Although it may seem intimidating to some, bootstrapping your own company is a good option as long as you play by the rules. You always have the final say when you create something from the ground up. Get the business you want with the money you have by following our list of steps below.

Be realistic about your budget. You may be spending more than you think you are, which is why it’s so important to record every single thing you buy. Up your budget by a quarter of its initial number; you’ll likely be closer to this new spending roof by the end of the month.

If you’re overspending, look for effective ways to cut costs without cutting corners. This applies to life outside your business as well. Cut your leisure activities budget in half, get a more cost-efficient phone plan, or find a way to lower your vehicle loans. There are many ways to save a bit of cash in each category every month.

Protect yourself by making your business a C corporation. Some entrepreneurs forgo this option in favour of an LLC label, but it’s much safer for new startups to become C corporations. You and your company will be taxed individually rather than as one group, which means the large amount of taxes that your company eventually racks up won’t affect you.

Becoming a C corporation also gives you a good amount of independence from your business. Although it should be a significant part of your life, it doesn’t have to overlap with your personal life in every aspect. You can effectively keep one budget for yourself and another for your company.

Don’t incur debt with the assumption that you’ll pay it back quickly. A bit of debt isn’t a problem, but going overboard is dangerous. Minimize your debts in whatever ways you can. This will better teach you how to use what you have, and it’ll save you the trouble of frantically trying to cancel it out when you’re starting to make enough to do so. Use it as leverage occasionally, not exclusively.

Be prepared to take on multiple roles at once. New businesses require a lot of dedication from their creators, as they’re the only ones who can properly complete the tasks they need done. Before you hire others, learn how to fill each position in your company. That way, you’ll be able to assist any one of your employees when they come around.

Create relationships with potential customers and fellow businesses. Instead of looking for financial aid, look for advice. Learning about other entrepreneurs’ past experiences is more helpful than you think. You can avoid mistakes by discovering what those mistakes are, and collect new suggestions as to what to do with your company. Experienced business owners can also warn you as to what type of marketing strategies and SEO services have worked for them.

While not an easy process, bootstrapping can work for any entrepreneur with enough drive, discipline, and organization. Once you have the money and a solid plan, take your company’s future into your own hands and start your bootstrapping journey.