Expense creep is the slow and sneaky increase in business expenses that happens as your revenue grows. One day you’re making more money, and the next thing you know, your bottom line hasn’t budged—or worse, it’s shrinking.

Just like when you walk into a store for one small item and leave with a cart full of things you didn’t really need, business expenses can creep up on you when you’re not paying attention.

The good news? You can stop expense creep before it derails your financial progress.

4 Steps to Prevent Expense Creep

1. Audit Your Expenses Regularly

Review your spending at least once a month. The key is consistency—put it in your calendar and treat it as a non-negotiable. Want to know exactly how to track your expenses? Check out Episode 41.

2. Watch Out for “Growth Justifies the Expense” Syndrome

It’s easy to think, “My business is growing, so I can afford this.” Before making any purchase, ask yourself:

• Will this expense directly increase revenue or improve efficiency?
• If my income dropped tomorrow, would I regret this purchase?
• Can I get the same result for less?

Most of the time, you’ll realize there’s a smarter way to spend (or not spend) your money

3. Be Cautious with Payroll

Payroll is likely one of your biggest expenses, so be intentional with hiring. Before bringing on a new team member, consider:

• Do I truly need this role long-term, or could I hire a contractor instead?
• Have I ensured my business has sustainable growth to support this hire?

Dr. Jodi Dinnerman teaches chiropractors how to run a staffless practice using automation and smart systems—check out her resources here.

4. Use the 24-Hour Rule for Big Purchases

Before making any large business investment (especially one that requires debt), step away for 24 hours. Ask yourself:

• Do I need this now, or can it wait?
• Can I afford it, or can I only afford the payments?
• Will this purchase add long-term value to my business?

A good rule of thumb: Business debt should never exceed 15% of your total annual revenue. Otherwise, you risk locking yourself into years of payments that limit your financial flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Be Intentional, Not Restrictive

The goal isn’t to run your practice on a shoestring budget—it’s to make intentional financial decisions that allow your profits to grow along with your revenue.

Take control now by setting up a recurring expense audit in your calendar. And if you need more guidance, listen to the full episode here: