How to Be Intentional with Money – The Business Owner Edition
The Financial Freedom Hack You’re Probably Overlooking
As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly juggling (And if you are a mom like me, the juggling goes to the next level!) but between revenue goals, client needs, family responsibilities, and, of course, your personal financial well-being. It’s easy to feel like you’re on a never-ending treadmill, running toward financial independence but never quite getting ahead.
Here’s a truth I’ve learned: The secret to financial freedom is hidden in what you do consistently.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Bernadette Joy, author of the book Crush Your Money Goals, and her insights on intentional financial habits were really what one needs to start the month. She reminded me that success with money isn’t about shortcuts or sacrifice but about habits that create long-term financial stability and peace of mind.
Today, I’m sharing some of those insights with you.
*** This is a short version of the detailed conversation with Bernadette Joy. To hear it fully, go to Brown Way To Money Podcast
The Perspective: Habits Over Hustle
Financial independence is often marketed as a numbers game “Save this, invest that, and you’ll be set.” But for business owners, financial stability gets to be a bit more complex than that.
Let’s just look at the recent events affecting the economy and the way we, as black and brown women, relate to it.. talking about complexity! It’s more than just numbers; hence, we tackled the underlying skin.
However, when we build habits that put us in control of our money, we stop reacting to financial stress and start making intentional decisions that align with our long-term goals.
Bernadette shared two simple but powerful money habits that can transform your relationship with money:
1. The Dollar Rule
Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Will I use this item enough to make it worth $1 per use?
If a $100 coat will last you 100 wears, it’s a worthwhile investment.
If a $50 gadget gets used once and collects dust, it’s a waste of money.
This habit shifts your mindset from impulse spending to value-based spending, ensuring that every dollar you spend works for you.
2. The Cash Flow Cushion
Keep at least one month’s worth of living expenses in your checking account.
This isn’t an emergency fund—it’s a financial buffer that keeps you ahead, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on running your business without constantly worrying about covering bills.
These habits aren’t about deprivation. They’re about reframing your money choices so that they work for you, rather than leaving you scrambling from month to month.
The Practicality: Curate Your Accounts Like You Curate Your Business
Another powerful strategy Bernadette shared is what she calls “curating your accounts.”
If you’ve ever done a deep clean of your closet or digital files, you know how refreshing it feels to clear out clutter. Now, imagine applying that same principle to your finances.
Here’s how you can curate your financial accounts for clarity and control:
Take Inventory of Everything – List out all checking, savings, investment, debt, and business accounts.
Evaluate What’s Serving You – Are there old accounts draining fees? Unused credit cards? Overlapping investment accounts?
Simplify & Align – Keep only the accounts that serve a clear purpose and align with your financial goals.
Many of us have accounts we forget exist (Yes! We do) a retirement account from a past job, a bank account we never closed, or an old debt we lost track of. By curating your accounts, you get a clear financial picture and make more informed business and personal finance decisions.
Balancing Long-Term Goals with Immediate Needs
As entrepreneurs, we constantly face the tension between what we need now and what we’re building for the future.
Here’s how you can stay intentional and aligned with your financial goals:
✔ Clarify Your Intentions: Before making any purchase, ask: Why am I spending this money? Is it for joy, obligation, or something else?
✔ Apply the Dollar Rule: Ensure the gifts you buy or investments you make provide long-term value.
✔ Focus on What Matters: Instead of spreading yourself thin trying to do everything, focus on impactful spending—investing in things that bring genuine joy or financial growth.
Financial freedom doesn’t mean never spending—it means spending with purpose.
Rewiring Your Ways: Your Money Habit Challenge
This week, I challenge you to pick one financial habit to cultivate.
Audit your financial accounts and remove or consolidate anything unnecessary.
Apply the Dollar Rule before making any purchase.
Set up a Cash Flow Cushion by automating savings for one month’s expenses.
If you take just one small step today, you’ll be one step closer to financial freedom.
So, tell me—which habit will you focus on this week? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear about your journey!
Alejandra Rojas
Founder, Brown Way To Money