Planning guide

How to plan an incoming business payment

Record a payment received by your business. Subtract the direct costs connected to producing that work. Then plan the remaining margin across the purposes relevant to your business. The same sequence applies when incoming payments arrive at irregular intervals.

What is the formula?

Recorded payment − direct project costs = remaining margin

How does the formula work in a 12,500 example?

A 12,500 recorded payment has 4,200 in direct project costs, leaving 8,300 to plan across the business.

Fictional worked example

12,500recorded payment
4,200direct project costs
8,300remaining margin
Tax1,660
Owner pay3,320
Operations1,660
Reserve830
Goals0
Unassigned830

See the full fictional worked example and its two-stage plan.

What should you check before using the plan?

Check the direct costs, the allocation total, and the real-world actions that remain.

  • Were all direct delivery costs included?
  • Do the planned amounts fit within the remaining margin?
  • Which payments or transfers still need to be completed separately?

Ready to plan an incoming payment?

Plan an incoming payment

Finsway records a plan; it does not move money or verify payments. Finsway is a planning tool, not accounting, tax, legal or financial advice. Review important decisions with a qualified professional when needed.