7 Easy Steps to Make Sure You End Q4 With Profit

I don’t know about you, but as I move into the last stretch of the year, I start to feel a familiar crunch and start over thinking, “Are revenues slipping, expenses rising, and is everything in order?”. 

To alleviate my spiraling, I made a list of  7 easy steps to get business finances in order before Q4 ends. I thought I’d share it with you so you can end this year on a hight note! 

Reassess your profit percentages
When’s the last time you set up your Profit First percentages? Don’t let outdated percentages sabotage your profit. Take a fresh look: based on your current revenue and expenses, are you allocating enough to profit, taxes, and owner’s pay? Even small tweaks can free up cash to invest in growth or weather surprises. Conduct a mini cash flow audit
Before the year ends, run a simple audit. Look at the last 90 days and track where your money really goes. View the flow of money as it is, not as you wish it would be. Identify areas where cash leaks occur, like unused subscriptions, bloated overhead, or overstaffed departments, and cut ruthlessly. Allocate Profit First accounts weekly
Don’t wait until month-end. Transfer percentages from income into separate accounts weekly. That way, profit, taxes, and owner’s pay grow steadily, and you start seeing tangible results immediately. The act of physically moving money to its dedicated accounts trains your brain to respect each dollar’s purpose. Implement a year-end tax buffer
Taxes often sneak up on business owners. Use Profit First to create a dedicated tax account. Even if you think you’re on top of things, adding a 1–2% buffer now can prevent a scramble at tax time and give you peace of mind heading into the new year. Prep a Q1 “Profit Forecast”
Here’s where you may freeze: projecting profit feels like guesswork. Based on your current percentages and expected revenue, calculate the minimum profit you’ll reserve for Q1. That number becomes your safety net, your peace of mind, and your springboard for growth. Review and reset your owner’s pay
Know your worth! Don’t go underpaid while the business bleeds money elsewhere. Prioritize your paycheck. As part of your Q4 prep, decide if your owner’s pay needs adjustment. Increasing it sensibly ensures you’re rewarded for your efforts while the business remains healthy. Automate what you can
The less you touch, the less you risk. Set up automated transfers into your Profit First accounts. Out of sight, out of mind, but always on purpose. Automation turns discipline into habit without adding mental load.

Final thought:
By now you know that Profit First is about more than accounting; it’s better money habits and a mindset shift. It’s the difference between reacting to money problems and designing your business to thrive, no matter the economy. These seven steps aren’t theory; they’re actionable, tangible ways to step into Q4 and the new year with clarity, confidence, and control.

Stop leaving profit to chance. Start allocating it first. Your business and your sanity will thank you.

Here’s to a stellar Q4! Without the spiraling!

-Mike

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