Budget Like a Boss—How to Build Your What-If Scenarios Without Losing Your Mind

So, you've got one version of your budget. It’s tidy. It’s reasonable. It even has color coding.

Now—imagine life throws you a curveball. (Which it will. Sorry.)

Scenario planning says: no problem. You already sketched out that curveball and made a plan for it.

Here’s how to create your very own choose-your-own-budget adventure:

🛠️ The Simple Starter Pack

Make 2-3 budget scenarios by tweaking your current one:

• 🟩 Base Scenario: What you expect today. (Best guess.)

• 🟨 Cautious Scenario: 10–15% revenue drop. What would you cut or pause?

• 🟥 Stormy Scenario: 25–30% drop. What must be protected at all costs?

Duplicate your budget spreadsheet, adjust revenue lines, and ask:

• What expenses are flexible?

• What’s non-negotiable?

• What can pause until the sun comes out again?

Give each version a name. (“Rainy Day Budget,” “Hold Onto Your Butts,” “Best We Can Budget.”)

What You’ll See

You’ll start to notice pressure points and priorities. Suddenly, your budget isn’t just about math—it’s telling you a story about what matters most.

Takeaway: Don’t wait for the budget fire drill. Build the “what ifs” now, while you have the space to think clearly.

Need a second set of eyes? Book a free 30-minute Scenario Consult with me and we’ll walk through one of your draft budgets together. Whether you’re just starting or mid-panic, I’ve got you. Schedule here.

🧰 Coming Up in Part 3: Now that you’ve got scenarios—how do you use them? I’ll show you how this helps align your board, bring your team into the loop, and make your budget a living, breathing leadership tool.