

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

Nov 21, 2022 • 50min
37: Combining Numbers and Operations in Business With Travis Hendrick
This week, Steve spoke with Travis Hendrick, the Director of Finance for Goodfellow Bros., Inc. Travis understands the power of combining the numbers side of the business with operations. He is passionate about strategic financial leadership as a lever to drive greater value within organizations. Travis has spent the last two decades in the construction industry, with a primary focus in financial management and analysis, but also spent a number of years on the operations side of the business. He holds a BS in Finance from Montana State University. Travis’ enthusiasm and passion for strategic thinking and transformation is contagious.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

Nov 19, 2022 • 54min
36: Realign Your Budget to Match Your Values With Alicia Gelinas
One of the top things that most people worry about is money. However, instead of taking control of their finances and managing monthly inflows and outflows through a budget, most individuals don’t do anything and instead live in a state of financial anxiety and fear. In fact, out of those who have created a personal budget, only 9 percent follow it. Oftentimes the word “budget” carries with it a negative connotation, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Budgets can empower, liberate, and help you live the life you truly deserve—if they are done right. In this episode, I talk with Alicia Gelinas, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Colorado Society of CPAs, about a new approach to budgeting that aligns your personal values with your money. Join us to learn how you can get started today with creating a budget that puts your money where your heart is.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

Nov 17, 2022 • 52min
35: The Essence of Strategic Financial Leadership With Hunter Creech
Those leaders who understand the importance of clear, concise, and repetitive communication and then act upon it are those who drive meaningful impact. Hunter Creech embodies this as the Chief Financial Officer of Barrett Industries, a Colas company, that is a leader in providing innovative infrastructure throughout the United States. Its main business segments include roads, materials, and pavement preservation. In this episode, Hunter discusses the acronym SICOS (spelled S - for stewardship, I - for insight, C - for catalyst for change, O - for operations, and S - for strategic business partner) and what this means for his team and organization. To Hunter, this term is not just a catchphrase, but rather a mindset, a commitment to excellence, and something to act upon. It embodies the very essence of strategic financial leadership.Hunter is not only the CFO of this large, noteworthy organization, he is also a strategic leader that understands the importance of building high-performing teams and empowering them through upskilling and business insights. He is holistic in his leadership approach and is as comfortable on the construction site as he is in the board room. Hunter graduated from the College of William & Mary in Virginia and is a Certified Public Accountant. He has been married to Tracy Creech for 29 years and has two daughters, Kelsey and Haley.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

Nov 15, 2022 • 42min
34: What You Need to Know About Life Insurance With Robert Cohen
Buying life insurance protects our loved ones from the potentially devasting financial losses that could occur if something happened to us. This ease of stress for those who are left behind is just one of the many benefits of life insurance. However, did you know there are investment and tax benefits to life insurance that many are unaware of? In this episode, I talk with Robert Cohen of New York Life about the different types of plans—whole and variable life, when each is most appropriate, and how much coverage should be considered. We also talk about the most important things to evaluate before buying life insurance and how it can be used as another asset class in one’s investment portfolio. Life insurance policies are typically cheaper the sooner you lock them in, so tune in today to learn about this important financial concept that can help you grow your money while providing the peace of mind for those most dear to you.Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com

Nov 9, 2022 • 42min
33: How to Protect Your Assets During Inflation With Rush Imhotep
Inflation, a rise in the prices of goods and services across the economy over time, erodes purchasing power for both consumers and businesses. This means that your dollar (or whatever currency you use for purchasing) will buy less today than it did the day before. Annual inflation typically hovers around two percent in a healthy economy, but over the last 12 months in the U.S., it has climbed to over seven percent. For individuals sitting on the sidelines in cash, this inflationary trend has silently eroded the value of their money. Those who live on a fixed income have witnessed their dollars buying less at the store. Businesses that struggle to raise their prices are seeing their margins squeezed as direct materials and wages increase. To combat such damaging effects, we must be proactive in times of inflation and pursue strategies that will preserve the value of our assets while allowing us to take advantage of the positive effects of this economic trend. Join me for this episode where I talk with Rush Imhotep from Northwestern Mutual about inflation protection strategies and what you can do to protect yourself and/or your business.Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.com

Nov 5, 2022 • 34min
32: How I Drastically Changed My Financial Life and How You Can Too
Have you ever felt stuck? Do you feel like you are achieving the financial results that you deserve? In this special episode, lucky number 33, I will share with you my personal journey and how the struggles I faced equipped me with greater empathy and empowered me to act with resolve. 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

Nov 2, 2022 • 47min
31: Easy Strategies to Diversify Your Portfolio With Real Estate Investing With Nate Coughran
When it comes to investing in real estate, you don’t always have to buy the building or land directly to be considered an investor. In fact, diversifying your portfolio in this asset class may start with buying stocks of REITs or other real estate investment companies. In this episode I talk with my brother Nate Coughran, EVP of Finance at Capital Square, about ways to make money in real estate. We dive into cap rates, using real estate as a hedge, market timing, and strategies to maximize returns while reducing risks. Join us to discover the pros and cons of real estate investing and how you can get started today. Visit www.byfiq.com for more episodes and resources to empower your financial life.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

Oct 30, 2022 • 40min
30: Becoming a Superboss With Sydney Finkelstein
Steve Coughran had a chance to talk with Sydney Finkelstein, Steven Roth Professor of Management and faculty director of the Tuck Executive Program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Sydney is also a consultant and speaker to senior executives around the globe, as well as an executive coach, focusing on leadership, talent development, and corporate governance. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Management and listed on the “Thinkers 50”, the world's most prestigious ranking of leadership gurus. Sydney has been featured in the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, Business Week, the London Times, Toronto Globe and Mail, Inc, Fast Company, and CNBC.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

Oct 28, 2022 • 19min
29: Educated Investing in the Stock Market
Investing in stocks may offer investors the greatest potential for capital appreciation over the long term. Investors who are willing to buy and hold the right stocks over long periods of time, generally have been rewarded with strong, positive returns. However, you must know what to look for in companies before investing in them. In this episode I will layout the fundamental principles you can follow to increase your chances of success when investing in this asset class. Also, I will discuss the 5 categories of stocks and the questions you should be considering when determining whether to buy or sell your holdings.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

Oct 26, 2022 • 48min
28: The Role of the Modern Financial Leader With Troy Schroeder
In this episode Steve Coughran had the opportunity to speak with Troy Schroeder. Troy is a walking example of a CFO who has evolved his mindset, skillset, and leadership style to rise up to these new demands in finance. His progressive career spans 25 years, most recently as the CFO and current member of Haselden Construction’s Board of Directors. Troy believes, “No one can do great things alone,” and he is proud to have worked for 17 years with the dynamic team at Haselden, a company that places the values of relationships, entrepreneurship and a sense of family right next to profitability and achievement. In addition to serving as a CFO, Troy along with six other parents founded a tuition-free Pre-K charter school in Castle Rock Colorado focused on caring for students as whole-persons by cultivating their hearts, minds, skills and habits for long term success. Troy has served as the Treasurer since 2011, and Aspen View Academy is now home to 850 full time students.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