How to Stop Scrambling in December: 3 Financial Planning Moves to Make Now
How to Stop Scrambling in December: 3 Financial Planning Moves to Make Now
If you’ve ever hit mid-December surrounded by receipts, juggling decisions, or thinking “how did I get behind again?”—you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong.
The truth is: how you feel in December is being shaped right now.
Most people don’t make time to get clear on their numbers until they have to. By then, it’s often too late to make strategic moves. The good news? There’s still plenty of time to shift things.
Here’s what I recommend to help you stop the scramble and head into the holidays with peace of mind (and maybe even some white space on your calendar).
✅ 1. Shift from Reflecting to Refining
Instead of waiting until December 31st to reflect on the year, look ahead and ask yourself:
What’s working that I want to do more of?
What’s been draining, unclear, or messy?
What would support me in finishing strong?
This shift from passive reflection to active refinement allows you to make changes now—while there’s still room to do something about it.
✅ 2. Define Your December Non-Negotiables
Start with the outcome you want:
Do you want December to be spacious? Profitable? Family-focused? Free from late-night number crunching?
Instead of reacting to what comes at you, build a financial plan around how you want to feel. That’s how you create a year-end that supports your life—not just your ledger.
✅ 3. Don’t Wait to Think About Taxes
Tax planning in late December is like bringing a fire extinguisher to a bonfire that already burned down the tent. You can do better.
Right now is the window to:
Review income and expenses
Make intentional year-end purchases or contributions
Maximize retirement or giving strategies
Avoid April surprises
This is where a financial planner (👋 hey!) can help you make confident, tax-savvy moves that align with your goals—not just your accountant’s checklist.
✅ BONUS: Think Ahead About Holiday Spending
Even if your business finances are solid, personal spending tends to spike in Q4—between gifts, travel, meals, and celebrations, it adds up fast.
Now’s the time to:
Estimate those costs (even a rough ballpark helps)
Start setting aside money weekly or monthly
Use a high-yield savings account (HYSA) to stash those funds so they’re out of sight but still working for you
Add a buffer not just for spending—but to replace income if you’re planning to take extra time off around the holidays
Creating space to rest is easier when your money’s already accounted for.
You Deserve a December That Feels Light
Whether you're a business owner, high earner, or simply someone who wants more clarity and less chaos—you don’t have to wait until January to reset.
When you put the right planning in motion now, you create a December that feels grounded and spacious. Not rushed. Not reactive. Just...better.
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