From Making Money to Keeping It: A Notary's Guide to Financial Peace

From Making Money to Keeping It: A Notary's Guide to Financial Peace

Are you bringing in steady income from your notary work but still feel like there's nothing left over?

Do you catch yourself thinking, "Where is it all going?" or even worse, "I'm working so hard, but I'm still financially stuck?"

You're not alone—and you're not broken.

Many notaries and small business owners are skilled at generating income, but they haven't learned how to retain it. And that's not because they're lazy or undisciplined. It's because no one taught them how.

If you feel fear around not having enough or find yourself undercharging for your services because you don't feel confident quoting your worth, this blog is for you.

I want to share with you five powerful ways to reduce financial anxiety and start building peace around money—no matter what stage you're in.

However, first, let's discuss the origin of that fear.

Where Does Your Money Story Begin?

Most of us learned our first lessons about money long before we earned our first dollar.

• Perhaps you grew up in a home where money was scarce and financial hardship was the norm.

• Maybe you heard arguments between your parents and decided, "Money causes problems."

• Perhaps no one discussed money at all, so it became something secret, shameful, or mysterious.

These early messages can become beliefs that quietly steer our adult decisions—without us even realizing it.

If you're afraid to ask for what you're worth

If you feel guilty for making more than your parents did

If you think budgeting means deprivation or that rich people are "greedy"

Then it's time to challenge those beliefs and replace them with better ones.

Because here's the truth: money is a tool. It's not good or bad. It's not emotional. We are.

And when you become the manager of your money instead of being managed by it, things change—fast.

Let's start with five practical ways to shift from just making money to keeping it.

1. Divide Your Money with Purpose

If all your business income goes into one pot, it's hard to know what's profit, what's yours, and what's owed.

Start by creating separate accounts to manage your cash flow intentionally. Here's a basic structure:

• Profit Account – This is your reward for running the business, not just doing the work. Start with 1–3% of every job and transfer it to a separate savings account. Over time, you can grow this to 10% or more.
• Owner's Compensation – This is your paycheck. It's what you pay yourself to cover personal expenses. If this is your primary source of income, consider allocating 40–50%. If it's part-time or supplemental, 25–30% may be enough.
• Tax Account – Don't let tax season surprise you. Stash away 15–18% of your revenue into a separate account you don't touch until it's time to pay.
• Operating Expenses – Use what's left (usually 20–35%) for your business needs, such as ink, paper, car expenses, subscriptions, and advertising.

This system gives you clarity. You'll know right away if your business is sustainable—or if you're overspending and need to adjust.

If your expenses exceed your funds, don't panic—reprioritize your spending. Ask, what can wait? Then delay or reduce spending until your income catches up.

2. Make Money Management a Weekly Ritual

Schedule a "money date" with yourself once a week to check in.

Review your income, update your allocations, and evaluate what's working. Make it comfortable put on music, pour a glass of wine, light a candle. The goal is to reduce anxiety and build a healthy, confident relationship with your money.

I love checking my profit accounts. And now that I've built some momentum, that money is earning passive income through high-yield savings accounts and CDs—meaning my money is making more money for me.

You can do this, too. But it starts with looking.

3. Challenge and Reframe Old Beliefs

Pay attention to the stories you tell yourself about money.

• "I'm just bad with money." → Try: "I'm learning how to manage money wisely."

• "I'll never get ahead." → Try: "I'm making small changes that will add up."

• "People won't pay that much." → Try: "Some clients will pay for quality, and I'll serve them well."

Reframing isn't toxic positivity. It's choosing empowering thoughts over defeating ones—and that makes you more confident when quoting your price or making financial decisions.

Surround yourself with positive influences. Read books, listen to podcasts, and join communities of notaries who openly discuss money and growth. You're not alone, and you're not the only one learning.

4. Expect Your Financial Picture to Change

Start creating the habits before the money shows up.

I created my first profit account when there was nothing to put in it. Why? Because I expected that I would someday.

And eventually, that "someday" arrived.

Even if your income fluctuates, the habits you build will keep you grounded. You'll adjust more easily to changes in volume, slow seasons, or new opportunities—without falling back into panic or scarcity mode.

5. Celebrate Every Step Forward

Financial freedom doesn't happen in one giant leap, it happens through consistent, small wins.

Celebrate your first profit transfer. Your first paid-in-full client. Your first tax payment, without the stress. Your first month of meeting your goals.

Each milestone is evidence that you're not just a notary, you're a business owner becoming financially empowered.

I've been a notary practitioner for over 20 years. I'm approaching my retirement years, and I feel excited, not scared. Why? Because I've built choices into my future.

Perhaps I'll still take on a few clients—because I genuinely enjoy this work. Or maybe I'll let my passive income serve me while I travel, speak, or coach. I get to decide. Because I laid the foundation for a business that not only made money, it kept it, grew it, and gave me freedom.

That's what I want for you.

You don't have to earn more to feel better about money. You need a plan to keep more of what you make.

Start today—with one small step.

Laura