Most people think financial success comes from earning more. In reality, it comes from clarity, systems, and intentional decisions.

Hayden Cox is the business partner of Clever Profits, a financial strategy firm that helps service-based businesses gain clarity, structure, and confidence in their numbers. Through data-driven systems and practical financial insights, Hayden works with entrepreneurs to turn revenue into intentional growth and long-term stability.

On the first episode of the Midfield Money Podcast, Hayden joins us to break down some key financial questions - sharing real-world experience, disciplined frameworks, and a clear approach to building sustainable financial success.

Building a successful business isn’t just about making money - it’s about knowing what your money is doing, why it’s doing it, and where it’s taking you.

The Financial Game: Q&A

1. What was your first ‘proof of concept’ moment - that turning point where effort started becoming income? What did that moment unlock for you?

My earliest proof of concept came as a student, talking to a friend about money and then using cash to lend money at school - turning small amounts into significantly more. That early exposure to leverage and return planted the seed that money could work strategically. Later, during my career, I briefly considered leaving accounting but realized the real opportunity was doubling down on the eight years I had already invested in mastering the field. That realization unlocked clarity, focus, and a drive to simplify and consolidate efforts at Clever Profits rather than chase distractions.

2. Once money started coming in, how did you decide where to reinvest it? And looking back, what investment or decision has given you the best return so far?

Initially, I invested my income into stocks, influenced by traditional investing norms and even a long-term bet with my brother in real estate about who would build more wealth over 30 years. Over time, I questioned why I was putting money into assets I had no control over. That shift led me to bet on myself - reinvesting directly into my skills, my business, and Clever Profits. Studying companies like NVIDIA gave me a blueprint for reinvesting today to build for tomorrow, which I see as the highest-return decision so far.

3. Walk us through your personal ‘money system.’ How do you track, plan, or automate your finances to stay organized and intentional?

My money system is built around communication, structure, and intention. A marriage counselor introduced a simple rule: any expense over $50 requires a conversation (excluding groceries). Myself and my wife also allocate a set amount - $200 per person per month - for discretionary spending, which initially felt restrictive but proved effective. On the technical side, we relied heavily on YNAB (You Need a Budget), where every dollar is assigned a purpose. More recently, we have transitioned to Monarch, continuing the same principle of forward-looking, intentional planning.

4. Everyone makes early mistakes - what was one financial mistake you made at the start, and what data, structure, or discipline helped you fix it?

My biggest early mistake was spending money without a clear purpose. Between the ages of 13 and 20, I earned around $13,000 and spent all of it without long-term value. I also used student loan money to buy a $4,600 engagement ring, leaving me sleeping on a friend’s living room floor, and later bought a new Subaru with my first job - only for COVID to hit, when cash reserves would have been far more valuable. What corrected this pattern was developing a long-term objective: acquiring land and building something lasting for my children and grandchildren. Purpose and vision replaced impulse.

5. Right now, what stage of financial growth would you say you’re in - and what’s the next measurable milestone you’re working toward?

I see myself in a stage I never imagined reaching so soon - achieving a significant financial milestone just five years after university. I am currently focused on reinvesting earnings back into the business, balancing income generation with wealth-building. Rather than slowing down, I feel I am in a phase where I can still actively grow, build, and compound momentum.

6. What’s your personal definition of financial freedom - and what KPIs are you using to measure your progress toward that vision?

For me, financial freedom means owning my time. It’s the ability to intentionally design my life, integrate work with personal values, and choose how my time is spent rather than being constrained by it. My key measure of progress is how much autonomy and flexibility my financial position gives me day to day.

7. For someone starting today, what are the first three financial habits they should build - and realistically, what outcomes can they expect after one year of consistency?

I would emphasize regularly looking at the numbers - tracking income, expenses, and progress at least weekly. I advocate setting bite-sized, achievable financial objectives and staying open to discovering what you genuinely enjoy doing. As income grows, I would stress the importance of investing it wisely, saving toward ownership, and tracking spending consistently. After a year of disciplined consistency, someone can expect clarity, control, and a far stronger financial foundation than where they started.

Most people understand revenue. Few understand what to do with it.

That’s where CleverProfits comes in: a financial strategy partner that helps entrepreneurs and businesses turn complex numbers into actionable decisions and sustainable growth. 

For more insights and practical strategies, check out Clever Profits on YouTube and Instagram:

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CleverProfits

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clever.profits/?hl=en

Want to Know the Answers in Depth?

The Midfield Money Podcast episode dives deep into each of these questions - with real examples, tactical frameworks, and clarity most entrepreneurs never hear.

🎧 Watch the full conversation with Hayden Cox (CleverProfits) coming out soon on our YouTube channel Fasioli - YouTube and get ready to rethink your financial strategy.

Stay tuned - more content is coming soon with insights you can apply right away.