Stop Bleeding Cash: How to Find Hidden Money in Your Small Business with Natalia Zacharin

S5:E34 In this episode of Small Biz Stories, Dr. LL sits down with the brilliant, intuitive, plant-loving fractional CFO Natalia Zacharin, a woman (and DEBT-SLAYER) who sees patterns in numbers the way gardeners see growth in spring. What starts as a conversation about debt and bookkeeping unfolds into a deeply relatable discussion on emotional decision-making, confidence, financial empowerment, and learning to trust yourself as a founder. Natalia shares why so many entrepreneurs unintentionally bleed cash, how EIDL loans became both a lifeline and a trap, and the real reason checking your bank balance is not the same as knowing your financial health. She talks pricing, delegation, forecasting, and how to find "hidden money" inside your business without burning yourself out or giving up lattes or joy. Her advice is firm, but nurturing, and she displays high emotional and intellectual intelligence. She delivers a 1-2 punch with strategy with heart. Just what women entrepreneurs (and honestly, all business owners) need more of. If you've ever felt guilty raising prices, avoided looking at your books, or delayed firing someone because you're kind and human, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale and a warm "you've got this." 🔥 Key Moments + Value Timestamps (With special guest appearances — The Cat) 🐱 Time Moment 04:21 — How cheap EIDL loans quietly became long-term business debt many founders now feel trapped by. 06:08 — Natalia reveals the #1 financial mistake she sees: founders don't review their numbers, they just hope they're okay. 09:04 — We debunk the myth: "My CPA will figure it out later." Spoiler: that's how profit leaks happen. 10:28 — CAT CAMEO #1 🐾 Kitty strolls into frame like she owns the company. 11:04 — Natalia breaks down how forecasting works even when you "have no idea what you'll make."  13:50 — Where to find "hidden money" in your business: pricing, subscriptions, efficiency and people.  14:53–15:45 — Permission slip moment: You're allowed to raise your prices without guilt. 17:16 — Why women often undercharge + fire slowly and how Natalia trains herself to stay firm with love.  20:13–21:10 — The 3-interview hiring method + why character and culture fit matter more than resumes. 24:21 — CAT CAMEO #2 🐈 Everyone politely pretends to keep talking while the cat insists on being acknowledged. 25:47 — What business schools should teach: financials + SALES (even if you hate it). 27:55 — A mic-drop moment: don't outsource sales until you're near $750K in revenue. 32:42–33:58 — Girl Scout wine-opening survival story — worth the episode alone. 😂🍷 You can learn more about Natalia and her accounting services for small businesses here: 👉https://zacharinconsulting.com/   Don't forget to 👍LIKE this episode and ✴️ follow  ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩  on YouTube! #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #money #accounting #podcast #SmallBizStories