Running a business takes a lot — your time, your energy, and let’s be honest, a big chunk of your money. And when you’re focused on keeping the business afloat or growing, it’s easy to push personal goals to the side. Things like buying a house, saving for your kid’s future, or even planning a dream vacation can feel like “someday” things.
But those goals matter just as much. And the good news? You don’t need a huge salary or a fancy system to start saving for them. Plenty of entrepreneurs save for big life goals while running their businesses — it just takes a bit of intention and a few smart habits.
So, let’s explore these smart habits.
Pay Yourself First, Even if It’s Small
One of the most common mistakes business owners make is waiting until there’s “extra” money to save for themselves. But let’s be honest — there’s always something that needs funding in a business. A new hire. A new tool. A sudden expense. If you don’t pay yourself first, it might never happen.
Steve Morris, Founder & CEO of NEWMEDIA.COM, explains, “If saving isn’t built into your system from the start, it gets pushed aside. Treat it like a regular bill — non-negotiable and automatic.”
That’s why smart entrepreneurs treat their savings like a fixed cost—just like rent or salaries. Every time money comes in, they immediately take a small percentage and move it into a personal savings or investment account. It could be 5%, 10%, or even just $100 a month when things are tight. The amount isn’t the point—it’s the habit.
Some set this up automatically. Others transfer it manually, but on a set schedule. Either way, they don’t wait to see what’s “left over” at the end of the month. They build savings into the plan from the beginning.
This helps build momentum and keeps your personal life moving forward, even when the business is in grind mode. And over time, those small amounts grow—whether it’s for a home down payment, a family trip, or a future safety net.
Adam Fard, Founder & Head of Design at AI for Wireframing, says, “Running a business is unpredictable. But when you pay yourself first, you create a little pocket of stability in the middle of all the ups and downs.”
Set Clear, Time-Bound Life Goals
Entrepreneurs are goal-setters by nature. You set targets for revenue, team growth, marketing, and product launches. But when it comes to personal life goals, many business owners don’t take the same approach — and that’s a missed opportunity.
Jaysen Sudnykovych, CEO & Founder of TuffWraps, says “The entrepreneurs who actually save for their big life goals are the ones who treat them with the same focus they give to their business. They write them down. They give them timelines. They assign numbers to them.”
Instead of saying, “I want to buy a house someday,” they say, “I want to buy a house in 3 years, and I’ll need $60,000 for a down payment.” Now that’s a goal you can build a plan around.
It’s not just about dreaming big—it’s about making the goal real. And once the goal is clear, it’s easier to carve out space for it inside your business. You can plan your salary accordingly. You can aim for higher margins. You can save a portion of every profitable month.
Some entrepreneurs even set up a separate bank account named after the goal—like “Kids’ College” or “Dream Home.” That small act creates a mental shift: this isn’t just money sitting in the bank. It has a purpose.
“Life goals don’t get met by accident. When you set them like business goals—clear, time-bound, and tracked — you give yourself the best shot at actually getting there”, explains Shai Gecelter, CPO of Tradeit.
Separate Business and Personal Finances
Separating your business and personal finances completely is really important. No shared cards. No dipping into one account to cover the other. Just clean, clear lines.
It truly matters. Because when everything’s mixed together, it’s hard to know what you’re really earning — or spending. And without that clarity, saving for personal goals becomes messy. You might think you’re making progress, but in reality, personal needs are eating into business funds or vice versa.
Per Markus Åkerlund, CEO of MEONUTRITION, adds, “Smart entrepreneurs run their business like… a business. They pay themselves a set amount. They keep personal expenses out of the company account. They track their business budget separately from their home budget. That way, when it’s time to save for something important in life, they know exactly what’s available—and where it’s coming from”
It also helps come tax time. Having clear records means fewer headaches, and often, fewer mistakes that can cost you money.
Use Profit First or a Similar System
Profit First is simple — instead of spending what’s left after paying expenses, you take your profit and personal savings out first, then run the business on what’s left.
“Profit First flips the usual mindset. Instead of hoping there’s something left over, you make sure there is — by taking it out first. It forces smarter decisions and keeps your business lean without starving your future,” adds Dan Close, Founder and CEO of BuyingHomes.com.
Here’s how smart entrepreneurs do it:
- They open separate bank accounts—for profit, owner’s pay, taxes, and operating expenses.
- Every time income comes in, they divide it across those accounts using set percentages.
- The “owner’s pay” account becomes their personal income. The “profit” account is for big life goals or financial safety nets.
This system forces you to think differently about money. You stop spending everything on the business, and you start prioritizing personal goals just as much as business growth.
You don’t need to follow it perfectly to get results. Some entrepreneurs tweak it, using just two or three accounts. Others simply put a fixed percentage (say, 10%) of every invoice into a personal goal fund. What matters is the habit—not the labels.
“When saving becomes a habit, it stops feeling like a sacrifice,” says Richard McKay, CEO & Managing Director of Sprung Gym Flooring.
And when you build savings into the structure of your business finances, it becomes automatic. And automatic savings? That’s what makes big life goals actually happen.
Create a Personal Emergency Fund (Outside the Business)
When you’re running a business, things can get unpredictable. One slow month, one late client payment, or one unexpected bill can throw off everything. That’s why having a personal emergency fund — separate from the business — is one of the smartest things an entrepreneur can do.
Raviraj Hegde, SVP of Growth at Donorbox, adds, “Your business might take a hit, but your entire life doesn’t have to. A personal buffer gives you breathing room when the unexpected hits.”
Many business owners keep a buffer in their business account, and that’s great. But what happens if something personal comes up? A health issue. A family emergency. Something that has nothing to do with your business?
That’s when a personal emergency fund becomes a lifesaver.
The entrepreneurs who save consistently for life goals usually start by building this buffer first. It’s usually 3 to 6 months of basic living expenses. And no—it doesn’t have to be built overnight. Most people start small. Even saving $100 a month adds up over time.
Here’s how they do it.
- They set up an automatic transfer from their business owner’s pay account to a personal savings account.
- Some use high-yield savings accounts, so the money earns a little interest while it sits.
- They treat this fund as untouchable unless there’s a real personal emergency.
Jake Smith, Founder of DVLA Number Plates, advises, “When your personal life is covered, you lead your business with a clearer head.” Having that financial cushion helps entrepreneurs make smarter business decisions too. You’re less likely to panic or make reactive choices when you know your personal life is covered — even if your business hits a rough patch.
Saving for a house or a dream trip is great. But before you reach for the stars, give yourself a soft place to land.
Automate Investments Toward Big Goals
Entrepreneurs are busy. Between sales, clients, team issues, and everything else, it’s easy to put personal savings and investing on the back burner. Julian Lloyd Jones, from Casual Fitters, explains, “Smart entrepreneurs don’t wait for the “right time” to invest. They automate it — just like recurring payments or email newsletters. They take a small slice of their income and set it up to go straight into investments tied to their life goals.”
Here’s how many do it.
- They set up a fixed monthly transfer from their personal account (funded by their owner’s pay) into a retirement account, mutual fund, or real estate savings.
- Some use SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) or work with a financial advisor to tailor things to their risk level and goals.
- Others use simple investing apps that let them “set it and forget it.”
Aaron Dewit, Owner of Commercial Cleaning Depot, shares, “The beauty of automation is that it removes emotion from the process. You don’t have to think, “Can I afford to save this month?” The money moves automatically — before you get the chance to spend it elsewhere.”
These small, steady contributions compound over time. And because it happens in the background, entrepreneurs can stay focused on building their business without constantly stressing over their personal future.
Save Windfalls and High-Profit Month Surpluses
Every business has its ups and downs. Some months feel tight, and others surprise you — in a good way. The smart move? Alan Chen, President & CEO of DataNumen, states, “When things go better than expected, use that extra income to move your personal goals forward instead of letting it all get absorbed back into the business.”
Entrepreneurs who save well make it a habit to treat windfalls — like a big client payment, a seasonal sales spike, or a surprise refund — as an opportunity to get ahead on their personal savings. Instead of upgrading office gear or increasing spending just because there’s more cash in the account, they set a portion aside for something that matters in their life outside work.
It doesn’t mean ignoring business needs. It just means not letting lifestyle creep or impulse decisions eat away at your wins. Peter J., Product Owner of Fanpass, notes, “Some entrepreneurs have a rule where any month their income crosses a certain threshold, they automatically move a set amount to their personal savings or investment fund. It becomes a reward system that actually benefits their future.”
Minimize Lifestyle Creep as Income Grows
One of the easiest ways to lose momentum with savings is by slowly spending more as your business grows. It happens quietly—you land bigger clients, raise your rates, or finally have consistent cash flow. And without even realizing it, your personal expenses start to rise alongside it. Better restaurants, nicer tech, fancier vacations. Suddenly, you’re earning more but still not saving any faster.
Tariq Attia, Founder of IW Capital, states, “Entrepreneurs who stay focused on their life goals do something different. When their business grows, they don’t immediately increase their personal spending. They pause. They ask what really matters. And often, instead of upgrading their lifestyle, they upgrade their savings strategy.”
This doesn’t mean living like a monk. It just means growing with intention. Maybe they give themselves a small treat when income jumps — a weekend trip, a new phone — but the rest goes toward their long-term goals. They’re not trying to impress anyone. They’re trying to build something real.
Work with a Financial Advisor Who Gets Entrepreneurs
Bryan Dornan, Mortgage Lending Expert & Founder at best HELOC lenders RefiGuide, notes, “Managing money as a business owner isn’t the same as having a regular job. Your income changes, your taxes are different, and you’re juggling both short-term needs and long-term dreams. That’s why many entrepreneurs who hit their big life goals don’t do it alone — they work with a financial advisor who truly understands the self-employed life.”
The right advisor helps you create a plan that fits the ups and downs of business. They don’t just give you generic investment advice. They help you figure out how much to pay yourself, how to save while managing taxes, and how to make your personal goals part of your overall financial picture.
Entrepreneurs often delay getting help because they think they need to be earning more first. But in reality, working with someone early can help you avoid common mistakes and set things up the right way from the start. Even a few strategy sessions a year can make a big difference.
When your advisor sees the full picture — your business income, your life goals, your risk tolerance — they can guide you toward smart choices. You’ll worry less about whether you’re saving enough, and more about enjoying the freedom that comes with a solid plan.
“You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. A good financial advisor becomes part of your team — and helps you turn today’s hustle into tomorrow’s peace of mind,” comments Ben Karlovich, Founder of StoveShield.
Revisit and Reset Goals Every Year
Life goals change. Your business evolves. So should your personal savings strategy. That’s why many entrepreneurs make it a habit to check in with themselves once a year — not just financially, but personally.
During your annual business review, set time aside to reflect on your personal goals too. Update the timelines. Adjust the numbers. Maybe you want to save faster. Or maybe your priorities have shifted entirely. Either way, you stay in control — and your savings stay meaningful.
“A goal you set three years ago might not even matter to you now. Calibration ensures your savings are aligned with the life you want today,” mentions Hamza G. Email Outreaching Expert at Outreaching.io
Final Thoughts
Being an entrepreneur means a lot of your energy goes into building your business. But it’s just as important to take care of your future outside of work. Saving for big life goals doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start small, be consistent, and make it part of how you run your business. Whether it’s buying a home, planning for family, or just building peace of mind — it all adds up over time.
The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be steady. Keep it simple, stay focused, and remember — you’re building a life, not just a business.
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