How do you manage when income is seasonal or inconsistent?

Consider basing your baseline budget around your lowest-earning months so essentials are more likely covered. Treat peak-season income as temporary until proven otherwise.

Save aggressively in good months

One approach is to save a portion of earnings from busy periods to cover slower months and build a buffer. You can use extra income for reinvestment or debt payoff after that cushion is in place.

Adjust spending

It can be helpful to keep fixed costs low and delay new spending until cash flow feels more predictable. Avoid committing to expenses you might not cover during lean periods.

Diversify income

Add off-season channels — winter markets, online sales, services — to smooth revenue. Even one steady stream reduces pressure.

Credit can be a backup for necessities, but savings and conservative budgeting provide the real stability for seasonal businesses.