How to simplify your finances, pay yourself consistently, and avoid tax-time panic
If you’re running your business from a single bank account, you’re not alone — but you are making it harder than it needs to be.
When all your revenue, expenses, and taxes live in one place, it’s almost impossible to know how much money you actually have. That’s why so many business owners feel overwhelmed, underpaid, and behind on taxes — even when they’re making decent money.
The solution? Separate your money into four simple business bank accounts — and start running your business like the boss you are.
This isn’t about more work or complicated systems. It’s about creating clarity and control so you can finally feel on top of your business finances.
Here’s how The Small Business Planner's 4 Account System works and how to set it up today:
1. Income Account
All revenue lands here first. Always.
Your Income Account is your business’s holding tank. Every dollar your business earns — from sales, invoices, contracts, or online checkouts — lands here before going anywhere else.
You don’t pay bills or spend from this account directly. You simply use it to collect revenue, then transfer money to the other accounts on a consistent schedule.
Why it matters:
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Creates a clean separation between earning and spending
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Makes it easy to track total business income
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Prevents overspending before taxes or your paycheck are set aside
2. Business Expenses Account
Use this account to pay your actual bills.
Once you’ve moved the right amount from your Income Account, this is the account you’ll use for:
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Subscriptions
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Contractors
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Marketing
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Supplies
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Overhead
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Any other operating costs
This is the only account you should be swiping your business debit card from.
Why it matters:
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Makes your real monthly expenses visible
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Helps prevent unplanned spending
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Lets you know exactly what you can afford — and when you need to cut or invest
3. Owner Pay Account
This is your paycheck — not an afterthought.
Every week, two weeks, or month, move a consistent amount from your Income Account into your Owner Pay Account. Whether you’re doing an owner’s draw or running payroll, this is your money to live on.
This account gives you rhythm and reliability, even when business income fluctuates.
Why it matters:
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Ends the cycle of “I’ll pay myself later”
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Creates stability for your personal finances
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Helps you show proof of income when applying for a loan or mortgage
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Makes contractor payouts (if you’re not on payroll) easier to manage
4. Tax Account
Set aside 20–35% of income as it comes in.
Every time you move money out of your Income Account, move a percentage into your Tax Account too. This isn’t money you get to keep — and planning for it now keeps you out of trouble later.
You can use this account to save for:
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Federal income tax
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Self-employment tax
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State or local taxes
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Sales tax (if applicable)
Why it matters:
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Avoids the panic of surprise tax bills
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Gives you confidence that you’re covered
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Makes quarterly tax payments easy and stress-free
Final Takeaway: Four Accounts. One Game-Changing System.
You don’t need complicated spreadsheets or expensive software to get clear on your finances. You just need a structure that works — and scales with you.
The 4 Account System is the foundation of how we teach small business owners to create consistent income, stress-free tax seasons, and real financial peace.
Ready to implement this?
The Small Business Planner walks you through every step — from setting up your accounts to deciding how much to allocate and when.
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