Business By The Books with Danielle Hayden

If you've ever thought, "My books are fine," because you're using QuickBooks' automations or have uploaded your QuickBooks file into ChatGPT for analysis, this episode is your wake-up call (delivered with love!). Bad bookkeeping covered up by pretty software dashboards or people-pleasing AI chatbots hides real problems. 

This week, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., gets honest about one of the biggest dangers facing entrepreneurs today: the false sense of confidence created by messy books, automation, and AI "insights" built on inaccurate data.

She shares why accurate bookkeeping is about so...

What if one simple weekly habit could completely transform the way you manage your business? In this conversation, Danielle sits down with Cathi Nelson, CEO and founder of The Photo Managers, to talk about how she went from overwhelmed and unsure about her finances to confidently running a thriving business.

Cathi shares how a weekly review of her numbers, consistent support from her Kickstart Accounting money team, and small, sustainable financial habits helped her make smarter decisions. She went from saying, "I'm just not a numbers person," to hiring her first full-time employee and planning big investments...

You've set up your LLC, you're running an established business, and things are moving along, but are your financial habits actually helping you grow and is your LLC protecting you the way you think it is?

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., breaks down the five hidden mistakes that hold LLC owners back and shows you how to build the right habits to protect your business, pay yourself confidently, and prepare to scale into an S Corp when the time is right.

Key Takeaways:

What if misclassifying your team could cost you thousands in back taxes, penalties, and missed benefits? Most business owners don't realize how risky it can be to pay someone as a contractor when they really should be an employee.

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., simplifies the IRS classification rules into a 3-step framework that helps you confidently decide whether your next hire or current team should be a contractor or employee, and when it might be time to make a change.

Key Takeaways:

Know...

In this episode of Business by The Books, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc.'s Danielle Hayden gets honest about a tough but essential topic: Are you building a business that's truly healthy, or one that's just trying to pay as little as possible in taxes?

Danielle breaks down the real costs of trying to make every expense a "business expense." From dinners and vacations to board meetings and the Augusta Rule, she shares the financial habits that could be holding you back from long-term success and how to fix them.

Key...

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in decisions but flying blind when it comes to your finances? You are not alone!

In this episode of Business by The Books, Danielle sits down with returning guest and longtime client Nico Misleh, a nurse practitioner and the founder of Apollo Health Optimization and HRT University, who went from overwhelmed and unsure to confidently hiring, scaling, and even launching a second business. Together, Danielle and Nico explore how understanding your numbers doesn't just change your strategy, it changes your mindset.

Key Takeaways:

Financial Clarity Creates...

It's the season of gift giving, evaluating team performance, and bonuses, and for many business owners, that can bring up hard questions. Can I afford to give out bonuses this year? What if it's not as much as last year? How much is fair? And how do I reward my team without draining my cash or putting my business at risk?

In this episode, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc.'s Danielle Hayden walks you through a simple, repeatable framework to help you decide if, when, and how much to give your team in...

Heading into tax season unprepared can be costly—missed deductions, lost paperwork, and sometimes, a surprise check to the IRS. But it doesn't have to be that way! In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., shares the ultimate year-end checklist every business owner needs to save on taxes, protect their business, and walk confidently into tax season.

From organizing your paperwork to making smart tax moves and maximizing personal financial strategies, Danielle gives you practical steps you can take before December 31st that can make a big difference in the ne...

Are you constantly wondering if you're spending too much or maybe not enough in your business? Here's the truth: not every season of business is meant to be profitable. And if your spending isn't aligned with the season you're in, you could risk stunting your growth or draining cash you can't afford to lose.

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., walks you through the four seasons of business—developmental, growth, optimization, and stability—and shows you what healthy spending looks like in each one and their percentages. You'll learn how...

In this week's episode of Business by The Books, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., breaks down the real journey from entrepreneur to small business owner to finally stepping into the role of CEO. 

This isn't about chasing flashy titles or hitting arbitrary revenue goals. It's about clarity, confidence, and understanding your numbers so you can actually lead your business instead of letting it run you.

Key Takeaways: 

Entrepreneur Stage – Building with Instinct: Many entrepreneurs start with passion and creativity but rely only on income goals and bank bala...

Ever sat down to build your budget, only to realize you don't even know what you're building it for? A budget without a goal is like a map without a destination. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., is pulling back the curtain on the exact step-by-step framework she and her team use with CFO clients to set financial goals first, and then create a budget that actually gets them there.

Key Takeaways: 

Celebrate the Wins (and Lessons) First: Before setting new goals, reflect on what you achieved l...

Ever heard the phrase "know your numbers" and thought, okay…but what does that actually mean? In this episode, Danielle sits down with client and entrepreneur Serena Waller, founder of The Dande Agency, to talk about how truly understanding her numbers transformed the way she runs her business.

Serena gets real about the ups, downs, and unexpected turns of entrepreneurship—like losing a corporate job at seven months pregnant, launching her own agency, and growing it over the past ten years into a thriving business that now supports a full team. 

Key Takeaways: 

Clarit...

A lot of business owners look at budgeting as punishment for past money mistakes, but budgeting doesn't have to feel restrictive. In fact, budgeting can be used as a tool for freedom while protecting your business at the same time, especially if you allow yourself the space and time to plan. 

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., shares how to use budgeting as a tool for clarity, confidence, and intention in your business, and she explains why Q4 is the best time to reflect, reset, and plan for the year a...

If you want to grow your business with confidence, you need to understand your cash flow, and that means going beyond just checking your bank balance. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, your go-to financial partner for all things bookkeeping, breaks down the 5 essential cash KPIs every CEO should track and explains how to use them to make smarter decisions for your business.

Key Takeaways: 

Cash Flow is the Lifeline of Your Business: Without clarity on cash flow, you're reacting instead of leading—and that's the fastest path to burnout or shutdown.

KPIs Turn Ins...

Sharpen your pencils, grab a fresh notebook—it's back-to-school season for your business! Just like the excitement of new school supplies and a fresh start, this time of year gives us the perfect opportunity to reset and set yourself up for a strong finish to the year.

In this episode of Business by the Books, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and owner of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., shares her simple but powerful framework for getting back on track after summer and closing out the year in a way you'll feel proud of. Think of it as your "second Ja...

In this episode, Danielle is joined by Nicole, one-half of the dynamic sister duo behind Fantasy Fangirls Podcast, to talk about her leap from running a professional coaching business to building a wildly successful podcast brand that's taken the book world by storm.

This isn't a story about going viral overnight (although that did happen). It's a story of personal growth. It's a story about making intentional, informed decisions and trusting yourself enough to pivot when you find what lights you up. Nicole shares how a chance reading of a fantasy novel sparked an idea, how she...

Ever look at your cash flow statement and want to crawl under your desk and hide? You're not alone! Cash flow statements aren't really made for business owners, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them. So, how do we read them?

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., is here to show you exactly how to understand your cash flow without needing an accounting degree through the Snapshot Cash Overview, Kickstart Accounting's simple, business owner-friendly report that shows you exactly what's coming in, what's going out, and how much...

Let's get real, you're not going to build a million-dollar business while spending your time on $10/hour tasks. 

In this no-fluff, heart-to-heart episode, Danielle breaks down the true cost of doing it all yourself, especially the low-value to-dos that keep you "busy" but not profitable, and shares the action steps you need to buy back your time, start delegating, and finally lead your business like the CEO you are.

Key Takeaways: 

You Can't Scale Doing Everything Yourself: Low-value tasks might feel productive, but they're keeping you stuck and small. You need to step ou...

This episode, we're pausing the hustle to take a big-picture look at what really matters in both business and life. Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., sits down with Taylor Thompson, founder of Personal Brand House, bestselling author of More Life, podcast host, and national speaker, to talk about what it means to build a business that gives you more life, not just more work and revenue.

Taylor brings a refreshing take on entrepreneurship—less "do more," more "do what matters to you". From overcoming burnout to designing a lifestyle-first business model, Taylor shares personal insights, fi...

Ready to stop scrambling come tax time and start planning like the business leader you are? Well, it starts with your mid-year financial game plan.

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., walks you through the steps you need to take to get your books in shape, plan for tax season (without stress), and build a business that's profitable and sustainable for the long haul. Let's make tax season feel like just another Tuesday.

Key Takeaways: 

Know the Kind of Business You're Building: Are you running a tax d...

What exactly is bookkeeping and why does it matter so much for your business? 

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., breaks down the basics of bookkeeping, explains how it supports your growth, and shares the real-life benefits of staying on top of your numbers. Whether you're just starting out or scaling fast, this is foundational knowledge every business owner needs. 

Key Takeaways: 

Bookkeeping Is Your Business's Financial Foundation: It's all about recording and organizing every transaction—sales, expenses, and everything in between—so you can make sm...

Remember that shiny budget and those big goals you made in January when the year felt fresh and full of possibilities? If your business (or life) looks different now than it did months ago, you're not failing, you're simply running a real business in the real world. Things shift. You adapt.

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., walks you through one of her favorite CFO tools: reforecasting. It's not about starting over—it's about realigning your financial strategy with where you are right now.

Key Takeaways: 

Reforecasting = Rea...

We're officially at the halfway point of 2025, and no, it's not too late to make this year your most productive year yet!

In this episode, Danielle is joined by one of our numbers experts from our amazing Kickstart Accounting team, Account Manager Becky Teves, to talk through the biggest obstacles she sees small business owners experiencing right now, and how you can finish this year strong and strategic.

Key Takeaways: 

It's Not Too Late to Pivot Your 2025 Goals: You still have time to course-correct and make strategic decisions based on what's working, even i...

You're reviewing your numbers monthly (go you!), but what about taking a step back to see the big picture? In this episode, Danielle walks you through the power of a quarterly financial review, one of the most practical ways to make smarter decisions, spot real trends, and align your business goals with your personal ones.

She breaks down the difference between monthly and quarterly reviews (the micro vs. macro view each provides), what numbers to look at quarterly, and how to analyze those numbers. All you need is 90 minutes every 90 days to use your financials as a...

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 th...

In this episode, Danielle sits down with Jess Walker, founder of the unique and heartfelt illustrated greeting cards Five Dot Post, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business that supports you today—not down the road, not after you hit this or that goal, but right now. 

From packing every order by hand to big-box retailers, Jess's story is one of hard-won wisdom, practical mindset shifts, and the surprising ways having a business carried her through the hard times. It's an inspiring and powerful reminder that entrepreneurship can be a beautiful, freeing, and...

Let's set the record straight: Revenue is not the goal. Profit is. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything—chasing more sales, more clients, more offers—but still coming up short on cash and clarity, this episode is your permission slip to pause, stop worrying about sales numbers alone and start focusing on what generates profit.

In today's episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., dives into the 12 money truths that successful CEOs live by to grow smarter, more sustainable businesses not just bigger ones.

Key Takeaways:

Reve...

Are you chasing growth in your business but worried it might cost you your profits, sanity, or both? In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., pulls back the curtain on the real strategies CFOs use to grow companies intentionally and profitably. 

These are the 5 CFO secrets you can and should start using today!

Key Takeaways: 

Secret #1: Use Your Financial Reports as Decision-Making Tools - Your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement aren't just paperwork, they're your roadmap to smart business decisions.

Secret #2: Fo...

Before you hire, launch, or invest, there's one number you need to know: your future break-even point. It's more than a "boring" accounting term; it's one of the most powerful tools you have in your toolkit as a business owner and CEO. 

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., flips the script on how entrepreneurs look at their break-even point by turning it from a financial checkmark into a forward-thinking strategy tool. She walks through how to use it as a launchpad for smarter decisions and puts you in control o...

In this spirited and honest episode of Business by the Books, Danielle Hayden sits down with multi-talented entrepreneur, comedian, host of the popular podcast Self-Helpless, and author of MockTales, Delanie Fischer, for a candid conversation about what sustainable creative entrepreneurship really looks like, and why knowing your break-even point may be the most powerful financial move you can make for your mindset.

Whether you're scaling back, starting over, or simply craving more core value alignment in your business, this conversation offers you permission to slow down, get clear on your enough number, and redefine success on your...

Psst…Your numbers are talking to you—are you listening? Here's a reminder that business is emotional, and it's easy to fall into decision-making based on gut feelings. But when you know your numbers, you take back control. 

In this episode of Business by the Books, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., dives into the 5 essential financial numbers every business owner needs to know. This isn't just about spreadsheets; it's about stepping into your power as a CEO, removing emotional guesswork, and building a healthy, sustainable business.

5 Key Metrics for Your...

What if the secret to building your dream business isn't about saving more, but about spending smarter? In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., invites you to stop feeling guilty every time you make an investment in your business. Instead, learn how to spend with clarity, purpose, and profit in mind.

She walks you through the healthy spending percentages successful businesses use across categories like marketing, payroll, operations, and more to thrive. You'll also get practical tools and reflection questions to help you make CEO-level money decisions that align with your short-term...

When it comes to running a thriving business, it's not just the big moves that count—it's the small, consistent ones that truly build momentum.

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., shares the financial micro habits that high-performing CEOs use to stay aligned with their goals, grow strategically, and stay empowered all year long without burning out or second-guessing every decision. Whether you're in a season of growth or a slower quarter, these habits can help you lead with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

Automate for Success: Se...

If you've ever made a quick purchase that didn't quite align with your financial goals, you're not alone. It happens to the best of us! In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., tackles the challenge of impulse spending as an entrepreneur with a practical approach that's meant to empower you, not make you feel guilty.

Whether you're a free spender, saver, perfectionist, or balance seeker, this episode is filled with strategies you can use to stay in control of your money, help curb those impulse purchases, and make smarter financial decisions that...

In today's episode, Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., dives into a topic that every small business owner needs to take seriously: cybersecurity. As entrepreneurs, we're focused on growth, profitability, and strategy, but all of that hard work can be put at risk in an instant if we fall victim to cyber threats. A single phishing email, password breach, or scam can lead to lost revenue, stolen data, and massive headaches (and let's be real, none of us have time for that!).

But don't worry, we've got you covered! Danielle breaks down the biggest...

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., sits down with Interior Designer and Eye for Pretty Owner Nicole Salceda for a candid conversation about small business growth and finance. Together, they deep dive into the journey of rightsizing a business, shifting from a "grow at all costs" mentality to building a business that aligns with your values, lifestyle, and personal priorities.

Nicole shares how she transitioned from saying "yes" to every opportunity to becoming intentional about the projects she takes on, the team she builds, and the way she manages her time...

Taxes. They're not the most exciting part of running a business, but they're unavoidable. If tax season snuck up on you and you're staring down a bill you can't pay, don't panic, we've got you covered!

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., walks you through what to do when you can't pay your IRS tax bill. From filing your return (even if you can't pay right away) to exploring payment plan options, Danielle breaks it down with practical strategies to take control of your finances and stay out of trouble with...

When it comes to tax deductions and business expenses, business owners can often fall into two extreme mindsets, either trying to deduct everything under the sun or being too conservative and missing out on legitimate tax savings.

In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., and Kelsey Chester, Kickstart's Lead Account Manager, break down tax deductions in a way that's clear and strategic. They'll walk you through what truly qualifies as a business expense, how to avoid common tax mistakes, and why smart financial planning is about more than just lowering your tax...

Are you leaving money on the table when it comes to your taxes? If you're a small business owner, the answer is probably yes! In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., covers the essential tax deductions you should be using but might be missing or ignoring. From turning charitable donations into advertising dollars to maximizing deductions on equipment, training, and even paying your children, Danielle breaks down tax strategies that can save you money while still maintaining a healthy business in line with your goals.

Key Takeaways:

Charitable Donations Can...

So you've made the leap and elected to become an S Corp—congratulations! Now what? One of the most crucial (and often confusing) steps is figuring out how much to pay yourself through payroll. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., is joined by Kickstart's Lead Account Manager, Kelsey Chester, to break it all down for you, from finding a payroll provider to understanding "reasonable compensation" and how to stay compliant with the IRS.

They also dive into the common missteps business owners make as S Corps, seasonality in your income, and wh...