Become Brilliant at the Basics - Cash Flow Worksheet
Kristi Allan
There’s a bit of a negative vibe around the word budget. Or maybe that’s just me. It often feels like it comes with an automatic guilt trip—like it’s telling you to stop spending on things you enjoy (and poor Starbucks always takes the hit).
But here’s the thing: budgeting doesn’t have to be about cutting back. It can also be about clarity—and for optometrists especially, it’s the foundation of a healthy financial plan.
Instead of thinking of a budget as restrictive, think of it as your baseline:
💡 What’s the minimum income you need to keep your household running smoothly?
That means your essentials—mortgage or rent, groceries, utilities, basic transportation. Not CE trips or new equipment for the clinic—just the number that keeps your family life steady.
Tracking that number yearly can help you:
Understand your real cost of living (outside the clinic)
See how inflation is impacting your household
Know when your corporation needs to give you a raise
As an OD, you wear multiple hats—clinician, business owner, and often, financial gatekeeper. Getting a handle on your household baseline is one of the most overlooked but critical parts of personal planning.
📥 I’ve included a simple worksheet to help you calculate it. Start there. You don’t have to cut your coffee habit—you just need to know your number.
Want help reviewing your numbers and making sure your personal and practice finances are working together?
📅 Book a Financial Focus Exam—a one-on-one session where we walk through your cash flow, cost of living, and what your corporation should really be paying you.
You care for everyone else’s vision—let’s bring clarity to yours!