Evolved Finance

Thinking about starting a coaching or consulting business? In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson, CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars, breaks down what these business models actually look like and what you need to consider before diving in. In this episode, Parker covers: • The real pros and cons of launching a coaching or consulting business • Why lead generation takes longer than most new coaches expect • The key questions to ask yourself before you go all in If you've ever wished you had real-world financial guidance and smarter business strategies, this episode is for you. 0:00 Should you launch a coaching or consulting business? 2:33 Why coaching and consulting have low startup costs 4:13 How these models generate high profit margins 5:08 The biggest challenges in today's coaching market 6:10 Why broad coaching niches are tough to break into 6:43 What it takes to scale beyond yourself 8:53 Why lead generation is the hardest part of coaching 11:19 Questions to ask be

Scaling an online business can feel confusing when every entrepreneur swears by a different "proven" model. In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson, CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars, explains what scalability really means for online entrepreneurs and how to choose a business model that truly fits your audience, your expertise, and your long-term goals. Parker dives into why so many business owners assume courses and memberships are the most scalable online business models, and why those offers only work when they align with the value of the problem you solve and the needs of your customers. He also shares how Evolved Finance discovered that their clients didn't want DIY resources (they wanted high-touch financial support) leading the company to scale through systems, trained account managers, and a service-first approach. You'll also learn the four key questions that reveal whether your current offer is actually scalable, how lead generation impacts your business model

Ever wondered if now is the right time to launch a course or membership site? In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, we're breaking down what it really takes to make these business models work as we head into 2026. In this episode, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) covers: Why courses and memberships were easier to run years ago and what's changed. The three key questions to ask before launching: audience size, customer demand, and lead generation. How to adapt your offer for 2026 with community, accountability, and clear results. If you've been thinking about adding a course or membership to your business, this episode will help you figure out if it's the right move and how to make it profitable in today's market. 00:00 When should you launch a membership site or a course? 01:08 Why the online education space has changed 05:32 Do you have a large enough audience? 09:00 Do your customers actually want a course or membership? 11:12 Why lead generation is key fo

One of the biggest expenses in any small business is your team, but how do you know if you're spending the right amount? In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) breaks down how to analyze your labor costs, what healthy payroll percentages look like, and how to tell if your team expenses are hurting your profits. Parker explains why labor is one of the four key Profit Pillars, what benchmarks to use for online and service-based businesses, and how to separate your own salary from your team's costs to get a clear financial picture. He also shares how pricing, offer structure, and operational efficiency all affect your labor ratio and why tightening systems can often save more than cutting payroll. By the end of the episode, you'll understand how to evaluate your team expenses, set realistic payroll goals, and make smarter decisions about hiring, pricing, and profitability. If you've ever wondered whether your payroll is too high, or how

Hiring your first employee can feel like one of the biggest and scariest steps in entrepreneurship. In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) breaks down exactly how to know when it's time to move from using contractors to bringing someone on your team full-time. Parker explains the legal, financial, and operational signs that you're ready for that next stage of growth. You'll learn how to recognize when you're legally required to classify someone as an employee, why too many contractors can actually cost more than one dedicated team member, and how building culture early helps your business run more smoothly. He also shares practical insights on how hiring a "right-hand" person can transform your day-to-day operations—freeing you up to focus on revenue, strategy, and long-term growth. If you've been juggling contractors, feeling stretched too thin, or wondering how to build a real team culture, this episode will help you take that next

Should your business accountant be a CPA, or is an Enrolled Agent (EA) a better fit for your small business taxes? In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, we're breaking down the real differences between these accounting designations so you can choose the right professional for your business. In this episode, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) covers: Why not every great tax professional is a CPA and what the CPA designation really means. The key differences between a CPA, Enrolled Agent (EA), tax attorney, and PTIN holder. How to choose the best accountant for your small business based on experience, responsiveness, and year-round tax planning. If you've ever struggled to understand the difference between a CPA, Enrolled Agent, or tax attorney, this episode breaks it all down so you can choose the best fit for your small business taxes. 0:27 – Why "CPA" became shorthand for "accountant" 1:13 – What the CPA designation means (and doesn't mean) 2:53 – How CPAs fi

No business owner wants to be surprised by a big tax bill at the end of the year. In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, we're breaking down how to plan ahead, save strategically, and work with your accountant to avoid tax season stress. Parker Stevenson, CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars, explains why quarterly estimated tax payments are the key to staying ahead, how accurate monthly bookkeeping gives you the clarity to forecast taxes with confidence, and why separating your tax savings from your regular business savings helps protect your cash flow all year long. If you've ever wished you had real-world financial guidance and smarter business strategies, this show is for you. 1:52 Why quarterly estimated taxes prevent year-end panic 3:32 Using monthly bookkeeping to estimate your tax bill 4:43 How much of your profit to save for taxes 10:11 Why proactive tax planning starts mid-year 12:12 The truth about big tax bills and what they really mean ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to The

Understanding quarterly tax estimates is one of the biggest challenges small business owners face. In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) explains exactly how quarterly taxes work, how accountants calculate them, and what you can do to avoid IRS penalties while protecting your cash flow. Parker walks through why taxes feel so different once you start running your own business, how the IRS safe harbor rule keeps you compliant, and why overpaying your estimates can actually hurt your bottom line. He also shares what to do if your income drops mid-year and how to plan ahead when your profits start to grow. By the end of the episode, you'll know how to manage your quarterly estimates with confidence and keep more of your money working for your business. If you've ever felt confused or stressed about quarterly taxes and just wanted someone to break it all down in plain English, this episode is for you. Timestamps: 1:41 The risks of trying

Bookkeeping mistakes cost small business owners time, money, and peace of mind, but they're easy to avoid once you know what to watch out for. In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) reveals the most common mistakes small business owners make when working with a bookkeeper and how to avoid them. From relying too much on bookkeeping software to paying for unnecessary weekly updates, Parker explains how these missteps waste money, create stress, and leave you with unreliable numbers. You'll learn why cash-based bookkeeping keeps things simpler in the early stages, why separating business and personal finances is a non-negotiable, and why choosing the cheapest bookkeeper almost always backfires. By steering clear of these mistakes, you'll protect your business from messy records, costly cleanups, and unnecessary headaches — and set yourself up with clear, trustworthy financial data you can actually use to grow.  0:00 Why most small busine

Virtual accounting firms have become increasingly popular, offering convenience and tech-enabled solutions for business owners. But are they always trustworthy? In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) explains what to watch for before handing your books over to a remote provider. You’ll hear the story of a well-known tech-backed firm that collapsed, leaving clients with incomplete records, and learn why the real issue isn’t whether a firm is virtual, but how it’s structured. Parker breaks down five major red flags: not owning your bookkeeping data, overreliance on AI without skilled oversight, heavy overseas outsourcing, pricing that raises questions about quality, and firms that only communicate by email. He also highlights what reliable providers do differently, secure systems, strong U.S.-based teams, and proactive communication. If you’ve ever questioned whether a virtual accounting firm can truly support your business, this episod

Think bookkeeping is just about tracking expenses? In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) explains exactly what a professional bookkeeper should be doing each month for your online business. You’ll learn why categorizing transactions requires nuance, why reconciliations are non-negotiable, and which adjustments most bookkeepers miss (like payroll, merchant fees, and refunds). Parker also breaks down what your bookkeeper shouldn’t be doing and how to know if your current setup is giving you the clarity you need. If you’ve ever wondered whether your bookkeeping is really supporting your business growth, this episode will show you what to expect. 1:42 The essential monthly bookkeeping process explained 4:28 Why proper transaction categorization matters 7:55 Reconciling accounts the right way 11:10 Adjustments most bookkeepers overlook 16:48 Delivering reports you can actually use 20:15 What your bookkeeper shouldn’t be doing 23:40 Signs

Aiming for the right profit margin is one of the biggest questions online service-based business owners face. In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) breaks down what healthy margins really look like for these types of businesses, how they shift as your business grows, and why tracking them consistently matters. Discover how team costs shape profitability, the role bookkeeping plays in smart decision-making, and what makes service businesses stable and sustainable over the long run. If you’ve ever wondered whether your profit margins are where they should be, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need. 0:00 Profit margins for online service businesses vs. digital products 2:15 How team costs impact your bottom line 4:30 Early-stage margins when you’re doing all the work yourself 6:40 What margins look like as you grow and hire a team 8:30 Why bookkeeping and P&L reviews matter most 11:20 Applying the

Are you making enough profit in your online business or just spinning your wheels chasing revenue? In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, we’re breaking down what a healthy profit margin looks like specifically for digital creators and online businesses, and why this number tells you far more about the health of your business than revenue alone. In this episode, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) explains what defines a digital creator or online business and why that matters for your margins. He also shares the profit margin benchmarks we recommend after working with hundreds of entrepreneurs in this space and shows why focusing on profitability is far more valuable than obsessing over top-line revenue. By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what profit margin range to aim for in your business, how to calculate it, and what that means for your growth. 0:00 Intro / Welcome 0:00:56 What defines a digital creator or online business 0:04:57 The profit margin

A financial forecast isn’t just a spreadsheet, it’s a strategic plan that helps you see where your business is headed and make decisions with confidence. In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) breaks down how coaching business owners can create a realistic and useful forecast, even if numbers aren’t your favorite part of running your business. You’ll learn why forecasting matters, how to approach it without overcomplicating things, and how it can guide everything from your spending to your growth goals. 0:00 Why financial forecasting matters for coaching businesses 1:43 What Parker learned about forecasting from corporate finance 3:15 How forecasting for an online business is different from product-based businesses 6:21 Setting clear revenue goals to guide your forecast 10:34 Mapping out offers, pricing, and realistic sales volume 12:09 Why your personal income needs should shape your forecast 14:34 A simple way to estimate taxes and

Hiring a bookkeeper isn’t just about data entry, it’s about having a financial partner who helps you stay organized, informed, and ready to make confident business decisions. In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) explains exactly what to look for when choosing a bookkeeper for your business. You’ll learn the key services they should provide, the red flags to watch out for, and how the right bookkeeper can work hand-in-hand with your tax accountant to set your business up for success. If you’re wondering when to hire a bookkeeper, what they should actually be doing for you, or how much to budget, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make the right choice. 0:00 Why choosing the right bookkeeper matters for your business 0:50 What a bookkeeper actually does and when to hire one 5:09 Certifications, budgeting, and how much bookkeeping should cost 9:10 Why DIY bookkeeping and cheap providers can hurt your business 11:54 Wh

Looking for a tax accountant who does more than just file your taxes? In this episode of The Profit Pillars Show, Parker Stevenson (CEO of Evolved Finance and author of Profit Pillars) breaks down what small business owners should look for when hiring a tax accountant, whether you’re just starting out or managing a thriving 6-figure online business. Discover how to identify the right financial partner for your business, what qualifications actually matter, and how to avoid common pitfalls when bringing on accounting support. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to pick the right tax accountant, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need. 0:00 Why hiring a tax accountant is different from hiring other contractors 2:56 What tax accountants actually do for small business owners 5:58 How much to budget for an accountant at different stages of business growth 8:30 Tax planning vs. tax prep and why great accountants go beyond form-filing 10:50 CPA vs. EA - what the differences are and what reall

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“I still learn every day. I haven’t figured it all out yet, but I definitely am in a way better place than when I started.” This week, Parker chats with Annie Frisbie about her financial journey. Annie Frisbie MA, IBCLC has been a lactation consultant in private practice in New York City since 2011. She is the author of Paperless Private Practice for Lactation Consultants, creator of the Lactation Private Practice Essential Toolkit, co-host of the Lactation Business Coaching Podcast, and produces online continuing education for lactation and birth professionals and clinicians. In 2018 Annie was honored with the US Lactation Consultant Association's President's Award, "awarding those that demonstrate extraordinary service to the association and profession." Annie has a BA from Franklin and Marshall College with a double major in American Studies & Theatre, Dance, and Film, and an MA in Cinema Studies from New York University. She lives in Queens, New York with her husband, their two children, and their two

“Making sure that you make more than you spend, it is not always easy though, it's easier said than done. But that's how I managed my finances.” This week, Parker chats with Kimberly Wilson about her financial journey. Kimberly is a psychotherapist in private practice, president of the Pigs & Pugs Project, and the designer of an eco-fashion line. For over 20 years, she’s studied, practiced, and taught the art of tranquility to global audiences. As the host of the Tranquility du Jour podcast, author of multiple lifestyle-focused books, and creator of online courses and events, her mission is to help midlife women find more balance and beauty in their everyday. Kimberly has a master's in women’s studies and social work and has been featured in The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Washingtonian, Huffington Post, US News & World Report, Yoga Journal, and Bella Grace. She lives in Washington, DC with rescue pugs and a longtime partner while also dreaming of Paris. Kimberly’s obsessions include ballet, matcha

“Money will fuel things, just like food will fuel things. So I see money as an energy source now rather than something that should be feared.” This week, Parker chats with Melissa Dlugolecki about her financial journey. Melissa Dlugolecki is a “regular person” who has created “irregular results”. As a bereaved mother, she worked through the overwhelming pain of her grief and now hosts a globally top-ranked podcast, Grief and Guts, which is designed to show people what is possible for them, no matter what their circumstances are. Her work's mission is to show people their possibility through entrepreneurship, as she coaches and consults on business strategy, bringing creative ideas and always grounds into authenticity. She has built her own 6 & 7-figure businesses and has coached over 1000 others into their dream life. Melissa’s entrepreneurial journey is both fascinating and full of surprises. Not only did she start amidst a painful grief journey, she was 100K in debt at the time she invested in her first