

Boosting Your Financial IQ
Steve Coughran
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 20, 2023 • 29min
66: For Those Who Want to Do More With Their Life
Do feel like you can be doing more in your life to fulfill your full potential? Or, perhaps you feel stuck or lack purpose. In this episode, host Steve Coughran recounts his powerful experience traveling to Havana, Cuba, where he was reminded of the importance of living life to the fullest and making a difference. Through his trip, he realized that there is so much more he can do to make a positive impact in the world, both personally and professionally. Join us as we explore the lessons Steve learned on his journey and how they can inspire all of us to strive for more.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

Jun 14, 2023 • 18min
Financial and Economic News: June 14, 2023
Important Financial and Economic NewsCheck out what's happening in the economy and world of finance by watching this week's edition of FinWeekly. These insights are exclusive to the free Boosting Your Financial IQ app and can be found under the "Learn" section. Here are a few highlights (Watch the full report on the app):UK Investments declineTesla takes chargeU.S. Budget gap hits $1.2TExpectations for inflation hit 2 year lowCardboard boxes and consumer spendingCruise ship stocks on the riseGoogle’s antitrust chargesDisclaimer: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

Jun 13, 2023 • 37min
65: How Bank Financials Work
Financial statements are important documents that provide information about the financial performance and position of a business. While the basic principles of financial statements apply to all businesses, there are significant differences between the financial statements of banks and corporations. Banks have unique accounting and regulatory requirements that make their financial statements distinct from other corporations. For instance, banks generate revenue mainly through interest income, which is different from traditional corporations that typically earn revenue through sales of goods or services. Banks also hold different types of assets and liabilities on their balance sheets as they deal with loans, securities, deposits and other financial instruments. Additionally, banks have to follow specific accounting standards, such as generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), that are tailored to the banking industry. Finally, bank financial statements have more detailed disclosures about risks and uncertainties due to the nature of the banking business. Understanding these differences can help stakeholders, investors, and regulators better interpret bank financial statements and make informed decisions. Join Steve Coughran for this episode where he’ll walk you through an example from JP Morgan Chase & Company and help you to feel more comfortable with the nuances of bank financial statements.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

Jun 7, 2023 • 15min
Financial and Economic News: June 7, 2023
Important Financial and Economic NewsCheck out what's happening in the economy and world of finance by watching this week's edition of FinWeekly. These insights are exclusive to the free Boosting Your Financial IQ app and can be found under the "Learn" section. Here are a few highlights (Watch the full report on the app):Apple’s mixed-reality visionLending rules tighten on U.S. banksThe U.S. Treasury looks to borrow $1TU.S. Corporate earnings forecast a dropChina’s economic packageUpdates on UBS acquisition of Credit SuisseThe SEC sues BinanceDimon sits down with House DemocratsDisclaimer: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

Jun 6, 2023 • 37min
64: The 4 Financial Levers that Drive Profitability
Did you know that when it comes to driving profitability, most business leaders and consultants get it completely wrong and end up destroying the long-term value of their companies? Using the right financial levers is crucial in driving sustained profitability for any company. By focusing on the four key drivers of profitability – price premiums, revenue, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses, businesses can make informed decisions that optimize their financial performance. Effective management of these levers can help companies achieve long-term growth, increase shareholder value, and remain competitive in a dynamic market. Failure to use the right financial levers could lead to increased operating costs, lower profit margins, and reduced cash flows, all of which can adversely affect a company's bottom line. Therefore, it is important for businesses to have a solid understanding of their financial performance and leverage the appropriate financial levers to drive profitability and ensure sustainable business growth. Join Steve Coughran for this episode to learn more about how you can drive high profits that will ultimately increase firm value.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

Jun 1, 2023 • 15min
Financial and Economic News: June 1, 2023
Important Financial and Economic NewsCheck out what's happening in the economy and world of finance by watching this week's edition of FinWeekly. These insights are exclusive to the free Boosting Your Financial IQ app and can be found under the "Learn" section. Here are a few highlights (Watch the full report on the app):Details from the debt dealInvestors are still betting on big techNvidia shares surge, but is it priced ‘ahead of the curve’?The Winklevoss twins chase the pot of goldJP Morgan makes moves for the super-richInvestors are cooling down on buying homesDisclaimer: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

May 30, 2023 • 42min
63: Unlocking the Power of a Fractional CFO With Dan DeGolier
As a business grows, so do its financial complexities. That's where a fractional CFO comes in - a part-time, outsourced Chief Financial Officer who can provide strategic financial guidance and help drive growth. In this episode, we explore the benefits of working with a fractional CFO and how they can unlock the power of financial data to drive business success. Our guest expert, Dan DeGolier, Founder of Ascent CFO Solutions, is an experienced fractional CFO who has worked with businesses of all sizes and industries. We discuss the key responsibilities of a fractional CFO, including strategic thinking, cash flow management, forecasting, and more. We also talk about some common challenges business owners face when managing their finances and how a fractional CFO can help overcome these challenges. Throughout the episode, we share real-world examples of businesses that have successfully leveraged the expertise of a fractional CFO, and the impact it had on their bottom line. We also discuss how to find the right fractional CFO for your business and what to look for in a potential candidate. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of the value a fractional CFO can bring to your business, and how to start unlocking the power of your financial data to drive growth and success.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

May 25, 2023 • 21min
Financial and Economic News: May 25, 2023
Important Financial and Economic NewsCheck out what's happening in the economy and world of finance by watching this week's edition of FinWeekly. These insights are exclusive to the free Boosting Your Financial IQ app and can be found under the "Learn" section. Here are a few highlights (Watch the full report on the app):U.S. debt-deal discussions at an impasseYellen says running out of cash in early June is “Highly Likely”Short sellers continue to bet against regional banksHedge funds bet on stocksAIG frees up $3B in capitalCharles Schwab raises $2.5B in bondsJPMorgan anticipates $84B in incomeECB not done raising ratesChina’s $23T local debt messCarl Icahn loses $15BDisclaimer: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

May 23, 2023 • 44min
62: How to Revamp Your Business Budgeting Process
Did you know that when it comes to building and leveraging a repeatable business budgeting process, most organizations get it wrong? Revamping your business budgeting process is critical to the financial success of your organization. An effective budgeting process can help you identify inefficiencies, ensure accuracy, support decision-making, enable agility, and promote accountability. By evaluating and updating your current budgeting methods, you can gain a better understanding of your financial situation, make more informed decisions about resource allocation, and adapt to changing market conditions—especially when it ties back to your strategy. Join Steve Coughran for this informative episode where he walks you through the process of revamping your budgeting process to help you reduce costs, improve your bottom line, and position your business for long-term success.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

May 18, 2023 • 20min
Financial and Economic News: May 18, 2023
Important Financial and Economic NewsCheck out what's happening in the economy and world of finance by watching this week's edition of FinWeekly. These insights are exclusive to the free Boosting Your Financial IQ app and can be found under the "Learn" section. Here are a few highlights (Watch the full report on the app):U.S. debt ceiling negotiations are looking promisingInvestors move to cashWells Fargo's $1B settlementU.S. retail sales increase in AprilHousehold consumer debt hits record $17THome Depot anticipates a 5% decrease in salesGovernment spending on debt service exceeds national defenseChina's recovery faltersMichael Burry of the "Big Short" bets on ChinaPfizer raises $31B in debt capitalLoan delinquencies are on the riseDisclaimer: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