The start of the year often comes with pressure to move fast and set big goals. But most businesses do not fall behind later in the year. They lose focus early in Q1.

This episode breaks down how the first 90 days set the foundation for the entire year. You will learn how to get clear on cash early, review recurring expenses, set realistic Q1 revenue targets, identify early financial warning signs, and align your business around what truly matters.

This is about slowing down, making intentional decisions, and starting the year with clarity instead of stress.

Links to book a conversation or join CFO Office Hours are in the show notes.

Thanks for listening. Your financial edge starts HERE

If you’ve ever built a budget in January… only to feel like it completely falls apart by March, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down how CFOs actually build annual budgets that are realistic, flexible, and designed to support growth (without making you feel stressed or restricted). We’re talking about what most founders get wrong when budgeting, and the exact steps to build a plan that works month by month — not just on paper.

You’ll learn how to:

Forecast revenue based on capacity (not wishful thinking)

Separate fixed costs from flexible spending so you stay in control

Build a monthly cash flow calendar you can actually use

Run a “reality check,” so your plan doesn’t depend on fantasy-level numbers

By the end, you’ll have a clear “money map” for 2026 that helps you make smarter decisions, stay confident through slower months, and grow without burning out.

Thanks for listening. Your financial edge starts HERE

Most founders plan for growth. Few plan for profit — and that’s why so many end up scaling revenue while their margins quietly disappear.

In this episode, we walk through the exact process CFOs use to build a profit-first operating plan for the year ahead. You’ll learn how to set targets you can actually hit, how to protect margin as you scale, and how to build a financial structure that supports growth instead of fighting it.

Inside this episode:

• How to define a realistic profit target for 2026
• The expense categories that quietly erode margin
• How to set revenue goals based on profitability, not hope
• Why founders consistently overspend in Q1 — and how to avoid it
• The CFO method for turning a plan into a profitable execution rhythm

If you want 2026 to be the year your business stops guessing and starts operating with financial confidence, this episode gives you the roadmap.

Thanks for listening. Your financial edge starts HERE

Before You Plan: The 5 Numbers Every Founder Must Know Before January Hits

Most founders jump into annual planning without understanding the numbers that actually determine whether their plan will work — or fail by March.

In this episode, we break down the five financial numbers every founder needs to know before setting goals, hiring, investing in growth, or mapping out Q1. These aren’t vanity metrics. They’re the baseline indicators that reveal your real capacity, your true costs, and how much room you actually have to scale in 2026.

You’ll learn:

• The operating cost number most founders drastically underestimate
• How to calculate your reliable revenue baseline (not the optimistic version)
• What your runway really looks like
• The capacity math that determines whether your plan is realistic
• Why commitments and liabilities make or break Q1 stability

If you want to build a 2026 plan you can actually execute — without surprises, cash crunches, or mid-quarter pivots — this is where you start.

Thanks for listening. Your financial edge starts HERE

Cash flow isn’t confusing; it’s just been explained terribly. In this episode, I break down the simple, repeatable formula I use with founders to help them predict, plan, and finally feel in control of their numbers.
No spreadsheets. No overwhelm. No guessing.

You’ll learn:

• The 3 numbers that instantly reveal the truth about your financial health
• Why most founders track the wrong metrics (and what to look at instead)
• How to build a cash flow rhythm you can maintain in 10 minutes a week
• The mindset shift that stops reactive decisions and brings calm back into your business

If you want the exact template I use to help founders track cash flow without overthinking it, the link is waiting for you in the show notes.

This formula removes the noise, gives you clarity, and helps you lead with confidence — no matter the stage you’re in.

Thanks for listening. Your financial edge starts HERE

Scaling is exciting — until everything starts breaking.
Most founders push for growth without realizing their systems, processes, and team aren't built to handle the next stage. That gap is where chaos begins: missed numbers, cash flow surprises, churn, team burnout, and decisions made on gut instead of data.

If you’re feeling the pressure of fast growth, inconsistent numbers, or decisions made in the dark, this episode will give you the clarity and structure you’ve been missing.

📌 Want help building the systems that support growth?

I help founders move from reactive chaos to strategic, scalable finance.
Book a CFO consultation here → https://calendly.com/crunchtmz/discover

or join our CFO Office Hours →https://www.crunchtmz.com/your-money-lab/

Thanks for listening. Your financial edge starts HERE

Your profit and loss statement doesn’t tell the full story.
In this episode of The CFO Edge, Carol breaks down the hidden costs that quietly drain your growth — and why most founders don’t notice them until it’s too late.

You’ll uncover:

• The unseen expenses that erode your margins — from churn to inefficiency
• The opportunity costs buried in your day-to-day decisions
• Why “busy” isn’t always profitable
• And how to reclaim your financial edge by tracking the right indicators

Carol shares real-world examples from founders who thought they had a revenue problem — but really had a leak in their business model.

💡 If you’ve ever wondered why your business is growing on paper but not in your bank account — this episode is for you.

🎯 Want to uncover the hidden costs holding your business back?
Book a 1:1 CFO Strategy Call with Carol → https://calendly.com/crunchtmz/discover

Thanks for listening. Your financial edge starts HERE

Are you running your business without a CFO and wondering if that’s holding you back?

In this episode of The CFO Edge, Zahra breaks down the exact milestones that signal it’s time to move from DIY finance to dedicated financial leadership.

You’ll discover:

• The revenue and complexity triggers that make a CFO essential
• Why waiting too long can quietly stall your growth
• How to structure finance support before you can afford a full-time hire
• And the real difference between a bookkeeper, controller, and CFO

Whether you’re managing your own spreadsheets or already outsourcing your books, this episode helps you see where you are on the financial maturity curve and what your next smart move should be.

🎯 Ready to find out if you’ve hit your CFO milestone?
Book a personalized CFO Strategy Call and get clarity on your next step → https://calendly.com/crunchtmz/discover

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Thanks for listening. Your financial edge starts HERE