🟣🟢 Stormy Weather?

🌅 Happy Sunday 👋

The stormy weather today is my youngest daughter’s great excuse to snuggle under a blanket and drink hot chocolate, whilst watching cheesy Christmas films, BUT

I will be putting up the Christmas tree and decorations. This is because with two Americans in the family, we’ve embraced our own version of the American Thanksgiving tradition.

It’s also the time of year when I start planning for 2025. It is after all only 30 days until Christmas Day (eek!) so what better time to do an annual review?

So let’s get started 👇

The Annual Review: A Business Owner's Guide to Securing Your Financial Future

As a small business owner, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, so much so that taking time for an annual review feels like a luxury you can't afford.

But dedicating just a few hours to reflect, reset, and refocus could make all the difference in how you approach the year ahead, especially when it comes to your personal financial security.

I want to help you get three things out of your annual review:

1. A sense of accomplishment for what you've achieved.

2. Clarity on what you want next.

3. Excitement and hope for your personal financial future.

Let's make this process straightforward, impactful, and - most importantly - realistic when time is probably your scarcest resource, especially this time of year.

1. Recognise Your Wins to Build Gratitude

Running a business means you probably spend more time thinking about what still needs to be done rather than celebrating what you've already achieved.

But recognising your wins - even the small ones - is crucial for building momentum and staying motivated.

Action Step: Write down three things your business achieved this year. It could be anything - finally hiring that assistant, hitting a revenue goal, or simply surviving a challenging quarter.

Then, note one way each achievement has positively impacted your personal finances. Did hitting a revenue goal allow you to make a pension contribution?

By doing this, you’ll start seeing progress you might otherwise overlook, setting a foundation of gratitude that makes tackling future financial goals more meaningful.

2. Get Clear on What You Want Next (For You Personally)

In the busyness of running a business, it’s hard to take a step back and ask, "What do I really want for myself?"

You might feel pulled in a dozen directions - expanding your business, spending more time with family, or taking better care of your health.

The truth is, unless you get clear on your personal financial priorities, it’s easy to fall into the trap of being 'too busy' without securing your future.

Action Step: Set aside 15 minutes to answer one question: "If I could achieve just one thing next year that would make a real difference in my personal financial security, what would it be?"

It might be setting up a pension plan, paying down debt, or creating an emergency fund. Write down your answer and stick it somewhere you can see - like your office wall - as a reminder of what matters most for your personal financial wellbeing.

3. Create Excitement About Your Financial Future

For many of us, the concept of financial planning can feel like a chore - a list of things we “should” do that ultimately adds more pressure.

Instead of setting generic financial goals, focus on goals that genuinely excite you. After all, the reason you started your business was to create a life that feels meaningful, not to add more stress.

Action Step: Imagine your personal finances at their best a year from now.

What does that look like? More savings? Less debt? A step closer to financial freedom?

Write down one or two tangible financial goals that directly contribute to that vision - and make them specific.

For example, instead of “save more,” you could aim to “contribute £500 per month to my pension.” Instead of “reduce debt,” aim to “pay off my directors loan by October.” These specific targets give you a sense of progress and build anticipation as you move toward them.

Your Financial Future Is in Your Hands

An annual review doesn’t have to be long or complex - it just needs to be done.

By recognising your wins, clarifying what matters most for your personal finances, and setting specific, exciting goals, you’ll set yourself up for a year that brings both personal financial security and business growth.

So, grab a drink of choice and a notebook and spend some time to give yourself the annual review you deserve. The future isn’t something that just happens; it’s something you shape, step by step.

🚀 INVESTING AND PLANNING

😎AND FINALLY
This week on Youtube…

If you’re wondering what you need to retire, here is a video that might help get you started : How much Money do I need to retire from my Business?

Check it out here 👇👇👇

As always, I hope you found this helpful.

If you have any questions at all, drop me a note.

Hilary 😎

P.S Whenever you’re ready maybe I can help: Book a Discovery call and find out if we can help you

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