What Is a Good Utilization Rate? Billable Hours Explained
A good utilization rate for most solo professionals lands at 60-75%. Here’s how to calculate yours, realistic benchmarks, and how to raise it without burning out.
How to Calculate Food Cost Percentage and Plate Cost
Learn how to calculate food cost percentage and plate cost step by step, with a worked example and the pricing formula that hits a 28-35% target.
What Is a Good Labor Cost Percentage for a Restaurant?
Most restaurants land between 25% and 35% labor cost, but the “good” number depends on your service model. Here’s the benchmark, the math, and how to control it.
Your Coaching Income Ceiling: The Capacity Math Explained
Your 1:1 coaching income has a hard ceiling set by hours, delivery time, and price. Here’s the capacity math, a worked example, and the only three ways past it.
How to Price a Change Order (Stop Eating Scope Creep)
Learn how to price a change order the right way: add the true cost, apply your margin with divide-by-(1-margin), get written approval, and stop losing profit.
Structuring Deposits and Progress Payments as a Contractor
How contractors set a deposit and progress payment schedule that keeps cash in ahead of costs out, with typical deposit ranges and a full worked example.
Why Self-Employed Professionals Should Automate Their Bookkeeping
If you’re self-employed, you already know the deal — one day you’re chasing invoices, the next you’re managing clients, and somewhere in between, you’re trying to actually do the work […]
What Do No-Show Discovery Calls Cost Your Consulting Business?
No-show discovery calls cost consultants far more than a wasted hour. Learn the real formula, a worked example, and two fixes that cut ghosting fast.
Do You Owe Taxes on Tips? A Tax Guide for Service Workers
Yes, tips are taxable income you generally must report. Here’s how tip taxes work for W-2 and self-employed service workers, plus how much to set aside.
How to Calculate Practice Overhead and Your Minimum Rate
Learn how to calculate practice overhead, find your break-even rate per session, and set the minimum rate you must charge to cover costs and pay yourself.