Recurring costs can quickly run out of control, especially with so many cloud-based services.

With regards to technology, the goal is to minimize recurring costs, and to maximize the "one-time-only" expenses.

For example, it is always better value to buy a lifetime license when given the choice, instead of monthly or yearly.

I have opted for Zoho One as my main recurring charge ($30 USD per month of $450 CDN per year).

The domain name 'spanglett.legal' also costs around $100 CAD per year.

A business-class laptop should cost $1000 CAD.  

I recommend the HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw - color laser printer/copier/fax  - that currently costs $530 CAD.

I have gone with one-time only software purchases, which include:

SUMMARY:  LESS THAN $2500 FIXED (OTO plus laptop)/$50 MONTHLY (Zoho One subscription and domain name)

= $3100 in first year, $600 each year thereafter, $5500 over five years.

Zoho One replaces Quickbooks, Clio, project management, HR, expenses, invoicing, etc.

Compare that with opting for individual subscription services instead:

SUMMARY:  $1530 FIXED/$2800 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS 

= $4330 in first year, $2800 each year thereafter, $15530 over five years.

THAT IS A $10k DIFFERENCE, USING JUST A FEW LINE ITEMS.

As a principle, do not opt for subscription services - it is almost always more expensive.