Most business owners don’t lack effort.. they lack visibility.
You might be making sales, staying busy, and still feel unsure about your numbers.
That’s where a simple 15-minute money health check comes in.
Using a Profit First approach, this quick check helps you understand where your money is going, what’s working, and what needs attention, fast.
Know Your Profit Percentage
Revenue is vanity. Profit is sanity.
If you don’t know your profit percentage off the top of your head, you’re flying blind.
Ask yourself:
What percentage of my revenue do I actually keep?
This number alone tells you whether your business is truly working.
Months of Operating Expenses in Reserve
How long could your business survive without new income?
This is your cash runway.
A healthy business should aim for at least 3 months of operating expenses saved.
Without it, every decision feels urgent and reactive.
Consistent Owner’s Pay
You are not the last person to get paid.
A key principle of Profit First is paying yourself consistently.
If your income is unpredictable, it’s a sign your financial structure needs work.
Separate Tax Money
One of the fastest ways to lose control of your finances is mixing tax money with operating cash.
Set up a separate account for tax and allocate to it regularly.
This removes stress and avoids last-minute surprises.
Track Changes in Expenses
Expenses don’t spike overnight.. they creep.
Review the last 90 days and identify:
- What increased
- What can be reduced
- What no longer adds value
This is where hidden profit is often found.
Quick Checklist: Money Control Steps
- Know your profit without checking
- Build at least 3 months of operating reserves
- Pay yourself consistently
- Separate your tax money
- Review expenses every 90 days
- Use a structured system like Profit First
Case Example: Business A vs Business B
- Business A: $1,000,000 revenue, $40,000 profit
- Business B: $500,000 revenue, $125,000 profit
Which business is healthier?
Profit, not revenue, determines success.
Why Profit First Works
The Profit First method flips the traditional formula.
Instead of:
Revenue – Expenses = Profit
You prioritise profit first and run your business on what remains.
This creates:
- Better discipline
- Clearer decisions
- Consistent profitability
Listen to the Full Episode
Want to walk through this step-by-step?
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here: The 15-Minute Money Health Check Every CEO Should Do This Week
If you want clarity, control, and a system that actually works, it starts with your numbers.
Book a free discovery call with a Profit First bookkeeper and take the first step toward a more profitable business.
