Planning with purpose before year-end

October is the gateway to the final quarter—a time when small business owners feel both the pressure of unfinished goals and the excitement of closing strong. It’s also one of the most important months for looking ahead with intention. With year-end only weeks away, the steps you take now can make the difference between scrambling in December and finishing with clarity and confidence.

At Maverick Business Partners, we view October as a month of purposeful planning: reviewing your numbers, addressing red flags, and setting priorities for the months ahead. Here are five focus areas to guide your business this month:

1. Revisit Your Budget with Fresh Eyes

Budgets aren’t set-and-forget tools. By October, actual performance often looks different than projections.

Pro Tip 1: Compare year-to-date revenue and expenses against your original budget.

Pro Tip 2: Adjust the remainder of your budget to reflect current trends and realistic goals.

Key Insight: Small adjustments now help you avoid surprises and keep year-end plans grounded in reality.

2. Forecast Cash Flow Through Year-End

October is prime time for cash flow planning, especially with holidays, seasonal expenses, and year-end bonuses on the horizon.

Pro Tip 1: Map out expected inflows and outflows for the next three months.

Pro Tip 2: Set aside cash reserves for taxes, payroll, and vendor payments.

Key Insight: A forward-looking cash flow forecast protects your business from last-minute stress.

3. Prepare for Tax Season Early

Waiting until January to think about taxes is a recipe for overwhelm.

Pro Tip 1: Review your records now and confirm they’re reconciled through September.

Pro Tip 2: Ask your financial partner about estimated tax payments and year-end strategies.

Key Insight: Early preparation helps you minimize liabilities and avoid the “tax season scramble.”

4. Strengthen Your Financial Habits

October is a perfect month to recommit to habits that carry you through year-end and beyond.

Pro Tip 1: Schedule a recurring monthly financial review (30–45 minutes).

Pro Tip 2: Make it routine to review your P&L, budget vs. actuals, and cash flow trends.

Key Insight: Consistent habits turn financial clarity from a one-time goal into an ongoing system.

5. Align Year-End Goals with Next Year’s Vision

Your October decisions should prepare your business not just for December 31—but for the year ahead.

Pro Tip 1: Identify one or two growth priorities to carry into Q1.

Pro Tip 2: Use October’s review to decide whether you need to adjust staffing, marketing, or capital investments.

Key Insight: October is the bridge month between wrapping up this year and setting the stage for next year.

Let Maverick Help You Plan with Purpose before Year-End

October is your chance to get ahead—reviewing, adjusting, and planning before the rush of the holidays. Whether you need help forecasting cash flow, tightening up systems, or preparing for taxes, Maverick Business Partners is here to support you.

Our team goes beyond bookkeeping to provide clarity, strategy, and accountability—so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

About Maverick Business Partners

At Maverick Business Partners, we specialize in bookkeeping, monthly financial reviews, and strategic guidance for small business owners. With affordable monthly pricing and 35+ years of experience, we serve as your trusted financial partner—not just your bookkeeper.

Need a reliable partner to help you finish the year strong?

Contact Maverick Business Partners today, and discover how we can can simplify your finances and support your long-term success.