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Head Above Water

technique
Last discussed Oct 31, 2026

James Smith's financial concept of calculating the monthly amount needed to cover essential costs and treating hitting it as the key goal.

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JS
James Smith
mentioned
Used for: Setting a monthly financial baseline as a business owner Praised: Gives freedom and invincibility, such as the ability to turn down brand deals... vs: Contrasted with people whose financial goal line is miles ahead of them

"Ed Lawrence asked me the most important financial metric to aim for as a business owner. And I call it head above water. So you write down: what's my rent? What's my car finance? What's my holiday fund? What is that per month? Now, as a business o..."

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