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Foundation · Build the basics
Set Up the Basics
Put the few protections in place before money changes hands.
- Workbook
- 10 pages
- About an hour to fill in
- Google Docs · Word · PDF
Making this yourself would take about 10 hours: working out the steps, writing the examples and setting it up in Google, Microsoft and PDF. It's done for you.
The voice in this video is George's, made with AI.
What it's for
You have a real customer, or one close to paying, and you want to take that money the right way. If nobody is close to paying yet, most of this can wait. This is education, not legal or tax advice.
Pairs well with
- Build Your First Offer (have an offer first)
- Simple Money Tracker (keep your money record)
- Simple Terms for Your Customers (the written agreement)
What you'll leave with
- A one-page My Basics Plan: each item, its status, what to check, who to ask, and a date.
- A sorted list: what to do now, what to finish before you take money, and what goes in "Not Yet" (with the reason).
- Written questions to bring to an accountant, your local government office and an insurance agent.
Look inside
How to use it
Work through the steps in order. Each one has a worked example and space to write your own answer.
- Pin Down What You Are Actually StartingWrite what you'll do, where, and how soon money arrives.
- Three Piles, and How to Sort Into ThemLearn the "do now," "before you take money" and "Not Yet" piles.
- Your MoneyRead how to keep business money separate, keep a simple record, decide how you'll get paid, and set money aside for taxes.
- Permission and ProtectionSee what to check about licenses or permits, business structure and insurance.
- What Your Customers Need From YouPlan a simple written agreement and one dependable way to reach you.
- Sort Your BasicsPut every item in a pile, with a one-line reason.
- Tools That Help HereSee the free tools that help.
- Do It With AIUse the prompts to prepare your questions.
- Your Result: My Basics PlanFill in the one-page plan and keep it where you'll see it.
- Questions to BringTick the ones that apply and take this page to each conversation.
Tips
- Rules differ by place and change over time. The workbook tells you what to check and who to ask; the answers come from those people.
- Write the answer, the person's name and the date next to each question.
- Putting something in "Not Yet" on purpose is a good decision, not a failure.
Three formats, one purchase
- Google DocsMake a copy in your Google Drive and type straight into it.
- Microsoft WordDownload and fill it in on your computer.
- PDFPrint it and fill it in with a pen.
Foundation pack
Also in the Foundation pack
6 documents in all
Build Your First Offer
Turn what you learned into one small offer people can say yes to.
About 10 hours to make yourself
Price Your Offer
Set a first price that covers your costs and your time.
About 9 hours to make yourself
Pricing Calculator
Change one number and see your price and what you keep.
About 6 hours to make yourself
Simple Terms for Your Customers
Agree the basics in plain English before the work starts.
About 9 hours to make yourself
Simple Money Tracker
Money in, money out, and what to set aside for taxes.
About 6 hours to make yourself
Ready to start?
Pay once, keep it, and download it as often as you like.