FIELD NOTES

One job.
One clear boundary.

Practical notes on the software a very small business actually uses. Each one names the limit that should change the decision.

ALL FIELD NOTES / 08

Updated August 30, 2026

01USAGE COSTSHighLevel Agency Wallet: the usage bill beside the subscriptionUnderstand automatic recharge, phone, email, validation, AI usage, rebilling exposure, and the controls that prevent surprises.10 MIN→02BILLING TERMSysteme.io monthly vs. annual: when two months free is worth itCompare the published savings with break-even timing, cash commitment, and the cost of prepaying an unproven setup.8 MIN→03PLATFORM PRICINGHighLevel pricing: the $97 plan is not the whole billCompare Starter, Unlimited, and Agency Pro—then add the usage wallet and per-location services the headline price leaves out.12 MIN→04PLAN COMPARISONSysteme.io pricing: Free vs. Startup vs. Webinar vs. UnlimitedChoose the tier that removes a proven contact, workflow, funnel, domain, or webinar constraint.11 MIN→05AI AUTOMATIONHighLevel AI Employee pricing: when $0, $50, or $97 makes senseCompare Pay-Per-Use, Growth, and Unlimited by live usage, remaining charges, and the work each plan can justify.10 MIN→06FUNNELS + EMAILSysteme.io free plan: three workflows it can actually runUse the free tier for one focused offer—and know when automation complexity justifies paying or switching.11 MIN→07STARTER STACKThe lean software stack for a one-person businessCover leads, follow-up, security, and basic automation at a $0 monthly software starting point.12 MIN→08SECURITYA free-first security stack for a one-person businessUnique passwords, strong MFA, updates, tested backups, and the point where paid products help.11 MIN→