How I Pay My Son $15,860 Per Year (as an Instagram Therapist) [episode 97]
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Listen to How I Pay My Son $15,860 Per Year (as an Instagram Therapist) on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Your player of choice
This episode feels a little different than my usual content, but it’s also VERY on brand for me.
I’m not one to shy away from talking about money (if you follow me online or have listened to previous episodes, you probably know that). Money, transparency, and building wealth are all super important to me!
Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how and why I pay my son over $15k per year to appear in my content.
I genuinely believe this is one of THE smartest things I can do for both my business and his future!
In today's episode, I'm talking about how I pay my son $15,860 per year as an Instagram therapist.
If you’ve ever wondered whether kids can legally be paid for appearing in content, brand partnerships, or business marketing, the short answer is: YES.
But it needs to be legitimate work and properly documented. My CPA helped me create an exact setup for how to do this (no way would I try to do this without professional help)!
Documentation matters, and so does approaching this in a way that feels ethical, transparent, and aligned for our family.
TBH - if my business is benefiting from my son’s presence in my content, I believe he should benefit, too!
When it comes to numbers (because you know I have no problem sharing those), Aiden is paid a weekly retainer of $305. This comes out to $15,860 annually.
From there, I’m using that money to build long-term wealth for him through a custodial Roth IRA and a high-yield savings account.
Starting retirement investing this early could potentially change his ENTIRE financial future if done right!
Of course, I’ve got to share my big disclaimer and remind you this is NOT tax or legal advice. Every business setup is different, so make sure your CPA helps guide your decisions here!
I truly hope this conversation sparks some ideas for paying your kids legitimately in your business. Not only could it help reduce your tax burden, but ultimately, it could lead to building wealth for your family in creative ways!!
In this episode, How I Pay My Son $15,860 Per Year (as an Instagram Therapist), I cover:
Why I believe it’s fair to pay my son for appearing in my content
The pros, cons, & personal boundaries of sharing kids online
What counts as legitimate “work” for children in a business
How my CPA helped me legally structure payment for modeling/content work
Why fair market value + documentation matter for IRS compliance
My exact payment breakdown
How a custodial Roth IRA can build long-term generational wealth
Why I’m also using a high-yield savings account for additional growth
The potential long-term financial impact of investing early
Why consulting your own CPA is non-negotiable before trying this strategy
Resources & Links:
⭐️ Check out Heard
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
⭐️ Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
⭐️ Reels Membership
⭐️ Business Coaching Waitlist
⭐️ Free training
⭐️ Caption Guide
Related Episodes:
Episode 24: How I Made $1,000,000 in 2024
Episode 83: How I Earned $854,316 in 2025
Episode 86: How I Earned $200,738 from Brand Deals in 2025 as an Instagram Therapist
More about the Business of Therapy podcast:
Are you a passionate therapist who’s burnt out and ready to transition to private pay? You’re asking yourself questions like “how do I build a business?”, “How can I effectively use Instagram to market myself?” and “How can I scale a private practice?”
Welcome to the Business of Therapy podcast, where we’ll answer those questions and more! Here you’ll find honest conversations about the good and the bad of being a therapist, tactical advice and best practices for marketing yourself on Instagram, and solidarity and community to find your own version of success as a therapist.
Join your host, Kelly McKenna, and her guests as they dive deeper into topics such as navigating burnout, mastering your mindset and boundaries, and tactics and strategies for marketing on Instagram, and more!
Kelly is a licensed therapist and business coach who grew her private practice on Instagram and has helped thousands of other therapists market themselves on social media and effectively start and scale their private practice.
These episodes will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take action towards your dream of a successful private practice.
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