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  <title>Think Like A CFO Podcast</title>
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  <itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[The Think Like a CFO Podcast is devoted to helping women entrepreneurs master their finances and launch, grow, and scale their businesses. Simple, digestible, actionable advice from Melissa Houston, an accredited CPA with over 20 years of experience. R...]]></itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
  <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Think Like a CFO Podcast is devoted to helping women entrepreneurs master their finances and launch, grow, and scale their businesses. Simple, digestible, actionable advice from Melissa Houston, an accredited CPA with over 20 years of experience. Real business owners, real talk, real solutions.]]></itunes:summary>
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  <description><![CDATA[The Think Like a CFO Podcast is devoted to helping women entrepreneurs master their finances and launch, grow, and scale their businesses. Simple, digestible, actionable advice from Melissa Houston, an accredited CPA with over 20 years of experience. Real business owners, real talk, real solutions.]]></description>
  <itunes:keywords>Entrepreneurship, financial, business finances, money coach, money mindset, financial freedom, financial management, money management, financial coach</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:name>Melissa Houston</itunes:name>
    <itunes:email>info@melissahoustoncpa.com</itunes:email>
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    <itunes:title>How To Earn More Profit With A Product Business</itunes:title>
    <title>How To Earn More Profit With A Product Business</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>If you run a product-based business, this episode is for you!</p><p>Through The Product Boss brand and podcast, Minna Khounlo-Sithep and Jacqueline Snyder help product-based entrepreneurs improve their systems, grow visibility, and make more sales!</p><p>They launched their company 3 years ago after noticing that while there were plenty of resources out there for service-based brands, a gap existed when it came to product-based businesses.</p><p>Business owners who sell physical products deal with unique obstacles. </p><p>Many are unsure of how to approach marketing, believing that high follower counts on social media automatically lead to increased sales.</p><p>The pair help their clients and listeners adjust their strategies, focusing on email lists and relationship-building rather than just collecting followers. They also help them price their products, choose which products to focus on (and which to drop), and develop systems to help them save time and scale up.</p><p>While they want their clients and listeners to have profitable businesses, mindset issues can get in the way.</p><p>“There’s a little bit of guilt sometimes when makers are making something and then they start charging for it,” Jacqueline says. “We don’t believe that they should have any guilt, because they’re putting their time towards it.”</p><p>Often, clients resist making moves to boost profitability.</p><p>“We start with looking at the numbers, because the numbers are a clear indicator of what the products are that they need to lean into,” Minna says. “When they’re not confident with numbers, they just don’t want to even be aware of them.”</p><p>Now is your chance to learn from the masters of product-based business! In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</p><ul><li>How to narrow your product range to focus only on the items that offer the best balance of profit and ease — and the amazing growth that can follow</li><li>The 3 biggest mistakes that product-based business owners make</li><li>When you need to focus on stabilizing, rather than scaling</li></ul><p><b>About The Product Boss </b></p><p>Minna Khounlo-Sithep and Jacqueline Snyder are the masterminds behind The Product Boss coaching platform and podcast. They help their community of high-achieving small business owners scale through masterminds, group coaching, and courses designed for product-based business owners. </p><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>02:06  Meet Minna Khounlo-Sithep &amp; Jacqueline Snyder </li><li>05:07  Common obstacles</li><li>07:22  Profitability</li><li>09:39  The right product(s)</li><li>12:26  Case study</li><li>14:14  Resistance</li><li>17:39  Numbers are feedback</li><li>20:08  3 biggest business mistakes</li><li>23:09  The Oprah effect</li><li>26:10  Shop 1 in 5 pledge</li><li>29:12  Final takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p>The Product Boss</p><p><a href='https://www.theproductboss.com'>https://www.theproductboss.com</a></p><p><a href='https://linktr.ee/theproductbosspodcast'>https://linktr.ee/theproductbosspodcast</a> </p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href='https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap'>https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a> </p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a> </p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you run a product-based business, this episode is for you!</p><p>Through The Product Boss brand and podcast, Minna Khounlo-Sithep and Jacqueline Snyder help product-based entrepreneurs improve their systems, grow visibility, and make more sales!</p><p>They launched their company 3 years ago after noticing that while there were plenty of resources out there for service-based brands, a gap existed when it came to product-based businesses.</p><p>Business owners who sell physical products deal with unique obstacles. </p><p>Many are unsure of how to approach marketing, believing that high follower counts on social media automatically lead to increased sales.</p><p>The pair help their clients and listeners adjust their strategies, focusing on email lists and relationship-building rather than just collecting followers. They also help them price their products, choose which products to focus on (and which to drop), and develop systems to help them save time and scale up.</p><p>While they want their clients and listeners to have profitable businesses, mindset issues can get in the way.</p><p>“There’s a little bit of guilt sometimes when makers are making something and then they start charging for it,” Jacqueline says. “We don’t believe that they should have any guilt, because they’re putting their time towards it.”</p><p>Often, clients resist making moves to boost profitability.</p><p>“We start with looking at the numbers, because the numbers are a clear indicator of what the products are that they need to lean into,” Minna says. “When they’re not confident with numbers, they just don’t want to even be aware of them.”</p><p>Now is your chance to learn from the masters of product-based business! In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</p><ul><li>How to narrow your product range to focus only on the items that offer the best balance of profit and ease — and the amazing growth that can follow</li><li>The 3 biggest mistakes that product-based business owners make</li><li>When you need to focus on stabilizing, rather than scaling</li></ul><p><b>About The Product Boss </b></p><p>Minna Khounlo-Sithep and Jacqueline Snyder are the masterminds behind The Product Boss coaching platform and podcast. They help their community of high-achieving small business owners scale through masterminds, group coaching, and courses designed for product-based business owners. </p><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>02:06  Meet Minna Khounlo-Sithep &amp; Jacqueline Snyder </li><li>05:07  Common obstacles</li><li>07:22  Profitability</li><li>09:39  The right product(s)</li><li>12:26  Case study</li><li>14:14  Resistance</li><li>17:39  Numbers are feedback</li><li>20:08  3 biggest business mistakes</li><li>23:09  The Oprah effect</li><li>26:10  Shop 1 in 5 pledge</li><li>29:12  Final takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p>The Product Boss</p><p><a href='https://www.theproductboss.com'>https://www.theproductboss.com</a></p><p><a href='https://linktr.ee/theproductbosspodcast'>https://linktr.ee/theproductbosspodcast</a> </p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href='https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap'>https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a> </p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a> </p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Minna Khounlo-Sithep and Jacqueline Snyder</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>If you run a product-based business, this episode is for you!  Through The Product Boss brand and podcast, Minna Khounlo-Sithep and Jacqueline Snyder help product-based entrepreneurs improve their systems, grow visibility, and make more sales!  They launched their company 3 years ago after noticing that while there were plenty of resources out there for service-based brands, a gap existed when it came to product-based businesses.  Business owners who sell physical products deal with unique obstacles.   Many are unsure of how to approach marketing, believing that high follower counts on social media automatically lead to increased sales.  The pair help their clients and listeners adjust their strategies, focusing on email lists and relationship-building rather than just collecting followers. They also help them price their products, choose which products to focus on (and which to drop), and develop systems to help them save time and scale up.  While they want their clients and listeners to have profitable businesses, mindset issues can get in the way.  “There’s a little bit of guilt sometimes when makers are making something and then they start charging for it,” Jacqueline says. “We don’t believe that they should have any guilt, because they’re putting their time towards it.”  Often, clients resist making moves to boost profitability.  “We start with looking at the numbers, because the numbers are a clear indicator of what the products are that they need to lean into,” Minna says. “When they’re not confident with numbers, they just don’t want to even be aware of them.”</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>1929</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Sex &amp; Finances with Dr. Emily Morse</itunes:title>
    <title>Sex &amp; Finances with Dr. Emily Morse</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“I really wanted to make a living doing what I loved.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; Dr. Emily Morse</em></p><p>Sex educator, podcast and radio host, YouTuber, columnist, talk show guest, and best-selling author Dr. Emily Morse not only changed the way that people think and talk about sex. She’s also created her own media empire.</p><p>In the early days of podcasting when people were still trying to figure out monetization, Emily was a pioneer.</p><p>“Advertising in podcasting was still a really unknown medium. I felt like I was an influencer before there was the word ‘influencer,’ because I started talking about toys that I liked,” Emily explains. “One of the bonuses was that, while I wasn’t making money, I was getting a lot of free sex toys and products!”</p><p>When the sales for a particular toy Emily mentioned rose by 40% within a single day, the company took notice and reached out to work with her.&nbsp;</p><p>Emily began to build her business — and her income — through sponsorships.</p><p>Both money and sex are controversial, taboo topics that generate a lot of discomfort. In fact, many people avoid talking about either!&nbsp;</p><p>“If you think about money and sex, we just are so shameful and society doesn’t encourage us to have healthy conversations around it,” Emily says. “Both of those topics are shrouded in mystery and we think that it’s just not polite or it’s disrespectful to talk about it.”</p><p>Her work, like mine, is devoted to opening up space for uncomfortable topics. So strap yourself in, press play, and get ready for a fascinating conversation!</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>The 3 Ts that will help you have healthy and productive conversations about anything</li><li>The driving force behind Emily’s incredible and influential career — and the struggles she faced along the way</li><li>The most common questions about sex that Emily receives from her audience</li></ul><p><b>About Dr. Emily Morse</b></p><p>Emily Morse has been on a mission to liberate the conversation about sex and pleasure for 15 years. Emily is the best-selling author of Hot Sex: Over 200 Things You Can Try Tonight, a MasterClass instructor on Sex and Communication, a SiriusXM radio host, and the executive producer and host of the #1 Sexuality podcast on iTunes, Sex With Emily.</p><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>02:18&nbsp; Meet Emily Morse</li><li>03:11&nbsp; Podcasting pioneer&nbsp;</li><li>05:32&nbsp; Early struggles</li><li>09:25&nbsp; Taboo topics &amp; the 3 Ts</li><li>11:41&nbsp; Financial transparency in relationships</li><li>12:59&nbsp; Financial education is power</li><li>14:55&nbsp; Most common sex questions</li><li>17:24&nbsp; Societal attitudes toward sex</li><li>19:19&nbsp; How did her parents feel?</li><li>20:22&nbsp; Emily’s advice for entrepreneurs</li><li>24:30&nbsp; One final takeaway</li></ul><p><b>&nbsp;‌Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p>Sex With Emily</p><p><a href="https://sexwithemily.com">https://sexwithemily.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Instagram: @sexwithemily&nbsp;</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a>&nbsp;</p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“I really wanted to make a living doing what I loved.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; Dr. Emily Morse</em></p><p>Sex educator, podcast and radio host, YouTuber, columnist, talk show guest, and best-selling author Dr. Emily Morse not only changed the way that people think and talk about sex. She’s also created her own media empire.</p><p>In the early days of podcasting when people were still trying to figure out monetization, Emily was a pioneer.</p><p>“Advertising in podcasting was still a really unknown medium. I felt like I was an influencer before there was the word ‘influencer,’ because I started talking about toys that I liked,” Emily explains. “One of the bonuses was that, while I wasn’t making money, I was getting a lot of free sex toys and products!”</p><p>When the sales for a particular toy Emily mentioned rose by 40% within a single day, the company took notice and reached out to work with her.&nbsp;</p><p>Emily began to build her business — and her income — through sponsorships.</p><p>Both money and sex are controversial, taboo topics that generate a lot of discomfort. In fact, many people avoid talking about either!&nbsp;</p><p>“If you think about money and sex, we just are so shameful and society doesn’t encourage us to have healthy conversations around it,” Emily says. “Both of those topics are shrouded in mystery and we think that it’s just not polite or it’s disrespectful to talk about it.”</p><p>Her work, like mine, is devoted to opening up space for uncomfortable topics. So strap yourself in, press play, and get ready for a fascinating conversation!</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>The 3 Ts that will help you have healthy and productive conversations about anything</li><li>The driving force behind Emily’s incredible and influential career — and the struggles she faced along the way</li><li>The most common questions about sex that Emily receives from her audience</li></ul><p><b>About Dr. Emily Morse</b></p><p>Emily Morse has been on a mission to liberate the conversation about sex and pleasure for 15 years. Emily is the best-selling author of Hot Sex: Over 200 Things You Can Try Tonight, a MasterClass instructor on Sex and Communication, a SiriusXM radio host, and the executive producer and host of the #1 Sexuality podcast on iTunes, Sex With Emily.</p><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>02:18&nbsp; Meet Emily Morse</li><li>03:11&nbsp; Podcasting pioneer&nbsp;</li><li>05:32&nbsp; Early struggles</li><li>09:25&nbsp; Taboo topics &amp; the 3 Ts</li><li>11:41&nbsp; Financial transparency in relationships</li><li>12:59&nbsp; Financial education is power</li><li>14:55&nbsp; Most common sex questions</li><li>17:24&nbsp; Societal attitudes toward sex</li><li>19:19&nbsp; How did her parents feel?</li><li>20:22&nbsp; Emily’s advice for entrepreneurs</li><li>24:30&nbsp; One final takeaway</li></ul><p><b>&nbsp;‌Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p>Sex With Emily</p><p><a href="https://sexwithemily.com">https://sexwithemily.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Instagram: @sexwithemily&nbsp;</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a>&nbsp;</p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Dr. Emily Morse</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Sex educator, podcast and radio host, YouTuber, columnist, talk show guest, and best-selling author Dr. Emily Morse not only changed the way that people think and talk about sex. She’s also created her own media empire.  In the early days of podcasting when people were still trying to figure out monetization, Emily was a pioneer.  “Advertising in podcasting was still a really unknown medium. I felt like I was an influencer before there was the word ‘influencer,’ because I started talking about toys that I liked,” Emily explains. “One of the bonuses was that, while I wasn’t making money, I was getting a lot of free sex toys and products!”  When the sales for a particular toy Emily mentioned rose by 40% within a single day, the company took notice and reached out to work with her.   Emily began to build her business — and her income — through sponsorships.  Both money and sex are controversial, taboo topics that generate a lot of discomfort. In fact, many people avoid talking about either!   “If you think about money and sex, we just are so shameful and society doesn’t encourage us to have healthy conversations around it,” Emily says. “Both of those topics are shrouded in mystery and we think that it’s just not polite or it’s disrespectful to talk about it.”  Her work, like mine, is devoted to opening up space for uncomfortable topics. So strap yourself in, press play, and get ready for a fascinating conversation!</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>1605</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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    <itunes:title>Finance Tips From The Host Of Entrepreneurs On Fire</itunes:title>
    <title>Finance Tips From The Host Of Entrepreneurs On Fire</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“Back in 2012, I was trying to figure out: can I do this online internet thing?... Frankly, I thought you had to be slimy and scammy to make money online.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; John Lee Dumas</em></p><p>To say that John Lee Dumas cracked the code when it comes to podcasting would be an understatement. His award-winning podcast and brand Entrepreneurs on Fire earns him a 7-figure income!</p><p>With numbers like that, it’s all the more crucial to stay on top of your finances.</p><p>Unfortunately, John says, this is something too few entrepreneurs put enough effort into.</p><p>“Entrepreneurs work SO hard. They’re such hard workers. And they’re working hard in the right areas, but they’re coming up short,” he says. “When you just don’t do the financial side of your business correctly, it’s almost like all of your work is… it’s not less meaningful, by any stretch, but it’s less profitable.”</p><p>The unhappy reality is that you can very easily earn high annual revenue... and still have an unprofitable business.</p><p>Many entrepreneurs shortchange themselves by thousands — or even tens of thousands — of dollars per year, through neglecting to recognize and fix the financial leaks draining their profitability.</p><p>Chapter 17 of John’s new book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment, spells out his powerful advice for other entrepreneurs:&nbsp;</p><p>Keep the money you make.</p><p>You have to love that!</p><p>Find your pre-order link for John’s book in the Links section below!&nbsp;</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ </b>‌</p><ul><li>The #1 reason why entrepreneurs fail to achieve success — and how to fix it</li><li>How John managed to cut down his work schedule to just a handful of days per month</li><li>Why 10 common questions led John on the journey to a book launch</li></ul><p><b>About John Lee Dumas</b></p><p>John Lee Dumas has interviewed over 3,000 incredible entrepreneurs on his award-winning Entrepreneurs On Fire podcast, including Tony Robbins, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Barbara Corcoran. He’s the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment. His website offers courses and resources for entrepreneurs.</p><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>01:00&nbsp; Meet John Lee Dumas</li><li>02:00&nbsp; Sharing financial info</li><li>03:01&nbsp; Finance skills</li><li>03:39&nbsp; Do entrepreneurs pay enough attention?</li><li>04:39&nbsp; More than revenue</li><li>05:30&nbsp; Motivation &amp; scheduling</li><li>08:09&nbsp; Authorship journey</li><li>10:37&nbsp; “Keep the money you make”</li><li>11:25&nbsp; Book contributors</li><li>12:02&nbsp; #1 reason for failure</li><li>13:14&nbsp; Final words</li><li>14:52&nbsp; Giveaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p>John Lee Dumas / Entrepreneurs on Fire</p><p><a href="https://www.eofire.com">https://www.eofire.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p>The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment by John Lee Dumas</p><p><a href="https://uncommonsuccessbook.com">https://uncommonsuccessbook.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Work with me</p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“Back in 2012, I was trying to figure out: can I do this online internet thing?... Frankly, I thought you had to be slimy and scammy to make money online.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; John Lee Dumas</em></p><p>To say that John Lee Dumas cracked the code when it comes to podcasting would be an understatement. His award-winning podcast and brand Entrepreneurs on Fire earns him a 7-figure income!</p><p>With numbers like that, it’s all the more crucial to stay on top of your finances.</p><p>Unfortunately, John says, this is something too few entrepreneurs put enough effort into.</p><p>“Entrepreneurs work SO hard. They’re such hard workers. And they’re working hard in the right areas, but they’re coming up short,” he says. “When you just don’t do the financial side of your business correctly, it’s almost like all of your work is… it’s not less meaningful, by any stretch, but it’s less profitable.”</p><p>The unhappy reality is that you can very easily earn high annual revenue... and still have an unprofitable business.</p><p>Many entrepreneurs shortchange themselves by thousands — or even tens of thousands — of dollars per year, through neglecting to recognize and fix the financial leaks draining their profitability.</p><p>Chapter 17 of John’s new book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment, spells out his powerful advice for other entrepreneurs:&nbsp;</p><p>Keep the money you make.</p><p>You have to love that!</p><p>Find your pre-order link for John’s book in the Links section below!&nbsp;</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ </b>‌</p><ul><li>The #1 reason why entrepreneurs fail to achieve success — and how to fix it</li><li>How John managed to cut down his work schedule to just a handful of days per month</li><li>Why 10 common questions led John on the journey to a book launch</li></ul><p><b>About John Lee Dumas</b></p><p>John Lee Dumas has interviewed over 3,000 incredible entrepreneurs on his award-winning Entrepreneurs On Fire podcast, including Tony Robbins, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Barbara Corcoran. He’s the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment. His website offers courses and resources for entrepreneurs.</p><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>01:00&nbsp; Meet John Lee Dumas</li><li>02:00&nbsp; Sharing financial info</li><li>03:01&nbsp; Finance skills</li><li>03:39&nbsp; Do entrepreneurs pay enough attention?</li><li>04:39&nbsp; More than revenue</li><li>05:30&nbsp; Motivation &amp; scheduling</li><li>08:09&nbsp; Authorship journey</li><li>10:37&nbsp; “Keep the money you make”</li><li>11:25&nbsp; Book contributors</li><li>12:02&nbsp; #1 reason for failure</li><li>13:14&nbsp; Final words</li><li>14:52&nbsp; Giveaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p>John Lee Dumas / Entrepreneurs on Fire</p><p><a href="https://www.eofire.com">https://www.eofire.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p>The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment by John Lee Dumas</p><p><a href="https://uncommonsuccessbook.com">https://uncommonsuccessbook.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Work with me</p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / John Lee Dumas</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>To say that John Lee Dumas cracked the code when it comes to podcasting would be an understatement. His award-winning podcast and brand Entrepreneurs on Fire earns him a 7-figure income!  With numbers like that, it’s all the more crucial to stay on top of your finances.  Unfortunately, John says, this is something too few entrepreneurs put enough effort into.  “Entrepreneurs work SO hard. They’re such hard workers. And they’re working hard in the right areas, but they’re coming up short,” he says. “When you just don’t do the financial side of your business correctly, it’s almost like all of your work is… it’s not less meaningful, by any stretch, but it’s less profitable.”  The unhappy reality is that you can very easily earn high annual revenue... and still have an unprofitable business.  Many entrepreneurs shortchange themselves by thousands — or even tens of thousands — of dollars per year, through neglecting to recognize and fix the financial leaks draining their profitability.  Chapter 17 of John’s new book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment, spells out his powerful advice for other entrepreneurs:   Keep the money you make.  You have to love that!  Find your pre-order link for John’s book in the Links section below! </itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>1007</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Finance, CFO, entrepreneurship, money management, entrepreneurs on fire, John Lee Dumas</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>How To Hire An Accountant For Your Business</itunes:title>
    <title>How To Hire An Accountant For Your Business</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“Accountants are there to offer strategic advice as well, because they’re strategic thinkers… they can give you feedback on pretty much anything.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; Melissa Houston</em></p><p>When you’re busy trying to build your business, the last thing you need to do is get too caught up in the numbers.&nbsp;</p><p>While I absolutely believe that ALL business owners should know their numbers and be familiar with their balance sheets, I also believe that business owners should focus on their zones of genius and let the deeper tracking and calculations be handled by professionals.</p><p>Knowing your numbers is important, but chances are you are not a trained accountant or bookkeeper — and the skills and knowledge of these professionals can make a huge difference in helping your business run smoothly.</p><p>In this episode, I explain the specific roles of bookkeepers, accountants, and tax accountants — when you need them, what they dor, and how to best take advantage of the services they offer.</p><p>Financial professionals keep you in line as you grow your business. Having someone beside you to guide you into making informed financial decisions is priceless.</p><p>I’ve found that many of my clients are unsure about the differences between these professions, and that is totally okay! After listening to this episode, you’ll know everything you need to know in order to determine which options are right for your business — and how to hire the best fit.</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>What a virtual CFO does and whether this option makes sense for your business</li><li>The difference between regular accountants and tax accountants — and whether you need to work with both</li><li>My best tips for finding and hiring a great tax accountant — and what you need to keep in mind</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>01:25&nbsp; What does a bookkeeper do?</li><li>02:34&nbsp; How often should you work with your accountant?</li><li>03:03&nbsp; Virtual CFOs</li><li>04:02&nbsp; Setting your budget</li><li>06:25&nbsp; Certified Professional Accountant qualifications</li><li>08:12&nbsp; Why use a tax accountant?</li><li>10:09&nbsp; The benefits of using a tax accountant</li><li>11:45&nbsp; Finding &amp; hiring a good tax accountant</li><li>16:55&nbsp; Benefits recap</li><li>19:31&nbsp; Fee structures</li></ul><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</a></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">Work with me</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“Accountants are there to offer strategic advice as well, because they’re strategic thinkers… they can give you feedback on pretty much anything.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; Melissa Houston</em></p><p>When you’re busy trying to build your business, the last thing you need to do is get too caught up in the numbers.&nbsp;</p><p>While I absolutely believe that ALL business owners should know their numbers and be familiar with their balance sheets, I also believe that business owners should focus on their zones of genius and let the deeper tracking and calculations be handled by professionals.</p><p>Knowing your numbers is important, but chances are you are not a trained accountant or bookkeeper — and the skills and knowledge of these professionals can make a huge difference in helping your business run smoothly.</p><p>In this episode, I explain the specific roles of bookkeepers, accountants, and tax accountants — when you need them, what they dor, and how to best take advantage of the services they offer.</p><p>Financial professionals keep you in line as you grow your business. Having someone beside you to guide you into making informed financial decisions is priceless.</p><p>I’ve found that many of my clients are unsure about the differences between these professions, and that is totally okay! After listening to this episode, you’ll know everything you need to know in order to determine which options are right for your business — and how to hire the best fit.</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>What a virtual CFO does and whether this option makes sense for your business</li><li>The difference between regular accountants and tax accountants — and whether you need to work with both</li><li>My best tips for finding and hiring a great tax accountant — and what you need to keep in mind</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>01:25&nbsp; What does a bookkeeper do?</li><li>02:34&nbsp; How often should you work with your accountant?</li><li>03:03&nbsp; Virtual CFOs</li><li>04:02&nbsp; Setting your budget</li><li>06:25&nbsp; Certified Professional Accountant qualifications</li><li>08:12&nbsp; Why use a tax accountant?</li><li>10:09&nbsp; The benefits of using a tax accountant</li><li>11:45&nbsp; Finding &amp; hiring a good tax accountant</li><li>16:55&nbsp; Benefits recap</li><li>19:31&nbsp; Fee structures</li></ul><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</a></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">Work with me</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>When you’re busy trying to build your business, the last thing you need to do is get too caught up in the numbers.  While I absolutely believe that ALL business owners should know their numbers and be familiar with their balance sheets, I also believe that business owners should focus on their zones of genius and let the deeper tracking and calculations be handled by professionals. Knowing your numbers is important, but chances are you are not a trained accountant or bookkeeper — and the skills and knowledge of these professionals can make a huge difference in helping your business run smoothly. In this episode, I explain the specific roles of bookkeepers, accountants, and tax accountants — when you need them, what they dor, and how to best take advantage of the services they offer. Financial professionals keep you in line as you grow your business. Having someone beside you to guide you into making informed financial decisions is priceless. I’ve found that many of my clients are unsure about the differences between these professions, and that is totally okay! After listening to this episode, you’ll know everything you need to know in order to determine which options are right for your business — and how to hire the best fit.</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>1320</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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  <item>
    <itunes:title>Writing To Create A Personal Connection with Jenna Kalinsky</itunes:title>
    <title>Writing To Create A Personal Connection with Jenna Kalinsky</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“What you bring to the table in your business is exactly what you would bring to the table in your book.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; Jenna Kalinsky</em></p><p>Have you ever thought about writing a book?</p><p>Entrepreneurs have been writing and publishing more books than ever, and with good reason — writing a book can cement your reputation as a respected expert.</p><p>This can have many tangible benefits. If the book is good, you’ll immediately boost your credibility and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. This can lead to speaking opportunities, the chance to land your own column, and an enhanced ability to land more (and more influential) clients.</p><p>My guest for this episode, Jenna Kalinsky, is a published author and book editor. She helps entrepreneurs translate their most brilliant business ideas into well-organized, readable books.</p><p>Jenna believes in the amazing power of the written (and published) word.</p><p>“The minute you tell people you’ve written a book and you’re a published author, they look at you differently,” Jenna says. “It’s not easy to write a book, but when you make the time and take the effort in order to do it and do a good job of it, it’s the kind of thing that outlasts your daily work… and having a book 100% enhances everything you do.”</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>What will make you stand out in a marketplace full of books by other entrepreneurs</li><li>The positives and negatives of the traditional, independent, and self-publishing options — and how to decide what will work best for you</li><li>How to deal with the vulnerability of putting your words out into the world&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>About Jenna Kalinsky</b></p><p>Jenna Kalinsky is the founder of One Lit Place, full-service writers' centre that provides writing, coaching, and copy editing services, online writing courses, and a secure online Writers Lounge where writers meet, chat, and share ideas at any time, and from anywhere. Her fiction, non-fiction, and poetry have been published in books and magazines.</p><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>02:35&nbsp; Introducing Jenna Kalinsky</li><li>04:29&nbsp; Entrepreneurship &amp; authorship</li><li>07:03&nbsp; What sets you apart?</li><li>09:23&nbsp; Dealing with vulnerability</li><li>11:44&nbsp; Why you need an editor</li><li>14:47&nbsp; How to write a book in 4 months</li><li>18:31&nbsp; Self-publishing v. traditional v. independent &nbsp;</li><li>21:43&nbsp; Working with Jenna</li><li>23:59&nbsp; What makes a good business book?</li><li>25:03&nbsp; Jenna’s most valuable tip</li></ul><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p>One Lit Place</p><p><a href="https://onelitplace.com">https://onelitplace.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p>contact@onelitplace.com</p><p>647.812.6107<br><br></p><p><b>Business book planning worksheet</b><br> <a href="https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v0d7t5">https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v0d7t5</a></p><p><br><b>Business Book - 4 Months</b><br><a href="https://onelitplace.com/write-self-development-business-book-4-months/">https://onelitplace.com/write-self-development-business-book-4-months/</a><br><br><b>Business Book Weekly Program</b><br><a href="https://onelitplace.com/product/write-business-self-development-book-4-months-weekly-program/">https://onelitplace.com/product/write-business-self-development-book-4-months-weekly-program/</a></p><p><b><br>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“What you bring to the table in your business is exactly what you would bring to the table in your book.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; Jenna Kalinsky</em></p><p>Have you ever thought about writing a book?</p><p>Entrepreneurs have been writing and publishing more books than ever, and with good reason — writing a book can cement your reputation as a respected expert.</p><p>This can have many tangible benefits. If the book is good, you’ll immediately boost your credibility and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. This can lead to speaking opportunities, the chance to land your own column, and an enhanced ability to land more (and more influential) clients.</p><p>My guest for this episode, Jenna Kalinsky, is a published author and book editor. She helps entrepreneurs translate their most brilliant business ideas into well-organized, readable books.</p><p>Jenna believes in the amazing power of the written (and published) word.</p><p>“The minute you tell people you’ve written a book and you’re a published author, they look at you differently,” Jenna says. “It’s not easy to write a book, but when you make the time and take the effort in order to do it and do a good job of it, it’s the kind of thing that outlasts your daily work… and having a book 100% enhances everything you do.”</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>What will make you stand out in a marketplace full of books by other entrepreneurs</li><li>The positives and negatives of the traditional, independent, and self-publishing options — and how to decide what will work best for you</li><li>How to deal with the vulnerability of putting your words out into the world&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>About Jenna Kalinsky</b></p><p>Jenna Kalinsky is the founder of One Lit Place, full-service writers' centre that provides writing, coaching, and copy editing services, online writing courses, and a secure online Writers Lounge where writers meet, chat, and share ideas at any time, and from anywhere. Her fiction, non-fiction, and poetry have been published in books and magazines.</p><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>02:35&nbsp; Introducing Jenna Kalinsky</li><li>04:29&nbsp; Entrepreneurship &amp; authorship</li><li>07:03&nbsp; What sets you apart?</li><li>09:23&nbsp; Dealing with vulnerability</li><li>11:44&nbsp; Why you need an editor</li><li>14:47&nbsp; How to write a book in 4 months</li><li>18:31&nbsp; Self-publishing v. traditional v. independent &nbsp;</li><li>21:43&nbsp; Working with Jenna</li><li>23:59&nbsp; What makes a good business book?</li><li>25:03&nbsp; Jenna’s most valuable tip</li></ul><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p>One Lit Place</p><p><a href="https://onelitplace.com">https://onelitplace.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p>contact@onelitplace.com</p><p>647.812.6107<br><br></p><p><b>Business book planning worksheet</b><br> <a href="https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v0d7t5">https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v0d7t5</a></p><p><br><b>Business Book - 4 Months</b><br><a href="https://onelitplace.com/write-self-development-business-book-4-months/">https://onelitplace.com/write-self-development-business-book-4-months/</a><br><br><b>Business Book Weekly Program</b><br><a href="https://onelitplace.com/product/write-business-self-development-book-4-months-weekly-program/">https://onelitplace.com/product/write-business-self-development-book-4-months-weekly-program/</a></p><p><b><br>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Jenna Kalinsky</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Have you ever thought about writing a book? Entrepreneurs have been writing and publishing more books than ever, and with good reason — writing a book can cement your reputation as a respected expert. This can have many tangible benefits. If the book is good, you’ll immediately boost your credibility and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. This can lead to speaking opportunities, the chance to land your own column, and an enhanced ability to land more (and more influential) clients. My guest for this episode, Jenna Kalinsky, is a published author and book editor. She helps entrepreneurs translate their most brilliant business ideas into well-organized, readable books. Jenna believes in the amazing power of the written (and published) word. “The minute you tell people you’ve written a book and you’re a published author, they look at you differently,” Jenna says. “It’s not easy to write a book, but when you make the time and take the effort in order to do it and do a good job of it, it’s the kind of thing that outlasts your daily work… and having a book 100% enhances everything you do.”</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>My Story: From $100K Debt To Thriving Business</itunes:title>
    <title>My Story: From $100K Debt To Thriving Business</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“Most people feel a lot of shame and embarrassment around carrying debt… and instead of asking for help, they stew in that shame and embarrassment and the situation just worsens.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; Melissa Houston</em></p><p>In this episode, I’m sharing a very personal story.</p><p>I’m a financial expert and a CPA, and have been for over 20 years. I write two columns on how to deal with your finances. I work with numbers every day. If anyone should have a grasp on how to maintain healthy finances, it should be me.</p><p>Yet, I wound up $100,000 in debt over the course of just 12 months.</p><p>I am here to tell you: it can happen to anyone.</p><p>And until you understand the reasons behind your spending, it will be difficult to pull yourself out of that hole.</p><p>Carrying debt holds a lot of stigma, despite the fact that so many people do. In fact, debt levels today are higher than they’ve ever been — and continue to increase!</p><p>People are afraid to talk about it, and don’t want to admit that they don’t truly understand their finances and that they need help. Of course, this only makes the problem worse.</p><p>I’m sharing my story because if it can help even one listener feel less ashamed and alone in their struggle, and help them gather the strength they need to climb out of debt, then that is worth more than anything to me.</p><p>When you’re set up for financial success, not only are you on your way to making a million bucks, but you’ll feel like a million bucks, too!</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>Where and when we learn our beliefs and emotional responses to money</li><li>The reasons behind my 12-month fall into $100,000 debt — and how spending didn’t lead to real happiness</li><li>The psychological benefits of uncovering and living your true purpose &nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>01:22&nbsp; Why I’m telling my story</li><li>02:21&nbsp; Why do we carry so much debt?</li><li>03:59&nbsp; How I fell into debt</li><li>07:41&nbsp; Facing the consequences</li><li>10:07&nbsp; Discovering the “why” — and fixing it</li><li>13:07&nbsp; Live your true purpose</li><li>18:29&nbsp; Money is emotionally charged</li><li>19:57&nbsp; I understand what it’s like</li></ul><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">Work with me</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“Most people feel a lot of shame and embarrassment around carrying debt… and instead of asking for help, they stew in that shame and embarrassment and the situation just worsens.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; Melissa Houston</em></p><p>In this episode, I’m sharing a very personal story.</p><p>I’m a financial expert and a CPA, and have been for over 20 years. I write two columns on how to deal with your finances. I work with numbers every day. If anyone should have a grasp on how to maintain healthy finances, it should be me.</p><p>Yet, I wound up $100,000 in debt over the course of just 12 months.</p><p>I am here to tell you: it can happen to anyone.</p><p>And until you understand the reasons behind your spending, it will be difficult to pull yourself out of that hole.</p><p>Carrying debt holds a lot of stigma, despite the fact that so many people do. In fact, debt levels today are higher than they’ve ever been — and continue to increase!</p><p>People are afraid to talk about it, and don’t want to admit that they don’t truly understand their finances and that they need help. Of course, this only makes the problem worse.</p><p>I’m sharing my story because if it can help even one listener feel less ashamed and alone in their struggle, and help them gather the strength they need to climb out of debt, then that is worth more than anything to me.</p><p>When you’re set up for financial success, not only are you on your way to making a million bucks, but you’ll feel like a million bucks, too!</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>Where and when we learn our beliefs and emotional responses to money</li><li>The reasons behind my 12-month fall into $100,000 debt — and how spending didn’t lead to real happiness</li><li>The psychological benefits of uncovering and living your true purpose &nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>01:22&nbsp; Why I’m telling my story</li><li>02:21&nbsp; Why do we carry so much debt?</li><li>03:59&nbsp; How I fell into debt</li><li>07:41&nbsp; Facing the consequences</li><li>10:07&nbsp; Discovering the “why” — and fixing it</li><li>13:07&nbsp; Live your true purpose</li><li>18:29&nbsp; Money is emotionally charged</li><li>19:57&nbsp; I understand what it’s like</li></ul><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">Work with me</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>In this episode, I’m sharing a very personal story. I’m a financial expert and a CPA, and have been for over 20 years. I write two columns on how to deal with your finances. I work with numbers every day. If anyone should have a grasp on how to maintain healthy finances, it should be me. Yet, I wound up $100,000 in debt over the course of just 12 months. I am here to tell you: it can happen to anyone. And until you understand the reasons behind your spending, it will be difficult to pull yourself out of that hole. Carrying debt holds a lot of stigma, despite the fact that so many people do. In fact, debt levels today are higher than they’ve ever been — and continue to increase! People are afraid to talk about it, and don’t want to admit that they don’t truly understand their finances and that they need help. Of course, this only makes the problem worse. I’m sharing my story because if it can help even one listener feel less ashamed and alone in their struggle, and help them gather the strength they need to climb out of debt, then that is worth more than anything to me. When you’re set up for financial success, not only are you on your way to making a million bucks, but you’ll feel like a million bucks, too!</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>1328</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>How To Hire A Trustworthy Bookkeeper</itunes:title>
    <title>How To Hire A Trustworthy Bookkeeper</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“A bookkeeper is the first line of a company’s finance team.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; Melissa Houston</em></p><p>One of the most common questions I’m asked is: how do I find the right bookkeeper for my business?</p><p>Another common question: what exactly will having a bookkeeper DO for my business?</p><p>Many entrepreneurs make the decision to keep their books themselves, but I believe that working with a skilled bookkeeper is invaluable — particularly as you grow and scale.</p><p>Business owners often hesitate to take on the expense of hiring a bookkeeper, but the truth is that having accurate, well-kept books will SAVE you money at the end of the year.</p><p>If your books are incomplete, inaccurate, or disorganized, your tax accountant will need to spend time fixing your numbers.</p><p>Let me tell you, these corrections will cost you far more money than paying a skilled bookkeeper would!</p><p>Not only are you paying a tax accountant their expensive hourly fee to correct these errors, but it takes much longer to repair your books than it would to input your numbers accurately the first time.</p><p>Bookkeepers have the knowledge of how each transaction should be recorded and understand the generally accepted accounting principles (also known as GAAP).&nbsp;</p><p>Skilled bookkeepers know how to deal with industry-specific transactions. Remember, this is their zone of genius, and having them take care of the numbers allows you to focus on your own zone of genius — building up your business!</p><p>Finding a great bookkeeper is a challenge, but in this episode I share all the information you need to make the right choice for your business!&nbsp;</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>Questions to ask yourself before you look for a bookkeeper— and questions to ask them during the hiring process</li><li>What to keep in mind when deciding whether to hire a self-employed bookkeeper or work with a bookkeeping firm</li><li>How to set key dates, organize timelines, and communicate expectations clearly</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>01:29&nbsp; The cost of bookkeeper errors</li><li>02:49&nbsp; Keep an audit trail</li><li>03:27&nbsp; Why hire a bookkeeper?</li><li>05:11&nbsp; Sound you DIY?</li><li>05:32&nbsp; Hire your perfect bookkeeper</li><li>07:38&nbsp; Key dates</li><li>08:13&nbsp; Top hiring tips</li><li>09:29&nbsp; The power of referrals</li><li>10:53&nbsp; The interview process &amp; your requirements</li><li>12:56&nbsp; Service example</li><li>14:13&nbsp; Communicating expectations</li><li>15:48&nbsp; How are you protected?</li><li>16:27&nbsp; Bookkeeper pricing</li><li>16:51&nbsp; Final thoughts</li></ul><p>&nbsp;‌</p><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">Work with me</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“A bookkeeper is the first line of a company’s finance team.”</em></p><p><em>—&nbsp; Melissa Houston</em></p><p>One of the most common questions I’m asked is: how do I find the right bookkeeper for my business?</p><p>Another common question: what exactly will having a bookkeeper DO for my business?</p><p>Many entrepreneurs make the decision to keep their books themselves, but I believe that working with a skilled bookkeeper is invaluable — particularly as you grow and scale.</p><p>Business owners often hesitate to take on the expense of hiring a bookkeeper, but the truth is that having accurate, well-kept books will SAVE you money at the end of the year.</p><p>If your books are incomplete, inaccurate, or disorganized, your tax accountant will need to spend time fixing your numbers.</p><p>Let me tell you, these corrections will cost you far more money than paying a skilled bookkeeper would!</p><p>Not only are you paying a tax accountant their expensive hourly fee to correct these errors, but it takes much longer to repair your books than it would to input your numbers accurately the first time.</p><p>Bookkeepers have the knowledge of how each transaction should be recorded and understand the generally accepted accounting principles (also known as GAAP).&nbsp;</p><p>Skilled bookkeepers know how to deal with industry-specific transactions. Remember, this is their zone of genius, and having them take care of the numbers allows you to focus on your own zone of genius — building up your business!</p><p>Finding a great bookkeeper is a challenge, but in this episode I share all the information you need to make the right choice for your business!&nbsp;</p><p><b>In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>Questions to ask yourself before you look for a bookkeeper— and questions to ask them during the hiring process</li><li>What to keep in mind when deciding whether to hire a self-employed bookkeeper or work with a bookkeeping firm</li><li>How to set key dates, organize timelines, and communicate expectations clearly</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:‌ ‌</b></p><ul><li>01:29&nbsp; The cost of bookkeeper errors</li><li>02:49&nbsp; Keep an audit trail</li><li>03:27&nbsp; Why hire a bookkeeper?</li><li>05:11&nbsp; Sound you DIY?</li><li>05:32&nbsp; Hire your perfect bookkeeper</li><li>07:38&nbsp; Key dates</li><li>08:13&nbsp; Top hiring tips</li><li>09:29&nbsp; The power of referrals</li><li>10:53&nbsp; The interview process &amp; your requirements</li><li>12:56&nbsp; Service example</li><li>14:13&nbsp; Communicating expectations</li><li>15:48&nbsp; How are you protected?</li><li>16:27&nbsp; Bookkeeper pricing</li><li>16:51&nbsp; Final thoughts</li></ul><p>&nbsp;‌</p><p><b>Links:‌ ‌</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">Work with me</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>One of the most common questions I’m asked is: how do I find the right bookkeeper for my business? Another common question: what exactly will having a bookkeeper DO for my business? Many entrepreneurs make the decision to keep their books themselves, but I believe that working with a skilled bookkeeper is invaluable — particularly as you grow and scale. Business owners often hesitate to take on the expense of hiring a bookkeeper, but the truth is that having accurate, well-kept books will SAVE you money at the end of the year. If your books are incomplete, inaccurate, or disorganized, your tax accountant will need to spend time fixing your numbers. Let me tell you, these corrections will cost you far more money than paying a skilled bookkeeper would! Not only are you paying a tax accountant their expensive hourly fee to correct these errors, but it takes much longer to repair your books than it would to input your numbers accurately the first time. Bookkeepers have the knowledge of how each transaction should be recorded and understand the generally accepted accounting principles (also known as GAAP).  Skilled bookkeepers know how to deal with industry-specific transactions. Remember, this is their zone of genius, and having them take care of the numbers allows you to focus on your own zone of genius — building up your business! Finding a great bookkeeper is a challenge, but in this episode I share all the information you need to make the right choice for your business! </itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>1088</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Fearless Downsizing - How Boomers Are Taking Control Of Their Futures</itunes:title>
    <title>Fearless Downsizing - How Boomers Are Taking Control Of Their Futures</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Are you a boomer in the process of selling your home? Or a family member helping an elderly parent downsize and transition into a new chapter of their life?</p><p>Then this episode is for you!</p><p>My guest Vivien Sharon is a real estate professional and the author of The Boomer's 7‑Step Guide to Downsizing: Overcoming Fear &amp; Discovering Freedom, which shares key strategies and methods for transitioning to a joyful, downsized life.</p><p>50% of Vivien’s business today is the boomer and senior market. As a highly-trained transition specialist, she understands that most of her clients are fearful of change — and aren't sure where or how to begin.</p><p>Luckily, Vivien has literally written the book on this!</p><p>Houses owned by people aged 55+ often have special needs in terms of decluttering. The family home is often overwhelmed by clutter, with basements and offices being particular hot spots. Old clothing, children’s toys, and paperwork are just a few of the things that tend to build up, and this type of clutter makes it a lot harder to impress prospective buyers.&nbsp;</p><p>Often, these homes could also use a refresh in terms of flooring, fixtures, or cabinets, if the owners haven’t already updated it. (This can greatly affect a home’s value and ability to sell at its asking price.)</p><p>There are three different levels of staging to choose from when preparing for viewings, and the level chosen can have a big effect on the home’s perceived value.</p><p>If you’re interested in learning more about pricing, marketing, and showing your home (as well as what fees to budget for), Vivien is sharing everything you need to know!</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll also explore:</b></p><ul><li>The 3 different types of staging &amp; how much value staging your home can potentially add to a sale</li><li>The current state of real estate in the pandemic era — what is hot and what isn’t</li><li>Whether spring is still the best time to list your home for sale</li></ul><p><b>About Vivien Sharon</b></p><p>Vivien Sharon is a real estate professional and the author of the free e-book The Boomer's 7‑Step Guide to Downsizing: Overcoming Fear &amp; Discovering Freedom, which shares key strategies and methods for transitioning to a joyful, downsized life.</p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:43&nbsp; Introducing Vivien Sharon &nbsp;</li><li>03:23&nbsp; Downsizing when 55+</li><li>06:03&nbsp; First steps</li><li>07:53&nbsp; Senior real estate specialization&nbsp;</li><li>10:31&nbsp; To stage or not to stage?</li><li>14:28&nbsp; The current state of the market</li><li>17:01&nbsp; Breaking down decluttering</li><li>18:33&nbsp; Navigating the fear of change</li><li>20:44&nbsp; The importance of pricing &amp; marketing</li><li>23:56&nbsp; Costs to expect</li><li>24:55&nbsp; How many months of lead time needed?</li><li>26:04&nbsp; The best time to list a home</li><li>27:05&nbsp; Vivien’s experience</li><li>30:28&nbsp; Vivien’s big takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.viviensharon.com/">Vivien Sharon</a><br>https://www.viviensharon.com</p><p><a href="https://www.viviensharon.com/book">The Boomer's 7‑Step Guide to Downsizing: Overcoming Fear &amp; Discovering Freedom</a><br>https://www.viviensharon.com/book</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you a boomer in the process of selling your home? Or a family member helping an elderly parent downsize and transition into a new chapter of their life?</p><p>Then this episode is for you!</p><p>My guest Vivien Sharon is a real estate professional and the author of The Boomer's 7‑Step Guide to Downsizing: Overcoming Fear &amp; Discovering Freedom, which shares key strategies and methods for transitioning to a joyful, downsized life.</p><p>50% of Vivien’s business today is the boomer and senior market. As a highly-trained transition specialist, she understands that most of her clients are fearful of change — and aren't sure where or how to begin.</p><p>Luckily, Vivien has literally written the book on this!</p><p>Houses owned by people aged 55+ often have special needs in terms of decluttering. The family home is often overwhelmed by clutter, with basements and offices being particular hot spots. Old clothing, children’s toys, and paperwork are just a few of the things that tend to build up, and this type of clutter makes it a lot harder to impress prospective buyers.&nbsp;</p><p>Often, these homes could also use a refresh in terms of flooring, fixtures, or cabinets, if the owners haven’t already updated it. (This can greatly affect a home’s value and ability to sell at its asking price.)</p><p>There are three different levels of staging to choose from when preparing for viewings, and the level chosen can have a big effect on the home’s perceived value.</p><p>If you’re interested in learning more about pricing, marketing, and showing your home (as well as what fees to budget for), Vivien is sharing everything you need to know!</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll also explore:</b></p><ul><li>The 3 different types of staging &amp; how much value staging your home can potentially add to a sale</li><li>The current state of real estate in the pandemic era — what is hot and what isn’t</li><li>Whether spring is still the best time to list your home for sale</li></ul><p><b>About Vivien Sharon</b></p><p>Vivien Sharon is a real estate professional and the author of the free e-book The Boomer's 7‑Step Guide to Downsizing: Overcoming Fear &amp; Discovering Freedom, which shares key strategies and methods for transitioning to a joyful, downsized life.</p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:43&nbsp; Introducing Vivien Sharon &nbsp;</li><li>03:23&nbsp; Downsizing when 55+</li><li>06:03&nbsp; First steps</li><li>07:53&nbsp; Senior real estate specialization&nbsp;</li><li>10:31&nbsp; To stage or not to stage?</li><li>14:28&nbsp; The current state of the market</li><li>17:01&nbsp; Breaking down decluttering</li><li>18:33&nbsp; Navigating the fear of change</li><li>20:44&nbsp; The importance of pricing &amp; marketing</li><li>23:56&nbsp; Costs to expect</li><li>24:55&nbsp; How many months of lead time needed?</li><li>26:04&nbsp; The best time to list a home</li><li>27:05&nbsp; Vivien’s experience</li><li>30:28&nbsp; Vivien’s big takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.viviensharon.com/">Vivien Sharon</a><br>https://www.viviensharon.com</p><p><a href="https://www.viviensharon.com/book">The Boomer's 7‑Step Guide to Downsizing: Overcoming Fear &amp; Discovering Freedom</a><br>https://www.viviensharon.com/book</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Vivien Sharon</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Are you a boomer in the process of selling your home? Or a family member helping an elderly parent downsize and transition into a new chapter of their life? Then this episode is for you! My guest Vivien Sharon is a real estate professional and the author of The Boomer&#39;s 7‑Step Guide to Downsizing: Overcoming Fear &amp; Discovering Freedom, which shares key strategies and methods for transitioning to a joyful, downsized life. 50% of Vivien’s business today is the boomer and senior market. As a highly-trained transition specialist, she understands that most of her clients are fearful of change — and aren&#39;t sure where or how to begin. Luckily, Vivien has literally written the book on this!</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:title>How To Be Present With Your Money</itunes:title>
    <title>How To Be Present With Your Money</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Increasing your revenue is great, but it shouldn’t be your only goal. Not by a long shot!</p><p>Planning ahead and finding ways to reduce expenses are just as important.</p><p>My guest Eowyn Levene is a money coach and the host of the Creatives Do Money podcast. She’s found that many of her clients come to her with the idea that her coaching is all about helping them make more money.</p><p>They soon realize that business finances are about so much more than increasing revenue.</p><p>Often, they can tap into unexpected levels of financial freedom — without earning a single dollar more in revenue!</p><p>It’s so important to figure out how to manage your finances at the beginning of your business journey, because guess what? Money problems scale. Doubling your revenue won’t solve your budgeting issues. You may find that, as you grow, so do your money leaks. This means that you’ll be making far less profit than you think!</p><p>So, how do we spend less money?</p><p>Many businesses go overboard with marketing expenses, targeting too large an audience rather than honing in on their ideal targets. Remember, there are a lot of ways that you can market your business without spending a lot of money!</p><p>Start-up costs are another issue that pops up as we embark upon our entrepreneurial journey. Many entrepreneurs tend to rack up credit card debt investing in different platforms, programs, leases, coaches, subscriptions, or supplies.&nbsp;</p><p>Seductive marketing messages can convince us that we absolutely need the latest workshop, incubator, or technology to run our business successfully, but often these offerings lead to unnecessary debt. It’s important to really weigh the benefits when making these kinds of decisions — and planning ahead is incredibly important.&nbsp;</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>How to figure out which start-up costs are necessary</li><li>The most common emotional blocks when it comes to managing money</li><li>Effective marketing techniques that don’t a lot of money&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>About Eowyn Levene</b></p><p>Eowyn Levene is a money coach at Plum Tree Money and the host of the Creatives Do Money podcast. She helps creatives, artists, and healers master their money . She is also the owner and sole practitioner at Living Link Massage Therapy, an independent studio.</p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:42&nbsp; Introducing Eowyn Levene</li><li>05:31&nbsp; Financial literacy &amp; self-employed creatives</li><li>09:12&nbsp; It’s about more than just making more money</li><li>10:27&nbsp; Money &amp; emotions</li><li>11:16&nbsp; Eowyn’s biggest client transformations</li><li>12:08&nbsp; Money management problems scale</li><li>13:15&nbsp; Common money mismanagement habits</li><li>14:47&nbsp; Staying present while undergoing challenges</li><li>16:09&nbsp; Eowyn’s biggest money lesson</li><li>18:34&nbsp; The perils of start-up spending</li><li>21:00&nbsp; Marketing without spend</li><li>22:43&nbsp; Eowyn’s takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://plumtreemoney.com/">Plum Tree Money / Creatives Do Money podcast</a></p><p>https://plumtreemoney.com</p><p><a href="https://livinglinkmassagetherapy.com">Living Link Massage Therapy</a></p><p>https://livinglinkmassagetherapy.com</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Increasing your revenue is great, but it shouldn’t be your only goal. Not by a long shot!</p><p>Planning ahead and finding ways to reduce expenses are just as important.</p><p>My guest Eowyn Levene is a money coach and the host of the Creatives Do Money podcast. She’s found that many of her clients come to her with the idea that her coaching is all about helping them make more money.</p><p>They soon realize that business finances are about so much more than increasing revenue.</p><p>Often, they can tap into unexpected levels of financial freedom — without earning a single dollar more in revenue!</p><p>It’s so important to figure out how to manage your finances at the beginning of your business journey, because guess what? Money problems scale. Doubling your revenue won’t solve your budgeting issues. You may find that, as you grow, so do your money leaks. This means that you’ll be making far less profit than you think!</p><p>So, how do we spend less money?</p><p>Many businesses go overboard with marketing expenses, targeting too large an audience rather than honing in on their ideal targets. Remember, there are a lot of ways that you can market your business without spending a lot of money!</p><p>Start-up costs are another issue that pops up as we embark upon our entrepreneurial journey. Many entrepreneurs tend to rack up credit card debt investing in different platforms, programs, leases, coaches, subscriptions, or supplies.&nbsp;</p><p>Seductive marketing messages can convince us that we absolutely need the latest workshop, incubator, or technology to run our business successfully, but often these offerings lead to unnecessary debt. It’s important to really weigh the benefits when making these kinds of decisions — and planning ahead is incredibly important.&nbsp;</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>How to figure out which start-up costs are necessary</li><li>The most common emotional blocks when it comes to managing money</li><li>Effective marketing techniques that don’t a lot of money&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>About Eowyn Levene</b></p><p>Eowyn Levene is a money coach at Plum Tree Money and the host of the Creatives Do Money podcast. She helps creatives, artists, and healers master their money . She is also the owner and sole practitioner at Living Link Massage Therapy, an independent studio.</p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:42&nbsp; Introducing Eowyn Levene</li><li>05:31&nbsp; Financial literacy &amp; self-employed creatives</li><li>09:12&nbsp; It’s about more than just making more money</li><li>10:27&nbsp; Money &amp; emotions</li><li>11:16&nbsp; Eowyn’s biggest client transformations</li><li>12:08&nbsp; Money management problems scale</li><li>13:15&nbsp; Common money mismanagement habits</li><li>14:47&nbsp; Staying present while undergoing challenges</li><li>16:09&nbsp; Eowyn’s biggest money lesson</li><li>18:34&nbsp; The perils of start-up spending</li><li>21:00&nbsp; Marketing without spend</li><li>22:43&nbsp; Eowyn’s takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://plumtreemoney.com/">Plum Tree Money / Creatives Do Money podcast</a></p><p>https://plumtreemoney.com</p><p><a href="https://livinglinkmassagetherapy.com">Living Link Massage Therapy</a></p><p>https://livinglinkmassagetherapy.com</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Eowyn Levene</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Increasing your revenue is great, but it shouldn’t be your only goal. Not by a long shot! Planning ahead and finding ways to reduce expenses are just as important. My guest Eowyn Levene is a money coach and the host of the Creatives Do Money podcast. She’s found that many of her clients come to her with the idea that her coaching is all about helping them make more money. They soon realize that business finances are about so much more than increasing revenue. Often, they can tap into unexpected levels of financial freedom — without earning a single dollar more in revenue!</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>1709</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>4 Steps To A Profitable Business</itunes:title>
    <title>4 Steps To A Profitable Business</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“Financial mismanagement is probably the #1 money leak in your business.”</em></p><p><em>— Melissa Houston</em></p><p>I always say, money is one of the most emotional things in the world. And for an entrepreneur, one of the strongest emotions connected to money is stress.</p><p>My 4-step CFO Money Method Framework is a great way to dive into better understanding your business finances, keeping track of your cash flow, and learning how to develop an effective budget. In this episode, I’ll be breaking down each step — and they’re far less intimidating than you think!</p><p>Many entrepreneurs launch their businesses without knowing how to manage their finances. Unfortunately, financial literacy simply isn’t something that most people are taught unless they go to school for accounting or to earn their MBA.</p><p>But if you don’t know how to manage your business finances, you’ll have trouble figuring out how much profit (not revenue) you are earning. You’ll have difficulty identifying and plugging money leaks. And you’ll be less able to make needed changes in your business at the time that they’d be most effective.</p><p>Once you’ve gained financial literacy and learn how to keep your finances in order, you’ll feel a weight lift. Many of my clients have told me that they’ve started sleeping better, are better able to focus, and feel more happy and confident about their business.</p><p>Understanding your business finances allows you to set goals for your business that you may not have otherwise thought possible, discover new money-saving opportunities, and focus on boosting your profits.</p><p><em>“It’s never too late to plan your budget.”</em></p><p><em>— Melissa Houston</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>The 4 main reasons to understand, monitor, and manage your business finances</li><li>The 3 most common business finance mistakes entrepreneurs make</li><li>The 4 steps of my CFO Money Method Framework</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>01:19&nbsp; Case study: Karen, high six-figure revenue</li><li>03:07&nbsp; The importance of financial management</li><li>06:10&nbsp; Common business finance mistakes</li><li>08:11&nbsp; The CFO Money Method Framework</li><li>11:54&nbsp; Never too late to budget</li><li>13:53&nbsp; Cash flow and cash reserves</li><li>15:20&nbsp; Case study: Karen’s results</li><li>16:29&nbsp; My new free training &amp; program registration</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/cfo-live-webinar">Register for the free training on January 19th</a><br><br><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“Financial mismanagement is probably the #1 money leak in your business.”</em></p><p><em>— Melissa Houston</em></p><p>I always say, money is one of the most emotional things in the world. And for an entrepreneur, one of the strongest emotions connected to money is stress.</p><p>My 4-step CFO Money Method Framework is a great way to dive into better understanding your business finances, keeping track of your cash flow, and learning how to develop an effective budget. In this episode, I’ll be breaking down each step — and they’re far less intimidating than you think!</p><p>Many entrepreneurs launch their businesses without knowing how to manage their finances. Unfortunately, financial literacy simply isn’t something that most people are taught unless they go to school for accounting or to earn their MBA.</p><p>But if you don’t know how to manage your business finances, you’ll have trouble figuring out how much profit (not revenue) you are earning. You’ll have difficulty identifying and plugging money leaks. And you’ll be less able to make needed changes in your business at the time that they’d be most effective.</p><p>Once you’ve gained financial literacy and learn how to keep your finances in order, you’ll feel a weight lift. Many of my clients have told me that they’ve started sleeping better, are better able to focus, and feel more happy and confident about their business.</p><p>Understanding your business finances allows you to set goals for your business that you may not have otherwise thought possible, discover new money-saving opportunities, and focus on boosting your profits.</p><p><em>“It’s never too late to plan your budget.”</em></p><p><em>— Melissa Houston</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>The 4 main reasons to understand, monitor, and manage your business finances</li><li>The 3 most common business finance mistakes entrepreneurs make</li><li>The 4 steps of my CFO Money Method Framework</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>01:19&nbsp; Case study: Karen, high six-figure revenue</li><li>03:07&nbsp; The importance of financial management</li><li>06:10&nbsp; Common business finance mistakes</li><li>08:11&nbsp; The CFO Money Method Framework</li><li>11:54&nbsp; Never too late to budget</li><li>13:53&nbsp; Cash flow and cash reserves</li><li>15:20&nbsp; Case study: Karen’s results</li><li>16:29&nbsp; My new free training &amp; program registration</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/cfo-live-webinar">Register for the free training on January 19th</a><br><br><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>I always say, money is one of the most emotional things in the world. And for an entrepreneur, one of the strongest emotions connected to money is stress. My 4-step CFO Money Method Framework is a great way to dive into better understanding your business finances, keeping track of your cash flow, and learning how to develop an effective budget. In this episode, I’ll be breaking down each step — and they’re far less intimidating than you think! Many entrepreneurs launch their businesses without knowing how to manage their finances. Unfortunately, financial literacy simply isn’t something that most people are taught unless they go to school for accounting or to earn their MBA. But if you don’t know how to manage your business finances, you’ll have trouble figuring out how much profit (not revenue) you are earning. You’ll have difficulty identifying and plugging money leaks. And you’ll be less able to make needed changes in your business at the time that they’d be most effective.</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>1216</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>How A Podcast Producer Saved Her Business Finances</itunes:title>
    <title>How A Podcast Producer Saved Her Business Finances</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>When you’re an entrepreneur, financial literacy is everything. The difference between figuring it out as you go and working from a place of knowledge and support is like night and day.</p><p>My guest for this episode, Emily Milling, knows that all too well.&nbsp;</p><p>Emily’s podcast production agency, The Ultimate Creative, helps entrepreneurs launch amazing, professional podcasts that support their business goals. Without her, you wouldn’t be listening to Think Like a CFO!</p><p>But Emily isn’t just my podcast producer, she’s also my client.&nbsp;</p><p>Emily’s entrepreneurial journey has taken her from solo entrepreneur to incorporation to partnership to running her business alone again. Along the way, she had to learn how to navigate the tricky and often confusing corporate tax system, dissolve a business partnership, and deal with surprise tax bills.</p><p>When I started working with Emily, she felt unsure about her finances and was held back by limiting beliefs about her capability. Since then, Emily has upgraded her financial literacy and learned how to organize a fluid budget that lets her tweak her promotions and offerings in real time in order to keep her revenue in line with her needs and goals.</p><p>This episode is an honest and heartfelt look at the challenges of entrepreneurship — and we touch on a number of very important financial topics along the way, including hiring the right financial professionals, how to build a flexible budget, and the importance of long-term planning.</p><p>“If you want your business to be successful, if you’re really dedicated to it and you want to make it happen, you really need to be in the trenches with your money and figuring this stuff out.”</p><p>— Emily Milling</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>The unique challenges of entrepreneurship, from incorporation to taxes</li><li>How to plan out a fluid business budget that allows you to adjust and react to what life is throwing at your business</li><li>The huge financial consequences of choosing the wrong bookkeeper or accountant — and how to pick the right one&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:43&nbsp; Introducing Emily Milling</li><li>03:21&nbsp; The Ultimate Creative story</li><li>05:47&nbsp; The importance of community</li><li>07:30&nbsp; Entrepreneurship challenges</li><li>08:59&nbsp; Navigating the tax maze</li><li>12:26&nbsp; Building your financial skill set &amp; budget</li><li>15:08&nbsp; Choosing the right bookkeeper or accountant</li><li>19:00&nbsp; Creating &amp; following a business budget</li><li>23:02&nbsp; Tax planning</li><li>25:19&nbsp; Letting go of limiting beliefs</li><li>27:57&nbsp; Financial literacy builds confidence</li><li>30:03&nbsp; Future planning</li><li>31:38&nbsp; Emily’s final takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://theultimatecreative.com/">Work with The Ultimate Creative</a></p><p>https://theultimatecreative.com</p><p>Instagram: @the_ultimatecreative &nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast">Ultimate Podcast Marketing podcast</a></p><p>https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast</p><p><a href="https://bigchickenergysketch.com/">Big Chick Energy</a></p><p>https://bigchickenergysketch.com</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/cfo-live-webinar">Free training sign up page</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you’re an entrepreneur, financial literacy is everything. The difference between figuring it out as you go and working from a place of knowledge and support is like night and day.</p><p>My guest for this episode, Emily Milling, knows that all too well.&nbsp;</p><p>Emily’s podcast production agency, The Ultimate Creative, helps entrepreneurs launch amazing, professional podcasts that support their business goals. Without her, you wouldn’t be listening to Think Like a CFO!</p><p>But Emily isn’t just my podcast producer, she’s also my client.&nbsp;</p><p>Emily’s entrepreneurial journey has taken her from solo entrepreneur to incorporation to partnership to running her business alone again. Along the way, she had to learn how to navigate the tricky and often confusing corporate tax system, dissolve a business partnership, and deal with surprise tax bills.</p><p>When I started working with Emily, she felt unsure about her finances and was held back by limiting beliefs about her capability. Since then, Emily has upgraded her financial literacy and learned how to organize a fluid budget that lets her tweak her promotions and offerings in real time in order to keep her revenue in line with her needs and goals.</p><p>This episode is an honest and heartfelt look at the challenges of entrepreneurship — and we touch on a number of very important financial topics along the way, including hiring the right financial professionals, how to build a flexible budget, and the importance of long-term planning.</p><p>“If you want your business to be successful, if you’re really dedicated to it and you want to make it happen, you really need to be in the trenches with your money and figuring this stuff out.”</p><p>— Emily Milling</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>The unique challenges of entrepreneurship, from incorporation to taxes</li><li>How to plan out a fluid business budget that allows you to adjust and react to what life is throwing at your business</li><li>The huge financial consequences of choosing the wrong bookkeeper or accountant — and how to pick the right one&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:43&nbsp; Introducing Emily Milling</li><li>03:21&nbsp; The Ultimate Creative story</li><li>05:47&nbsp; The importance of community</li><li>07:30&nbsp; Entrepreneurship challenges</li><li>08:59&nbsp; Navigating the tax maze</li><li>12:26&nbsp; Building your financial skill set &amp; budget</li><li>15:08&nbsp; Choosing the right bookkeeper or accountant</li><li>19:00&nbsp; Creating &amp; following a business budget</li><li>23:02&nbsp; Tax planning</li><li>25:19&nbsp; Letting go of limiting beliefs</li><li>27:57&nbsp; Financial literacy builds confidence</li><li>30:03&nbsp; Future planning</li><li>31:38&nbsp; Emily’s final takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://theultimatecreative.com/">Work with The Ultimate Creative</a></p><p>https://theultimatecreative.com</p><p>Instagram: @the_ultimatecreative &nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast">Ultimate Podcast Marketing podcast</a></p><p>https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast</p><p><a href="https://bigchickenergysketch.com/">Big Chick Energy</a></p><p>https://bigchickenergysketch.com</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/cfo-live-webinar">Free training sign up page</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Emily Milling</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>When you’re an entrepreneur, financial literacy is everything. The difference between figuring it out as you go and working from a place of knowledge and support is like night and day. My guest for this episode, Emily Milling, knows that all too well.  Emily’s podcast production agency, The Ultimate Creative, helps entrepreneurs launch amazing, professional podcasts that support their business goals. Without her, you wouldn’t be listening to Think Like a CFO!</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2119</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Building A 7-Figure Business</itunes:title>
    <title>Building A 7-Figure Business</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“I really believe in building those strong relationships with other women … to help each other achieve their goals. There’s enough room for everyone at the top.”</em></p><p><em>— Melissa Houston</em></p><p>2020 may just be the year of the female entrepreneur.</p><p>2020’s recession has hit women harder, with 55% of job losses found in sectors with largely female workforces, including travel, education, health services, and retail. Women are also being hired less during the pandemic, with hiring rates dropping from 47% to 45%.</p><p>Women learning that they need to build their own financial safety nets.</p><p>Entrepreneurship comes with a lot of bonuses — you can create your own schedule and advance your career at your own pace, rather than waiting for others to recognize your talent and promote you.&nbsp;</p><p>But it can also be demanding and come with its own unique challenges — many of them emotional.</p><p>The truth is that many entrepreneurs jump into business without considering their limiting beliefs, and these limiting beliefs can drastically affect the level of success that you will reach in your business.</p><p>While women in business do face a number of major challenges, including limited access to funding, balancing work and domestic demands, fear of failure, lack of support system and mentors, a lack of confidence, they’re also likely to fall victim to a number of money mindset issues.</p><p>Women are more likely to believe that they’re “charging too much” or that they are not worth their fees. They’re more likely to believe that making money should be hard. They’re more likely to self-sabotage or feel guilty about making more than their friends, family, or partners.</p><p>Business ownership doesn’t need to be this hard!&nbsp;</p><p>The key is recognizing the mindset issues that are affecting you, overcoming them, and letting yourself experience the success that you deserve!</p><p><em>“No one person can achieve success on their own. It takes the help of others. So, ask for that help.”</em></p><p><em>— Melissa Houston</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Three money mindset issues that you must work through in order to reach your full potential as an entrepreneur</li><li>The unique financial, logistical, and emotional challenges that female entrepreneurs face&nbsp;</li><li><b>The top two skills to invest in when you’re starting a business (or looking to grow)</b></li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:44&nbsp; Happy New Year (let’s hope!)</li><li>01:56&nbsp; 7-figure v. 6-figure</li><li>03:12&nbsp; The limiting thoughts holding you back</li><li>05:05&nbsp; Support is necessary</li><li>06:14&nbsp; Female work and recession statistics</li><li>10:10&nbsp; Why go into business for yourself?</li><li>11:40&nbsp; Money mindset issues</li><li>17:30&nbsp; Major challenges women in business face</li><li>20:26&nbsp; Never fear failure</li><li>22:28&nbsp; Build your support system</li><li>25:13&nbsp; Confidence!</li><li>28:22 The top two skills to invest in</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/mm-cfo-long-form-sales-page">The CFO Money Method Membership Program</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“I really believe in building those strong relationships with other women … to help each other achieve their goals. There’s enough room for everyone at the top.”</em></p><p><em>— Melissa Houston</em></p><p>2020 may just be the year of the female entrepreneur.</p><p>2020’s recession has hit women harder, with 55% of job losses found in sectors with largely female workforces, including travel, education, health services, and retail. Women are also being hired less during the pandemic, with hiring rates dropping from 47% to 45%.</p><p>Women learning that they need to build their own financial safety nets.</p><p>Entrepreneurship comes with a lot of bonuses — you can create your own schedule and advance your career at your own pace, rather than waiting for others to recognize your talent and promote you.&nbsp;</p><p>But it can also be demanding and come with its own unique challenges — many of them emotional.</p><p>The truth is that many entrepreneurs jump into business without considering their limiting beliefs, and these limiting beliefs can drastically affect the level of success that you will reach in your business.</p><p>While women in business do face a number of major challenges, including limited access to funding, balancing work and domestic demands, fear of failure, lack of support system and mentors, a lack of confidence, they’re also likely to fall victim to a number of money mindset issues.</p><p>Women are more likely to believe that they’re “charging too much” or that they are not worth their fees. They’re more likely to believe that making money should be hard. They’re more likely to self-sabotage or feel guilty about making more than their friends, family, or partners.</p><p>Business ownership doesn’t need to be this hard!&nbsp;</p><p>The key is recognizing the mindset issues that are affecting you, overcoming them, and letting yourself experience the success that you deserve!</p><p><em>“No one person can achieve success on their own. It takes the help of others. So, ask for that help.”</em></p><p><em>— Melissa Houston</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Three money mindset issues that you must work through in order to reach your full potential as an entrepreneur</li><li>The unique financial, logistical, and emotional challenges that female entrepreneurs face&nbsp;</li><li><b>The top two skills to invest in when you’re starting a business (or looking to grow)</b></li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:44&nbsp; Happy New Year (let’s hope!)</li><li>01:56&nbsp; 7-figure v. 6-figure</li><li>03:12&nbsp; The limiting thoughts holding you back</li><li>05:05&nbsp; Support is necessary</li><li>06:14&nbsp; Female work and recession statistics</li><li>10:10&nbsp; Why go into business for yourself?</li><li>11:40&nbsp; Money mindset issues</li><li>17:30&nbsp; Major challenges women in business face</li><li>20:26&nbsp; Never fear failure</li><li>22:28&nbsp; Build your support system</li><li>25:13&nbsp; Confidence!</li><li>28:22 The top two skills to invest in</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/mm-cfo-long-form-sales-page">The CFO Money Method Membership Program</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>“I really believe in building those strong relationships with other women … to help each other achieve their goals. There’s enough room for everyone at the top.”— Melissa Houston2020 may just be the year of the female entrepreneur.2020’s recession has...</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>3 Questions To Feel True Abundance </itunes:title>
    <title>3 Questions To Feel True Abundance </title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“They’re often linked together, pain in our body and pain in our life.”</em></p><p><em>— Janis Isaman</em></p><p>How you work impacts not only your business, but your health. Are you focusing on the right things?</p><p>My guest, Janis Isaman, is the founder of My Body Couture, a one-on-one private studio where she offers customized movement and nutrition coaching. Certified in both business and nutrition, Janis has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Prevention, and Women’s Health.</p><p>As an entrepreneur and solo parent, Janis has a wealth of knowledge to share about assessing risks, managing burnout, and prioritizing what really matters.</p><p>Janis’s earliest entrepreneurial lessons came from her parents, who were farmers. In addition to modelling hard work and dedication, they taught her to always lay a foundation of savings to use for years when the metaphorical (or literal) crop is hailed out. She also learned to invest in herself, and has done so through her many trainings and certifications.&nbsp;</p><p>And some of her most challenging lessons have come from her position as a lone parent who is also an entrepreneur.&nbsp;</p><p>Managing burnout is a key consideration — something that Janis has learned firsthand. Burnout is mental <em>and</em> physical, and can take you out of the game completely if you ignore it for too long. “It’s easier to stop for three weeks than it is to have to recover for three years,” Janis advises.</p><p>Her most fruitful lesson, and the one she’s most excited to share, is the importance of prioritization. Janis’s incredible ‘abundance audit’ exercise has helped her to pare down the things in her life that offer zero or negative value, and focus instead on maximizing emotional return.</p><p>Listen to the episode and learn how to perform your own abundance audit!</p><p><em>“The things that you really, really want typically have more value to you than they cost. The things that you really don’t care about often cost more than you value them.”</em></p><p><em>— Janis Isaman</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Why burnout can have a serious impact on your business (and body)</li><li>How to perform an ‘abundance audit’ on your life</li><li>Why it is so vital to invest in yourself&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:45&nbsp; Introducing Janis Isaman</li><li>02:58&nbsp; Money, stress, and psychosomatic pain</li><li>05:28&nbsp; Taking a leap of faith</li><li>08:53&nbsp; What we learn in childhood</li><li>12:30&nbsp; Always lay a foundation of savings</li><li>14:13&nbsp; Facing challenges</li><li>15:52&nbsp; Burnout is a business killer</li><li>18:32&nbsp; The ‘abundance audit’</li><li>23:00&nbsp; Your top three valuable expenses</li><li>27:13&nbsp; The abundance calculation</li><li>28:49&nbsp; Misperceptions of single parenthood</li><li>32:58&nbsp; Janis’s biggest takeaways&nbsp;</li><li>35:19&nbsp; Find Janis</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.mybodycouture.com/">My Body Couture</a></p><p><a href="https://www.mybodycouture.com/">https://www.mybodycouture.com/</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“They’re often linked together, pain in our body and pain in our life.”</em></p><p><em>— Janis Isaman</em></p><p>How you work impacts not only your business, but your health. Are you focusing on the right things?</p><p>My guest, Janis Isaman, is the founder of My Body Couture, a one-on-one private studio where she offers customized movement and nutrition coaching. Certified in both business and nutrition, Janis has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Prevention, and Women’s Health.</p><p>As an entrepreneur and solo parent, Janis has a wealth of knowledge to share about assessing risks, managing burnout, and prioritizing what really matters.</p><p>Janis’s earliest entrepreneurial lessons came from her parents, who were farmers. In addition to modelling hard work and dedication, they taught her to always lay a foundation of savings to use for years when the metaphorical (or literal) crop is hailed out. She also learned to invest in herself, and has done so through her many trainings and certifications.&nbsp;</p><p>And some of her most challenging lessons have come from her position as a lone parent who is also an entrepreneur.&nbsp;</p><p>Managing burnout is a key consideration — something that Janis has learned firsthand. Burnout is mental <em>and</em> physical, and can take you out of the game completely if you ignore it for too long. “It’s easier to stop for three weeks than it is to have to recover for three years,” Janis advises.</p><p>Her most fruitful lesson, and the one she’s most excited to share, is the importance of prioritization. Janis’s incredible ‘abundance audit’ exercise has helped her to pare down the things in her life that offer zero or negative value, and focus instead on maximizing emotional return.</p><p>Listen to the episode and learn how to perform your own abundance audit!</p><p><em>“The things that you really, really want typically have more value to you than they cost. The things that you really don’t care about often cost more than you value them.”</em></p><p><em>— Janis Isaman</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Why burnout can have a serious impact on your business (and body)</li><li>How to perform an ‘abundance audit’ on your life</li><li>Why it is so vital to invest in yourself&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:45&nbsp; Introducing Janis Isaman</li><li>02:58&nbsp; Money, stress, and psychosomatic pain</li><li>05:28&nbsp; Taking a leap of faith</li><li>08:53&nbsp; What we learn in childhood</li><li>12:30&nbsp; Always lay a foundation of savings</li><li>14:13&nbsp; Facing challenges</li><li>15:52&nbsp; Burnout is a business killer</li><li>18:32&nbsp; The ‘abundance audit’</li><li>23:00&nbsp; Your top three valuable expenses</li><li>27:13&nbsp; The abundance calculation</li><li>28:49&nbsp; Misperceptions of single parenthood</li><li>32:58&nbsp; Janis’s biggest takeaways&nbsp;</li><li>35:19&nbsp; Find Janis</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.mybodycouture.com/">My Body Couture</a></p><p><a href="https://www.mybodycouture.com/">https://www.mybodycouture.com/</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Janis Isaman</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>How you work impacts not only your business, but your health. Are you focusing on the right things? My guest, Janis Isaman, is the founder of My Body Couture, a one-on-one private studio where she offers customized movement and nutrition coaching. Certified in both business and nutrition, Janis has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Prevention, and Women’s Health.</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2288</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Are You Making These Big Business Mistakes?</itunes:title>
    <title>Are You Making These Big Business Mistakes?</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“Having money management skills can be — and is — empowering.” &nbsp;<br>- Melissa Houston</em></p><p>Are you making one of the top five major money mistakes in your business?</p><p>It can be easy to make money management missteps, as many entrepreneurs — even the most passionate or seemingly successful — often have not learned the basics of business money management. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and it’s easy to fix.</p><p>Even the most skilled and educated professional can feel like a failure if they don’t understand their numbers — after all, knowing how to expertly serve your clients is an entirely different skill set from being able to understand and manage your finances!</p><p>We all make mistakes, but they can offer us some of the best opportunities for growth.</p><p>While working with my clients, I’ve pinpointed a number of common mistakes made by business owners that can completely drain their profitability... regardless of how many sales they make.</p><p><b>MISTAKE #1: Not Tracking Your Revenue and Expenses</b></p><p>If you aren’t keeping a close eye on these numbers, then you have no idea whether your business is actually profitable. Revenue alone doesn’t tell that story — your revenue minus your expenses equals your profit. When you ignore your numbers, you put your business at risk — you need to identify problems and create solutions.</p><p><b>MISTAKE #2: Allowing Money Leaks</b></p><p>Once you’ve identified all of your expenses, look for the money leaks that are draining your business of cash without providing value or ROI. Plugging money leaks can save you hundreds, thousands, or even more per year.</p><p>Want to learn the rest of the five major money mistakes — and how to remedy them? Listen to the episode!</p><p><em>“When you build a confident relationship with money and you feel like you are unstoppable, like you can do anything in your business… now that is a feeling to strive for.”&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>- Melissa Houston</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Five major money mistakes to avoid in your business&nbsp;</li><li>The very best time to apply for financing from your bank&nbsp;</li><li>Three different types of metrics that you should be tracking on a regular basis</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:43&nbsp; We all make mistakes — but it’s okay</li><li>02:02&nbsp; We can all be financial badasses</li><li>04:30&nbsp; Your business finances are key</li><li>05:10&nbsp; Case study: Kate</li><li>07:24&nbsp; How do you know if you’re profitable?</li><li>09:27&nbsp; Expense management</li><li>10:38&nbsp; Never run out of cash!</li><li>12:07&nbsp; Stay loan-friendly</li><li>13:13&nbsp; Financially-uninformed decisions</li><li>16:26&nbsp; Two courses to get you on the road to financial mastery</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“Having money management skills can be — and is — empowering.” &nbsp;<br>- Melissa Houston</em></p><p>Are you making one of the top five major money mistakes in your business?</p><p>It can be easy to make money management missteps, as many entrepreneurs — even the most passionate or seemingly successful — often have not learned the basics of business money management. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and it’s easy to fix.</p><p>Even the most skilled and educated professional can feel like a failure if they don’t understand their numbers — after all, knowing how to expertly serve your clients is an entirely different skill set from being able to understand and manage your finances!</p><p>We all make mistakes, but they can offer us some of the best opportunities for growth.</p><p>While working with my clients, I’ve pinpointed a number of common mistakes made by business owners that can completely drain their profitability... regardless of how many sales they make.</p><p><b>MISTAKE #1: Not Tracking Your Revenue and Expenses</b></p><p>If you aren’t keeping a close eye on these numbers, then you have no idea whether your business is actually profitable. Revenue alone doesn’t tell that story — your revenue minus your expenses equals your profit. When you ignore your numbers, you put your business at risk — you need to identify problems and create solutions.</p><p><b>MISTAKE #2: Allowing Money Leaks</b></p><p>Once you’ve identified all of your expenses, look for the money leaks that are draining your business of cash without providing value or ROI. Plugging money leaks can save you hundreds, thousands, or even more per year.</p><p>Want to learn the rest of the five major money mistakes — and how to remedy them? Listen to the episode!</p><p><em>“When you build a confident relationship with money and you feel like you are unstoppable, like you can do anything in your business… now that is a feeling to strive for.”&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>- Melissa Houston</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Five major money mistakes to avoid in your business&nbsp;</li><li>The very best time to apply for financing from your bank&nbsp;</li><li>Three different types of metrics that you should be tracking on a regular basis</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:43&nbsp; We all make mistakes — but it’s okay</li><li>02:02&nbsp; We can all be financial badasses</li><li>04:30&nbsp; Your business finances are key</li><li>05:10&nbsp; Case study: Kate</li><li>07:24&nbsp; How do you know if you’re profitable?</li><li>09:27&nbsp; Expense management</li><li>10:38&nbsp; Never run out of cash!</li><li>12:07&nbsp; Stay loan-friendly</li><li>13:13&nbsp; Financially-uninformed decisions</li><li>16:26&nbsp; Two courses to get you on the road to financial mastery</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Are you making one of the top five major money mistakes in your business? It can be easy to make money management missteps, as many entrepreneurs — even the most passionate or seemingly successful — often have not learned the basics of business money management. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and it’s easy to fix. Even the most skilled and educated professional can feel like a failure if they don’t understand their numbers — after all, knowing how to expertly serve your clients is an entirely different skill set from being able to understand and manage your finances!</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>How Giving Can Grow Your Business</itunes:title>
    <title>How Giving Can Grow Your Business</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The holiday season in 2020 is a little different. Fewer parties, smaller gatherings, less extravagant gifts… but the season of giving more important than ever.</p><p>As we reflect on the true meaning of the holidays, I urge you, as a business owner, to think about charitable giving. In addition to being the right thing to do, there are a surprising number of tangible and intangible benefits that come along with supporting your community.</p><p>The act of giving benefits not only the recipient, but the giver as well — giving grants us a feeling of connectedness and the satisfaction of trying to make the world a better place (or at least one small corner). But this warm and fuzzy feeling is only the tip of the iceberg.&nbsp;</p><p>Charities and nonprofits often publicize donations given by businesses on their websites and in published literature, serving as incredibly good publicity. Supporting the volunteer groups and nonprofits working for good in your community will help to raise your profile and build a larger customer base, as many people (including myself) choose to support businesses that make an effort to give back.</p><p>If your profit margins are slim but you still want to support your community, volunteering at events is a great way to network with complementary businesses and community leaders, as well as meet potential customers. This is just one of the many non-monetary options that I share in this episode!</p><p>As a successful member of your community, you have the resources to help the less fortunate. And this extends beyond the holiday season. Consistent giving keeps your business at the forefront of community consciousness, continuously building goodwill and loyalty.&nbsp;</p><p>And there is no better time to start than now!</p><p><em>“Chances are, you’ve been given gifts, opportunities, and help along the way. I encourage you to pay it forward.”</em></p><p><em>— Melissa Houston</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>The tangible and intangible benefits to charitable giving (both financial and personal)</li><li>The countless ways that you can support your community without impacting your bottom line&nbsp;</li><li>Six important reasons for your business to give back often and generously</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:46&nbsp; Gratitude</li><li>02:19&nbsp; The season of giving in 2020</li><li>03:40&nbsp; Why give back as a business?</li><li>06:50&nbsp; Beyond writing a cheque</li><li>09:40&nbsp; How giving benefits you</li><li>12:17&nbsp; Six reasons to give back</li><li>19:10&nbsp; Spread the love</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The holiday season in 2020 is a little different. Fewer parties, smaller gatherings, less extravagant gifts… but the season of giving more important than ever.</p><p>As we reflect on the true meaning of the holidays, I urge you, as a business owner, to think about charitable giving. In addition to being the right thing to do, there are a surprising number of tangible and intangible benefits that come along with supporting your community.</p><p>The act of giving benefits not only the recipient, but the giver as well — giving grants us a feeling of connectedness and the satisfaction of trying to make the world a better place (or at least one small corner). But this warm and fuzzy feeling is only the tip of the iceberg.&nbsp;</p><p>Charities and nonprofits often publicize donations given by businesses on their websites and in published literature, serving as incredibly good publicity. Supporting the volunteer groups and nonprofits working for good in your community will help to raise your profile and build a larger customer base, as many people (including myself) choose to support businesses that make an effort to give back.</p><p>If your profit margins are slim but you still want to support your community, volunteering at events is a great way to network with complementary businesses and community leaders, as well as meet potential customers. This is just one of the many non-monetary options that I share in this episode!</p><p>As a successful member of your community, you have the resources to help the less fortunate. And this extends beyond the holiday season. Consistent giving keeps your business at the forefront of community consciousness, continuously building goodwill and loyalty.&nbsp;</p><p>And there is no better time to start than now!</p><p><em>“Chances are, you’ve been given gifts, opportunities, and help along the way. I encourage you to pay it forward.”</em></p><p><em>— Melissa Houston</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>The tangible and intangible benefits to charitable giving (both financial and personal)</li><li>The countless ways that you can support your community without impacting your bottom line&nbsp;</li><li>Six important reasons for your business to give back often and generously</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:46&nbsp; Gratitude</li><li>02:19&nbsp; The season of giving in 2020</li><li>03:40&nbsp; Why give back as a business?</li><li>06:50&nbsp; Beyond writing a cheque</li><li>09:40&nbsp; How giving benefits you</li><li>12:17&nbsp; Six reasons to give back</li><li>19:10&nbsp; Spread the love</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>The holiday season in 2020 is a little different. Fewer parties, smaller gatherings, less extravagant gifts… but the season of giving more important than ever. As we reflect on the true meaning of the holidays, I urge you, as a business owner, to think about charitable giving. In addition to being the right thing to do, there are a surprising number of tangible and intangible benefits that come along with supporting your community.</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Money and Minimalism</itunes:title>
    <title>Money and Minimalism</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“I take care of our finances so, at that moment, it just felt like it was all on me. Like I had let my family down.”</em> - Anik Tracy</p><p>To downsize or not to downsize?</p><p>This question may not be what Shakespeare had in mind, but it’s a question that is on the minds of many people during this current economic moment, from up-and-coming professionals to families to older retirees. And it’s a question that my guest for this episode, Anik Tracy, has recently answered for herself — to great success. Anik and her husband, Justin, recently sold their house, stripped away their debt, and moved into a smaller space with their two beautiful teenage boys. The family is now living life on their own terms, free of stressful debt.</p><p>It worked for them, but will it work for you?</p><p>Anik and her husband followed the conventional route of home ownership, moving from a townhouse to a single home to a larger property in a more affluent area (complete with necessary renovations and remodels), but discovered that this path caused them some financial difficulties. “When we were in our 30s, we thought we had all the time in the world to pay this mortgage off,” Anik explains. “But then when you get in your 40s, the amortization period no longer coincides with when you plan on retiring, so that gives you pause.”</p><p>While many people experience these exact same issues, embarrassment and shame causes them to avoid talking openly about it and getting the advice they need in order to climb out of their debt and build more satisfying and sustainable lives.</p><p>So, today, we are going to talk about it!</p><p><em>“You’re not alone with your debt levels.” </em>- Melissa Houston</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>How to recognize when your current home is no longer serving you financially</li><li>Why pride and other people’s opinions should NOT play a role in your financial decisions and the freedom of no longer caring</li><li>The #1 sneaky trick that banks play on you when you apply for a mortgage — and how to avoid falling for it</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:44&nbsp; Introducing Anik Tracy</li><li>03:47&nbsp; Anik’s home ownership journey and its downside</li><li>05:22&nbsp; Financing pitfalls and frugal triumphs</li><li>07:17&nbsp; Self-improvement book recommendations</li><li>08:10&nbsp; The warning signs that your home may be hurting you financially</li><li>09:27&nbsp; Is refinancing (again) the right call? Or is there another way?</li><li>12:46&nbsp; “If you keep doing what you’re doing, where will you be in five years?”</li><li>13:31&nbsp; Don’t let the opinions of others influence your financial decisions</li><li>14:48&nbsp; The freedom of minimalism</li><li>20:24&nbsp; How to choose a better mortgage</li><li>22:18&nbsp; How it feels on the other side of downsizing</li><li>25:59&nbsp; Anik’s #1 takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“I take care of our finances so, at that moment, it just felt like it was all on me. Like I had let my family down.”</em> - Anik Tracy</p><p>To downsize or not to downsize?</p><p>This question may not be what Shakespeare had in mind, but it’s a question that is on the minds of many people during this current economic moment, from up-and-coming professionals to families to older retirees. And it’s a question that my guest for this episode, Anik Tracy, has recently answered for herself — to great success. Anik and her husband, Justin, recently sold their house, stripped away their debt, and moved into a smaller space with their two beautiful teenage boys. The family is now living life on their own terms, free of stressful debt.</p><p>It worked for them, but will it work for you?</p><p>Anik and her husband followed the conventional route of home ownership, moving from a townhouse to a single home to a larger property in a more affluent area (complete with necessary renovations and remodels), but discovered that this path caused them some financial difficulties. “When we were in our 30s, we thought we had all the time in the world to pay this mortgage off,” Anik explains. “But then when you get in your 40s, the amortization period no longer coincides with when you plan on retiring, so that gives you pause.”</p><p>While many people experience these exact same issues, embarrassment and shame causes them to avoid talking openly about it and getting the advice they need in order to climb out of their debt and build more satisfying and sustainable lives.</p><p>So, today, we are going to talk about it!</p><p><em>“You’re not alone with your debt levels.” </em>- Melissa Houston</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>How to recognize when your current home is no longer serving you financially</li><li>Why pride and other people’s opinions should NOT play a role in your financial decisions and the freedom of no longer caring</li><li>The #1 sneaky trick that banks play on you when you apply for a mortgage — and how to avoid falling for it</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:44&nbsp; Introducing Anik Tracy</li><li>03:47&nbsp; Anik’s home ownership journey and its downside</li><li>05:22&nbsp; Financing pitfalls and frugal triumphs</li><li>07:17&nbsp; Self-improvement book recommendations</li><li>08:10&nbsp; The warning signs that your home may be hurting you financially</li><li>09:27&nbsp; Is refinancing (again) the right call? Or is there another way?</li><li>12:46&nbsp; “If you keep doing what you’re doing, where will you be in five years?”</li><li>13:31&nbsp; Don’t let the opinions of others influence your financial decisions</li><li>14:48&nbsp; The freedom of minimalism</li><li>20:24&nbsp; How to choose a better mortgage</li><li>22:18&nbsp; How it feels on the other side of downsizing</li><li>25:59&nbsp; Anik’s #1 takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Anik Tracey</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>To downsize or not to downsize? This question may not be what Shakespeare had in mind, but it’s a question that is on the minds of many people during this current economic moment, from up-and-coming professionals to families to older retirees. And it’s a question that my guest for this episode, Anik Tracy, has recently answered for herself — to great success. </itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>1923</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Downsizing, money management, personal finance, financial freedom, debt, debt management</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Building Wealth, Not Riches</itunes:title>
    <title>Building Wealth, Not Riches</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“Money management is the key to building your wealth.” </em>- Melissa Houston</p><p>What is wealth?</p><p>Wealth is an abstract concept that holds different meanings for different people.</p><p>The dictionary calls it “an abundance of valuable possessions or money.” Some people say that while rich people have money, a wealthy person’s money is sustainable. It’s also been defined as “the ability to survive a certain number of days forward.”</p><p>People have a lot of ideas about what wealth means! And while I value intangible wealth — being rich in things such as gratitude, love, friendship, happiness — I want to help you grow and nurture your monetary wealth, so that you can focus on those intangible riches without having to worry about your bank balance and budget.</p><p>Wealth is about more than just your salary or bonuses or the value of your home. It’s in how you manage your money — and how you spend it. You can’t judge a person’s level of wealth based on the number of shiny, luxury possessions they own, or even their yearly income. There are many things that will affect your ‘real’ level of wealth, including lifestyle inflation or creep, poor investments, your level of debt, your expenses, and wealth showmanship.</p><p>Millionaires like to own assets, not debt. And this podcast episode is all about getting into that millionaire mindset!</p><p><em>“The most surprising millionaires are the ones who don’t have a lot of flashy purchases and don’t look the part of being wealthy. Because what they’ve done is invested their money and gotten their money to work for them.”</em> - Melissa Houston</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>What a big salary bump really means pay period to pay period — and how quickly you can negate it without realizing</li><li>The formula to calculate your personal total net worth — and two reasons to figure it out today&nbsp;</li><li>The top pitfalls that people fall into when they start making more money and how to avoid them</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>01:00&nbsp; What does ‘wealth’ mean?&nbsp;</li><li>03:35&nbsp; We find our strength and story in hard challenges</li><li>04:48&nbsp; Money alone doesn’t change who you are</li><li>06:00&nbsp; You got a big raise — now what?</li><li>10:02&nbsp; Money management determines your wealth</li><li>11:02&nbsp; How to calculate your personal net worth</li><li>12:08&nbsp; Why the showmanship of wealth doesn’t matter</li><li>14:25&nbsp; Cultivate your millionaire mindset</li><li>16:43&nbsp; Two very good reasons to know your personal net worth</li><li>17:00&nbsp; 4 motivating factors to get you started!</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.debt.org/">Debt.org</a><br>https://www.debt.org/</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“Money management is the key to building your wealth.” </em>- Melissa Houston</p><p>What is wealth?</p><p>Wealth is an abstract concept that holds different meanings for different people.</p><p>The dictionary calls it “an abundance of valuable possessions or money.” Some people say that while rich people have money, a wealthy person’s money is sustainable. It’s also been defined as “the ability to survive a certain number of days forward.”</p><p>People have a lot of ideas about what wealth means! And while I value intangible wealth — being rich in things such as gratitude, love, friendship, happiness — I want to help you grow and nurture your monetary wealth, so that you can focus on those intangible riches without having to worry about your bank balance and budget.</p><p>Wealth is about more than just your salary or bonuses or the value of your home. It’s in how you manage your money — and how you spend it. You can’t judge a person’s level of wealth based on the number of shiny, luxury possessions they own, or even their yearly income. There are many things that will affect your ‘real’ level of wealth, including lifestyle inflation or creep, poor investments, your level of debt, your expenses, and wealth showmanship.</p><p>Millionaires like to own assets, not debt. And this podcast episode is all about getting into that millionaire mindset!</p><p><em>“The most surprising millionaires are the ones who don’t have a lot of flashy purchases and don’t look the part of being wealthy. Because what they’ve done is invested their money and gotten their money to work for them.”</em> - Melissa Houston</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>What a big salary bump really means pay period to pay period — and how quickly you can negate it without realizing</li><li>The formula to calculate your personal total net worth — and two reasons to figure it out today&nbsp;</li><li>The top pitfalls that people fall into when they start making more money and how to avoid them</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>01:00&nbsp; What does ‘wealth’ mean?&nbsp;</li><li>03:35&nbsp; We find our strength and story in hard challenges</li><li>04:48&nbsp; Money alone doesn’t change who you are</li><li>06:00&nbsp; You got a big raise — now what?</li><li>10:02&nbsp; Money management determines your wealth</li><li>11:02&nbsp; How to calculate your personal net worth</li><li>12:08&nbsp; Why the showmanship of wealth doesn’t matter</li><li>14:25&nbsp; Cultivate your millionaire mindset</li><li>16:43&nbsp; Two very good reasons to know your personal net worth</li><li>17:00&nbsp; 4 motivating factors to get you started!</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.debt.org/">Debt.org</a><br>https://www.debt.org/</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>People have a lot of ideas about what wealth means! And while I value intangible wealth — being rich in things such as gratitude, love, friendship, happiness — I want to help you grow and nurture your monetary wealth, so that you can focus on those intangible riches without having to worry about your bank balance and budget.</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>1575</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Wealth, money management, entrepreneurship, CFO, business finances, business finance, wealth management</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:title>The Millennial Money Woman</itunes:title>
    <title>The Millennial Money Woman</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“Quite frankly, the world of finance is like a second language. I mean, I didn’t understand anything.”</em> - Fiona</p><p>Personal finance can be incredibly daunting, but understanding your numbers can yield amazing results. My guest for this episode is The Millennial Money Woman, also known as Fiona. She’s nurtured a passion for finance since her preteen years — while she knew that she loved the idea of money management, she didn’t quite have the grasp on it that she wanted, as financial literacy is something that we need to deliberately seek out in our society.&nbsp;</p><p>And seek it out she did!</p><p>After graduating with a Masters of Science in personal financial planning (as the only woman in her program), she is now the certified financial planner behind the The Millennial Money Woman website, dedicated to helping young professionals live abundant lives by making the right financial decisions now. She’s also the co-founder of a non-profit that teaches millennials financial literacy.</p><p>“Let’s be real here — money is really one of the few things that makes the world go round,” Fiona says. “If you really don’t know that much about money … there’s a problem! Because there’s so much more possibility and opportunity out there for you to make a better life!” Fiona is living proof — she bought her first house at the age of 23 and is on track to hit millionaire status in a few years. She wants her readers to achieve similar results, and I’m right there with her!</p><p>In this episode, she and I discuss the difference between earning wealth and managing it. You could have a $300,000/year income … and still be broke. As Fiona advises, “You earn wealth by retaining money, not by just earning it.” There are many ways to manage your money, and we break down a number of them through a hypothetical scenario involving a $1000 windfall. What would you do if you were handed $1000 right now? If you’re not sure, don’t worry. After this episode, you’ll have some fantastic ideas!</p><p><em>“If you’re not managing your money properly, you could be bringing in all the money in the world, but you could still be broke.” - </em>Melissa Houston</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>How to decide between saving and investing (based on your own personal situation)</li><li>Exactly what you can do with $1000 to maximize your return</li><li>Your primary options for investment, and the pros and cons of each — a great primer for beginners!</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:44&nbsp; Introducing Fiona</li><li>03:35&nbsp; The world of finance is male-dominated — but shouldn’t be!</li><li>04:51&nbsp; Managing money is as important as making it</li><li>06:10&nbsp; You must go out of your way to become financially literate</li><li>07:11&nbsp; America v Canada: student loan debt</li><li>08:04&nbsp; Make finance fun with The Millennial Money Woman &nbsp;</li><li>10:39&nbsp; Personal finance is personal, so understand your scenario</li><li>11:06&nbsp; What should YOU do with $1000?&nbsp;</li><li>13:04&nbsp; Your savings fund rule of thumb</li><li>15:11&nbsp; Two ways to invest</li><li>20:10&nbsp; The joys of index funds</li><li>24:20&nbsp; The ‘Set It &amp; Forget It’ mindset</li><li>26:27&nbsp; Become a millionaire on less than $10 a day</li><li>31:20&nbsp; Fiona’s #1 takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://themillennialmoneywoman.com/">The Millennial Money Woman</a><br>https://themillennialmoneywoman.com/</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncp]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“Quite frankly, the world of finance is like a second language. I mean, I didn’t understand anything.”</em> - Fiona</p><p>Personal finance can be incredibly daunting, but understanding your numbers can yield amazing results. My guest for this episode is The Millennial Money Woman, also known as Fiona. She’s nurtured a passion for finance since her preteen years — while she knew that she loved the idea of money management, she didn’t quite have the grasp on it that she wanted, as financial literacy is something that we need to deliberately seek out in our society.&nbsp;</p><p>And seek it out she did!</p><p>After graduating with a Masters of Science in personal financial planning (as the only woman in her program), she is now the certified financial planner behind the The Millennial Money Woman website, dedicated to helping young professionals live abundant lives by making the right financial decisions now. She’s also the co-founder of a non-profit that teaches millennials financial literacy.</p><p>“Let’s be real here — money is really one of the few things that makes the world go round,” Fiona says. “If you really don’t know that much about money … there’s a problem! Because there’s so much more possibility and opportunity out there for you to make a better life!” Fiona is living proof — she bought her first house at the age of 23 and is on track to hit millionaire status in a few years. She wants her readers to achieve similar results, and I’m right there with her!</p><p>In this episode, she and I discuss the difference between earning wealth and managing it. You could have a $300,000/year income … and still be broke. As Fiona advises, “You earn wealth by retaining money, not by just earning it.” There are many ways to manage your money, and we break down a number of them through a hypothetical scenario involving a $1000 windfall. What would you do if you were handed $1000 right now? If you’re not sure, don’t worry. After this episode, you’ll have some fantastic ideas!</p><p><em>“If you’re not managing your money properly, you could be bringing in all the money in the world, but you could still be broke.” - </em>Melissa Houston</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>How to decide between saving and investing (based on your own personal situation)</li><li>Exactly what you can do with $1000 to maximize your return</li><li>Your primary options for investment, and the pros and cons of each — a great primer for beginners!</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:44&nbsp; Introducing Fiona</li><li>03:35&nbsp; The world of finance is male-dominated — but shouldn’t be!</li><li>04:51&nbsp; Managing money is as important as making it</li><li>06:10&nbsp; You must go out of your way to become financially literate</li><li>07:11&nbsp; America v Canada: student loan debt</li><li>08:04&nbsp; Make finance fun with The Millennial Money Woman &nbsp;</li><li>10:39&nbsp; Personal finance is personal, so understand your scenario</li><li>11:06&nbsp; What should YOU do with $1000?&nbsp;</li><li>13:04&nbsp; Your savings fund rule of thumb</li><li>15:11&nbsp; Two ways to invest</li><li>20:10&nbsp; The joys of index funds</li><li>24:20&nbsp; The ‘Set It &amp; Forget It’ mindset</li><li>26:27&nbsp; Become a millionaire on less than $10 a day</li><li>31:20&nbsp; Fiona’s #1 takeaway</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://themillennialmoneywoman.com/">The Millennial Money Woman</a><br>https://themillennialmoneywoman.com/</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncp]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / The Millennial Money Woman</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Personal finance can be incredibly daunting, but understanding your numbers can yield amazing results. My guest for this episode is The Millennial Money Woman, also known as Fiona. She’s nurtured a passion for finance since her preteen years — while she knew that she loved the idea of money management, she didn’t quite have the grasp on it that she wanted, as financial literacy is something that we need to deliberately seek out in our society.  And seek it out she did!</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:keywords>Profit, Money, Making money, millennial money, the millennial money woman</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:title>From CFO to Glitter Gift Box Entrepreneur</itunes:title>
    <title>From CFO to Glitter Gift Box Entrepreneur</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><em>“We don’t know what works — we’re in a pandemic! Everything we thought we knew, doesn’t. And everything that didn’t work, now does.”</em>&nbsp;<br><br>- Sondra Diggs</p><p>As the pandemic economy trudges on, many businesses have been forced to rethink, reprioritize, and rework — but some have carved out space to thrive. My guest for this episode, Sondra Diggs, is a self-titled ‘girlfriend relationship advocate’ who has designed her business around the idea that female relationships are a powerful form of support that should be nurtured.&nbsp;</p><p>Sondra is the creator of Girlfriend Therapy in a Box and the CEO of Glitter Me This &amp; Co, a service that offers incredible curated boxes designed around themes such as ‘Bad Ass BFF’, ‘Breakup’, and ‘Beginnings’, and contain items such as sangria-infused marshmallows and witty keychains. A former corporate CFO and CPA with 25 years experience, she now devotes herself to helping Gen X women nurture their supportive female friendships through the struggles of navigating middle age — and now, also the struggle of our socially distanced times!</p><p>Injecting joyfulness and personality into the mundane is one of Sondra’s specialties, and one of the biggest reasons why her business has taken off. After redefining the corporate 9-5 image with her effervescence, she’s channelled her personality into her new brand, with great success.&nbsp;</p><p>As she says, her approach to life boils down to “more sparkles, less anxiety,” and this is an approach which resonates with her online audience.&nbsp;</p><p>Sondra deeply understands the importance of social media to modern businesses — and the challenges in growing an audience. “When you get into the social media world, it’s a different world,” she says. “It just doesn’t open up like that. It takes grinding and, more importantly, it takes consistency.”&nbsp;</p><p>Grab a pen and a notebook, you’ll want to jot down some of Sondra’s insights and apply them to your own social strategy!</p><p><em>“I kept saying to myself ‘When am I the happiest?’ … you know that question, ‘If it wasn’t for money, what would you do’? For me, it was ‘What would I do if I was the happiest?” <br><br></em>- Sondra Diggs</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>The importance of true passion and enthusiasm in developing your business plan</li><li>How the social media revolution has dramatically transformed the acts of both selling AND buying and what this means for your brand</li><li>How to create meaningful connections with your audience — and build amazing loyalty</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:46&nbsp; Introducing Sondra Diggs&nbsp;</li><li>02:42&nbsp; Why she created Girlfriend Therapy in a Box</li><li>05:39&nbsp; Know your target audience &amp; niche</li><li>06:29&nbsp; ‘Pivot’ is the theme of 2020!</li><li>07:00&nbsp; Surviving the start-up</li><li>08:52&nbsp; Adjust to grow in a Covid-19 world</li><li>13:05&nbsp; Attitude is everything!</li><li>16:55&nbsp; Build an empire from your passion!</li><li>21:11&nbsp; People buy your personality now, not just your product</li><li>22:55&nbsp; Sondra’s 2020 holiday surprises</li><li>27:46&nbsp; Sondra’s top financial lessons for start-ups</li><li>31:49&nbsp; Coupon code for Think Like a CFO listeners!</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.glittermethisco.com/"><b>Glitter Me This &amp; Co</b></a><b><br></b>https://www.glittermethisco.com/&nbsp;</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com"><b>https://www.melissahou]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>“We don’t know what works — we’re in a pandemic! Everything we thought we knew, doesn’t. And everything that didn’t work, now does.”</em>&nbsp;<br><br>- Sondra Diggs</p><p>As the pandemic economy trudges on, many businesses have been forced to rethink, reprioritize, and rework — but some have carved out space to thrive. My guest for this episode, Sondra Diggs, is a self-titled ‘girlfriend relationship advocate’ who has designed her business around the idea that female relationships are a powerful form of support that should be nurtured.&nbsp;</p><p>Sondra is the creator of Girlfriend Therapy in a Box and the CEO of Glitter Me This &amp; Co, a service that offers incredible curated boxes designed around themes such as ‘Bad Ass BFF’, ‘Breakup’, and ‘Beginnings’, and contain items such as sangria-infused marshmallows and witty keychains. A former corporate CFO and CPA with 25 years experience, she now devotes herself to helping Gen X women nurture their supportive female friendships through the struggles of navigating middle age — and now, also the struggle of our socially distanced times!</p><p>Injecting joyfulness and personality into the mundane is one of Sondra’s specialties, and one of the biggest reasons why her business has taken off. After redefining the corporate 9-5 image with her effervescence, she’s channelled her personality into her new brand, with great success.&nbsp;</p><p>As she says, her approach to life boils down to “more sparkles, less anxiety,” and this is an approach which resonates with her online audience.&nbsp;</p><p>Sondra deeply understands the importance of social media to modern businesses — and the challenges in growing an audience. “When you get into the social media world, it’s a different world,” she says. “It just doesn’t open up like that. It takes grinding and, more importantly, it takes consistency.”&nbsp;</p><p>Grab a pen and a notebook, you’ll want to jot down some of Sondra’s insights and apply them to your own social strategy!</p><p><em>“I kept saying to myself ‘When am I the happiest?’ … you know that question, ‘If it wasn’t for money, what would you do’? For me, it was ‘What would I do if I was the happiest?” <br><br></em>- Sondra Diggs</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>The importance of true passion and enthusiasm in developing your business plan</li><li>How the social media revolution has dramatically transformed the acts of both selling AND buying and what this means for your brand</li><li>How to create meaningful connections with your audience — and build amazing loyalty</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:46&nbsp; Introducing Sondra Diggs&nbsp;</li><li>02:42&nbsp; Why she created Girlfriend Therapy in a Box</li><li>05:39&nbsp; Know your target audience &amp; niche</li><li>06:29&nbsp; ‘Pivot’ is the theme of 2020!</li><li>07:00&nbsp; Surviving the start-up</li><li>08:52&nbsp; Adjust to grow in a Covid-19 world</li><li>13:05&nbsp; Attitude is everything!</li><li>16:55&nbsp; Build an empire from your passion!</li><li>21:11&nbsp; People buy your personality now, not just your product</li><li>22:55&nbsp; Sondra’s 2020 holiday surprises</li><li>27:46&nbsp; Sondra’s top financial lessons for start-ups</li><li>31:49&nbsp; Coupon code for Think Like a CFO listeners!</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.glittermethisco.com/"><b>Glitter Me This &amp; Co</b></a><b><br></b>https://www.glittermethisco.com/&nbsp;</p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com"><b>https://www.melissahou]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Sondra Diggs</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>As the pandemic economy trudges on, many businesses have been forced to rethink, reprioritize, and rework — but some have carved out space to thrive. My guest for this episode, Sandra Diggs, is a self-titled ‘girlfriend relationship advocate’ who has designed her business around the idea that female relationships are a powerful form of support that should be nurtured. </itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:title>Profitibility Is Why Your Business Is Here</itunes:title>
    <title>Profitibility Is Why Your Business Is Here</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>“If you are so far from your vision, it can be very overwhelming to think of something so big.”</p><p><em>- Maria Tan</em></p><p>When you’re heading out on a journey to an unknown place, one of the most important things you can have with you is a map. That’s no less true when you’re starting a business.</p><p><b>So, let’s work on your cartography skills.</b></p><p>My guest for this episode, Maria, Tan has been described as a ‘business coach for misfits’ who empowers non-conformists across the globe to create success tailored to their lifestyles. Prior to this, she worked as a cross-cultural business and communications consultant and has coached over 1000 professionals.</p><p>Maria is an expert in helping her clients create meaningful, practical, and <em>doable</em> business plans that are reverse-engineered from their life goals and divided into sensible stages that take the overwhelm out of growing your business. Her focus is on building sustainability, not just sales.</p><p>A big part of this segmented planning is making challenging decisions regarding your offering —  or offerings — at each stage. As Maria says, “Business is all about diversification. But in the beginning, you cannot have too many offers or else you will confuse yourself. Your energy will be split.” When should you develop your online course? Should you start with one-on-ones or group sessions? How many products can you handle selling right now? </p><p><b>Maria explains it all in this episode!</b></p><p>“You have to fall in love with what you’re offering… You might be confident with what you’re selling. But If you’re not certain of the results it’ll bring others, it will make you doubt yourself.”</p><p><em>- Maria Tan</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>How to create a practical and meaningful game plan for your business, based on your life goals</li><li>What you need to consider when developing each of your offerings — and when you would be better of waiting</li><li>Why ‘thinking big’ is so challenging for so many people — and the rewards of getting over that mindset</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:43  Introducing my guest, Maria Tan</li><li>02:21  Maria’s entrepreneurial journey</li><li>08:53  Start by selling to friends </li><li>09:36  Struggles, fears, and cultural impacts</li><li>12:01  Moving from in-person to online</li><li>14:21  Create sustainability, not just sales</li><li>15:00  Reverse-engineer your goals to come up with your big-picture business plan</li><li>17:55  Why aren’t we trained to think big?</li><li>18:52  You have your vision — what now?</li><li>24:28  Time to create your game plan</li><li>26:32  People don’t understand profit — and they should!</li><li>27:38  Choosing between offering a digital course or a one-on-one</li><li>32:01  The impact of having a real game plan for your business</li><li>34:11  Maria’s big takeaway  </li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href='http://maria-tan.com/ceo-quiz'>CEO Quiz</a></p><p><a href='http://maria-tan.com/ceo-quiz'>http://maria-tan.com/ceo-quiz</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href='https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap'>https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter <a href='https://twitter.com/melissahcpa'>@melissahcpa</a> and Pinterest <a href='https://www.pinterest.ca/melissahoustoncpacga/'>@melissahoustoncpacga</a> and visit my website: <a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>“If you are so far from your vision, it can be very overwhelming to think of something so big.”</p><p><em>- Maria Tan</em></p><p>When you’re heading out on a journey to an unknown place, one of the most important things you can have with you is a map. That’s no less true when you’re starting a business.</p><p><b>So, let’s work on your cartography skills.</b></p><p>My guest for this episode, Maria, Tan has been described as a ‘business coach for misfits’ who empowers non-conformists across the globe to create success tailored to their lifestyles. Prior to this, she worked as a cross-cultural business and communications consultant and has coached over 1000 professionals.</p><p>Maria is an expert in helping her clients create meaningful, practical, and <em>doable</em> business plans that are reverse-engineered from their life goals and divided into sensible stages that take the overwhelm out of growing your business. Her focus is on building sustainability, not just sales.</p><p>A big part of this segmented planning is making challenging decisions regarding your offering —  or offerings — at each stage. As Maria says, “Business is all about diversification. But in the beginning, you cannot have too many offers or else you will confuse yourself. Your energy will be split.” When should you develop your online course? Should you start with one-on-ones or group sessions? How many products can you handle selling right now? </p><p><b>Maria explains it all in this episode!</b></p><p>“You have to fall in love with what you’re offering… You might be confident with what you’re selling. But If you’re not certain of the results it’ll bring others, it will make you doubt yourself.”</p><p><em>- Maria Tan</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>How to create a practical and meaningful game plan for your business, based on your life goals</li><li>What you need to consider when developing each of your offerings — and when you would be better of waiting</li><li>Why ‘thinking big’ is so challenging for so many people — and the rewards of getting over that mindset</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:43  Introducing my guest, Maria Tan</li><li>02:21  Maria’s entrepreneurial journey</li><li>08:53  Start by selling to friends </li><li>09:36  Struggles, fears, and cultural impacts</li><li>12:01  Moving from in-person to online</li><li>14:21  Create sustainability, not just sales</li><li>15:00  Reverse-engineer your goals to come up with your big-picture business plan</li><li>17:55  Why aren’t we trained to think big?</li><li>18:52  You have your vision — what now?</li><li>24:28  Time to create your game plan</li><li>26:32  People don’t understand profit — and they should!</li><li>27:38  Choosing between offering a digital course or a one-on-one</li><li>32:01  The impact of having a real game plan for your business</li><li>34:11  Maria’s big takeaway  </li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href='http://maria-tan.com/ceo-quiz'>CEO Quiz</a></p><p><a href='http://maria-tan.com/ceo-quiz'>http://maria-tan.com/ceo-quiz</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href='https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap'>https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter <a href='https://twitter.com/melissahcpa'>@melissahcpa</a> and Pinterest <a href='https://www.pinterest.ca/melissahoustoncpacga/'>@melissahoustoncpacga</a> and visit my website: <a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Maria Tan</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>“If you are so far from your vision, it can be very overwhelming to think of something so big.”- Maria TanWhen you’re heading out on a journey to an unknown place, one of the most important things you can have with you is a map. That’s no less true when...</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:title>How To Outsource Your Business Finances (The Right Way)</itunes:title>
    <title>How To Outsource Your Business Finances (The Right Way)</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>“When you’re in business for yourself, if you know your numbers, you’re going to be a rock star!”</p><p><em>- Melissa Houston</em></p><p>I get it: numbers can be scary for a lot of people. While I love working with them, I can understand the reluctance to dig in. Many people fear that they aren’t “smart enough.”&nbsp;</p><p><b>I’m here to tell you: you </b><b><em>are</em></b><b>.</b></p><p>And it’s in your best interest to develop a deep understanding of your business numbers.</p><p>Knowing and understanding your numbers can be the difference between a sustainable, profitable business and a business that fails after three years. It can be the difference between successfully scaling up and spending yourself into bankruptcy. If you want to grow and scale, it’s crucial to understand and be comfortable with managing your finances. If you’re not looking to grow and don’t have the capacity to make more income than what you need, that’s okay, too — it’s still good to understand how your business is doing and be able to identify any potential issues.</p><p>I’m not asking you to handle all of the financial work yourself. Hiring a bookkeeper, an accountant, and a business coach can make a hugely positive impact on your bottom line. Working with an experienced bookkeeper will help you spend less on an accountant — it’s more expensive for your accountant to correct bad bookkeeping at year-end than it is to pay for a skilled bookkeeper!&nbsp;</p><p>But no bookkeeper will ever care as much about your business as you. That’s why it’s vital that business owners learn how to create, read, and understand their financial reports. &nbsp;</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Three reasons why it is absolutely vital that you stay on top of your finances</li><li>The different roles that bookkeepers, accountants, and business financial coaches can play in growing your business (and profits!)</li><li>The most important things to look for and keep in mind when investing in any of the above services</li></ul><p>“Profit is what keeps the business sustainable. If you’re operating at a 6- or 7-figure revenue level and you’re not even breaking even, that’s financial trouble.”</p><p><em>- Melissa Houston</em></p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>01:35&nbsp; Understand your numbers and you will be unstoppable</li><li>01:57&nbsp; You’re in business to make money — so your profit margins are key</li><li>03:16&nbsp; The things that you need to know in order to make smart decisions</li><li>04:10&nbsp; Do not give away your financial power!</li><li>05:19&nbsp; Bookkeepers, accountants, and business financial coaches: what’s the difference and what do you need?</li><li>12:02&nbsp; You can increase your profits without raising your revenues</li><li>13:30&nbsp; Be a better CEO (no matter what size your team)</li><li>14:20&nbsp; Case Study: Claire (small business owner)</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/melissahcpa">@melissahcpa</a> and Pinterest <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/melissahoustoncpacga/">@melissahoustoncpacga</a> and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>“When you’re in business for yourself, if you know your numbers, you’re going to be a rock star!”</p><p><em>- Melissa Houston</em></p><p>I get it: numbers can be scary for a lot of people. While I love working with them, I can understand the reluctance to dig in. Many people fear that they aren’t “smart enough.”&nbsp;</p><p><b>I’m here to tell you: you </b><b><em>are</em></b><b>.</b></p><p>And it’s in your best interest to develop a deep understanding of your business numbers.</p><p>Knowing and understanding your numbers can be the difference between a sustainable, profitable business and a business that fails after three years. It can be the difference between successfully scaling up and spending yourself into bankruptcy. If you want to grow and scale, it’s crucial to understand and be comfortable with managing your finances. If you’re not looking to grow and don’t have the capacity to make more income than what you need, that’s okay, too — it’s still good to understand how your business is doing and be able to identify any potential issues.</p><p>I’m not asking you to handle all of the financial work yourself. Hiring a bookkeeper, an accountant, and a business coach can make a hugely positive impact on your bottom line. Working with an experienced bookkeeper will help you spend less on an accountant — it’s more expensive for your accountant to correct bad bookkeeping at year-end than it is to pay for a skilled bookkeeper!&nbsp;</p><p>But no bookkeeper will ever care as much about your business as you. That’s why it’s vital that business owners learn how to create, read, and understand their financial reports. &nbsp;</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Three reasons why it is absolutely vital that you stay on top of your finances</li><li>The different roles that bookkeepers, accountants, and business financial coaches can play in growing your business (and profits!)</li><li>The most important things to look for and keep in mind when investing in any of the above services</li></ul><p>“Profit is what keeps the business sustainable. If you’re operating at a 6- or 7-figure revenue level and you’re not even breaking even, that’s financial trouble.”</p><p><em>- Melissa Houston</em></p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>01:35&nbsp; Understand your numbers and you will be unstoppable</li><li>01:57&nbsp; You’re in business to make money — so your profit margins are key</li><li>03:16&nbsp; The things that you need to know in order to make smart decisions</li><li>04:10&nbsp; Do not give away your financial power!</li><li>05:19&nbsp; Bookkeepers, accountants, and business financial coaches: what’s the difference and what do you need?</li><li>12:02&nbsp; You can increase your profits without raising your revenues</li><li>13:30&nbsp; Be a better CEO (no matter what size your team)</li><li>14:20&nbsp; Case Study: Claire (small business owner)</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/melissahcpa">@melissahcpa</a> and Pinterest <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/melissahoustoncpacga/">@melissahoustoncpacga</a> and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>“When you’re in business for yourself, if you know your numbers, you’re going to be a rock star!”- Melissa HoustonI get it: numbers can be scary for a lot of people. While I love working with them, I can understand the reluctance to dig in. Many people...</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:title>What Your Money Mindset Is Actually Telling You</itunes:title>
    <title>What Your Money Mindset Is Actually Telling You</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p><b><em>“There’s a real fear to charge what you’re worth.”</em></b><br>-Melissa Houston</p><p>How is your money mindset holding you back from reaching the success you’ve always dreamed about?</p><p>My guest for this episode is Elizabeth St. Pierre, an entrepreneur and business coach who grew her first company, a dog-walking business, to six figures in just six months. She started a blog, where she talked about running her business and offered sales and marketing advice to others. This was the start of her business coaching career — she now oversees the dog-walking business while coaching online full-time. Throughout all of this, Elizabeth has been self taught — everything from content creation to driving traffic to learning how to sell!&nbsp;</p><p>Elizabeth sees a lot of money mindset issues when working with her clients, particularly when it comes to women entrepreneurs. Money is just a neutral tool that you can use for good or bad, so why is it so emotionally charged? As Elizabeth says, “Growth happens when you take emotion away from the money.” The first step is recognizing where these emotions stem from — and you may need to go back further than you think to find out.&nbsp;</p><p>“If you go ahead and raise your prices but you don’t truly believe that you’re worth that, you’ll do other things to self sabotage.”</p><p><em>- Elizabeth St. Pierre&nbsp;</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Where and how you form your beliefs about money — and how you can flip those scripts into ideas that serve you (and your business) better</li><li>The common money mindset issues that entrepreneurs (especially women) deal with regularly, including a reluctance to charge what your service or product is really worth</li><li>How guilt plays into money mindset — and why it really is okay to make more than your parents or friends</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:47&nbsp; Introducing our guest, business coach Elizabeth St. Pierre&nbsp;</li><li>01:39&nbsp; Elizabeth’s journey to successful business coaching</li><li>05:48&nbsp; Shift your money mindset to grow your business</li><li>07:15&nbsp; What are your personal limiting beliefs?</li><li>09:00&nbsp; How your childhood shapes your money mindset</li><li>11:00&nbsp; Money is the most emotionally charged topic</li><li>12:49&nbsp; Common money mindset issues</li><li>13:31&nbsp; Why don’t you charge what you’re really worth?</li><li>15:48&nbsp; The great (and bad) things that can happen when people raise their prices&nbsp;</li><li>19:21&nbsp; Elizabeth’s most impactful money mindset story</li><li>20:55&nbsp; It’s okay to make more money than your parents made</li><li>22:24&nbsp; How to heal your money mindset — and what changes when you do</li><li>27:15&nbsp; Entrepreneurship and vulnerability</li><li>28:25&nbsp; Build your support network (and include other entrepreneurs)&nbsp;</li><li>31:33&nbsp; Elizabeth’s big takeaway lesson for listeners</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p>Work with Elizabeth St. Pierre</p><p><a href="https://lizstpierre.com/">https://lizstpierre.com/</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/melissahcpa">@melissahcpa</a> and Pinterest <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/melissahoustoncpacga/">@melissahoustoncpacga</a> and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b><em>“There’s a real fear to charge what you’re worth.”</em></b><br>-Melissa Houston</p><p>How is your money mindset holding you back from reaching the success you’ve always dreamed about?</p><p>My guest for this episode is Elizabeth St. Pierre, an entrepreneur and business coach who grew her first company, a dog-walking business, to six figures in just six months. She started a blog, where she talked about running her business and offered sales and marketing advice to others. This was the start of her business coaching career — she now oversees the dog-walking business while coaching online full-time. Throughout all of this, Elizabeth has been self taught — everything from content creation to driving traffic to learning how to sell!&nbsp;</p><p>Elizabeth sees a lot of money mindset issues when working with her clients, particularly when it comes to women entrepreneurs. Money is just a neutral tool that you can use for good or bad, so why is it so emotionally charged? As Elizabeth says, “Growth happens when you take emotion away from the money.” The first step is recognizing where these emotions stem from — and you may need to go back further than you think to find out.&nbsp;</p><p>“If you go ahead and raise your prices but you don’t truly believe that you’re worth that, you’ll do other things to self sabotage.”</p><p><em>- Elizabeth St. Pierre&nbsp;</em></p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Where and how you form your beliefs about money — and how you can flip those scripts into ideas that serve you (and your business) better</li><li>The common money mindset issues that entrepreneurs (especially women) deal with regularly, including a reluctance to charge what your service or product is really worth</li><li>How guilt plays into money mindset — and why it really is okay to make more than your parents or friends</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:47&nbsp; Introducing our guest, business coach Elizabeth St. Pierre&nbsp;</li><li>01:39&nbsp; Elizabeth’s journey to successful business coaching</li><li>05:48&nbsp; Shift your money mindset to grow your business</li><li>07:15&nbsp; What are your personal limiting beliefs?</li><li>09:00&nbsp; How your childhood shapes your money mindset</li><li>11:00&nbsp; Money is the most emotionally charged topic</li><li>12:49&nbsp; Common money mindset issues</li><li>13:31&nbsp; Why don’t you charge what you’re really worth?</li><li>15:48&nbsp; The great (and bad) things that can happen when people raise their prices&nbsp;</li><li>19:21&nbsp; Elizabeth’s most impactful money mindset story</li><li>20:55&nbsp; It’s okay to make more money than your parents made</li><li>22:24&nbsp; How to heal your money mindset — and what changes when you do</li><li>27:15&nbsp; Entrepreneurship and vulnerability</li><li>28:25&nbsp; Build your support network (and include other entrepreneurs)&nbsp;</li><li>31:33&nbsp; Elizabeth’s big takeaway lesson for listeners</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p>Work with Elizabeth St. Pierre</p><p><a href="https://lizstpierre.com/">https://lizstpierre.com/</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/melissahcpa">@melissahcpa</a> and Pinterest <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/melissahoustoncpacga/">@melissahoustoncpacga</a> and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston / Elizabeth St. Pierre</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>“There’s a real fear to charge what you’re worth.”-Melissa HoustonHow is your money mindset holding you back from reaching the success you’ve always dreamed about?My guest for this episode is Elizabeth St. Pierre, an entrepreneur and business coach who...</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>How To Earn More Profit Without More Sales</itunes:title>
    <title>How To Earn More Profit Without More Sales</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>What does it take to build a successful, sustainable business?</p><p>The answer isn’t as simple as “more sales.”</p><p>The truth is that your revenue numbers, no matter how high, do not determine how profitable and successful your business is. Your revenue is only one part of your overall financial picture — and six- or seven-figure revenues mean very little if you aren’t actively working to control your costs. Unfortunately, high revenues can be easily negated if your costs are spiralling out of control. This means that your business can be unsuccessful even when you're pulling in record-breaking sales!</p><p>Your level of <em>profit </em>is your bottom line and this is the #1 most important number when it comes to determining the success of your business. Profit is determined not just by your sales, but by your expenses. Plugging all money leaks and keeping a steady eye on your cash flow is just as crucial as closing more deals if you want your business to last for the long haul.</p><p>Maintaining up-to-date records and reviewing your numbers regularly makes it a lot easier to stay on top of things and make necessary changes as they arise, whether it’s cancelling a recurring charge that no longer serves your business, or remembering to invoice or follow up with a client who hasn’t yet paid.</p><p>When working with clients as a CPA, I always recommend five key ways to boost a business’s profits aside from increasing revenues. I’m excited to be able to share them with you in my latest podcast episode!</p><p>“The reality is: what makes your business successful lies in the profit.”</p><p>- Melissa Houston</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Five tips to make your business more profitable — without bringing in an additional sale!</li><li>How to identify and plug all money leaks currently affecting your business</li><li>Why having an organized internal accounting structure will help you save money</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>01:08&nbsp; Why I’m not interested in your revenues — and what really gets my attention! &nbsp;</li><li>02:01&nbsp; Calculating your profit</li><li>03:22&nbsp; Case study: Rosie’s Company (6-figure influencer &amp; coach)</li><li>05:54&nbsp; Setting up a system to review your financial reports</li><li>06:24&nbsp; What does your current accounting structure look like?</li><li>07:01&nbsp; Five tips for keeping profit in your business without bringing in an additional sale</li><li>07:35&nbsp; “82% of business failure is caused by poor cash management”</li><li>08:19&nbsp; 2 reasons to invoice your clients immediately &nbsp;</li><li>10:43&nbsp; “1 in 10 invoices are paid late” — don’t be that 1!</li><li>11:12&nbsp; What to do when a supplier changes their pricing?</li><li>11:51&nbsp; Plug those money leaks!</li><li>13:58&nbsp; The CFO Money Method framework</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.preferredcfo.com/cash-flow-reason-small-businesses-fail/">https://www.preferredcfo.com/cash-flow-reason-small-businesses-fail/</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/melissahcpa">@melissahcpa</a> and Pinterest <a href="https://pinterest.com/melissahoustoncpacga">@melissahoustoncpacga</a> and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What does it take to build a successful, sustainable business?</p><p>The answer isn’t as simple as “more sales.”</p><p>The truth is that your revenue numbers, no matter how high, do not determine how profitable and successful your business is. Your revenue is only one part of your overall financial picture — and six- or seven-figure revenues mean very little if you aren’t actively working to control your costs. Unfortunately, high revenues can be easily negated if your costs are spiralling out of control. This means that your business can be unsuccessful even when you're pulling in record-breaking sales!</p><p>Your level of <em>profit </em>is your bottom line and this is the #1 most important number when it comes to determining the success of your business. Profit is determined not just by your sales, but by your expenses. Plugging all money leaks and keeping a steady eye on your cash flow is just as crucial as closing more deals if you want your business to last for the long haul.</p><p>Maintaining up-to-date records and reviewing your numbers regularly makes it a lot easier to stay on top of things and make necessary changes as they arise, whether it’s cancelling a recurring charge that no longer serves your business, or remembering to invoice or follow up with a client who hasn’t yet paid.</p><p>When working with clients as a CPA, I always recommend five key ways to boost a business’s profits aside from increasing revenues. I’m excited to be able to share them with you in my latest podcast episode!</p><p>“The reality is: what makes your business successful lies in the profit.”</p><p>- Melissa Houston</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Five tips to make your business more profitable — without bringing in an additional sale!</li><li>How to identify and plug all money leaks currently affecting your business</li><li>Why having an organized internal accounting structure will help you save money</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>01:08&nbsp; Why I’m not interested in your revenues — and what really gets my attention! &nbsp;</li><li>02:01&nbsp; Calculating your profit</li><li>03:22&nbsp; Case study: Rosie’s Company (6-figure influencer &amp; coach)</li><li>05:54&nbsp; Setting up a system to review your financial reports</li><li>06:24&nbsp; What does your current accounting structure look like?</li><li>07:01&nbsp; Five tips for keeping profit in your business without bringing in an additional sale</li><li>07:35&nbsp; “82% of business failure is caused by poor cash management”</li><li>08:19&nbsp; 2 reasons to invoice your clients immediately &nbsp;</li><li>10:43&nbsp; “1 in 10 invoices are paid late” — don’t be that 1!</li><li>11:12&nbsp; What to do when a supplier changes their pricing?</li><li>11:51&nbsp; Plug those money leaks!</li><li>13:58&nbsp; The CFO Money Method framework</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.preferredcfo.com/cash-flow-reason-small-businesses-fail/">https://www.preferredcfo.com/cash-flow-reason-small-businesses-fail/</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/melissahcpa">@melissahcpa</a> and Pinterest <a href="https://pinterest.com/melissahoustoncpacga">@melissahoustoncpacga</a> and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>What does it take to build a successful, sustainable business? The answer isn’t as simple as “more sales.” The truth is that your revenue numbers, no matter how high, do not determine how profitable and successful your business is. Your revenue is only one part of your overall financial picture — and six- or seven-figure revenues mean very little if you aren’t actively working to control your costs. Unfortunately, high revenues can be easily negated if your costs are spiralling out of control. This means that your business can be unsuccessful even when you&#39;re pulling in record-breaking sales!</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:title>Preparing For The Worst with Mike Pacchione</itunes:title>
    <title>Preparing For The Worst with Mike Pacchione</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Mike Pacchione of Mike Talks is a genius when it comes to presenting and has built up a great coaching business — then COVID-19 hit. He explains how he weathered the storm, what the shift to virtual presentations has meant for his industry and for the presenters themselves, and what he wishes he’d done differently over the past few years to be better prepared for the shutdown.</p><p>“There was one day in particular where I had $55,000 worth of business cancel, which for a one-person shop is just brutal.”</p><p>- Mike Paccione</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Why you don’t have to (and shouldn’t be) be perfect when you’re speaking on stage — and what your audience<em> really</em> wants from you</li><li>How not knowing your actual business numbers can lead to fear and paranoia (which may be baseless)!</li><li>Why presenting virtually feels different than preventing in-person — and why your energy feels lower</li></ul><p>“I’m in the business of helping people to communicate. Communications are flexible, they don’t go away.”</p><p>- Mike Paccione</p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:12&nbsp; Introducing our guest, Mike Pacchione of Mike Talks</li><li>01:50&nbsp; Ahhh! Stage fright! (And how to conquer it)</li><li>04:33&nbsp; Speaking instruction and the post-COVID-19 pivot</li><li>07:42&nbsp; Why you need to work on email list constantly</li><li>10:52&nbsp; Communications — pandemic-proof?</li><li>12:07&nbsp; In-person v. virtual presentations</li><li>14:21&nbsp; How Mike works with his virtual presentation clients</li><li>15:00&nbsp; Mike’s approach to coaching keynote speakers</li><li>16:20&nbsp; Are keynote presentations dead?</li><li>18:37&nbsp; Mike’s takeaway lessons from COVID-19</li><li>22:51&nbsp; Your money emotions and where they come from</li><li>25:54&nbsp; How to find and work with Mike</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://miketalks.co/">Mike Talks: https://miketalks.co/</a></p><p><a href="https://miketalks.co/ken">Story breakdown download: https://miketalks.co/ken</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mike Pacchione of Mike Talks is a genius when it comes to presenting and has built up a great coaching business — then COVID-19 hit. He explains how he weathered the storm, what the shift to virtual presentations has meant for his industry and for the presenters themselves, and what he wishes he’d done differently over the past few years to be better prepared for the shutdown.</p><p>“There was one day in particular where I had $55,000 worth of business cancel, which for a one-person shop is just brutal.”</p><p>- Mike Paccione</p><p><b>In this episode, we’ll explore:</b></p><ul><li>Why you don’t have to (and shouldn’t be) be perfect when you’re speaking on stage — and what your audience<em> really</em> wants from you</li><li>How not knowing your actual business numbers can lead to fear and paranoia (which may be baseless)!</li><li>Why presenting virtually feels different than preventing in-person — and why your energy feels lower</li></ul><p>“I’m in the business of helping people to communicate. Communications are flexible, they don’t go away.”</p><p>- Mike Paccione</p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:12&nbsp; Introducing our guest, Mike Pacchione of Mike Talks</li><li>01:50&nbsp; Ahhh! Stage fright! (And how to conquer it)</li><li>04:33&nbsp; Speaking instruction and the post-COVID-19 pivot</li><li>07:42&nbsp; Why you need to work on email list constantly</li><li>10:52&nbsp; Communications — pandemic-proof?</li><li>12:07&nbsp; In-person v. virtual presentations</li><li>14:21&nbsp; How Mike works with his virtual presentation clients</li><li>15:00&nbsp; Mike’s approach to coaching keynote speakers</li><li>16:20&nbsp; Are keynote presentations dead?</li><li>18:37&nbsp; Mike’s takeaway lessons from COVID-19</li><li>22:51&nbsp; Your money emotions and where they come from</li><li>25:54&nbsp; How to find and work with Mike</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://miketalks.co/">Mike Talks: https://miketalks.co/</a></p><p><a href="https://miketalks.co/ken">Story breakdown download: https://miketalks.co/ken</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Mike Pacchione of Mike Talks is a genius when it comes to presenting and has built up a great coaching business — then COVID-19 hit. He explains how he weathered the storm, what the shift to virtual presentations has meant for his industry and for the...</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>1974</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Marketing, Growth, and Mindset Challenges with Jana Veltheim</itunes:title>
    <title>Marketing, Growth, and Mindset Challenges with Jana Veltheim</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Jana Veltheim of Align Massage Therapy launched her first business at the age of 23, and now owns multiple massage therapy clinics throughout the Ottawa area. </p><p>“I was denied a bank loan...when I asked why, I was told it was because I was young and female and could get pregnant.”</p><p>- Jana Veltheim</p><p>She shares with the Think Like a CFO Podcast how she’s faced marketing, growth, and mindset challenges over the past 20 years — and why she is thriving now (even in the time of COVID-19!)</p><p>“I knew I could cover the expenses, but I couldn’t cover them forever. There was going to have to be a choice — how deep in debt do I go for this business?”</p><p>- Jana Veltheim</p><p><b>In this episode, you’ll discover:</b></p><ul><li>The #1 reason why new business owners tend to lack business skills</li><li>How COVID-19 affected Jana’s business, the resources that helped her stay afloat, and how she dealt with re-opening</li><li>The challenges of claiming business interruption insurance coverage during a pandemic</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:04  Meet our guest, Jana Veltheim of Align Massage Therapy</li><li>04:19  Why new business owners tend to lack business skills</li><li>04:49  The challenges of pre-internet marketing for small business</li><li>06:30  Sexism and small business</li><li>08:04  The biggest challenges Jana faces now</li><li>09:02  How COVID-19 affected Align Massage Therapy</li><li>12:21  Jana’s greatest challenge with COVID-19</li><li>14:00  Business interruption coverage during a pandemic</li><li>17:30  Jana’s biggest takeaway from the shutdown</li><li>19:28  Emergency funds</li><li>20:53  Does Jana feel more prepared for future setbacks?</li><li>22:46  Jana’s final advice for listeners</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href='https://alignyourbody.com/'>Align Massage Therapy: https://alignyourbody.com/</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href='https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap'>https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jana Veltheim of Align Massage Therapy launched her first business at the age of 23, and now owns multiple massage therapy clinics throughout the Ottawa area. </p><p>“I was denied a bank loan...when I asked why, I was told it was because I was young and female and could get pregnant.”</p><p>- Jana Veltheim</p><p>She shares with the Think Like a CFO Podcast how she’s faced marketing, growth, and mindset challenges over the past 20 years — and why she is thriving now (even in the time of COVID-19!)</p><p>“I knew I could cover the expenses, but I couldn’t cover them forever. There was going to have to be a choice — how deep in debt do I go for this business?”</p><p>- Jana Veltheim</p><p><b>In this episode, you’ll discover:</b></p><ul><li>The #1 reason why new business owners tend to lack business skills</li><li>How COVID-19 affected Jana’s business, the resources that helped her stay afloat, and how she dealt with re-opening</li><li>The challenges of claiming business interruption insurance coverage during a pandemic</li></ul><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>00:04  Meet our guest, Jana Veltheim of Align Massage Therapy</li><li>04:19  Why new business owners tend to lack business skills</li><li>04:49  The challenges of pre-internet marketing for small business</li><li>06:30  Sexism and small business</li><li>08:04  The biggest challenges Jana faces now</li><li>09:02  How COVID-19 affected Align Massage Therapy</li><li>12:21  Jana’s greatest challenge with COVID-19</li><li>14:00  Business interruption coverage during a pandemic</li><li>17:30  Jana’s biggest takeaway from the shutdown</li><li>19:28  Emergency funds</li><li>20:53  Does Jana feel more prepared for future setbacks?</li><li>22:46  Jana’s final advice for listeners</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href='https://alignyourbody.com/'>Align Massage Therapy: https://alignyourbody.com/</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href='https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap'>https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href='https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com'>https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Jana Veltheim of Align Massage Therapy launched her first business at the age of 23, and now owns multiple massage therapy clinics throughout the Ottawa area. “I was denied a bank loan...when I asked why, I was told it was because I was young and female...</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2020 01:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>1775</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>What I Wish I Knew About Starting A Business 20 Years Ago</itunes:title>
    <title>What I Wish I Knew About Starting A Business 20 Years Ago</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Whether you’re starting up, ramping up, or scaling up, you need to be on top of your financials. Choosing a good accountant can create money-magic, but knowing your own numbers is even more important.</p><p>“We fear things that we tend to sensationalize in our brains. We think that it’ll be scarier than what it is… taking action actually helps the fear subside.”</p><p>- Melissa Houston, CPA</p><p><b>In this episode, you’ll discover:</b></p><ul><li>5 reasons why knowing your numbers (especially your cash flow) is the magical key to financial success&nbsp;</li><li>Why investing in a professional accountant actually SAVES you a tonne of money year-over-year</li><li>Why you should consider investing in a coach or mastermind group — and how to choose your ideal fit</li></ul><p>“It’s never too late to get to know your numbers.”</p><p>- Melissa Houston, CPA</p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>0:58&nbsp; Putting yourself out there is an almost heroic move</li><li>4:03&nbsp; Is your introversion robbing those around you of your expertise?</li><li>4:43&nbsp; We can all be business coaches in our own way — why helping others helps you, too!</li><li>5:32&nbsp; Invest in a new skill set (and mindset) in order to launch your online business</li><li>7:48&nbsp; Identify your weaknesses — but don’t let them hold you back</li><li>8:55&nbsp; The emotions of business&nbsp;</li><li>9:40&nbsp; The isolation of solopreneurship and how to accept help carefully</li><li>10:47&nbsp; The importance of mindset and how it will help you stay strong</li><li>11:15&nbsp; Should you invest in a coach or mastermind group?</li><li>13:35&nbsp; Yes, money talk is boring — but numbers are king</li><li>14:22&nbsp; Know your own numbers (even if you have an accountant and bookkeeper)</li><li>17:03&nbsp; Master your cash flow</li><li>19:30&nbsp; When should you start learning your business numbers?</li><li>20:30&nbsp; You’re in business to make money — make sure you have the tools</li><li>21:15&nbsp; Build your strong financial knowledge base ASAP &nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Whether you’re starting up, ramping up, or scaling up, you need to be on top of your financials. Choosing a good accountant can create money-magic, but knowing your own numbers is even more important.</p><p>“We fear things that we tend to sensationalize in our brains. We think that it’ll be scarier than what it is… taking action actually helps the fear subside.”</p><p>- Melissa Houston, CPA</p><p><b>In this episode, you’ll discover:</b></p><ul><li>5 reasons why knowing your numbers (especially your cash flow) is the magical key to financial success&nbsp;</li><li>Why investing in a professional accountant actually SAVES you a tonne of money year-over-year</li><li>Why you should consider investing in a coach or mastermind group — and how to choose your ideal fit</li></ul><p>“It’s never too late to get to know your numbers.”</p><p>- Melissa Houston, CPA</p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>0:58&nbsp; Putting yourself out there is an almost heroic move</li><li>4:03&nbsp; Is your introversion robbing those around you of your expertise?</li><li>4:43&nbsp; We can all be business coaches in our own way — why helping others helps you, too!</li><li>5:32&nbsp; Invest in a new skill set (and mindset) in order to launch your online business</li><li>7:48&nbsp; Identify your weaknesses — but don’t let them hold you back</li><li>8:55&nbsp; The emotions of business&nbsp;</li><li>9:40&nbsp; The isolation of solopreneurship and how to accept help carefully</li><li>10:47&nbsp; The importance of mindset and how it will help you stay strong</li><li>11:15&nbsp; Should you invest in a coach or mastermind group?</li><li>13:35&nbsp; Yes, money talk is boring — but numbers are king</li><li>14:22&nbsp; Know your own numbers (even if you have an accountant and bookkeeper)</li><li>17:03&nbsp; Master your cash flow</li><li>19:30&nbsp; When should you start learning your business numbers?</li><li>20:30&nbsp; You’re in business to make money — make sure you have the tools</li><li>21:15&nbsp; Build your strong financial knowledge base ASAP &nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Whether you’re starting up, ramping up, or scaling up, you need to be on top of your financials. Choosing a good accountant can create money-magic, but knowing your own numbers is even more important.“We fear things that we tend to sensationalize in our...</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Introducing: Think Like A CFO with Melissa Houston, CPA</itunes:title>
    <title>Introducing: Think Like A CFO with Melissa Houston, CPA</title>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>It’s the launch of the Think Like a CFO Podcast, devoted to helping women entrepreneurs master their finances and launch, grow, and scale their businesses. Simple, digestible, actionable advice from an accredited CPA with over 20 years of experience. Real business owners, real talk, real solutions.</p><p>“The numbers become emotional when the common response is that people fear the numbers. They get anxiety or embarrassment that they don’t know their numbers. It doesn’t need to be that way!”</p><p>- Melissa Houston, CPA</p><p><b>In this episode, you’ll learn:</b></p><ul><li>Why 7-figure sales don’t mean a thing if the rest of your numbers don’t add up</li><li>The three main financial reports that every entrepreneur and small business owner needs to be able to read: your balance sheet, profit &amp; loss statement, and cash flow statement</li><li>How developing a proper budget will turn your ‘goal’ into a ‘plan’</li></ul><p><em>“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”</em></p><p><em>- Melissa Houston, CPA</em></p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>1:13&nbsp; Why should you Think Like a CFO?</li><li>3:08&nbsp; The Think Like a CFO mission statement</li><li>3:54&nbsp; What is a CFO and why are they important?</li><li>5:50&nbsp; Number anxiety is real… but it’s SO worth moving past it!</li><li>8:10&nbsp; What to expect from the Think Like a CFO podcast — and what you will learn</li><li>9:32&nbsp; Meet Melissa Houston: CPA, entrepreneur, and money columnist</li><li>10:53&nbsp; Why 7-figure sales won’t necessarily make you a success</li><li>15:00&nbsp; Play on your strengths and get help with your weaknesses</li><li>17:30&nbsp; 3 main financial reports you need to assess</li><li>17:56&nbsp; How a budget changes your ‘goal’ into a ‘plan’</li><li>19:58&nbsp; Should you outsource the financial portion of your business?</li><li>20:51&nbsp; Understanding cash flow and cash plan&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissahouston/#6e18f3295ee8">Forbes.com column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissahouston/#6e18f3295ee8</a></p><p><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/melissa-houston">Entrepreneur.com column: https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/melissa-houston</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s the launch of the Think Like a CFO Podcast, devoted to helping women entrepreneurs master their finances and launch, grow, and scale their businesses. Simple, digestible, actionable advice from an accredited CPA with over 20 years of experience. Real business owners, real talk, real solutions.</p><p>“The numbers become emotional when the common response is that people fear the numbers. They get anxiety or embarrassment that they don’t know their numbers. It doesn’t need to be that way!”</p><p>- Melissa Houston, CPA</p><p><b>In this episode, you’ll learn:</b></p><ul><li>Why 7-figure sales don’t mean a thing if the rest of your numbers don’t add up</li><li>The three main financial reports that every entrepreneur and small business owner needs to be able to read: your balance sheet, profit &amp; loss statement, and cash flow statement</li><li>How developing a proper budget will turn your ‘goal’ into a ‘plan’</li></ul><p><em>“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”</em></p><p><em>- Melissa Houston, CPA</em></p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><ul><li>1:13&nbsp; Why should you Think Like a CFO?</li><li>3:08&nbsp; The Think Like a CFO mission statement</li><li>3:54&nbsp; What is a CFO and why are they important?</li><li>5:50&nbsp; Number anxiety is real… but it’s SO worth moving past it!</li><li>8:10&nbsp; What to expect from the Think Like a CFO podcast — and what you will learn</li><li>9:32&nbsp; Meet Melissa Houston: CPA, entrepreneur, and money columnist</li><li>10:53&nbsp; Why 7-figure sales won’t necessarily make you a success</li><li>15:00&nbsp; Play on your strengths and get help with your weaknesses</li><li>17:30&nbsp; 3 main financial reports you need to assess</li><li>17:56&nbsp; How a budget changes your ‘goal’ into a ‘plan’</li><li>19:58&nbsp; Should you outsource the financial portion of your business?</li><li>20:51&nbsp; Understanding cash flow and cash plan&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissahouston/#6e18f3295ee8">Forbes.com column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissahouston/#6e18f3295ee8</a></p><p><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/melissa-houston">Entrepreneur.com column: https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/melissa-houston</a></p><p><b>The 4-Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom</b></p><p><a href="https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap">https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/4-step-biz-finance-roadmap</a></p><p><b>Work with me</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me</a></p><p>Want more tips and inspiration? Follow me on Twitter @melissahcpa and Pinterest @melissahoustoncpacga and visit my website: <a href="https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com">https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <itunes:author>Melissa Houston</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>It’s the launch of the Think Like a CFO Podcast, devoted to helping women entrepreneurs master their finances and launch, grow, and scale their businesses. Simple, digestible, actionable advice from an accredited CPA with over 20 years of experience....</itunes:summary>
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    <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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</rss>
