Do you ever feel like you're drowning in decisions but flying blind when it comes to your finances? You are not alone!

In this episode of Business by The Books, Danielle sits down with returning guest and longtime client Nico Misleh, a nurse practitioner and the founder of Apollo Health Optimization and HRT University, who went from overwhelmed and unsure to confidently hiring, scaling, and even launching a second business. Together, Danielle and Nico explore how understanding your numbers doesn't just change your strategy, it changes your mindset.  

Key Takeaways: 

• Financial Clarity Creates Emotional Freedom: When Nico finally understood his business numbers, he felt lighter and more confident, replacing stress and confusion with calm and control.

• The Right Money Team Can Change Everything: Having a financial partner who communicates clearly and cares personally gave Nico the tools and trust to grow without fear.

• You Don't Have to Be a "Numbers Person" to Run a Financially Strong Business: Even if spreadsheets make you squirm, the right guidance can help you see your finances as a roadmap, not a mystery.

• Confidence in Your Numbers Leads to Smarter Decisions: From knowing when to hire to launching a second business, data-backed decisions gave Nico the courage to expand strategically.

• Relationships and Support Matter As Much As Reports: Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but having a team that celebrates, strategizes, and supports your vision makes all the difference.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00) Intro: Nico's Background and Entrepreneur Story 

(03:24) From Financial Frustration to Freedom: The Struggle to Find the Right Accountant and How Finding Kickstart Accounting Changed Everything

(07:03) Confidence Through Clarity: How Understanding His Numbers Helped Nico Hire Confidently and Scale Sustainably

(10:14) Mindset & Support: The Intangible Benefits of Working with the Right Money Team and the Kickstart Accounting Difference 

(15:03) Future Focused Decisions: How Knowing Your Numbers Allows You to Plan Ahead and Achieve Goals

(16:53) Outro: What's Next for Nico + Like, Share and Subscribe!

Resources:

Nico's First Appearance | Pay Attention To Your Health, Conquer Scarcity Mindset, & Functional Medicine with Nico Misleh – Ep 148

Connect with Nico:

Apollo Health Optimization | https://apollohealthop.com/ 

HTR University | https://hrtuniversity.com/ 

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ 

Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

It's the season of gift giving, evaluating team performance, and bonuses, and for many business owners, that can bring up hard questions. Can I afford to give out bonuses this year? What if it's not as much as last year? How much is fair? And how do I reward my team without draining my cash or putting my business at risk?

In this episode, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc.'s Danielle Hayden walks you through a simple, repeatable framework to help you decide if, when, and how much to give your team in bonuses that's fair, financially sound, and aligned with your business's core values. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Profitability Comes First: Only give bonuses when your business is profitable. A healthy, sustainable company is the best gift you can give your team.

• Protect Your Cash Flow: Separate accounts for operations, taxes, and savings (including bonuses) will help you plan ahead and avoid surprise shortfalls.

• Use Data, Not Emotion: Base your decisions on your financial reports and goals, not guilt, pressure, or last year's habits.

• Reward Performance with Purpose: Tie bonuses to performance and your company's core values, using consistent criteria your team understands.

• Timing Matters for Taxes: Be consistent year over year, and confirm with your accountant when it makes the most sense to issue bonuses based on your filing method.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00) Intro: What You'll Learn in the Episode

(01:46) Step 1: Pool Your Business's Profitability – Is Your Business Profitable Enough for Bonuses

(03:38) Step 2: Check Cash Reserves – Why Cash Savings and Planning Ahead Are Essential Before Paying Bonuses

(06:39) Step 3: Set Your Bonus Pool – How to Calculate a Realistic Bonus Pool 

(08:18) Step 4 & 5: Define Eligibility + Allocate Bonuses – How to Fairly Decide Who Qualifies and How Much to Award

(11:03) Step 6: Decide on Timing – When to Pay Bonuses for the Best Tax Results and Long-Term Consistency

(13:20) Outro: Kickstart's Team Bonus Worksheet and Resources + Like, Share and Subscribe!

Resources:

KSA Tax Partners | https://ksataxpartners.com/

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ 

Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Heading into tax season unprepared can be costly—missed deductions, lost paperwork, and sometimes, a surprise check to the IRS. But it doesn't have to be that way! In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., shares the ultimate year-end checklist every business owner needs to save on taxes, protect their business, and walk confidently into tax season.

From organizing your paperwork to making smart tax moves and maximizing personal financial strategies, Danielle gives you practical steps you can take before December 31st that can make a big difference in the new year.

Key Takeaways: 

• Get Your Paperwork in Order: Before December 31st, ensure all your partnership agreements, legal documents, and W9s are signed, stored, and ready. It'll save you major headaches during tax season.

• Use the January 1st Advantage: The first of the year is the best time to make big structural changes, like starting an LLC, switching payroll providers, or filing for S Corp status. This avoids partial-year filings and confusion.

• Pay Your Kids (Properly!): You can pay your children for legitimate work in your business and enjoy tax advantages while teaching them financial responsibility.

• Take Advantage of Accountable Plans: Reimburse yourself consistently for things like your home office and cell phone. It's an important benefit that shouldn't be skipped, even in slower years.

• Review Personal Tax Opportunities: Before year-end, check your 529 plans, HSA, and FSA balances and make contributions to maximize your deductions and savings.

• Max Out Retirement Contributions: Don't forget to fund your retirement plan! Whether it's a 401(k), SEP IRA, or solo 401(k), you're building wealth beyond your business.

• Meet with Your Tax Accountant Early: Schedule a pre-tax-season check-in to confirm your estimated payments, review your strategy, and avoid surprise penalties.

• Don't Spend Money Just to Save on Taxes: Avoid the trap of prepaying expenses or buying things you don't need. Focus on building a healthy, sustainable, profitable business instead.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00) Intro + Critical Paperwork to Get In Order for Year-End

(02:24) Setting Up or Switching Your Business Structure for 1/1: LLC, Payroll, S Corp Election

(05:02) Paying Your Kids the Correct Way for Tax Benefits

(06:36) Accountable Plan Reimbursements

(07:24) Collecting W9s from Contractors

(08:13) Personal Tax Strategies: 529 Plans, HSAs, FSAs, and Health Insurance 

(11:13) Retirement Contributions and Your Different Options

(12:31) Meeting with Your Tax Accountant

(13:28) Smart Tax Planning Strategies to Avoid IRS Penalties and Spending Profit When You Don't Need To

(15:36) Itemized Deductions, Charitable Contributions, and the Big Beautiful Bill's Effect on Depreciating Equipment

(17:17) Outro: Kickstart's Free Year-End Tax Checklist, Like, Share and Subscribe!

Resources:

Free Download | Ultimate Year-End Tax Checklist

Related Episodes:

• Entrepreneurs: Should You Go S-Corp? Pros & Cons + Expert Insight – Ep 115

• Can You Legally Hire Your Children?: How to Pay Your Kids, Get Tax Advantages, & Create Generational Wealth – Ep 137

• Beyond the Business: Preparing for a Secure Retirement – Ep 188

KSA Tax Partners | https://ksataxpartners.com/ 

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ 

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 constantly wondering if you're spending too much or maybe not enough in your business? Here's the truth: not every season of business is meant to be profitable. And if your spending isn't aligned with the season you're in, you could risk stunting your growth or draining cash you can't afford to lose.

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., walks you through the four seasons of business—developmental, growth, optimization, and stability—and shows you what healthy spending looks like in each one and their percentages. You'll learn how to align your financial strategy with your business stage so you can invest wisely, protect your cash, and build long-term sustainability.

Key Takeaways: 

• Not Every Season Is Profitable: Understanding that profitability isn't the goal in every stage of business gives you permission to reinvest strategically without guilt.

• Four Seasons of Business Guide Your Spending: Developmental, growth, optimization, and stability each have their own financial priorities and spending benchmarks.

• Healthy Spending Looks Different in Each Season: From investing in marketing during developmental mode to streamlining expenses in optimization mode, knowing where to focus can keep you on track.

• Your Season Isn't Fixed: Business isn't linear. You may cycle back and forth between seasons depending on opportunities, challenges, or market shifts.

• Financial Clarity Builds Confidence: Using your numbers as a tool helps you spend with intention and make empowered CEO-level decisions.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00) Intro – The 4 Seasons of Business Explained: Developmental, Growth, Optimization, and Stability

(01:41) Development Mode: Spending Priorities and Benchmarks for Startups and Solopreneurs

(06:48) Growth Mode: Building a Team, Scaling Systems, and Aiming for Profitability

(12:29) Optimization Mode: Reducing Expenses, Focusing on Efficiency, and Leaning Into What Works

(17:42) Stability Mode: Reduced Investments, Strong Profit Margins, and Balancing for Life

(20:04) Outro: Kickstart's Free Healthy Spending Guide, Like, Share and Subscribe!

Resources:

Free Download | Healthy Spending by Seasons Guide

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ 

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 week's episode of Business by The Books, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., breaks down the real journey from entrepreneur to small business owner to finally stepping into the role of CEO. 

This isn't about chasing flashy titles or hitting arbitrary revenue goals. It's about clarity, confidence, and understanding your numbers so you can actually lead your business instead of letting it run you.

Key Takeaways: 

• Entrepreneur Stage – Building with Instinct: Many entrepreneurs start with passion and creativity but rely only on income goals and bank balances instead of true financial clarity. Danielle explains how this stage can fuel growth, but also stall it.

• Small Business Owner Stage – Running the Machine: This is where consistent revenue, vendors, and maybe a team come in. But too many owners still try to do it all themselves, which leads to mistakes and burnout. 

• CEO Stage – Leading with Vision and Data: The mindset shifts that happens when you step into your CEO role, where you go from reacting and needing to have your hands in every area of the business to delegating and making intentional, future-focused decisions.

• Real-Life Client Success – Delaney Fischer's Story: Hear how one client shifted from messy spreadsheets and receipts to clarity and balance once she started seeing her numbers monthly.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00) Intro: Redefining the CEO Role – Why It's About Clarity, Not Business Size

(01:11) The Entrepreneur Stage: Passion-Driven But Missing Profitability

(03:37) The Small Business Owner Stage: Transitioning to Systems, Responsibility, and Financial Clarity

(06:27) The CEO Stage: Leading with Data, Mindset Shifts, and Future-Focused Planning

(08:52) Stepping Into Your CEO Role: How to Stop Doing More and Start Gaining Clarity

(09:53) Outro: Kickstart's CFO Services, Like, Share and Subscribe!

Resources:

CFO Services | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/the-cfo-solution/  

Client Success Story | 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://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ 

Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Ever sat down to build your budget, only to realize you don't even know what you're building it for? A budget without a goal is like a map without a destination. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., is pulling back the curtain on the exact step-by-step framework she and her team use with CFO clients to set financial goals first, and then create a budget that actually gets them there.

Key Takeaways: 

• Celebrate the Wins (and Lessons) First: Before setting new goals, reflect on what you achieved last year and the hard financial lessons you learned. This helps you build from a place of clarity instead of starting from scratch.

• Big Picture and Dreams Before Details: Start with your 10-year vision, narrow it down to a 3-year target, and then break it into actionable 12-month goals. This ensures your short-term actions align with your long-term vision. 

• Your Personal Life Matters: Your business goals must support the life you want to create, not work against it. Aligning both ensures sustainability and fulfillment.

• Define Your CEO Role: Whether you want to be client-facing, step fully into the visionary seat, or do a blend of both, knowing your role helps you make smarter hiring and budgeting decisions.

• Pay Yourself First: As the business owner, you deserve to be compensated. Budgeting your pay upfront creates healthy financial guardrails and sustainable profitability.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00) Intro: Why Your Goals Need to Come Before Building a Budget

(02:02) The Importance of Looking Back Before You Move Forward

(06:03) Setting Long-Term, Mid-Term, and Short-Term Goals

(10:27) What Mode Are You In: Aligning Your Life & Personal Goals with Your Business Goals

(12:44) Defining Your CEO Role and Team Structure

(14:54) Profitability, Sustainability, and Paying Yourself First

(18:30) Action Steps to Complete Your Financial Goal Setting Worksheet & Your Responsibility as a CEO

(19:33) Outro: Kickstart's CFO Services, Like, Share and Subscribe!

Resources:

Financial Goal Setting Worksheet | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/goal-setting-worksheet

CFO Services | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/the-cfo-solution/ 

Healthy Budget Percentages Episode | Healthy Spending Habits: Business Budget Percentages That Fuel Sustainable Growth

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ 

Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Ever heard the phrase "know your numbers" and thought, okay…but what does that actually mean? In this episode, Danielle sits down with client and entrepreneur Serena Waller, founder of The Dande Agency, to talk about how truly understanding her numbers transformed the way she runs her business.

Serena gets real about the ups, downs, and unexpected turns of entrepreneurship—like losing a corporate job at seven months pregnant, launching her own agency, and growing it over the past ten years into a thriving business that now supports a full team. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Clarity Creates Confidence: Serena shares how shifting from confusion to clarity with her finances gave her the ability to make calm, strategic decisions in her business.

• The Right Support Team Matters: Finding a bookkeeping and accounting team who actually listened and provided her with timely numbers while communicating what they mean changed the game for her and her business. 

• Numbers and Intuition Go Hand in Hand: Serena explains how she balances gut instincts with financial data to steer her business forward.

• Growth Requires a Mindset Shift: Hiring a team and stepping into the visionary role required Serena to let go of old ways of working and embrace new levels of leadership.

• Financial Knowledge Equals Freedom: Knowing her numbers didn't just improve her bottom line, it gave Serena peace of mind and the confidence to make decisions and take calculated risks.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00) Intro: How Knowing Your Numbers Creates Calm and Clarity

(00:34) Serena's Journey Into Entrepreneurship & Her Work Now

(04:35) Struggles with Early Financial Management & Finding the Right Money Team

(08:22) How Kickstart Helped Serena Understand and Know Her Numbers

(10:49) Balancing Gut Feelings with Data

(13:23) Building Confidence as a CEO

(14:23) Rate and Review Break

(14:36) Hiring Decisions & Leadership Growth and Mindset

(18:01) Using Your Numbers to Read Trends & Forecast for the Future

(22:17) Deciding Whether or Not to DIY Bookkeeping

(25:13) What's Next for Serena and The Dande Agency

(28:26) Serena's Major Piece of Business Advice for Entrepreneurs

(30:10) Outro: Like, share, and subscribe!

Connect with Serena:

The Dande Agency Website | https://www.dandeagency.com/ 

Follow The Dande Agency on Instagram | @dandeagency

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/

Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

A lot of business owners look at budgeting as punishment for past money mistakes, but budgeting doesn't have to feel restrictive. In fact, budgeting can be used as a tool for freedom while protecting your business at the same time, especially if you allow yourself the space and time to plan. 

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., shares how to use budgeting as a tool for clarity, confidence, and intention in your business, and she explains why Q4 is the best time to reflect, reset, and plan for the year ahead, instead of waiting until January. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Budgeting Is About Clarity, Not Restriction: Budgeting isn't punishment. It's a tool that provides direction, helps you spend with intention, and protects your vision for the year ahead.

• Pay Yourself with Confidence: Danielle breaks down the three key numbers every business owner should define: what you want to pay yourself, what you need to feel secure, and what you desire to feel free.

• Quarter 4 Is Your CEO Power Season: The most strategic business owners use Q4 to zoom out, reflect on what worked, and plan for the next year, so they start January with confidence, not chaos.

• Your Budget Should Reflect Your Real Season of Life: Whether you're scaling up, slowing down, or balancing big life changes, your budget should support the business season you're actually in, not the one you think you "should" be in.

• Overcome Financial Shame & Guilt: Fear and past money mistakes don't define you. By using strategy and support, you can rebuild confidence and step fully into your CEO role.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00) Intro: How Budgeting Is About Stepping Into Your Role As CEO, Not Restriction

(01:00) Why Q4 is the Most Strategic Time to Plan and Budget for Next Year

(02:55) How to Set Aligned Revenue Goals and Map Out Investments with Intention

(03:39) Budgeting for Your Real Season in Business and Life

(04:42) Overcoming Financial Fear, Shame, and Money Stories with Strategy and Support

(07:24) Outro: Like, share, and subscribe!

Resources:

Free Downloadable Budgeting Template | kickstartaccountinginc.com/budget 

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/

Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

If you want to grow your business with confidence, you need to understand your cash flow, and that means going beyond just checking your bank balance. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, your go-to financial partner for all things bookkeeping, breaks down the 5 essential cash KPIs every CEO should track and explains how to use them to make smarter decisions for your business.

Key Takeaways: 

• Cash Flow is the Lifeline of Your Business: Without clarity on cash flow, you're reacting instead of leading—and that's the fastest path to burnout or shutdown.

• KPIs Turn Insight Into Action: Knowing your bank balance isn't enough; these 5 KPIs give you the clarity you need to plan, invest, and scale sustainably.

• Healthy Ratios = Peace of Mind: Metrics like the quick ratio and current ratio tell you whether you can handle surprises without panic.

• Free Cash Flow Is Your Decision-Making Tool: It reveals whether you can hire, invest, or pay yourself more without putting your business at risk.

• Cash Reserves Buy Confidence: Having 1-3 months of operating expenses in the bank gives you the power to make bold moves without sleepless nights.

The 5 CEO Cash KPIs We Cover:

1. Free Cash Flow – What's really left after running and growing your business?

2. Operating Cash Flow to Liabilities Ratio – Can your business cover what it owes?

3. Current Ratio – Do you have enough short-term assets to pay your bills?

4. Quick Ratio – If you had to pay everything today, could you?

5. Cash On Hand – How long can you keep the lights on without new revenue?

Topics Discussed:

(00:00 – 01:14) Why Cash Flow Makes or Breaks Your Business

(01:15 – 02:16) Why KPIs Matter Beyond the Cash Flow Statement

(02:17 – 03:07) Free Cash Flow: What It Is and Why It's Critical

(03:07 – 05:02) Comparing Operating Cash Flow to Liabilities Ratio

(05:03 – 06:14) Current Ratio: What It Tells You and How to Calculate It

(06:14 – 07:26) Quick Ratio: What It Tells You and How to Calculate It

(07:27 – 08:28) Cash On Hand: Your Ultimate Safety Net and Ability to Investment

(08:35 – 09:42) Recap of the 5 KPIs to Track as a CEO

(09:44 – 10:27) Outro: Like, share, and subscribe!

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ 

Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Sharpen your pencils, grab a fresh notebook—it's back-to-school season for your business! Just like the excitement of new school supplies and a fresh start, this time of year gives us the perfect opportunity to reset and set yourself up for a strong finish to the year.

In this episode of Business by the Books, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and owner of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., shares her simple but powerful framework for getting back on track after summer and closing out the year in a way you'll feel proud of. Think of it as your "second January," a fresh chance to refocus, reenergize, and reset your goals for Q3 and Q4.

Key Takeaways: 

• Reset Your CEO Mindset: Learn how to pause, reflect, and set yourself up for success by focusing on what's working (and letting go of what's not).

• Schedule CEO Time: Carve out dedicated time each week to think strategically about your business instead of getting lost in day-to-day fires.

• Get Clarity on Your Numbers: Update your books, review your income statement and balance sheet, and uncover where your money is really going.

• Prep for Q4 with Intention: Map out expenses, holiday schedules, and one clear financial goal so you can finish the year with focus, not overwhelm.

• Some Goals Can Wait: Trying to do everything right now often leads to getting nothing done. Choose one thing you can accomplish before year-end and save the rest for another quarter. 

• Ask for Help!: You don't have to do this alone—lean on your financial team, coaches, and accountability partners to support your growth.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00 – 02:10) Why Back-to-School Season Is a Fresh Start and a Reset from Summer

(02:11 – 04:38) Shifting Into a CEO Mindset and Creating Weekly CEO Time

(04:39 – 06:59) Reviewing Financial Statements to Uncover Insights and Cash Flow Surprises

(06:59 – 09:31) Planning Q4 with Intention: Expenses, Taxes, and Big Goals

(09:32 – 11:25) The Power of a "Wait Until Next Quarter" List and Asking for Help

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ 

Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc