How Creatives Can Handle Awkward Money Moments

Let’s be honest: running a creative business isn’t just about pursuing your passion. At some point, you’re going to run into a few cringe-worthy money moments that make you want to hide under your desk. Whether it’s awkward client payment conversations or realizing your cash flow isn’t what you thought it was, financial hiccups can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and you can handle these situations with confidence. As a bookkeeper who works with creative entrepreneurs, I’ve seen it all—and I’m here to help you navigate those awkward money moments like a pro.

1. The Client Who Ghosts You on Payments

The Situation:
You wrapped up a gorgeous project, sent the invoice, and… crickets. Days turn into weeks, and you’re left wondering if you’ll ever see that money.

What to Do:

• Set the Stage Early: Always require a deposit before starting work (50% upfront is a good baseline). Spell out payment terms clearly in your contract, including due dates and late fees.
• Follow Up Professionally: Send a friendly but firm email. Example: “Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on the invoice sent on [date]. Let me know if there’s anything you need from me to complete the payment!”
• Prevent Future Issues: Automate invoices and payment reminders with tools like QuickBooks or Wave. It takes the awkwardness out of chasing payments.

2. The “What Can I Write Off?” Question

The Situation:
You’re wondering if everything can be a business expense. That conference in Hawaii? The fancy coffee you buy every morning? Where’s the line?

What to Do:

• Understand the Basics: The IRS says business expenses must be “ordinary and necessary” for your work. A photoshoot for your website? Yes. Daily lattes? Sorry, no.
• Stay Organized: Use a tool like Expensify or QuickBooks to track receipts and categorize expenses in real time.
• Consult a Pro: If you’re unsure, ask your bookkeeper or accountant. It’s better to know upfront than to get flagged during tax season.

3. The Feast-or-Famine Cash Flow Cycle

The Situation:
One month you’re rolling in cash, and the next, you’re sweating over rent. Sound familiar? Irregular income is a common struggle for creatives.

What to Do:

• Create a Cash Reserve: Aim to save 2-3 months’ worth of expenses to smooth out the lean times.
• Set Payment Milestones: For big projects, break payments into phases (e.g., deposit, midpoint, and final delivery). This keeps cash flowing steadily.
• Track Your Numbers: Check your income and expenses weekly. The more you know, the more you can plan ahead.

4. The Pricing Panic

The Situation:
You quote a project, and the client immediately says, “That’s way too expensive.” Cue self-doubt.

What to Do:

• Know Your Worth: Your prices should reflect your time, expertise, and the value you provide. If you’re unsure, calculate your hourly rate and make sure it covers your expenses and pays you fairly.
• Stand Your Ground: If a client can’t afford you, that’s okay. They’re not your ideal client.
• Review Your Pricing Regularly: Make sure your rates align with your current skills and the market.

5. The DIY Money Mess

The Situation:
You’ve been eyeballing your bank account to manage your finances, but tax season is approaching, and you’re realizing that’s… not a strategy.

What to Do:

• Get Organized: Start tracking your income and expenses in an accounting tool like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave.
• Separate Business and Personal Finances: Use a dedicated business bank account to make bookkeeping (and taxes) easier.
• Invest in Help: A bookkeeper can save you hours of stress and make sure your finances are in top shape.

Why Tackling These Moments Matters

Awkward money moments don’t have to derail your business. By facing them head-on, you’ll:

• Build confidence in your financial decisions.
• Create a more sustainable, stress-free business.
• Free up your energy to focus on what you love—your creative work.

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether it’s setting up systems, creating a budget, or handling messy books, I’m here to help.

Your Next Steps

1. Identify one financial pain point you’re currently facing.
2. Take action—whether it’s setting clearer payment terms, tracking your expenses, or creating a cash reserve.
3. Need a hand? Let’s chat.

At Firestorm Finance, I help creative entrepreneurs like you simplify their finances and take control of their businesses.

• Book a Consultation: Schedule here.
• Follow Me on Instagram: Firestorm Finance.

This Week on the Podcast:

In this episode of the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast, Samantha Eck dives into the powerful, yet often misunderstood world of budgeting for creative entrepreneurs. She debunks the myth that budgeting is restrictive and shows how it can be a creative and empowering tool for your business. From building an emergency fund to understanding fixed and variable costs, Samantha walks you through practical steps to take control of your finances and use budgeting to fuel your growth.

You’ll learn why tracking your numbers, allocating your income, and revisiting your budget regularly are game-changers for reducing anxiety and increasing confidence in your financial decisions. If the idea of budgeting feels overwhelming, Samantha shares how she works with her clients to create custom budgets that work for them—helping you feel less stressed and more in control.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here.