Running your own business can feel like a financial rollercoaster.
One month, you’re fully booked and flush with cash. The next, you’re wondering how to pay your VAT bill.
Sound familiar?
This is the feast-or-famine cycle—and it’s not just about numbers. It’s about mindset, habits, and how you feel about money.
At Kingston Burrowes, we work with business owners who know how to earn, but struggle to manage their income consistently. If you’re caught in the emotional ups and downs of business finances, you’re not alone—and there is a better way.
Let’s explore how shifting your money mindset can help you break the cycle for good.
What Is the Feast-or-Famine Cycle?
The feast-or-famine cycle is when your income comes in waves:
- You have a big month of sales (feast)
- You relax or focus on delivery
- Leads dry up, cash slows down (famine)
- Panic sets in—you hustle to make money again
And the cycle repeats.
It’s exhausting, unpredictable, and makes it hard to plan ahead or grow.
The Emotional Toll of Unpredictable Finances
Business finances aren’t just logical—they’re emotional.
When money’s flowing, you feel in control. Confident. Successful.
When it’s not? Anxiety creeps in. You question your abilities. You might even avoid your numbers entirely.
This emotional cycle is just as damaging as the financial one—and it feeds into poor decision-making.
“If I just land one big client, I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll deal with the tax return later.”
“Maybe I’m just not cut out for this.”
These thoughts aren’t facts. They’re mindset traps.
Why Money Mindset Matters
Your money mindset is your core belief system around earning, spending, saving, and managing money.
And the good news? It’s not fixed.
You can learn to think differently about money. You can develop consistent financial habits. And you can build a business that feels stable—not chaotic.
Here’s how to start.
5 Steps to Break the Feast-or-Famine Cycle
1. Pay Yourself a Salary—Consistently
Even if your income fluctuates, you need personal stability.
Set a baseline salary and stick to it. This helps smooth out your own finances and removes that “feast mode = treat yourself” temptation.
2. Separate Business and Personal Finances
Blurred lines cause confusion. Keep business income, expenses, and savings in their own accounts. This makes cash flow clearer and removes emotional guesswork.
3. Build a Cash Buffer
This is your business safety net. Aim for 2–3 months of core expenses in a savings account. It creates breathing room and reduces panic when income dips.
Not sure how to build a buffer? Your accountant can help you plan it without compromising cash flow.
4. Track Your Numbers Weekly
Don’t wait for year-end or tax deadlines. Review your cash flow, incoming revenue, and key expenses weekly. When you track regularly, you’ll feel more in control—and make better decisions.
Tip: A simple spreadsheet or cloud accounting software can make this easy.
5. Work With an Accountant Who Gets It
The right accountant doesn’t just do your books—they guide your mindset. They help you forecast, plan, and feel calm about your numbers—even when things are uncertain.
What a Healthy Money Mindset Looks Like
- You know what’s coming in and going out
- You plan for tax and pay yourself monthly
- You don’t chase every client out of fear
- You invest when it makes sense—not when you’re panicking
- You trust your systems and strategy
This kind of mindset brings confidence. Stability. Room to grow.
And that’s what we help our clients build every day at Kingston Burrowes.
Break the Cycle. Build Consistency.
If your income feels unpredictable and your stress levels are high, you don’t need more hustle—you need more clarity.
Let’s work together to bring structure to your finances, shift your mindset, and set you up for long-term success.
Ready to break free from the feast-or-famine cycle?
Contact Kingston Burrowes to book a no-pressure chat with our expert team.
