Peer networking benefits

You don’t have to grow your firm alone, and you probably shouldn’t. In this edition, we’re diving into the real power of peer networks, why burnout is still lurking post–tax season and what happens when your tech rollout skips the team buy-in.

Plus: phishing scams are evolving, AAM Summit takeaways worth noting and the latest tax maneuver in Congress that could change your planning conversations. Let’s get to it.

Snackpocalypse now. That bottomless LaCroix fridge? It may not survive the next budget review.

Burnout in bloom. Passion's great (until it has you answering emails at 2 a.m.). Here's how to protect your spark.

Inbox intrusion. Phishing scams are getting slicker. Your inbox is now your biggest cyber threat.

Summit sparks. Fresh from the 2025 AAM Summit: smart takes for firms ready to grow with intention.

Going it alone isn't the power move you think it is

If you've ever felt like you're building your firm on an island, juggling tax season, tech decisions and the occasional existential crisis, Logan Graf gets it. 

As a CPA, founder of The Graf Tax Co. and founder of Counter, a 250+ member community built specifically for accounting firm owners, he knows firsthand how powerful it is to have a crew that just gets it. Counter is a space for firm owners who are frustrated with the traditional public accounting model and want to build something better: firms that are people-first, sustainable and proudly “counter” to the old way of doing things. 

Here, Graf shares why peer networks matter, how to find one that fits and what solo practitioners can do to get past the "I don't have time" hurdle. Spoiler: it's not about adding more to your plate. It's about making the plate lighter, with relationships, support, and skills that help small firm owners thrive. —Janet Berry-Johnson

Before you started Counter, what gaps did you see in existing communities for accountants and bookkeepers that you wanted to address?

There were already communities for accountants and bookkeepers, but it didn't seem like any were geared for aspiring or new firm owners.

What are the biggest benefits you see accountants gain from joining a peer network?

It's really nice to talk to others who have been there and done that so you can avoid making costly mistakes. It's also nice to have a support system to know that you're not alone in your struggles.

Not all communities are created equal. How can accountants and bookkeepers evaluate whether a peer group or membership is the right fit for them?

If you don't have a support system, I'd highly recommend looking for a community. Lots of communities are focused on a specific type of person, so it shouldn't be hard to find a group to fit in with.

For solo practitioners who are used to going it alone, what advice would you give for making the most out of joining a peer network without feeling like they’re just adding one more thing to their to-do list?

This is the difficult part: finding time as a business owner. You have to view the community as an investment and devote time to it every week. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense to be in one. If you want to improve, you have to make sacrifices somewhere and make time.

Prioritize people to power firm transformation

You can throw all the latest tech at your firm, but if your people aren't on board mentally, emotionally and culturally, it's not going to stick.

Amy Vetter, CPA, CGMA, argues that transformation isn't just about tools; it's about trust, buy-in and human connection. She outlines how firm leaders can foster a sense of belonging and purpose to keep teams engaged and adaptable through change.

TL;DR: Culture eats strategy (and software) for breakfast.

Why this matters: Accountants love efficiency. But lasting growth comes from investing in your people, not just your platforms. (CPA Practice Advisor)

Hot takes on cool raises and reviews

In this webinar, Will Hill and Julie Smith dig into the summertime ritual that's inevitable: post-season performance reviews. They cover how to approach raise and bonus conversations with clarity, structure and a little more heart.

 Whether you're firm leadership curious or deep in the partner trenches, this session offers practical tips to turn potentially awkward chats into meaningful career-building convos.

Why this matters: Raises and reviews aren't just about dollars, they're about direction. Handle them well and you'll fuel talent retention, development and engagement. (Insightful Accountant)

$0.34

How much it cost the IRS to collect each $100 in 2023—down from nearly $0.60 in 1995. (USA Facts)

• PCAOB shakeup plans stall in Congress
• Most middle-market CFOs clear $350K
• Global tax chiefs sound fraud alarm
• Big Four fined for staff cheating scandal
• Tips to help nonprofits breeze through audit season

Trillion-dollar trick: When tax cuts defy math

In a bold (some might say bonkers) move, Senate Republicans are trying to extend the 2017 tax cuts without counting the $3.8 trillion price tag. How? By pulling a parliamentary sleight of hand that would make Houdini proud.

The idea is to keep the tax cuts—especially for corporations and high earners—while sidestepping the fiscal guardrails meant to prevent lawmakers from permanently blowing up the deficit.

Economists are clutching their spreadsheets, warning this could normalize fuzzy math in federal budgeting. Meanwhile, Wall Street shrugged and hit new highs.

Why this matters: If you work with clients who benefit from those tax cuts, this drama is worth watching. It's a reminder that "permanent" tax law might be more illusion than reality, and what Congress gives, it can also take away (or rebrand with creative bookkeeping). Keep your eye on how this plays out. It could reshape your tax planning conversations for years. (Bloomberg)

The Net Gains is your one-stop shop for fresh, FREE accounting insights. You can reach the newsletter team at thenetgains@mynewsletter.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

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The Net Gains is curated and written by Janet Berry-Johnson and edited by Bianca Prieto.