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: 

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. Spending is Investing: When aligned with your goals, every dollar spent should help your business grow or strengthen. (09:05 – 09:52)

8. Permission to Say No: Saying yes to everything leads to burnout—successful CEOs protect their time and energy. (09:56 – 10:55)

9. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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)

12. 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: 

1. 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.

2. Track Rolling 12-Month Profit: Revenue may be impressive, but it’s your profit that reveals if you’re actually building a healthy business.

3. Calculate Average Monthly Expenses: Knowing your baseline costs prepares you for the unexpected and helps you build a proper emergency fund.

4. 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.

5. 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

What if the secret to building your dream business isn’t about saving more, but about spending smarter? In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., invites you to stop feeling guilty every time you make an investment in your business. Instead, learn how to spend with clarity, purpose, and profit in mind.

She walks you through the healthy spending percentages successful businesses use across categories like marketing, payroll, operations, and more to thrive. You’ll also get practical tools and reflection questions to help you make CEO-level money decisions that align with your short-term goals and long-term vision.

Key Takeaways: 

• Spending is Necessary for Growth: Healthy businesses spend money, and the key is doing it with intention and a clear plan.

• Your Mindset Matters: Guilt-free spending starts with shifting how you view expenses—from “costs” to “investments.”

• Budget by Business Season: Your business’s financial plan should match the stage you’re in: growth, maintenance, or development.

• Know Your Numbers & What’s Healthy: Breaking down your expenses into healthy percentage benchmarks can help you make informed decisions.

• You Get to Define Success: Don’t compare your business to others. Use your goals to determine where your money should go.

Topics Discussed:

The CEO Mindset Shift: Spending as a Growth Strategy (01:01 – 03:32)

Understanding Your Business Season and What It Means for Your Budget (03:34 - 06:03)

Healthy Percentage Benchmarks Breakdown (05:07 – 14:34)

Using the Healthy Percentages Worksheet to Plan for the Future (14:40 – 16:53)

Resources:

KSA Healthy Percentages Worksheet | KickstartAccountingInc.com/Healthy 

How to Build Your Team Series | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/category/hiring/ 

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

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

When it comes to running a thriving business, it’s not just the big moves that count—it’s the small, consistent ones that truly build momentum. 

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., shares the financial micro habits that high-performing CEOs use to stay aligned with their goals, grow strategically, and stay empowered all year long without burning out or second-guessing every decision. Whether you’re in a season of growth or a slower quarter, these habits can help you lead with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways: 

• Automate for Success: Set up systems to automate your bookkeeping, savings, and financial analysis so you can focus on growth, not spreadsheets.

• Know Your Numbers Year-Round: Make tax planning a monthly habit, not a once-a-year panic. Know your estimates, and stash them away in a high-yield savings account.

• Pay Yourself Intentionally: Gradually increase your pay through sustainable salary and owner’s draw strategies instead of inconsistent withdrawals.

• Consistency Over Trends: Stop pivoting your brand and offerings every quarter. Successful CEOs stay the course and master their strategy. They show up day after day, month after month, and put in the work. 

• Your Time Is Money: How long are you going to have to work to recoup the money spent on that new course of software? Knowing your hourly rate helps put a purchase into perspective and allows you to determine if that item is worth the price.

• Spend Strategically, Not for the Tax Write-Off: Only invest in tools, services, or experiences that actually move the needle for your business. If the value is not worth the price tag, then it’s not worth the deduction. 

• Talk to Your Money Team: Your financial team is your secret weapon. Book those calls, ask questions, and use their insights to make confident decisions and future-focused strategies.

Topics Discussed:

The Importance of Goal-Based, Automated Savings  (00:45 – 03:51)

How to Manage Monthly Tax Estimates Proactively (03:52 – 05:10)

Growing How Much You Pay Yourself Over Time (05:10 - 06:03)

Why Consistency Beats Trendy Business Strategies (06:03 – 08:28)

The Importance of Knowing Your Hourly Rate (08:29 – 09:07)

Spending Strategically, Not Only for the Tax Write-Off (09:08 – 09:53)

Connecting with Your Full Money Team Regularly (09:55 – 14:23)

Resources:

KSA Calculator | How Much to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner

Build Your Money Team Episode | The 4 People You Want on Your Money Team

All Our Episodes & Articles on Taxes | Tackle Your Taxes with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.

KSA Tax Partners | 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