The Creator Money Show

Abby Morton, CFP®

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Your creator business is working, but somewhere along the way, the money stuff started feeling too complicated and overwhelming to tackle. That is exactly why I made this show. To teach you the concepts no one ever has. To give you the financial knowledge you deserve. As a Certified Financial Planner, and 20 years in the finance industry, I know what works. Let's turn your income into lasting wealth.

5d ago

22: The New Competitive Advantage for Creators with Kaylie Holley

Most creators learn the business side the hard way. But what if it wasn’t like that? In this episode of the Creator Money Show, Abby Morton talks with Kaylie Holley, founder of the Creator Economy Council and the Impactor Network, about why content creators need real business infrastructure, vetted credentials, and brand-safe credibility. Abby and Kaylie get into the gap between a creator's reach and everything it takes to run a real business. Kaylie shares how her hospitality and tourism background, and years of conversations with creators, showed her that most creators had no clear way to present themselves to brands as professionals. So that’s why Kaylie has created The IMPACTOR network; a vetted credential that verifies a creator's expertise and credibility before a brand ever has to take a risk. Abby and Kaylee discuss why that matters now, with brands facing FTC scrutiny over creator partnerships, and how verification works for niches ranging from nutrition to business experience. They also talk about the Impactor Network itself, a one-stop resource connecting creators with vetted professionals for finance, tax, legal, and technical support, plus the reality that creators are often freelancers running their own businesses with no company behind them. Highlights: Why creating great content isn't enough to land brand deals. How FTC and legal risk can reach creators who never planned to become businesses Why credibility matters when creators speak on regulated or expert topics How to stand out in the creator economy. Why the creator economy deserves to be taken seriously Chapters: 00:00 – Why Creator Credibility Matters 01:20 – Meet Kaylie Holley 03:22 – What Brands Really Want From Creators 05:50 – The Missing Pieces of Creator Businesses 08:27 – What Is the Impactor Designation? 12:27 – How Creator Certification Works 17:45 – Is Creator Certification Worth It? 20:07 – How to Stand Out to Brands 21:43 – Building Your Creator Support Team 23:14 – The Future of the Creator Economy 26:06 – Why Creators Deserve More Respect 31:54 – What Does Success Really Mean? If this episode was helpful, follow the show, share it with a creator friend, or leave a review. Every follow, share, and review helps get this show into the hands of more creators who want to build profitable businesses and lasting wealth. Helpful Links: Free tools, resources & ways to connect with AbbyThe IMPACTOR NetworkThe Creator Economy CouncilConnect with Kaylie Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Creator Money, a DBA of Forefront Advisor Network, an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this podcast shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons in another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. FAN/FWP will not provide follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state when rendering personalized investment advice for compensation without first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant to an applicable state exemption. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant, or legal counsel before implementation. Investing in securities involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.
Oct 20

21: Where to Invest Your Creator Income (with 3 Real-Life Examples)

You're making good money, but now the money is making you nervous. Here's where it should go. In this episode of the Creator Money Show, Abby Morton, CFP, walks through three real creator scenarios to show all the options available to creators as they start investing. A YouTube creator earning $2 million a year with a family, a designer balancing a W-2 job against a side business, and a 25-year-old TikTok Shop seller each get a different savings plan built around their age, goals, and how much flexibility they need. Along the way, Abby explains the tax logic behind HSAs, Roth IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and brokerage accounts, and compares investment accounts to packing for a trip in that each suitcase has its own rules, limits, and benefits. The core idea: saving for the future isn't about finding one perfect account, but about knowing which container your next dollar should go into and why. This episode is ideal for creators who feel overwhelmed by investing options and want a clearer picture of where their money should go. Key Moments Why investing is like packing for a trip: each account is a suitcase with its own TSA-style rules The triple tax advantage of the HSA and why it is usually the first account to fund Case study: a 45-year-old YouTube creator with a $400,000 annual savings goal Case study: a 35-year-old Creator with a W-2 Job as well Case study: a 25-year-old TikTok Shop creator starting early Chapters: 0:00 Why Good Money Feels Overwhelming 2:01 Why Are There So Many Investment Accounts? 3:44 Understanding Investment Account Tax Benefits 7:15 Six Figure YouTube Family Savings Plan 12:38 Balancing a W-2 Job With a Creator Side Business 15:22 Investing Strategy for a 25 Year Old 16:40 Creating an Investment Strategy That Fits Your Life If this episode was helpful, follow the show, share it with a creator friend, or leave a review. Every follow, share, and review helps get this show into the hands of more creators who want to build profitable businesses and lasting wealth. Helpful Links: Money Multiplier Quiz Free tools, resources & ways to connect with Abby Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Creator Money, a DBA of Forefront Advisor Network, an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this podcast shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons in another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. FAN/FWP will not provide follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state when rendering personalized investment advice for compensation without first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant to an applicable state exemption. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant, or legal counsel before implementation. Investing in securities involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.
Oct 13

20: You Might Need an Estate Plan Sooner Than You Think with Kylie Tsudama

Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy or something you need to worry about when you're older. It's about protecting the people you love, making sure your wishes are honored, and making life easier for your family when the unexpected happens. In this episode of The Creator Money Show, Abby is joined by estate planning attorney Kylie Tsudama, founder of Golden State Legacy Planning, to break down what estate planning actually involves and why it's important at every stage of life. They discuss the differences between wills and trusts, what probate is (and why you might want to avoid it), and how to know which documents you actually need. Kylie also explains why estate planning isn't just about what happens after you die. It's about making sure someone you trust can make financial and medical decisions for you if you're ever unable to make them yourself. Building wealth is only part of the equation. Protecting it and making sure it gets passed on according to your wishes is just as important. Highlights: Why asset type, not net worth, determines whether you need a trust The probate process: what it costs your family and how to avoid it Incapacity planning for emergencies you never see coming How to choose guardians for your children (and why it's harder than you think) What to prepare before your first estate planning consultation Chapters: 00:00 – Do You Really Need a Trust? 05:01 – What Is Estate Planning? 06:06 – Understanding Probate and Why You Want to Avoid It 10:09 – Who Actually Needs a Trust? 12:51 – Why Incapacity Planning Matters at Any Age 17:23 – How Estate Planning Changes Throughout Your Life 19:28 – Choosing Guardians for Your Children 22:32 – Why We Avoid Estate Planning 26:19 – How to Get Started With Estate Planning 33:19 – Can Your Estate Plan Grow With You? 34:37 – How Kylie Defines Success Connect with Kylie Tsudama: Golden State Legacy Planning https://goldenstatelegacy.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/goldenstatelegacyplanning/ Connect with Abby and Creator Money: Find my free resources, financial tools, and social media links: https://beacons.ai/creatormoneyfp Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Creator Money, a DBA of Forefront Advisor Network, an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this podcast shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons in another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. FAN/FWP will not provide follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state when rendering personalized investment advice for compensation without first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant to an applicable state exemption. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant, or legal counsel before implementation. Investing in securities involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.
Oct 6

19: The 5 Numbers Every Creator Needs to Know

What if you knew exactly what to track and had an easy and simple way to do so? Most creators have no idea how much they actually made this year, how much they spent, or what they're keeping. That gap between revenue and clarity is costing you thousands, and worse, it's keeping you from making confident business decisions. Abby Morton walks through the five questions every creator should answer monthly: How much did I make? How much did I spend? How much do I actually keep? Who still owes me money? How much have I set aside for taxes? These aren't complicated accounting problems. They're the foundation of knowing whether your business is working. You'll learn how to set up a monthly financial review that takes the anxiety out of spreadsheets, how to track income by category so you can see which revenue streams actually drive your business, and why a simple system beats a complicated one every time. Knowledge is power. Once you know the numbers, you can stop guessing and start building. Highlights: • The 5 essential financial questions every creator should answer monthly • How to set up a simple tracking system that doesn't require spreadsheet anxiety • The real cost of not tracking unpaid invoices (one creator discovered $40,000 owed) • How to know exactly when you can afford to hire help or invest in your business • Tax planning strategies so you're not scrambling on April 15th Chapters: 0:00 Why Creators Need to Know Their Numbers 2:39 The Five Numbers Every Creator Should Track 3:47 Four Tips for Making Tracking Easier 8:47 Question 1: How Much Money Did I Make? 10:38 Question 2: How Much Money Did I Spend? 13:01 Question 3: How Much Money Did I Keep? 14:36 Question 4: Who Owes Me Money? 16:45 Question 5: How Much Have I Saved for Taxes? 17:42 Using Your Numbers to Make Better Business Decisions If this episode was helpful, follow the show, share it with a creator friend, or leave a review. Every follow, share, and review helps get this show into the hands of more creators who want to build profitable businesses and lasting wealth. Helpful Links: Money Flows Tool: https://creatormoney.com/tools/ Creator Deduction Guide: https://creatormoney.com/guides/ Free tools, resources & ways to connect with Abby: https://beacons.ai/creatormoneyfp Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Creator Money, a DBA of Forefront Advisor Network, an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this podcast shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons in another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. FAN/FWP will not provide follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state when rendering personalized investment advice for compensation without first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant to an applicable state exemption. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant, or legal counsel before implementation. Investing in securities involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.
Sep 29

18: The Power of Community for Creators w/ Natalie Bernacchi

She left a $240K corporate career to become an entrepreneur and discovered how much faster you grow when you stop building alone. Natalie Bernacchi spent 15 years climbing the corporate ladder, making six figures, and feeling like she had nothing. Then she left it all to start her own business, and made zero dollars her first year. But here's what changed: she got her time back, her kids back, and her sanity back. Now she's built Boardroom Besties, a virtual community where female founders do something most business spaces won't touch: they talk about money out loud. In this episode, Natalie walks through the exact moment she realized entrepreneurship wasn't about chasing a bigger paycheck, it was about designing a life that actually fits. She breaks down the pricing mistake that cost her 98% retention, the launch strategy that got 16 women to sign up in 15 days, and why the hardest part of making money isn't the work. It's saying no to everything else. If you've ever felt stuck between climbing someone else's ladder and building your own thing, or if you're already in business but haven't figured out how to talk about money without feeling weird, this conversation is for you. Natalie and Abby dig into revenue breakdowns, lifestyle design, and why simplicity is actually the competitive advantage nobody talks about. Highlights • The pricing mistake that killed community retention, and how to fix it • Why female entrepreneurs avoid talking about money (and what changes when they don't) • The revenue breakdown exercise that turns vague goals into actionable offers • Building a community that actually retains members through intentional culture Chapters: 0:00 Stop Overcomplicating How You Make Money 1:36 Meet Natalie Bernacchi of Boardroom Besties 6:19 Why Natalie Built a Community 12:20 Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship 16:22 How Entrepreneurship Changes Your Relationship With Money 21:37 Pricing Mistakes Every Entrepreneur Can Learn From 27:27 Why Women Need to Talk About Money 32:27 Simplify Your Revenue Goals and Stay Focused 35:47 Redefining Success Beyond Just Making Money If this episode was helpful, follow the show, share it with a creator friend, or leave a review. Every follow, share, and review helps get this show into the hands of more creators who want to build profitable businesses and lasting wealth. Helpful Links: The Boardroom Besties Website: https://nataliebernacchi.com/community IG: @the.boardroom.besties My personal brand IG: @nataliebernacchi Quantum Coaching Academy, Ashley Gordon: https://www.thequantum.coach/ Inbal Claudio, Community Builder Coach: https://www.inbalclaudio.com/ Free tools, resources & ways to connect with Abby: https://beacons.ai/creatormoneyfp Part of the Ride The Wave Media Network 📷 RTW Network: @ridethewavemedia Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Creator Money, a DBA of Forefront Advisor Network, an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this podcast shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons in another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. FAN/FWP will not provide follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state when rendering personalized investment advice for compensation without first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant to an applicable state exemption. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant, or legal counsel before implementation. Investing in securities involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.
Sep 22

17: Creators: Are You Building Wealth or Just Making Money?

Making a lot of money and building wealth are not the same thing. You can have incredible months, a fat checking account, and still feel broke. That gap between income and actual wealth is where most creators get stuck, and it's exactly what this episode addresses. In this episode, Abby walks through the three-step foundation that turns volatile creator income into lasting wealth: first, eliminate high-interest consumer debt and build an emergency fund, then comes the part most creators skip: reverse budgeting. The episode also tackles the questions creators actually ask: What if my expenses exceed what I'm paying myself? What do I do with a sudden influx of cash? How do I stop lifestyle creep from eating my raises? Abby's answers are practical and permission-giving, no shame, no restriction mentality, just clarity on what actually works. If the money side of your creator business feels overwhelming, this is where to start. Key Moments: Why making a lot of money and building wealth are completely different thingsThe exact emergency fund amount creators need (and why it matters more when your income is volatile)How to determine if you should save 3 or 6 months of expensesThe reverse budgeting method that actually works for creators with unpredictable incomeWhy automating your savings is the real turning point for wealth building Chapters: 0:00 Are You Building Wealth or Just Making Money? 3:27 Organizing Business and Personal Finances 4:09 Debt Payoff and Build an Emergency Fund 6:29 The Reverse Budgeting Strategy 7:46 How Much of Your Income Should You Save? 8:56 When You Should—and Shouldn’t—Invest 9:28 Why Automating Your Savings Matters 10:36 What If My Living Expenses Are Too High? 11:40 What If You Don’t Have Money Left to Save? 13:05 What to Do With High-Income Months Helpful Links: Monthly newsletter signup ⁠Visit my website⁠ ⁠Follow on Instagram⁠ ⁠Follow on TikTok⁠ Follow on YouTube Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Creator Money, a DBA of Forefront Advisor Network, an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this podcast shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons in another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. FAN/FWP will not provide follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state when rendering personalized investment advice for compensation without first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant to an applicable state exemption. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant, or legal counsel before implementation. Investing in securities involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.
Sep 15

16: Everything Creators Need to Know About an LLC

If you’re making money as a creator, at some point you’ve probably wondered: Do I need an LLC? When should I set one up? And what happens if my business grows, I move states, or I start another business? In this episode of The Creator Money Show, Abby is joined by Tommy Thorburgh, President of Prime Corporate Services, to break down the LLC and business formation questions creators ask most. They talk about when it makes sense to form an LLC, why separating business and personal finances matters, how an LLC can evolve into an S corporation for tax purposes, and what creators should think about if they move to another state. They also cover foreign entity filings, whether you may need multiple LLCs for different businesses, and why the right setup depends on your income, liability, location, and long-term goals. If you’ve ever felt like you accidentally became a business owner and no one explained how to structure it correctly, this episode will help you understand what to consider and what questions to ask before setting up or changing your business. Key Moments: Three things to think about when creating an LLC: privacy, tax benefits, and credibility Why $50K is the threshold for changing your LLC to an S-corp election Why tracking expenses matters more in October than April When it makes sense to have multiple LLCs Why your tax strategy should match long-term financial goals How foreign entity filings work when creators move Chapters 0:00 Who is Tommy Thornburgh and Prime Corporate Services 04:01 What Is an LLC and Why Does It Matter? 6:49 When Should a Creator Start an LLC? 08:09 Why You Should Separate Business and Personal Money 11:59 Do You Need an LLC Before You’re Profitable? 16:19 What Happens to Your LLC If You Move States? 18:06 What Is a Foreign LLC Registration? 20:32 Should You Use LegalZoom or Hire a Professional? 23:47 Do You Need Multiple LLCs for Different Businesses? 27:01 How to Choose the Right Business Structure for Your Creator Business Helpful Links: Connect with Prime for FreePrime on InstagramMonthly newsletter signup⁠Visit my website⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠Follow on TikTok⁠Follow on YouTubeFollow on LinkedIn If this episode was helpful, follow the show, share it with a creator friend, or leave a review. Every follow, share, and review helps get this show into the hands of more creators who want to build profitable businesses and lasting wealth. Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Creator Money, a DBA of Forefront Advisor Network, an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this podcast shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons in another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. FAN/FWP will not provide follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state when rendering personalized investment advice for compensation without first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant to an applicable state exemption. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant, or legal counsel before implementation. Investing in securities involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.
Sep 8

15: How Creators Should Manage Unpredictable Income

You make $70K a month but you have no idea how much is actually yours. So here's how creators actually manage unpredictable income. Even a $70,000 month doesn't feel secure when last month you made $10,000. Your income is all over the place, and that unpredictability is exactly why you're stressed, not because you're bad with money. The problem isn't your income. It's that you don't have a system. In this episode, Abby shows you the exact three-bucket structure she uses with her clients to turn chaotic creator revenue into predictable personal income. This isn't about budgeting or restriction. It's about creating a rule that works whether you make $1,000 or $100,000 in a month. Your business absorbs the inconsistency so your personal life doesn't have to. You'll learn how to separate your money into operating, tax, and owner's reserve accounts, and then set percentages so every payment automatically knows where to go. No more staring at a huge bank balance wondering how much is actually yours. No more stress when a slow month hits. Just clarity. Highlights The three-account system that works at any income level How to calculate the right percentages for your specific situation Why knowing your monthly business expenses changes everything How to pay yourself a consistent personal paycheck from unpredictable revenue The buffer strategy that gives you peace of mind Chapters: 0:00 Why More Money Feels Stressful 2:42 The Three-Account System 3:22 Setting Up Your Bank Accounts 4:33 How to Divide Every Payment 7:03 Determining Your Operating Expenses 9:03 Building Your Operating Buffer 11:18 Creating Your Consistent Paycheck 13:43 Making Every Dollar Count Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Creator Money, a DBA of Forefront Advisor Network, an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this podcast shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons in another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. FAN/FWP will not provide follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state when rendering personalized investment advice for compensation without first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant to an applicable state exemption. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant, or legal counsel before implementation. Investing in securities involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Your creator business is working, but somewhere along the way, the money stuff started feeling too complicated and overwhelming to tackle. That is exactly why I made this show. To teach you the concepts no one ever has. To give you the financial knowledge you deserve. As a Certified Financial Planner, and 20 years in the finance industry, I know what works. Let's turn your income into lasting wealth.

Creator

Abby Morton, CFP®
Years Active

2026
Episodes

22
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Abby Morton, CFP®
Show Website

The Creator Money Show