Small business cash flow and budget consultant

Small business owners such as contractors, restaurants, shops and freelancers who have outgrown a spreadsheet but can't afford a full-time finance hire.

Monthly retainer for ongoing support, or a fixed fee per project such as a budget build, a forecast or a loan application package.

• Comfortable with spreadsheets and accounting software
• Explaining numbers in plain language
• Finance, bookkeeping or banking background helps

• Giving investment, securities or insurance advice can require registration or licenses, check with your state securities regulator and keep to budgeting and planning
• Calling yourself a CPA is only allowed if you hold the license; tax preparation may have its own requirements, check with the IRS and your state
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance is worth checking
• Use written agreements that state what you will and won't advise on
• Check home occupation rules with your city or HOA

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on accounting software, insurance and how you set up your home office. Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance is worth checking.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on, your rates and the hours you work. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check with your state securities regulator, since investment, securities or insurance advice can require registration or licenses; keep to budgeting and planning. Calling yourself a CPA requires the license, and tax preparation may have its own requirements, so check with the IRS and your state.