Money Map

How this tool works — 6 simple steps

1. 1
   Personal Monthly Expenses

   Fill in what it costs you to live each month (rent, food, bills, kids, personal debt). Be honest, not bare-bones.

2. 2
   Business Monthly Overheads

   Fill in what it costs to run the business each month (insurance, tools, vehicle, phone, software, subcontractors). This is separate from materials you charge to a job.

3. 3
   Hourly Rate Calculator

   This adds your two totals together, divides by the hours you can actually bill each month, then adds a 20% safety buffer. The orange box is the least you should charge per hour. It also sets your materials markup % and callout fee.

4. 4
   5-Account Money Split

   Every time you get paid, split the money straight into 5 separate bank accounts using the percentages shown, so tax, profit and your wage are never mixed together or spent by accident.

5. 5
   Job Quote Calculator

   Use this on EVERY job. Type in the hours and materials cost, and it builds the full quote for you — labour, materials with markup, callout fee and GST — using the rate you already worked out. This is the one you'll use most often, day to day.

6. 6
   Invoice

   Once a client accepts your quote, use this to send a proper invoice. It auto-fills the job total from your Job Quote Calculator — just add your business details, the client's details and any deposit already paid.

A few honest notes

• The default percentages (45% Owner's Pay / 15% Tax / 5% Profit / 30% Operating Expenses / 5% Buffer) are a sensible starting point for a sole trader — adjust them once you know your real tax rate and overheads.
• This is a planning tool, not tax or financial advice. Check your GST, super and tax obligations with a bookkeeper or accountant, especially once your turnover approaches the $75,000 GST threshold.
• Redo the Personal Expenses, Business Overheads and Hourly Rate Calculator screens every 6–12 months, or whenever your costs, insurance or hours change. Use the Job Quote Calculator fresh every single job.