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.
In this episode of Balanced, Steph delivers a financial reality check: if your business isn’t paying you, it’s broken.
Too many entrepreneurs hustle hard and end up with empty personal bank accounts. Steph breaks down the mindset and mechanics behind paying yourself first—even when cash flow is tight. She shares how to shift your systems, budget, and beliefs so your business truly funds your life. Packed with strategies like Profit First, bite-sized mindset shifts, and a 9-step checklist, this episode is your roadmap to finally getting paid.
Because you didn’t start your business to be your own worst boss.
What You’ll Learn
00:00 – Welcome + The Pain of Not Paying Yourself
02:45 – You’re Not Alone: Stats & Struggles of Entrepreneurs
05:20 – The “Unpaid Job” Trap & Why Mindset Matters
06:40 – Three Core Reasons to Pay Yourself First
08:00 – Real Talk: How to Start Paying Yourself
08:34 – Strategy #1: Treat Yourself as a Business Expense
10:00 – Strategy #2: Use the Profit First Method
12:28 – Strategy #3: Decide on a Realistic Salary + Frequency
14:10 – Strategy #4: Trim Costs or Raise Prices
15:48 – Strategy #5: Start Small & Stay Consistent
17:10 – Your 9-Step Action Plan to Get Paid
21:30 – Prevent Burnout by Connecting to Your Why
24:47 – Final Words & Free Consultation Invite
Perfect For:
✓ Entrepreneurs tired of being last on the payroll
✓ Founders seeking financial clarity and sustainability
✓ Small business owners who want to get paid—finally
✓ Anyone craving real strategies to flip their money mindset
Enjoyed this episode?
→ Subscribe to Balanced for weekly mindset & money moves
→ Share it with a fellow entrepreneur who needs to hear this
→ Leave a review—it helps us reach more folks like you
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!

Mastering the Excitement-Overwhelm Cycle: Practical Strategies for Entrepreneurs
In this episode of Balanced, host Stephanie dives into a familiar emotional rollercoaster for entrepreneurs—the thrill of a new idea quickly giving way to overwhelm. Sound familiar?
Stephanie unpacks this cycle with empathy and clarity, offering personal stories and real-world strategies to help you move from chaos to clarity. She walks you through how to stay grounded when your brain is buzzing with too many to-dos and how to turn that manic energy into meaningful momentum. From breaking big ideas into micro-goals to using mindset tools and breathing techniques, this episode is your guide to staying productive and joyful in your business.
If you’ve ever felt buried under your own ambition, this one’s for you.
00:00 – Welcome to Balanced the Podcast
00:43 – Understanding the Excitement-Overwhelm Cycle
01:29 – Channeling Chaos into Business Growth
02:11 – Practical Strategies to Manage Overwhelm
03:43 – Mindset Shifts for Entrepreneurs
04:30 – Hands-On Tactics to Stay Productive
12:15 – Leveraging Energy and Delegating Tasks
14:23 – Keeping the Joy in Your Entrepreneurial Journey
15:26 – Conclusion and Listener Engagement
Perfect For:
✓ Entrepreneurs who bounce between big dreams and burnout
✓ Creatives who need help turning ideas into action
✓ Business owners feeling stuck in the details
✓ Anyone who wants to stay joyful and productive
Links & Resources:
🔹 Book your free bookkeeping consultation
🔹 Subscribe to Balanced for more insights on business & life
You don’t have to choose between excitement and peace. With the right tools, you can have both. Let’s find your balance.

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

From Shoeboxes to Smartbooks: How to Modernize Your Bookkeeping in 2025

In this episode of Balanced, host Stephanie explores how small business owners can move beyond outdated bookkeeping practices and adopt modern, tech-powered solutions. From spreadsheets and paper ledgers to real-time dashboards and automation, Stephanie guides you through the tools and mindset shifts that simplify, accelerate, and enhance the effectiveness of bookkeeping.
She breaks down the core features of cloud-based accounting software, highlights the value of automation, and shares how going paperless not only saves time but also offers powerful financial insights at your fingertips. If you’re still managing your books the old-fashioned way, this episode is your sign to upgrade and take back control of your finances.
00:00 – Welcome to Balanced the Podcast
00:44 – Reflecting on the Evolution of Smartphones
01:32 – Outdated Bookkeeping Methods
02:49 – The Benefits of Modern Bookkeeping
06:53 – Features of Modern Bookkeeping Tools
10:20 – Mindset Shift: From Reactive to Proactive
13:55 – Embracing Change and Seeking Help
15:47 – Conclusion and Call to Action

Perfect For:
✓ Business owners still using manual or outdated bookkeeping methods
✓ Entrepreneurs who want to save time and reduce errors
✓ Founders looking to make smarter financial decisions
✓ Anyone curious about cloud accounting and automation

Links & Resources:
🔹 Book your free bookkeeping consultation
🔹 Subscribe to Balanced for more insights on business & life
Your books shouldn't hold your business back—they should help it grow. Let’s modernize your finances and make your numbers work for you.
Want more tips on balancing business and life?

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

Give Yourself A Raise: 3 Ways to Boost Profit & Cashflow

Give Yourself a Raise: 3 Smart Ways to Boost Business Profit Today
In this episode of Balanced, host Stephanie walks you through three straightforward and powerful strategies to increase your profit—and give yourself a well-deserved raise in your own business. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or managing a small team, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you trim expenses, enhance revenue, and convert more prospects into paying clients.
Stephanie breaks down each tactic in a clear and empowering way, showing how small changes can add up to a significant impact on your bottom line. If you’re ready to take control of your business finances, this episode is your roadmap.
00:00 – Welcome to Balanced the Podcast
00:42 – Introduction to Business Finances
02:03 – Expense Analysis: Trim the Fat
04:44 – Revenue Enhancement: Boost Your Income
09:21 – Conversion Optimization: Turn Prospects into Customers
13:58 – Recap and Final Thoughts

Perfect For:
✓ Entrepreneurs ready to improve profitability
✓ Business owners who want to pay themselves more
✓ Freelancers looking to maximize cash flow
✓ Anyone who wants practical, down-to-earth financial strategies

Links & Resources:
🔹 Follow Stephanie on Instagram
🔹 Subscribe to Balanced for weekly tips on business & life
🔹 Share this episode with a business owner who could use a raise
Remember, no one is going to give you a raise—but you can create one yourself. Let’s make it happen.

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

The Art of Saying No: Reclaim Your Time, Energy & Focus
In this episode of Balanced, host Stephanie explores one of the most powerful skills an entrepreneur can master—the ability to say no. Drawing from personal experiences with burnout and overcommitment, she unpacks why saying yes too often can hold you back and how setting healthy boundaries can propel your business forward.
Learn to shift your mindset, align your actions with your true priorities, and reclaim control over your schedule. Packed with encouragement and practical strategies, this episode is your roadmap to stronger boundaries and smarter decisions.

00:00 – Welcome to Balanced: Finding Harmony in Business and Life
00:47 – The Art of Saying No: A Game Changer
01:59 – The Yes Trap: Signs You’re Overcommitting
03:55 – Understanding the Reasons Behind Saying Yes
07:50 – The Power of Boundaries: Why Saying No is Essential
13:46 – Mindset Shifts: Embracing the Power of No
17:01 – Practical Strategies for Saying No
17:09 – Action Steps: How to Start Saying No
23:20 – Wrapping Up: Embrace Your Superpower

Perfect For:
Entrepreneurs struggling with burnout

Business owners who say yes too often

Freelancers wanting to protect their time

Anyone looking to set healthier boundaries


Links & Resources:
🔹 Follow Stephanie on Instagram
🔹 Subscribe to Balanced for real talk on business & life
🔹 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it
Remember, saying no isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. You've got this.

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

12 Essential Bookkeeping Questions Answered: Simplifying DIY Business Finances

In this episode of Balanced, Stephanie, a seasoned bookkeeper and business owner, answers the 12 most common bookkeeping questions entrepreneurs face. From the necessity of separate business bank accounts to the intricacies of categorizing expenses, and from basic tax considerations to the difference between bookkeepers and accountants, Stephanie provides practical, jargon-free advice. Ideal for DIY business owners, the episode covers topics such as GST/HST registration, efficient bookkeeping practices, the importance of monthly bank reconciliation, and preparing for year-end taxes. Tune in for actionable tips and encouragement to manage your business finances confidently.

00:00 Welcome to Balanced the Podcast
00:43 DIY Bookkeeping for Business Owners
01:26 Essential Bookkeeping Questions Answered
02:40 Managing Business Finances Efficiently
04:27 Categorizing Expenses and Chart of Accounts
06:14 Keeping Records and Receipts
08:32 Understanding Business Write-Offs
11:03 Registering for GST/HST and Sales Tax
13:40 Paying Yourself as a Business Owner
16:20 Making Bookkeeping Easier
18:35 The Importance of Bank Reconciliation
20:35 Key Financial Reports for Business Health
22:43 Preparing for Year-End Tax Time
25:09 Bookkeepers vs. Accountants
27:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Perfect For:
Entrepreneurs and small business owners
Freelancers managing their own books
Anyone using QuickBooks Online (or planning to)
New business owners want a clear financial foundation
DIY-ers who need a bookkeeping confidence boost

Resources & Links:
Follow Steph on Instagram for more tips and direct Q&A
Tools mentioned: QuickBooks Online, Hubdoc, Expensify, Dext
Want Support? Book 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!
Leave a review—it helps us reach more amazing humans like you!

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

Mastering Focus: Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Thrive

In this episode of Balanced the Podcast, host Stephanie discusses the critical importance of focus for entrepreneurs. Stephanie highlights how distractions hinder productivity and offers practical tips to help listeners reclaim their ability to perform deep work. Key strategies include creating a distraction-free workspace, using the Pomodoro technique, setting digital boundaries, understanding personal focus windows, and learning to say no. Stephanie also recommends Cal Newport's book 'Deep Work' for deeper insights into focused high-quality work. The episode wraps up with a recap of actionable steps and an invitation for a free consultation to improve business workflows.
00:00 Welcome to Balanced: Finding Harmony in Business and Life
00:47 The Struggle with Focus: A Common Entrepreneurial Challenge
01:36 Why Focus Matters: Your Most Valuable Resource
02:12 Creating a Distraction-Free Workspace
02:58 Mastering the Pomodoro Technique
03:53 Setting Digital Boundaries for Better Focus
04:38 Understanding Your Focus Windows
05:24 The Power of Saying No
05:48 Recap and Final Thoughts: Reclaim Your Focus
06:36 Closing Remarks: Empowering Your Journey
Resources & Freebies Mentioned:

• Deep Work by Cal Newport — A must-read if you want to master focus
• Pomodoro Notebooks — Great for analog lovers who like to see their progress
• Want Support? Book 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.

Enjoyed this episode?

• Subscribe to Balanced: Get more real-world tips for launching and growing! .
• Share this episode: Help a fellow entrepreneur break free from perfection paralysis!
• Leave a review—it helps us reach more amazing humans like you!
• Follow Steph on Instagram for more tips on bookkeeping, business systems, and building a life that actually feels good

Your focus is your power. Protect, practice, and watch your business (and peace of mind) thrive.

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

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?
→ Subscribe to Balanced for weekly business & money mindset boosts
→ Share it with a fellow entrepreneur who needs this message
→ Leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you!
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!