The Emotional Cost of Financial Uncertainty (and how it plays out in your business)
What if I told you the biggest threat to your business right now isn't inflation or market shifts, but the way financial uncertainty is causing you to abandon your long-term strategy?
I’ve said to many clients in the past weeks that sometimes financial anxiety is a self fulfilling prophecy. You get anxious about the situation → you abandon the long term strategy → you make moves that don’t make sense → you create the financial situation you were anxious about.
I know what you're thinking. "Christy, come on. The economy is unpredictable, my leads are down, and client spending is all over the place. Those are my biggest threats."
Here's the truth: those external factors are real, but they're not what's keeping you up at 3 AM. What's draining your energy, clouding your judgment, and slowly eroding your confidence is something much more personal – the emotional weight of not knowing where you stand financially.
Can you afford to lose clients in the next few months? Can you still invest in marketing or do you need to pull back? Can you afford that contractor you were wanting or do you need to take on more work yourself currently?
The Emotional Tax We're All Paying
There's a moment I remember vividly from my early days in business (okay, I won’t lie, it was actually a few weeks ago lol). Despite being an accountant, I found myself overwhelmed by my own business finances. (Because, guess what? Despite knowing what to do, I spend way too much time on my client work and not enough on my own business…sound familiar?)
I was at my desk late afternoon, trying to write a job description for hiring a new employee - working the numbers in my head of what I could afford vs what I wanted to pay someone. My phone buzzed with a calendar reminder: “Time for Sammy’s riding lesson”.
I felt the frustration rise in my chest. Because despite intending to create a business where I *COULD* afford to take off afternoons for riding lessons, the weight of financial pressure (even as a CPA who understood the numbers) had created a knot of anxiety so tight I could barely breathe.
→ Because of the resounding “what-ifs” that create anxiety in every entrepreneur's life, I had abandoned my strategy of make enough money to fund the life I want to live (meaning don’t take on excess clients and hire help where needed) and instead resorted to “make as much money as humanly possible because this might not last forever”.
That's when I realized: the problem wasn't about understanding the numbers themselves. The problem was what the pressure of building a business while managing everything perfectly was doing to me emotionally.
Despite having the data, despite knowing I would be FINE if I lost a client or two in the economy because I had a YEAR of payroll saved up with the goal to hire help…I was abandoning the strategy due to fear.
In today's economy, sure we’re all paying taxes to the IRS, but we’re also paying an emotional tax guided by fear and the inability to stick to our strategy when there are too many “what-ifs”.
The Financial Uncertainty Emotional Cycle
When I work with clients, I see the same pattern play out over and over. It goes something like this:
Confusion → Anxiety → Avoidance (Or deterrence from the strategy) → Bigger Problems → More Anxiety
First it starts as “hmm I’m not sure how much I made this month”. Then, it turns into blindly pulling money from your business you’re not sure you can afford, and finally we’re in full blown avoidance scrolling instagram and sitting with a knot in your stomach about your business.
Rather than face that discomfort, you avoid the numbers altogether. You stop checking your accounts as frequently. You push bookkeeping to "next week" (which somehow never arrives). You make business decisions based on what your bank balance looks like (without being aware that your payroll is next week!)
And that avoidance? It only creates bigger problems. Which leads to even more anxiety.
(Did you get a pit in your stomach reading this? Because same & that’s a BIG CLUE as to how you’re feeling!)
That constant state of alert is exhausting. And it's affecting more than just your business.
From Surviving to Thriving: Breaking the Cycle
So how do we break this cycle? I wish I could tell you “Just do XYZ and it’ll all be fixed”, but the reality is financial anxiety is so much deeper than that.
Here are some things to start doing on your journey though:
1. Accept how you’re feeling
We're trained to think about finances as purely rational. They're not. Money carries emotional weight, and pretending it doesn't only makes things worse. Set yourself up for success by putting in steps to ensure you do what needs to be done.
→ Having trouble doing your bookkeeping? Block off time in your calendar to get your favorite beverage and sit down with your friend to do it.
→ Never pay yourself properly? Set up auto payroll or transfers to yourself so you come FIRST instead of last.
2. Celebrate small wins
Recognize every time you do something positive towards managing your financial uncertainty.
Maybe it's finally reconciling last month's transactions. Or calculating one key number, like social media followers and email list members. Or even opening up your bank account and checking the balance if that feels like a big step to you.
These small wins build confidence and create momentum. They prove to your anxious brain that clarity is possible. The brain can then learn from this experience that it enjoys having these wins and will seek more in the future.
3. Separate data from drama
Our brains are DRAMA QUEENS about numbers. "Revenue is down 10%" somehow becomes "I'M A COMPLETE FAILURE AND SHOULD JUST QUIT NOW."
Realize when you’re creating situations in your head that are bigger than the reality (LMAO the way I need someone to do this for me too…)
→ The numbers themselves are neutral. They're just information that can help you make better decisions, but they don’t mean anything about you as a person.
4. Build systems that automate the parts you struggle with
Here's where the real transformation happens. When you have systems that automatically organize your financial information into clear, meaningful insights, you can help break the cycle of confusion and anxiety for good.
This doesn't mean you need a complex setup. It means having:
A way to see your financial health at a glance
Regular check-ins that you actually stick to (weekly, monthly, quarterly)
A few clear metrics to tell you how your business is trending
A plan for managing taxes so it doesn’t catch you off guard
For some business owners, this means working with a financial professional. For others, it's using tools like the ProfitWay Dashboard that visually display your financial information in a way that makes sense.
The key is finding an approach that works for YOUR brain and YOUR business.
5. Stick to the strategy
Here's where many business owners go wrong: they create a solid long-term strategy, but abandon it at the first sign of pressure.
When cash flow tightens, it's tempting to take on any client who comes your way, even if they're outside your expertise or drain your energy. When expenses feel high, it's easy to convince yourself you can "just handle XYZ yourself for a while" instead of paying for support. These short-term decisions often lead right back to financial anxiety.
Now I’m not saying ignore the market. Temporary adjustments are sometimes necessary; we all face seasons where we need to adapt. But there's a massive difference between making a conscious, strategic pivot and completely abandoning your big-picture financial strategy in a moment of panic.
When the market does adjust, and when your client work does inevitably come back - will you have set back your progress with the decisions you made in this moment of stress?
→ PS this is where it's important to build reserves into your long term strategy - if you have 3-6 months of expenses saved when things start to get hard, you can afford to keep going without laying off team members or derailing your entire strategy!
What True Financial Peace of Mind Looks Like
Let me tell you about Kate, a client who came to me in the depth of financial anxiety. She was actually making good money in her business (over $200K!) but could never really enjoy it because she just “didn’t know”.
She was constantly canceling or rescheduling our meetings and when I finally got her on the phone she was really embarrassed to admit that she just couldn’t get me the information I was needing for our calls. She said that every time she tried, she’d fall into a complete panic.
We started with the basics: clean bookkeeping, a clear understanding of her actual profit (and how it changes seasonally), and a simple tax planning system. Within three months, she had complete visibility into her numbers.
The transformation went far beyond her business finances.
But here's what made me literally do a happy dance in my office - the message she sent me last week: "OMG Christy!! I just hired a new contractor and have been working WAYYY less! I'm actually excited about my business again!!!"
THIS is what I'm talking about when I say financial peace of mind. It's not about having a gazillion dollars (though that's nice too, lol). It's about the freedom that comes from actually knowing where you stand instead of guessing and stressing 24/7.
Your Next Step: From Anxiety to Clarity
If you're caught in the cycle of financial uncertainty anxiety right now, I want you to know two things:
You're not alone. Even as a CPA, I've experienced these same feelings in my own business.
There is a way forward that doesn't involve working harder or becoming a financial expert overnight.
The path begins with a single step: deciding that your peace of mind is worth investing in (And I want to be so real with you right now. This is not me pitching you. Investment can be money in one of our products or services, but it can also be your time to create resources for yourself. Because while I have awesome products and services that can help, I don’t think everyone needs or can invest financially right now).
→ That might mean finally setting up a bookkeeping system that works. It might mean using a tool like the ProfitWay Dashboard to visualize your finances in a way your brain can actually process. Or it might mean bringing in support from someone who can help you make sense of your numbers.
Whatever that first step is for you, I encourage you to take it this week. Not next quarter. Not when things "calm down." Now.
Because in today's economy, financial clarity isn't just nice to have. It's the foundation of every other decision you'll make – and every moment of peace you deserve to enjoy.
What's Next? Your Path Forward Based On Where You Are
Every business owner handles financial uncertainty differently. Here's where to start based on your specific situation:
If you need clarity into your numbers and visual understanding:
The ProfitWay Dashboard might be your next move. This visual dashboard makes it easier than ever to understand your business finances at a glance, without complex spreadsheets or accounting knowledge. It's perfect for visual thinkers who want to see patterns and trends without drowning in details.
If tax uncertainty is keeping you up at night:
The Estimated Tax Calculator will eliminate the guesswork. This straightforward tool helps you calculate and plan for your quarterly tax payments with confidence. Simply input your income details, and you'll know exactly what to set aside. No more tax surprises or penalties.
If you're just starting out and need foundational knowledge:
The Financial Foundations Starter Kit provides everything you need to build solid financial habits from the beginning. It includes the ProfitWay Dashboard, Financial Focus Templates, Service-Based Business Guide, and the Estimated Tax Calculator – all the essentials to start your business on the right financial foot.
If you're beyond DIY and need professional support:
The Trendsetter service provides done-with-you bookkeeping and tax preparation. We'll handle the complex parts while teaching you exactly what you need to know to make informed decisions. This is perfect for established businesses ready to delegate their financial management while maintaining strategic control.
Whatever you may be feeling right now, I want you to know I’m rooting for you & this journey! Need some emotional support? Hop on over to my IG @itschristybowie and let's chat!
The Profitway Dashboard
This digital dashboard makes it easier than ever to visualize your business finances, set financial goals, and stay on track. Bonus: no expensive software or numbers knowledge required.
More Financial Resources:
Estimated Tax Payments For Small Business: How To Calculate Your Quarterly Payments
Why Reading Your Tax Return (& Not Just Signing It) Is Crucial For Small Business Owners
Disclaimer: While this guide provides valuable insights, it's important to note that every business has unique circumstances. For personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult with a qualified tax professional. Our goal at CBFS is to empower you to make informed decisions that support your business growth and personal wealth-building objectives.
