In this inspiring episode of Balanced, host Stephanie Blaine helps business owners flip the script on the final stretch of the year. Instead of coasting into December, Stephanie shares how to reclaim Q4 and turn it into a season of strategy, clarity, and renewed momentum.

If you’ve ever looked up in October wondering where the year went—or caught yourself saying, “I’ll start fresh next year”—this episode is your wake-up call. Stephanie lays out a practical, motivational roadmap to refocus your goals, tidy up your finances, streamline your systems, and finish the year with confidence.

With her signature mix of real talk, humor, and actionable advice, she’ll help you shift from burnout to breakthrough, proving that it’s never too late to turn your business year around.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Balanced: business + life in harmony
00:45 – The Q4 mindset: why it’s not time to coast
01:22 – Treating Q4 as a strategic checkpoint, not a slowdown
02:06 – Stephanie’s game plan for a strong finish
02:49 – Reflect, review, and realign your goals
03:13 – How to celebrate wins + learn from challenges
03:40 – Reassessing what still matters and adjusting your goals
04:08 – Setting realistic Q4 objectives that move the needle
05:16 – Breaking goals into monthly and weekly milestones
05:39 – Prioritizing key projects for maximum impact
06:43 – How to create a simple Q4 action plan
07:30 – Protecting your time + the power of delegation
08:09 – Why finishing 2 key projects beats half-finishing 5
08:34 – Leveraging Q4 seasonal opportunities for marketing + sales
09:17 – Planning your holiday promotions and festive campaigns
10:02 – Strengthening customer relationships through gratitude
10:44 – Getting your finances in order before year-end
11:06 – Reviewing your revenue, expenses, and budget
11:45 – Planning ahead for taxes and smart year-end deductions
12:22 – Cleaning up your books and getting a clear financial picture
13:33 – Stephanie’s pro tip: free financial workflow consultation
13:52 – Streamlining your systems and improving efficiency
14:11 – Updating SOPs, client workflows, and tech tools
15:16 – The behind-the-scenes improvements at Starlight DIY Club
16:36 – Rallying your team and maintaining motivation
17:16 – Celebrating wins + communicating clear Q4 goals
17:38 – Incentives and team morale boosters
18:21 – Avoiding burnout: taking care of yourself as the leader
19:20 – Why Q4 is the perfect setup for a powerful 2026
20:20 – Recap: The Q4 action checklist
21:07 – Finishing strong = confidence for the new year
21:27 – Exclusive offer: Free month in the Starlight DIY Club
22:14 – Free 1:1 consultation with Stephanie
22:51 – Final motivation: end the year with pride and purpose

✨ Perfect For:
✓ Entrepreneurs ready to finish the year strong
✓ Small business owners who feel behind but want to catch up
✓ Founders needing clarity and focus in the last quarter
✓ Anyone tired of “starting over next year” and ready to act now

📌 Links & Resources:

Watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe to the channel
Join the Starlite DIY Club – Use code COFOUNDER50 for 50% off
Visit my website

Leave a review or DM Stephanie with your money mindset type!

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!

In this episode of Balanced, Stephanie dives deep into a powerful but often overlooked part of running a business—your money personality. Whether you're a frugal saver, a big spender, or somewhere in between, understanding how your mindset shapes your money decisions can transform how you run your business.
Stephanie breaks down four common money personalities and explains how each one impacts your pricing, investing, and financial confidence. She shares relatable stories and mindset shifts to help you move from money stress to money strategy.
Plus, Stephanie introduces her brand-new Starlite DIY Club for solopreneurs—perfect for those DIY-ing their bookkeeping but craving guidance and structure.

00:00 – Welcome to Balanced
Stephanie introduces the show and shares her mission: helping you find harmony between business and life.
01:03 – What is a Money Personality?
Stephanie introduces the concept and why it matters for entrepreneurs. Spoiler: your mindset is driving more decisions than you think!
02:30 – Your Unique Money Story
How childhood experiences and family patterns shape the way you think, spend, and earn.
03:06 – Why Your Money Mindset Affects Your Business
From pricing to hiring, your inner beliefs about money show up in every business decision.
05:31 – The 4 Money Personalities
Stephanie explains each type, the pros/cons, and how they show up in business:
• The Money Worshipper
• The Money Avoider
• The Money Vigilant
• The Money Status Seeker
10:13 – How to Leverage and Shift Your Personality
Five actionable steps to make your money mindset work for you, not against you.
13:04 – Progress Beats Perfection
No mindset is wrong—what matters is being aware and making empowered changes.
13:40 – New! The Starlite DIY Club
Stephanie introduces her membership for solopreneurs who want confident, stress-free bookkeeping support.
14:58 – Final Words & Ways to Connect

Subscribe, share, and get 50% off the Starlite DIY Club using code COFOUNDER50.

Perfect For:
✓ Solopreneurs and small biz owners navigating money habits
✓ Anyone DIY-ing their finances and feeling stuck
✓ Entrepreneurs who want to understand and shift their money mindset
✓ Listeners craving confidence and clarity around money

Links & Resources:
Watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe to the channel
Join the Starlite DIY Club – Use code COFOUNDER50 for 50% off
Visit my website

Leave a review or DM Stephanie with your money mindset type!

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

In this special episode of Balanced, host Stephanie Blaine finally unveils something she’s been building behind the scenes—the Starlight DIY Club.

If you’ve ever felt empowered by doing your own books, only to hit that wall of late-night reconciliations, receipt piles, and the dreaded “Am I even doing this right?” moment, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why Stephanie created a supportive community for entrepreneurs who want clarity, confidence, and consistency in their finances—without spending thousands on bookkeeping services.

Inside the Starlight DIY Club, you’ll find practical tools, live Q&As, accountability check-ins, and a private community where no question is “too small.” With options for extra pro support and a limited-time founding member discount, this is your chance to finally stop guessing at your books and start feeling in control.

00:00 – Welcome to Balanced: business + life in harmony
00:43 – Why DIY bookkeeping starts out empowering but can become overwhelming
01:26 – The reason Stephanie created the Starlight DIY Club
02:09 – A peek inside: resource center, templates, and evolving tools
02:30 – The Five-Star Foundations course (QuickBooks essentials)
02:51 – Live Q&A sessions for personalized answers
03:13 – Monthly accountability, reminders, and money date check-ins
03:37 – Private community for support + shared wins
03:57 – Pro Support option: one-on-one monthly session
04:17 – What members will gain: clarity, confidence, time, peace of mind
04:37 – Membership plans: Basic, Pro, and Annual
05:29 – Deadline: Offer ends September 28th
05:52 – How to join and what to expect on day one
06:12 – Final encouragement: You don’t have to do it alone

✨ Perfect For:
✓ Solopreneurs and small business owners doing their own bookkeeping
✓ Creators and coaches who want financial clarity without overwhelm
✓ Entrepreneurs craving community + accountability around money
✓ Anyone ready to turn chaos into confidence in their books

📌 Links & Resources:

• Click HERE and use code FOUNDER50 on the basic plan by Sept 28 for 50% off for life.
• Subscribe to Balanced for weekly strategies + real talk

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

In this episode of Balanced, host Stephanie Blaine dives into one of the biggest questions small business owners face: Should you keep doing your own books, or is it time to hire a pro?

If you’ve ever found yourself up late sorting receipts, second-guessing QuickBooks entries, or wondering if bookkeeping is stealing time from what you do best, this episode is for you.

Stephanie unpacks the benefits of DIY bookkeeping, shares eight practical tips to help you manage your numbers with confidence, and explains the clear signs it’s time to outsource. Plus, she introduces a brand-new resource—the Starlight DIY Club, a supportive membership community to help entrepreneurs stay consistent, confident, and connected.

With relatable stories, actionable strategies, and a warm dose of encouragement, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to take control of your books—without burning out.

00:00 – Welcome to Balanced: finding harmony in business + life
00:42 – Today’s focus: DIY bookkeeping—when it works and when to let go
01:06 – Why DIY bookkeeping is a smart first step for new businesses
02:11 – Key benefits: cost savings, financial insight, flexibility, learning
06:20 – The real talk: challenges of DIY bookkeeping
07:28 – Practical tips for DIY bookkeeping success (8 must-dos)
14:40 – How to plan ahead for taxes and expenses
18:56 – Leveraging support and resources (you don’t have to do it alone)
20:02 – The signs it’s time to outsource bookkeeping
26:36 – Myths about hiring a bookkeeper (and why they’re not true)
29:41 – Why community + accountability make all the difference
36:12 – Announcement: Launching the Starlight DIY Club (Sept 15)
42:08 – Recap + key takeaways
43:23 – Final encouragement and next steps

✨ Perfect For:
✓ Solopreneurs and small business owners juggling their own books
✓ Entrepreneurs wondering if it’s time to hire a bookkeeper
✓ Creators who want to build financial confidence without overwhelm
✓ Anyone craving community support while running their business

📌 Links & Resources:

• Join the waitlist for the Starlight DIY Club (launching Sept 15!)
• Subscribe to Balanced for weekly strategies + real talk
• Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who needs bookkeeping clarity

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

In this episode of Balanced, host Stephanie gets real about a challenge most entrepreneurs face—how to grow your business without burning out. If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing customers, juggling invoices at midnight, and wondering if all the hustle is actually worth it, this one’s for you.

Stephanie shares five proven levers you can adjust to accelerate growth while protecting your sanity, covering her three balanced pillars: financial clarity, business strategy, and lifestyle mindset. With relatable stories, practical tools, and real talk, this episode will help you create sustainable momentum in your business—without working 24/7 or running yourself into the ground.

00:00 – Welcome to Balanced: business + life in harmony
00:43 – Today’s focus: Growing your business without burning out
01:04 – The reality of running on fumes as a small business owner
01:32 – The good news: sustainable growth is possible
02:14 – The “soundboard” of five levers for business growth
02:38 – Lever #1: Know your numbers (financial clarity)
03:28 – Why financial clarity is essential for avoiding burnout
03:51 – Cash flow: the heartbeat of your business
04:10 – Profit margin: the true measure of efficiency
04:52 – Other key numbers to track (CAC, A/R turnover, revenue, expenses)
05:14 – Monthly financial visibility = driving with headlights on
05:33 – How to engage with your numbers without overwhelm
05:54 – Busy ≠ profitable: the harsh truth entrepreneurs face
06:33 – Real data means smarter decisions (pricing, hiring, cutting costs)
06:52 – Action step: Schedule your monthly CEO day for financial clarity
07:16 – Transition to Pillar 2: Business Strategy
07:35 – Lever #2: Niche down to level up
07:58 – Why narrowing your focus attracts the right customers
08:21 – Broad messaging = diluted impact; niche messaging = deep resonance
08:45 – The authority + pricing power of being a specialist
09:30 – Streamlined operations and customer loyalty through niching
10:20 – Why focusing your energy creates your business’s full potential

Perfect For:
✓ Entrepreneurs in early or growth phases craving sustainable momentum
✓ Small business owners feeling stretched thin but hungry for growth
✓ Creators seeking clarity and focus in their business model
✓ Anyone ready to grow smarter, not harder

Links & Resources:

• Follow Stephanie on Instagram
• Subscribe to Balanced for weekly strategies & real talk
• Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who needs a growth plan without burnout

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

In this episode of Balanced, host Stephanie tackles the all-too-familiar feeling of going from “I’m crushing it!” to “Am I even good enough?”—all in the space of one Instagram scroll. She shares why social media can trigger self-doubt, how comparison sneaks into our mindset, and five practical strategies to snap out of it before it derails your day.
Through relatable stories, science-backed insights, and a healthy dose of humor, Stephanie reminds us that behind every highlight reel is a messy, human reality. This episode will help you keep perspective, protect your confidence, and keep showing up for your own journey—without letting someone else’s curated success steal your joy.
00:00 – Welcome to Balanced: Finding your sweet spot in business and life
00:42 – That “crushing it” feeling… until you scroll
01:18 – You’re not alone: why comparison is so common
02:24 – Science behind upward comparison and self-esteem
03:04 – The highlight reel effect: what you’re really seeing online
04:26 – Remembering the unseen struggles behind success
04:28 – Stephanie’s Monday-to-scroll mood shift story
06:05 – Why our brains love to sabotage a good day
07:11 – Fair comparisons: your chapter 2 vs. someone’s chapter 20
07:50 – Five strategies to escape the comparison trap:
Put the phone down and disrupt the spiral
Reality check & reframe
Gratitude & own your wins
Curate your feed
Talk it out with someone you trust
11:01 – Shortening the comparison recovery time
11:18 – You’re doing great (even if you compare sometimes)
12:13 – We’re all working on tuning out the noise
12:22 – Don’t let doubt throw away your progress
12:41 – Share your relatable moments with Stephanie
13:04 – Follow the show for more lighthearted real talk
Perfect For:
✓ Entrepreneurs and small business owners navigating social media pressure
✓ Creators who want to protect their confidence online
✓ Anyone struggling with comparison or imposter syndrome
✓ Listeners seeking mindset tools to stay grounded and inspired
Links & Resources:
Follow Stephanie on Instagram
Subscribe to Balanced for weekly tips and real talk
Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder they’re doing great
Remember: The highlight reel isn’t the whole story. You’re doing better than you think.

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

In this episode of Balanced, host Stephanie dives into one of the trickiest parts of running a business—

pricing your offers with confidence. If you’ve ever second-guessed your rates or felt unsure whether you’re charging enough to support your goals, this episode is for you.
Stephanie walks you through her 7-step pricing audit to help you understand your costs, calculate profit margins, factor in your time, align with the market, and confidently communicate your value. By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to set sustainable prices that truly reflect your worth.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Welcome to Balanced: Finding harmony in business and life
00:50 – The challenge of pricing and why it feels personal
01:15 – Overview of the 7-step pricing audit
01:54 – Step 1: Knowing your costs (direct + indirect expenses)
04:02 – Step 2: Calculating your profit margin
05:33 – Step 3: Auditing your time investment
08:10 – Step 4: Defining your desired workload
10:47 – Step 5: Evaluating market alignment without copying competitors
13:12 – Step 6: Reconnecting to your value and overcoming pricing fears
17:00 – Step 7: Creating a simple pricing plan for sustainable growth
20:18 – Recap of all 7 steps
21:42 – Free PDF worksheet to guide your own pricing audit
22:00 – Final words of encouragement to price with confidence
Perfect For:
✓ Business owners unsure about their pricing strategy
✓ Entrepreneurs looking to improve profitability
✓ Freelancers feeling underpaid for their work
✓ Anyone ready to stop guessing and start pricing with clarity
Links & Resources:

Download the Pricing Audit Worksheet
Subscribe to Balanced for honest conversations about business and life
Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who’s ready to take control of their finances

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

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

In this empowering episode of Balanced, Stephanie breaks down the surprising insights hiding in your financial reports.
If financial reports make your eyes glaze over, this episode will change your mind. Stephanie shows how your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow report aren't just accounting chores—they're treasure maps for smart business growth.
Through relatable stories and easy-to-follow tips, you'll learn how to uncover what’s really working in your business, spot cash leaks, understand trends, and finally make sense of profit vs. cash flow.
This episode is a must-listen if you're ready to stop flying blind and start using your numbers as a strategic advantage.
00:00 – Welcome to Balanced, Meet Stephanie

01:00 – Why Financial Reports Matter More Than You Think

02:24 – The "Unexpected Gold Mine" Hiding in Your P&L

04:54 – The "Leaky Bucket" of Sneaky Business Expenses

07:40 – Discovering Growth Patterns and Trends11:18 – Why Profit ≠ Cash Flow (And How to Avoid Cash Crises)

15:41 – Aligning Financial Reality with Your Business Vision

17:37 – Your Challenge: Spend One Hour With Your Numbers
Perfect For:
✓ Small business owners ready to grow smarter

✓ Creatives who struggle with the “numbers side”

✓ Entrepreneurs trying to improve profitability

✓ Anyone who wants to build a data-informed business without overwhelm

Links & Resources:
Subscribe to Balanced for honest conversations about business and life
Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who’s ready to take control of their finances

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