All Episodes

September 3, 2025 18 mins

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

🔗 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.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.