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

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

August 20, 2025 53 mins

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...

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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...

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August 6, 2025 10 mins

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...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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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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 building a self-sustaining business w...

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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 health. I’m breaking it all down i...

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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. I’m sharing how YNAB helps me...

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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 Boston

✅ The secret to booking clients i...

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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 revenue, expenses, and net profit

✅ The r...

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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

✅ How to avoid bookkeeping chaos when using pa...

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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 biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when marke...

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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 every dollar in your business needs a job...

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