Running a business isn’t just about delivering great products or services—it’s about keeping your finances healthy so your business can thrive long term. Here are ten essential financial tips every business owner should keep in mind:

1. Separate Business and Personal Finances
Open a dedicated business bank account and credit card. This makes it easier to track expenses, prepare taxes, and maintain accurate records.

2. Create (and Stick to) a Budget
A well-planned budget helps you anticipate expenses, control cash flow, and allocate resources strategically. Review it monthly to stay on track.

3. Monitor Cash Flow Closely
Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Track receivables and payables regularly to avoid surprises. Use forecasting to plan for dips in income.

4. Build an Emergency Fund
Unexpected challenges will arise—economic shifts, equipment breakdowns, or slow sales months. Aim to keep 3–6 months of expenses saved.

5. Keep Good Financial Records
Accurate bookkeeping is non-negotiable. Whether you use accounting software or hire a bookkeeper, make sure everything is recorded and reconciled.

6. Plan for Taxes Year-Round
Don’t wait until tax season. Set aside money monthly and take advantage of deductions, credits, and retirement contributions to reduce liability.

7. Invest in Professional Advice
Accountants, financial advisors, and business strategists can help you save money and make better long-term decisions. Don’t try to do everything alone.

8. Review Pricing Regularly
Make sure your pricing reflects costs, value, and market conditions. Underpricing can drain profits, while strategic increases can fuel growth.

9. Manage Debt Wisely
Not all debt is bad—but high-interest debt can cripple cash flow. Refinance when possible, and use debt strategically for growth, not survival.

10. Plan for Growth and Retirement
​Your business should support your future. Invest in growth opportunities, but also build personal wealth through retirement accounts and diversified investments.

Final ThoughtsStrong financial management isn’t just about surviving—it’s about setting your business up to thrive. By following these tips, you’ll have greater stability, flexibility, and confidence as you grow.

 As students head back to school, sharpen their pencils, and dive into new routines, business owners and professionals can take a few lessons from this season as well. Just like students, we can use this time of year as a reset to get organized, stay focused, and prepare for success.

1. Fresh Starts Are for Everyone
The school year always feels like a clean slate—new notebooks, new teachers, new opportunities. In business, September can serve the same purpose. It’s the perfect time to reset your goals, refine your processes, and look at the last quarter of the year with fresh energy.

2. Organization Fuels Success
Backpacks are stocked, lockers are cleaned out, and schedules are set. Students thrive on structure—and so do businesses. From tightening up your financials to reviewing your CRM, strong organization lays the groundwork for growth.

3. Learning Never Stops
Students expect to learn something new every day, but professionals often forget to carve out time for personal and professional development. Whether it’s attending a workshop, joining a networking group, or reading industry insights, continuous learning is what keeps businesses competitive.

4. Teamwork Makes the Grade
Group projects in school may not always be fun, but they teach collaboration, communication, and leadership. In the workplace, building strong teams and fostering collaboration are essential for innovation and efficiency.

5. Plan Ahead, Avoid the “Cram Session”
Remember those all-nighters before an exam? In business, waiting until the last minute can be costly. Strategic planning—whether for end-of-year sales goals or next year’s initiatives—helps you stay ahead instead of scrambling.

Final Thought
Back-to-school isn’t just for kids. It’s a reminder that structure, learning, and preparation set the stage for success. So, take a page from the students’ playbook: sharpen your tools, stay curious, and get ready to finish the year strong.

If your inbox feels like a never-ending to-do list someone else controls… you’re not alone. For most business owners and professionals, email is both essential and overwhelming. The good news? With a few small shifts, you can manage email instead of letting it manage you.
1. Stop Treating Email Like a Whack-a-Mole Game 🎯If you jump on every incoming ping, you’ll never get deep work done.
✅ Pro tip: Check your email in scheduled batches (e.g., mid-morning and mid-afternoon). Turn off notifications between sessions.

2. The Two-Minute Rule ⏱️If an email will take less than two minutes to answer, do it right away. Anything longer? Schedule it or delegate it—don’t let it sit.

3. Use Subject Lines Like a Headline Writer 📰Clear subject lines help everyone (including future you). Instead of “Question,” try:
“Need Your Feedback on Q3 Marketing Plan by Friday”

4. Declutter Like a Minimalist 🧹Unsubscribe ruthlessly. Create rules/filters for newsletters, receipts, and automated alerts so they skip your main inbox.

5. Keep Emails Short (and Human) 💬Respect people’s time—avoid walls of text. Bullet points, bold for emphasis, and a friendly tone go a long way.

6. Your Inbox Is Not Your Task List 📋Move action items to your project manager, CRM, or task app. That way, your inbox stays a place for communication, not storage.

💡 Final Thought:
Email is a tool. When you control when and how you use it, you’ll have more time for the work—and relationships—that really matter.

As we head into August, business owners have a golden opportunity: the mid-year tax check-in.
It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations and push off financial planning until the year’s end. But taking time now — with two full quarters behind you — can give you a clearer view of where your business stands and what steps to take before the fourth quarter sneaks up.
Here’s what you should be reviewing right now:

✅ 1. Review Your Year-to-Date Financials
Look at your revenue, expenses, and net income so far. Are you hitting your goals? Falling short in certain areas? This is the time to spot trends, identify gaps, and adjust your strategy before Q3 wraps up.

📅 2. Prep for Q3 Estimated Tax Payments
If you make quarterly tax payments, the next one is due September 16, 2025. Check with your accountant to ensure your payments are on track — overpaying ties up cash, while underpaying can trigger penalties.

💡 3. Look for Missed Deductions or Credits
Have you made any large purchases, launched new products, or hired new employees? You may qualify for deductions or credits you haven’t claimed yet. These can make a big difference in your tax liability.

📈 4. Start Thinking About Year-End Planning
It might feel early, but now is a smart time to plan for year-end actions like:

• Retirement plan contributions
• Equipment upgrades or asset purchases
• Employee bonuses or profit-sharing
• Charitable giving strategies

Spreading these decisions out over time can ease cash flow and improve your tax outlook.

💸 5. Revisit Your Budget and Cash Flow
Are you operating with a realistic forecast? Update your budget based on current results and anticipated changes. This can help avoid surprises in Q4 and ensure a smoother path into 2026.

Let’s Make the Second Half Stronger
At GLM, we believe tax planning isn’t just about what happens in April — it’s about smart decisions throughout the year. A quick mid-year check-in could save you money, prevent last-minute stress, and set you up for a stronger finish.
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📞 Ready to review your numbers?
Get in touch with your GLM advisor to schedule your personalized mid-year planning session.