116-Discover the Still Method: A Practical Guide to Financial Clarity and Intentional Living

Building a Business That Works for You:

No-Fluff Financial Wisdom with Brandon Neely

Let’s get real—running a business isn’t for the faint of heart. Staying profitable? That’s the next level. But here’s the kicker: building a business that actually supports your life instead of draining it? That’s the real hustle.

In the latest episode of The Six Figure Speaker Spotlight, I sat down with Brandon Neely—a financial powerhouse who’s been through the trenches. Brandon’s no suit-and-tie advisor; he’s a former coffee shop owner turned Cash Flow Specialist at Wealth Wisdom Financial, Profit First expert, Bank On Yourself pro, and co-author of Five Smooth Stones. His story is loaded with battle-tested strategies and an unapologetic approach to using money as a tool—not a master.

If you’re an entrepreneur who’s done chasing shiny objects and wants financial clarity that actually works, this blog’s for you. Here’s the real talk on building wealth, dodging burnout, and designing a business that fuels your life.

From Coffee Shop Chaos to Financial Clarity: Brandon’s Journey

Brandon’s entrepreneurial path isn’t your typical success story. He started with aerial oil paintings (yep, with his mom), served in the Marine Corps, played in the music scene, and then launched Overflow Coffee smack in the middle of the 2008 financial crisis.

What kept him going?

- Connection over everything — Faith, community, giving back. But here’s the truth bomb: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
- Self-care isn’t optional — “You can’t overflow if you’re not taking care of yourself,” Brandon says. Most entrepreneurs shove themselves last—and that’s a one-way ticket to burnout.
- Plan your exit like a pro — Brandon and his wife sold their business because they built smart financial systems from the jump. No scrambling, no chaos.

Pay Yourself First: No Excuses

Forget the ego. Paying yourself isn’t selfish—it’s survival.

- Treat your paycheck as non-negotiable. Inspired by The Richest Man in Babylon, Brandon says you gotta pay yourself before anyone else.
- Whether you tithe, save 10%, or stash cash for your future, make it a habit now—don’t wait for “someday.”
- If you don’t do it, your business isn’t set up to support YOU.

Brandon nails it: 
“If I don’t take care of me first—pay myself first—how can I expect to do all the other things?”

Profit First: Flip Your Money Mindset

Brandon swears by the Profit First system—and once you get it, you’ll wonder why no one told you sooner.

- Traditional math is sales minus expenses equals profit. Profit First flips it: sales minus profit equals expenses. Profit always comes off the top.
- Separate bank accounts for profit, taxes, owner pay, and expenses keep your money organized and off limits.
- Move money on a schedule. No surprises, no scrambling.

Why it works? Discipline, clarity, and no more guessing games.

Layer Your Financial Systems Like a Boss

Brandon’s not about “one-size-fits-all.” He layers financial frameworks for real impact:

- EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System): Because messy operations = messy finances.
- Profit First: For guaranteed profit discipline.
- Infinite Banking (Bank On Yourself): Using whole life insurance policies as your personal cash machine. When disaster struck Overflow Coffee, Brandon tapped this for payroll without missing a beat.

Brandon’s blunt truth: 
“You’re not ready to bank on yourself if you’re spending like a drunken sailor. Fix that first. Then Profit First kicks in.”

The Still Method: From Chaos to Clarity

Brandon and his wife Amanda’s Still Method is about owning your financial story.

- Set your sights: Define what you want.
- Track your ins and outs: Know where every dollar goes.
- Inspect progress: Check and adjust often.
- Live deliberately: Make intentional money moves.
- Loop back: Keep refining as you grow.

No one’s handing you a map—you have to build it yourself.

Money Smarts for the Next Generation

Brandon’s already schooling his 7-year-old on money moves:

- Teach Give, Save, Share early.
- Use small “taxes” on treats to explain real-world lessons.
- Get kids involved in business basics—popcorn sales, anyone?
- Model smart habits because kids watch everything.

Brandon’s advice? 
“Start early. The more people you know, the more popcorn you can sell.”

Watch Those Tiny Leaks—They Sink Ships

Convenience kills. Delivery fees, subscriptions, impulse buys—they chip away at your bottom line.

Brandon’s call to action:

- Audit those sneaky expenses.
- Ask yourself if each convenience is worth the cost.
- Cut what doesn’t serve your financial goals.

Bottom line: Brandon Neely’s financial wisdom isn’t theory—it’s real, tactical, and built for entrepreneurs who want to live on their own terms. No burnout. No smoke and mirrors. Just smart money moves that back your life and your legacy.

Ready to rethink your business finances? Dive into Brandon’s Profit First world and start paying yourself first. Your future self will thank you.

If you want to hear all the hard truths and gems, check out the full episode of The Six Figure Speaker Spotlight with Brandon Neely—because your business should be your best support system, not your biggest stressor.