Your year-end reports aren't just a stack of paperwork to send off to your CPA—they're the roadmap to understanding what worked, what didn't, and what needs to shift in 2026. If you've been wrapping up your books and filing everything away without actually digging into the data, you're missing the story your business is trying to tell you. In this episode of Creative Minds, Smart Money, I walk you through how to analyze your 2025 numbers on a month-by-month, quarter-by-quarter, and year-over-year basis so you can make strategic decisions that fuel real growth. Topics Covered In this episode, I cover: Why your reports are more than just data – How your profit and loss and balance sheet reveal the heartbeat and rhythm of your business Month-over-month analysis – Spotting predictable patterns, cash flow crunches, and seasonal dips so you can plan ahead instead of reacting Quarter-over-quarter momentum checks – Looking at how each quarter performed against the last to track sustained progress versus one-off wins Year-over-year comparisons – Understanding if your revenue growth translated into profit growth or if expenses expanded right alongside it The whole year as a single body of work – Removing comparisons and analyzing your total revenue, expenses, profit, and owner's pay against your original goals Finding your best and worst months – Identifying what caused them (new clients, launches, burnout, industry shifts) and using that intel to guide your 2026 strategy Repeating patterns versus one-offs – Learning to distinguish between anomalies and actionable trends so you don't overreact to noise Turning data into decisions – Using your numbers to inform pricing, spending, profitability, and growth strategies that actually work Your numbers aren't a judgment call—they're there to guide you. When you stop treating your reports like a compliance task and start treating them like a strategic tool, you move from reactive bookkeeping to intentional business building. 🎧 Hit play now and learn how to read the story your 2025 numbers are telling you. Resources & Links Website: https://firestormfinance.com/ Podcast Home: https://firestormfinance.com/podcast/ Book a Discovery Call: https://firestormfinance.com/contact Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-minds-smart-money-finance-business-tips-for/id1751025388 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2m2SRDIAEjeWSXOgKS4Ff4 Free Resources: Strategic Success Mini Workshop: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/blmpbbkjq6 QuickBooks Setup Checklist: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/quickbooks-checklist 5-Minute Money Clarity Checklist: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/5minutemoneyclarity Social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance Threads: https://www.threads.com/@firestormfinance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firestormfinance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirestormFinance Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Another year in business is worth celebrating, but your year-end checklist determines how smoothly next year starts. In this episode, I walk you through the exact steps creative entrepreneurs need to take before December ends to set up a stress-free tax season and a financially clear 2026. Topics Covered: Why cleaning up your books in December matters more than scrambling in April – Getting transactions categorized and reconciled now means you can file taxes early (or at least on time) without the panic. The receipt documentation rule you can't ignore – Especially for purchases over $75, proper documentation protects you during an audit and tells the full financial story of your business. How to review your financials strategically, not emotionally – I show you how pulling your 2025 profit and loss and balance sheet to compare year-over-year reveals patterns, surprises, and opportunities for smarter decisions in 2026. Checking your owner's pay and distributions – Are you paying yourself properly? For S corps, this includes verifying reasonable compensation to stay compliant. Tax prep essentials before January ends – From collecting W-9s and issuing 1099s (due in January, not April) to downloading payroll packages and estimating Q4 tax savings. What changed in 2025 tax law – Updates to standard deductions and the OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) may affect your personal and business tax strategy, so consult your CPA. Choosing 2-3 metrics to track in 2026 – Whether it's owner's pay ratio, gross margins, or another KPI, tracking the right numbers keeps you aligned with your goals. If you're heading into 2026 without a clear financial picture, now's the time to change that. Wrapping up your year-end books and preparing for tax season doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you need a strategy session or help catching up on your bookkeeping, starting the new year with clarity makes all the difference. Resources & Links Website: https://firestormfinance.com/ Podcast Home: https://firestormfinance.com/podcast/ Book a Discovery Call: https://firestormfinance.com/contact Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-minds-smart-money-finance-business-tips-for/id1751025388 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2m2SRDIAEjeWSXOgKS4Ff4 Free Resources: Strategic Success Mini Workshop QuickBooks Setup Checklist 5-Minute Money Clarity Checklist Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance Threads: https://www.threads.com/@firestormfinance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firestormfinance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirestormFinance Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

You're saving receipts, but are you actually using them? Most creative entrepreneurs treat receipts like paperwork clutter—tossing them in a shoebox or snapping photos that disappear into their camera roll. But receipts aren't just about IRS compliance. They're the details that protect your business, clarify your spending, and give you real financial power when organized correctly. Topics Covered Why the IRS requires receipts over $75 — and why you should keep receipts for smaller purchases anyway to maintain complete financial clarity The difference between keeping receipts and using receipts — how premium bookkeeping turns that pile of paper into actionable insights for your business What counts as a valid receipt — digital confirmations, invoices, and itemized statements all qualify as proof of business expenses How receipts prevent audit nightmares — attaching receipts to every transaction creates "bulletproof books" that protect you if the IRS ever has questions Why receipts matter for categorization — a charge labeled "Amazon" could be office supplies, inventory, or client gifts, and only the receipt can tell the real story The premium bookkeeping advantage — how organized, attached receipts save hours of stress and give you deeper cashflow awareness by showing exactly what you bought and why Simple systems for capturing receipts in real time — snap a photo the moment you get it, upload to your bookkeeper's system, and never let receipts float around unattached again Receipts are leverage. When they're handled right, they give you credibility, clarity, and control. If you shove them in a shoebox and forget about them, they're just clutter. But when you integrate them into your financial story, those details protect and empower you as a business owner. It's worth keeping them clean and organized. Resources & Links Website: https://firestormfinance.com/ Podcast Home: https://firestormfinance.com/podcast/ Book a Discovery Call (primary CTA): https://firestormfinance.com/contact Listen & Subscribe (secondary CTA): Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-minds-smart-money-finance-business-tips-for/id1751025388 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2m2SRDIAEjeWSXOgKS4Ff4 Social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance Threads: https://www.threads.com/@firestormfinance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firestormfinance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirestormFinance Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Your bookkeeping categories aren't just for tax season—they're the foundation of every smart money decision you make in your business. If you've been treating categorization like a compliance checkbox, you're missing out on the clarity that drives profitability, cash flow planning, and confident pricing. In this episode of Creative Minds, Smart Money, I break down why categorization matters far beyond what you send to the IRS, and how custom categories can transform the way you understand and grow your creative business. Topics Covered In this episode, I cover: Why categorization is about more than taxes – How your categories write your financial story and reveal where your money is actually going The profitability problem with broad buckets – Why lumping expenses together (like "software and subscriptions") hides what's eating your profit Decision-making clarity – How clean categories help you answer critical questions like "Can I afford to hire?" and "Which service is most profitable?" Cash flow planning made easier – Why separating recurring costs from one-time expenses helps you forecast what's coming due each month Pricing strategy with confidence – Understanding your true cost of service delivery so you can price without guessing Benchmarking your business – Using custom categories to compare your spending against industry standards and identify where you're overspending Real examples of categorization in action – From miscellaneous expense disasters to tracking profitability by service package or client tier Accountability and peace of mind – How seeing where your money goes leads to more intentional spending choices and reports that actually serve your business Categorization isn't just about keeping the IRS happy—it's about giving yourself the financial clarity you need to make smarter, more confident decisions every single day. When your categories reflect the real story of your business, you stop guessing and start knowing. 🎧 Hit play now and discover how a few strategic tweaks to your categorization can completely transform your financial picture. Resources & Links Website: https://firestormfinance.com/ Podcast Home: https://firestormfinance.com/podcast/ Book a Discovery Call: https://firestormfinance.com/contact Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-minds-smart-money-finance-business-tips-for/id1751025388 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2m2SRDIAEjeWSXOgKS4Ff4 Free Resources: Strategic Success Mini Workshop QuickBooks Setup Checklist 5-Minute Money Clarity Checklist Social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance Threads: https://www.threads.com/@firestormfinance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firestormfinance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirestormFinance Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

AI-powered bookkeeping tools promise to automate your financial life and save you money—but at what cost? Everyone online makes AI sound like the magic fix for messy books, but here's the truth: I see creative entrepreneurs rely too heavily on automation and end up with misclassified transactions, compliance nightmares, and zero strategic insight into their numbers. In this episode of Creative Minds, Smart Money, I break down the real risks of AI in bookkeeping and why pairing technology with human expertise is the smartest path forward. I walk through where AI shows up in bookkeeping right now—QuickBooks' new AI categorization, Xero, Wave, and tools like Puzzle.io—and explain why the technology isn't ready to replace the nuance, context, and judgment your business needs. You'll leave understanding exactly where AI falls short and how to use it as a tool (not a replacement) so your books stay accurate, compliant, and actually help you make decisions. In this episode, I cover: Where AI shows up in bookkeeping today—automated transaction categorization in QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, and AI-first platforms like Puzzle.io that still recommend human oversight Why misclassification is the biggest risk—how AI can't differentiate between a Starbucks gift card, a networking coffee, or a sponsorship expense, and why those errors distort profit margins and tax deductions Context blindness AI can't solve—why AI won't ask why your revenue dipped, whether a big expense is a one-time investment or an asset, or if payroll shifts are seasonal versus permanent Compliance issues that require human judgment—sales tax rules, industry-specific regulations, and IRS red flags (like the difference between 50% deductible meals and client gifts) that AI doesn't understand The overconfidence trap—why assuming the computer got it right leads to compounding errors over time, especially without regular human oversight What bookkeepers catch that AI can't—patterns like fraud, duplicate charges, seasonality, client behavior shifts, and the context behind your numbers The balance between AI and bookkeepers—how to treat AI as an assistant that speeds up work while keeping a human in the loop for strategy, insight, and compliance If you've been tempted to let AI handle your books completely—or you're wondering if your bookkeeper is even necessary anymore—this episode will change how you think about the role of technology versus human insight in your financial foundation. 🎧 Hit play now and learn how to use AI smartly without sacrificing accuracy, compliance, or the strategic support your business needs. Resources & Links Website: https://firestormfinance.com/ Podcast Home: https://firestormfinance.com/podcast/ Book a Discovery Call: https://firestormfinance.com/contact Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-minds-smart-money-finance-business-tips-for/id1751025388 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2m2SRDIAEjeWSXOgKS4Ff4 Social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance Threads: https://www.threads.com/@firestormfinance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firestormfinance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirestormFinance Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Everyone online makes bookkeeping platforms sound like a magic fix: low cost, hands-off, done-for-you. But here’s the truth—I see creatives pick a platform too fast (or switch too late) and end up with messy categorization, limited data ownership, and zero strategic insight. In this episode of Creative Minds, Smart Money, I break down how to choose between a bookkeeping platform vs. a bookkeeper, when to switch, and how to keep your bookkeeping data portable no matter what you pick. I walk through the real trade-offs between popular platform bookkeeping options—Bench, Collective, Pilot, Xendoo, inDinero, Paro, KPMG Spark—and hiring a dedicated bookkeeper for creatives who knows your business inside and out. You’ll leave with a simple decision rubric to evaluate scope, continuity, and bookkeeping migration concerns, so your numbers actually help you make decisions. In this episode, I cover: Platform bookkeeping vs. dedicated bookkeeper—what you’re truly buying (beyond “my books are done”) How your business model (offers, payment processors like Stripe/Square/ThriveCart, sales tax, payroll) changes the answer Data ownership & portability: set up your stack so you’re never stuck if you switch (think QuickBooks or Xero access, exports, reporting) Continuity & context: why a single point of contact can prevent rework and errors as you grow Red flags it’s time to switch: multiple revenue streams, contractors, inventory, or new growth plans Questions to ask before choosing (scope, SLAs, cleanup policies, reporting, migration/export options) A quick decision rubric to pick your best-fit today—and revisit in 6–12 months If you’ve wondered whether a platform or a person is the smarter move for your stage, this episode gives you a clear, no-BS way to decide—without pressure, panic, or FOMO. 🎧 Hit play now and find your best-fit bookkeeping support—so your numbers actually help you run the business. Resources & Links Website: https://firestormfinance.com/ Podcast Home: https://firestormfinance.com/podcast/ Book a Discovery Call (primary CTA): https://firestormfinance.com/contact Listen & Subscribe (secondary CTA): Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-minds-smart-money-finance-business-tips-for/id1751025388 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2m2SRDIAEjeWSXOgKS4Ff4 Social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance Threads: https://www.threads.com/@firestormfinance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firestormfinance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirestormFinance Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Sales tax is confusing—no way around it. Every state has different rules, the jargon feels overwhelming, and half the time you’re left wondering if you’re even supposed to charge it. But here’s the thing: even service providers sometimes owe sales tax. And not knowing the rules can leave you stressed, noncompliant, or accidentally footing the bill yourself. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down sales tax in plain English—what it is, when you need to collect it, and how to keep things simple with the right systems and tools. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What sales tax actually is and who it applies to ✅ The difference between state, county, and local rules ✅ Real-world examples for service providers, photographers, designers, product sellers, and course creators ✅ What “nexus” means and why it determines whether you owe sales tax ✅ The steps to register, collect, and stay compliant (without overcomplicating your books) ✅ Common mistakes to avoid—like collecting before registering or accidentally spending tax money ✅ Tools that can make sales tax compliance easier (TaxJar, Avalara, Shopify, HoneyBook, etc.) If sales tax has ever made your head spin, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to set it up once—and move forward without the stress. 🎧 Hit play now and make sales tax one less thing to overthink. 🔗 Resources & Links Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Newsletter: https://www.firestormfinance.com/newsletter 📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here! 📢 If this episode helped untangle sales tax for you, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more creatives make confident money moves.

Sales tax is confusing—no way around it. Every state has different rules, the jargon feels overwhelming, and half the time you’re left wondering if you’re even supposed to charge it.But here’s the thing: even service providers sometimes owe sales tax. And not knowing the rules can leave you stressed, noncompliant, or accidentally footing the bill yourself.In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down sales tax in plain English—what it is, when you need to collect it, and how to keep things simple with the right systems and tools.In this episode, we cover:✅ What sales tax actually is and who it applies to✅ The difference between state, county, and local rules✅ Real-world examples for service providers, photographers, designers, product sellers, and course creators✅ What “nexus” means and why it determines whether you owe sales tax✅ The steps to register, collect, and stay compliant (without overcomplicating your books)✅ Common mistakes to avoid—like collecting before registering or accidentally spending tax money✅ Tools that can make sales tax compliance easier (TaxJar, Avalara, Shopify, HoneyBook, etc.)If sales tax has ever made your head spin, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to set it up once—and move forward without the stress.🎧 Hit play now and make sales tax one less thing to overthink.🔗 Resources & LinksWebsite: https://www.firestormfinance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/Newsletter: https://www.firestormfinance.com/newsletter📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here!📢 If this episode helped untangle sales tax for you, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more creatives make confident money moves.

Everyone online makes becoming an S-Corp sound like the ultimate financial glow-up: lower taxes, more legitimacy, instant upgrade. But here’s the truth—jumping in too early can actually hurt your business more than it helps. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down the real dangers of switching to an S-Corp before you’re ready. From payroll requirements to higher admin costs to IRS scrutiny, we’ll cover what you need in place before making the leap, and a checklist to know when the timing is actually right. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What an S-Corp really is (and what it’s not) ✅ Why becoming your own payroll provider can be overwhelming if you’re not ready ✅ The hidden costs: payroll software, CPA fees, tax filings, compliance ✅ Why “reasonable salary” is a legal gray zone and how it can trigger IRS red flags ✅ Why tax savings aren’t always worth the stress (especially under $60K net profit) ✅ A clear checklist to know when you’re actually ready to elect S-Corp ✅ What to do instead if it’s too early (and how to prep your business for the switch later) If you’ve ever wondered whether becoming an S-Corp is right for you, this episode gives you the clarity to make that decision without pressure, panic, or FOMO. 🎧 Hit play now and find out whether an S-Corp is your next smart move—or just an expensive distraction. 🔗 Resources & Links Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Newsletter: https://www.firestormfinance.com/newsletter 📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here! 📢 If this episode gave you clarity about S-Corps, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more creatives make confident money moves.

Everyone online makes becoming an S-Corp sound like the ultimate financial glow-up: lower taxes, more legitimacy, instant upgrade. But here’s the truth—jumping in too early can actually hurt your business more than it helps.In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down the real dangers of switching to an S-Corp before you’re ready. From payroll requirements to higher admin costs to IRS scrutiny, we’ll cover what you need in place before making the leap, and a checklist to know when the timing is actually right.In this episode, we cover:✅ What an S-Corp really is (and what it’s not)✅ Why becoming your own payroll provider can be overwhelming if you’re not ready✅ The hidden costs: payroll software, CPA fees, tax filings, compliance✅ Why “reasonable salary” is a legal gray zone and how it can trigger IRS red flags✅ Why tax savings aren’t always worth the stress (especially under $60K net profit)✅ A clear checklist to know when you’re actually ready to elect S-Corp✅ What to do instead if it’s too early (and how to prep your business for the switch later)If you’ve ever wondered whether becoming an S-Corp is right for you, this episode gives you the clarity to make that decision without pressure, panic, or FOMO.🎧 Hit play now and find out whether an S-Corp is your next smart move—or just an expensive distraction.🔗 Resources & LinksWebsite: https://www.firestormfinance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/Newsletter: https://www.firestormfinance.com/newsletter📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here!📢 If this episode gave you clarity about S-Corps, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more creatives make confident money moves.

Ever wondered if your business is actually doing okay—or if you’re falling behind? That’s where benchmarking comes in. Don’t worry, it’s not a fancy finance term you need to memorize—it’s simply comparing your numbers to industry standards so you know what’s normal, where you’re strong, and what could use some tweaking. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I’ll walk you through how to give your numbers context without spiraling into comparison. Instead of copying someone’s “six-figure month” on social media, you’ll learn how to use real benchmarks to figure out if your pricing, expenses, and profits are in a healthy range—and what to do if they’re not. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What benchmarking really means (and why it’s not about copying internet strangers) ✅ The financial numbers worth comparing—profit margin, owner’s pay, client retention, and more ✅ Real-world benchmarks for designers, photographers, product sellers, course creators, and social media managers ✅ What to do if your niche is unique (or you’re new) and don’t have an industry benchmark yet ✅ How to use benchmarks to raise prices, trim costs, reshape offers, and make better decisions—without shame or panic 🎧 Hit play now and learn how to see whether your numbers are “normal”—and how to use that knowledge to grow with confidence. 🔗 Resources & Links Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Newsletter: https://www.firestormfinance.com/newsletter 📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here! 📢 If this episode helped you feel clearer about your numbers, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more creatives build confident, profitable businesses.

Ever wondered if your business is actually doing okay—or if you’re falling behind?That’s where benchmarking comes in. Don’t worry, it’s not a fancy finance term you need to memorize—it’s simply comparing your numbers to industry standards so you know what’s normal, where you’re strong, and what could use some tweaking.In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I’ll walk you through how to give your numbers context without spiraling into comparison. Instead of copying someone’s “six-figure month” on social media, you’ll learn how to use real benchmarks to figure out if your pricing, expenses, and profits are in a healthy range—and what to do if they’re not.In this episode, we cover:✅ What benchmarking really means (and why it’s not about copying internet strangers)✅ The financial numbers worth comparing—profit margin, owner’s pay, client retention, and more✅ Real-world benchmarks for designers, photographers, product sellers, course creators, and social media managers✅ What to do if your niche is unique (or you’re new) and don’t have an industry benchmark yet✅ How to use benchmarks to raise prices, trim costs, reshape offers, and make better decisions—without shame or panic🎧 Hit play now and learn how to see whether your numbers are “normal”—and how to use that knowledge to grow with confidence.🔗 Resources & LinksWebsite: https://www.firestormfinance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/Newsletter: https://www.firestormfinance.com/newsletter📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here!📢 If this episode helped you feel clearer about your numbers, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more creatives build confident, profitable businesses.

KPIs get tossed around a lot—but most creatives aren’t told which ones actually matter or how to use them. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, we break down KPIs in plain English and turn them into decision-making shortcuts. You’ll learn how to pick a small set of metrics that fit your business model, track them without drowning in spreadsheets, and use them to improve pricing, delivery, delegation, and profit. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What a KPI really is and why it must be tied to a goal and an action ✅ Core KPIs every business should know: net profit margin, owner’s pay %, average client value, offer profitability, operating expense % ✅ Creative-industry KPIs to consider (designers, photographers, social managers, course creators, influencers) ✅ How to choose your 3–5 KPIs using simple prompts you can revisit monthly ✅ The danger of vanity metrics (likes, follower counts, top-line revenue, “busy = successful”) and what to track instead ✅ How to make KPIs visible and useful with a lightweight monthly cadence If you’ve ever wondered whether your effort is actually moving the needle, these KPIs will give you clarity and control without turning you into a spreadsheet queen. 🎧 Hit play now and set up KPIs that fit your business, your brain, and your goals. 🔗 Resources & Links Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1 📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here! 📢 If this episode helped you focus on what really matters, share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives make confident money moves.

KPIs get tossed around a lot—but most creatives aren’t told which ones actually matter or how to use them.In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, we break down KPIs in plain English and turn them into decision-making shortcuts. You’ll learn how to pick a small set of metrics that fit your business model, track them without drowning in spreadsheets, and use them to improve pricing, delivery, delegation, and profit.In this episode, we cover:✅ What a KPI really is and why it must be tied to a goal and an action✅ Core KPIs every business should know: net profit margin, owner’s pay %, average client value, offer profitability, operating expense %✅ Creative-industry KPIs to consider (designers, photographers, social managers, course creators, influencers)✅ How to choose your 3–5 KPIs using simple prompts you can revisit monthly✅ The danger of vanity metrics (likes, follower counts, top-line revenue, “busy = successful”) and what to track instead✅ How to make KPIs visible and useful with a lightweight monthly cadenceIf you’ve ever wondered whether your effort is actually moving the needle, these KPIs will give you clarity and control without turning you into a spreadsheet queen.🎧 Hit play now and set up KPIs that fit your business, your brain, and your goals.🔗 Resources & LinksWebsite: https://www.firestormfinance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here!📢 If this episode helped you focus on what really matters, share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives make confident money moves.

Bringing in steady revenue but still wondering where all your money is going? That’s where profitability analysis comes in. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down what profitability analysis is, why it matters, and how it helps you stop guessing and start making smarter, more profitable decisions. We’re not just talking about whether your business as a whole is profitable—we’re diving into whether your offers, clients, and projects are actually generating profit. From spotting underpriced packages to uncovering sneaky expenses eating into your margins, this conversation will show you how to finally understand what’s working in your business (and what isn’t). In this episode, we cover: ✅ What profitability analysis really means (beyond net income) ✅ How to calculate profit per offer, per client, per project, and per month ✅ Why underpricing and scope creep kill your margins—and how to stop it ✅ The three-part profitability formula: revenue, direct costs, and hours ✅ Common pitfalls like bloated software, over-delivering, and not tracking time ✅ When to run a profitability check (monthly, quarterly, and after big changes) ✅ How to use profitability data to price smarter, scale the right offers, and pay yourself well If you’ve ever felt like your bank account is a revolving door despite consistent revenue, this episode will give you clarity on where the leaks are and how to plug them. 🎧 Hit play now and learn how profitability analysis turns messy money questions into confident, strategic decisions. 🔗 Resources & Links Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1 📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here! 📢 If this episode helped you rethink your pricing, services, or offers—share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives run profitable businesses with confidence.

Bringing in steady revenue but still wondering where all your money is going? That’s where profitability analysis comes in.In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down what profitability analysis is, why it matters, and how it helps you stop guessing and start making smarter, more profitable decisions. We’re not just talking about whether your business as a whole is profitable—we’re diving into whether your offers, clients, and projects are actually generating profit.From spotting underpriced packages to uncovering sneaky expenses eating into your margins, this conversation will show you how to finally understand what’s working in your business (and what isn’t).In this episode, we cover:✅ What profitability analysis really means (beyond net income)✅ How to calculate profit per offer, per client, per project, and per month✅ Why underpricing and scope creep kill your margins—and how to stop it✅ The three-part profitability formula: revenue, direct costs, and hours✅ Common pitfalls like bloated software, over-delivering, and not tracking time✅ When to run a profitability check (monthly, quarterly, and after big changes)✅ How to use profitability data to price smarter, scale the right offers, and pay yourself wellIf you’ve ever felt like your bank account is a revolving door despite consistent revenue, this episode will give you clarity on where the leaks are and how to plug them.🎧 Hit play now and learn how profitability analysis turns messy money questions into confident, strategic decisions.🔗 Resources & LinksWebsite: https://www.firestormfinance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here!📢 If this episode helped you rethink your pricing, services, or offers—share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives run profitable businesses with confidence.

Cash vs accrual accounting might sound like the most boring finance term in the world—but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your business. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down the difference between cash basis and accrual basis accounting using plain language and real-world examples. From why your P&L sometimes says you lost money even after a big sale, to how unpaid invoices or prepaid retainers can distort your numbers, this episode will finally clear up the confusion. Whether you’re a service provider working with deposits, a product-based business with inventory, or just someone who wants to actually trust their reports, this conversation will help you decide what’s right for your stage of business. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What cash basis really means (and why it’s simpler for early-stage businesses) ✅ What accrual basis really means (and why it gives you a clearer performance picture) ✅ The pros and cons of each method ✅ How your choice impacts taxes, forecasting, and decision-making ✅ When you might be required to use accrual, especially if you sell products or carry inventory ✅ My recommendations as a CFO for when to use cash, when to switch to accrual, and why one isn’t “better” than the other—it’s about what you need from your numbers If you’ve ever wondered “Why do my reports look wrong?” or “Am I using the right accounting method?”—this episode will finally give you clarity. 🎧 Hit play now and learn how to choose the method that fits your business, your goals, and your stage of growth. 🔗 Resources & Links Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1 📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here! 📢 If this episode helped you understand your numbers better, share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives make confident money moves.

Cash vs accrual accounting might sound like the most boring finance term in the world—but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your business.In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down the difference between cash basis and accrual basis accounting using plain language and real-world examples. From why your P&L sometimes says you lost money even after a big sale, to how unpaid invoices or prepaid retainers can distort your numbers, this episode will finally clear up the confusion.Whether you’re a service provider working with deposits, a product-based business with inventory, or just someone who wants to actually trust their reports, this conversation will help you decide what’s right for your stage of business.In this episode, we cover:✅ What cash basis really means (and why it’s simpler for early-stage businesses)✅ What accrual basis really means (and why it gives you a clearer performance picture)✅ The pros and cons of each method✅ How your choice impacts taxes, forecasting, and decision-making✅ When you might be required to use accrual, especially if you sell products or carry inventory✅ My recommendations as a CFO for when to use cash, when to switch to accrual, and why one isn’t “better” than the other—it’s about what you need from your numbersIf you’ve ever wondered “Why do my reports look wrong?” or “Am I using the right accounting method?”—this episode will finally give you clarity.🎧 Hit play now and learn how to choose the method that fits your business, your goals, and your stage of growth.🔗 Resources & LinksWebsite: https://www.firestormfinance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here!📢 If this episode helped you understand your numbers better, share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives make confident money moves.

Think Airtable is just another tool to organize your tasks? Think again. In this episode, we’re diving into how Airtable can become the blueprint for your entire business helping you plug profit leaks, make smarter pricing decisions, and create systems that give you real freedom. Elisabeth Jackson, operations specialist and founder of her own process improvement agency, shares how she uses Airtable to build client health trackers, quote calculators, no-login client portals, and more. If you’ve ever felt like your data is scattered and your systems are holding you back, this conversation will show you a better way. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why Airtable is “Google Sheets on steroids” and how relational data works in plain English ✅ The profit leaks that cost agencies time and money—and how to spot them ✅ Real-world use cases: sales tracking, proposal pricing, capacity planning, client support hubs ✅ How to combine Airtable with tools like Asana or ClickUp without creating tech chaos ✅ Where to start if you’re intimidated by the tech and when it’s time to bring in a systems expert If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I know the data is somewhere, but I can’t find it” this episode will help you finally feel in control of your business backend. 🎧 Hit play now and see how Airtable can turn scattered information into clear decisions. 🔗 Resources & Links Elisabeth Jackson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethjackson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzijackson/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@elisabethjackson Website: http://theafrocoach.com Samantha Eck | Firestorm Finance Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1 📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here! 📢 If this episode gave you clarity on how to streamline your systems, share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives build businesses that run smoothly.

Think Airtable is just another tool to organize your tasks? Think again.In this episode, we’re diving into how Airtable can become the blueprint for your entire business helping you plug profit leaks, make smarter pricing decisions, and create systems that give you real freedom.Elisabeth Jackson, operations specialist and founder of her own process improvement agency, shares how she uses Airtable to build client health trackers, quote calculators, no-login client portals, and more. If you’ve ever felt like your data is scattered and your systems are holding you back, this conversation will show you a better way.In this episode, we cover:✅ Why Airtable is “Google Sheets on steroids” and how relational data works in plain English✅ The profit leaks that cost agencies time and money—and how to spot them✅ Real-world use cases: sales tracking, proposal pricing, capacity planning, client support hubs✅ How to combine Airtable with tools like Asana or ClickUp without creating tech chaos✅ Where to start if you’re intimidated by the tech and when it’s time to bring in a systems expertIf you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I know the data is somewhere, but I can’t find it” this episode will help you finally feel in control of your business backend.🎧 Hit play now and see how Airtable can turn scattered information into clear decisions.🔗 Resources & LinksElisabeth JacksonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethjackson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzijackson/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@elisabethjacksonWebsite: http://theafrocoach.comSamantha Eck | Firestorm FinanceWebsite: https://www.firestormfinance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here!📢 If this episode gave you clarity on how to streamline your systems, share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives build businesses that run smoothly.