
Boosting Your Financial IQ
The Boosting Your Financial IQ podcast simplifies financial and accounting concepts to help you understand how money works and how to create more value.Hosted by Steve Coughran, founder of Coltivar and an expert in finance, strategy, and operations, this podcast provides real-world examples, stories, and tips to enhance your financial literacy. Whether you’re new to finance or an experienced business owner, Steve’s insights will help you identify value drivers and improve financial performance. With years of experience helping businesses from $3M to $100M+ grow smarter and leaner, Steve is dedicated to giving you the clarity, confidence, and support needed to make your business more profitable and sustainable. Tune in and learn how to speak the language of money.
Latest episodes

Apr 7, 2025 • 25min
163: Why is My Business Not Making a Profit?
Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/Your company is generating real revenue, but where’s the profit? In this episode of Boosting Your Financial IQ, Steve unpacks the most common (and often hidden) reasons businesses struggle to turn revenue into bottom-line results. From product-market fit to pricing, from customer experience to capital structure Steve reveals the pitfalls that drain profitability and how smart founders fix them. If you’re leading a $3M–$20M company and wondering what’s holding you back, this episode is for you. Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.Support the showbyfiq.com

Mar 31, 2025 • 16min
162: How Smart CEOs Think About Money – What They Focus on (And What They Ignore)
Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/Steve reveals the five things financially savvy CEOs focus on (and the common traps they avoid) to build cash-rich, high-growth companies.If you’re ready to shift from operator to strategic thinker, this one’s for you. Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com

Mar 27, 2025 • 16min
161: Should You Work for a Wage or Own the Business Understanding Your True Earning Potential
Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/Steve answers a listener's heartfelt question: should you work for a wage or build your own business? Through a raw and personal backstory from blizzards at Dairy Queen to building a multimillion-dollar company Steve shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com

Mar 24, 2025 • 14min
160: Strategic Finance Explained: What It Is & How to Use It for Business Growth
Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/Most companies get stuck in operating finance, but the real power lies in strategic finance where financial insights drive big decisions and long-term growth.In this episode, Steve breaks down the key differences and why mastering both can make you a powerhouse in business. Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com

Mar 17, 2025 • 14min
159: 3 Must Have Metrics for Business Owners
Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/Running a business is like spinning plates—but how do you know if it's truly efficient?In this episode of Boosting Your Financial IQ, Steve reveals three key metrics every business must measure to drive growth and profitability. Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com

Mar 10, 2025 • 15min
158: Cash Flow for Business Owners: How to Forecast, Manage, and Get More of It
Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/Where’s your cash going? Even thriving businesses can feel stuck when money flows in and out without clarity.In this episode, Steve Coughran reveals why cash flow confusion isn’t your fault — and how to fix it. Learn the key steps to forecasting, managing, and boosting your cash flow so you can stay in control and grow with confidence.Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com

Mar 3, 2025 • 8min
157: Let's Play Cash Flow Trivia
Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/Think you understand cash flow? Steve puts your financial knowledge to the test in this interactive trivia-style episode.From the difference between profit and cash flow to why profitable companies still go bankrupt, this episode breaks down key financial concepts that every entrepreneur and business owner needs to know. Whether you're a finance pro or just getting started, this one will challenge what you think you know.Are you ready? Let’s play.Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com

Feb 26, 2025 • 10min
156: If You’re Looking for a Job, Listen to This
Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/Steve has hired countless employees, and the hiring process never fails to shock him. From no-shows to unpolished resumes, he’s seen it all.In this episode, he shares the brutal truths job seekers need to hear—why some candidates never get a second look, the simple mistakes that ruin your chances, and the key habits that make you stand out.If you’re looking for a job (or ever will), this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com

Feb 24, 2025 • 10min
155: The One Truth I'll Never Stop Sharing About Finance
Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/Most professionals know financial literacy is crucial, yet few follow through.In this episode, Steve Coughran uncovers why so many start strong but fail to finish—and what it takes to break the cycle. Through real-world insights and hard-hitting truths, Steve shares why there are no shortcuts to financial success, how distractions derail progress, and what separates those who thrive from those who stay stuck.If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, this episode will challenge you to commit, build real skills, and unlock new opportunities.Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com

Feb 17, 2025 • 13min
154: 3 Things I Learned as CFO of a Billion Dollar Company
Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/What does it really take to lead the financial strategy of a billion-dollar company?Steve Coughran reveals the three biggest lessons he learned as CFO—insights that every business leader needs to know. From simplifying financials to uncovering hidden risks on the balance sheet, these takeaways can help you drive massive value.But the most important lesson? It’s not what you think. Tune in now to find out.Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com