Ever dreamed of running a successful online business and affording amazing vacations?
It’s totally doable.
Let me share a secret, it starts with a really great financial business plan.
Let’s talk business finances – but not in the boring way you’re expecting.
Most entrepreneurs treat their business bank accounts like a messy junk drawer. Tossing in receipts. Mixing personal and professional money. Hoping for the best.
I’m going to show you a different approach. The approach that not only keeps your finances clean but can actually fund your dream vacations.
Step ONE-The Foundation: Separating Your Financial World
When I started my business, I was flying blind. No structure, no plan, just hoping money would magically appear.
The first step? Create an LLC.
This isn’t just paperwork. It’s creating a financial firewall between your personal and professional life.
For me, that meant separating my photography business from my coaching business.
Pro tip: Use an online service like ZenBusiness. It’s straightforward and handles the complicated stuff.
Step TWO Banking: Keep It Separate
Here’s what I did:
– Opened a separate business bank account at a different bank from my personal account
– Created a business checking and savings account
– Immediately started setting aside money for taxes with each deposit
Why? Because mixing personal and business money is a recipe for chaos.
Step THREE The Credit Card Hack: Turning Business Expenses into Travel
This is where it gets fun. I discovered how to turn my business spending into free travel.
I use two Chase business credit cards:
– One for all business expenses and memberships
– One specifically for advertising spend
By strategically using these cards, I racked up over 400,000 points.
Last summer? 4 Flights to Jamaica then 4 Flights to London and Paris. Hotels were all basically free.
Important- The Golden Rules of Business Credit Cards
– Pay off your balance frequently (I do it every few days)
– Track your spending meticulously
– Use a travel portal that’s user-friendly
– Protect yourself if an account gets hacked by having separate cards
Step FOUR – High-Interest Savings
I’m now setting up a high-interest savings account as an extra financial cushion. Money goes in. Money stays put.
This isn’t just saving. It’s building financial resilience.
Keep it separate and keep it simple- The Bottom Line
Your business finances don’t have to be complicated. They can be a strategic tool.
Start small. Get organized. Be intentional.
Who knows? Your next dream vacation might be just a business expense away.
You can check out the credit cards I use with a special bonus HERE.
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