Strategy Meets Finance

Steve Coughran
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Sep 2, 2024 • 13min

What Surprised Me About Your Financial IQ Assessments | Ep 130

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Uncover surprising insights from over 1,000 Financial IQ assessments and learn why many struggle with financial decision-making. Explore how enhancing your financial literacy can drive business success and personal growth. Discover key strategies for creating value, boosting financial skills, and achieving financial freedom. Tune in for actionable tips to elevate your financial IQ and transform your approach to finance. _______________________________________Disclaimer: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.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com
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Aug 26, 2024 • 9min

5 Financial Skills I Wish I Had When Starting in Business | Ep 129

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, Steve reveals the top five financial skills he wishes he had when starting his business. From mastering financial statements to advanced forecasting and valuation techniques, Steve shares practical insights that can transform your business acumen. Whether you’re a business leader, owner, or aspiring financial professional, this episode offers valuable tips to enhance your financial literacy and drive success. Tune in for actionable advice that will help you make informed decisions and elevate your financial strategy. _______________________________________Disclaimer: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.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com
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Aug 19, 2024 • 11min

Financial Skills to Pay the Bills | Ep 128

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, Steve delves into the importance of financial skills and how mastering them can drive business success. Drawing from his experience as a CFO and his work with multi-million and billion-dollar companies, Steve highlights key concepts like building accurate forecasts, understanding LTV to CAC ratios, and combining strategy with financial acumen. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or an aspiring financial professional, this episode offers valuable insights to help you grow your business, increase profitability, and achieve financial freedom. Tune in to learn how these essential skills can transform your financial life. _______________________________________Disclaimer: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.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com
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Aug 12, 2024 • 16min

How to Read These 3 Essential Financial Statements | Ep 127

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Are you making the same costly mistakes in your business without even knowing it? In this episode, Steve dives deep into the three essential financial statements every business owner must know: the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows. Learn how to leverage these tools to drive profitability, assess financial health, and maximize firm value. Ready to elevate your financial literacy?_______________________________________Disclaimer: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.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com
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Aug 5, 2024 • 7min

Do You Know Your Financial IQ Score? | Ep 126

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, I dive into a fascinating analogy between overconfidence in the kitchen and financial literacy in business. It all started while watching an episode of MasterChef, one of my favorite shows. I was struck by the overconfidence of a contestant named Mark, who presented a lackluster breakfast to the judges, thinking he had the competition in the bag. This led me to reflect on my early days in business when I, too, was dangerously overconfident in my financial skills.I share a personal story of running a multi-million dollar company without knowing how to read a financial statement, which resulted in costly mistakes and lost opportunities. This lack of awareness is similar to the infamous Dunning-Kruger effect, where people with little ability in a field overestimate their competence. I recount the unbelievable tale of two bank robbers who thought rubbing lemon juice on their faces would make them invisible to cameras—a clear example of the Dunning-Kruger effect in action.Through these stories, I emphasize the importance of financial literacy and understanding your financial IQ. I invite you to take the financial IQ assessment at BYFIQ to identify areas where you might need improvement, whether it's the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows, or another aspect of finance. By applying financial principles to real-world situations, you can build critical skills that will significantly impact your career and business success.Join me as I explore how recognizing our limitations and continuously learning can prevent us from making costly mistakes and help us grow more profitable businesses. And remember, confidence without competence can be dangerous—just like thinking lemon juice can make you invisible. Until next time, take care of yourself and keep learning. Cheers!_______________________________________Disclaimer: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.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com
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Jul 30, 2024 • 13min

Calculating Your ROI | Ep 125

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth If you are looking for a greater return on investment, today I am detailing what business owners and entrepreneurs need to know about how to calculate their ROI and monitor the financial health of a business for an accurate accounting of where your business stands financially. Furthermore, we will dive into assessing and calculate specific relevant statements that will help you keep track along the way. _______________________________________Disclaimer: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.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com
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Jul 22, 2024 • 11min

5 Most Important Finance Skills You Double Down On | Ep 124

Unlock your potential by mastering five essential finance skills crucial for driving business value. Learn how to analyze financial statements, make informed forecasts, and value companies effectively. Discover the importance of strategic thinking and how mastering these concepts can translate into actionable strategies for success. With practical insights drawn from real-world experience, this discussion simplifies complex financial concepts for anyone looking to enhance their financial acumen.
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Jul 15, 2024 • 11min

6 Key Financial Concepts You Should Master | Ep 123

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this week’s episode, I explore critical financial concepts you need to know and understand. While there are countless financial metrics and theories, today, I’m cutting through the noise to focus on the six key concepts essential for maximizing free cash flow and, consequently, company value.Join me as I break down:Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT) - I’ll help you understand the true economic performance of your business by focusing on core operations and excluding non-operational income and expenses.Working Capital - I’ll teach you how to calculate and manage your operating working capital to ensure you have the cash flow necessary for daily operations.Capital Expenditures (CapEx) - I’ll explain the importance of investing in property, plant, and equipment, and how to compute CapEx from financial statements.Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) - I’ll show you how to measure the returns generated on all capital invested in the business and why this metric is crucial for assessing economic success.Growth - I’ll guide you in developing strategies for sustainable growth and help you understand the economic drivers that can boost your top line without sacrificing long-term profitability.Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) - I’ll give you a solid understanding of your company's cost of capital, blending debt and equity, to accurately discount future cash flows and value your business.By mastering these concepts, you’ll be equipped to drive significant value in your company, avoid common pitfalls, and strategically position your business for long-term success. Tune in for my straightforward, practical guide to transforming your financial acumen and boosting your business performance.Cheers, and enjoy the episode!_______________________________________Disclaimer: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.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com
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Jul 8, 2024 • 7min

Don't Make This Mistake with Your Financial Literacy | Ep 122

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Are you entrusting your financial future to someone else without understanding the basics? Learn why this approach can be a critical error and how you can avoid it. In this episode of "Boosting Your Financial IQ," I explore the necessity of financial literacy in business and personal finance. Reflecting on past financial disasters like the 2008 housing crisis, I highlight the dangers of blind trust in financial experts. Just as you wouldn't let a doctor make uninformed decisions about your health, you shouldn't let others manage your finances without grasping the fundamentals.Join me as I debunk the myth that investing in index funds absolves you from understanding finance. I'll discuss the importance of knowing the mechanics behind your investments and how this knowledge can lead to better decision-making. This episode is packed with insights aimed at empowering you to take control of your financial journey. Tune in to discover how enhancing your financial IQ can make you more self-reliant and successful in today's intricate financial landscape. Don't forget to subscribe and become part of the movement towards financial empowerment!_______________________________________Disclaimer: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.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com
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Jul 1, 2024 • 18min

How to Read a Statement of Cash Flows Like a CFO | Ep 121

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Unlock the secrets to mastering cash flow analysis and elevate your financial savvy to the level of a CFO. In this enlightening episode of Boosting Your Financial IQ, I dive deep into the critical importance of cash flow for any business, revealing why even profitable companies can face bankruptcy without proper cash management. I'll unpack the structure of the statement of cash flows, providing you with the tools to interpret cash inflows and outflows strategically. You will gain a clear understanding of a company's liquidity and overall cash position with expert tips and secret hacks tailored for comprehensive analysis.Discover the fundamental elements of the statement of cash flows as I break it down into its three main sections: operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. Learn how each section impacts a company's financial health and explore vital metrics like net cash from operating activities, CapEx, free cash flow, and the cash flow to debt ratio. By analyzing trends over time and comparing periods, you'll gain deeper insights into a company’s operational efficiency and working capital management. For visual learners, check out my whiteboard walkthroughs on my YouTube channel linked below, and join my program at byfiq.com to further enhance your financial decision-making skills._______________________________________Disclaimer: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.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

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