Running a business can feel like spinning plates. Between serving your customers, finding new ones, and trying to keep the numbers in order, it’s easy to feel like the financial side is always playing catch-up.
Over the years, I’ve found nearly every business owner I meet is ultimately thinking about what I call The Big 3:
1️⃣ Growing profitable revenue
2️⃣ Reducing costs
3️⃣ Reducing and managing risk
Simple, regular habits are often the best way to move the needle on all three—while also reducing the personal stress that comes from worrying about what might be around the corner.
Here are three small things you can do at month-end that help you stay on top of your Big 3—and feel more in control:
1️⃣ Reconcile Your Accounts Monthly
Match your bank, credit card, and PayPal transactions to your records.
How it helps:
✅ Reduces risk – You’ll spot duplicate charges, missed payments, and even potential fraud early—before they snowball into bigger problems that cost time, money, or both.
✅ Controls cost – You’ll see unnecessary fees and subscriptions quickly.
✅ Reduces stress – No more worrying whether everything has been accounted for—or the nagging feeling you’ll get an unpleasant surprise later.
2️⃣ Review Your Aged Receivables
Check which invoices are still unpaid and follow up gently.
How it helps:
✅ Grows revenue – Getting paid faster keeps cash flowing and funds your growth.
✅ Reduces risk – The longer debts sit, the more likely they’ll turn into bad debts you never recover. This also reduces the personal stress (and regret) of wondering “What could I have done if that money had come in?”
✅ Reduces stress – You won’t be blindsided by overdue balances just when you need funds most.
3️⃣ Tag and File Receipts
Set aside time to label and store receipts (digitally or on paper).
How it helps:
✅ Controls cost – You’re less likely to miss allowable expenses that reduce your tax bill.
✅ Reduces risk – Poor records can lead to penalties, extra tax due, or time-consuming queries from HMRC. Staying organised protects you against all of these.
✅ Reduces stress – You avoid the last-minute scramble and the dread of not being able to prove what you spent.
You might notice a theme: reducing risk shows up in all three habits.
That’s because risk isn’t just something that lives in a spreadsheet—it’s often the silent burden that keeps business owners awake at night.
It’s the fear of missing out on a better situation tomorrow because things weren’t clear today. It’s the anxiety of wondering if something avoidable will get worse over time.
One of the reasons I love this work is helping people feel less of that burden. When you have reliable, up-to-date records, you’re not just avoiding problems—you’re giving yourself the freedom to focus on growth and feel confident you’re making the right decisions, now and in the future.
Even starting with just one of these habits can make a real difference.
Here’s to less stress, fewer surprises, and the peace of mind that comes from seeing the full picture.