Module · Money
Get paid properly.
Keep more of it.
Most young PTs underprice by 30%, miss out on grants, and panic at tax time. None of that has to happen to you. Work through these in order.
Why this matters to you
You don’t need a finance degree. You need to know three numbers: what you charge, what HMRC takes, and what’s left. That’s it. Everything else builds on those three.
The Playbook
Do these in order
One step at a time. Each one takes 5–15 minutes.
- 1
First — before your next session
Work out your real rate
- PT-focused
- Industry rates
Why this matters: Most PTs at your stage charge £20–£25 because that's what the gym charges. Your real number is usually £35–£50. The calculator shows you why.
Open PT Rate Calculator - 2
This week
Estimate your tax bill
- HMRC tax-ready
- Self Assessment
Why this matters: If you’re earning, HMRC will want a slice. See the number now so you can put 20–25% aside per payment — no January panic.
Open Tax Estimator - 3
This month
Set up bookkeeping (5 min/week)
- Tax-ready exports
- CSV & PDF
Why this matters: Track every payment in and every expense out. Bank transfer reference, screenshot, done. This is what becomes your tax return.
Open Finance tracker - 4
When you’ve got 30 minutes
Find free money
- Live grants
- CIC & sole trader
Why this matters: Grants exist for coaches working with young people, women, disability, mental health, deprived areas. The Funding board lists what's live this month.
See live funding - 5
Anytime you’re stuck
Ask the Finance Coach AI
- Clinician-reviewed
- PT-focused
Why this matters: Free, no judgment. Ask about Universal Credit, Self Assessment, mileage, or 'should I go Ltd?' — get a real answer in plain English.
Chat to Finance Coach
Hidden in plain sight
8 ways PTs make money
(most coaches only know 2)
1:1 sessions and online coaching are the obvious ones. There are 6 more — NHS social prescribing, Youth Offending Team contracts, school PE support, corporate wellbeing, gym partnerships and group sessions. Some pay better than 1:1.
See all 8 income streamsFAQ
Awkward money questions
The stuff no one tells you straight.
Do I have to pay tax if I’m only earning a bit?
If you earn over £1,000 in a tax year from self-employment, you have to register with HMRC and file a Self Assessment. Under £1,000 — you’re fine, that’s the trading allowance.
I’m on Universal Credit. Will training people kill my benefits?
No, but you have to report your self-employed income each month. UC tapers — you keep 45p of every £1 you earn. The Finance Coach AI walks you through exactly how to report it.
Should I open a separate bank account?
Yes. A free Starling or Monzo business account takes 10 minutes. It makes bookkeeping 10x easier and looks professional when clients pay you.
When should I become a Limited Company?
Roughly when you’re consistently earning £30k+ profit a year. Below that, the extra admin usually isn’t worth the tax saving. Sole trader is fine for years.