As women business owners, we've likely done quite a bit of soul searching and goal-setting to get to where we are today. Along the way, we've decided what we're good at and what we love doing. We've created a business plan outlining our goals, and we've taken every possible measure to achieve these successes.

I'm here to tell you that the same strategies are necessary for making, keeping and increasing your business's bottom line and, ultimately, your wealth.

Finding Your Passion
First, you must identify your own deep-down desires and your life's passions, and allow them to move you forward. As business owners, we should already be in a business that we love. Therefore, stop thinking about how big or little your business is in comparison with your competitors, or how big an office you have. These things should not define your purpose or status in life.

Instead, focus your attention on getting that new piece of business you feel passionate about, or on the feeling you get when your knowledge and expertise help a client. Let the joy of your job guide you, and the money will follow. When you change your mind-set and behavior, your reality will change.

Setting Intentions
Now that you've changed your mind-set, you're ready to start setting intentions for your business and mapping out the financial future you desire. Begin by setting a monetary goal you would like to reach each month, and don't put limitations on it.

For example, set a goal of bringing in $60,000-plus per month--and say this to yourself each and every day. I even tell my clients to write a check to themselves in the amount they wish to receive so they can envision their future success! Click here to fill out your own personal check. 

Creating a Financial Plan 
From here, it's time to set your specific financial plan. Write down your total revenue from each month. Subtract your fixed expenses (e.g., debt, mortgage or rent payments, car payments) and your variable expenses (e.g., general household and entertainment expenses). The remaining money each month should be used to plan for your future. I always suggest that my clients create three buckets for their future financial planning and disperse the money into each bucket based on their personal goals and dreams.

• Short-term bucket. The short-term bucket is for three to six months' worth of emergency reserves. This money can be kept in savings and checking accounts, money markets and CDs.
   
• Mid-term bucket. The mid-term bucket is money that you can tap into three to five years down the road, perhaps for a house, new office space or a new car. This money can be kept in a mutual fund, stocks, bonds and/or real estate investments.
   
• Long-term bucket. This is the money set aside to protect you in your retirement years, and can be kept in a Roth IRA, traditional IRA, after-tax IRA or annuities.

As a business owner, you are likely pulled in many directions and feel like you don't have the time to set up and manage a financial plan. Once you're up and running, it really takes very little time; and once you have a plan, you'll feel calmer. Make time for this important aspect of your life.

Clearing Space
Once you've set your financial plans and goals, clear space in your life to obtain them. Often, there are things standing in the way of your new goals. This is what I call your "crabs in the bucket." Some of these obstacles can be time, money, debt levels and even people.

For example, your closest friends and family members can distract you from your financial goals. If you have friends who are huge spenders and use credit cards all the time, try to go shopping with those who actually pay cash for items or who spend less frivolously. If you have "Negative Nancys" in your life, shift your thinking before you encounter them. Don't let them bring you down to their level.

Increasing Cash Flow  
If cash flow is the obstacle, it's time for change. When most people think about making changes, they think they have to sacrifice something or forego certain pleasures to make gains. To me, this is simply a matter of perspective. If I choose not to spend my usual $50 a week on lunches, I don't think of myself as deprived. I look at it as making room for my new financial intentions.

Another thing I notice with several of my clients is that women business owners have trouble charging what they're worth. If you undercharge, you are promoting financial scarcity in your life and inhibiting your own growth. I suggest raising your rates once you've proved yourself. Or increase your rates for any new client you bring on.

I also encourage my clients to consider implementing a commission structure vs. a straight salary business model to help increase cash flow. Many entrepreneurs are afraid to do this because they think they will spend too much money. In actuality, you will likely bring more money to your business if everyone is working for the same goal.

Or you could offer a lower base salary plus commission to help balance out the numbers. Find an employee who has been with you for a while and ask what would motivate her. Our greatest gems are often found among our very own employees.

We all want more out of life and we all want more than our reality currently offers. By following the financial strategies above, it is my hope that you will be put on a path that leads to financial abundance and overall life happiness.

Julie Murphy Casserly, CLU, ChFC, CFP, is a 14-year veteran of the financial services industry and founder of JMC Wealth Management in Chicago. Julie helps people understand how their emotional attitudes and behaviors affect how they earn, spend and save. Casserly is the author of  The Emotion Behind Money: Building Wealth from the Inside Out. The tips above may not be suitable for all people, and JMC Wealth Management advises clients on their investment strategies on an individual basis.