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.
51
The Smart Way to Use Speaking to Build Your Bus...
34 min
52
The CEO’s Guide to Making Strategic Investments...
16 min
53
The Right and Wrong Way to Barter in Business
10 min
54
Secrets to High-Converting Email Funnels with M...
29 min
55
Building a Resilient Creative Business
11 min
56
The Subscription Detox You Need
11 min
57
The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Business Debt
13 min
58
Tax Deductions Every Creative Should Know
14 min
59
Quarterly Taxes Explained for Creatives
11 min
60
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
61
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
62
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
63
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
64
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
65
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
66
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
67
How to Use Blogging to Grow Your Creative Busin...
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 chats with KP and Jesse from Inkpot Creative about how blogging can be a game-changer for creative entrepreneurs. Learn how to use blogging to drive traffic, build trust, and attract your dream clients—all without feeling overwhelmed.What You’ll Learn:Easy steps to start blogging (even if you’re not a writer).Why blogging is a long-term traffic tool that w...
34 min
68
Plan Next Year’s Success with a Year-End Financ...
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 how to conduct a year-end financial review for your creative business. Learn the key steps to assess your profits, analyze expenses, and set actionable goals for the new year. Whether it's reviewing your profit and loss, cutting unnecessary costs, or planning for growth, this episode will guide you to start the next year with clarity and confid...
11 min
69
Tax Season Prep for Creatives Made Simple
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!Welcome back to the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast! Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming—this episode breaks down exactly what you need to do to get prepared and stress less.What You’ll Learn:Key reports to pull: profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow.Essential records to gather, like 1099s, receipts, and mileage logs.How to maximize deductions for home office, travel, and supplies.Why separa...
10 min
70
How Branding Transforms Your Creative Offers wi...
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 chats with Aiza, AKA “The Brand Chef,” about creating bold, personality-packed branding for your offers. Aiza shares how branding can make your offers irresistible and help you stand out in a crowded market.What You’ll Learn:The difference between branding your business vs. your offer and why it matters.How strategic branding attracts the right clients whi...
26 min
71
Pay Yourself First, Not Last
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!Welcome back to the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re covering one of the most essential (and often neglected) parts of running a business: how to pay yourself.Join Samantha as she breaks down:The different ways to pay yourself depending on your business structure (and why S-Corps require you to take a reasonable salary!).Why understanding cash flow and profit is key to figuring out ...
8 min
72
How to Make the Most of Quiet Times in Your Bus...
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!Welcome to another episode of the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of slow months—those times when business feels quieter than usual, and you're wondering how to make the most of it. Spoiler alert: slow months are not the end of the world! They’re a golden opportunity to focus on growth, assess your business, and invest in yourself.Connect with Samantha:Website: h...
11 min
73
Grow Your Business Through Genuine Engagement w...
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!In this episode, Samantha Eck welcomes Celina from Luna Marketing Services, a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in social media marketing and co-founder of Luna Marketing Services. Together, they dive deep into the world of social media marketing, content creation, and audience engagement for small business owners and creatives.Connect with Samantha:Website: https://www.firestormf...
32 min
74
Get Paid What You’re Worth
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!Today on Creative Minds Smart Money, we’re tackling a huge topic for every creative entrepreneur—setting the perfect pricing for your services. 💰 You’ve got skills, you’ve got value, and now it’s time to make sure you’re getting paid what you’re truly worth.We’re breaking down everything you need to know to feel confident in your pricing, including:Knowing your worth and why admin hours absolutely countHow to c...
10 min
75
Your Cash Flow Game Plan
Send us a text! If you want us to contact you leave an email we can contact you at!In today’s episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, we’re diving into cash flow mastery—the money moves that every creative entrepreneur needs to get a handle on. Whether you're a freelancer, coach, or creative business owner, cash flow can make or break your business, and it's time we get real about how to master it.I’m breaking down the key strategies you need to stay in control of your money, including:H...
10 min