Smart summer money habits to keep your business thriving

Subheading: Keep your business cool and your cash flow even cooler this summer.

Summer in Australia is a beautiful chaos of beach trips, backyard barbecues, and out-of-office replies. While everyone else is switching into holiday mode, small business owners are often doing the opposite, juggling deadlines, staff breaks, and slow payments while trying to sneak in a bit of sunshine.

It is tempting to take your foot off the pedal once December rolls around, but a few smart money habits can make all the difference. Let’s talk about how to keep your business finances cool, calm, and steady through the silly season.

Tidy up your invoices before the holidays

No one wants to be chasing payments when they should be chasing waves. Late December is when everyone disappears, so get your invoices sorted early.

Send them promptly, double check your payment terms, and follow up on anything overdue before the Christmas rush hits. The goal is to have your accounts in order before clients switch to holiday mode and forget all about your invoice sitting in their inbox.

A great tip is to set friendly reminders or use automated payment software so nothing gets missed. A few quick emails now mean a smoother start to the new year and no awkward follow ups in January asking, “Hey, did you get my invoice?”

Know your cash flow forecast

Summer often means a quieter period for many businesses, especially if your clients close for a few weeks. That is why now is the perfect time to look at your cash flow forecast.

Take a moment to map out what is coming in and what is going out over the next two months. Factor in staff leave, supplier payments, rent, and any annual expenses like insurance or subscriptions. This simple habit gives you a clear picture of your cash position and helps you avoid surprises when January rolls around.

If you notice a gap between incoming cash and outgoing bills, talk to your accountant early. A short term strategy like adjusting payment dates or trimming non essential costs can help you glide through the slow season without stress.

Set aside your tax and super early

The holiday spirit is contagious, but so is forgetting your obligations. It is easy to get caught up in festive spending and leave your tax and super contributions to the last minute.

Avoid that end of year scramble by setting money aside now. Allocate a portion of your income to a separate account for tax, GST, and super. Even better, automate it so you do not have to think about it. That way, when the ATO deadlines arrive, you will be ready, no panic, no paperwork marathon, no stress.

If you are not sure how much to set aside, your accountant can give you a clear estimate based on your earnings and expenses.

Plan for staff holidays

The holidays are meant to be relaxing, but for business owners, they can feel like a scheduling nightmare. Between Christmas, New Year, and long weekends, it is easy to lose track of who is working when.

Get ahead of the chaos by confirming staff leave early. Make sure you understand how their time off affects payroll, and ensure super and leave entitlements are up to date.

If you rely on seasonal staff, start recruiting early so you are not scrambling in December. It is also a good time to review your staffing budget and make sure your wage costs align with your cash flow forecast.

Review your subscriptions and spending

When was the last time you checked what you are paying for every month? Summer is the perfect time to do a financial spring clean.

Review all your business expenses, especially subscriptions and software that quietly renew without notice. Cancel anything you no longer use and look for better deals where possible.

Even small savings add up. A few unnecessary costs trimmed here and there can free up cash for more important things, like your next business goal or maybe that well deserved holiday.

Refresh your goals for the new year

While you are in planning mode, take a moment to think about what you want your business to look like next year. Maybe it is improving profitability, hiring help, or expanding your services.

Set realistic goals and think about what needs to happen financially to make them a reality. Do you need better systems? A clearer budget? A chat with your accountant about cash flow strategies?

Treat this as your summer reset, a chance to get clear on where your money is going and how it can work smarter for you.

Keep calm and enjoy the break

Running a business is no small feat, and you have earned your downtime. The best part about getting your finances organised now is that you can actually relax when the holidays hit.

A bit of forward planning keeps your cash flow steady, your team happy, and your future self very grateful.

At BJT Business Advisors, we are all about helping business owners simplify the numbers, stay on top of compliance, and enjoy more time doing what they love. Whether you are looking to tighten your cash flow or plan for a stronger start next year, we have got your back.

Because when your finances are cool and under control, everything else just flows.