Creative Income Cure

Things have felt a little quiet over here on the podcast and that's because so much has been happening behind the scenes. Today, I'm interviewed by my friend, Joy Michelle, because I've been navigating a major career transition, balancing family, and finding peace in unexpected opportunities these last couple of months. Listen in as we reflect on the importance of trusting God's guidance, especially when stepping into a new season. It is crucial to pursue work that aligns with personal strengths and values, and to pay attention to how something makes you feel rather than how it makes your life look.Key Moments1:21 - Val's Professional Shift: From Course Launch to New Job4:12 - Realizations and Challenges in the New Role7:32 - Surprising Benefits of the New Job16:41 - Future of Val's Business and Podcast21:27 - Advice for Career TransitionsMentioned in this EpisodeCreative Income Cure CourseUse discount code CICPodcast for $350 off the course and be aware that Office Hours will discontinue in 2025!Email Val: val@valmarlene.com with questions for the FINAL Ask Me Anything podcast episode!Jordan JonesConnect with JoyCalled to Both podcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ou6jRKxcjMrVMxWxLO_fQ

One of the most common issues that photographers have in their finances is the lack of consistent income. In today's episode, Joy Michell, photographer turned business coach and founder of Photoboss joins us to share how Profit First shifted the way she does business. Listen in as she highlights how implementing Profit First allowed her to become the CEO of her business, while also giving purpose to the work she was doing.If you're ready to get paid well, make sure you grab my Salary Made Simple Freebie, where you'll get access to my simplified salary formula + the secret to getting paid year-round and saving an emergency fund!Download Now >>Key Moments1:03 - Joy's Profit First Journey8:41 - Transitioning to the Profit First Method With Your Spouse10:43 - Separating Yourself From Your Business With the Profit First Method14:43 - Joy's Percentages19:09 - Three Common Misconceptions Photographers Have About Money24:36 - Joy's Money Advice for PhotographersMentioned in this EpisodeProfit First bookConnect with JoyCalled to Both podcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ou6jRKxcjMrVMxWxLO_fQ

My guest today is Mara Kucirek, an online course specialist. After trying to switch to the Profit First method several times over the course of a few years, Mara finally committed to it and experienced a ton of benefits. If you've felt overwhelmed by the Profit Course method and don't know how to make it work for you and your business, Mara's story will inspire you to get started.See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast.This episode is brought to you by my Creative Income Cure Course.Are you ready to say hello to growth and stability with your finances? The Creative Income Cure course is a Profit First backed online course + community for creatives so you can confidently manage your money, give yourself a raise and make the right financial decisions in your business.Learn More >>Key Moments0:46 - Mara's Profit First Journey6:46 - Changing Your Profit First Percentages11:17 - Making the Profit First Method Work For you19:18 - The Benefits of the Profit First Business Model29:12 - Mara's Transparent Numbers34:45 - How to Get Started With Profit First When You Feel OverwhelmedMentioned in this EpisodeProfit FirstRelay BankConnect with Mara Create a Better Course PodcastMara's website: https://marakucirek.com/Mara's income reports

What's more intimidating than finances? The legalities or taxes, business structures, and the IRS. Thankfully, our guest today leaves us feeling at ease about the legalities of finances. Paige Griffith is an attorney who offers legal education to creative entrepreneurs through an online platform, The Legal Paige. She's the go-to for legal advice that all entrepreneurs need, and she packages it in an approachable and understandable way. In this episode, Paige talks about how to manage your business finances to stay legal. She also offers listeners a free legal class so they can learn about the contracts they need to have for their businesses.EVERYTHING from The Legal Paige is 40% off May 20-23AND you can use my code VALTLP10 for an extra $10 off your total! Please note: this code will ONLY be valid during the sale(May 20 at Midnight ET - May 23 at 11:59 pm ET)See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast. This episode is brought to you by my Creative Income Cure Course.Are you ready to say hello to growth and stability with your finances? The Creative Income Cure course is a Profit First backed online course + community for creatives so you can confidently manage your money, give yourself a raise and make the right financial decisions in your business.Learn More >>Key Moments2:14 - Making a Profit First Business Work For You13:30 - Managing Your Business Finances With an LLC19:20 - Operating as an LLC22:27 - Paige's Financial Advice For Creative Entrepreneurs 23:47 - Red Flags For the IRS25:41 - How to Know When You're Ready to Become an S-Corp32:46 - Paige's Free Legal ClassMentioned in this Episode:Profit First BookConnect with Paigethelegalpaige.cominstagram.com/thelegalpaigeThe Legal Paige Facebook CommunityConnect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative

Over 77% of Americans hold some type of debt—often struggling with how they're going to pay it off. In today's episode, Jess Wayne joins us on the podcast to share her story of getting out of debt. In this episode, we talk about Jess's hot take on debt, creating an intentional money plan, building a money village, and moving past money guilt. If you're overwhelmed by the idea of budgeting and managing your money, this episode is for you. Plus we'll even help you determine the right debt payoff strategy for you.See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast.This episode is brought to you by my Salary Made Simple Freebie:If you're ready to get paid well, make sure you grab my Salary Made Simple Freebie, where you'll get access to my simplified salary formula + the secret to getting paid year-round and saving an emergency fund!DOWNLOAD NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Dave RamseyConnect with Jess Website: jesswaynecoaching.comPodcast: jesswaynecoaching.com/podcastInstagram: instagram.com/jesswaynecoachingConnect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative

Have you hear of business minimalism? It's a great approach to running your business so that it doesn't run you. In today's episode, Jade Boyd joins us to share what it looks like to approach your finances in business with a minimalist approach so that you're minimizing expenses and generating more profit!See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast.This episode is brought to you by my Salary Made Simple Freebie:If you're ready to get paid well, make sure you grab my Salary Made Simple Freebie, where you'll get access to my simplified salary formula + the secret to getting paid year-round and saving an emergency fund!DOWNLOAD NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Profit FirstXeroMadison DearlyConnect with Jadejadeboyd.co@jadeboyd.coThe Business Minimalist Podcastjadeboyd.co/doubleyourprofitmasterclassConnect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative

You've heard me talk about the value in implementing Profit First, but today's guest, Jordan Jones, is joining us to share a real life example of the power of Profit First. Listen in as Jordan shares how Profit First not only allowed for more profit in one of her businesses, but also took her from hobbyist to professional in another.See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast.This episode is brought to you by my Define Your Success worksheet.If you're ready to finally stop chasing someone else's version of success + want to live the life and business that was meant for you, you need this worksheet!ACCESS NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Profit FirstPumpkin PlanRelayConnect with Jordaninstagram.com/jordanjones.cohttps://jordanjones.co/Connect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative

Financial literacy isn't built into our brains—most of us actually hate it because we don't understand it. In today's conversation, my friend Kiana Anderson interviews me about my own story, how I pivoted my business, and the impact that Profit First has made in my life. If you've ever wondered how someone who wasn't good at math to become a coach and educator on business, finances, and money, this is the story!Mentioned in this Episode:Profit FirstConnect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative

Tax season is upon us and you may have a million questions about strategy and write-offs. I know I did. In today's episode, CPA Kimberly Tara joins us to discuss important deadlines, what constitutes a write-off, and what to consider when preparing your taxes!See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast.This episode is brought to you by my Define Your Success worksheet.If you're ready to finally stop chasing someone else's version of success + want to live the life and business that was meant for you, you need this worksheet!ACCESS NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Profit FirstDefine Your Success worksheetEpisode 74: Estimated Tax Penalty IncreaseQuickbooksConnect with Kimberlytaracpafirm.comtaracpafirm.com/downloadinstagram.com/taracpafirmhttps://pod.link/1613419377Connect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative

With so many people online telling us about their success, their numbers, and their lives, we often feel failure and shame around our own work. That shouldn't be the case. We need to define our own success, which is exactly what Sabrina Gebhardt and I talk about in today's episode! Listen in as Sabrina shares how she has built her business with intention based on her own version of success.See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast.This episode is brought to you by Creative Income Cure the course.If you're ready to implement Profit First and finally experience growth + stability in your finances, the Creative Income Cure course + community is for you!JOIN NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Profit FirstConnect with Sabrinasabrinagebhardt.cominstagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotographyConnect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative

It's time to redefine and learn how to guarantee profit with every sale in your business, whether you've been in business 10 days or 10 years. Eight out of 10 businesses fail—most of the time because they don't profit. While you might be thinking that the reinvesting you're doing is helping you grow, it may actually be stunting your growth. In today's episode, we're going to face the truth about profit, how it might be the root of your biggest struggles and how to tangibly start guaranteeing profit in your business today.See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast.This episode is brought to you by Creative Income Cure the course.If you're ready to implement Profit First and finally experience growth + stability in your finances, the Creative Income Cure course + community is for you!JOIN NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Profit FirstConnect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative

Put simply, Profit First changed everything for me. This book and cash management system truly changed the trajectory of my life—which is why today's episode is a total pinch me moment, as I get to chat with THE Mike Michalowicz, author of Profit First! In today's episode, Mike shares the concept behind Profit First, the psychology and human behavior behind it's design, and how you can implement it into your business. Listen in as he shares two simple steps you can take today to make your business permanently profitable!See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast.This episode is brought to you by Creative Income Cure the course.If you're ready to implement Profit First and finally experience growth + stability in your finances, the Creative Income Cure course + community is for you! JOIN NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Profit FirstBankLikeMike.comConnect with Mikemikemichalowicz.cominstagram.com/mikemichalowiczConnect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative

Does the thought of organizing your business finances make your stomach turn? If so, there's a good chance you're feeling overwhelmed and frustrated because you don't have clarity and control over your money. Bookkeeping is more than just tracking numbers–it's about having data that allows you to be strategic in your money management. And let me tell ya - getting clarity and control over your money can transform your creative business. In today's episode, Madison Brown of Madison Dearly Bookkeeping joins us to share the impact Profit First has had on her business, how her clients have a better experience when incorporating Profit First, and transparently shares some of her own numbers from 2023.See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast.Mentioned in this Episode:Profit FirstConnect with Madisonmadisondearly.comThe Business Book(Keeping) Club MembershipInstagram: @madisondearly Youtube: @MadisonDearlyBookkeepingConnect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative 

I've got a hot take for ya...if your business can't afford to pay you, I don't think you can really afford to be in business. If you're struggling to pay yourself as a business owner, this episode is for you! Whether you've been in business for 10 minutes or 10 years, I want to encourage you to simplify your salary using three tips to pay yourself well. Lean in as I share my own paycheck journey (with actual numbers!), debunk a few misconceptions about paying yourself, and show you how to create consistent and significant paychecks for yourself.See full show notes at valmarlene.com/podcast.This episode is brought to you by Salary Made Simple.If you're ready to simplify your salary, make sure you grab my Salary Made Simple Freebie, where you'll get access to my simplified salary formula, along with a visual of what your numbers could look like!DOWNLOAD NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Salary Made Simple FreebieProfit FirstConnect with Valvalmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative 

Welcome to Creative Income Cure, the podcast for creatives that speaks your language and proves that your creative brain is capable of knowing your numbers. Recovered overspender turned certified Profit First coach, Val brings you empowering insights and practical steps to make the most of your money in every episode. Plus, she's asking industry experts the questions that we're sometimes too afraid to ask so you don't have to. Lean in as she helps you manage your money, give yourself a raise and profit. every. time.  Connect with Val:valmarlene.comvalmarlene.com/podcastInstagram: @val_marlene_creative