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Windows 10 Expires in 2025 — Here’s Why You Can’t Afford to Wait

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. For executives, IT managers, CFOs, and business owners, this isn’t just another software update — it’s a critical business decision point. Understanding why Windows 10 is being retired and what it means for your organization will help you stay secure, compliant, and …

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. For executives, IT managers, CFOs, and business owners, this isn’t just another software update — it’s a critical business decision point. Understanding why Windows 10 is being retired and what it means for your organization will help you stay secure, compliant, and competitive.

Why Is Microsoft Retiring Windows 10?

Microsoft’s decision reflects a long-term strategy to advance security, performance, and support models. Key drivers include:

  1. Stronger Security Standards
    Cybersecurity threats are evolving faster than ever. Windows 11 includes modern, hardware-based security features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot — protections that Windows 10 simply cannot deliver.
  2. Optimized Performance
    Windows 11 is engineered for today’s processors and architectures, delivering faster load times, longer battery life, and better multitasking.
  3. A Modern User Experience
    With features like Snap Layouts, improved virtual desktops, and a streamlined interface, Windows 11 is built for hybrid work environments.
  4. Streamlined Support
    By focusing on current platforms, Microsoft can deliver stronger, more consistent updates while reducing the complexity of supporting outdated systems.

 

Why Your Business Should Upgrade Now

Waiting until the deadline carries risks — both operational and financial. Here’s why upgrading to Windows 11 is a smart move today:

  • Security Protection: Prevent exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities once Windows 10 support ends.
  • Compliance Assurance: Stay aligned with industry and regulatory requirements (especially in finance, healthcare, and legal).
  • Productivity Gains: Leverage Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, and AI-powered tools like Windows Copilot to streamline work.
  • Cloud & Hybrid Integration: Seamlessly connect with Microsoft 365, Azure, and other cloud tools.
  • Future-Proofing: Ensure compatibility with next-gen hardware and software.
  • Cost Savings: Avoid last-minute upgrade costs, emergency IT work, or expensive extended support agreements.

 

How DB&C NetWerks Can Help

Not sure if your systems are ready for Windows 11? That’s where we come in.

Our team provides hands-on support to help you plan a seamless transition, including:

  • On-site assessments of your current hardware fleet
  • Compatibility reports and tailored recommendations
  • Cost analysis: upgrade vs. replacement
  • End-to-end migration planning and execution

Whether you need to upgrade existing machines or replace outdated systems, we’ll guide you to the smartest, most cost-effective solution for your business.

The Bottom Line

The shift to Windows 11 is more than just a technical upgrade — it’s a strategic investment in your company’s security, agility, and long-term success. Don’t wait until it’s too late. The time to plan is now.

If you are unsure how this may affect your business, contact Paul Gust at DB&C NetWerks for guidance.

Choosing the Right Financial Expertise for Your Business: Bookkeeper vs. Accountant vs. Controller vs. CFO

Empowering Businesses to ThriveAt De Boer, Baumann & Company, our mission has remained constant since 1934: to empower our clients and our community for success. Over the decades, we’ve walked alongside West Michigan businesses through every stage of growth, providing trusted accounting services rooted in Relationships, Experience, Communication, Integrity, Passion, and Excellence — our …

Empowering Businesses to Thrive

At De Boer, Baumann & Company, our mission has remained constant since 1934: to empower our clients and our community for success. Over the decades, we’ve walked alongside West Michigan businesses through every stage of growth, providing trusted accounting services rooted in Relationships, Experience, Communication, Integrity, Passion, and Excellence — our RECIPE.

As your business evolves, so do your financial needs. Knowing which level of financial expertise is right for your stage of growth can be the difference between simply keeping up — and confidently moving forward. Our Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) are designed to meet you where you are and scale with you as you grow.

Bookkeeper: Building a Solid Foundation

Focus: Daily financial transactions and recordkeeping
 Best for: Small businesses needing basic financial management

Bookkeepers manage the nuts and bolts of your business’ finances.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Recording income and expenses
  • Managing accounts payable and receivable
  • Reconciling bank statements
  • Processing payroll
  • Maintaining accurate financial records

Signs You’re Ready for This Role:
 If you’re launching or running a small business, a bookkeeper can keep your financial data organized and accurate. This ensures bills get paid and payroll runs smoothly. Bookkeepers are ideal when you need strong transactional support.

Accountant: Turning Records into Reports

Focus: Financial compliance and reporting
 Best for: Companies needing reliable monthly closes and accurate statements

Accountants build on the foundation provided by bookkeepers.

Accountants can assist with:

  • Overseeing bookkeeping activity
  • Reconciling balance sheet accounts and accrual adjustments invoices
  • Performing month-end and year-end closes
  • Preparing financial statements and management reports

Signs You’re Ready for This Role:
 As your operations grow and financial complexity increases, an accountant ensures your records meet required standards. They can prepare timely and reliable financial statements and provide insight into your financial health. This role is essential when you need accurate reporting to make informed operational decisions.

Controller: Driving Accuracy and Insights

Focus: Financial oversight and internal controls
 Best for: Companies that have clean books but need deeper financial insights

Controllers act as the quarterback of the accounting function.

Controller services may include:

  • Supervising bookkeepers and accountants
  • Managing financial reporting and compliance
  • Developing internal controls to reduce risk
  • Providing budgeting support and financial analysis

Signs You’re Ready for This Role:
 If your books are clean but you’re missing timely reports, accurate budgeting, or risk controls, a controller bridges that gap. They implement financial processes, strengthen internal controls, and provide data-driven analysis. This is ideal when you want more robust reporting and operational efficiency without the cost of a CFO.

CFO: Steering Strategic Growth

Focus: Long-term financial planning and strategy
 Best for: Companies ready to scale, raise capital, or optimize performance

Chief Financial Officers look beyond the numbers to shape your business’s future. They:

  • Develop and execute financial strategies
  • Provide forecasting and risk analysis
  • Guide funding and capital structure decisions
  • Interpret management reports for strategic planning

Signs You’re Ready for This Role:
 When you’re preparing to expand, raise capital, or plan long-term strategy, a CFO provides the vision and modeling you need. They guide funding, oversee risk, and align financial strategy with business goals. This role is critical when you need big-picture financial leadership to drive growth and profitability.

Which One Is Right for Your Business?

Role

Focus

Key Responsibilities

Best For Businesses That…

Bookkeeper

Daily financial transactions

Record keeping, payroll, reconciliations, paying bills, maintaining ledgers

Need basic financial management and accurate day-to-day records

Accountant

Financial compliance & reporting

Overseeing bookkeeping, preparing statements, reconciling accounts, month-end close

Need reliable financial reports and compliance with accounting standards

Controller

Financial oversight & analysis

Managing reporting, developing internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, providing insights

Have clean books but need better financial reporting and deeper insights

CFO

Strategic financial planning

Long-term strategy, forecasting, risk management, capital structure, high-level decision-making

Are ready to scale, raise capital, or optimize performance

Partnering for Your Growth

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to building a strong financial function — and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At DBC, we recognize that every business is on its own journey. That’s why our Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) are designed to meet you where you are and scale with you as you grow. Whether you’re focused on staying compliant, improving financial visibility, or planning for expansion, we’ll help you build a financial structure that supports both today’s operations and tomorrow’s ambitions.

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Transitioning from Traditional to Digital Accounting Systems on the Farm 

The agricultural industry is evolving, and farms are increasingly adopting digital technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. One of the most significant changes many farms face is transitioning from traditional, manual accounting methods to modern digital accounting systems. This shift can transform how financial information is managed, reported, and utilized to drive business …

The agricultural industry is evolving, and farms are increasingly adopting digital technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. One of the most significant changes many farms face is transitioning from traditional, manual accounting methods to modern digital accounting systems. This shift can transform how financial information is managed, reported, and utilized to drive business growth. 

 

Why Make the Switch to Digital Accounting? 

Traditional accounting often involves paper-based records, spreadsheets, and manual data entry, which can be time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to scale. Digital accounting systems offer several advantages: 

  • Increased accuracy through automated calculations and data entry 
  • Real-time financial visibility for faster, informed decision-making 
  • Streamlined processes that save time on bookkeeping and reporting 
  • Improved compliance with tax regulations and recordkeeping requirements 
  • Better integration with other farm management tools and financial institutions 

 

Steps to a Successful Transition 

  1. Assess Your Current Processes
    Identify pain points in your current accounting system. Are you struggling with data accuracy, reporting delays, or time-consuming manual tasks? Understanding these challenges will help you select the right digital solution.
  2. Choose the Right Software
    There are numerous accounting software options tailored to agriculture, including QuickBooks, Xero, and specialized farm management platforms. Look for systems that:
    • Support your farm’s specific financial and operational needs 
    • Integrate with payroll, inventory, and tax reporting 
    • Are user-friendly for you and your staff 
  1. Plan for Data Migration
    Moving from paper or spreadsheets to digital systems requires careful data transfer. Clean and organize your existing records to avoid transferring errors. Consider professional help to ensure a smooth migration.
  2. Train Your Team
    Ensure that all users understand the new system’s features and workflows. Training reduces errors and maximizes the benefits of digital tools.
  3. Establish New Internal Controls
    Digital systems can enhance internal controls by automating approvals, audit trails, and segregation of duties. Update your policies accordingly.

 

Overcoming Common Challenges 

Transitioning to digital accounting is not without challenges: 

  • Resistance to change: Some farm staff may be hesitant. Emphasize benefits and provide support. 
  • Initial costs and setup time: Investing time and resources upfront pays off in efficiency gains. 
  • Data security concerns: Choose reputable software with strong security measures and backup capabilities. 

 

The Impact on Farm Management 

Digital accounting provides more than just improved bookkeeping. It enables farmers to: 

  • Monitor cash flow and profitability in real time 
  • Generate timely financial reports and key performance indicators 
  • Simplify tax preparation and compliance 
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities 
  • Support succession planning and long-term growth strategies 

 

How De Boer, Baumann & Company Can Support Your Transition 

De Boer, Baumann & Company helps farms navigate the complexities of moving to digital accounting. From selecting the right software and managing data migration to training your team and optimizing financial processes, our experts provide tailored support designed for agricultural operations. Partner with us to modernize your accounting system and empower your farm with better financial insight and control. 

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Compliance Considerations for Government Grants in Agriculture 

Government grants have become an important resource for agricultural producers looking to invest in equipment, technology, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices. These grants can provide critical funding that helps farms innovate and grow without incurring debt. However, receiving government grants also comes with a set of compliance requirements that must be carefully managed to …

Government grants have become an important resource for agricultural producers looking to invest in equipment, technology, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices. These grants can provide critical funding that helps farms innovate and grow without incurring debt. However, receiving government grants also comes with a set of compliance requirements that must be carefully managed to avoid penalties, repayments, or loss of future funding. 

Understanding these compliance obligations is essential for any farm or agribusiness leveraging government grant programs. 

 

Key Compliance Requirements in Agricultural Grants 

  1. Proper Use of Funds
    Grant funds must be used strictly for the purposes outlined in the grant agreement. Diverting funds to unauthorized expenses can result in grant termination and legal consequences. Farmers should establish clear budgets and track expenditures diligently.
  2. Documentation and Recordkeeping
    Comprehensive documentation is critical to demonstrate how grant funds were spent. This includes invoices, receipts, payroll records, timesheets, and progress reports. Proper recordkeeping supports audits and can be required for several years after the grant period ends.
  3. Reporting Obligations
    Most grants require periodic reporting on project progress, financial status, and outcomes. These reports must be accurate, complete, and submitted on time. Failure to comply can jeopardize current and future funding.
  4. Compliance with Federal, State, and Local Regulations
    Grant recipients must adhere to all applicable regulations, including environmental, labor, and procurement laws. For example, projects involving construction may require adherence to environmental impact assessments or local zoning laws.
  5. Audits and Monitoring
    Grant programs may include audits or site visits by grant administrators or independent auditors. Being prepared with well-maintained records and internal controls can ease the audit process and demonstrate compliance.

 

Challenges for Agricultural Grant Recipients 

  • Complexity of Requirements: Agricultural grants often come with layered compliance rules from multiple government agencies, which can be difficult to navigate. 
  • Resource Constraints: Smaller farms may lack dedicated staff to manage compliance, increasing risk. 
  • Changing Regulations: Grant requirements and regulations can evolve, requiring ongoing monitoring and adaptation. 

 

Best Practices to Maintain Compliance 

  • Develop Internal Controls: Implement controls around spending, approvals, and documentation specific to grant-funded projects. 
  • Train Staff: Ensure that employees understand grant requirements and their role in compliance. 
  • Maintain Clear Communication: Stay in contact with grant administrators and seek clarification on requirements when needed. 
  • Plan for Reporting: Set internal deadlines for data collection and reporting ahead of grant due dates. 
  • Seek Expert Assistance: Partner with accountants or advisors familiar with agricultural grants to help manage compliance. 

 

How De Boer, Baumann & Company Can Help 

De Boer, Baumann & Company offers specialized support to agricultural clients navigating the complexities of government grants. Our team assists with establishing compliant accounting practices, preparing for audits, managing reporting obligations, and advising on regulatory requirements. With a deep understanding of agricultural operations and grant compliance, we help ensure that your investment in sustainability and growth remains secure and successful. 

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Succession Planning for Multi-Generational Farms 

Running a family farm across multiple generations is both a proud tradition and a complex challenge. Succession planning—the process of preparing the farm for a smooth transition of ownership and management—is essential to ensure that the farm’s legacy endures while maintaining financial stability and operational efficiency. Whether you are in the early stages of passing …

Running a family farm across multiple generations is both a proud tradition and a complex challenge. Succession planning—the process of preparing the farm for a smooth transition of ownership and management—is essential to ensure that the farm’s legacy endures while maintaining financial stability and operational efficiency. 

Whether you are in the early stages of passing the reins or are deep in the transition process, a well-structured succession plan can help prevent family disputes, minimize tax burdens, and position the farm for long-term success. 

 

Why Succession Planning Matters 

Farms differ from many other family businesses due to their unique mix of assets, emotional ties, and regulatory complexities. Succession planning allows farm families to: 

  • Maintain business continuity despite generational change 
  • Protect family relationships by clarifying roles and expectations 
  • Manage tax liabilities related to estate, gift, and income taxes 
  • Prepare the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to run the farm 
  • Incorporate new business models or diversify operations as needed 

Without a plan, transitions can lead to costly delays, litigation, or even the forced sale of farm assets. 

 

Key Components of a Succession Plan 

A successful succession plan typically involves the following elements: 

  1. Communication and Family Governance
    Open, honest conversations among family members lay the foundation. Establishing regular meetings and a family governance structure can help align goals and resolve conflicts early.
  2. Business Valuation and Financial Planning
    Accurate valuation of farm assets, including land, equipment, livestock, and business goodwill, is critical for equitable division and tax planning.
  3. Estate and Tax Strategies
    Working with legal and tax professionals to develop strategies that minimize estate taxes, such as gifting, trusts, or buy-sell agreements, can preserve farm assets across generations.
  4. Management and Ownership Transition
    Determining when and how ownership transfers will occur—whether gradually through gifting or via sale—is key to ensuring financial viability and operational control.
  5. Education and Mentorship
    Preparing the successor with hands-on experience, training, and leadership opportunities helps build confidence and competence.

 

Challenges to Anticipate 

  • Complex Family Dynamics: Differing visions and expectations can cause tension. Facilitated mediation or family business advisors may be needed. 
  • Changing Agricultural Markets: New market demands and technology require adaptability in the succession plan. 
  • Legal and Tax Complexity: State and federal laws evolve, making it essential to revisit and update plans regularly. 

 

The Role of Professional Advisors 

Succession planning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. It requires coordination among accountants, attorneys, financial planners, and family members. Expert advisors help interpret laws, optimize tax outcomes, and create customized plans that reflect the family’s values and goals. 

 

How De Boer, Baumann & Company Supports Multi-Generational Farms 

De Boer, Baumann & Company brings decades of experience working with agricultural families navigating succession. Our professionals understand the unique financial, tax, and operational challenges farms face. We collaborate with your trusted legal and financial advisors to develop and update succession plans that protect your legacy while positioning your farm for future growth. 

If your farm is preparing for the next generation, reach out to learn how we can help guide your transition with confidence and clarity. 

 

Kiddie Tax – What a Parent Needs to Know

The Kiddie Tax was introduced in 1986 to prevent high-income parents from shifting their investment income to their children, who typically fall into lower tax brackets. While the term “Kiddie Tax” isn’t used in the tax code, it does succinctly describe this tax. The tax applies to unearned income, such as dividends, interest, and …

What You Need to Know about Gift & Estate Taxation

Gift and estate taxes are both part of the federal transfer tax system and are interconnected.

Gift tax applies to transfers of wealth during a person’s lifetime. If a person gives another person a gift that exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion ($17,000 in 2023), the giver (also referred to as the donor) may have …

Taxes and Holiday Gift Giving

The holiday season is customarily a time of giving gifts, whether to your favorite charity, family members or others. Some gifts have tax implications and can even provide a variety of tax benefits.

But be wary; during the holiday season, you may receive phone calls, texts, emails, snail mail, or appeals on social networking sites …

About us

De Boer, Baumann & Company provides professional accounting, tax, and business advisory services to individuals and businesses in West Michigan and the surrounding areas. With expertise in a variety of industries, DBC specializes in comprehensive and innovative solutions to help clients achieve their financial goals.