3 Ways to Find Joy by EOY Planning Now

Can you believe it’s already September? You know what that means: the year is basically over. Blink, and it’ll be December, and you’ll be wondering how it all flew by so quickly. (I bet you’re especially feeling this if you have kids and just put all the back to school/fall sports/trunk or treat/breakfast with Santa events in your calendar, right?) So, let’s face it—2025 is knocking on the door, and if you haven’t started planning for EOY and Q1 yet, now’s the time to get cracking!

September is when we make sure our clients are prepared and looking towards the end of the year. To do that, we make sure they are caught up on YTD bookkeeping (if they’re new) and then we work together on a strategic financial analysis that may include things like budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, financial statement review, KPI monitoring, process improvement examinations, etc. 

There are many different levers we can pull to ensure owners have an accurate understanding of their finances heading into the final quarter of the year. But–why is it important?

Because our ultimate goal for our clients is JOY, and we help owners achieve it by making sure they’re taking care of three things: themselves, their employees, and their company.

Clarity = Self Care

Ok, that’s a bit of a “woo-woo” way to put it, but the point is: By getting your finances in order now, you can make informed decisions without the last-minute stress. You’ll know exactly where your profits are, how much cash you’ve got stashed away, and whether your expenses are behaving themselves.

Beyond the basic peace of mind, understanding your business’s financial health has tangible benefits for your day-to-day. Have you been burning the candle at both ends? It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but what if your financial review reveals that you could actually afford to work fewer hours next year? Or maybe your projected revenue means you can hire an additional employee, so you can focus on growing the business instead of just keeping it afloat. Planning ahead gives you the chance to create a work-life balance that actually works.

Valued employees mean a successful business

Your employees are the backbone of your business. Have you thought about how you want to reward them this year? By evaluating your finances now, you can determine if bonuses are in the cards, or maybe even an expansion of benefits. Investing in your team isn’t just a feel-good move—it’s a strategic way to boost morale, increase retention, and keep your best people motivated.

Accurate financials drive realistic goals

Finally, there’s your business itself. What are your goals for the next year? Whether it’s funding new projects, making capital improvements, or re-evaluating your current systems, getting a jump start on your financial planning allows you to align your budget with your strategic goals. Maybe it’s time to upgrade that ancient software system or finally invest in that marketing campaign you’ve been putting off. Whatever it is, having your finances in check will make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Ready, Set, Plan!

The bottom line? Getting your finances in order now is the smart move. It gives you the clarity you need to make strategic decisions for yourself, your team, and your business. So, let’s take advantage of September’s “almost year-end” vibes and get planning!

Need help sorting through the numbers? That’s what we’re here for. Contact us to connect with an advisor who can come alongside you to make sure you end the year with confidence, and excitement for what’s to come.