We can’t be afraid of numbers. They’re all around us and the key to staying and growing iyour organization. Data equals facts, and knowing the truth about our business’ performance is the only way to get ahead.

We are a goal-oriented society, but I want to spend time talking about the part that is often skipped over: the unglamorous details of how you actually hit your financial goals.

Investing in your business is smart. But so is leaving something in your bank account for a rainy day. Here are just a few of the many reasons why:

Too many people don’t understand the sacrifices, responsibilities, and risks they’re making when they take on a side hustle. It could be a financial disaster very, very fast. Just because it’s a side gig doesn’t mean that you don’t still have to do a lot of the same structure as a real business.

Extra income very literally comes at a cost. That’s not to say that you’re doing anything wrong, but there are tax considerations that you should know about sooner rather than later.

We live in an age of online gurus telling us at every turn how simple it is to make six or seven figures. I’m here to tell you that if you’re looking for easy, then business ownership is not for you. That said, having a good grasp of your numbers will help you immensely.

It’s not glamorous, but you need to create a budget. There is a difference between setting a target and creating a plan to achieve it.

You’re in luck, my friend: Here are three steps to get you there.

A critical component of managing your finances is review as well as analysis. Financial review should not for the quarter. As the summer winds down, now is the time for a seasonal review to discover trends about your financial performance this time of year. How did the months of June, July, and August impact your revenue, expenses, and cash flow? It’s essential to review the results while they are fresh.

School’s in session…now is a great time for a summer financial review. Let’s do this.

You need to find ways to regularly integrate self-care into your life. Manis and pedis are lovely, and you work hard to earn some time to indulge yourself. Unfortunately, though, they aren’t enough to revive, refresh, and reset your well-being.

Here are some steps so that you too can include self-care in your schedule and budget.