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

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 f...

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...

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’r...

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 sup...

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 relations...

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 w...

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...

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...

In this episode of Creative Minds, Smart Money, I’m joined by the powerhouse that is Cassidy Handle —copywriter, mom, and woman of deep faith. We’re talking about that real moment when you realize you can’t do it all on your own…and what it takes to finally let go of the money stuff you’ve been clinging to out of fear.   We unpack how Cassidy went from being fired days after buying a house to buil...

You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll say it again—your P&L isn’t the only financial report that matters.   If you’re only looking at your profit and loss each month, you’re missing out on huge insights hiding in plain sight.   In this episode, we’re doing a deep dive into the balance sheet —what it is, how to read it, and why it’s the low-key powerhouse behind your business’s financial heal...

Tired of budgeting apps that don’t actually help you manage your money?   In this episode, I’m walking you through why I swear by YNAB (You Need A Budget) and how it completely transformed the way I handle both my personal and business finances.   This is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for—because most budgeting tools are made for 9–5 employees, not creative entrepreneurs with variable income....

Not sure how to rebuild your business after a big move? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this episode, I’m joined by brand photographer + creative business educator Emily Kim , who moved across the country and had to start everything from scratch. No local network, no word-of-mouth, no plan B. Together, we’re diving into: ✅ How Emily rebuilt her business after moving from California to B...

Your Profit and Loss Statement (P&L) isn’t just another report—it’s the financial roadmap to your business success . If you’re not looking at it every month, you’re missing key insights that could help you increase profit, cut unnecessary expenses, and make better decisions . In this episode, we’re breaking down: ✅ What a Profit and Loss statement is and why it matters ✅ How to analyze your...

Not all payment apps are created equal—especially when it comes to running a business. PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App might be easy , but are they actually good for your business? In this episode, we’re covering: ✅ The best and worst payment apps for entrepreneurs ✅ Why Venmo and PayPal can create IRS red flags ✅ Hidden fees, chargebacks, and tracking nightmares you need to know about ✅ Ho...

Social media can feel like a never-ending chore—but what if it could actually be fun ? Today, I’m joined by Jayci from Happy Girl Marketing Co , who helps business owners create stress-free, engaging online presences. We’re diving into: ✅ Why so many business owners dread posting on social media (and how to change that) ✅ How to make selling on social media feel natural and authentic ✅ The bigg...

Money doesn’t manage itself— you do. And if you’re not intentional, it’s going to disappear faster than you think. But here’s the thing: being intentional with money isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom. In this episode, we’re talking about how to take control of your finances without feeling boxed in. You’ll learn: ✅ The difference between reactive and intentional money management ✅ Why e...

1099s don’t have to be a tax season nightmare—but only if you know who actually needs one and how to file them correctly. The last thing you want is to miss a deadline, overpay taxes, or accidentally trigger an audit. In this episode, we’re breaking down: ✔️ Who really needs a 1099 (and who doesn’t) ✔️ The difference between a 1099-NEC and a 1099-MISC ✔️ Common mistakes that lead to IRS penalties...

Speaking isn’t just for keynote speakers—it’s a powerful marketing tool for business owners looking to grow their brand, attract clients, and establish authority. But how do you land the right opportunities and make them profitable? In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money , I sit down with Jenn Zellers , founder of The Visibility Ecosystem , to dive into how to leverage speaking gigs—without...

Are Your Business Investments Helping You Grow—or Holding You Back? Not every investment in your business is a winner, and if you've ever spent money on something that wasn’t worth it, you’re not alone. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money , we’re talking about how to reflect on past investments, avoid emotional spending, and make more strategic financial decisions that align with your bu...

Bartering can be a smart way to get the services you need when cash flow is tight—but is it always the right move? In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money , we’re breaking down the pros and cons of bartering and how to ensure it works in your favor. You’ll learn: ✅ When bartering makes sense and when it doesn’t ✅ How to avoid unequal value exchanges ✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs ma...

Your email list is more than just names in a database—it’s the foundation of your marketing strategy. But if your emails aren’t converting, you’re leaving money on the table. In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Esmeralda, a conversion copywriter and funnel optimization strategist, to uncover what makes email marketing work. From writing lead magnet landing pages that actually attract your ide...

Recession-proofing your creative business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, we’re diving into practical strategies to help your business not just survive—but thrive—during tough economic times. Plus, discover how to create a three-month financial safety plan and explore new skills to future-proof your business. Tough times reveal what we’re made of, and your resilience as a creativ...

Are subscriptions draining your business budget? As creative entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get caught up in shiny new tools. But those $10, $20, or $50 subscriptions add up fast. In this episode, we’re diving into how to identify subscription overload, audit your expenses, and save money without sacrificing the tools you need. Every dollar saved is money you can reinvest in your business—or pay your...

In this episode of  Creative Minds Smart Money , Samantha Eck dives into the often misunderstood world of debt. Debt isn’t inherently bad—it’s a tool that can either help your business grow or drag it down. Learn the difference between good and bad debt, how to spot debt traps, and smart alternatives to borrowing. Whether you're financing equipment, managing cash flow, or avoiding high-interest lo...

Welcome back to the  Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast ! In this episode, Samantha Eck shares essential tax deductions that creative entrepreneurs often overlook. Whether you're an artist, photographer, or service provider, discover how to save more money by maximizing your tax savings. From the home office deduction to software expenses, learn how to make every dollar work for you. Connect with...