Are You Paying Everyone but Yourself? Why It’s Time to Prioritize Your Paycheck
Tired of Being the Last One Paid? Here’s How to Flip the Script
Too many entrepreneurs hustle hard… and end up with nothing in their personal bank accounts. In this episode of Balanced, Steph delivers a financial reality check: if your business isn’t paying you, it’s broken.
Steph dives into the mindset and mechanics behind paying yourself first—even when cash flow feels tight. Learn how to restructure your thinking, systems, and expenses so your business funds your life, not the other way around. This episode is packed with real strategies (like Profit First), mini mindset shifts, and a 9-step checklist to help you finally get paid.
Because you didn’t start your business to be your own worst boss.
What You’ll Learn
[0:00] Welcome + The Pain of Not Paying Yourself
The big question: Are you the only one in your business not getting paid?

[2:45] You’re Not Alone: The Stats & Struggles of Entrepreneurs
Why more than 50% of small business owners pay everyone but themselves?

[5:20] The “Unpaid Job” Trap & Why Mindset Matters
If you don’t pay yourself, your business becomes your biggest burnout risk.

[6:40] Three Core Reasons to Pay Yourself First

Validate your work

Measure financial health

Build personal stability

[8:00] Real Talk: How to Start Paying Yourself
From mindset to method—how to shift your budget and cash flow priorities.

[8:34] Strategy #1: Treat Yourself as a Business Expense
Learn to write your name at the top of the budget sheet.

[10:00] Strategy #2: Use the Profit First Method
How to set up separate accounts and bake your pay into the system.

[12:28] Strategy #3: Decide on a Realistic Salary + Frequency
Why is even $100/week better than zero, and how can we scale from there?

[14:10] Strategy #4: Trim Costs or Raise Prices
Find the hidden cash already in your business and unlock your paycheck.

[15:48] Strategy #5: Start Small & Stay Consistent
The psychology of tiny paychecks—and how they help you build up over time.

[17:10] Your 9-Step Action Plan to Get Paid
A checklist for implementing everything from tracking to automation.

[21:30] Prevent Burnout by Connecting to Your Why
Paying yourself isn’t selfish—it’s the key to staying in love with your business.

[24:47] Final Words & Free Consultation Invite
Need help applying this to your business? Steph has your back.

Resources & Freebies Mentioned
• Need Support? Book a free, no-pressure financial clarity session with Starlight Bookkeeping
• Want to Find Hidden Cash Leaks? Grab your free copy of The Leaky Bucket Report
• Follow Steph on Instagram for practical bookkeeping tips, real-life biz reflections & more
📩 Enjoyed this episode?
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Your business should fund your life—not the other way around. You deserve to get paid.

Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!

Feeling rejected? How to find your strength as an entrepreneur & keep going

Rejection is a tough pill to swallow in the entrepreneurial world. On this episode of Balanced, Steph gets real about those moments that make you question everything. But it's not about avoiding the "nos," it's about how you respond to them.

Learn her empowering "BOUNCE" method, a practical guide to reframe rejection, build inner resilience, and tap into your support system. These six steps will help you navigate those inevitable setbacks and keep your entrepreneurial journey on track. Consider this your mini-workshop on how to choose a mindset of growth and keep your entrepreneurial fire burning bright!

What You'll Learn:

• [0:15] My First Big "Ouch!": The story of my initial client rejection and the self-doubt spiral.
• [2:03] It's Not a Sign You Should Quit: Why rejection is a common (and survivable!) part of entrepreneurship.
• 5:18] Remember Who You Are: Separating your identity from a single outcome.
• [8:35] Maybe It's Pointing You Somewhere Better?: Reframing rejection as a potential redirection.
• [9:50] My 6-Step Secret Weapon: The BOUNCE Method for Building Resilience.
  • B - Brief Pause: Give yourself permission to feel it, then regroup.
  • O - Observe: Take a step back and look at the facts (and your feelings).
  • U - Uncover: What's the hidden lesson in this experience?
  • N - Navigate: What's one small step you can take forward?
  • C - Choose: Decide that this will make you stronger, not weaker.
  • E - Enlist: You're not alone – reach out for support and encouragement.
• Keep Believing: Why your vision is worth fighting for.

Need a Little Extra Support?

• Feeling Stuck After a Setback? Let's get you some clarity. Book a no-pressure chat with Starlight Bookkeeping today to discuss your business finances.
• You Have the Power to Bounce Back from Anything - Including Financial Drain! Get your free copy of "The Leaky Bucket Report" and uncover the hidden ways your business could be hemorrhaging cash.
• Don't Miss the Next Dose of Encouragement & Business Wisdom! Subscribe to Balanced for more relatable episodes.
• Know Someone Who Needs This Message? Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who's facing a tough "no."

Help inspire others! Share this episode if it resonated with you.

Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!

Feeling that Friday payroll panic? Landed a big client but worried about upfront costs? You're not alone! In this essential episode, your host Stephanie Blaine from Balanced gets real about cash flow – the money moving in and out of your business – and why understanding it is your superpower. Forget complicated jargon; we're breaking down the everyday cash flow headaches and giving you actionable steps to take control, starting today!

What You'll Learn:

• [1:01] The Cash Flow Reality Check: Understand the simple definition of cash flow (money in MINUS money out) and why it's the heartbeat of your business.
• [4:03] Common Cash Flow Nightmares (and how to recognize them): Inconsistent income, surprise expenses, and the dreaded slow-paying clients – sound familiar?
• [8:58] Why Cash Flow Trumps Everything (even profit!): Discover the shocking statistic about why most businesses fail (hint: it's often NOT what you think).
• [16:14] Your Cash Flow Action Plan: Practical Bookkeeping Habits:
  • [16:40] Know Your Numbers: The non-negotiable first step – keep those books updated!
  • [18:03] See the Future with a Cash Flow Forecast: Your simple plan for upcoming income and expenses.
  • [19:33] Get Paid Faster, Seriously: Smart invoicing and follow-up strategies.
  • [22:47] Spend Smarter, Not Just Less: Negotiating, staggering bills, and cutting the fluff.
  • [25:05] Build Your Business Safety Net: The Cash Cushion.
  • [26:29] Tech Tools to Save the Day (and your sanity).
  • [27:38] Pricing & Inventory That Support Cash Flow.
• [29:15] Your Role vs. Your Bookkeeper: The Ultimate Cash Flow Team.
• [30:35] Key Takeaways: Your Cash Flow Cheat Sheet.

Ready to Take Control?

• Free Cash Flow Clarity Call: Book your no-pressure consultation with Starlight Bookkeeping today!
• Visit Starlight Bookkeeping: Learn more about how we can help your business thrive.
• Don't Miss Out: Subscribe to Balanced for more practical business insights!
• Spread the Word: Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur!

Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!

Juggling Your Business, Family, and Life? Let's Find Your Rhythm. Welcome back to Balanced! It's Steph, and if you're a small business owner trying to navigate the demands of your work, your family, and everything else life throws your way, you're in the right place.

In this practical 23-minute episode, we're moving beyond the myth of perfect "balance" and exploring how to create a sustainable rhythm that integrates all the important parts of your world.

What We're Exploring for Busy Business Owners:

• [1:01] Beyond the Myth of Equal Time: Why striving for a perfectly divided day often leads to feeling overwhelmed, especially when family is in the mix.
• [2:35] Recognizing the Natural Flow of Your Life and Business: Understanding that some periods will naturally require more focus on one area than others, and that's okay.
• [5:12] Aligning Your Actions with Your Core Priorities (Business, Family, and Personal): Making conscious choices about where to invest your limited time and energy based on what truly matters.
• [7:18] Integration Over Immediate Perfection: Viewing the process as a continuous effort to weave together your different roles, rather than achieving a static state of "balance."
• [9:33] Creating Supportive Structures for Your Day and Week: Developing flexible routines and systems that accommodate both your business needs and your family commitments.
• [13:05] Intentionally Focusing Your Energy: Recognizing that sometimes intense focus on your business is necessary, followed by dedicated time for family and personal life.
• [15:02] Your Daily Check-In: A Simple Tool for Staying Connected to Your Needs and Adjusting Course: Taking a moment to assess your energy levels and priorities.
• [17:15] Accepting the Imperfect Reality of Building a Business and Raising a Family: Understanding that some weeks will feel more chaotic than others, and that's a normal part of the journey.
• [19:03] Evaluating Where Your Time Goes: Is It Serving Your Business, Your Family, or Yourself?: Learning to identify and minimize activities that don't align with your priorities.
• [21:08] The Real Goal: Feeling Present and Engaged in What You're Doing: Prioritizing your overall well-being so you can thrive in all aspects of your life.

Ready to Find a Sustainable Rhythm for Your Business, Family, and Life?

• Stop feeling overwhelmed by the juggle. Book a free consultation to explore how clear bookkeeping can create space for both your business growth and your well-being.
• Are hidden cash leaks impacting your business and your peace of mind? Get your FREE Leaky Bucket Report, it reveals 52 often-overlooked ways your business might be losing money, so you can patch the holes and breathe easier.
• Stay Inspired for Managing Your Business and Life: Subscribe to Balanced!
• Share This with Other Small Business Owners Juggling Family: Help them find a better way!

Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!

Want to Actually Grow Your Business While Still Enjoying Your Latte? Welcome back to Balanced! Steph, your bookkeeper and fellow entrepreneur, is sharing a game-changing perspective in this quick 10-minute episode.

Forget restrictive budgeting and the myth of constant cost-cutting. Discover how intentional spending and financial clarity are your secret weapons for sustainable savings and business success (yes, the latte is safe!). Tune in for the details!

What You'll Learn:

• [0:25] The Latte Lie: Why cutting small personal expenses isn't the key to business savings.
• [1:05] Intentional Spending > Blind Cutting: Focusing on making every dollar work for your business goals.
• [2:05] Unlock Your Bookkeeping Power: See your financial records as a tool for strategic decision-making.
• [3:10] Quick Bookkeeping Wins: Learn to analyze your profit & loss, gross margins, and expense categories.
• [5:10] Value Your Time: Understand the real cost of doing everything yourself.
• [6:40] Time Audit 101: Simple steps to track your time and identify areas for outsourcing.
• [7:55] Spending with Intention: Align your business spending with your core values and growth objectives.
• [9:05] Spend to Save: Discover when strategic investments can lead to long-term cost savings.
• [9:45] Get Financial Clarity Now: Learn about Steph's free consultations and in-depth diagnostic reviews.

Resources to Take Action:

• Get personalized advice! Book your FREE one-on-one bookkeeping consultation today.
• Ready for a deep dive into your financials? Explore the Diagnostic Review service.
• Don't miss out on more practical business tips! Subscribe to Balanced!
• Help another entrepreneur find financial peace – share this episode!

Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!

Are you a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur held back by the need for everything to be "just right" before you launch? Host Steph Blain shares relatable experiences and practical strategies to break free from perfection paralysis. Learn to embrace imperfect action, effectively organize business finances, and find more work life balance by launching before you're 100% ready. This podcast for entrepreneurs offers real-world advice for navigating the challenges of starting a business.

Inside This Episode:

• Steph Blain's Vulnerable Launch Story [0:45]: Relatable honesty about launching outside the comfort zone.
• Defining Perfection Paralysis [2:15]: The frustrating state of stalled progress in your financial organization.
• The Fear Behind the Facade [5:30]: Exploring the anxieties fueling perfectionism (failure, judgment, imposter syndrome) as a business owner.
• Lost Opportunities: The Price of Waiting for Perfect [8:30]: Real-world consequences of delay when building your small business.
• Key Mindset Shifts for Progress:
  • Done > Perfect (in your bookkeeping & accounting)
  • Embrace the First Draft
  • Service Over Self
  • Fear as a Sign of Growth
  • Compare Less
• Actionable Strategies to Launch Now:
  • Set a Public Deadline
  • Break it Down
  • Define Non-Negotiables
  • Embrace "Good Enough" & Beta

Take Imperfect Action Now:

• [24:15] What's one tiny, imperfect step you can commit to in the next 24 hours?
• Ready to ditch perfectionism and grow? Get a FREE consultation with Steph at Starlight Bookkeeping to discuss your business goals!
• Solidify your foundation first! Download our FREE "Leaky Bucket Report" and find hidden funds for growth.
• Subscribe to Balanced: Get more real-world tips for launching and growing! .
• Share this episode: Help a fellow entrepreneur break free from perfection paralysis!

Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!

Feeling stuck with a business goal that no longer resonates? Host Steph Blain gets real about why it's not only okay, but powerful, to pivot in your entrepreneurial journey. Learn to shed the guilt of changing direction and discover how aligning your business decisions with your core values leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life. This episode provides practical insights on recognizing when it's time to evolve your goals and how to do so authentically.

Key Pivot Points:

• [0:55] The Pressure to Persevere (and Permission to Change): Why sticking to a misaligned goal hurts.
• [2:30] Paradigm Shifts: A Natural Part of Business Growth: Understanding fundamental changes in your perspective.
• [4:15] The Strength in Adapting: What the Smartest Leaders Know: Embracing flexibility over stubbornness.
• [5:45] Overcoming Pivot Paralysis: Releasing the Guilt of Changing Your Mind: It's progress, not failure.
• [8:15] You're the Driver: Reclaiming Ownership of Your Goals: They serve you, not the other way around.
• [9:45] Beginning with Your "Why": Aligning Vision and Core Values: The foundation for purposeful direction.
• [14:30] Your Guiding Principles: Identifying and Honoring Core Values: Your internal compass for decision-making.
• [20:45] Purposeful Pivoting: Strategic Evolution, Not Impulsive Action: Knowing your "why" behind the change.
• [23:30] A Simple 3-Step Framework for Intentional Pivots: Reflect, Realign, Plan for a smoother transition.
• [26:45] Turning Past Goals into Future Wisdom: Learning from Every Experience: No effort is truly wasted.
• [27:30] Your Values as Your Anchor: Staying Grounded Through Business Changes: Maintaining authenticity.

Take Action & Connect:

• [27:50] Your 10-Minute Pivot Reflection: Identify a goal causing stress and assess its alignment with your values.
• Share your insights! DM Stephanie on Instagram @_stephblain_
• Subscribe to Balanced: Don't miss future conversations on balancing business and life!
• Leave a Review! Your feedback helps other entrepreneurs discover valuable content.

Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!

Ready to scale your business without the overwhelm? Join your host Steph, a bookkeeper and fellow entrepreneur, who's built a business, she shares the real, actionable steps you can take today to set yourself up for success tomorrow. On this episode of Balanced, Steph breaks down the practical strategies for getting your finances scale-ready, building efficient business systems, cultivating the right growth mindset and leadership, and strategically building your support team.

If you're dreaming of expansion but not sure where to start, this is for you. Grab your coffee and let's make scaling feel less scary and more "let's do this!"

Key Growth Prep Steps:

• [1:44] Financial Fitness for Scaling: Know your numbers to grow confidently.
  • • [2:50] Keep Books Updated (Monthly Wins!).
    • [3:36] Focus on What Matters: Key Metrics.
    • [4:18] Secure Your Future with a Cash Buffer.
    • [4:55] Make Growth Real with Simple Planning.
    • [5:50] Smart to Ask for Financial Help.
  • [8:30] Smooth Scaling with Systems: Document once, grow easily.
    • [9:10] Your First Task SOP.
    • [10:00] Automate & Use Templates: Save Time!
    • [11:10] Organized Files = Future Sanity.
    • [11:50] Regular Review for Growth.
  • [13:10] Lead Your Growth: Mindset Matters: Shift to CEO thinking.
    • [13:55] Your Dedicated Growth Hour.
    • [14:45] Believe You Can Grow.
    • [15:15] Invest in Being a Better Leader.
    • [16:00] Let Others Help You Grow.
    • [17:10] See Yourself as the Future CEO.
  • [18:30] Your Dream Team for Scaling: Delegate for bigger impact.
    • [19:05] Envision Your Future Team.
    • [19:50] Start Delegating Something Small.
    • [20:25] "Who Not How" for the Win!
    • [21:15] Hire People Who Get You.
    • [21:55] Communicate & Trust Your Team.

Ready to take the first step towards scale-ready finances?

• Get a FREE consultation with Steph at Starlight Bookkeeping to discuss your growth!
• Before you scale, make sure your financial foundation is solid. Download our FREE "Leaky Bucket Report" and find money that could be used for growth!
• Subscribe to Balanced for more real-world scaling strategies and actionable tips in every episode!
• Share this with an entrepreneur ready to scale – it could be exactly what they need!

Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!