Cash Flow is King: Why Every Small Business Owner  Needs a Financial Plan (Not Just More Work)

Cash Flow is King: Why Every Small Business Owner  Needs a Financial Plan (Not Just More Work)

May 21, 2025 | Building Financial Muscle, Credit Score, Debt, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Educational Series, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Mindset, Mortgage, Net Worth, Relationships, Retirement, Saving Money, Self Development | 0 comments

If you’re a tradie, Franchisee or small business owner, chances are you’ve said this before:

“I just need more work.”
“If I can land that next big job, I’ll be sweet.”
“Once I get through this month, I’ll finally get on top of things.”

Sound familiar?

We’ve been sold this idea that working more hours or taking on more jobs is the key to financial stability.

But here’s the truth…

More work won’t fix your money problems if your financial plan is broken.

Let me say that again: More work won’t fix broken cash flow.

In fact, working harder without a system can actually worsen your money stress – leading to burnout, resentment, and a business that runs you, instead of the other way around.

In this blog, I’ll break down why cash flow is king, how small business owners end up in the trap of “more jobs = more chaos”, and what you can do to take control of your money (without working yourself into the ground).

The Myth of “More Work = More Money”

Let’s say you take on 3 new clients this month as a tradie. Awesome, right?
But then:

  • You buy more materials
  • You spend more hours on-site
  • You hire a subbie to help out
  • You juggle more admin
  • You forget to invoice someone
  • And suddenly – you’re busier than ever… but your bank account doesn’t show it

That’s because revenue doesn’t equal profit, and being busy doesn’t equal being financially fit.
You can be flat-out all month and still feel broke.

That’s the trap, and I see it every week with tradies, franchisees and business owners who are absolutely brilliant at what they do… but never learned how to manage the money side of things.

So What’s the Real Problem?

It comes down to one powerful truth:

Cash flow – not just income – is what makes or breaks your business.

Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of your business.

Not just how much you make, but:

  • When you get paid
  • How consistently money comes in
  • What goes out each week
  • Whether you’re left with a profit (or just scraping by)

If you don’t have control over your cash flow, you’re always reacting. You’re playing catch-up. And that stress leaks into everything – your health, your relationships, and even the quality of your work.

Here’s What Cash Flow Chaos Looks Like

If you’ve ever experienced any of these, you’re in a cash flow crunch:

  • You avoid checking your account because you’re afraid of what you’ll see
  • You wait until BAS is due to realise you owe thousands
  • You struggle to pay your own wage regularly
  • You’re always chasing late invoices
  • You can’t take time off because you’re constantly hustling to “keep up”
  • You’ve had to dip into your personal savings more than once

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But the good news is – it’s fixable.

The Solution: A Simple, Small Business – Friendly Financial Plan

You don’t need a finance degree or a fancy accountant to get this sorted. You just need a clear plan for how money flows through your business. Here’s how to start building one.

1. KNOW YOUR BREAK-EVEN POINT

This is the minimum amount of money you need to earn each month to cover:

  • Business expenses (tools, fuel, phone, materials, subs, etc.)
  • Your personal wage
  • Tax and super
  • Any loan or debt repayments

Without knowing your break-even, you’re guessing. You’re flying blind. Once you’ve nailed this number, everything becomes clearer.

Now, you can set targets based on facts – not hope.

2. PAY YOURSELF A WAGE – YES, YOU!

This is the game changer. Every time income hits your account, it should be split into different buckets. That way, you’re not tempted to spend what should’ve gone to tax, bills, or your own pay.

Here’s a simple version that works great for small business owners:

✅ Income Account
Where all your payments land. This is your holding zone.

✅ Owner’s Pay Account
Your regular wage. Non-negotiable. You work hard, you deserve to be paid consistently.

✅ Expenses Account
Materials, suppliers, fuel, subscriptions, etc.

✅ Tax & BAS Account
Put aside 25 – 30% of every payment for Tax plus the GST portion. No more panic come BAS time.

✅ Profit Account
Even just 5% of each job. This is for rainy days, growth, or peace of mind.

You can set this up in 30 minutes through online banking. Once you do? You’ll sleep better knowing your money is finally working for you.

3. TRACK YOUR MONEY CASH FLOW

Once a week, check in on your numbers. This doesn’t need to be a 2-hour admin marathon. I’m talking 20–30 minutes to:

  • See what came in
  • Check what went out
  • Update your numbers
  • Chase unpaid invoices
  • Move money into your buckets

Make this a weekly ritual (I call it a Money Date) and watch your confidence skyrocket. Because the more you look at your money, the less power it holds over you.

4. TRACK YOUR MONEY CASH FLOW

You can have all the work in the world, but if your prices don’t reflect the true cost of running your business – you’ll never get ahead.

Too many small business owners undercharge because they’re afraid of losing the work.

But if you’re not charging for:

  • Admin time
  • Quote prep
  • Travel
  • Time off tools
  • Overheads
  • Profit margin

…then you’re not building a business. You’re building a time bomb.

You should be pricing with confidence, knowing that it covers everything – not hoping for the best.
Inside The Edge, I teach you a simple pricing calculator so you know exactly what to charge and why.

5. BUILD A BUFFER FUND

We all know some work can be seasonal or unpredictable.

A job gets delayed. A client pays late. You get sick. And suddenly your cash flow takes a hit. That’s why a buffer fund is crucial.

Aim to build up 1–3 months’ worth of business expenses in a separate account. This gives you breathing space and avoids making panic-driven decisions like slashing prices or taking on crappy jobs just for quick cash.

Start small – $50 a week adds up. Automate it. Make it part of your money system. 

Build a Buffer Fund

The Truth? You Don’t Need More Work. You Need a Better Money Plan.

You don’t need to hustle harder. You don’t need to take every job that comes your way. You need to manage your money better so the work you’re already doing actually pays off. Imagine this:

  • Getting paid consistently – even in quiet months
  • No more panicked BAS seasons
  • Knowing exactly what your business needs to earn each week
  • Saying YES to time off without financial stress
  • Watching your bank account grow, not shrink

That’s what happens when cash flow becomes your king, and your systems support you, not sabotage you.

And That’s Exactly What We Do Inside THE EDGE

THE EDGE is a 6-week coaching program for tradies, franchisees and small business owners who are ready to stop guessing and start owning their business money. We’ll help you:

✅ Set up a cash flow system
✅ Price for profit
✅ Get your BAS and tax sorted
✅ Pay yourself consistently
✅ Build a buffer
✅ Plan for growth (without working more hours)

It’s simple, structured, and built for people who are great at their trade, not spreadsheets.

Final Thoughts: Work Smarter. Get Paid Properly. Stress Less.

You didn’t go into business to work 24/7 and still worry about money.

You started your business for freedom, flexibility, and a better life. And the path to that life isn’t more work. It’s better cash flow.

So if you’re ready to take the pressure off and finally feel in control of your business money…

Join THE EDGE: 6-Week Coaching Program

Your business doesn’t need to change, it just needs a plan. Let’s build it together.

BOOK A FREE "THE EDGE" SUCCESS CALL
THE EDGE - 6-WEEK PROGRAM
How to Stop the Feast and Famine Cycle and Finally Take Control of Your Business Money

How to Stop the Feast and Famine Cycle and Finally Take Control of Your Business Money

May 7, 2025 | Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Debt, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Educational Series, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Mortgage, Net Worth, Retirement, Saving Money, Self Development | 0 comments

Let’s get real for a moment.

Running a small business is a wild ride. One month you’re rolling in sales and feeling unstoppable. The next, you’re counting coins, putting off paying that supplier, and wondering if you’ll need to dip into your personal savings again (that’s if you have any left).

Sound familiar?

If you’re living in the stressful loop of feast and famine, you’re not alone – and it’s not your fault. Most business owners start their business because they’re great at what they do, not because they’re experts in money management.

But here’s the good news: you can absolutely break the cycle and build a business that pays you consistently, without losing your mind in the process.

Let’s dive into what causes this rollercoaster and, more importantly, how to hop off it for good.

What is the Feast and Famine Cycle, Anyway?

It’s the classic small business trap. When you’re in “feast” mode, you’re busy delivering services, taking on all the clients, and hustling hard. You’re making money, and it feels great.

But because you’re so busy working in the business, you’re not working on it. Marketing falls off. You don’t follow up on leads. You’re not planning ahead.

Then, suddenly – bam! – the work dries up. The cash stops flowing, and panic sets in. So, you hustle hard again to find more clients. And the cycle repeats.

It’s exhausting, stressful, and totally unsustainable.

 

Feast and Famine Cycle

Why It Happens (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)

Here’s what no one tells you when you start your own business: Cash flow is everything.

But too many small business owners don’t have a plan for their money. They treat their business account like a personal piggy bank, or they’re too busy wearing 15 hats to track expenses properly.

Without systems, buffers, and strategy, you’re flying blind. And that’s a dangerous way to run a business – no matter how good you are at what you do.

How to Break the Cycle: 7 Steps to Consistent, Confident Business Finances

It’s time to turn your financial chaos into clarity. Here’s how you do it – step by step.

1. GET CLEAR ON YOUR NUMBERS

Let’s start with a little tough love: if you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.

That means knowing:

  • How much it really costs to run your business monthly
  • Your average monthly revenue
  • Your break-even point
  • How much you need to earn to pay yourself properly

This doesn’t have to be complicated. Use a simple spreadsheet or accounting tool (like Xero, QuickBooks, or even a Google Sheet) to track everything that comes in and goes out.

Knowledge is power, and in business, it’s the difference between survival and success.

2. SEPARATE YOUR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS FINANCES

If you’re still using one bank account for everything, we need to talk.

Mixing personal and business money is a recipe for confusion, stress, and tax-time nightmares.

Set up a separate business account, and commit to paying yourself a “business wage” regularly, even if it starts small. This not only helps you manage your cash flow better, it makes you feel more like the CEO you are.

3. CREATE A MONEY FLOW SYSTEM THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Ever heard of Profit First? It’s a simple but powerful cash management system where you allocate money into separate “buckets” every time income comes in.

Here’s a basic version you can try:

  • Income Account – where all your revenue lands
  • Profit Account – set aside 5-10% for long-term savings or growth
  • Owner’s Pay Account – your regular wage
  • Tax Account – avoid nasty surprises at BAS time
  • Expenses Account – to cover day-to-day costs

The goal is to become intentional with every dollar. This way, you’re not wondering where all the money went at the end of the month. 

4. PLAN FOR THE LOWS – WHILE YOU’RE IN THE HIGHS

In “feast” mode, it’s easy to feel like the good times will last forever.

They won’t. And that’s okay, if you’re prepared.

Start building a business buffer fund – at least one month’s worth of operating expenses. When things slow down, you’ve got breathing room and don’t have to make decisions from a place of fear.

Pro tip: Automate transfers to your buffer fund after every client payment. Out of sight, out of spend.

5. SET REGULAR MONEY DATES (WITH YOURSELF OR WITH YOUR BOOKKEEPER)

You wouldn’t ignore a partner for months and expect the relationship to thrive, right? Same goes for your business finances.

Block out 30–60 minutes every week to:

  • Check your cash flow
  • Send invoices
  • Pay bills
  • Review your numbers
  • Track your goals

Make it fun – grab a coffee and put on your favourite playlist. The more you connect with your money, the more empowered you’ll feel.

6. DITCH THE HUSTLE CULTURE AND CREATE RECURRING REVENUE

Feast and famine often come from project-based or one-off work. If every sale requires a new client or fresh hustle, your income will always be up and down.

What can you do to create consistent income?

  • Offer monthly retainers or packages
  • Launch a membership or group program
  • Create digital products (courses, ebooks, templates)
  • Automate a funnel that sells for you in the background

Even just one recurring income stream can bring serious stability.

7. GET HELP SOONER, NOT LATER

You don’t have to do this alone.

If you’re constantly stuck in financial stress, it’s time to call in some support. A good financial coach (🙋‍♀️ like me!) can help you set up systems, build a plan, and create a business that pays you – without the burnout.

Sometimes the biggest breakthrough is admitting you need help and taking that first step toward real change.

Bonus Tips for Aussie Small Biz Owners

Since I’m based in Australia and many of my clients are too, here are a few extra pointers:

  • Stay on top of BAS and GST obligations – set aside a percentage of income as soon as you get paid.
  • Consider using accounting software like Xero to automate your BAS and income tracking.
  •  Use the ATO’s small business cash flow projection tool to forecast your months ahead.
  •  Look into government grants or support – there may be funding or mentoring programs available. 

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Consistent Cash, Not Constant Stress

Here’s the truth: You didn’t start your business to feel financially anxious all the time. You started it for freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment.

The feast and famine cycle might feel normal – but it’s not healthy, and it’s not inevitable.

With the right systems, support, and mindset, you can step into a whole new way of doing business. One where you feel in control, empowered, and finally able to enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

Ready to Ditch Feast and Famine for Good?

If this blog lit a fire in you, and you’re ready to say goodbye to cash flow stress, I’ve got your back.

Book a call so we can talk about how I can help you build your financial muscle, take control of your cash flow, and finally get paid like the boss you are.

💪 Let’s stop just surviving—and start thriving. 

BOOK A CALL TODAY
The Vault
Why Every Small Business Owner Needs a Financial Coach in Their Corner

Why Every Small Business Owner Needs a Financial Coach in Their Corner

Apr 30, 2025 | Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Debt, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Educational Series, Episodes, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Home Loan, Mindset, Mortgage, Net Worth, Relationships, Retirement, Saving Money | 2 comments

Running a small business is no joke. You wear all the hats – CEO, marketer, customer service rep, bookkeeper, and sometimes even janitor. The freedom and flexibility of entrepreneurship are amazing, but let’s be real: it can also feel like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. And when it comes to managing money? That tightrope can feel extra wobbly.


Enter the financial coach.


While accountants and bookkeepers keep track of the numbers, a financial coach helps you understand what those numbers mean for your goals, mindset, and long-term business strategy. They’re not just here to look at your past, they’re here to help you shape your future.
Let’s break down exactly why working with a financial coach can be a total game-changer for small business owners.

1. Clarity is Power

So many business owners hustle day in and day out without a clear picture of where their money is going or how much they’re really making. A financial coach helps you:

  • Understand your cash flow
  • Track your expenses
  • Price your products/services strategically
  • Set income goals that align with your vision

When you know your numbers, you can make smarter decisions with more confidence. No more crossing your fingers and hoping there’s enough to cover next month.

Understand your cash flow

2. Mindset Matters More Than You Think

Money mindset is one of the most overlooked aspects of running a business. If you’ve got a hidden belief that you’re not “good with money” or that it’s wrong to want to be profitable, it will impact your business.

A financial coach helps you identify and rewrite those limiting beliefs so you can:

  • Raise your prices without guilt
  • Pay yourself consistently
  • Invest in growth with confidence
  • Stop playing small with your money goals

You don’t just need spreadsheets – you need support for the emotional and psychological side of money, too.

3. From Reactive to Proactive

Too many small business owners operate in reaction mode: paying bills as they come, scrambling during tax season, and constantly putting out financial fires. A financial coach helps you shift from reactive to proactive.

That means:

  • Planning for taxes year-round
  • Setting aside money for slow seasons
  • Creating a strategy to build consistent income
  • Mapping out your financial goals and the steps to get there

This isn’t just about staying afloat. It’s about building a solid, scalable foundation that supports long-term success.

4. Ditch the DIY Trap

There’s a lot of pressure on small business owners to figure everything out themselves. Google, YouTube, and online courses can only take you so far. But just like you wouldn’t expect your clients to solve all their problems without your help, you shouldn’t expect yourself to master business finances without support.

A financial coach gives you:

  • Accountability
  • Expert insights tailored to your business
  • A safe space to ask the “dumb” questions (spoiler alert: they’re never dumb)
  • A partner who’s as invested in your success as you are

5. You Deserve to be Paid Well for Your Work

Too many small business owners put themselves last on the payroll. They reinvest everything back into the business, believing that one day, it will all pay off. But guess what? You don’t have to wait to be profitable.

A financial coach helps you:

  • Create a plan to pay yourself regularly
  • Separate personal and business finances
  • Build profitability into your pricing and systems
  • Stop undercharging and undervaluing your genius

Because you didn’t start your business to just survive. You started it to thrive.

Create a plan to pay yourself regularly

6. Create a Business That Supports Your Life

Your business is a part of your life – not the other way around. A great financial coach will always bring the focus back to what you want:

  • More time with your family?
  • Travel?
  • Buying a home?
  • Debt freedom?

Whatever your version of success looks like, your financial plan should support it. A coach helps you design a business model and money strategy that aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Final Thoughts: Your Business Deserves a Financial Wingwoman (or Wingman)

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need the right support.

A financial coach isn’t just for people who are struggling. It’s for anyone who wants to grow with intention, take control of their finances, and build a business that actually feels good to run.

At Financial Management 101, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Whether you join our Monthly Coaching program and unlock The Vault, or dive deep into transformation through The EDGE, you’ll get the tools, clarity, and mindset shifts you need to run your business with confidence.

The Edge - 2 Hour Workshop

Let’s build your business into the financial success story it’s meant to be – one intentional step at a time.

Introducing THE EDGE. This 2-Hour Power Session is a fast-paced, simplified version of my full 6-week coaching program for self employed business owners. Click the image below to know more about what you’ll be learning in this power session.

The Vault
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 6-WEEK PROGRAM
THE EDGE
Mastering Money with Ease: The Secrets to Financial Flow

Mastering Money with Ease: The Secrets to Financial Flow

Mar 26, 2025 | Book of the Week, Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Credit Score, Debt, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Educational Series, Episodes, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Home Loan, Mindset, Mortgage, Net Worth, Relationships, Retirement, Saving Money, Self Development, Side Hustle, Welcome

What if managing money felt effortless instead of stressful? What if financial decisions felt natural rather than overwhelming? Welcome to the concept of financial flow – where money moves in and out of your life with ease, and you feel confident and in control every step of the way.

Financial flow isn’t about luck, nor is it reserved for the wealthy. It’s about aligning your mindset, habits, and systems so that money becomes a source of empowerment rather than anxiety. Let’s dive into the secrets of mastering money with ease.

Secret #1: Trust That Money Flows to and Through You

One of the biggest money struggles people face is the feeling of scarcity – thinking there’s never enough. But here’s a powerful reframe: Money is energy. It moves, circulates, and returns when managed intentionally.

Rather than clinging tightly to every dollar out of fear, shift your perspective:

    • Trust that more opportunities to earn will come.
    • Believe that when you spend intentionally, money will return in other ways.
    • Recognise that wealth grows when you let money work for you through smart investments and aligned spending.

The key is to create a flow where money moves through your life in a way that serves you, rather than feeling stuck or stagnant.

Secret #2: Design a Financial System That Works for You

Many people resist financial planning because they think it’s restrictive. But the truth is, having a system actually frees you. A good financial system automates the boring stuff so you can focus on what matters. A simple, effective system includes:

    • A Spending Plan (not a strict budget, but a flexible plan for where your money should go each month)
    • Automatic Transfers to savings and investments so they grow without you overthinking it
    • A Guilt-Free Fun Fund so you can enjoy your money without worry
    • A Weekly Money Check-In to keep things on track without stress

When your system is designed for ease, managing money stops being a chore and starts feeling like second nature.

Design a Financial System That Works for You

Secret #3: Align Your Money with Your Joy

Ever notice how some purchases feel amazing while others leave you with regret? That’s because true financial satisfaction comes from spending in alignment with your values and priorities.

Take a look at your expenses and ask:

    • Does this purchase bring me joy, security, or opportunity?
    • Am I spending out of habit, pressure, or impulse?
    • How can I redirect my money toward things that truly enrich my life?

When money is spent intentionally on things that light you up rather than weigh you down, you feel at ease with your financial decisions.

Secret #4: Remove the Money Blocks Keeping You Stuck

Sometimes, it’s not just financial strategies that hold people back – it’s emotional and mental blocks. Thoughts like:

    • “I’ll never get ahead.”
    • “Money is stressful.”
    • “I don’t deserve to be wealthy.”

These hidden money blocks create resistance, keeping you stuck in the same cycles. The key is to identify them, challenge them, and replace them with beliefs that support financial ease.

Instead of “Money is stressful,” try “I am learning to manage money with confidence.” Small shifts in mindset create massive shifts in financial reality.

Secret #5: Surround Yourself with Financial Flow Energy

Just like anything in life, who and what you surround yourself with influences your financial experience. If your circle is always complaining about money or reinforcing scarcity thinking, it’s harder to break free.

Instead, seek out:

    • Books and podcasts that expand your financial knowledge
    • Mentors or communities that uplift and encourage abundance
    • Coaching or courses that provide actionable steps toward financial confidence

This is exactly why I created my Monthly Coaching program, giving you access to THE VAULT – a collection of resources to help you create lasting financial flow. And if you’re ready to take full control of your financial journey, the Master Your Money program will guide you every step of the way.

THE VAULT and Master Your Money Program

Final Thoughts: Financial Flow is a Choice

Mastering money with ease isn’t about earning more, it’s about creating a relationship with money that feels natural and empowering. When you remove resistance, align your money with your joy, and put systems in place, you create a life where money works for you, not against you.

 

So ask yourself: What’s one step you can take today to step into financial flow? Your money journey is yours to design, and you have everything it takes to make it happen and effortless.

The 90 Day Money Makeover
Book a Call to Know If This Program is Right for YOU!

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