I took a small step back from writing here for a bit. Not because I ran out of ideas, but because life got full and needed my attention elsewhere.
And stepping away reminded me of something important, especially when it comes to money and business.
this in between season matters
The end of the year always feels strange. There is the rush of the holidays, the to do lists, the commitments. And at the same time, there is this quiet realization that another year is almost over.
This stretch between years is not just busy. It is a natural pause point.
A moment to notice what worked, what felt heavy, and what quietly kept getting pushed to later.
For many business owners, that thing is their numbers.
the temptation to wait until january
It makes complete sense to tell yourself you will deal with your finances in the new year. January feels clean. Fresh. Like a reset button.
But waiting often creates more stress, not less.
When everything gets pushed into January, you start the year reacting instead of choosing. Sorting instead of planning. Catching up instead of moving forward.
Clarity does not come from waiting. It comes from looking.
you do not need a full plan to check in
One of the biggest myths around money is that you need a strategy before you open your books.
You do not.
You just need awareness.
Looking at your numbers does not mean you are committing to changing everything. It does not mean you have to fix anything right now. It simply means you are giving yourself information.
And information builds confidence.
Even a small check in can calm the noise, surface patterns, and make the new year feel lighter before it even begins.
what “one thing” can look like
If this season feels full, keep it simple.
One thing might look like:
- opening your tracker and checking totals
- opening your business bank account and reviewing one month
- glancing at your income and expenses without categorizing anything
- downloading your transactions and noticing what stands out.
That counts.
Consistency is not about doing everything. It is about doing something.
a supportive place to start
If you want structure without pressure, this is exactly why I created the free DIY Bookkeeping Checklist and the Cash Flow Pro Tracker.
They were not designed for perfect seasons. They were built for real life. For busy months. For pauses. For starting again.
No perfection required.
carry clarity into the new year
You do not need to close the year with perfect books or a polished plan.
You just need to know where you stand.
Taking care of your numbers now, even in a small way, removes uncertainty and creates space for whatever comes next.
If you have been waiting for the right time to check in, let this be it.
Before the year ends, do one thing.
With gratitude,
Jessie