Episode 5 of 6
The Retainer vs. Project Debate
Fran has two types of clients: project-based ($8-12k per project, unpredictable) and retainer-based ($3-4k/month, steady). She models the financial impact of shifting her client mix from 80% project to 60% retainer.
Key Insight
Switching to 60% retainer income ($7,200/month guaranteed) with 40% project work ($3,600/month average) reduces income volatility by 62%. Her lowest projected month jumps from $4k to $8.4k. The cost: a $6k/year reduction in peak income. The gain: she stops checking her inbox at midnight.
Model This Scenario