SE Valley Times

In today's business environment, financial planning and budgeting are crucial for success across industries. Many entrepreneurs find these tasks daunting, but Ashley K. Butler aims to change that by promoting financial literacy and helping business owners manage their finances effectively.

Ashley provides workshops and resources designed to build solid financial foundations, set realistic goals, and implement systems for sustainable growth. She emphasizes the importance of mindset in mastering financial planning, encouraging systems that align with long-term objectives.

One principle she supports is "becoming your own banker," as detailed in Nelson Nash's book "Becoming Your Own Banker: Unlock the Infinite Banking Concept." This concept helps individuals and businesses create self-sustaining financial systems, reduce reliance on traditional banks, and generate wealth over time. Ashley uses these principles to guide entrepreneurs in managing cash flow creatively.

Another key resource is Mike Michalowicz's "Profit First," which advocates prioritizing profitability from the outset. Instead of the traditional accounting formula (Sales - Expenses = Profit), Michalowicz suggests (Sales - Profit = Expenses). Ashley assists business owners in implementing this approach by focusing budgets on goals that ensure profitability.

Ashley also uses the board game Cashflow by Robert Kiyosaki to teach financial concepts interactively. The game helps players learn about income management, building passive income streams, and making real-life financial decisions without real-world risks. Participants apply lessons from the game to enhance their decision-making skills in business contexts.

A fundamental tip from Ashley is not to wait for a perfect time to start budgeting or revising a financial strategy. She advises taking small steps now—such as setting up a savings account or creating a simple budget—and refining approaches over time.

For those beginning their financial journey, Ashley suggests reading recommended books like "Becoming Your Own Banker" and "Profit First," playing Cashflow with teams, tracking numbers through bookkeeping, setting clear goals such as saving for investments or increasing profitability percentages, prioritizing profit allocation before expenses, and seeking expert guidance when needed.

Ashley K. Butler's approach makes financial planning accessible for business owners at all stages by combining practical tools with an engaging methodology.