Creative Minds, Smart Money: Finance ...
Creative Minds, Smart Money is the go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs who are ready to stop treating their finances like a side character in their business story. Hosted by Samantha Eck, bookkeeper and fractional CFO, this show breaks down the financial side of running a creative business into actionable steps that actually make sense.
Each week, we tackle everything from pricing strategies and cash flow management to making smart business decisions that keep your creative business thriving (yes, even during those slow months). You'll get real, practical advice on managing your money and growing your business while still having time and funds to enjoy what you love.
Beyond the numbers, we explore the full picture of creative business success - from marketing strategies to efficient systems - because building a sustainable business requires more than just good bookkeeping. And occasionally, I bring in industry experts to share their insights on taking your creative business to the next level.
Ready to turn your creative talents into a thriving business that actually pays you what you're worth? Hit subscribe and let's make it happen.
26
Faith, Finances, and the Fear of Letting Go in ...
55 min
27
What Your Balance Sheet Actually Tells You Abou...
11 min
28
Why YNAB Is the Budgeting System Every Entrepre...
18 min
29
The Truth About Starting Over as a Creative Ent...
28 min
30
The Profit and Loss Deep Dive Every Business Ow...
8 min
31
Why Your Payment App Might Be Hurting Your Busi...
14 min
32
How to Make Social Media Fun Again for Your Bus...
27 min
33
The Power of Financial Intentionality for Creat...
12 min
34
How to Handle 1099s Without Losing Your Mind
16 min
35
The Smart Way to Use Speaking to Build Your Bus...
34 min
36
The CEO’s Guide to Making Strategic Investments...
16 min
37
The Right and Wrong Way to Barter in Business
10 min
38
Secrets to High-Converting Email Funnels with M...
29 min
39
Building a Resilient Creative Business
11 min
40
The Subscription Detox You Need
11 min
41
The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Business Debt
13 min
42
Tax Deductions Every Creative Should Know
14 min
43
Quarterly Taxes Explained for Creatives
11 min
44
LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship for Creatives
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!Welcome back to Creative Minds Smart Money! In this episode, Samantha breaks down one of the most important decisions for creative entrepreneurs: Should you structure your business as a sole proprietor or an LLC?What You’ll Learn:The key differences between an LLC and sole proprietorship.How each structure impacts your taxes, liability, and credibility.Pros and cons of being a sole proprietor (low cost but no l...
14 min
45
Take Control of Your Finances with Smart Budgeting
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!Welcome back to Creative Minds Smart Money! In today’s episode, Samantha dives into the magic of budgeting for creative entrepreneurs. Spoiler alert: budgeting isn’t about cutting out the things you love it’s about giving every dollar a purpose.Budgeting is the roadmap to sustainable growth and financial freedom—it’s about putting your money to work for you.Connect with Samantha:Website: https://www.firestormfi...
13 min
46
Why Saying Yes to Everything Costs You Money an...
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, Samantha Eck dives into the often-overlooked power of saying no in your business. Learn why setting clear boundaries protects your time, energy, and finances, and how saying no to the wrong opportunities makes space for the right ones. Samantha shares personal stories, practical tips, and actionable advice to help you confidently say no without guilt, build strong ...
13 min
47
Hiring Help Without Breaking The Bank
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!Feeling overwhelmed in your business? It might be time to hire help—but can you afford it? In this episode, Samantha Eck breaks down how to financially prepare for hiring, whether it's a contractor, employee, or assistant. Learn how to evaluate your numbers, create a budget, and build a financial cushion to make hiring stress-free. Plus, Samantha shares actionable steps for testing the waters and ensuring your ...
13 min
48
Bench Accounting is Back? Should You Trust Them?
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!In this episode, Samantha Eck dives into the recent acquisition of Bench Accounting by Employer.com. Learn what this transition means for Bench users, the risks involved, and the critical questions you need to ask before deciding whether to stay or switch. Samantha breaks down the importance of data ownership, reliable bookkeeping partnerships, and rebuilding trust after Bench's abrupt shutdown.What You’ll Lear...
8 min
49
Bench Accounting Shutdown What to Do Next
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at! In today’s episode, Samantha tackles the sudden Bench Accounting shutdown that has left many small business owners scrambling to recover their financial data. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—this episode is packed with actionable steps to help you transition smoothly and protect your business moving forward.In this episode, Samantha shares:How to recover your data before it’s gone.Steps to tran...
13 min
50
How to Focus on Profit and Stop Chasing Revenue
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, Samantha breaks down the critical difference between profit and revenue two terms that often trip up creative entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re making money but still feel broke, this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn:The difference between revenue (your total income) and profit (what’s left after expenses).Why focusing on profit is more importan...
7 min