January is a magical time — that crisp new-snow feeling, the promise of fresh beginnings, and the collective optimism that this will be the year we finally get our lives together.
And for small business owners, this often includes a long list of ambitious New Year’s resolutions: hit the gym four times a week, drink more water, declutter the office, train for a marathon, master sourdough, learn a new language, finally figure out TikTok…
Listen, as your friendly professional bookkeeper, I’m not here to crush your dreams — but let’s be realistic. By February, at least three of those resolutions will be sitting in the same spot as your unused gym keycard: buried under a pile of good intentions and receipts you swear you’ll deal with tomorrow.
But here’s the good news: financial resolutions are different.
They’re practical. They’re achievable. And unlike trying to force yourself onto a treadmill in the dead of winter, they make your life easier.
So, let’s talk about the financial resolutions that small businesses can actually stick to, and how to make 2025 (or whatever year you’re reading this in) your most organized, profitable year yet.
🍁 1. Weekly Check-Ins: The Only Habit You’ll Actually Keep
Gym resolution: “I’ll go every morning!”<br />Reality: “I went once, pulled something, and now I’m emotionally recovering.”
But a weekly financial check-in?
Ten minutes, max. No sweatband required.
A simple weekly routine is the easiest way to stay on top of your books — and prevent those painful “what is THIS charge?” moments during tax season.
Your weekly check-in can include:
- Uploading or snapping photos of new receipts
- Sending invoices (or gently nudging unpaid ones)
- Categorizing income and expenses
- Paying bills
- Reviewing upcoming payments
- Checking your bank balance (brace yourself)
That’s it. It’s basically the financial equivalent of stretching — minimal effort, huge benefits.
If you build this habit, your year-end self will want to send you flowers.
💸 2. Automated Invoicing: Because You Don’t Have Time to Chase People
You know how gym memberships automatically renew, even if you forget they exist?<br />Automation works — sometimes too well.
But automated invoicing? That’s automation working for you, not against you.
When you automate:
- Invoices go out on time
- Clients get reminders before you must become a collections expert
- Payments arrive faster
- Cash flow stabilizes
- You stop waking up at 3 a.m. thinking “Oh no, I forgot to invoice Carol again”
Xero and Freshbooks, and even some CRMs allow recurring invoices, scheduled billing, and automatic reminders. Set it once, let it run.
Think of it as the treadmill that moves on its own while you lie beside it eating Timbits. It’s still doing its job — beautifully.
🧾 3. Cleaner Record-Keeping: Because Receipts Don’t Belong in Your Cupholder
Let’s talk receipts.
They hide everywhere:
- In your truck’s visor
- In jacket pockets from 2019
- In that one kitchen drawer
- In the glovebox
- Under your laptop
- Crumpled in a coffee-stained wad you swear used to contain important information
This year let’s make a pact: No more shoebox bookkeeping.
Cleaner record-keeping means:
- Snap every receipt with an app (Hubdoc or Dext)
- Keep digital backups
- Avoid duplicate entries
- Never lose an expense again
- Have everything ready for CRA without the stress sweats
Bonus: your bookkeeper will adore you.
And if you’re thinking, “I’ll do this later,” remember how many people say that about going to the gym… and how few go.
📅 4. Monthly Financial Reviews: Your Business’s Wellness Check
Your business deserves check-ups too — and unlike a fitness class, you can do this sitting comfortably at your desk wrapped in a cozy sweater.
A proper monthly review includes:
- Scanning your Profit & Loss for surprises
- Checking your balance sheet (don’t worry, we’ll make it painless)
- Reviewing cash flow
- Looking at money owed to you
- Checking money, you owe others
- Comparing your results to your goals
This isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness. When you know your numbers, you make better decisions. When you make better decisions, your business grows.
And honestly? Reviewing your financial reports is way more satisfying than reviewing your gym progress. You’ll see actual improvement.
🧠 5. Stick to a Simple Budget (And Actually Use It)
Budgets often get abandoned faster than people abandon their fitness resolutions once the temperature drops to -25.
But here’s the secret: business budgets don’t need to be complicated.
A basic budget should cover:
- Expected monthly income
- Operating expenses
- Savings for taxes
- Savings for slow months
- Growth or equipment funds
That’s it. It’s a financial compass — not a straitjacket.
And unlike a meal-prepping plan, this is one you won’t bail on after week two.
💖 6. Treat Bookkeeping Like Self-Care
Hear me out: bookkeeping is basically self-care for your business.
- It reduces stress
- Creates clarity
- Prevents panic
- Gives you more freedom
- Supports your long-term goals
It may not be as glamorous as bath bombs and herbal tea, but the glow of knowing your books are spotless. That’s real.
🍁 Final Thoughts: Keep the Resolutions That Matter
Look, I’m not here to discourage your gym goals — truly. If you want to become the next fitness icon, I’ll happily cheer you on.
But if you want resolutions that will change your year, focus on your finances.
Because unlike a treadmill that becomes a very expensive clothing rack by mid-February, bookkeeping habits pay off.
