Ben Watson, CPA
CFO
As DollarSprout’s CFO, Ben combines years of expertise in tax planning, financial strategy, and business coaching to help entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive. A Certified Public Accountant, he has provided financial oversight for organizations across the globe, with his work featured in top publications like NBC, Yahoo! Finance, U.S. News, Reader’s Digest, and GOBankingRates.
Beyond DollarSprout, Ben is the founder of Fiscal Fluency, where he teaches millennial entrepreneurs how to build financial confidence and stability. He’s also the co-creator of the Business Launch Kit, an online course offering simple, actionable steps to successfully launch a business. Fluent in several languages, Ben draws on his diverse international experience to bring a unique perspective to his work.
An outdoor enthusiast, Ben enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, and backpacking with his wife, Casey, their children, Chloe and Graham, and their dog, Whiskey.
Education
- Murray State University: B.S. in Accounting and Finance
Media Mentions
Connect with Ben on LinkedIn to learn more or check out his latest articles on DollarSprout.
Side Hustle Tax Deductions for 2025: The Complete Guide
The IRS expects you to report every dollar of side hustle income. But here’s the real mistake most gig workers make: skipping deductions that could save hundreds — even thousands — of dollars in taxes. That’s what makes side hustle tax deductions more important than ever. Notably, business deductions lower both income tax and self-employment…
9 Things Every Side Hustler Should Do Before Tax Season
Side hustles can open doors — extra income, new skills, a more control over your time. But when tax season rolls around, that freedom can suddenly feel complicated. Unlike a W-2 job, no one’s setting money aside for you. So when April hits, a lot of side hustlers get blindsided by a tax bill they…
The $400 Rule: When Side Hustlers Have to Pay Self-Employment Tax
Many people think that if you earn less than $600 from a side hustle, you don’t owe taxes. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. That $600 threshold only determines whether a client or platform sends you a 1099 form — it doesn’t determine whether you owe taxes. The truth is that self-employment (SE) tax — the…
6 Tips to Avoid an Unexpected Tax Bill from Your Side Hustle
If the idea of doing your taxes makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. In a recent DollarSprout Side Hustle Survey, 1 in 5 respondents said that they received an unexpected tax bill because of their side hustle or gig income. Discovering you’ll owe money to the government rather than receive a refund is a gut…
Make Money Selling Your Data with These 13 Legit Apps
Every day, companies quietly profit from data you’re already generating — your browsing habits, purchase history, even your location. And most of the time, you’re not getting a cent. But that’s starting to change. A growing number of apps now let you sell data and earn money — on your terms, and with minimal effort….
How to Become a Freelance Writer & Land High-Paying Clients
Freelance writing is one of the most accessible ways to make money online—whether as a side hustle or a full-time career. Unlike traditional jobs, there are no degrees, certifications, or prior experience required. If you can write well and market yourself effectively, you can land paid work. That said, the landscape is evolving. AI-generated content…
Tax Tips for Bloggers: How & When to Report Blog Income
Whether your blog started as a fun way to share your trip to Europe, or you started with the intent to create an additional income stream from home, it’s no secret that you can make a living from blogging. Few of us are opposed to an additional revenue source. However, it’s important to remember that…