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

In this episode, Danielle is joined by Nicole, one-half of the dynamic sister duo behind Fantasy Fangirls Podcast, to talk about her leap from running a professional coaching business to building a wildly successful podcast brand that’s taken the book world by storm.

This isn’t a story about going viral overnight (although that did happen). It's a story of personal growth. It's a story about making intentional, informed decisions and trusting yourself enough to pivot when you find what lights you up. Nicole shares how a chance reading of a fantasy novel sparked an idea, how she and her sister went “all in” on creating a show they loved, and what it took to turn that passion project into a full-time career.

Key Takeaways: 

• Pivoting Can Be the Smartest Move You Make: Nicole’s shift from coaching to podcasting wasn’t a step backward, it was a leap toward something that energized her every day.

• Strategic Investments Pay Off—If You Actually Implement: The importance of acting on what you learn from courses and mentors, instead of staying in “forever student” mode.

• Passion and Profit Can Go Hand-in-Hand: The Fantasy Fangirls Podcast proves that you can build a sustainable business around what you genuinely love when you combine your passion with taking an honest look at your numbers. 

• Entrepreneurship Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely: Whether you’re going it solo or have a team, you don’t have to white knuckle it to success. Don’t be afraid to create a support system and rely on others along the way.  

• Make Space for Hobbies and Discovering Your Spark: Choosing projects that light you up can be the key to longevity and fulfillment in business.

Topics Discussed:

(00:00 – 04:32) Intro: Nicole’s Mission with Fantasy Fangirls Podcast

(04:37 – 10:32) From Professional Coaching to Full-Time Fantasy Podcasting: Nicole’s Unexpected Career Shift - How a Single Book Sparked a Whole New Business

(10:32 – 14:14) Lessons from Investing in Your Education and Actually Implementing What You Learn

(14:15 – 18:41) Making the Emotional and Financial Leap Into a New Industry

(18:43 – 18:56) Rate & Review Break

(19:01 – 28:42) How Nicole Used Numbers to Build a Team and Grow the Podcast

(28:42 – 32:35) The Loneliness Factor in Entrepreneurship and the Importance of Having Support  

(32:37 – 35:00) What’s Next for Nicole and Fantasy Fangirls Podcast in the Future

(35:01 – 37:30) Nicole’s Piece of Advice for Entrepreneurs Who Are Struggling to Grow or Are In Growth Season

Connect with Nicole:

Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Website | https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ 

Watch Fantasy Fangirls on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirls 

Follow Fantasy Fangirls on IG and TikTok | @fantasyfangirlspod

Mentioned in the Episode:

Built to Sell by John Warrillow | https://builttosell.com/the-books/ 

Grow the Show with Kevin Chemidlin | https://growtheshow.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

Ever look at your cash flow statement and want to crawl under your desk and hide? You're not alone! Cash flow statements aren’t really made for business owners, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. So, how do we read them?

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., is here to show you exactly how to understand your cash flow without needing an accounting degree through the Snapshot Cash Overview, Kickstart Accounting’s simple, business owner-friendly report that shows you exactly what’s coming in, what’s going out, and how much cash you really have to work with.

Key Takeaways: 

• Traditional Cash Flow Statements Aren’t Made for You: They’re built for bankers and accountants, not entrepreneurs. That’s why Danielle and our team created the Snapshot Cash Overview, a simpler, visual tool built with business owners in mind.

• Profit Doesn't Mean Cash in the Bank: You can show a $20k profit on your income statement, but if you’re paying off debt or taking owner’s draws, your bank account can still feel empty.

• The Snapshot Cash Overview: Green means Money In. Red means money out. The Snapshot uses a color-coded system to help you quickly understand your revenue, expenses, debt payments, and draws.

• Know Your Free Cash Flow Before You Invest: Before making big decisions like hiring or upgrading tools, check if your business is generating enough cash.

• Use Net Cash Flow to Guide Your Owner’s Draws and Savings: Want to know how much you can pay yourself or set aside for taxes? Your year-to-date net cash flow will give you the clearest answer.

• The Snapshot Bridges the Gap Between Profit and Cash: It ties together your income statement and balance sheet so you can finally see where your money is really going.

Topics Discussed:

(00:11 – 01:57) Why Traditional Cash Flow Statements Don’t Work for Business Owners

(02:27 – 04:30) Introduction to the Snapshot Cash Overview and Its Key Components

(04:31 – 07:42) How Balance Sheet Items Affect Your Cash and Why They Matter

(07:43 – 10:06) Real Client Case Study: $109k in Income But Only $5k Added to Cash

(10:06 – 11:39) How to Use Your Snapshot to Make CEO-Level Decisions with Confidence

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

Let’s get real, you’re not going to build a million-dollar business while spending your time on $10/hour tasks. 

In this no-fluff, heart-to-heart episode, Danielle breaks down the true cost of doing it all yourself, especially the low-value to-dos that keep you “busy” but not profitable, and shares the action steps you need to buy back your time, start delegating, and finally lead your business like the CEO you are.

Key Takeaways: 

• You Can’t Scale Doing Everything Yourself: Low-value tasks might feel productive, but they’re keeping you stuck and small. You need to step out of the weeds to grow. 

• CEO Work is Strategic, Not Busywork: Your most valuable contributions come from visioning, leading, analyzing financials, and making key decisions, not juggling a constant stream of admin tasks. 

• Delegation Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Business Strategy: Even if you start small, outsourcing or automating frees up hours you can reinvest in revenue-generating work. 

• Knowing Your Numbers Helps You Hire Confidently: Understanding your financials lets you forecast, set targets, and build a team even on a smaller budget. 

• Done is Better Than Perfect: Let go of the belief that no one else can do it like you. Delegation is a skill, and progress beats perfection every time. 

Topics Discussed:

(00:30 – 01:22) Why $10/Hour Tasks are Holding You Back from Building a Million-Dollar Business

(01:27 – 02:38) What Real CEO Work Looks Like (and What It Doesn’t)

(02:41 – 03:20) The Actual Cost of Doing Everything Yourself in Time and Revenue

(03:21 – 05:31) Small, Realistic Ways to Start Delegating Right Away 

(05:32 – 07:05) Your Role as a CEO and How to Use Your Numbers Strategically

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

This episode, we’re pausing the hustle to take a big-picture look at what really matters in both business and life. Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., sits down with Taylor Thompson, founder of Personal Brand House, bestselling author of More Life, podcast host, and national speaker, to talk about what it means to build a business that gives you more life, not just more work and revenue. 

Taylor brings a refreshing take on entrepreneurship—less “do more,” more “do what matters to you”. From overcoming burnout to designing a lifestyle-first business model, Taylor shares personal insights, financial mindset wisdom, and actionable steps to help you avoid deathbed regret and define success on your terms.

Key Takeaways: 

• Define Your “Enough”: Growth is great, but not if it’s at the cost of the things that really matter to you in life. Know what enough looks like for you and structure your business to support that. 

• Start with the Life You Want: Reverse-engineer your business model based on your ideal calendar, energy, and goals—not arbitrary revenue benchmarks. 

• Zone of Genius ≠ Zone of Aliveness: Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean it should be your business. Fulfillment matters just as much as skill. 

• Detach Your Worth from Your Numbers: Your financials aren’t a report card. Use them as a tool for informed decisions, not as a reflection for your identity. 

• Pause to Notice Meaningful Moments: “More life” isn’t only about having more stuff. It’s about feeling more joy, presence, and alignment in everyday moments. 

Topics Discussed:

(01:05 – 03:52) Taylor’s Mission: Helping others avoid deathbed regrets with tactical strategies to build businesses that prioritize what matters most to them

(03:53 – 06:28) Reclaiming Freedom: Monetizing a Personal Brand & Restructuring Your Business Model to Work Smarter, Not Harder

(06:29 – 10:14) Trading Time for Money and Why Knowing Your “Enough” is Essential

(10:15 – 13:56) Two Exercises: How to Figure Out What You Really Want & How Much Time and Money You Need to Get That 

(13:58 – 16:10) What a Lifestyle Business Looks Like: Calendar-First, Value-Aligned, Purpose-Driven

(16:11 – 18:15) The “More Life” Concept and How You Can Implement It Logistically

(18:16 – 21:09) Creating “More Life” for Yourself Even as a Workaholic

(21:18 – 25:09) Detaching Self-Worth from Financial Performance and Using Data Over Drama

(25:10 – 26:29) How to Explore What Having “More Life” Feels Like

(26:33 – 28:47) Where You Can Connect & Find Taylor Thompson’s Work

Resources:

Taylor’s Book | More Life

Free Resource | Monetization Matrix - Taylor’s free spreadsheet of income stream ideas for entrepreneurs and personal brands

Work with Taylor | https://www.heytaylorthompson.com/pbm 

Follow Taylor on IG | @TheTaylorThompson

Taylor’s Podcast | High Performer

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

Ready to stop scrambling come tax time and start planning like the business leader you are? Well, it starts with your mid-year financial game plan.

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., walks you through the steps you need to take to get your books in shape, plan for tax season (without stress), and build a business that’s profitable and sustainable for the long haul. Let’s make tax season feel like just another Tuesday.

Key Takeaways: 

• Know the Kind of Business You're Building: Are you running a tax deduction-focused business or building long-term sustainability? Defining this upfront will shape your entire financial strategy and mindset.

• Bookkeeping Is the Foundation of Everything: You can't make smart tax or financial decisions without accurate, up-to-date books. Get caught up and stay caught up.

• Collect W-9s and Log Expenses Now, Not Later: Save yourself a year-end headache by organizing contractor paperwork and tracking home office, mileage, and reimbursable expenses today.

• Review Your Entity Type and Compensation: Are you set up as the right business entity? S-Corps, in particular, need to pay close attention to reasonable compensation and accountable plans.

• Don't Skip Estimated Tax Payments: Avoid penalties and cash flow surprises by paying what you owe and saving for taxes proactively—your future self will thank you.

⭐ Business Hack: Schedule a full “CEO Day” to knock all this off your plate!

Topics Discussed:

(00:31 – 01:15) Why Mid-Year Is the Best Time for Financial Planning

(01:16 – 04:53) Choosing the Kind of Business You Want to Run

(04:59 – 06:54) Bookkeeping Updates: What to Check and Why It Matters

(06:55 – 11:15) Must-Do Mid-Year Admin: W-9s, Home Expenses, Mileage Tracking

(11:24 – 16:00) Reviewing Entity Type, Reasonable Compensation, and Estimated Taxes

Resources:

Free Downloadable Template | Home Office Log & Accountable Plan

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

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