The end of the year has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute we’re making plans for January, and the next we’re looking at Thanksgiving, holiday schedules, and wondering how another year went by so quickly.
And somewhere in the middle of all that, there’s a business to run. 😂
November is actually one of my favorite times to sit down with business owners and talk about their numbers. Not because I’m trying to rush anyone into tax season, but because there’s still time to make some decisions before the year ends.
Your financial reports can tell you quite a bit about what happened in 2026. More importantly, they can help you decide what you want 2027 to look like.
Let’s talk about a few things worth reviewing before we turn the calendar.
First, How Did Your Business Really Do This Year?
I know. You’ve been busy.
Maybe you brought in new clients, expanded your services, hired someone, or finally landed that contract you’ve been working toward.
Those are all great accomplishments!
But being busy and being profitable aren’t necessarily the same thing.
Before we start making plans for next year, let’s look at what actually happened financially.
- Did your revenue increase compared to last year?
- Did your expenses increase too?
- Which services or projects were the most profitable?
- Were there expenses that surprised you?
- Did the business generate enough profit to support your goals?
Sometimes the numbers confirm what you’ve been feeling all year. Other times, they tell a slightly different story.
That’s why I love a good financial review. It takes some of the guesswork out of running a business.
Take a Good Look at Your Cash Flow
Profitability is important, but so is having enough money available when you need it.
A business can have a profitable year on paper and still experience cash flow challenges.
Maybe your clients take longer to pay than expected. Maybe you have seasonal fluctuations. Or perhaps you’re managing contracts, grants, or projects where the money comes in at different times throughout the year.
Before heading into 2027, it’s worth asking whether your current cash flow can support your plans.
If you’re thinking about hiring, purchasing equipment, expanding your services, or taking on a larger project, knowing when money is expected to come in and when expenses are due can make those decisions a whole lot easier.
And if cash flow has been unpredictable this year, now is a good time to talk about what could help.
Are Your Expenses Still Working for You?
Businesses change. Sometimes our expenses don’t get the memo.
You might still be paying for software you no longer use, subscriptions that have crept up in price, or services that made sense two years ago but aren’t doing much for you today.
This doesn’t mean cutting every expense you can find. Some investments save time, improve service, or make your business more profitable.
The goal is to understand what you’re spending and why.
I encourage business owners to review recurring expenses, payroll costs, contractor payments, technology, and other operating expenses before creating next year’s budget.
A few thoughtful adjustments can make a meaningful difference over twelve months.
What Do You Want 2027 to Look Like?
Here’s where things get interesting.
Once we understand where the business stands, we can start talking about where you want it to go.
Maybe you want to grow revenue, hire another employee, expand your practice, launch a new program, or work with a different type of client.
Or maybe your goal is to maintain a healthy business while working fewer hours.
I happen to think that’s a pretty good goal, too. 😉
Whatever success looks like for you, your financial plan should support it.
That might mean building a budget, reviewing pricing, setting revenue and profit targets, planning for payroll changes, or creating a cash flow forecast.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be realistic and based on good information.
Don’t Forget to Look at Your Own Time
One thing that doesn’t always show up on a profit and loss statement is how much of your personal time you’re putting into the business.
Are you still handling all the bookkeeping yourself?
Are payroll and administrative tasks taking up more time than they used to?
Do you spend evenings catching up on paperwork instead of enjoying the business you’ve worked so hard to build?
As your business grows, your responsibilities are going to change. The systems and support that worked when you first started may not be enough anymore.
Sometimes the smartest investment you can make is getting a few responsibilities off your plate.
That gives you more time to focus on clients, employees, new opportunities, and the work that actually needs your attention.
Let’s Have That Year-End Conversation
I always encourage my clients to schedule regular financial check-ins, and November is an especially good time for one.
We can review where things stand, identify anything that needs attention before December 31, and start talking about what you want to accomplish next year.
If your bookkeeping needs some attention, we’ll talk about that too. No judgment. We’ll figure out what needs to happen.
You don’t have to wait until January to start planning for a better year.
The more you understand your numbers today, the better prepared you’ll be to make decisions tomorrow.
At LadyTech Consulting, I help business owners and organizations with bookkeeping, payroll, back-office support, and financial guidance so they can make informed decisions and grow with confidence.
Ready to talk about 2027? Let’s schedule a meeting.
Here’s to finishing 2026 strong and making some great plans for the year ahead!
Teresa
LadyTech Consulting — You do the work you were called to do. I’ll help with what happens behind the scenes.
