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The Money Mistakes We All Make (and How to Fix Them) – Ep. 227

Business By The Books with Danielle Hayden

Release Date: 06/17/2025

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Just because there’s money in the bank doesn’t mean your business is truly profitable. In this episode, Danielle lays out the most common (and sneaky) financial mistakes she sees entrepreneurs and small business owners making without even realizing they’re doing it.

From undercharging to over-relying on your gut, Danielle is not here to shame you—she’s here to show you how to avoid them so you have the tools you need to build your business with confidence, clarity, and a financial plan that supports your vision. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • Your Bank Balance is Not the Full Picture: Why real profitability lives beyond what’s in your checking account. Profit is not the same as cash flow, and both matter in different ways. 

  • You Don’t Have to Do It All Yourself: You're not a bookkeeper—and you don't need to be! Delegating your money tasks is one of the most empowering moves you can make. Outsourcing your books (or any task that’s not your expertise) isn’t giving up control, it’s giving yourself the ability to make smarter business decisions. 

  • Knowing Your Numbers Puts You In Control: Reviewing your financial statements monthly isn’t just “nice”, it’s necessary. It keeps you from guessing and it’s how you grow with intention. 

  • Pricing for Profit, Not Panic: Undercharging leads to burnout. You deserve to get paid what your work is worth—and then some.

  • Create a Plan for the Slow Seasons: Feast-or-famine is not a strategy. Use data to build stability and breathe easier year-round.

  • Think In Terms of the Long-Game: Even if you love your work now, it’s never too early to plan for the future. Building a business that runs without you means real freedom.

Topics Discussed:

(00:49 – 01:43) Mistake #1: The Illusion of a Healthy Bank Balance

(01:44 – 02:47) Mistake #2: Doing Your Own Bookkeeping and Ignoring Your Financials

(02:47 – 03:16) Mistake #3: Not Looking at Your Financials on a Monthly Basis

(03:24 – 04:47) Mistake #4 & 5: Not Charging Enough and Not Raising Prices Regularly

(04:48 – 05:30) Mistake #6: Not Tracking Return of Investments on Expenses

(05:31 – 06:22) Mistake #7: Chasing Revenue Over Profit

(06:24 – 08:07) Mistake #8 & 9: Hiring a Team and Asking for Help Too Late

(08:07 – 08:53) Mistake #10: Not Planning for Slow Seasons and Creating a Money Buffer

(08:53 – 09:59) Mistake #11 & 12: Ignoring Financial Red Flags and Relying on Your Gut Alone

(10:00 – 10:34) Mistake #13: Allowing One Client or Revenue Source to Dominate Your Business 

(10:35 – 11:10) Mistake #14: Not Having Standard Operating Procedures In Order to Delegate

(11:11 – 11:42) Mistake #15: Inconsistent Invoicing and Follow Up 

(13:57 – 14:45) Mistake #16: Not Creating an Exit Plan and Having a Long-Term Vision for the Future

 

Resources: 

Kickstart Accounting’s CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo

 

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book 

 

Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

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

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