the long run, but do what you can with what you have. I do not recommend taking out loans or lines of credit if you can help it.

As far as receipts and invoices go, keep the paper copies in an envelope and/or make digital copies to store on something like a thumb drive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. Check with your tax professional for recommendations of how long you need to keep them and your old tax returns in case of an audit.

Consider keeping an expense log -- either on-paper or in a digital spreadsheet -- and have one for each expense category. Here's an example you can use: http://bit.ly/bexpenselog



And here's a blank copy of the Google Sheets file I use to track all of my income and expenses over the year to get you started: http://bit.ly/bexpenses


Finally, these are the "due diligence" business questions my local preparer asked me when I filed my 2019 taxes:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • What evidence do you have to support your business? Business cards, business stationary, receipts/receipt book with company header, business license.
  • Do you have a separate business account? If not, how do you track your business activity?
  • Have you filed any sales tax returns, payroll tax returns?
  • Indicate which you have of the following: Accounting records, paid invoices/receipts, log books, computer records, milage log, car/truck expenses, ledgers, business bank statements.
  • Did you file 1099's for subcontractors?

This should be more than enough to get you started, but certainly if I missed anything or you have other questions, get in touch with me.

Happy Budgeting!

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