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Steady Income checklist

16 steps to smoother months when your income goes up and down.

Track your progress with a free accountGet the free Irregular Income Workbook

Plan around uneven pay

Know your numbers.

  • Gather six months of income from every source Guide
  • Find your baseline month Guide
  • Set up a holding account and a spending account Guide
  • Choose a steady paycheck amount and a payday Guide

Budget for real life

Built for the lean month.

  • Write a bare-bones budget Guide
  • Move bill due dates to just after your payday Guide
  • Write your lean month plan Guide
  • Log income as it arrives Guide

Save in good months

Good months fund lean ones.

  • Build one month's paycheck in your holding account Guide
  • Save a percentage of every payment Guide
  • Deposit and log cash tips regularly Guide
  • Grow the buffer to two months Guide

Stay protected

Taxes, health and the unexpected.

  • Set aside a percentage for taxes in a separate account Guide
  • Check your health coverage options Guide
  • Start a small retirement contribution Guide
  • Know who to call if income drops Guide