Business By The Books with Danielle Hayden

Remember that shiny budget and those big goals you made in January when the year felt fresh and full of possibilities? If your business (or life) looks different now than it did months ago, you're not failing, you're simply running a real business in the real world. Things shift. You adapt. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., walks you through one of her favorite CFO tools: reforecasting. It's not about starting over—it's about realigning your financial strategy with where you are right now. Key Takeaways: Reforecasting = Realignment, Not Failure: Your original budget was based on what you knew at the time. Updating it doesn't mean you failed—it means you're leading with clarity and making strategic decisions based on your current reality. Start with Solid Bookkeeping: Before you can reforecast, your financial foundation needs to be accurate. Without clean, up-to-date books, your forecast is a guess and isn't providing you with proper clarity. Use Actual Data + Updated Insights: Effective reforecasting combines what you know now, your business's year-to-date (YTD), with your revised budget to project the rest of the year. Reforecasting Should Be Routine: Use this tool anytime your business shifts, like if there's a change in revenue, a team adjustment, a new offer, or even a personal life change that impacts your work. Rewire Your Mindset: There's no shame in changing the plan. In fact, there's power in it. Adapting your financial strategy is a sign of leadership, not failure. Topics Discussed: (00:19 – 01:14) Why is Reforecasting Important in Financial Planning? (01:14 – 02:28) What is Reforecasting in Business? (03:32 – 06:12) When Should You Reforecast? (06:12 – 07:49) Real World Client Examples of Reforecasting (07:50 – 08:49) Rewiring Your Mindset Around Changing Your Plans (08:52 – 09:49) How to Reforecast Step-by-Step Your Reforecasting Action Plan: Review your year-to-date and quarterly financials Ask yourself: What's changed? What needs to shift or stay the same? Update your original budget with what you now know Download our free reforecasting template below! Resources: Free Reforecasting Template | KickstartAccountingInc.com/budget Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

We're officially at the halfway point of 2025, and no, it's not too late to make this year your most productive year yet! In this episode, Danielle is joined by one of our numbers experts from our amazing Kickstart Accounting team, Account Manager Becky Teves, to talk through the biggest obstacles she sees small business owners experiencing right now, and how you can finish this year strong and strategic. Key Takeaways: It's Not Too Late to Pivot Your 2025 Goals: You still have time to course-correct and make strategic decisions based on what's working, even if it means setting fresh goals for the second half of the year. Big Changes Take Time to Show Results: Don't be discouraged if you're not seeing immediate profits from decisions made months ago. Practicing patience is a key part of financial growth. Connect with Your Money Team: Email is great, but nothing beats a face-to-face call to dig into your numbers, goals, and strategies. And if you're a Kickstart client, these calls are included in your package—use them! There are No Dumb Questions: Even if you're not sure what to ask your money team, speaking up opens the door to helpful conversations and solutions you didn't even know were available. Prep Now to Avoid the Year-End Scramble: From making sure all accounts and expenses are accounted for to collecting W9s from contractors, taking small steps now will save you major stress come tax season as well as give you more time to focus on your business and its growth. Topics Discussed: (00:11 – 00:38) Why Midyear is Not the Time to Write Off the Rest of the Year (00:39 – 01:56) How to Rework Your Goals and Practice Financial Patience (02:07 – 05:49) The Real Value of Calls with Your Money Team and What Happens on Them (05:49 – 07:09) Midyear Action Steps: What to Send Your Accountant Now for the Future Resources: Kickstart Accounting's CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

You're reviewing your numbers monthly (go you!), but what about taking a step back to see the big picture? In this episode, Danielle walks you through the power of a quarterly financial review, one of the most practical ways to make smarter decisions, spot real trends, and align your business goals with your personal ones. She breaks down the difference between monthly and quarterly reviews (the micro vs. macro view each provides), what numbers to look at quarterly, and how to analyze those numbers. All you need is 90 minutes every 90 days to use your financials as a tool for success and lead your business with deeper clarity and confidence. Key Takeaways: Monthly vs. Quarterly Reviews: Monthly reviews help you manage the day-to-day, while quarterly reviews are your roadmap, zooming out to see long-term trends and course correct if needed. Revenue Trends & Profitability: Don't just focus on sales. Understand where your income is coming from and if it's actually making you money. Operating Expenses: Your top five expenses tell the real story of your business priorities. Make sure your spending aligns with your vision. Personal + Business Alignment: Your personal and family goals should be part of your financial strategy. If they're out of sync, tension (and burnout) is bound to follow. Data > Emotion: Reviewing your numbers quarterly helps you strip away the emotional swings of entrepreneurship and make clear-headed decisions based on actual performance. Topics Discussed: (00:53 – 02:05) Monthly vs. Quarterly Reviews (02:05 – 04:16) What to Include in a Quarterly Review (04:16 – 05:48) Growth vs. Profit (05:48 – 07:01) Aligning Business with Personal Goals (07:01 – 08:50) Tracking & Analysis of Revenue Trends (08:50 – 10:15) Reviewing Operating Expenses & Spending Trends (10:15 – 12:19) Understanding Your Net Income & Cash Flow (12:20 – 12:44) Reviewing How Much You're Paying Yourself & Your Team (12:45 – 14:25) Comparing Budget vs. Actual Kickstart's Quarterly Review Checklist: Last quarter compared to year-to-date Growth vs. profit & ROI Personal vs. business financial alignment Profit margin & revenue streams Operating expenses + top 5 spending categories Net income & monthly/quarterly patterns Cash flow health + reserve analysis Owner's pay & team compensation Budget vs. actuals Action Steps: Blockout 90 minutes of CEO time Gather your Snapshot and financial statements Use your quarterly checklist to walk through the process Set 1–3 priority shifts or goals for the next 90 days Schedule your next review (and that call if you're a Kickstart client!) Resources: Past Episode | Healthy Spending Habits: Business Budget Percentages That Fuel Sustainable Growth – Ep. 220 Kickstart Accounting's CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Just because there's money in the bank doesn't mean your business is truly profitable. In this episode, Danielle lays out the most common (and sneaky) financial mistakes she sees entrepreneurs and small business owners making without even realizing they're doing it. From undercharging to over-relying on your gut, Danielle is not here to shame you—she's here to show you how to avoid them so you have the tools you need to build your business with confidence, clarity, and a financial plan that supports your vision. Key Takeaways: Your Bank Balance is Not the Full Picture: Why real profitability lives beyond what's in your checking account. Profit is not the same as cash flow, and both matter in different ways. You Don't Have to Do It All Yourself: You're not a bookkeeper—and you don't need to be! Delegating your money tasks is one of the most empowering moves you can make. Outsourcing your books (or any task that's not your expertise) isn't giving up control, it's giving yourself the ability to make smarter business decisions. Knowing Your Numbers Puts You In Control: Reviewing your financial statements monthly isn't just "nice", it's necessary. It keeps you from guessing and it's how you grow with intention. Pricing for Profit, Not Panic: Undercharging leads to burnout. You deserve to get paid what your work is worth—and then some. Create a Plan for the Slow Seasons: Feast-or-famine is not a strategy. Use data to build stability and breathe easier year-round. Think In Terms of the Long-Game: Even if you love your work now, it's never too early to plan for the future. Building a business that runs without you means real freedom. Topics Discussed: (00:49 – 01:43) Mistake #1: The Illusion of a Healthy Bank Balance (01:44 – 02:47) Mistake #2: Doing Your Own Bookkeeping and Ignoring Your Financials (02:47 – 03:16) Mistake #3: Not Looking at Your Financials on a Monthly Basis (03:24 – 04:47) Mistake #4 & 5: Not Charging Enough and Not Raising Prices Regularly (04:48 – 05:30) Mistake #6: Not Tracking Return of Investments on Expenses (05:31 – 06:22) Mistake #7: Chasing Revenue Over Profit (06:24 – 08:07) Mistake #8 & 9: Hiring a Team and Asking for Help Too Late (08:07 – 08:53) Mistake #10: Not Planning for Slow Seasons and Creating a Money Buffer (08:53 – 09:59) Mistake #11 & 12: Ignoring Financial Red Flags and Relying on Your Gut Alone (10:00 – 10:34) Mistake #13: Allowing One Client or Revenue Source to Dominate Your Business (10:35 – 11:10) Mistake #14: Not Having Standard Operating Procedures In Order to Delegate (11:11 – 11:42) Mistake #15: Inconsistent Invoicing and Follow Up (13:57 – 14:45) Mistake #16: Not Creating an Exit Plan and Having a Long-Term Vision for the Future Resources: Kickstart Accounting's CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

In this episode, Danielle sits down with Jess Walker, founder of the unique and heartfelt illustrated greeting cards Five Dot Post, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business that supports you today—not down the road, not after you hit this or that goal, but right now. From packing every order by hand to big-box retailers, Jess's story is one of hard-won wisdom, practical mindset shifts, and the surprising ways having a business carried her through the hard times. It's an inspiring and powerful reminder that entrepreneurship can be a beautiful, freeing, and life-giving journey when we use intentionality to build the business we want and need. Key Takeaways: Doing It Yourself Isn't Always Cheaper: Jess realized she was the bottleneck in her business and nearly turned down $50k in revenue before outsourcing fulfillment. By delegating the logistics, she was able to focus on scaling and strategy, ultimately making more money while working less. Growing with Heart: Jess has grown her retail presence to over 550 stores and is now expanding into big-box retailers, while still staying connected to her brand's roots in smaller stores and their communities. Building a Business That Supports You: She shares how her business sustained her after the loss of her husband, thanks to the systems and support she had built into it beforehand. Don't Wait to Build the Business Right for Your Life: Create your business model to support you now—not "someday"—is the key to long-term success, sustainability, and joy. Topics Discussed: (00:41 – 08:08) Jess's Entrepreneurial Journey (08:25 – 12:18) Understanding the Business Side of Things (12:19 – 14:12) Overcoming DIY Overwhelm by Hiring Help (14:13 – 14:25) Rate & Review Promo Break (14:40 – 16:15) Scaling Authentically & Embracing New Opportunities (16:27 – 18:15) Building a Sustainable Business Now (Not Later) Connect with Jess Walker & Five Dot Post: Website | https://www.fivedotpost.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/fivedotpost/ Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Let's set the record straight: Revenue is not the goal. Profit is. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything—chasing more sales, more clients, more offers—but still coming up short on cash and clarity, this episode is your permission slip to pause, stop worrying about sales numbers alone and start focusing on what generates profit. In today's episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., dives into the 12 money truths that successful CEOs live by to grow smarter, more sustainable businesses not just bigger ones. Key Takeaways: Revenue ≠ Success: Profit is the real goal, not revenue. Chasing sales without watching expenses can leave your business cash-strapped and stressed. Focus on the bottom line. (01:16 – 02:42) Align Your Personal & Business Finances: Your personal finances impact your business. Owner's draws and misaligned personal spending can drain your business's resources and future growth. (02:47 – 04:24) Money Goes Where Focus Flows: You don't need 3-4 revenue streams. The most successful CEOs stick to one core offering and master it before expanding. (04:24 – 05:51) Filter Your Advice Wisely: We love our friends and family, but unless someone has real experience running a business, their advice may do more harm than good. (05:51 – 06:47) Listen to Your Numbers: Your financials are trying to tell you something. Learn to read and review them regularly to help you avoid repeat mistakes and make smarter, future-focused decisions. (06:48 – 07:43) More Money Isn't Always the Fix: More capital won't fix a broken strategy. Think 2-3 times longer than you normally would before taking on debt or outside investors. (07:44 – 09:05) Spending is Investing: When aligned with your goals, every dollar spent should help your business grow or strengthen. (09:05 – 09:52) Permission to Say No: Saying yes to everything leads to burnout—successful CEOs protect their time and energy. (09:56 – 10:55) Emergency Funds are a Must: A "just in case" or rainy day fund can be the difference between panic and peace when the unexpected happens. You never know when a new opportunity will pop up! (10:56 – 11:52) Invest in Your Education: You don't have to do it all, but you do need to understand your business's financial health. (11:53 – 13:01) FOMO is a Distraction: This goes back to "money goes where focus flows"—stay grounded in your vision, not someone else's highlight reel. (13:01 – 14:10) Money is a Game—Play It Smart: Use your financial statements as tools to track your growth, not just your income. (14:12 – 14:50) ⭐Bonus Rule: When things get uncomfortable, lean in further. Successful CEOs step outside their comfort zones, because they know that's where the real growth happens. Resources: Kickstart Accounting's CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo Kickstart Accounting's Tax Services | https://ksataxpartners.com/ Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Are you chasing growth in your business but worried it might cost you your profits, sanity, or both? In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., pulls back the curtain on the real strategies CFOs use to grow companies intentionally and profitably. These are the 5 CFO secrets you can and should start using today! Key Takeaways: Secret #1: Use Your Financial Reports as Decision-Making Tools - Your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement aren't just paperwork, they're your roadmap to smart business decisions. Secret #2: Forecast for the Future, Not Just the Present - Strategic forecasting (including rolling and quarterly re-forecasts) helps you anticipate growth and plan for big investments like hiring or marketing. Secret #3: Align Spending with Your Goals - Every dollar you spend should support your vision. Focus on return-on-investment instead of random or feel-good expenses. Secret #4: Protect Your Profit - Set up multiple accounts, including a rainy-day fund, to safeguard your profit and prepare for future opportunities or challenges. Secret #5: Get Support from a Money Team - You don't have to be your own CFO. Surround yourself with financial pros who can guide you, hold you accountable, and cheer you on. Topics Discussed: Intro: The Risk of Growing on Hustle and Intuition Alone (00:00 – 02:00) CFO Secret 1: How to Use Your Financial Reports to Make Better Decisions (02:06 – 03:59) CFO Secret 2: Forecasting Strategies That Work (04:00 - 05:41) CFO Secret 3: Budgeting with Purpose - Aligning Your Spending & Goals (05:42 - 06:23) CFO Secret 4: Smart Savings Habits That Protect Profits (06:23 - 07:16) CFO Secret 5: Who You Need on Your Money Team (07:17 - 09:08) Resources: Kickstart Accounting's CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Before you hire, launch, or invest, there's one number you need to know: your future break-even point. It's more than a "boring" accounting term; it's one of the most powerful tools you have in your toolkit as a business owner and CEO. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., flips the script on how entrepreneurs look at their break-even point by turning it from a financial checkmark into a forward-thinking strategy tool. She walks through how to use it as a launchpad for smarter decisions and puts you in control of your numbers. Key Takeaways: Break-Even as a Planning Tool: Knowing your break-even point helps you look forward, not backward, and make strategic choices with confidence. Know Your Break-Even Before Big Decisions: Calculate how your expenses will change first and then what new revenue you'll need to cover them. Turn Your New Break-Even into Your Revenue Goal: Add a 10–15% profit margin to your break-even number to set a clear, sustainable monthly revenue target. Create a Margin of Safety: If you're not ready to make a leap, build savings in advance so you're financially prepared to take on new expenses with confidence. Numbers Beat Guesswork Every Time: Ditch the gut-based decisions and use this method to plan investments without fear or uncertainty. Topics Discussed: What is Break-Even Point in Business & How to Use It (00:50 – 01:57) How to Calculate Your New Break-Even Number (01:58 – 04:41) Real World Example of Calculating a New Break-Even (04:41 - 06:08) Saving for an Investment & Margin of Safety (06:08 - 07:11) Using Break-Even to Plan Your Next Business Move (07:11 - 08:35) Related Episode: Ep. 222 | From Burnout to Balance: Redefining Entrepreneurial Success Through Break-Even Analysis with Delanie Fischer of Self-Helpless Podcast Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

In this spirited and honest episode of Business by the Books, Danielle Hayden sits down with multi-talented entrepreneur, comedian, host of the popular podcast Self-Helpless, and author of MockTales, Delanie Fischer, for a candid conversation about what sustainable creative entrepreneurship really looks like, and why knowing your break-even point may be the most powerful financial move you can make for your mindset. Whether you're scaling back, starting over, or simply craving more core value alignment in your business, this conversation offers you permission to slow down, get clear on your enough number, and redefine success on your terms by letting go of traditional success metrics. Key Takeaways: Redefining Entrepreneurial Success: Why Delanie made a conscious choice to step away from the ups and downs of fully self-employed income and instead build a business model that supports her core values and long-term vision. Seasonality & Self-Awareness: How embracing "sprint" periods and knowing when to pivot has helped Delanie sustain her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Financial Partnership in Marriage: Delanie opens up about the evolution of her financial relationship with her husband, from keeping money completely separate to managing a joint account with aligned goals. Letting Go of Control: Insights on building a money team that includes a financial advisor, CPA, and bookkeeper, and how accepting support and letting experts do what they do best has been a game changer. Break-Even Point Clarity – From Metrics to Meaning: Why Delanie no longer chases financial benchmarks for the sake of growth and instead focuses on a break-even number that allows for creativity, her lifestyle, core values, and purpose-driven work. Topics Discussed: Delanie's Entrepreneurial Journey (00:29 – 06:14) How Delanie Manages the Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship (06:14 – 11:49) Building a Business Model That Suits Your Lifestyle & Values (11:49 – 15:38) Please Rate & Review Break (15:39 - 15:56) Redefining Success in Entrepreneurship & Life (15:56 - 19:00) How Entrepreneurship Affects Delanie's Personal Life (18:33 - 22:18) Working with a Financial Advisor and Building a Money Team (22:18 - 26:37) The Power of Break-Even Analysis (26:37 – 30:48) In Today's Episode: Delanie's Book: MockTales: 50+ Literary Mocktails Inspired by Classic Works, Banned Books, and More by Lindsey Smith & Delanie Fischer | https://www.delaniefischer.com/ Delanie's Podcast: Self-Helpless | https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/ Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Psst…Your numbers are talking to you—are you listening? Here's a reminder that business is emotional, and it's easy to fall into decision-making based on gut feelings. But when you know your numbers, you take back control. In this episode of Business by the Books, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., dives into the 5 essential financial numbers every business owner needs to know. This isn't just about spreadsheets; it's about stepping into your power as a CEO, removing emotional guesswork, and building a healthy, sustainable business. 5 Key Metrics for Your Business: Know Your Rolling 12-Month Revenue: One month of income doesn't tell the full story, instead look at the full year to see growth trends and forecast with confidence. Track Rolling 12-Month Profit: Revenue may be impressive, but it's your profit that reveals if you're actually building a healthy business. Calculate Average Monthly Expenses: Knowing your baseline costs prepares you for the unexpected and helps you build a proper emergency fund. Monitor Average Monthly Profit: This is your opportunity fund—it's what you use to pay yourself, invest back into your business, and plan for growth. Review Year-to-Date Owner's Draws & Debt Payments: These aren't reflected in profit but have a huge impact on your cash. Track them to know where your money really goes. ⭐ Pro Tip for Kickstart Clients: If you're already a Kickstart Accounting, Inc. client, your monthly KSA financial Snapshot includes all 5 of these key metrics—no digging required! Pull up your Snapshot and follow along with this episode! Topics Discussed: Why These 5 Essential Business Numbers Matter (00:28 – 03:32) The Power of a Rolling 12-Month View (01:49 - 05:13) The Truth About Profitability & Building a Financial Safety Net (05:13 – 06:26) Finding Out Where Your Cash Is Going (06:49 – 08:11) Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc