Companion to Episode 20 – “Financial Stress & Money Mindset”
Series: From Launch to Legacy – Mental Health & Resilience for Entrepreneurs
Purpose
Entrepreneurs don’t need more spreadsheets—they need clarity.
This worksheet helps you replace financial chaos with control by tracking business income, expenses, and reserves in one place—then connecting those numbers to your personal peace of mind.
You’ll:
• Identify your true break-even number
• See where money leaks occur
• Build a reserve and salary plan that reduces stress
Financial peace isn’t about being rich—it’s about being in control.
How to Use
- Complete your business cash-flow worksheet first.
- Reset your personal budget to reflect reality, not optimism.
- Use the results to calculate a stable owner salary + 20% cushion.
- Revisit monthly to track progress and adjust.
🏆 Quick Win: Transfer this month’s estimated tax (25–35% of income) into a separate account today — instant relief and proof you’re running your business intentionally.
Section 1 – Business Cash-Flow Stability Worksheet
| Category | Description / Example | Monthly Amount ($) |
| Revenue Streams | Product sales · Service contracts · Retainers | |
| Variable Income | One-off projects · Seasonal clients | |
| Fixed Expenses | Rent · Software · Insurance · Utilities | |
| Variable Expenses | Supplies · Fuel · Subcontractors | |
| Owner Pay/Draw | Regular salary or owner draw from business | |
| Taxes Set-Aside (25–35%) | Move to separate account monthly | |
| Loan Payments/Debt Service | Credit lines · Equipment · Vehicles | |
| Operating Reserves Goal | 3–6 months average expenses |
Step 1 – Add Up: Total all income and expenses.
Step 2 – Find Break-Even: (Total Fixed + Variable Expenses) ÷ Average Monthly Revenue.
Step 3 – Compare: If revenue < break-even for 2+ months, adjust pricing or cut costs.
Reserve Building Plan
| Reserve Type | Target Amount | Monthly Contribution Goal | Account Name |
| Business Operating Reserve | 3–6 months of operating costs | ||
| Tax Reserve | 25–35 % of gross income | ||
| Emergency Fund | Cover slow periods or equipment failure |
👉 Tip: Automate these transfers – predictability comes from process, not hope.
Section 2 – Personal Budget Reset
Your business income can only support your lifestyle sustainably if you know what that lifestyle costs.
| Personal Expense Category | Typical Examples | Monthly Amount ($) |
| Housing | Rent / Mortgage · Property tax · Repairs | |
| Utilities | Electric · Water · Internet · Phone | |
| Transportation | Car payment · Fuel · Insurance · Repairs | |
| Insurance & Medical | Health · Life · Dental · Co-pays | |
| Debt Payments | Credit cards · Loans · Student debt | |
| Food & Household | Groceries · Dining · Supplies | |
| Children / Dependents | Childcare · School · Activities | |
| Personal Spending | Subscriptions · Hobbies · Self-care | |
| Savings & Investments | Retirement · Emergency fund |
Target Take-Home Pay = Total Personal Expenses + 20% (savings + unexpected costs)
This number becomes your minimum business salary goal.
Section 3 – Financial Stress Audit
Check the box if true:
☐ I transfer tax money monthly.
☐ I have separate personal and business accounts.
☐ I know my monthly break-even point.
☐ I have 3 months of operating reserves.
☐ I review financials at least monthly.
If you checked fewer than three boxes, start with the missing areas—they’re usually the source of anxiety.
Section 4 – Mindset & Behavior Resets
| Old Belief | Reframe to Healthy Mindset |
| “I’ll save when things settle down.” | “Saving is how things settle down.” |
| “I can buy this because I had a good month.” | “If income is steady for 6 months, then I will upgrade with cash.” |
| “Taxes are a surprise.” | “Taxes are a bill — plan and pre-pay like any other expense.” |
| “I can’t afford to pay myself yet.” | “Paying myself is part of the business model.” |
| “Financial stress means I’m failing.” | “Financial stress means I need a system.” |
Quick Win
Transfer this month’s estimated tax (25–35% of income) into a separate account today.
Instant relief — and you just gave yourself a raise in peace of mind.
Reflection & Havins’ Advantage
Financial clarity creates emotional stability. When you see your numbers clearly, you make better decisions and get sleep better at night.
At Havins Business Services, we help business owners:
- Build custom cash-flow systems that stabilize income
- Design reserve and payroll structures that reduce stress
- Create realistic growth plans grounded in profit and peace
Next Step:
→ Schedule a discovery call or explore more free resources at
HavinsConsulting.com
You’ve worked hard for every dollar—let’s make each one count.
🌿 Wellness & Professional Support Disclaimer
This resource provides general business-communication guidance, for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice.
For legal concerns, consult a qualified attorney.
Always consult qualified professionals before making financial or investment decisions.
If you are experiencing ongoing anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, please contact a qualified mental health professional.
If you are in crisis or need immediate help, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – available 24/7 in the U.S.) or visit 988lifeline.org.
If you’re outside the U.S., you can find international hotlines at findahelpline.com.
Remember: Seeking support is strength, not failure. Your mental health is your most valuable business asset.
From Launch to Legacy | Havins Business Services
Helping small business owners build systems that create peace of mind, not pressure.
