

Strategy Meets Finance
Steve Coughran
Welcome to Strategy Meets Finance, the podcast for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to start, grow, and run a business that lasts.Most business owners struggle because they treat strategy and finance as separate. But without a clear strategy, your finances won’t support long-term growth. And without strong financial planning, even the best business ideas fall flat.On this show, we bring both sides together—so you can grow your business with confidence, improve cash flow, increase profit, and make better decisions.Hosted by Steve Coughran, a former CFO and founder of Coltivar, each episode shares simple tools, real examples, and practical advice from working with companies of all different sizes. You’ll learn how to set smart goals, fix money leaks, build stronger teams, and create lasting value.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 27, 2023 • 9min
Financial and Economic News: September 27, 2023
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthThe latest trends in the economy and the world of finance:Updates on the shutdown The bond market dilemma Stock watch (how and why what happens could affect you)Amazon’s AI investment A new gold standard?This week on FinWeekly, we tackle trends on key financial events that are shaping our current landscape: This week's financial landscape presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. Political tensions in the US arise as Representative Matt Gaetz hints at a potential government shutdown in the pursuit of financial sustainability. In the bond market, there's a surge in 10-year Treasury yields, while shorter-term notes gain favor, possibly in anticipation of Fed rate cuts. Stocks display resilience, but it's crucial for investors to assess their risk tolerance in the current climate. Amazon makes a significant $4 billion investment in Anthropic for AI advancements, signaling its expansion beyond e-commerce. Gold's behavior takes an unexpected turn as it decouples from interest rates, with central banks and investors buying in, potentially reflecting economic concerns. Despite low yields, gold's premium remains steady, prompting questions about its future behavior. These developments bring a unique set of opportunities and challenges for investors to navigate.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.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 26, 2023 • 25min
The Upside of Business Equity | Ep 80
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Steve Coughran delves into the compelling advantages of participating in business equity. This enlightening episode highlights the potential for high returns that investing in business equity can bring. As companies experience growth and success over time, investors have the opportunity to reap significant rewards on their investments. Moreover, owning business equity grants investors a sense of ownership and control, enabling them to have a say in the company's decision-making processes. Steve emphasizes how some companies distribute profits to shareholders through dividend payments, providing a consistent income stream for investors. Additionally, as a company flourishes and becomes more valuable, the value of its equity appreciates, opening doors for potential capital gains for investors. Lastly, Steve underscores the importance of diversification, as investing in business equity allows individuals to spread their risk across different companies and sectors, enhancing overall portfolio stability. Tune in to this episode for a comprehensive exploration of the remarkable upsides of participating in business equity, and gain valuable insights for successful stock investing._______________________________________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

Sep 20, 2023 • 14min
Financial and Economic News: September 20, 2023
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthKey happenings in the economy and world of finance:US government shutdown The Fed’s new conundrum Wall Street’s year in reviewECB plans to raise borrowing costsPrepare for the Central Bank marathon This week on FinWeekly, we tackle trends on key financial events that are shaping our current landscape: First up, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's proposal to avoid a government shutdown by cutting domestic agency spending by 8%—we'll break down the potential impacts. Next, the Fed's facing a challenge as the U.S. economy isn't slowing down as expected despite interest rate hikes; we'll discuss why finding the right balance is critical. On Wall Street, experts are revisiting their predictions for the S&P 500 Index after underestimating this year's stock market rise. However, they're not calling it a bull market just yet. Economist Nouriel Roubini is sounding the alarm about rising oil prices potentially leading to stagflation in Europe. Lastly, a 36-hour central bank marathon involving 11 key players is underway, tackling complex monetary policy in a world with diverse inflation and economic challenges. Despite inflation concerns, markets are surprisingly confident in predicting policies, inflation rates, and bond yields. Trust that central banks are planning for the worst but hoping for the best as we navigate the rest of the week. Stay tuned for more updates and insights.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.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 19, 2023 • 22min
Decoding Publicly Traded Financial Statements | Ep 79
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, listeners gain valuable insights into Decoding Publicly Traded Financial Statements. Coughran, drawing from his extensive experience as a business owner, management consultant, and CFO, provides a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the key components to pay attention to in these statements. He takes listeners on a quick walk-through of financial statements, emphasizing the importance of understanding financial statements such as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. By leveraging this data, Coughran highlights how listeners can make better business and investment decisions. Through practical examples, stories, and analogies, he empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of financial statements with confidence, ultimately helping them boost their financial literacy and make informed choices for long-term success. Tune in to the Boosting Your Financial IQ podcast to enhance your understanding of publicly traded financial statements and unlock the potential for smarter investing._______________________________________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

Sep 13, 2023 • 18min
Financial and Economic News: September 13, 2023
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthKey happenings in the economy and world of finance:· Is the Dollar in danger? · Economic insights from Yellen· Growth forecast for 2024· Can AI replace our workforce? (what YOU can do)· How the UAW strike could affect the economy · UK homeowners feel the heatIn this episode of FinWeekly, we delve into the question: Is the Dollar in Danger? The U.S. dollar faced challenges in the Asian market as major central banks and experts in the region took actions that impacted its value. Despite eight weeks of demonstrated strength, driven by robust U.S. economic data, the anticipated sustained higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve did not materialize. This divergence in monetary policies between the U.S., China, and Japan placed significant pressure on Asian currencies. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expressed confidence in the U.S. economy, citing a steady slowdown in inflation and an increase in job seekers. Looking ahead, consumer spending and its impact on economic growth and GDP are crucial considerations. While concerns about technology replacing jobs persist, AI is not expected to fully replace the workforce. Additionally, we discuss the recent developments in the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike and its potential implications for the economy. Lastly, UK homeowners are grappling with unprecedented mortgage rates, making it increasingly challenging for them to meet their mortgage payments. Stay tuned to FinWeekly for more insightful updates on the latest financial trends and news.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.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 12, 2023 • 38min
Navigating Asset Bubbles and Financial Crises | Ep 78
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Steve Coughran delves into the intriguing world of asset bubbles and provides valuable insights on how to navigate their perils while capitalizing on potential opportunities. Coughran starts by offering a concise history of asset bubbles, shedding light on their patterns and the factors that contribute to their formation. He then explores the correlation between asset bubbles and debt cycles, emphasizing how excessive borrowing can fuel the growth of these bubbles and eventually lead to their bursting. Using a mix of statistics, anecdotes, and direct address, Coughran guides listeners through strategies to protect their investments during bubble periods. His expertise shines as he highlights the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective and focusing on the fundamental value of investments. By sharing practical tips and informed perspectives, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge they need to navigate asset bubbles and financial crises successfully._______________________________________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

Sep 8, 2023 • 18min
Financial and Economic News: September 8, 2023
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthImportant 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):· Employee motivation takes a hit· Fed weighs rate hikes· Fed doubles economic growth forecast· Stock market updatesDisclaimer: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.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 5, 2023 • 29min
How to Use Capital Budgeting to Make Better Financial Decisions | Ep 77
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In the latest episode, host Steve Coughran dives deep into the world of capital budgeting and its significance as a powerful financial tool. Steve emphasizes the importance of coupling capital budgeting with a well-defined strategy to make great long-term investment decisions. With insightful examples and expert analysis, Steve unravels the complexities of capital budgeting and demonstrates how it can help individuals and businesses alike in maximizing their financial growth and stability. Don't miss this enlightening episode that will surely boost your financial knowledge and empower you to make smarter investment choices. Tune in now!_______________________________________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

Aug 30, 2023 • 14min
Financial and Economic News: August 30, 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):· Big news for BRICS· China’s scrambled economy· (N)Evergrande· Problems with personal loans· Cash-out refinances drop to 17%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.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Aug 29, 2023 • 55min
From Teenage Entrepreneur to Financial Visionary With Marco Bavetta | Ep 76
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this insightful episode, host Steve Coughran engages in an enlightening conversation with special guest Marco Bavetta. The discussion covers a range of topics, starting with the intricacies of entrepreneurship and the key factors that contribute to success in business ventures. Coughran shares valuable insights on how to get started in business, emphasizing the importance of aligning our daily patterns with long-term goals. He highlights the power of taking small and simple steps consistently, as they can lead to significant achievements over time. Coughran and Bavetta also delve into the future of the US economy, exploring potential trends and opportunities for investment in businesses. Tune in to this captivating episode to gain valuable knowledge and strategies for boosting your financial acumen._______________________________________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