Savvy or Surrender - Your Guide to Profit, Cash Flow, and Tax Savings
Running a business shouldn’t feel like a never-ending fight for cash. On Savvy or Surrender, host Steven Young cuts through the noise and shows real business owners how to take control of their numbers, keep more of their hard-earned money, and build a business that actually pays them back.
Each episode gives you practical strategies you can use right away — from fixing cash flow bottlenecks, to implementing Profit First, to unlocking tax savings most owners never hear about. No jargon. No fluff. Just clear guidance, real-talk coaching, and a little humor to keep things human.
Whether you’re a contractor, service pro, or business owner who’s tired of working hard with nothing to show for it, this is your go-to show for leveling up your money decisions and building a business that supports your life… not the other way around.
Choose to be Savvy — or surrender your profit. The choice is yours.
Savvy or Surrender - Your Guide to Profit, Cash Flow, and Tax Savings
Profit First, Not Last: How the Profit First System Can Transform Your Business Finances- Episode 5
Episode 5: How the Profit First System Can Transform Your Business Finances
❗Don’t forget to download the episode — that way you never miss the game-changing cash flow tips that keep your business running strong.
Are you generating six or even seven figures in your business but still feeling broke? In this episode of the Savvy or Surrender Podcast, host Stephen Young, a certified Profit First Professional, dives into the Profit First System by Mike Michalowicz — a proven framework that helps business owners take control of their cash flow, pay themselves consistently, and build lasting profitability.
Stephen breaks down how simple percentage-based allocations can eliminate the “feast or famine” cycle, sharing a real-life story of a roofing client who went from chaos to clarity by following Profit First principles. Learn how to create separate accounts, control marketing budgets, and build financial clarity — all while ensuring your business truly serves you.
Sponsored by: SavvyCEOAlliance.com — Join a free community for business owners learning profit-first principles, tax strategies, and marketing systems that create long-term success.
Show Notes & Timestamps
00:00 – 00:08 | The Financial Struggle of Success
Stephen opens with the question every entrepreneur has asked: Why am I making six or seven figures and still broke?
00:08 – 00:31 | Introduction to Profit First
Learn about the Profit First System by Mike Michalowicz — a book that helps business owners prioritize profit and pay themselves first.
00:36 – 00:43 | Welcome to the Savvy or Surrender Podcast
Host Stephen Young introduces Episode 4.
00:43 – 01:09 | Sponsor: Savvy CEO Alliance
Discover SavvyCEOAlliance.com — a free business community offering workshops, trainings, and insights on profitability, taxes, and marketing.
01:21 – 02:09 | Case Study: The Roofing Client
Stephen shares how one roofing client went from “chaos to clarity,” struggling with overspending on marketing despite strong profits.
02:09 – 02:47 | How Profit First Solves Overspending
Learn how the Profit First method can create clarity with expense management by allocating specific funds for categories like marketing.
02:47 – 03:15 | Practical Example: The 5% Rule
Stephen explains how setting aside 5% of revenue for marketing builds discipline and control, preventing unexpected cash shortages.
03:15 – 03:39 | Real-Time Budgeting Example
He walks through a monthly allocation example, showing how to adjust ad budgets based on actual available cash.
03:39 – 04:18 | Long-Term Budgeting and Consistency
Stephen discusses how tracking 12 months of averages allows business owners to plan consistent, predictable spending.
04:20 – 04:52 | Helping Clients Find Clarity
Learn how Profit First principles helped a roofing client transform their financial outlook and gain full clarity on ad spending.
04:52 – 05:11 | Closing Thoughts & Feedback Invitation
Stephen encourages listeners to like, subscribe, and email feedback at podcast@savvytechstrategies.com to help improve future episodes.
05:11 – 05:17 | Final Message
Stephen wraps up with a reminder to “stay savvy and never surrender.”
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