Do You Know Your Minimum Income Number?
Let’s do some simple math, shall we?
If you’re like most heart-centered entrepreneurs I know, you’ve probably set income goals like:
“I want to make $5K/month.”
“I’d love to hit six figures this year.”
“I just want to replace my 9–5.”
But have you ever paused to ask:
What do I actually need - at a minimum - to feel safe and supported?
That number has a name: your minimum income number.
And if you don’t know it, you may be running your business with anxiety disguised as ambition.
With a big side of stomach churn, because you don’t know how that revenue translates to money in your pocket.
Let’s change that, shall we?
What Is a Minimum Income Number?
Your minimum income number is the baseline amount you need to bring in each month to cover:
Your personal expenses (rent, groceries, etc.)
Your business operating costs
Taxes
And a small cushion for peace of mind
It’s not your dream income - it’s your stability number.
And knowing it gives you clarity, direction, and breathing room.
Why It Matters More Than You Think
When you don’t know your minimum income number, you’re likely to:
Price from fear instead of strategy
Take on too many clients (or the wrong clients)
Undercharge and overwork
Panic when a month feels slow
How you do know it?
Thankfully, the math is easy. You can reverse-engineer your offers and pricing to meet your real-life needs - not someone else’s version of success.
How to Calculate Your Minimum Income Number
Step 1: Personal Needs
Add up your basic personal monthly expenses (housing, food, utilities, insurance).
For fun and example, let’s say that’s $3,000.
Step 2: Business Costs
What does it take to run your business each month? (software, support, tools, etc.)
For example: $500.
Step 3: Taxes
Add approximately 25% of that combined total for taxes.
($3,000 + $500 = $3,500 × 0.25 = $875)
Step 4: Add a small buffer
Even $200–$300 for savings, emergency, or just breathing space in your biz.
Minimum Income Number Example:
$3,000 personal
plus $500 (business)
plus $875 (taxes)
plus $300 (buffer)
= $4,675 minimum monthly income
Now you have a real number to build toward - and build from.
What to Do With That Number
Once you know it, you can:
Price your offers more strategically (instead of guessing)
Set income goals that actually support your lifestyle
Evaluate opportunities based on how they contribute to that number
Calm your nervous system by having a tangible goal that feels possible
This is how calm, consistent cash flow begins — not with hustle, but with honesty...with yourself about what it actually takes to make your business work for you.
Final Thought: Your Minimum Income Number = Your Peace of Mind
When you know your Zen Money Math, things are instantly clearer. It can make a huge difference in how you understand your business, where you put your efforts, and how to maximize your results in a way that feels fantastic (and doesn’t keep you up at night, tossing and turning from fear of the unknown).
And the math is actually really simple, I promise. You definitely know how do this stuff (no MBA required).
If you’d like to dive in further, check out the Accelerator Toolkit to start putting your Minimum Income Number to work in real ways, with real Zen Money tools and resources.
→ Grab your Toolkit here and start building your version of Zen Money now! ←
When you stop guessing what you need…you start building a business that truly supports you.
Here’s to easy calculations,
Liz
