

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

Oct 17, 2023 • 52min
Achieving Financial Success in a Decade with Matt Remuzzi | Ep 83
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Steve Coughran engages in an insightful conversation with Matt Remuzzi, Founder of CapForge, on the topic of "Achieving Financial Success in a Decade." Together, they debunk limiting beliefs surrounding entrepreneurship and discuss how anyone, regardless of their starting point or background, can attain life-changing financial freedom in less time than expected. They explore the misconceptions that hold people back from becoming business owners, such as the belief that substantial capital, connections, or a fancy education are prerequisites. Additionally, they emphasize the ease and significance of being a "numbers person" in achieving overall success. Discover the hidden benefit of business ownership that exponentially increases the value of your time compared to being an employee. Tune in to gain valuable insights and empower yourself for financial success._______________________________________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

Oct 11, 2023 • 12min
Financial and Economic News: October 11, 2023
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthThe latest trends in the economy and the world of finance:Treasury yields surge (What it means for YOU)Recession insights IMF global growth forecast ECB calls out Euro-governments Country Garden in trouble (again).Metro Bank FinWeekly has all the details on trending market and financial news this week: In the world of finance, US Treasury yields have recently shot up, reaching levels not seen since the 2007 global financial crisis. While this may raise concerns, economists at Goldman Sachs believe it's not necessarily a sign of an imminent recession. Lorie Logan, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, even suggests that the increase in long-term Treasury yields could potentially help slow down further interest rate hikes. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has adjusted its global economic growth forecasts downward, with the exception of the United States, which is expected to remain stable. On a different note, Euro-area governments are not aligning their fiscal policies with the European Central Bank's efforts to control inflation, raising concerns. Furthermore, Caius Capital and other creditors have made a significant move to strengthen Metro Bank's financial position through a bond sale, while China's Country Garden faces financial instability due to missed interest payments. These developments provide a complex snapshot of the global economic landscape.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

Oct 10, 2023 • 12min
The Power of Paying Yourself | Ep 82
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Steve takes you on a journey to understand the transformative power of paying yourself first. With his extensive experience as a business owner, management consultant, and CFO, Coughran shares valuable insights on how individuals can invest in their financial future. He emphasizes the importance of increasing earnings, reducing costs, and creating margin to set aside for savings accounts, retirement funds, or individual brokerage accounts. Furthermore, Coughran delves into how businesses can adopt a profit-first mentality to achieve the desired level of profitability. Through clear explanations, relatable examples, and actionable advice, Coughran empowers his audience to take control of their financial well-being and build a solid foundation for long-term success._______________________________________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

Oct 4, 2023 • 11min
Financial and Economic News: October 4, 2023
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthThe latest trends in the economy and the world of finance:Shutdown crisis averted… For now. McCarthy is no longer Speaker of the HouseThe Fed’s focus on laborHow far off is a 3 day work week? Office property is ‘Up In The Air’Dumb MoneyThis week on FinWeekly, we tackle trends on key financial events that are shaping our current landscape: In a week of significant developments, House Speaker McCarthy managed to temporarily avert a government shutdown, providing a semblance of stability to the US economy, which currently enjoys lower inflation, a robust job market, and strong consumer spending. However, lurking beneath this calm are potential disruptors, including a looming auto worker strike, the resumption of student loan repayments, and the threat of a government shutdown if the stop-gap spending deal expires without a new agreement. Meanwhile, a historic shake-up in the House of Representatives has left House Republicans without a clear successor to McCarthy, following a period of internal strife. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated the importance of labor market strength and price stability. On a different note, JPMorgan Chase's CEO, Jamie Dimon, has expressed confidence in AI's transformative potential for future work, envisioning a shorter workweek. However, concerns abound in the commercial real estate and office market, with experts predicting a potential crash and a protracted recovery. These developments underscore the need for adaptability and proactive measures in navigating the multifaceted challenges facing the United States. Check out the full stories below. 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

Oct 3, 2023 • 52min
How to Begin Trading Options With Jason Brown | Ep 81
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Steve Coughran engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jason Brown, Founder of the Brown Report. Together, they delve into the topic of "How to Begin Trading Stock Options" and emphasize the importance of investing in one's education, finding margin, and taking calculated risks. As Jason shares his expertise, listeners gain valuable insights on how to navigate the world of stock options and make informed investment decisions. This enlightening episode serves as a reminder that continuous learning and strategic decision-making are crucial elements in the journey towards financial success._______________________________________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 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


