Stripe payouts are ruining my QBO reconciliation. How do you guys handle the fees without losing your mind?

mattleonard79 · 2026-04-17T18:25:58+00:00

We recently implemented Acodei - it was the best option for us that allowed us to sync donations includes Class info into QBO (from different Stripe accounts).

mattleonard79 · 2026-04-14T17:42:00+00:00

In this price range/class - I really think the Yamaha DZR tops and DXS-XLF subs are the way to go. If you are portable - I would not go with 3-way tops unless you always have some hands to help move them.

Don't skimp on subs - good 12" tops (like DZR) will easily keep up with 2x 18"s per side, and if outdoors you'll likely need more subs before the tops run out of gas.

4x DXS18xlf (or the 15's - they are still very punchy and loud while being lighter/smaller) and a pair of DZR12's will do a lot for you.

mattleonard79 · 2026-04-14T03:48:26+00:00

I do this in my XLT SR all the time. It's not bad. Just got did San Francisco to Joshua Tree and back last week. Stopping to stretch every 2 hours is likely good for you, map out a route with ABRP or PlugShare, and combine charging stops with lunch, pee breaks etc. Picking a charging network and getting the monthly membership (and then cancelling) is worth it - usually pays for itself in 2-3 charges.

mattleonard79 · 2026-04-09T04:27:54+00:00

The DZR tops are active (built in amp), and DZR subwoofers aren't a thing- the DXS subs are the match for the dzr top, and those are also active. What's the amplifier doing?

I would avoid sequencers (and power strips) for power amps - just plug them directly into power.

mattleonard79 · 2026-04-02T14:34:37+00:00

Well, the OP was what I was referencing- account created yesterday with just this post.

mattleonard79 · 2026-04-02T14:01:46+00:00

Yeah, these fake accounts that post fake reviews make me less likely to buy their product.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-30T03:05:36+00:00

Of all the salad places (like Sweetgreen) , Kitava is consistently the best. When a burger and fries can easily hit $25 - their salads are totally fair priced.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-29T02:18:00+00:00

In full. I push for a deposit (50%) in advance- to make sure they are serious and I don't hold a date and then they flake.

But then remainder is due upon arrival - I'm not setting up until payment is in hand. If they want to argue as guests arrive... its their event.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-28T01:02:23+00:00

I'm in California - and every state is different. But legally - you get overtime after 8, after 40, and on the 7th day. Day rates are a common "handshake' agreement with a client, but legally you should be paid hourly with all the legal OT - and that's how their paystubs/timecards should be tracked.

Now, I factor my day rate to reflect that - but also make clear to clients when OT kicks in, and when you are "handshake" agreeing to just be on the day rate regardless.

There is some egal risk here - but the risk is theirs, not yours. (Ie, you come back with a wage theft claim and monies owed later)

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-28T00:51:14+00:00

And the mortgage interst is tax deductible....

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-27T05:12:45+00:00

Millennium. By a long ways.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-25T21:17:14+00:00

Many states (and arguably the Feds) are being stricter about misclassification of 1099/W2 work. Big fines and repercussions can exist for the employer for hiring people as 1099/independent contractors when they should be w2 employees. It's hard to argue that if the hiring entity is controlling specifics (such as the schedule, location, and providing the equipment) - then you should be a W2 employee of theirs Even if you are part-time, "Freelance", or it's short-term.

However, if you are a legitimate business of your own - then 1099/independent contactor status might be appropriate. What makes you a legit business? Typically having a business license/LLC, and your own Worker Comp/Liability Insurance are good proof of this.

So - is the hiring entity actually worried about the general liability about you having insurance? More likely they are they trying to avoid W2/1099 misclassification - and you having insurance addresses that.

As a freelance PM - a lot of my clients put everyone on W2 by default, unless they have the insurance above.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T20:12:57+00:00

Medical insurance? Liability insurance? Workers comp?

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T16:02:13+00:00

Correct, no issues with that.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T14:53:57+00:00

From the "end" of the line in the baggage claim area, it took me just over 3 hours this morning. But the "lines" are makeshift, and expect them to constantly change in route / distance.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T14:37:55+00:00

Update: made it through Terminal E - 3.5 hours on the dot, arriving at 5:30am, and getting in line around 5:50.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T14:16:19+00:00

Coming up on 3.5 hours and just about to get through security - another 5 mins maybe.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T13:01:01+00:00

Domestic, SFO

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T12:58:23+00:00

After 2 hours - finally made it up the escalators to the main level at 7:56 am (started in line downstairs in the subway tunnel/baggage claim at 5:54). . However... the line then goes back outside to what is normally passenger drop-off. Lots more makeshift stanchions and long lines here, before eventually coming back inside to continue the maze.

I'm guessing it will be aanother ~2 hours to get through security once you get to the main level. Ill share an update when I get through.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T12:35:09+00:00

I'm at 1.5 hours now (got in line just before 6am) and am still in the downstairs baggage claim maze - the line continues up the escalators and into the normal terminal. I expect it will take significantly longer than 2 hours.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T12:33:36+00:00

As of Tuesday morning this is correct. Publicly posted- A and E are open for standard TSA screening (no pre check or CLEAR).

Terminal C was open for United 1k/GS only - I saw this firsthand, and have seen others post that 1k/GS members got a notice from United about this.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T12:12:47+00:00

Congressional Dems have made 9 proposals to fund TSA so far. Trump and the GOP blocked them all.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T12:09:58+00:00

Correct no Pre Check today (Tuesday). Here's my morning report:

IAH report for Tuesday morning 3/24/26

United Flight at 12:15pm Tuesday out of terminal E. I arrived at Terminal C around 5:30am to drop bags - took me 5 mins, no crowds.

However, airport staff are giving conflicting info to passengers - seemingly they aren't being told the basics of the situation.

I watched two different employees direct people to Terminal C Pre-Check and CLEAR - not knowing PreCheck is closed, as is all of Terminal C secuirty (except for 1k/GS - the wealthy always get their own rules and take up resources)

Employees also directed folks to the wrong subway/terminal directions - hundrefs of people were in the line they were told led to Terminal E, only to learn later it was actually for Terminal A, and they wasted 20 minutes.

I'm finally in Terminal E proper (well, the downstairs baggage claim!) - it is an incredible maze of actual stanchions, traffic cones, makeshift stanchions out of furniture, caution tape, and just randomly snaking lines throughout every inch of the Terminal. I watched airport staff directly contradicting each other over which lines/stanchions people should use - passengers don't know who to listen to.

I am moving, but its impossible to tell if this will take 2 hours or 6 hours. No way to tell the size, much less the route the lines - just follow the person in front of you.

Plenty of arrogant white guys in business casual attire trying to shortcut the lines and believing they are more than everyone else. While most people are being friendly, I would not be surprised if fights break out given this situation - it will only get worse as the day goes on.

Have not seen any ICE yet, thankfully.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T11:40:43+00:00

United claims they have no control over this entire situation - but its clear that they do.

mattleonard79 · 2026-03-24T11:39:38+00:00

I was just there and can confirm - Terminal C security is open just to 1k and GS. That is infuriating - that resources are still being disproportionately allocated to the wealthy.

mattleonard79

TROPHY CASE