December isn’t just the month of holiday parties and peppermint lattes. It’s your final window to make smart money moves that can shape how your business starts 2026.
Because while everyone else is coasting through the holidays, the most strategic CEOs are quietly cleaning, optimizing, and positioning themselves for the new year.
Here’s how to join them.
1. Review Your Revenue (and Actually Look at Your Profit)
Pull your year-to-date numbers. How much money came in, and how much stayed?
Revenue looks impressive on paper. Profit tells you the truth. If your expenses grew faster than your income, that’s your red flag for next year’s pricing or process review.
2. Collect the Cash You’re Owed
This one’s simple but wildly underrated: send the invoices.
Money earned isn’t money made until it hits your account. Don’t let unpaid balances ruin your Q4 momentum or your January cash flow.
Pro tip: make it easy for clients to pay. One click, one reminder, one thank-you.
3. Make Strategic Purchases (Not Panic Ones)
If you’re considering equipment, software, education, or professional services for next year, buying before December 31st could reduce your taxable income.
But don’t let “tax write-off” become an excuse for waste. Spend intentionally, not impulsively. If it doesn’t serve your 2026 plan, it’s not a smart move.
4. Double-Check Payroll and Contractor Forms
Make sure your payroll reports and 1099 records are accurate now, not on January 30th when you’re sweating deadlines.
A 10-minute review today saves hours of stress later.
5. Schedule Your CPA or Bookkeeper Meeting
Don’t wait until tax season to talk strategy. Reach out now to discuss deductions, cash flow projections, and entity optimization.
December is the best time to plan your next tax bill, not panic about your last one.
6. Set a “Financial Reset” Date for January
Pick one day in early January for a full financial reset; reviewing dashboards, updating forecasts, and mapping revenue targets.
Start your new year organized, not overwhelmed.
The Bottom Line
Financial clarity isn’t built in the chaos of tax season, it’s built in the quiet discipline of December.
Every action you take now becomes next year’s advantage.
So pour a fresh coffee, light that productivity candle, and make your December checklist your secret weapon for a calmer, cleaner, more profitable 2026.
