Why Creatives Need to Talk About Money (Even If It’s Awkward)

December 20, 2024

Business

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I help creatives read the story their numbers are telling them so that they can focus on doing what they do best - creating. My blog is all about finance and business and helping you build a better business.

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Talking about money is uncomfortable. For a lot of creative entrepreneurs, it feels like the last thing you want to do. But here’s the truth—avoiding those conversations is holding you back. Whether it’s discussing your rates, asking for payment, or setting boundaries with clients, being confident about money is one of the best things you can do for your business.

It’s not about being greedy or transactional. It’s about creating clarity, showing your value, and making sure your business runs the way it should. When you get comfortable talking about money, you’ll see the benefits everywhere—from stronger client relationships to a healthier bank account.

What Happens When You Avoid Money Conversations

When you avoid money conversations, things start to slip. Maybe a client misunderstands your pricing and pushes back on an invoice. Maybe you underprice yourself because you’re scared to quote your worth. Or worse, you end up doing extra work for free because you didn’t lay out clear expectations upfront.

The result? Frustration, resentment, and cash flow that doesn’t reflect how hard you’re working.

Avoiding these conversations doesn’t make them go away. It just leaves more room for confusion, miscommunication, and burnout. You deserve better.

What Happens When You Face Them Head-On

When you tackle money conversations with confidence, everything changes. Your clients know exactly what they’re paying for and why. They respect your boundaries because you’ve set them clearly. You stop apologizing for your rates and start working with people who see the value in what you offer.

Here’s what happens when you start having those conversations:

  • You get paid on time because there’s no confusion about your terms.
  • Your rates reflect the value of your work, not what you think someone can afford.
  • You stop wasting energy on clients who don’t respect your time or skills.

Money conversations are the key to running a business that’s both profitable and stress-free.

How to Make Money Conversations Less Awkward

It’s okay to feel uncomfortable at first. Most people do. The goal isn’t to suddenly feel amazing about it—it’s to build a process that makes those conversations easier over time. Here’s how you can start:

1. Be Clear from the Start
When you onboard a client, explain everything—your pricing, payment terms, and what happens if payments are late. Include all of it in your contract. When expectations are clear upfront, money conversations become less emotional.

2. Practice Saying Your Rates
Confidence comes with practice. If saying your rates makes you feel awkward, rehearse them out loud. Get comfortable hearing yourself say them. The more natural it feels, the easier it will be to communicate your worth.

3. Separate Money from Emotions
Your rates are based on the value you bring to the table, not on whether someone likes you. Remember that when discussing money. Keep the conversation professional and focused on facts.

4. Ask for Feedback
If you’ve had clients push back on pricing or misunderstand your terms, take it as a learning opportunity. Review your process. Were your rates clear? Was your value communicated effectively? Use the feedback to improve how you approach these conversations.

What You Gain When You Get It Right

When you get comfortable talking about money, your entire business changes. You’ll have better clients, stronger relationships, and a clear understanding of your value. You’ll stop second-guessing yourself and start running your business with confidence.

You’ll feel the difference every time you:

  • Send an invoice without worrying if the client will push back
  • Get paid what you’re worth without apologizing for your rates
  • See your bank account reflect the hard work you’re putting in

This isn’t about just having tough conversations. It’s about building the kind of business you’ve always wanted—one where you’re respected, valued, and paid what you deserve.


Ready to Stop Avoiding Money Conversations?

If money conversations are holding you back, I can help. Together, we’ll get your finances organized, streamline your systems, and create processes that make your business run smoothly. You’ll feel confident in every conversation because you’ll know exactly where you stand.

Click here to book a free discovery call and take the first step toward running a business that works for you—without the stress or second-guessing.


This Week on the Podcast:

If you’ve been wondering how to make blogging work for your business, you’ll love my latest podcast episode on Creative Minds Smart Money. I sat down with KP and Jesse from Inkpot Creative to talk all things blogging—how to get started, create high-quality content, and use your blog to drive traffic and attract the right clients.

They also shared practical tips for repurposing blog content across platforms, building a sustainable routine, and balancing free value with showcasing your expertise. Whether you’re a blogging pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make blogging less stressful and more impactful.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397710/episodes/16124929

Don’t miss this one—it’s full of strategies to help you use blogging as a tool for long-term business growth.

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search the post index

MORE ABOUT ME

I help creatives read the story their numbers are telling them so that they can focus on doing what they do best - creating. My blog is all about finance and business and helping you build a better business.

I'm Samantha Bookkeeping Professional

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