Creative Minds, Smart Money: Finance & Business Tips for Creatives

Samantha Eck | Bookkeeper for Creatives
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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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Are Your Business Numbers Normal How to Tell If You’re On Track

    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.

    13 min

  2. OCT 8

    The 5 Numbers Every Creative Business Should Track

    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.

    15 min

  3. OCT 1

    Is Your Business Really Profitable How to Find Out

    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.

    16 min

  4. SEP 24

    Cash vs Accrual Accounting Explained for Creative Business Owners

    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.

    8 min
  5. Building Freedom Into Your Business with Airtable with Elisabeth Jackson

    SEP 17

    Building Freedom Into Your Business with Airtable with Elisabeth Jackson

    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.

    40 min

  6. SEP 10

    How to Pay Employees the Right Way (and Avoid Costly Mistakes)

    Making payroll mistakes can cost you more than money! It can cost you your peace of mind. If you’ve hired employees and are now staring at a list of payroll apps wondering which one is best, this episode will break it down in simple terms. In this episode of Creative Minds, Smart Money, we explore the most popular payroll tools, the legal requirements for paying employees, and how to choose the right system without the overwhelm. Questions answered in this episode: Do you really need a payroll app to pay employees, or can you just use Venmo?What are the basic legal requirements for running payroll?Which payroll apps work best for small businesses and creative entrepreneurs?What are the pros and cons of Gusto, QuickBooks, Paychex, and Square Payroll?How can you avoid the most common payroll mistakes that trip up business owners? Listen to this episode so you can pay your team the right way, stay compliant, and focus on growing your business 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://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1 📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here!   📢 If this episode helped you feel a little more grounded in your growth—share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives make confident money moves.

    17 min

  7. SEP 3

    Should You Hire an Employee or a Contractor for Your Business?

    In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, host Samantha Eck breaks down one of the biggest hiring questions creative business owners face: should you bring on an employee or a contractor? Choosing the wrong classification can be a costly mistake legally, financially, and emotionally. Samantha explains the differences between employees and contractors in plain language and shares real-world examples to help you avoid IRS red flags while building the type of support system that works best for your business model. If you’ve been debating whether it’s time to grow your team—or you’re worried about hiring the wrong way, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need. Questions answered in this episode: What’s the real difference between an employee and a contractor?How does the IRS decide if someone is classified correctly?What are the pros and cons of hiring a contractor?What are the pros and cons of hiring an employee?What risks do you face if you misclassify a role?What questions should you ask yourself before making a hiring decision?How can contracts and paperwork protect you when hiring

    19 min

  8. AUG 27

    Master Cash Flow Forecasting for Creative Businesses

    Think cash flow forecasting is just a fancy spreadsheet exercise? Think again.   In this episode, we’re digging into why cash flow forecasting is one of the most powerful leadership tools in your creative business—and how it gives you permission to plan, not panic.   From knowing when you can afford to hire or invest to making sure you don’t underpay yourself “just in case,” forecasting helps you grow with confidence (and sleep better at night).   Whether you’ve got monthly retainers or variable income, this episode breaks down how to use your numbers to make proactive, strategic decisions instead of reacting to your bank balance.   In this episode, we cover: ✅ What cash flow forecasting actually is (and how it’s different from a budget) ✅ Why forecasting is essential for growth—not just survival ✅ What goes into a good forecast: from starting cash to buffers ✅ How forecasting helps you hire, invest, and pay yourself without the guesswork ✅ When it’s time to bring in a fractional CFO for deeper support   If you’ve ever found yourself saying “Can I actually afford this?”—this episode will help you answer that with clarity.   🎧 Hit play now and see how forecasting gives you more than just numbers—it gives you peace of mind and a path forward.   🔗 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 feel a little more grounded in your growth—share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives make confident money moves.

    15 min
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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.

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