Financial Fitness: Using Small Plates to Manage Marital and Business Budgets

Managing money well is about discipline and intention. Mike Michalowicz, in Profit First, introduces the concept of “small plates,” comparing financial management to portion control in dieting. By dividing funds into multiple designated accounts, you allocate resources with purpose and curb overspending.

For Maritalpreneurs—couples managing both personal and professional finances—this approach provides clarity, reduces stress, and ensures that every dollar aligns with your priorities. Whether you’re saving for a family vacation, running a business, or investing in personal growth, “small plates” offer a powerful framework for financial success.

Why Smaller Plates Lead to Better Financial Habits

When all your money sits in one account, it’s easy to overspend or lose sight of your goals. Dividing funds into smaller, purpose-specific accounts forces you to allocate intentionally, ensuring that essential areas like savings and taxes are funded before discretionary expenses.

This method brings focus and discipline to your financial decisions, helping you stay on track whether managing a household, business, or personal budget.

Practical Applications of the Small Plates Approach

1. In Marriage: Allocate for Shared Goals

Applying the small plates method to your household finances ensures that your shared priorities—like vacations, savings, and day-to-day expenses—are funded first.

• Step 1: Open separate accounts for major goals.

Examples:

• Vacations: A fund for family getaways.

• Emergency savings: A cushion for unexpected expenses.

• Household expenses: Day-to-day living costs.

• Step 2: Allocate percentages of income to each account.

• Example: 10% to vacations, 20% to savings, and 50% to household expenses.

• Step 3: Automate transfers.

• Schedule recurring transfers to ensure consistency and remove the temptation to overspend.

By intentionally allocating funds, you create a system that supports your shared goals while maintaining financial stability.

2. In Business: Divide Revenue for Accountability

The small plates approach is especially effective for business owners, helping you manage cash flow and prioritize profit.

• Step 1: Set up multiple accounts for key categories.

  Examples:

  • Profit: Your business’s financial cushion.

  • Taxes: Funds for quarterly or annual tax payments.

  • Operating expenses: Daily business costs.

  • Owner compensation: Your salary or draw.

• Step 2: Allocate revenue regularly.

• Example: Each month, transfer percentages of revenue into each account: 10% to profit, 15% to taxes, 60% to operating expenses, and 15% to owner compensation.

• Step 3: Review and adjust.

• Periodically assess whether your allocations align with your business’s needs and goals.

This structure helps you avoid overspending and ensures your business remains financially healthy.

3. In Personal Growth: Prioritize Your Well-Being

Using small plates for your personal finances helps you invest in areas that support your growth and happiness.

• Step 1: Define your key priorities.

• Examples: Learning, wellness, leisure.

• Step 2: Allocate fixed percentages of your income.

• Example: 10% for online courses or books, 5% for gym memberships or wellness apps, and 10% for fun activities like dining out or hobbies.

• Step 3: Stick to your allocations.

• Resist the temptation to dip into one category to fund another.

This intentional budgeting ensures that you’re consistently investing in yourself while maintaining balance.

Conclusion: Small Plates, Big Impact

The “small plates” approach to financial management transforms how you allocate and prioritize your resources. Whether you’re planning as a couple, managing a business, or focusing on personal growth, breaking your budget into purpose-specific accounts ensures your money aligns with your goals.

Ready to bring clarity and intention to your financial planning as a Maritalpreneur? Visit www.MaritalPreneurWeekendIntensive.com to explore workshops designed to help you align your vision, strengthen your partnership, and master your finances. Let’s create a future of financial fitness—together.