You Don’t Need a Business Plan — You Need a Money Plan

If you’re preparing to apply for the Gründungszuschuss or planning to start your self-employment in Germany, there’s one thing that matters more than any polished business plan — and that’s your money plan.

Most founders I meet spend weeks perfecting their business plan: refining their vision, adjusting their logo colors, rewriting their “mission” paragraph again and again. But when I ask, “So, how much do you need to earn to live comfortably in the first six months?” the conversation often stops there.

Here’s the thing: if you don’t look at your numbers early, it’s like driving without checking your gas tank. You might be moving forward fast — until one day, your business simply stops in the middle of nowhere.

Why This Matters (Especially When You’re Applying for the Gründungszuschuss)

If you’re an expat or international professional preparing your Gründungszuschuss application, you already know the process involves submitting a solid business plan and a financial forecast. But what the Agentur für Arbeit really wants to see is whether your business can sustain you — and that depends entirely on your money plan.

A business plan is like the car’s exterior — it looks great on paper.
Your money plan is the engine that keeps it running.

That’s why I always tell my clients:

“Your numbers don’t just need to convince the Agentur für Arbeit — they need to convince you.”

When you truly understand your income goals, expenses, and cash flow, you stop relying on hope and start relying on clarity.

What a Money Plan Really Means

A money plan isn’t about having an accountant’s spreadsheet or financial jargon. It’s a simple, clear understanding of how money will move through your life and your business.

Think of it as your navigation system. It tells you:

• How far you can go with your current budget,

• When to slow down and refuel,

• And what adjustments you need to make along the way.

A complete money plan covers:

• Your living costs (so you know your baseline needs)

• Business setup costs (registration, website, branding, coaching)

• Running costs (subscriptions, workspace, insurance)

• Pricing (so you’re not working for exposure but for income)

• Income goals (based on real numbers, not optimism)

These are the exact topics we cover in my Financial Planning Workbook, part of the Founder Coaching Program.

Common Mistakes I See (Especially Among Expats)

After reviewing dozens of financial plans with founders preparing for the Gründungszuschuss, here are the most common pitfalls I see:

1️⃣ Underestimating living and business costs.
Germany’s system is predictable, but not simple. Many forget to include taxes, insurance, and retirement contributions.

2️⃣ Overestimating income.
Most founders assume clients will appear faster than they do. It usually takes 6-12 months to build consistency.

3️⃣ Pricing emotionally, not strategically.
Some start too low “to get clients,” others too high “to look premium.” Both can lead to burnout or disappointment.
If you’re starting, it’s okay to price slightly below market average to gain traction — as long as you review your numbers regularly and increase once your calendar is full.

4️⃣ Confusing profit with cash flow.
Your Gründungszuschuss may cover the first months, but it won’t fix unclear finances. That’s your responsibility — and your opportunity.

How to Build a Money Plan That Works

Step 1: Calculate your living costs.
Be honest — include everything from rent to groceries to childcare.

Step 2: List your one-time business setup costs.
Think equipment, marketing, legal, or coaching support.

Step 3: Identify your ongoing business costs.
Subscriptions, workspace, accounting, taxes, insurance.

Step 4: Define your income goal.
Add personal + business costs, and add 40% for taxes.

Step 5: Adjust your pricing and client goals accordingly.
Work backward to see how many clients or projects you need to reach your target income.

If this feels overwhelming, I created a Financial Planning Workbook to help you structure all of this step by step — and a 2-hour “Your First Numbers” Workshop to walk you through your first real-life budget as a founder.

Confidence Comes From Clarity

Here’s what I’ve learned after coaching 100+ founders & leaders: money fears disappear when numbers become visible.

When you know your numbers, you stop saying yes to everything out of fear. You stop guessing. You stop worrying whether your business is “working” — because now you can see it clearly.

It’s like turning on your headlights at night — the road ahead doesn’t change, but you finally know where you’re going.

Final Thoughts

If you’re applying for the Gründungszuschuss or preparing to register your business, your money plan is what will carry you through uncertainty.

Your business plan might open the door — but your money plan keeps it open.

So before you print out another version of your 20-page plan, ask yourself:

“Do I know exactly how much I need to earn, spend, and save to stay on the road?”

If not, start there. That’s where real confidence begins.

👉 Explore the Financial Planning Workbook in my Founder Coaching Program, or join the next Your First Numbers Workshop.

Love,

Natia