How to Start Saving in Your Business (Even If You’re Just Surviving)

I remember the exact moment I realized I needed to start saving in my business. I was staring at my laptop, refreshing my banking app, waiting for a payment to come through—because I needed it to cover that week’s expenses.

I wasn’t broke. But I was on edge. Living invoice to invoice. Payment to payment. And it was exhausting.

As an accountant, that moment hit me hard. I knew better. But knowing and doing are two very different things—especially when you’re building a business, wearing a dozen hats, and trying to keep everything afloat.

If you’re in that space right now, I see you. And I want you to know: it is possible to start saving, even if it feels like you’re just surviving.

Let me show you how.

Why Saving Feels So Hard When You're Just Getting By

When your income is inconsistent or your expenses feel like they’re stacking up faster than you can handle, saving can feel like a luxury. Like something you’ll get to "when things calm down."

But here’s the hard truth: there's never a perfect time to start saving. Waiting for everything to be stable first is like waiting to be fit before going to the gym.

Saving is a habit, not a milestone.

And the sooner you build that habit, the stronger and more resilient your business becomes.

What Saving Really Looks Like in a Small Business

Forget about putting aside hundreds every month. When you’re in the early stages, or in a tight season, saving looks more like:

• Setting aside $5 to $10 per sale

• Creating a "buffer" fund for surprise expenses

• Canceling one unused subscription and transferring that amount to savings

• Skipping a takeout order and using that money to build your emergency cushion

It’s not about how much you save. It’s about training yourself to save consistently.

When I started, I opened a separate account called "Safety Net." And every Friday, no matter how small, I moved something into it. Some weeks it was $5. Other weeks $50. But the point was—I was showing up.

That simple act changed everything.

4 Practical Ways to Start Saving Today (Even on a Tight Budget)

If you're ready to start, here are four small but powerful shifts you can make:

1. Create a "No Judgment" Snapshot of Your Finances

Open your statements. Write down everything coming in and going out. Don’t try to fix it yet—just look.

Awareness is the first step to clarity.

2. Identify Tiny Opportunities

Maybe it’s an app you forgot you’re paying for. Maybe it’s a tool you only use once a month. List 3 small expenses you can pause or cancel this week.

Then move that money into a separate savings account immediately.

3. Start a "Minimum Save" Rule

Commit to saving a minimum of $2–$10 per transaction. You can automate this or just set a weekly reminder.

Make it non-negotiable. Even if it’s small, it builds the muscle.

4. Celebrate Every Win

Saved $15 this week? That’s a win. Cancelled a $29 subscription? Win. Paid an invoice early? Also a win.

The more you celebrate your progress, the more motivated you’ll feel to keep going.

Want Support Building the Habit?

That’s exactly why I created the 5 Days Saving Challenge.

It’s a free, actionable mini-course designed to help you:

• Understand why saving feels hard

• Find small shifts you can make today

• Build a plan that actually works for your business

Every day, for five days, you’ll get one clear, short lesson with a step you can implement immediately.

👉 Sign up here for free and start building a savings habit that sticks.

Final Words

You don’t need to be "ready" to save. You don’t need a big income or a perfect plan.

You just need to start.

The tiniest shift today can build a cushion that supports your future self—and gives your business room to breathe.

So take the first step. Open your accounts. Move $5. Celebrate it.

And if you want a little help? I’ll be waiting for you inside the challenge 💌

👉 Join the 5 Days Saving Challenge here.