How do I replace the income my business used to provide?
Start by listing what the business provided, not just your salary: distributions, health coverage, employer retirement-plan contributions, insurance, and legitimate business costs that also benefited you, such as a company vehicle or phone. After the sale, each item either stops, is no longer needed, moves to your personal budget or needs a new source.
Replacement income can come from the proceeds, other savings, Social Security, a pension, consulting or employment with the buyer, or deferred sale payments. The order and timing of those sources, and how much the proceeds can reliably provide, are planning decisions made with your actual numbers.
Reviewed by Bay Area Wealth Advisors. Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Educational information only — not individualized financial, tax or legal advice.