top of page

How much do I need to make?

Simplified Personal Expense Calculator for Solopreneurs

When you start or run a business, your goal is to at least sell enough of your services to support yourself.

It can feel overwhelming to figure out that out so I've created a simple calculator to help break it down. This calculator is best used on a larger screen.

 

Click here if you want the more comprehensive version of this calculator. 

Step 1: Calculate Your Recurring Monthly Income

This calculation is to figure out what money you have coming in that won't change and you don't want to replace with income from your business.

Examples: 

  • Alimony, child support, investments

  • A partner who has income that you're not trying to replace.

  • Existing services that bring income from this one or more other businesses.

  • Income from clients who are paying a set price for your service already that you don't want to raise the price for. 

Income

Step 2: Calculate Your Recurring Monthly Expenses

Now that you know how much money you have already coming in, now you need to take a look to see what your monthly personal expenses are.

Below you'll see a few broad category prompts

Feel free to email me if you think it's a common category and should be added to the calculator. 

Savings
0% buffer

$0

Monthly Expenses

-

-

$0

Monthly Income

=

=

$0

You Need This Much

Your final result was positive and the amount you need to make from your business in order to cover your personal expenses. 

If the number seems small, that means you have more of a safety net in your other sources of income. You don't need to rely on your business in order to cover your personal expenses.

 

Want to create a goal? Try one or both of the below ideas. 

 

  1. Go back to the expenses section and start adding more to your savings and investments box. 
     

  2. Go back to the income section section and look to see if you would like to replace some of the income listed there. Click here for examples.​

Your final result was negative, which means your other sources of income cover your personal expenses.

 

​That's awesome!

You don't need to rely on your business in order to cover your personal expenses. You have more breathing room to play instead of worrying about paying your personal expenses. 

 

Want to create a goal? Try one or both of the below ideas. 

 

  1. Go back to the expenses section and start adding more to your savings and investments box. 
     

  2. Go back to the income section section and look to see if you would like to replace some of the income listed there. Click here for examples.​

Join The Pineapple Experience Newsletter 🥳

Weekly customer service & experience tips for solopreneurs who offer services to people, not businesses - plus some wonderful weirdness - right to your inbox.

You will receive one email every week - I shoot for Thursdays (but let's be real, could be Friday), plus the occasional promotional message. Unsubscribe at any time.

⚠️ Check your inbox to confirm your subscription. ⚠️

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
bottom of page