Managing your money as a creative entrepreneur

Money is a charged topic for most.

But your ability to create a sustainable and lasting career or business hinges on your financial smarts. So, it needs to be addressed, regardless of how uncomfortable or emotional it makes us feel to talk about it.

Managing your money well could mean the difference between releasing a new album every single year or not, as my friend and singer-songwriter Chris Gheran would testify. And, if you’re not a musician, just substitute the term “album” for book, painting, play, or whatever applies.

Here are some tips on how to manage your money.

Forget What You Think You Know About Money

If you’re happy with your financial life, then disregard this section and move on. But if things aren’t going well for you, keep reading.

First, I want you to forget everything you know about money. And, if you’re honest with yourself, you’ll recognize that this pool of knowledge is very small anyway.

You may know a thing or two about mortgages, mutual funds, TFSAs (Canada) or Roth IRAs (U.S.). But the banks don’t have your best interests at heart, and that’s likely where your financial “smarts” come from.