cash flow

Surviving the Economic Roller Coaster – What Small Business Owners Should Do in 2026

If you’re a small business owner in 2026, you’ve probably heard some version of the same sentence on repeat: “This economy is a mess.” I know. I feel it too,...

Lessons from the Lows & Excerpts from My Personal Journal

I used to think success meant a fancy office, a fat revenue line, a sweet house, and an even sweeter car. I had all that. And then I found out...

The Money Habit Weekly | Are You Being Squeezed By Shrinkflation?

The Insight: Shrinkflation Is Sneaky (and It's Costing You) The other day, we were having a team lunch and opened a bag of potato chips (it was a deli lunch,...

The Right Way to Boost Profit

“One day, your business will make enough money to finally be profitable.” That’s garbage. Profit doesn’t magically show up when your revenue gets big enough. Profit doesn’t wait patiently at...

The Real Way to Get Out of Debt

It starts with convenience. Just one swipe to float the bills, fix the car, or cover the gap. But before you know it, you’re juggling minimum payments, dodging interest, and...

Why Your Best Customers Should Design Your Business

Lately, I’ve been hearing from entrepreneurs who feel stuck. They’ve got decent sales, solid products, and a good team, but things just aren’t moving like they used to. Revenue flatlines....

What Warren Buffett Just Taught Us About Small Business (And why it matters more than ever this Small Business week)

Warren Buffett, the “Oracle of Omaha”,  just announced he’s officially passing the baton to Greg Abel as the next CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. And while that might seem like big-time...

How to Start Making a Profit Today

Ah Profit.  Once a dirty word, I think by now you’re learning that profit sustains and grows businesses. Sure, you generate revenue, and on paper, the numbers might even look...

Cut One Wasteful Business Expense and Break the Cycle with Profit First

Do you ever feel like it's Groundhog Day, stuck in a loop where things never really change? Every month, you review your business expenses, and it feels like you're doing...

Your Money and Emotions – Breaking the Money Shame Cycle with Profit First

Not everyone talks about it, but everyone feels it: managing money is a source of anxiety.  It's easy to feel like your self-worth is tied to your business's bottom line....

Your Money and Emotions – Breaking the Money Shame Cycle with Profit First

Not everyone talks about it, but everyone feels it: managing money is a source of anxiety. 

It’s easy to feel like your self-worth is tied to your business’s bottom line. “When my business makes a profit, then I’ll be successful,” you tell yourself. However, success doesn’t start when you have money in the bank. It starts with taking control of your finances from day one. That’s where Profit First comes in.

The old-school formula, “Sales – Expenses = Profit,” leaves you at the mercy of what’s left over. No wonder so many small business owners struggle to turn a profit. 

With Profit First, this outdated approach is flipped on its head. Instead, you take your profit out first: “Sales – Profit = Expenses.” This forces you to prioritize profit and become more resourceful with your remaining budget, creating a healthier financial foundation for your business. One that sustains it for the long game.

More than numbers – It’s about empowerment

The emotional impact of implementing Profit First is undeniable. It’s not just about numbers on a spreadsheet, it’s about taking back control and breaking free from financial stress. When you start prioritizing profit, you’re not just creating wealth for your business, you’re building confidence and peace of mind.

Imagine seeing actual profit accumulate in your bank account. That sense of control, combined with tangible results, empowers you to make smarter decisions. Whether it’s reinvesting in your business, giving yourself the salary you deserve, or simply knowing you have a financial buffer, Profit First gives you the stability and freedom to move forward with confidence.

How to get started

You don’t need to make massive changes right away. Start small—set aside 1% of your revenue into a separate profit account. Over time, increase that percentage and watch as your profits grow while your expenses naturally adjust.

Profit First is more than just about balancing the books. It’s about reshaping your mindset. It’s about breaking the cycle of financial shame and empowering yourself to build a business that thrives.

If you’re ready to regain control of your finances, Profit First offers a simple yet powerful approach to transform the way you manage money. If you haven’t already, take the first step today and start small, stay consistent, and experience the impact of putting your profit first.

Wishing you health and wealth always.

– Mike

Need more guidance? Grab your copy of Profit First on Amazon or your favorite bookseller.

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Have questions? Please email support@mikemichalowicz.com for a real human to help you!

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