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.

4d ago

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.
Sep 1

14: Before You Sign: 4 Things Every Creator Should Check w/ Frank Poe

You land a brand deal. You see the dollar amount. You sign. But what you didn't read could cost you thousands or lock you into a contract that gives away your rights for years. Frank Poe, founder of Poe Law, has negotiated deals on both sides of the creator economy: brands, managers, agencies, and creators. In this episode, he breaks down the REVV framework — a four-part system to evaluate any brand deal before you sign. We're talking about what "rights" actually mean, why visibility matters as much as the payment terms, and the difference between an agent and a manager (spoiler: most creators don't know the difference, and it costs them). You'll also hear why feeding your contracts into AI is a mistake, how to talk to an attorney before you desperately need one, and why the creator economy, unlike traditional entertainment, is uniquely positioned to empower creators who want autonomy, flexibility, and real wealth-building. Highlights The REVV framework: Rights, Expectations, Value, Visibility — how to evaluate every brand deal The hidden value creators provide, and why most don't realize what they're worth Why the creator economy is better for women entrepreneurs than traditional industries Why you should never use AI to review contracts (and what you risk when you do) Agent vs. Manager: the difference nobody explains, and why it matters for your income How to build relationships with lawyers and accountants before you need themChapters: 00:00 — Meet Frank Poe: A Lawyer for the Creator Economy 05:26 — How the Creator Economy Is Changing Traditional Business for Women 11:54 — The 4 Things Creators Should Look for in Every Contract 15:36 — Rights: Who Can Use Your Content and for How Long? 18:25 — Expectations: Confidentiality, Morality Clauses & Exclusivity 19:35 — Value: Your Brand Deal Is Worth More Than the Paycheck 22:04 — When Should a Creator Hire a Lawyer? 25:22 — Should You Use AI to Review Creator Contracts? 28:19 — Build Your Professional Team Before You Need It 34:59 — Talent Agent vs. Manager: What’s the Difference? 40:39 — Where to Find Frank + The REV Model Book Helpful Links: Poe LawFrank’s LinkedInMonthly newsletter signup⁠Visit my website⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠Follow on TikTok⁠Follow on YouTubeFollow on LinkedIn
Aug 25

13: 3 Things Creators Should Do Before April 15th w/ Garrett Alexander from Game On Financial

April 15th might feel like the deadline, but some of the most important tax decisions need to happen long before then. In part two of my conversation with Garrett Alexander, co-founder of Game On Financial, we break down three things creators should be doing now to make tax season easier—and potentially keep more of what they earn. Garrett explains why consistent bookkeeping matters more than most creators realize, when it may be time to formalize your business with an LLC, and when an S Corp could start saving you thousands in self-employment taxes. We also dig into how an S Corp actually works, why you can’t just pay yourself a tiny salary, how “reasonable compensation” affects your audit risk, and why your payroll and retirement strategy need to work together. If your creator income is growing, this episode will help you understand the financial decisions worth making before tax season—not after it. This is part two of my conversation with Garrett. If you missed Episode 11, go back and listen to our discussion about commonly missed creator deductions and how to know whether an expense is actually deductible. Chapters: 02:19 — Why Bookkeeping Saves You Money 04:16 — LLC or S Corp? What Creators Need to Know 08:27 — When Should You Become an S Corp? 09:23 — How an S Corp Can Save You Thousands 13:53 — The S Corp Salary Mistake That Can Trigger an Audit 20:03 — How Accountants and Financial Advisors Work Together 25:56 — Don’t Wait Until April 15th Key Moments: 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: Game On Financial Website Social Media: Game On Financial Monthly newsletter signup ⁠Visit my website⁠ ⁠Follow on Instagram⁠ ⁠Follow on TikTok⁠ Follow on LinkedIn 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.
Aug 18

12: You Maxed Out Your Roth IRA. Now What?

You maxed out your Roth IRA and have more money available to save; so where should your money go next? In this episode, Abby Morton, CFP®, starts by helping creators and business owners think through what the right next step is. Retirement accounts come with valuable tax benefits, but they also come with restrictions. Before choosing an account, Abby explains what to consider, including how much money is available to save, how consistent the business income is, and whether that money may be needed before retirement. Then, she breaks down some of the most common retirement accounts available to business owners including the SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, and traditional 401(k) and explains the pros, cons, savings potential, and how having employees can change the decision. If your business is growing and there’s more money available to save beyond the Roth IRA, this episode will help you understand your options and decide what your next step should be. Key Moments: 00:00 — You Maxed Out Your Roth IRA. Now What? 02:05 — 3 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Account 05:32 — Your Main Retirement Plan Options 07:13 — SEP IRA: Simple With High Savings Potential 08:45 — 401(k): More Flexibility 09:42 — SIMPLE IRA: An Option for Small Teams 11:20 — Comparing the Contribution Limits 13:17 — Where to Open Your Retirement Account 14:37 — Can You Contribute to Two 401(k)s? 15:53 — Which Retirement Account Is Right for You? 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: Monthly newsletter signup ⁠Visit my website⁠ ⁠Follow on Instagram⁠ ⁠Follow on TikTok⁠ Follow on LinkedIn 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

19
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Abby Morton, CFP®
Show Website

The Creator Money Show