What makes Sonja Jones with GIP Financials a good neighbor?

In this enlightening episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, we delve into the remarkable journey of Sonja Jones, a former music teacher who transitioned into a financial expert and now runs a remote bookkeeping firm in Memphis, Tennessee. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone looking to improve their financial literacy and streamline their business operations. Sonja's firm, Get In Position (GIP) Financials, offers a suite of services including bookkeeping, tax preparation, funding assistance, and financial coaching—all designed to help entrepreneurs understand their numbers and steer their businesses toward profitability.

Sonja Jones' story is one of resilience and transformation. Initially an educator with over 20 years of experience, she spent the first 12 years as a music teacher and the subsequent 10 years as the founding director of finance and operations for a local charter school. Her role required her to learn financial operations from the ground up, an experience that laid the foundation for her current expertise. During her tenure, she observed that many vendors lacked basic financial acumen, which inspired her to start GIP Financials. Her firm focuses on empowering entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge they need to succeed.

One of the key insights Sonja shares in this episode is the importance of differentiating between various financial roles such as bookkeepers, tax preparers, tax planners, and CPAs. Many people mistakenly believe that their tax preparer should handle their bookkeeping, which is not always the case. Sonja explains that each role has its own specialized functions and responsibilities. For instance, a bookkeeper manages day-to-day financial transactions, while a tax preparer focuses on preparing and filing tax returns. Understanding these distinctions can help businesses avoid common pitfalls and ensure they have the right professionals handling their finances.

Another highlight of the episode is Sonja's emphasis on the need for fundamental business finance education. According to her, 70% of entrepreneurs do not have a trusted financial expert, and of those, 64% do their own bookkeeping without fully understanding what they are doing. To address this gap, GIP Financials has launched a podcast called "From Chaos to Clarity," where they discuss the basics of bookkeeping and bring on entrepreneurs who have benefited from having a bookkeeper. Additionally, starting in October, GIP Financials will offer an online community called GIP Academy, which will provide monthly live teaching, quarterly one-to-one coaching, and an extensive library of webinars and teachings.

Sonja also shares her personal experiences and challenges, such as the difficult decision to leave a stable job in education to become a full-time entrepreneur. She recounts how an unexpected storm damaged her home, forcing her to dip into her savings and take on part-time work to make ends meet. These experiences have made her more resilient and better equipped to handle the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Her story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges.

Outside of her professional life, Sonja enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis. She also loves road trips, whether it's visiting her church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, or driving to Atlanta to see her son. These activities help her clear her mind and reset, which is essential for maintaining balance in her busy life.

For those interested in learning more about GIP Financials, Sonja mentions several resources. The firm's YouTube channel offers a wealth of content on financial topics, and their website provides detailed information about their services and upcoming GIP Academy. They are also active on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, making it easy for entrepreneurs to stay connected and informed.

In summary, this episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their financial literacy and improve their business operations. Sonja Jones offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice, making complex financial concepts accessible and understandable. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode provides valuable insights that can help you achieve financial success.

To learn more about GIP Financials go to:

https://gipfinancials.com/

GIP Financials LLC

901) 451-9649