The First Money Habit Every Business Owner Should Build (That’s Not a Budget)

When most people think about getting better with money, they think “I guess I need to make a budget.” And while budgets can be helpful, they’re not the only,  or even the first step toward financial clarity in your business.

In fact, the habit I recommend most often isn’t about spreadsheets or sacrifice at all.

It’s this:
Look at your financial reports once a month.

That’s it. Just start there.

Why This Habit Matters

Whether you’re running a local business in Longview, WA or supporting wellness clients across the country, the truth is the same, you can’t make empowered decisions if you don’t know what’s going on under the hood.

Getting into the rhythm of reviewing your numbers regularly helps you:

• Notice trends in income and expenses

• Catch mistakes or unexpected charges

• Feel more connected to your business (instead of afraid of it)

• Make calm, confident decisions, no more guessing

And no, you don’t have to understand every line item right away. You don’t even have to love it.

You just have to show up and look.

What to Look At Each Month

Once a month, maybe the first Monday or during your CEO hour,  open up your reports. Here’s where I usually have clients start:

• Profit & Loss Statement
  What did you bring in vs. what went out? Did anything surprise you?

• Balance Sheet
  How are your assets and debts looking overall?

• Cash Flow Statement
  What’s the actual movement of money in and out?
  

If you're my client, I’ll send these to you with explanations so you’re never in the dark. But even if you’re DIY-ing right now, taking a peek at these monthly reports can start building a sense of awareness, and that awareness becomes power.

It’s Not About Doing It Perfectly

If you’ve been avoiding your numbers, you’re not alone. Most business owners don’t get into their field because they love bookkeeping. But what I’ve learned from supporting small business owners across industries is this:

You don’t need to be a numbers person.
You just need one small habit to build momentum.

So the next time you feel the urge to say, “I’ll deal with it later,” try something different. Mark 15 minutes on your calendar, open your reports, and take a deep breath.

You’re not behind. You’re starting.

And I’m here when you’re ready for a little backup.