Lynda Moore shows how you can handle the numbers and your mindset without losing your mind and your income when you design your business around your life, not the other way around

I come from a traditional business background in an accounting practice.  We counted every six minutes of our day (that’s one unit), and at the end of the day, my timesheet needed to add up to 7.5 hours. Everything was recorded (including going to the bathroom) to track our productivity.  As a junior team member that started out at about 60%, as my experience grew, so did the expectation of my productivity, as that related directly to how much of my time was charged to the client.  I became so structured during my workday, it even flowed into my weekends, it drove my friends crazy!!

Now, running a business isn’t necessarily what it used to be. The picture-perfect CEO in a suit, sitting behind a huge desk? That’s not most of us. Today, business owners look a lot different, freelancers, solopreneurs, creatives, and digital nomads are all over the place, doing their thing in ways that suit their lives. And with that freedom comes a question many of us wrestle with: how do you handle the numbers and your mindset without losing your mind and your income? 

Here’s the good news: it’s totally possible. You just need a little clarity, a sprinkle of planning, and a mindset that works with your lifestyle, not against it.

Know your own financial rhythm

If you’re non-traditional, chances are your income isn’t exactly a steady paycheck. Some months are golden, others? Not so much. That unpredictability can make anyone feel a bit nervous.

Start by understanding your money flow. Track what comes in, what goes out, and spot any patterns. It’s amazing how much calmer you feel when you know what’s coming. When lean months arrive, you’ll be prepared, not panicked. We all know the pre-Xmas made rush is followed by a January and February lull, so plan for it.

Shift your money mindset

Here’s a common trap: thinking, “I’m just a freelancer/solopreneur, I don’t really need to care about accounting.” Or total reliance on accounting system, without understanding how it works. Cue under-pricing, late invoices, getting your numbers completely wrong, or avoiding taxes until the last minute. I get it, it’s easier to stick your head in the sand.

Another term I hear often, sadly more from women than men, is referring to their business as ‘my little business’, a mindset like this is going to keep you thinking small and potentially not taking your skills and worth seriously and generating income to meet your potential.

Instead, flip the script: “My work has value, and my business deserves attention.” A mindset shift like that makes dealing with numbers feel less scary and more like taking care of your own success.

Systems that actually fit your life

Forget rigid, corporate-style processes. What you need are systems that are simple, flexible, and useful for you. A few ideas:

• Automated invoicing – your reminders go out without stress.
• Monthly check-ins – even 20–30 minutes reviewing money helps you stay in control.
• Project-based tracking – see which gigs make you money, and which ones don’t.
• Manage your time – you can be profitable with less time in the office by being focused. 

It’s not about drowning in spreadsheets; it’s about having a rhythm that makes sense for your life.

When I first started working from home, (this was way before we were all forced to).  I had a system of going into ‘work’ mode.  For me, it was picking up my phone and water bottle, walking down the hallway to my office and opening the door.  That short walk was enough to shift my mental state from being in home mode to business mode.  When I was finished, I would do the reverse.

Mindset tips for financial confidence

Numbers and mindset go hand in hand. Feeling unsure about money can lead to procrastination or stress. Try these:

1. Separate you from your income. Your worth isn’t tied to a client or project.
2. Celebrate the wins. Every invoice paid, every milestone reached, acknowledge it even if it’s just a high five to yourself.
3. Visualise your money flow. Picture your business working for you, not the other way around.
4. Set boundaries. Saying no is part of growing a healthy business (and keeping your sanity).

Planning for growth (without losing your cool)

Non-traditional businesses can grow in unexpected ways. A single project can turn into multiple clients, or you might create a product that brings in passive income. With growth comes the need for a little planning:

• Emergency fund: even a small buffer helps you breathe.
• Separate accounts: personal vs. business—it’s a lifesaver.
• Plan for taxes: even rough estimates quarterly save stress later.

Numbers + mindset = a business that can survive the ups and downs and support your lifestyle.

Being a non-traditional business owner comes with challenges. but it’s also exciting. You get to design a business around your life, not the other way around. Track your finances, plan for ups and downs, and treat your work like the valuable business it is.

Now, I love the flexibility that I have.  My team is remote, so the 9-5 routine has gone out the window.  We can be do the work anytime we want.  The biggest mind shift for me, was realising that clients don’t require me to be sitting at my desk all day every day.  That was a mindset I had put on myself.   It’s fine to answer a call while I’m out walking Jett in the middle of the day.  Or not respond to an email for 24hours because I out of the office on a bike ride or hike.  I can still have a traditional business, but choose to run it in a non-traditional way because that works for me, my team and my clients.

With the right mindset, numbers stop being scary. they become a map that helps you navigate your business and your life. And the best part? You get to thrive on your own terms.

*Lynda Moore is a Money Mentalist coach and New Zealand’s only certified New Money Story® mentor. Lynda helps you understand why you do the things you do with your money, when we all know we should spend less than we earn. You can contact her here.