274: Where Is All Your Money Going?

Let's be honest... most wedding photographers and filmmakers didn't start their business because they love bookkeeping, spreadsheets, or talking about profit margins.

We started because we love creating.

But if you want a business that gives you more freedom, more income, and long-term sustainability, you can't afford to ignore your numbers.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Taylor sits down with financial strategist Gayla McCray to talk about why understanding your finances isn't about becoming an accountant. It's about building a business that supports the life you actually want to live.

Together, they discuss the importance of knowing your true costs, making business decisions based on strategy instead of emotion, and creating financial systems that prepare you for both exciting opportunities and unexpected seasons.

They also dive into why comparison can lead you away from your own goals and how defining success on your own terms creates a business that's both profitable and fulfilling.

If you've ever wondered if you're charging enough, struggled to understand your numbers, or simply want to feel more confident running the business side of your creative business, this episode is for you.

And if you're ready to build a profitable, sustainable wedding photography or filmmaking business, we'd love to help. Learn more about The Luxury Mastermind at thelevelupco.com/mastermind.

The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here - https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco

And don't forget to sign up for our free class on marketing to Gen-Z couples on July 29th at 10AM PT. Register here https://thelevelupco.com/genz

Timestamps:
00:00 - 01:44 | Sponsor Introduction & Podcast Welcome
01:44 - 10:19 | Building a Financially Healthy Wedding Business
10:19 - 11:03 | Booking the Next Generation of Couples Training
11:03 - 18:28 | Money Mindset, Business Vision & Avoiding Comparison
18:28 - 22:14 | Understanding Your Numbers & Financial Habits
22:14 - 23:40 | Luxury Mastermind Sponsor Break
23:40 - 30:32 | Pricing, Profit, Taxes & Creating Financial Stability
30:32 - 33:32 | Preparing for Life's Unexpected Seasons & Final Advice

The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.

The Level Up Co. Resources:
- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle
- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle
- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list
- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework
- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset

Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:
🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/
🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/
🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/
💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/