Creative Minds, Smart Money: Finance & Business Tips for Creatives
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.
Episodes
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 spira...
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 epi...
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, c...
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...
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, qu...
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.
Que...
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 fla...
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 sle...
Think collaboration is all about follower swaps and forced partnerships? Think again.
In this episode, I’m joined by the powerhouse duo Mandy and Jamie from Coffee with M and J—and we’re diving into the real, messy, magical side of collaboration, community-building, and saying “yes” to aligned action (even when it’s scary as hell).
From launching their podcast with zero experience to building a working relationship that’s...
Think CFOs are only for 7-figure businesses and boardrooms full of suits? Think again.
In this episode, we’re unpacking what fractional CFO strategy actually looks like for creative business owners—and why this level of support isn’t just for the “big dogs.”
From forecasting and pricing to planning for slow seasons, we’re talking about how to make strategic, data-backed decisions before your business outgrows your systems...
Think reconciling your books is just a boring monthly to-do? Think again.
In this episode, we’re diving deep into why reconciliation matters so much more than you think and how skipping this step can quietly sabotage your strategy, reporting, and confidence.
If you’ve ever looked at your bank balance and QuickBooks total and thought, “Uh…those don’t match,” this one’s for you. I’m sharing how reconciliation works, when to...
What if growing your business didn’t mean working around the clock or burning yourself out?
In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I’m joined by the incredible Kelly from Walk Like Warriors, who shares how she grew a $110K business in under a year with less than 1,000 followers all while honoring her time, her brain, and her values.
If you’ve ever felt like your business was running you instead of the other way ar...
Avoiding your books happens.
In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, we’re talking all about financial avoidance what causes it, how it shows up, and most importantly, how to gently find your way back to clarity.
Just grounded support and small, doable steps to help you feel more connected to your numbers because that’s where your confidence grows.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ Why financial avoidance is emotio...
You hit six figures… but now what?
In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, we’re talking about what really happens after you cross the six-figure mark and why making money is just the beginning. You’ll learn how to shift from reactive, DIY mode to strategic CEO mode so you can lead your business with clarity, not chaos.
This episode walks you through what happens after six figures and how to create a business that ...
Legal doesn’t have to feel scary and today’s episode proves it.
In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I’m joined by attorney Taylor Tieman, founder of Legal Miga Law, for a real talk on the legal foundations every creative business owner needs. Taylor breaks down what you actually need to know about business entities, contracts, trademarks, and more minus the legalese.
Whether you’re a brand new entrepreneur or s...
Think slashing expenses is the fastest way to profit? Not always.
In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, we’re talking about the urge to cut costs when things get tight and why that knee-jerk reaction could actually be slowing your growth.
We’ve all been there. Panic creeps in, cash flow feels uncertain, and suddenly everything feels like it needs to go. But before you cancel your support systems and scale back yo...
Think bookkeeping is just reconciling bank statements and categorizing expenses? Think again.
In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what a good bookkeeper actually does—and why it can completely change how you lead, grow, and make decisions in your business.
Whether you’re hiring a bookkeeper soon, already have one, or just want to understand what you should be getting from this relationship, this episode is packed w...
Thinking about using HoneyBook in your business—or already using it but feel like you’re winging it?
In this episode, I’m joined by Leilah Claire, creative designer, HoneyBook pro, and systems strategist, to talk all about how HoneyBook helps service-based business owners streamline, elevate, and truly own their client experience.
Leilah shares her journey from social media manager to brand and web designer, and how HoneyBook became...
Not sure what to do with your business finances when you're just starting out?
You are so not alone—and this episode was made for you.
Whether you’ve just launched or you’re a few months in and still feel lost when it comes to money, I’m breaking down exactly what to do first. This episode is your crash course in business finances for beginners—without the overwhelm or jargon.
From separating your money to tracking income and expense...
Ever had a profitable month and still thought… where did the money go?
You’re not alone—and the answer is waiting in your Statement of Cash Flows.
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the third core financial report you should be reviewing monthly—right alongside your profit and loss and balance sheet. The Statement of Cash Flows gives you a crystal-clear picture of how money moves in and out of your business—and what’s real...
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