Cash Grab

For a lot of people, one of the scariest parts of leaving a traditional job isn't the income uncertainty. It's losing the health insurance.

And honestly? That fear is legitimate. Health insurance as a self-employed person is expensive, confusing, and the options feel overwhelming. But here's the thing — it's not as impossible as it seems once you actually understand what's available to you.

Let's walk through your real options.

Most budgeting apps are built for people who know exactly how much money they're going to make this month. If you're a business owner, you are not that person. And that's why most budgeting apps feel useless to you after about two weeks.

YNAB is different. And today I'm going to tell you why.

"Save three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund."

You've heard that advice a hundred times. And it's good advice (for someone with a steady paycheck). But when you're a business owner and your income swings from great to rough and back again, that advice kind of falls apart.

How do you save consistently when there's nothing consistent about your income? That's what we're solving today.

Let me ask you something. When you got paid at your last job, did you have to think about whether you'd actually pay yourself that week?

No. It just happened. The money showed up.

Now that you run a business, that automatic paycheck is gone. And a lot of business owners end up paying everyone else first — vendors, software subscriptions, contractors, taxes — and whatever's left over at the end of the month is what they personally live on. Which sometimes is nothing.

Today we're fixing that.

Cash Grab with Benchmark Ledger Solutions is a podcast focused on helping business owners with their personal finances. Season 2 brings a refreshed format, new topics, and guest interviews, released every Monday.

Have you ever noticed the fonts offered by each software is always different? In today's podcast episode Kimi is going to talk about the benefits of using generic fonts, suggesting a few for reference, and emphasizing the importance of brand consistency.

If you enjoyed today's podcast episode, please check out the Cash Grab podcast, where we upload new episodes Monday and Wednesday, talking about different ways small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals alike can save money.

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Cash Grab is a podcast hosted by Benchmark Ledger Solutions. On Cash Grab we discuss various money bleeding situations, and offer tips to helps save your business, nonprofit, or self from spending more money than you have to.

If you like learning about ways to save money, or how to launch your business for the cheapest dollar amount possible, Cash Grab is the perfect podcast for you!

Cash Grab has new episodes released every week on Monday and Wednesday, offering money saving tips that can be in the form of methods, programs, services, tips, tricks, and software.

Benchmark Ledger Solutions is a bookkeeping and analysis firm that works exclusively with businesses and nonprofits generating under $1 million in annual revenue. We offer more resources for business and nonprofit owners alike on benchmarkledgersolutions.com/articles

The Small Business Administration offers powerful free resources most business owners never use. In this episode of the Benchmark Ledger Solutions podcast, founder Kimi Witherell reveals how the SBA can accelerate your business growth through mentorship, government contracts, grants, and networking opportunities.

What You'll Discover:

Free Mentorship Programs - Connect with experienced mentors who provide one-on-one guidance on business planning, financial management, and growth strategies at no cost.

Small Business Directory - Get listed in SBA directories to increase visibility, connect with potential partners, and reach customers actively seeking small business solutions.

Government Contract Opportunities - Learn how to compete for federal contracts worth billions in annual revenue. Kimi explains set-aside programs, eligibility requirements, and how to position your business for government contracting success.

Grant and Funding Programs - Navigate the SBA's funding landscape, understand what opportunities actually exist, and discover legitimate funding sources for your business.

Perfect for:

• Small business owners seeking growth resources and expert guidance
• Entrepreneurs interested in government contracting
• Nonprofits looking for funding and support programs
• Anyone wanting to leverage free government resources

Kimi breaks down each program in clear, practical terms—no government jargon, just actionable information you can use immediately. Learn how to apply, what documentation you need, and which SBA resources align with your business stage.

Whether you're launching or scaling toward $1 million in revenue, the SBA has tools designed to help you succeed. Stop leaving money and resources on the table—discover how the Small Business Administration can become your partner in business growth.

Building credit without existing credit feels impossible—but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of the Benchmark Ledger Solutions podcast, founder Kimi Witherell explores credit builder loans and reveals why Self stands out as the top solution for individuals and business owners looking to establish or improve their credit score.

What You'll Learn:

If you're starting a business, rebuilding your financial foundation, or simply don't have established credit history, this episode is essential listening. Kimi breaks down everything you need to know about credit builder loans and how Self makes the credit-building process accessible and effective.

Key Topics Covered:

• What are credit builder loans? Understanding how these specialized loans work differently from traditional loans and why they're designed specifically for credit building
• How Self works from application to completion, with a step-by-step walkthrough of the process
• Why Self is the best option compared to other credit builder loan providers in the market
• The benefits for consumers including flexible payment options, savings features, and credit reporting to all three major bureaus
• Real credit score impact and what to expect from using Self's credit builder loan program
• Who should use Self whether you're establishing first-time credit, recovering from past credit issues, or building business credit foundations

Perfect for:

• New business owners who need to establish business and personal credit
• Side hustlers preparing to scale and need better credit for funding options
• Young professionals building credit for the first time
• Anyone recovering from credit challenges and looking for a proven path forward
• Entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their financial profile before seeking business loans

Why Credit Building Matters for Business Owners:

Your credit score affects everything from business loan approvals to vendor terms and lease agreements. Kimi explains how investing in a credit builder loan now can unlock better financial opportunities for your business later—and why Self's structure makes it the most effective tool for the job.

Self's credit builder loans help you build credit while simultaneously building savings, creating a dual benefit that traditional credit products can't offer. Learn how this innovative approach can transform your financial future without requiring existing credit or a large upfront investment.

Whether you're launching your first business, growing a side hustle into a full-time venture, or simply want to take control of your financial health, this episode provides actionable insights and a clear path forward.

Discover why thousands of Americans trust Self to build their credit—and how you can start building yours today.

Nonprofit banking shouldn't be complicated—but for most organizations, it is. In this episode of the Benchmark Ledger Solutions podcast, founder Kimi Witherell tackles the unique financial challenges nonprofits face and introduces Crowded, the banking solution built specifically for mission-driven organizations.

The Nonprofit Banking Problem:

Traditional banks often make it unnecessarily difficult for nonprofits to access basic banking services. From extensive paperwork requirements and high minimum balances to limited features and poor customer support, nonprofits face hurdles that for-profit businesses simply don't encounter.

Common Challenges Nonprofits Face:

• Complex account opening processes with excessive documentation requirements
• High monthly fees and minimum balance requirements that drain limited resources
• Lack of features designed for nonprofit operations and donor management
• Poor integration with fundraising platforms and accounting software
• Limited access to financial tools that support grant management and program tracking
• Difficulty finding banking partners who understand nonprofit compliance needs

Introducing Crowded: Banking Built for Nonprofits

Crowded is changing the game with an online banking platform designed from the ground up for nonprofit organizations. This isn't just another business banking app with nonprofit options tacked on—it's a comprehensive solution that understands the unique needs of mission-driven work.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The specific banking hurdles that slow down nonprofit operations and waste valuable resources
• How traditional banking requirements create unnecessary barriers for small nonprofits
• What makes Crowded different from conventional banking options
• Key features that help nonprofits manage donations, grants, and program expenses efficiently
• The benefits of nonprofit-specific banking tools for financial transparency and reporting
• How digital banking solutions can save nonprofits time and money

Whether you're running a small community nonprofit, launching a new mission-driven organization, or simply frustrated with your current banking situation, this episode provides practical insights into better financial management for nonprofits.

Kimi breaks down how Crowded simplifies nonprofit banking, reduces administrative burden, and provides the tools organizations need to focus on their mission instead of banking headaches.

Perfect for nonprofit leaders, board members, treasurers, and anyone involved in nonprofit financial management who wants to streamline operations and reduce banking frustrations.

Take control of your nonprofit's finances with insights from this essential episode on modern nonprofit banking solutions.

Fizz Charge Cards: Building Credit Without the Debt Trap

Discover how Fizz is revolutionizing credit building for young professionals and business owners in this episode of the Benchmark Ledger Solutions podcast. Founder Kimi Witherell breaks down everything you need to know about charge cards and why Fizz might be the smart alternative to traditional credit cards.

What You'll Learn:

Understanding charge cards and how they differ from traditional credit cards is crucial for making informed financial decisions. In this episode, we explore the Fizz charge card system and how it helps consumers build credit without falling into common debt traps.

Key Topics Covered:

• What are charge cards? Learn the fundamental differences between charge cards and credit cards, and why this distinction matters for your financial health
• Consumer benefits including automatic payment features, spending controls, and credit-building advantages
• How Fizz protects you from overspending, interest charges, and late payment fees
• Step-by-step application process so you can get started with Fizz today
• Real advantages for small business owners, side hustlers, and anyone looking to establish or rebuild credit responsibly

Whether you're a new business owner establishing business credit, a young professional building your financial foundation, or someone looking for smarter credit options, this episode reveals how charge cards like Fizz can help you manage spending while building a strong credit history.

Kimi explains the application requirements, approval process, and insider tips for maximizing the benefits of your Fizz charge card—all in her signature clear, concise, and practical style.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone interested in smart credit-building strategies that align with responsible financial management.