Podcast
The Hair Hustle Podcast
Hosted by Heather Podlesney · EN
Welcome to The Hair Hustle Podcast, where business meets beauty! Hosted by Heather Podlesney, a salon coach with over 20 years of industry experience, over a decade of coaching market leading salons, and passion for helping stylists succeed, this podcast is your go-to resource for mastering the business side of the salon industry. Each week, we cover practical tips on budgeting, time management, retail strategies, and promotions to help you grow your profits and run a thriving salon business. Whether you’re behind the chair or behind the scenes, tune in to learn how to hustle smarter, not harder!
43episodes
Episodes
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Episode 66: REAL Tips to Motivate Your Salon Team or Stylist Bestie to POST on Social
Jan 1300:33:47Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comShow Notes Not working today! I had some technical errors, but here is the FREE new guest template I talked about!NEW GUEST TEMPLATE that actually gets guests!See you next week!
Transcribe →Episode 65: Tell Yourself These 4 SIMPLE Things to Keep Your 2026 Momentum
Jan 600:15:51Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comSummaryIn this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, host Heather Podlesney shares essential insights for stylists as they enter 2026. She emphasizes the importance of understanding profitability versus mere busyness, the necessity of charging appropriately for services, and the significance of setting healthy boundaries. Heather also encourages stylists to embrace their roles as CEOs of their businesses and to practice kindness in their interactions, recognizing that everyone faces challenges. This episode serves as a motivational guide for stylists to start the new year with clarity and purpose.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Hair Hustle Podcast02:32 Setting the Stage for 202602:56 Understanding Profitability vs. Busyness05:48 The Importance of Charging What You Deserve07:51 Establishing Healthy Boundaries10:43 Embracing Your Role as CEO12:56 The Power of Kindness in the IndustryKeywordshair, salon, stylists, business coaching, profitability, boundaries, self-care, kindness, 2026 goals, beauty industry
Transcribe →MOST PLAYED of 2025: Episode 31 The Content Plan You Actually Need
Dec 3000:16:34Tap to summarizeThis was the number 2 most downloaded episode of 2025! Number 1 was episode 51: When the Dream Team Ends. It is the end of my corporate journey, but I wanted the last episode to be something for you to take away and use now to make your year better! If you would like to give a listen to the end of my corporate journey, go for it! This is one is meant for you!Contact Heather at helloheatherpod@gmail.comSummaryIn this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, Heather Podlesney shares valuable insights on simplifying social media strategies for hairstylists. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, intentional posting, and creating a content plan that includes connection, education, and proof. Heather provides practical examples and tips to help stylists build trust, showcase their expertise, and engage with their audience effectively.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to Social Media Strategy00:03:00 Creating a Content Plan00:06:00 Building Trust and Engagement00:09:00 Showcasing Expertise and Proof00:12:00 Conclusion and Final TipsKeywordsHair Hustle Podcast, social media strategy, hairstylists, consistency, content plan, connection, education, proof, Heather Podlesney, salon marketing
Transcribe →Episode 20: Most Downloaded Episode to DATE and Your check in!
Feb 19, 202500:35:54Tap to summarizeThe Top TEN ways to kick off your 2025 was the MOST downloaded episode to date! Go give it a listen and what things did you stick to so far? What needs to change or stay the same! Tell me what has been working for you! 00:00:05 ]Welcome to the Hair Hustle Podcast. I' m HeatherPodlesney, your salon coach dedicated to helping stylists master the businessside of beauty. Whether you' re starting your journey behind the chair or you're a seasoned pro looking to level up, this podcast is for you. Each week we'll dive into the tips and tricks you need to run a successful salon businesswith topics that will change the way you work and earn. From budgeting hacks tohelp you keep more of what you make, to time management tips that will keepyour schedule stress-free, and the strategies for boosting your retail salesand nailing that next promotion. Get ready to build your dream business withoutburning out. Together we' ll cut through the noise and get to the root of whatmakes your salon thrive. [ 00:00:47] So grab your shears,turn up the volume, and let' s hustle. Hey, hey, welcome to episode six of theHair Hustle Podcast. Thank you so much for being here. I definitely have tocelebrate a little bit with you. So with just five episodes, I have had almost150 downloads. And so if you are here, I really truly want to say thank you somuch. If you feel like these are helping you in your hair career, please feelfree to share with any salon owner, any stylist. I am so happy to help and I' mso happy you' re here. Let' s dive right into it. Today we are going to go alittle bit longer because we are going to talk about the end of the yearfollow-up and coming up with a tracking guide for yourself. [ 00:01:38] One of the biggestthings that I have learned in my sales career is when you get to the end of theyear, it' s simply looking at everything that you' ve done over the year andreflecting. In the beginning of the next year, it' s simply about what workedreally well and what didn' t. And reflecting on those two things can reallyhelp you to be a little bit better in your business for 2025. With that, we vegot about 10 different things. I know that that' s a lot for me, but they' reall very important and it' s all something that I want you guys to take away.So take one of them. Take two of them. Take three of them. Take four of them.Take five of them. [ 00:02:26] Take all 10, whateveryou have to do. I want you to make sure that you are at least 1% to 2% betterafter this episode and that this is something that you can implement for 2025.We are coming up into November, which is so crazy and I know how busy each andevery one of you get behind the chair. That is why I feel like it' s importantto talk about it right now. This way, you can take it and as soon as the hustleand bustle and craziness of being behind the chair during the holiday seasonstarts to fizzle, this is something that I want you to be able to take. Okay?And maybe you don' t have a super hustly and bustly holiday season in the booksand that' s okay too. [ 00:03:15] Maybe it' s somethingthat you wanted. Maybe it' s something that you didn' t. However, if it' s notsuper busy and it' s something that you wanted to be super busy, these are allthings that you can take and you can reflect on for 20/25 or maybe you can eventake them and reflect on them in your last three months and start implementingthem today. So let' s dive right into it. We are going to go over your year-end follow- up and your tracking. So the first thing that we' re going to do ispretty obvious. We are going to review and analyze our sales data. Wah, wah. Iknow no one likes to talk about that. Here' s three things that we' re going todo. [ 00:03:55] We' re going to look atour top selling products. So if you' re a salon owner or a commissioned salonowner, you are literally going to look at what SKUs in retail sold the most. Wewant to break it down by, did you sell the most hair care? Did you sell themost skin care, hair care, shampoos and conditioners? If you don' t know, that's okay. That' s why we' re here. Styling products. So that' s like your hairsprays. That is your styling aid, your smoothing products, things like that.We' re going to break down what categories sold the most. Next up, we' re goingto go into our top 10 SKUs. The most important thing about your top 10 SKUs isif you do not have at least five to six back, which means five to six ininventory or on your shelf, that' s what needs to happen for ' 25. [ 00:04:42] If you don' t have theretail budget for it, we' re going to try to figure out how to get the retailbudget for it. We typically say we need at least two to three SKUs of eachproduct on your shelf. Why? Because no one wants to take the last one. So if you're a salon owner, you' re So typically three is what' s recommended. This wasshared with me years ago, and it' s one to show, one to go, and one to grow. Soeven if you can only afford one to show and one to go, that' s what we need. Sowe do not want onesies. We want at least two to three products. And then ofyour top selling SKUs, you need at least six to eight. [ 00:05:19] Does that mean that ifyou only have three of your top sellers, that' s terrible? Terrible? No, butthat' s just a goal that you need to build up to for 2025 for your retail area.Next part is to track what happened with each of your promotions. I have areally great year-end promotional calendar that is a freebie. Please, you canreach out to me. I will actually leave the link right here in the show notes.Please go grab that, and that actually takes you right into January andFebruary. You can start a promotion today with that sheet. And the other thingthat we' re going to get started with that promotion, that promotional sheet,is we are going to then, after all of our promotions are done, we' re going tolook at how did each promotion go. [ 00:06:01] So if you' ve beendoing your promotions since January, it' s now November or December, how didyour January and February promotion go? Did you have to pivot? Did you try picka kiss in February and it was a flop? Did you try scratch-offs in March and itwas like, yes, we are doing this again? Great. So we' re going to go throughand analyze all of that data and our promotions. Do you have to be completelytech-savvy for all of this? Absolutely not. When it comes to trackingpromotions, I always suggest at the end of each promotion, simply run yourreports on how sales went from this year to year prior, especially if you' renew to this, and you can take handwritten notes. [ 00:06:46] You can put them onyour laptop in one file, whatever it is that you need. It does not have to be.It doesn' t have to be crazy, but those are all things that you' re going towant to track. Also, on that promotional planner and you' re tracking that success,it' s not just retail. You also need to be checking out your add-on services.Did you do an add-on service in that time period and how did it go? Did youmaybe have too many things going on in that time frame that no one even focusedon the service promotion? Or was a specific service promotion a completesuccess and then you look at the product line and realize, it was a supersuccess in March, but here we were in August and that line completely died downin our sales. [ 00:07:32] Did we just stoptalking about it? Do we need to have two animations a year along with thatservice? Do we need to have two animations a year with that service add-on? Allof those things, we need to sit down and we need to figure out so that we cancome up with a really great plan for 2025. The next step in your year-endfollow-up is going to be about your clients. We' re actually going to gatherour client and guest data and any insights that we need to know. There' s acouple of things here. We do need to make sure that we' re running reports forthis one specifically. We' re going to look at all of our clients. [ 00:08:07] We want to look at ourtop-selling guests because that' s also something we could do some type of acampaign even now. If we looked at our top-selling guests and we did agratitude campaign for our top 10, top 20 guests, that' s always really fun.They could get entered to win something. We want to make sure that they' regetting a credit. It' s something that just makes people feel good. Is it goingto drive sales necessarily? It will drive a positive outlook around yourbusiness and if you have the budget to do so it will drive sales in the future.Is it going to have like that turnaround return? It' s not. So, if thatSomething that you need, maybe that isn' t somethin...
Transcribe →Episode 19: The Retail Myths that are Holding You Back
Feb 11, 202500:15:42Tap to summarizeEpisode 19: Retail Myths That Are Holding You BackFREE Retail MythBusters Guide: https://heatherpod.kit.com/ccd670337eContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comLink to Retail Promo Playbook: https://www.heatherpod.com/product-page/retail-promo-playbookWelcome:Today we’re diving into some of the biggest myths about retail that might be stopping you from reaching your full salon potential. If you’ve ever thought, ‘Retail is too distracting’ or ‘I have to be pushy to sell products,’ stick around, because we’re about to bust these myths wide open. And later, I’m giving away our free 'Retail Myth Buster Guide'—so don’t go anywhere!Overview:In this episode, we’re going to tackle five common myths that many salon owners face:Retail is a distraction from your core services.The only way to sell retail is by discounting heavily.Your clients don’t care about retail.You have to be pushy to sell retail.You don’t have the right team to sell retail.By the end, you'll have some actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles and boost your sales!Myth #1: "Retail is a Distraction from Your Core Services"Discussing the Myth:Let’s start with Myth Number One: 'Retail is a distraction from your core services.' I know many of you worry that focusing on product sales will take away from the time and energy you put into your services. But what if I told you that integrating retail can actually enhance your service experience?Debunking the Myth:Imagine this: every time you finish a service, you recommend a product that complements the treatment. Studies have shown that salons that do this see up to a 20% increase in overall revenue. Retail isn’t a distraction—it’s a powerful extension of your service offering.Key Takeaway:So, the next time you think that retail might steal your focus, remember: it can actually help your core services shine even brighter!Myth #2: "The Only Way to Sell Retail is by Discounting Heavily"Discussing the Myth:Now, onto Myth Number Two: 'The only way to sell retail is by discounting heavily.' I know it’s tempting to just slash prices, but heavy discounting can hurt your margins and even devalue your brand over time.Debunking the Myth:Instead, consider alternative strategies. For example, bundling products or offering loyalty rewards can create a premium experience without cutting into your profits. Instead of offering a 30% discount, you might package products together to provide a better value. This approach maintains the product’s premium image and keeps your profit margins healthy.Key Takeaway:Remember, it’s not about how low you can go, but about how smartly you can present value to your clients.Myth #3: "My Clients Don't Care About Retail"Discussing the Myth:Let’s move on to Myth Number Three: 'My clients don’t care about retail.' I hear this all the time—'I don’t think my clients are interested in buying products.' But, in reality, over 60% of clients are excited about personalized product recommendations when you explain the benefits.Debunking the Myth:Think about it: when you provide a solution that helps them maintain or enhance the results of their service at home, they’re more likely to invest in that product. It’s all about education and trust. You’re not just selling a product; you’re offering a way for your clients to keep that salon-fresh feeling going at home.Key Takeaway:Your clients do care—especially when you show them how a product can make a real difference in their lives.Myth #4: "I Have to Be Pushy to Sell Retail"Discussing the Myth:Next up, Myth Number Four: 'I have to be pushy to sell retail.' I know many of you worry that if you suggest a product, you might come off as too aggressive. But here's the secret: selling retail is really about offering solutions, not about hard selling.Debunking the Myth:Imagine you’re in a consultation with a client and you say, 'I’ve noticed your hair could use some extra hydration—this product might be just what you need.' That’s not pushy; that’s caring and professional advice. It’s about helping your client achieve their best look and feel.Key Takeaway:With the right approach and some practice using gentle, informative language, you can make product recommendations that feel natural and helpful.Myth #5: "I Don’t Have the Right Team to Sell Retail"Discussing the Myth:Finally, Myth Number Five: 'I don’t have the right team to sell retail.' It’s common to feel that your team might not be ready or capable of handling retail sales. But here’s the good news: with a little training and some regular team huddles, anyone can become a retail ambassador.Debunking the Myth:Even a short weekly training session can boost your team’s confidence and product knowledge dramatically. When your team feels informed and enthusiastic, your retail sales naturally improve, and so does the overall client experience.Key Takeaway:It’s not about having the 'perfect' team from day one—it’s about investing in your team and watching them grow into confident, capable sellers.Overcoming the Myths: Actionable StrategiesRecap and Action Steps:So, how do we overcome these myths? Here are some actionable strategies you can start using today:For Myth #1: Integrate product recommendations into every service consultation.For Myth #2: Experiment with bundling and loyalty programs instead of just cutting prices.For Myth #3: Educate your clients about the benefits of each product so they feel confident in their purchase.For Myth #4: Use conversation starters that focus on problem-solving rather than pushing for a sale.For Myth #5: Hold regular, short training sessions to empower your team.These steps are simple but incredibly effective in boosting your retail success.The Freebie:And remember, I’ve put together a comprehensive 'Retail Myth Buster Guide' that breaks down all these strategies even further—with templates, scripts, and more. I’ll share the download link in the show notes, so make sure you grab it!Audience Interaction & Q&AEngagement with Listeners:Before we wrap up, I’d love to hear from you. Which myth did you find most surprising? Have you encountered any of these challenges in your salon? Shoot me your questions or share your experiences on social media, and I might feature some of your stories in our next episode!Conclusion & Call to ActionSummary & Final Thoughts:To sum it up, don’t let these common retail myths hold you back. Retail can truly complement your services and drive revenue when approached correctly. Embrace these strategies, and you’ll see a positive change in your salon’s bottom line.Call to Action:Be sure to download the 'Retail Myth Buster Guide' right now—just click the link in the show notes. And if you’re ready to dive even deeper into creating a robust retail strategy, check out our Retail Promo Playbook. Thanks so much for joining me today. I can’t wait to hear about your successes. Until next time, keep busting those myths and thriving in your business!
Transcribe →Profits & Pampering: Finally Understand The Retail Game
Feb 4, 202500:31:05Tap to summarizePodcast Episode 18: Profit & Pamper: Transforming Your Salons Retail GameIntroductionWelcome listeners to the episode.Quick overview of why salon retail is often overlooked and how a systemized approach can increase revenue.The Mindset Shift: Retail as a Service, Not a SellWhy many stylists avoid selling retail.Changing the perspective: retail is a continuation of service, not an upsell.Example: A stylist wouldn't send a client home with wet hair; why send them home without the right products?The 3-Step Retail SystemSelection & Curation – Picking the right brands that align with your salon’s identity.Should you carry one brand or multiple?Importance of knowing your product ingredients and benefits.Online Presence Promotions, Pricing & Placement – Display matters!How pricing affects sales psychology.Strategic product placement for easy sales Sales Psychology: 1. Charm Pricing and Perceived ValueCharm Pricing Effect:Many studies have shown that prices ending in “.99” (e.g., $9.99 instead of $10.00) can make a product appear significantly less expensive. Research indicates that charm pricing can increase sales by anywhere from 15% to 30% in some retail environments.Statistic: A study by Schindler and Kibarian found that charm pricing can lead to a 24% boost in sales compared to rounded prices.Psychology Behind It: Consumers tend to focus on the left-most digit, so $9.99 is processed as “under $10” rather than “almost $10,” subtly influencing the perceived value.2. Anchoring and ComparisonAnchoring Effect:The first price a customer sees (the “anchor”) sets a reference point for all subsequent judgments. If you display a “regular” price next to a discounted price, consumers compare the two.Statistic: Studies in behavioral economics suggest that when a product’s price is anchored by a higher “list price,” customers are up to 40% more likely to perceive the sale price as a good deal.Psychology Behind It: The anchoring effect causes consumers to rely heavily on the first piece of information (the high anchor), making the discounted price seem like a bargain—even if the discount is relatively small.3. The Impact of Discounts and Perceived SavingsDiscount Perception:Offering discounts can significantly boost purchase behavior, but the percentage matters.Statistic: Research has shown that a discount of 10% to 20% can increase conversion rates by as much as 30%, as customers feel they are getting a favorable deal.Psychology Behind It: Discounts create a sense of urgency and trigger a fear of missing out (FOMO). Consumers often associate a discount with saving money, which can accelerate the decision-making process.4. Price-Quality GuidelineQuality Perception:In many cases, consumers equate price with quality—a phenomenon known as the price-quality heuristic.Statistic: According to various market research surveys, about 60% to 70% of consumers believe that higher-priced items are of better quality.Psychology Behind It: While lower prices can be appealing, if a product is priced too low, it might signal inferior quality. Conversely, a higher price can justify a premium product image, leading customers to trust in its quality and effectiveness. Incorporating Retail Into the ConsultationHow to naturally introduce retail in conversations without sounding pushy.Example scripts and key phrases stylists can use.The Follow-Through: Tracking & Goal SettingHow to track retail sales without overcomplicating it.Setting realistic sales goals based on service revenue.Incentives for stylists: Should you offer commissions or bonuses?Action StepsRecap the Salon Retail System and encourage listeners to implement it.Guide through how to use ✅ Choose 3-5 core retail items to focus on.✅ Update product displays for better visibility.✅ Practice product conversations during consultations.Closing & CTATease the next episode: "Retail Myths That Are Holding You Back."Watch out the the Promo Playbook coming this week!!GRAB THE Promo PLAYBOOK HERE and set yourself FREE for 2025https://www.heatherpod.com/product-page/retail-promo-playbook
Transcribe →BONUS Episode 17: The HIGHLY REQUESTED Personal Budgeting Episode! NOT just for stylists!
Jan 30, 202500:24:10Tap to summarizeFREE RESOURCES:Personal Expense Tracker: https://heatherpod.kit.com/8650607451 Independent Stylist Expense Tracker: https://heatherpod.kit.com/705f2f912fIndependent Stylist Budget Guide: https://heatherpod.kit.com/c9f316e834Questions/Concerns OR Would you like to know the advanced tracker I use? Contact me via email at helloheatherpod@gmail.comIntroductionAcknowledging the January budgeting series and how the bonus episode is for anyone looking to manage their personal finances.Whether you’re a busy parent, a side hustler, or just looking to make sense of your money, today’s episode will give you practical steps to take control of your finances without feeling overwhelmed.Segment 1: Why Personal Budgeting MattersThe importance of a personal budget:Helps you reduce financial stress.Builds confidence in managing money.Allows you to align spending with your values and goals.Addressing common fears: "Budgeting doesn’t mean you can’t have fun—it’s about making your money work for you."Quick example: A budget is like a GPS for your finances—it guides you to where you want to go.Segment 2: The Basics of Personal BudgetingStep 1: Understand Your IncomeIdentify all sources of income: salary, side hustles, investments.Know your monthly take-home payStep 2: List Your ExpensesFixed expenses (rent/mortgage, insurance, subscriptions).Variable expenses (groceries, gas, entertainment).Irregular expenses (birthdays, car repairs).FREE budgeting BASIC tracker has Monthly and VariableStep 3: Categorize Your SpendingEssentials (needs): housing, utilities, food.Wants: dining out, hobbies, travel.Savings/Debt repayment.Segment 3: Building Your Personal BudgetUse the 50/30/20 Rule as a starting point:50% for needs30% for wants20% for savings or paying off debtCustomize it to fit your situation. Example: "If you’re paying off debt, increase the savings category and reduce spending on wants temporarily."Tools to create a budget:Pen and paper.Apps: Every DollarGoogle Sheets (link to a simple personal budget template as a freebie).Segment 4: Staying on Track Without BurnoutWeekly check-ins: Spend 10 minutes reviewing transactionAutomate savings and bill payments: Treat savings like a non-negotiable bill.Plan for fun: Budgeting isn’t about deprivation. Set aside money for the things you enjoy.Address budget fails:"Unexpected expense? Adjust your plan for the rest of the month.""Overspent? Learn from it and move forward without guilt."Segment 5: Setting Personal Financial GoalsWhy goals make budgeting meaningful: When you have a purpose, it’s easier to stick to the plan.Examples of personal goals:Build a $5,000 emergency fund or 3-6 month emergency fundSave for a family vacation.Pay off credit card debt.Break big goals into smaller milestones: If you want to save $1,200 for the year, that’s $100 a month.ConclusionRecap actionable steps:Understand your income.List and categorize your expenses.Build your budget using a rule like 50/30/20.Stay on track with weekly check-ins and automation.Align your budget with your personal goals.Encouragement: Budgeting isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your finances transform.Freebie reminder: Download the personal expense template linked in the show notes to get started today.Did you love this episode? Let me know!!!
Transcribe →The Budgeting Series Pt 4: Budgeting for BIG Dream, Not BIG Stress
Jan 28, 202500:24:55Tap to summarizeEpisode 16: Part 4 of the Budgeting SeriesBudgeting for Big Dreams, Not Big StressIntroduction[Music fades in]Recap the journey through the January budgeting series: steps to take control, tools for tracking, and now, how to save for your biggest dreams.Teaser: Whether it’s launching your dream salon suite, upgrading your tools, or taking that once-in-a-lifetime trip, today we’re diving deep into how to turn big financial goals into reality—without the stress.Segment 1: Dream Big with a PlanThe importance of dreaming big: Your dreams fuel your motivation. They’re what make budgeting exciting instead of just another chore.Define your dream:Is it business-focused? (e.g., expanding services, buying equipment)Is it personal? (e.g., a family vacation, building a safety net)How much will it cost?Action Step: Break your dream into a tangible financial goal.Example: A $5,000 salon renovation might feel overwhelming, but over a year, it’s $417 a month.Segment 2: Reverse-Engineer Your Savings GoalSet a timeline:How soon do you want to achieve your goal?Consider realistic milestones.Calculate your monthly savings target:Divide the total cost by the number of months in your timeline.Include this amount as a non-negotiable in your budget.Example: Example: A $5,000 salon renovation might feel overwhelming, but over a year, it’s $417 a month.PERSONAL Example - Saving for a $3,000 vacation over 18 months? That’s just $167 per month.Segment 3: Cut Costs & add Income Without Sacrificing JoyIdentify areas to trim:Fixed expenses: renegotiate contracts or cut unused subscriptions.Variable expenses: make small sacrifices, like fewer takeout meals.Be mindful of cost cutting efforts - weigh your time to cost ratioCreative cost-saving ideas:DIY projects: Instead of buying decor for your salon, make it a fun craft day.Reminder on loyalty/rewards programs.Add in income streams like treatment days BTC. Do not discount your service but try talking about a new experience or a Treat Yo-self campaign in the salon. Do you have treatments laying around? Or add on service options?Action Step: Redirect savings into a dedicated fund.Open a separate account or use an envelope system with a fireproof safeSegment 4: Make Your Money Work for YouAutomate your savings:Set up recurring transfers to your goal account.Look for additional income streams:Take extra clients, sell unused equipment, or monetize a skill.Invest wisely:If your timeline is over a year, consider a high-yield savings account to grow your money faster. (please speak to your trusted advisor on this!!)Segment 5: Stay Inspired and AccountableVisualize your progress:Use a dream board or savings tracker.Celebrate small wins along the way.Share your goal:Tell a trusted friend or accountability partner or find a stylist that has similar goals and set a day/time to text each other your weekly goals.Stay flexible:Life happens. If you need to adjust your timeline, that’s okay—just don’t give up.ConclusionRecap actionable steps:Define your dream.Break it into a savings goal.Trim costs, add income and redirect savings.Automate your savings.Stay inspired and accountable.Actionable takeaway: Dream big, start small, and stay consistent. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can turn your vision into reality.Reminder to download the budgeting series freebies!!Expense Tracker for Independent Stylists https://heatherpod.kit.com/705f2f912f Budget Guidelines https://heatherpod.kit.com/c9f316e834 Personal Expense Tracker https://heatherpod.kit.com/8650607451February we will get into everything from gaining more clients - boundaries - increasing income and setting goals! PLUS keep your eyes open for Thursdays BONUS episode on personal budgeting basics![Music fades out]
Transcribe →The Budgeting Series Pt 3: The Routine That Will Set You FREE!
Jan 21, 202500:24:04Tap to summarizeFree Resources: Budget Guide: https://heatherpod.kit.com/c9f316e834Expense Tracker: https://heatherpod.kit.com/705f2f912f Episode 15 Podcast Outline: My Monthly Budget RoutineIntroductionBrief recap of the January budgeting series so far and a reminder about the free resources available (budgeting checklist and expense tracker).Teaser: Today, I’m walking you through my exact monthly budget routine. This is the system I use to stay on track, reduce stress, and make progress toward my financial goals. Ready to take control of your month? Let’s dive in!Segment 1: Setting the StageImportance of having a consistent monthly budgeting routine:Keeps you proactive instead of reactive.Builds financial confidence.Helps you stay aligned with your goals.Ideal timing: I do my budget routine on the first of the month or the last day of the previous month and do tracking 1x per week. Personal is 1-2x per week. Find a time that works best for you.Tools needed: digital tracker (e.g., Google Sheets), a notebook, or an app.Segment 2: Step 1 - Review the Previous Month(s)Start by assessing the prior month’s income and expenses:Compare actual spending to your budgeted amounts.Identify areas where you overspent or underspent.Reflect on any unexpected expenses and how they impacted your budget.Example: Last month, I spent $50 more on supplies than planned, but I also saved $75 on marketing costs.Pro tip: Use color-coding in your tracker to highlight trends.Segment 3: Step 2 - Plan for the New MonthSet your income expectations:Account for services, retail, and tips.Consider any planned promotions or special events that might affect revenue.Do not forget to count for no shows or appointments moving.List all expected expenses:Fixed: rentVariable: supplies, education, marketing,Irregular: annual fees (amazon, insurance) , one-time purchases.Include a buffer for unexpected costs (5-10% of your monthly expenses).Segment 4: Step 3 - Set Your Monthly GoalsTie your financial goals to your budget:Example: Save $200 for new tools or pay off a $500 debt.Use the SMART framework:Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.Pro tip: Break larger goals into monthly chunks to stay motivated.Segment 5: Step 4 - Track Weekly ProgressImportance of checking in weekly:Prevents overspending.Helps you course-correct mid-month.Quick tasks for weekly reviews:Log all income and expenses onto a sheet Update your tracker or app.Adjust your budget if necessary.Example: If you earn $200 extra in tips, decide how to allocate it immediately—savings, debt, or a fun purchase. - I save all my tips for something for myself.Segment 6: Step 5 - Celebrate and ReflectCelebrate small wins: Did you stick to your budget? Save more than expected? Pay off debt? Acknowledge your progress.Reflect on challenges:What worked well?What could you improve next month?Reminder: Budgeting is a journey, not a sprint. Give yourself grace while staying consistent.ConclusionRecap the steps of the monthly budget routine:Review the previous month.Plan for the new month.Set your monthly goals.Track weekly progress.Celebrate and reflect.Actionable takeaway: Block out time for your own budget routine this month and commit to doing it every month moving forward.Reminder about the free resources available:Budgeting checklist and expense tracker (link in the show notes).Teaser for next week’s bonus episode: We’ll be diving into personal budgeting tips for independent stylists. Don’t miss it!
Transcribe →The Budgeting Series Pt 2: Where is it all Going?
Jan 14, 202500:14:47Tap to summarizeEpisode 14: Where is the Money Going??Podcast Episode Outline: 3 Tools to Simplify Expense TrackingIntroduction[Music fades in]Quick recap of Episode 1 and reminder to download the budgeting checklist.In today’s episode, we’re simplifying expense tracking with three amazing tools that will save you time and headaches. Plus, I’ve got a free Google Sheets expense tracker for you at the end of the episode!Segment 1: Why Expense Tracking MattersExplanation of why tracking expenses is essential for business success:Keeps finances organized.Helps identify spending patterns.Prevents overspending and ensures profitability.Story about how expense tracking helpsSegment 2: Tool #1 - Digital Expense Tracking AppsIntroduction to apps like QuickBooks, Wave, and Expensify.Features: automated tracking, receipt uploads, tax preparation.Benefits: Saves time and reduces manual errors.Example use case: "Imagine uploading your supply receipts and having the app categorize them for you in seconds."Tips for choosing the right app:Look for user-friendly interfaces.Check for features like bank account syncing.Consider cost-effectiveness (free vs. paid versions).Segment 3: Tool #2 - Spreadsheets (Google Sheets)Advantages of using spreadsheets:Customizable to fit your needs.Free and accessible.Easily shared with accountants or business partners.Walkthrough of the free Google Sheets tracker:Date, Amount, Categories (Rent, Product, Education, Taxes, Insurance, Subscriptions/Fee, Time Off/Vacation), Fixed (pink with red letters) or Variable (red with pink letters) Expenses, and over or under budgetHow to input expensesYou’ll find the link to download this customizable sheet in the show notes.Segment 4: Tool #3 - Receipt Management Importance of organizing receipts:Helps with tax deductions.Avoids scrambling during tax season.Digital tools for receipt storage:CamScanner for scanning paper receipts.Dropbox or Google Drive for digital storage.Apps like Hubdoc for integration with expense trackers.Tips for creating a receipt filing routine:Weekly or monthly organization sessions.ConclusionRecap of the three tools: digital apps, Google Sheets, and receipt management systems.Actionable advice: "Pick one tool to start with and commit to using it consistently for the next month."Reminder to download the free Google Sheets tracker from the show notes.Teaser for next week’s episode: "My Monthly Budgeting Routine."[Music fades out]Freebie: HP Consulting Expense Trackerhttps://heatherpod.kit.com/705f2f912f If you missed last weeks free budgeting guide! Grab it here! The Budgeting Guide: https://heatherpod.kit.com/c9f316e834
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