A clarity system for founders who are tired of paying for confusion
Most early-stage founders don’t struggle because they lack tools.
They struggle because they collect them faster than they review them.
CRMs bought with good intent.
Automation tools set up once and forgotten.
Analytics dashboards nobody checks.
Subscriptions quietly renewing every month.
I’ve seen this pattern for over a decade across startups at different stages.
Money leaks don’t look dramatic. They look normal. Until they add up.
This tracker exists to stop that.
What this is (and what it isn’t)
The Founder Tools, Costs & ROI Tracker is a decision-making system, not a spreadsheet.
It helps you answer one question clearly and repeatedly:
Is this tool earning its place in my business right now?
It’s not about cutting costs aggressively.
It’s not about building the “perfect” tech stack.
It’s about spending intentionally, with visibility and confidence.
What you’ll get
A ready-to-use Notion database designed specifically for early-stage founders, including:
• A clear view of every paid tool in your stack
• Honest usage tracking (no “maybe later” fields)
• Cost visibility that includes real monthly impact
• Simple ROI verdicts so decisions don’t drag on
• Review views that surface money leaks instantly
No setup gymnastics. No complex formulas to manage.
You duplicate it, add your tools, and start seeing patterns immediately.
Who this is for
This is for you if:
• You’re early-stage and wearing multiple hats
• Your software spend has grown faster than your clarity
• You feel mild guilt every time a subscription renews
• You want fewer tools doing clearer jobs
This is especially useful if you’re bootstrapped, pre-Series A, or deliberately lean.
Why this works
Founders don’t make bad decisions.
They make unreviewed decisions.
This tracker introduces a simple habit:
Monthly visibility. Quarterly honesty.
That alone saves money, reduces stress, and frees attention for growth experiments that actually matter.
