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Welcome back to the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re covering one of the most essential (and often neglected) parts of running a business: how to pay yourself.

Join Samantha as she breaks down:

• The different ways to pay yourself depending on your business structure (and why S-Corps require you to take a reasonable salary!).
• Why understanding cash flow and profit is key to figuring out how much to pay yourself.
• The golden rule for paying yourself: 30-50% of your monthly profit.
• How to save for taxes (because Uncle Sam always wants his cut).
• The importance of setting up a routine so your pay is consistent.
• And finally, the mindset shift: paying yourself is NOT a luxury—it’s an absolute must.

Ready to start paying yourself properly? This episode gives you the step-by-step breakdown.

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Newsletter: https://firestorm-finance.ck.page/8194316ed3

Have a suggestion for something or someone you'd like to see on this podcast? Fill out this form here.

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Welcome to another episode of the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of slow months—those times when business feels quieter than usual, and you're wondering how to make the most of it. Spoiler alert: slow months are not the end of the world! They’re a golden opportunity to focus on growth, assess your business, and invest in yourself.

What We Cover:

• Reframe your mindset around slow months. It’s not a failure, it’s an opportunity to get your business in shape.
• Assess your financial health and review those key financial reports (check out our episode on Financial Reports for Creative Entrepreneurs for a deep dive into those).
• Build systems and processes that will save you time when business picks up again. This is the perfect chance to optimize, streamline, and prep for the busy times ahead.
• Nurture your current clients—don’t forget to love on those you’re already working with. Strong relationships can lead to new opportunities.
• Invest in yourself—take this time to learn, grow, and become an even better business owner. Whether it's taking a course, hiring a coach, or reading up on new strategies, this is your time to sharpen your tools.
• Market yourself even when business is slow. Stay visible, stay relevant, and stay top of mind for your audience.
• Rest and recharge. Yes, seriously. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and your creative energy.
• Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you turn slow months into your secret weapon for success.

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Newsletter: https://firestorm-finance.ck.page/8194316ed3

Have a suggestion for something or someone you'd like to see on this podcast? Fill out this form here.

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In this episode, Samantha Eck welcomes Celina from Luna Marketing Services, a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in social media marketing and co-founder of Luna Marketing Services. Together, they dive deep into the world of social media marketing, content creation, and audience engagement for small business owners and creatives.

They touch on:

• Stay Consistent: Regular posting and visibility across platforms help build a strong online presence.
• Engage Authentically: Thoughtful, meaningful interactions are essential to growing trust with your audience.
• Content Bank: Build up a stash of content during your creative bursts to stay consistent on slow days.
• Balance AI & Your Voice: Use AI as a tool to help, but always inject your unique voice into your content.
• Play the Long Game: Social media and organic growth take time—patience and persistence pay off.
• Have Fun: If content creation feels draining, take a step back. Your mental health comes first!

Connect with Samantha:
Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/
Newsletter: https://firestorm-finance.ck.page/8194316ed3

Connect with Celina:
Website: https://lunamarketingservices.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunamarketingservices/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lunamarketingservices
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lunamarketingserv

Have a suggestion for something or someone you'd like to see on this podcast? Fill out this form here.