Money makes the TPT world go round, but how much should you actually be spending on your teacher business? Whether you're just starting your TPT journey or scaling to five figures monthly, smart budgeting decisions can make or break your long-term success.

Let's start with the non-negotiables every TPT seller needs: premium seller fees ($59.95 annually), branded fonts (choose 3-5 that become your signature style), strategic clip art investments, and essential software subscriptions. These foundational elements ensure your resources stand out in the marketplace and earn the highest possible commission rates.

But beyond these basics lies the question that plagues most teacher entrepreneurs: when and how much should I reinvest in my business? The answer changes depending on your revenue level, but one principle remains constant—pay yourself first. For sellers earning $500-1000 monthly, setting aside 10-20% of revenue (after taxes and essential expenses) creates a meaningful reinvestment fund without depleting your personal income. This approach allows you to accumulate a strategic sum every six months that you can use to level up your business through batch-creating resources, running targeted ads, or purchasing time-saving tools.

As your revenue climbs to $5000+ monthly, that same percentage creates substantial reinvestment power. At this stage, tracking return on investment becomes crucial. Whether you're spending on Facebook ads or hiring virtual assistants, you need clear metrics showing exactly what you're getting back. The goal isn't just creating more products—it's ensuring those investments generate profitable returns.

Remember, growing a sustainable TPT business isn't about reinvesting everything at the expense of paying yourself. By taking a methodical, percentage-based approach to budgeting, you'll build a business that supports your financial goals while continuing to expand strategically year after year.

Ready to transform your approach to TPT business finances? Leave a review if this episode helped clarify your budgeting strategy!

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