The Three Biggest Complaints About STR Budgeting—And Why They’re Actually Your Superpower In this episode of The Long-Term Game of Short-Term Rentals, Anne and Scott tackle a topic that every STR owner knows they should prioritize but often avoid—building the 2026 budget. With the holidays in full swing and year-end chaos setting in, creating a financial plan can easily fall to the bottom of the to-do list. But as they explain, the end of the year is exactly the right time to build a 12-month roadmap. The hosts break down the three most common objections STR owners give when asked to create a budget—and reveal why each one is actually a major advantage. 1. “I don’t know my variable expenses—this is a waste of time.” Anne and Scott debunk the idea that uncertainty makes budgeting pointless. In reality, budgeting is about setting targets, not predicting perfection. Whether it’s utilities, cleaning fees, or seasonal fluctuations, even a rough estimate helps you identify when something is off. As you collect more data, your budget gets stronger—and your operational decisions get smarter. Budgeting becomes a learning tool, not a guessing game. 2. “My property isn’t cash-flow positive—why bother?” They clarify the difference between being cash-flow negative and being operationally profitable. Many properties are profitable on paper but look unprofitable because owners are paying mortgages, debt service, startup furniture costs, or reimbursing themselves. By separating operations from debt, hosts see real profitability—and real opportunities, like DSCR loans or pulling equity to acquire another property. STRs often take a year or more to ramp up; early months are not the full story. 3. “My market is too seasonal—what’s the point of budgeting?” Seasonality is exactly why budgeting matters. A full-year budget helps owners prepare for slow months, understand break-even points, adjust pricing strategy, and get creative during off-peak periods. With a clear plan, owners can fill slower periods with intentional rentals, protect busy months from pressure, and ultimately stabilize annual revenue. By the end of the episode, Anne and Scott reinforce that budgeting is not about perfection—it’s about direction. A simple plan, paired with monthly check-ins, reduces stress, improves decision-making, and creates a clearer path into 2026. As they remind listeners: uncertainty doesn’t go away on its own, but a budget gives you the confidence to navigate it. Tune in next week for more ways to play the long-term game of short-term rentals.