Happy Friday, all!
Recently, I found myself sitting with the same questions I often pose to clients. I recently made a significant investment in a PR firm to support the podcast. It felt big. Not just financially, but emotionally. It stirred up the usual mix of excitement, uncertainty, and that old friend, “Is now the right time?”
And then, almost on cue, I heard similar questions from clients:
· One asked whether they could move forward with a $15,000+ tech upgrade amid unpredictable cash flow.
· Another wondered if it was too soon to invest in a writing coach while still in the early stages of business building.
The common thread? They were all considering lump-sum purchases amid financial and emotional uncertainty.
What I told them is what I reminded myself: big decisions are rarely about the numbers alone. They’re about alignment.
Here’s the 3-part check-in I recommend:
1. What’s your “why”?
Does this investment serve your larger vision? Will it support your growth, reduce friction, or free up time for more impactful work? The writing coach might not bring immediate ROI, but if your future includes thought leadership, it could be foundational. The tech purchase might seem like a cost center today, but if it helps scale your team and smooth operations, it may be necessary.
2. What does your budget say?
Check your operations budget. If this lump-sum purchase were spread over 12 months, would it still fall within your ideal operating expense percentage? Will this investment generate revenue, or will you need to offset the cost by taking on more clients? If so, how many? Knowing the financial ripple effect helps you plan instead of react.
3. What does your gut say?
I often say, “follow the spark.” If something keeps pulling at you—if it feels exciting and expansive—there might be a reason. Not all ROI is immediate or quantifiable. Some decisions are about momentum, clarity, and positioning yourself for future opportunities. But there’s a difference between a spark and a fire alarm. Learn to know which is which.
Additional considerations:
- Timing matters. Are you entering a particularly volatile season in your business? Do you have enough buffer or backup to absorb surprises?
- Opportunity cost. What might you have to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to this? Will this decision restrict flexibility in the next 3–6 months?
- Financing options. If the lump sum feels too heavy, is there a way to break it into smaller payments? Just be mindful of interest rates and terms.
When I said yes to the PR firm, it wasn’t because I was 100% certain. It was because I was clear on the role it plays in my broader vision and because I had done the math. I knew the monthly cost fit into my plan. And, maybe most importantly, it felt like the right next step to expand my podcast, which feels like my zone of genius.
So if you’re standing at the edge of a big decision, know this: it’s okay to move forward even if you’re still holding a little uncertainty. That’s part of building something meaningful. The goal isn’t to eliminate risk—it’s to understand and align with it.
Questions of the Week
- What purpose does this investment serve in your business or life vision?
- How does the timing of this decision support or challenge your financial stability?
- What emotions are coming up, and what might they be pointing you toward?
Tool of the Week
This week, I’m bringing it back to basics: use your Profit First buckets to evaluate the purchase. Check your Operating Expenses account—do you have the cash set aside to cover this lump-sum without dipping into your tax, owner’s pay, or profit allocations?
Also, pull your profit and loss statement and look at your income and expenses by month. Does your cash flow trend suggest this is a good time for a bigger spend? Is there enough consistency or surplus to absorb the investment?
These two tools—your buckets and your P&L—offer the clearest window into whether the purchase aligns with your current financial reality and your long-term vision.
Until next week,
Brian