ProfitShip® Launch Program
by Ellen Springer, MBA, CPA, "Harbor Master"
The Life Raft Calculator
Think of this as your 'what-if' dashboard. Test different scenarios before you take the leap. You're not committing to anything—just running the numbers on paper.
"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" — Luke 14:28
Housing & Primary Shelter
Utilities & Connectivity
Food & Family Essentials
Health & Insurance Shields
Transportation & Mobility
Gasoline, charging, repairs, parking, tolls
Debt Obligations
Existing Income & Liquid Reserves
i.e. spouse's take-home monthly salary or other reliable secondary income
Liquid cash set aside in family savings
Important: Only enter income you'll KEEP. If you're leaving your current employment, do NOT include your current salary here. Do include your spouse's income, side gigs, or any steady household income that you do get to keep while you build your business.
Tax Rates
Not sure what your tax rates are? No problem. The default values are reasonable estimates. If you know your specific rates (especially your state income tax), feel free to update them. Otherwise, leave them as-is and your calculator will still work.
Capped at $184,500
No income cap
Estimate your bracket: 0-37%
Ranges 0-13.3% by state
Estimated Monthly Taxes You'll Owe on Needed Draw:
Total Tax Burden Rate:
Monthly Survival Line
The baseline cash your family needs each month to keep the household running.
Monthly Shortfall
This amount represents how much net business income is needed to meet your family survival line and protect your personal savings.
Calculated Cushion
How many months your savings can cover the shortfall
Harbor Master's Assessment
Household Expense Breakdown
Want Ellen's Eyes on Your Exact Numbers?
This calculator gives you the number. A live session helps you decide what to do with it.
Got your Survival Line? Now check your business's own number in the Waterline Dashboard →