Episode 62

full
Published on:

10th Sep 2025

How to Pay Employees the Right Way (and Avoid Costly Mistakes)

Making payroll mistakes can cost you more than money! It can cost you your peace of mind. If you’ve hired employees and are now staring at a list of payroll apps wondering which one is best, this episode will break it down in simple terms.

In this episode of Creative Minds, Smart Money, we explore the most popular payroll tools, the legal requirements for paying employees, and how to choose the right system without the overwhelm.

Questions answered in this episode:

  • Do you really need a payroll app to pay employees, or can you just use Venmo?
  • What are the basic legal requirements for running payroll?
  • Which payroll apps work best for small businesses and creative entrepreneurs?
  • What are the pros and cons of Gusto, QuickBooks, Paychex, and Square Payroll?
  • How can you avoid the most common payroll mistakes that trip up business owners?

Listen to this episode so you can pay your team the right way, stay compliant, and focus on growing your business with confidence.


🔗 Resources & Links

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/

Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1

📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here!

 

📢 If this episode helped you feel a little more grounded in your growth—share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives make confident money moves.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Creative Minds, Smart Money: Finance & Business Tips for Creatives

About the Podcast

Creative Minds, Smart Money: Finance & Business Tips for Creatives
Creative Minds, Smart Money is the go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs who are ready to stop treating their finances like a side character in their business story. Hosted by Samantha Eck, bookkeeper and fractional CFO, this show breaks down the financial side of running a creative business into actionable steps that actually make sense.

Each week, we tackle everything from pricing strategies and cash flow management to making smart business decisions that keep your creative business thriving (yes, even during those slow months). You'll get real, practical advice on managing your money and growing your business while still having time and funds to enjoy what you love.

Beyond the numbers, we explore the full picture of creative business success - from marketing strategies to efficient systems - because building a sustainable business requires more than just good bookkeeping. And occasionally, I bring in industry experts to share their insights on taking your creative business to the next level.

Ready to turn your creative talents into a thriving business that actually pays you what you're worth? Hit subscribe and let's make it happen.

About your host

Profile picture for Samantha Eck

Samantha Eck

Samantha Eck is the powerhouse behind Firestorm Finance, where she transforms messy financials into crystal-clear roadmaps for success. With six years of corporate accounting under her belt, a formal education in numbers, and the street cred of running two creative businesses, she’s uniquely equipped to help fellow creatives decode the story their numbers are trying to tell. When Samantha’s not wrangling QuickBooks, you’ll find her dominating on Xbox or curled up with a page-turner, her husband by her side and her pup Vivi keeping watch. She knows that clarity in the books leads to big, dreamy business moves. Ready to see for yourself? Tune into her podcast, Creative Minds, Smart Money, where she makes money talk feel like catching up with a friend.