Hiring Your Spouse & Kids: Big Opportunities and Big Mistakes to Avoid

June 26, 2025

Today we’re answering a smart question from a viewer about hiring a spouse or children in a family business. When structured properly, this strategy can create significant tax advantages and strengthen retirement savings. However, it also carries risks if not handled correctly. In this episode, Rob breaks down how to navigate the legal and financial details of hiring your spouse or kids, from the best ways to pay minors to structuring contributions to retirement accounts.

For many small business owners, hiring family members seems like a “no-brainer,” but without proper planning, it can quickly turn into a costly liability. Rob highlights the unexpected benefits of teaching your children financial literacy through real-world experience, along with important considerations to keep in mind. If you're thinking about bringing family into your business, find out how to approach it wisely and avoid common pitfalls.


Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Structuring roles for kids and spouses in your business

💰 Using family payroll to fund Roth IRAs and retirement accounts

📑 How to avoid IRS red flags with proper documentation and job duties

🚫 Common mistakes that sabotage tax savings


0:00 – Intro

0:55 – Listener Question: Tax Benefits of Hiring Family?

3:58 – IRS rules and red flags to avoid

5:30 – Retirement planning advantages for the whole family

7:15 – Teaching kids financial lessons through real work

9:08 – Common mistakes and how to fix them


Helpful Resources:


Phone: 801-717-9237

Schedule your no-cost discovery meeting: https://www.axiowm.com/what-we-do

Get your copy of Rob’s books: https://www.axiowm.com/book

Let us speak at your next event: https://www.axiowm.com/speaking

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtidWpldZGUBLmr24oWy87Q


Subscribe & Follow The Show On Your Favorite Apps:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
iHeart Radio
Podchaser

DISCOVER MORE...

ai scams
By Rob Shelton • October 29, 2026
Scams are getting more sophisticated, and even people who consider themselves careful can be caught at the wrong moment.
using your wealth
By Rob Shelton • October 22, 2026
Rob offers insight into how gratitude, generosity, and a clearer sense of purpose can shape the way families think about what their money is ultimately for.
protecting wealth
By Rob Shelton • October 15, 2026
Rob dives deep into why successful families should look beyond market risk and think about the other events that could disrupt the life their wealth is meant to support.
Show More