The Black Book Portfolio

THE FINANCIAL POWER

PLAYBOOK

From Cash to Portfolio

By an anonymous CFP & companion who grew $500K in one year.

Summary

Content

001

Mindset Shift - You Are the CEO

01

Before anything else, you need to see yourself as more than a provider. You’re a business owner. And like any business, how you handle your money determines your freedom.

02

Your money is not just for spending—it's a tool to build wealth.

03

Set short-term (3–6 month) and long-term (3–5 year) money goals.

002

Clean Money In, Clean Money Out

No more gift cards, flights, or bags as "payment." If it can’t grow, it's not income.

Bank accounts matter. Open separate business and personal accounts.

Digitize and track everything. Keep a black book to track your weekly and monthly cash flow.

003

Register

a Legitimate

Business

Legitimize your income. It opens doors.

LLC vs. S-Corp (LLC is a good start and easy to set up on your own)

Register with your state, get an EIN and a business address that maintains your privacy.

Use this to open a business bank account and start tracking income officially.

004

Tax Strategies

      Write-Offs

&

01

File quarterly taxes (IRS Form 1040-ES) if you're earning consistently.

02

Save 25–30% of income for taxes in a high-yield savings account.

03

Track everything: travel, software, marketing, mileage.

_______

Pro Tip: Treat your taxes like a flex.

Paying taxes means your money is working above ground—which opens doors to investing, loans, and long-term wealth that untracked cash never can.

005

Invest Like a Boss

Invest early and aggressively. Delaying is the one thing that will hold you back from creating lifetime income and freedom.

Use a platform like Fidelity, Schwab or Robinhood - they link to your bank, offer low cost ETFs and automatic investing. $0 to open.

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Standard Scenario

  • Cash Reserve (20–30%): 6–9 months of expenses (3–6 months if you have a partner or other income).

  • Taxes (15–20%): Immediately move to a separate savings account.

  • Bills & Expenses (30–40%):

    • Needs (rent, food): ~25–30%

    • Wants (glam, travel, fun): ~10–15%

  • Investing (15-20%): increase this as your reserves grow.

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Earner Scenario

High Income     

If you’re earning significantly more than your  lifestyle costs, the pie looks a little different:

  • Cash Reserve (20–30%): Until you have 6-9 months of expenses saved.

  • Taxes (20-25%): Move as soon as you’re paid.

  • Bills & Expenses (15-30%):

    • Needs: ~15–30%

    • Wants: ~5–10%

  • Investing (30-50%): once your reserves are built, this becomes your priority.

006

Upgrade Your Business to Earn More

Build a clean, pro website (you can do this on your own. No tech skills required)

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Use scheduling tools (Google calendar, etc) and confirm appointments

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Increase your rates with better processes and pre-screening

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Turn one-time clients into repeat regulars with retention strategies

007

Your Next Move - Join The Circle

  • Get the full roadmap

  • Access to my calendar and website tools

  • Access to my private financial content + investing moves

  • Timely content and tips