Evolved Finance

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

We’re back!

“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

“I love numbers, analytics, the whole shebang. It's fascinating to me because with school it's either right or wrong, you get 1 answer. But in business, you get an answer and it may not be the answer you want but you can fix it, you can change it.” This week, Parker chats with Mike Meiers about his financial journey. Mike is the founder of Songwriting for Guitar. His ultimate goal upon creation was to help songwriters, guitarists, and musicians alike hone in on their skills and monetize their creations! As the CEO, Mike offers coaching resources, hosts a podcast dedicated to this same goal (also entitled "Songwriting for Guitar"), and collaborates with other talented industry professionals to share as much knowledge with aspiring artists as possible! The Bottom Line by Evolved Finance explores the financial journeys of some of the most successful online educators, thought leaders, influencers, and service providers in the online space. Each week, Parker sits down with a current Evolved Finance client to talk

“I had built great relationships and I had always operated with integrity and still do. And I really think those things pay off when you start your own business because people are ready to support you.” This week, Parker chats with Richelle Fredson about her financial journey. Richelle is a book publishing coach and consultant who works with aspiring and published authors to create impactful book concepts & competitive book proposals. Many of Richelle’s clients go on to receive multiple six-figure offers from their dream publishers. Her clients include Farnoosh Torabi, Chrissy King, Jennifer Racioppi, Terri Cole, Jen Winston and many more! She’s also the host of the Bound + Determined podcast and the founder of The Book Proposal Blueprint Comprehensive Program. The Bottom Line by Evolved Finance explores the financial journeys of some of the most successful online educators, thought leaders, influencers, and service providers in the online space. Each week, Parker sits down with a current Evolved Finance

“As time goes on, you understand how to start reading the data and you get a sense of the levers you can pull if you need to change something, like if you need to make more money or if you need to cut expenses.” This week, Parker chats with Becca Brown about her financial journey. Becca is the founder and CEO of Uppercase Industries, a consumer insights and marketing strategy company that specializes in building highly customized business growth and marketing launch plans that help clients reach and exceed their goals. Uppercase works with big-name brands such as Applegate and King Arthur Flour and small startups alike to grow their businesses with smart consumer targeting and creative messaging. The Bottom Line by Evolved Finance explores the financial journeys of some of the most successful online educators, thought leaders, influencers, and service providers in the online space. Each week, Parker sits down with a current Evolved Finance client to talk about their relationship with money and how their minds

“When I was younger I always wanted to save the money and then buy the thing. Now as a business owner sometimes that's challenging. Sometimes there's just things you need to do in your business that require a “now” moment.” This week, Parker chats with Jordan Duvall about her financial journey. Jordan works with women-led personal brands to create dynamic visual brands that get them noticed so they can position themselves for next-level impact and income. She is an award-winning creative director who has worked for top Los Angeles entertainment advertising agencies, The Ant Farm, BLT & Associates, NBC & Universal and has consulted for celebrities, networks and some of the world’s most recognized brands. Her work has been used to market blockbuster hits such as Lord of the Rings, Spider-Man, and The Voice. Jordan is the founder of Ignite Your Soul Brand, a consulting company that combines big agency strategy with neuro linguistic programming, ancient wisdom and color energetics so that business owners

“I just don't feel like the education was there from school, family, anything… Money just wasn't a topic people talk about.” This week, Parker chats with Brooke Van Sickle about her financial journey. Brooke is the owner & founder of Journey to Kidlit, the online resource that teaches thousands of aspiring children's book writers from over 35 countries around the world about how to write and publish a children's book based on her own award-winning writing journey. She's also the owner of BiblioKid Publishing, an American hybrid publishing house that specializes in producing quality books for kids. As the senior editor of BiblioKid Publishing, Brooke has helped over 30 titles go on to receive 5-star reviews from children's book professional sites like Reader's Favorite, Reader's Choice, and Mom's Choice. She's also an award-winning picture book author, whose book received the 2020 Distinguished Favorite Preschool Picture Book. Learn more about Brooke and how to start your own publishing journey at journeyt

“I realized the massive potential, and the freedom and flexibility, that came from starting a business and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.” This week, Parker chats with Jamie DuBose about her financial journey. Jamie is an Email Revenue Strategist and the Founder and CEO of ZenplicityNow.com, a digital marketing agency that helps business owners monetize their email list -- without being weird or pushy. She helps service providers create and implement marketing strategies that are aligned with their vision and values instead of following a “one size fits all” approach to digital marketing & sales. Jamie is also a Navy wife and mom to 3 kids and 4 dogs and 1 cat, all of whom keep her lots of company while she’s supporting clients from her home office in San Diego, CA. The Bottom Line by Evolved Finance explores the financial journeys of some of the most successful online educators, thought leaders, influencers, and service providers in the online space. Each week, Parker sits down with a curre