Welcome back to our profit series for PR pros!

So far in our financial series, we’ve talked about breaking down your profit and understanding how revenue ≠ profit (big aha moment for a lot of people). Now, we’re getting into the real magic: what to actually do with that profit.

Spoiler: we’re rushing to splurge on lifestyle upgrades… even though we love our shiny things! Instead, we want to use that money to build lasting financial security and freedom.

Before You Splurge, Invest

Today, we’re talking about making your money work for you: investing in long-term wealth before indulging in big lifestyle purchases like a dreamy trip, a new car, or a closet refresh.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have those things. Quite the opposite! I want you to enjoy your life. Your hair appointments, your kids’ tutoring, even someone to help with carpool duty—those should absolutely be part of the lifestyle you’re designing.

But the foundation of that lifestyle is a business that works even when you’re not in it… and money that works for you while you’re living your life.

P.S. That’s what we help you set up inside The Agency Accelerator: systems, autonomy, financial freedom. I take Fridays off almost every week. No calls. No appointments. Just space to recharge. That’s by design.

The Profit-First Mindset

Let’s talk about profit first and why spending it too soon is a huge missed opportunity. Around here, we’re building real wealth and the kind of security that lets you step away from your business without stress.

This is also known as paying yourself first. That means you’re not living off income or profit, you’re taking a consistent percentage and investing it before anything else.

And no, I’m not talking about Porsche or Mercedes being your “investment vehicle.” 😉 You can have those things later. First, let’s get clear on what your actual profit is, set aside money for taxes and expenses, and then allocate a portion for your future.

What Would Future You Say?

Every time you spend or save, ask:

“What would my future self thank me for?”

This mindset applies to everything: working out, staying organized, calling a friend, saving for retirement.

➡️ Future Jen doesn’t just wake up with toned arms. She thanks past Jen for doing her arm exercises.

➡️ Future you doesn’t magically retire with wealth. She thanks past you for setting aside that money today.

Retirement Accounts to Know

There are a few key retirement accounts everyone should at least know about:

1. 401(k)

Great for consistent contributions and reducing your tax burden. If you’re self-employed, you can still set one up!

2. Roth IRA

This lets you grow tax-free retirement income. But, and this is key, you must qualify based on your income. If you make too much, you might not be eligible.

3. SEP IRA

Ideal for self-employed folks or small business owners. This lets you contribute a larger percentage of your income than other options. We use this in our family and max it out every year.

📝 Talk to your CPA, and if your current one isn’t discussing retirement contributions and tax savings with you, it might be time for a new one. These accounts all have different rules, limits, and benefits.

Compound Interest Is Your BFF 💸

Let’s talk about the real hero of long-term wealth: compound interest.

It’s what happens when your money earns interest… and then that interest also earns interest. Over time, this creates exponential growth.

📈 Even a modest annual contribution, say $20,000 a year, adds up a lot over time. That’s how you create a future where you’re living off the interest, not touching your principal.

A financial advisor can help you understand your investment options within something like a 401(k) (because that’s not a specific investment itself) just a “bucket” to hold your investments in. A common one is the S&P 500, which has historically had a return of around 7–8% annually.

Maximize Your Profit Margin

To set yourself up for all of this, keep your business expenses under 40% of your revenue. That gives you room to:

• Pay your team
• Save for taxes
• Invest in your retirement
• Then fund your lifestyle

A 60% profit margin is very achievable, especially with the retainer model I teach in Agency Accelerator. When you hear businesses doing millions in revenue but barely turning a profit, that’s what we want to avoid.

Live Within Your Means Now, Build Wealth for Later

Here’s what my husband and I do:

• Every year, we max out our 401(k) contributions
• We use profit-sharing accounts to supercharge our savings
• We live within our means and prioritize experiences and education for our kids

We put away a percentage of our take-home income, about 25%, into tax-advantaged retirement accounts. That’s our nest egg.

And we’re building it now because—reminder—most service-based businesses aren’t sellable. They’re tied to you.

That’s okay.

But it means your retirement wealth is on you to build.

The Goal: Live Off the Interest, Not the Principal

Ultimate financial freedom looks like this:

✅ You’re not touching the money you’ve invested

✅ You’re living comfortably off the interest it earns

✅ You’re doing what you love… whether that’s traveling, retiring, or starting your next passion project

You’re not stressing. You’re not relying on your kids. You’ve planned ahead. That’s what I want for you.

Smart Habits Start Now

You don’t need to wait. Automate your contributions so you don’t even see the money. Just like our property taxes get auto-paid every month. We never think about them, and they’re handled.

📅 Revisit your plan annually, especially at tax time.

If you’re working with a financial advisor, they should do more than just make trades. They should look at your timeline, risk tolerance, and future goals. They should rebalance your portfolio regularly and advise you based on your life and what you want.

Ready to Build Real Wealth?

To wrap up this series:

Your future self will thank you.

Not just for saving, but for starting now.

📅 Book a call with your CPA.

💬 Ask about profit-sharing.

✅ Max out what you can.

🧠 Think strategically.

You’ve got this.

And if this sparked an “aha” moment about planning ahead, you’re going to love my free training specifically for PR agency owners and freelancers. It’s designed to help you build a profitable and secure future.

🎓 Save your spot now at jenerationacademy.com/free-training