Let’s have an honest money chat! No shame, no spreadsheets required.
If you’re a photographer, designer, or any kind of creative entrepreneur, you’ve probably faced this moment:
👉 You need a new camera… or laptop… or website upgrade… or online course…
And your heart says, yes, but your bank account says, lol, not today.
Been there. Way too many times.
For years, I bought big business tools in moments of panic.
A lens breaks mid-season? Swipe the card.
A software subscription renews I forgot about? Oops.
An “only available for 24 hours” course offer? Charge it.
And while I always justified it as “an investment in my business,” deep down, I didn’t feel confident. I felt like I was constantly reacting to what my business needed…instead of planning for it.
That’s when everything changed.
I stopped hoping I’d have the money when I needed it…
And I started budgeting on purpose.
How to Budget for New Gear or Big Business Investments
Planning > Panicking
Here’s the truth no one talks about:
Buying gear or investing in your business doesn’t have to feel chaotic.
You can actually plan ahead for the big stuff.
Even if you have a seasonal business.
If your income fluctuates.
Even if the idea of budgeting makes your palms sweat.
And the best part?
When you know that you’ve set money aside for something exciting or essential, hitting “purchase” feels empowering and not stressful.
So let’s talk about how to actually do that.
How to Budget for Gear and Big Investments in Your Creative Business
1. Create a “Big Investments” Account
Open a separate bank account just for future business purchases like gear upgrades, rebranding, education, etc. Give it a name that feels fun and aligned with your goals (like “Gear & Growth” or “Level Up Fund”).
2. Decide What You’re Saving For
Get clear on what you know is coming (or likely will). A new camera body in the next 12 months? A new website? Attending a workshop or conference? Make a list of your top 1–3 priorities.
3. Make It a Line Item in Your Monthly Budget
This is where planning meets action. First, figure out the total cost of what you’re saving for, then divide it by how many months you have until you’ll need it. That number? It becomes a line item in your monthly budget.
Each month, you’ll transfer that exact amount into your savings account.. no guessing, no stressing. It’s just part of your routine, like paying yourself or saving for taxes.
💡 Tip: The key is consistency. Small, planned transfers beat last-minute panic every time.
4. Don’t Dip Into It for Random Expenses
This account is not for “oops, I forgot about my Canva subscription.” It’s for planned, purposeful investments that move your business forward. Protect it like the dream-funding resource it is!
Why This Matters
Your next big purchase shouldn’t feel like a surprise.
Your business deserves a plan.. not pressure.
When you intentionally set aside money for gear, education, or tools that will help you grow it becomes a reflection of your values, not just your to-do list. It’s a vote of confidence in your future self.
And if you’re thinking, “This sounds amazing, but I don’t even know where to start with organizing my money…”
I’ve got you!
Inside my course, Business Finance Foundations, I walk you through how to:
- Organize your income into purpose-driven accounts
- Set up a budget that reflects your actual goals (not just what’s urgent)
- Pay yourself and plan ahead without needing to “figure it out later”
You can get started today for just $97 with the payment plan…because building financial peace of mind shouldn’t be out of reach.
Final Thoughts
So the next time a new lens, course, or coaching opportunity shows up in your inbox…
You’ll smile, open your account, and say,
“Yep. I’m ready.”
Because you didn’t start this business to stay stuck in survival mode.
You started it to grow.
To create something sustainable.
To feel free.
And that kind of business? It starts with a plan.
You May Also Enjoy:
How Paying Off $70k Helped Me Launch My Dream Career
add a comment
+ COMMENTS