How to Create a Salary Plan Even if Your Revenue Isn’t Consistent

How to Create a Salary Plan Even if Your Revenue Isn’t Consistent

A simple system for paying yourself—without waiting for perfect months

If you’re a small business owner with up-and-down revenue, you’ve probably said this before:

“I’ll pay myself once I know what I have left.”
“This month was too tight—I’ll catch up next month.”
“Maybe I’m not earning enough to have a salary.”

Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. Inconsistent income is one of the biggest barriers business owners face when trying to pay themselves confidently.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need consistent revenue to start a consistent paycheck.
You need a structure that works with the ups and downs—and gives you rhythm, not rollercoasters.

This post will show you how.

Step 1: Stop Waiting for Perfect Months

The biggest mistake small business owners make?
Waiting for everything to stabilize before they create a salary plan.

But consistency doesn’t come from revenue—it comes from structure.

You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to get it started.

Even if you can only pay yourself $200 per month right now, starting that rhythm builds the muscle of:

  • Separating personal and business finances

  • Prioritizing your own income

  • Creating momentum and visibility

Your business should serve your life—not the other way around.

Step 2: Create a Baseline Monthly Salary

Start with your minimum viable salary—the amount that would make your life a little easier, even if it’s not your full financial goal.

This might be:

  • $500/month to start contributing to household bills

  • $1,000/month to contribute to your rent

  • $2,500/month to replace a part-time job

From there, you’ll reverse-engineer your plan using the Core 4 Bank Account System:

  1. Income Account – where all revenue lands

  2. Expenses Account – for business costs 

  3. Owner Pay Account – your personal paycheck

  4. Tax & Business Savings Account – for your savings buffer

Every time you get paid, allocate money into these accounts in percentages, not dollar amounts.

Step 3: Use a Percentage-Based Allocation

Instead of paying yourself a fixed amount you might not hit, try a flexible formula based on real income.

Example:

  • 30% → Owner Pay

  • 30% → Business Expenses

  • 30% → Taxes

  • 10% → Profit or Buffer

This structure gives you predictability—without ignoring the real fluctuations in your business.

You can even set floors and ceilings for how much you’ll transfer to Owner Pay each cycle, based on your goals.

Step 4: Pay Yourself on a Real Schedule

Choose a pay schedule that creates stability, not stress:

  • 1st + 15th

  • Every Friday

  • Last weekday of the month

Then follow it—no matter what.
Even if it’s just a $200 transfer to your Owner Pay Account, the point is to show up for yourself like an employee.

This rhythm builds trust, both in your business and in your budget.

Step 5: Create a Buffer Fund

If your business is seasonal or inconsistent, build a 2–3 month salary buffer inside your business bank account.

Here’s how:

  • During higher income months, allocate extra to a Salary Buffer Account

  • During slower months, draw from that account to keep your pay steady

  • Treat it like a rainy-day fund for you, not just the business

This gives you breathing room and removes the panic from lean months.

Inside The Small Business Planner, we give you a tracker and suggested percentages to help you build this without sacrificing profit or tax savings.

Step 6: Review and Adjust Quarterly

Your salary plan should evolve as your revenue grows.

Every quarter, review:

  • Total income earned

  • How much you paid yourself

  • What your average pay per month was

  • Whether your percentage allocation is still working

If your revenue has increased consistently for 3+ months, it might be time to:

  • Increase your pay

  • Add a tax buffer

  • Switch from owner draws to payroll (if you’re an S Corp)

Your salary should be dynamic—but it should never be a mystery.

Final Takeaway: You Don’t Need Perfect Revenue to Get Paid

You don’t need to earn six figures or “wait until later” to start taking a paycheck.

You need:

  • A realistic baseline salary

  • A percentage-based plan

  • A structure that flexes with you

  • And a little guidance to stick with it

That’s what we teach inside The Small Business Planner—so you can pay yourself with confidence, no matter what season you’re in.

Explore The Small Business Planner → https://smallbusinessplanner.com/products/planner

 

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