As a self-employed yoga teacher based in Lichfield, Staffordshire, one of our early customers Katie Russell built her business around helping others find balance, but behind the scenes, her own financials needed a little help along the way.

Like many solopreneurs and micro-business owners in the UK, Katie launched her wellness venture with passion and purpose, but with little formal guidance when it came to money management.

“I knew how to teach yoga, build a loyal following and run a class, but I didn’t invest as much time in understanding the importance of setting aside funds for a rainy day or my tax bill,” she admits.

In her first couple of years as a sole trader, Katie made the mistake that countless small business owners quietly make - assuming that staying afloat month-to-month meant she was doing fine. But when her first tax bill landed, a sinking feeling hit hard.

“I just didn’t have sufficient funds to cover it,” she says. “It was a horrible feeling. I wasn’t being reckless, I was just never taught how to structure things properly.”

This experience, while common, is rarely talked about. Many solopreneurs, freelancers and creative professionals work in isolation, often picking things up as they go along, with few formal systems or support to fall back on. The assumption is that you’re either good with money or you’re not, but for people like Katie, there’s a grey area filled with trial, error, and costly lessons.

After using spreadsheets to stay on top of her finances, Katie discovered Money Squirrel and added: “I only wish I’d found it sooner because It’s changed the way I think about money entirely.

“I love that I can now set aside money for tax automatically. I’ve even got a pot for a future retreat in Portugal I’m planning. It feels empowering rather than scary.”

What sets Money Squirrel apart, Katie believes, is that it understands the mindset and chaos of solopreneur life, irregular income, busy schedules, and the need for tools that work with, not against, you.

“There’s not enough practical, emotional or educational support for people going it alone in business,” she says. “We’re often juggling everything and just hoping we’re doing it right.”

Founder of Money Squirrel Andreea Daly says: “We’re delighted that our platform has helped to structure Katie’s finances better and importantly, add interest on a monthly basis.

“For thousands like Katie across the UK, managing money while running a one-person business can feel overwhelming. But tools like Money Squirrel are proving that with the right support, and a few smart habits, even the most anxious entrepreneur can go from financial firefighting to future planning.”