Back-to-Business Mode: Why September Is the Perfect Reset

September always feels like a “fresh start.” The kids are back in school, summer vacations are over, and routines fall back into place.

For attorneys, that might mean an influx of new cases after a slower summer. For fast food franchise owners, it’s the start of the lead-up to the holiday season (which can mean either a big rush or a tighter budget depending on your location).

And let’s be honest—when business picks up, bookkeeping often gets pushed to the back burner. That’s fine… until it isn’t. Because if you don’t stay on top of your finances now, you’ll be facing stress, lost profits, and missed tax opportunities later.

The solution? Simple, consistent bookkeeping habits. These don’t have to take hours, but when you commit to them, they’ll keep your business running profitably and smoothly through the holidays.

Here are five bookkeeping habits every attorney and franchise owner should adopt right now.

 

1. Schedule Weekly (or Bi-Weekly) Financial Check-Ins

Think of this as your “money meeting.” Just like you wouldn’t miss a court date or skip a staff meeting, you shouldn’t ignore your numbers.

During this quick check-in, review:

  • New expenses and whether they’ve been recorded
  • Invoices sent and payments collected
  • Bank account balances and reconciliations
  • Cash flow for the week ahead

For attorneys, this is also the time to make sure client trust accounts are reconciled properly (a huge compliance issue if ignored). For franchise owners, check for discrepancies between POS sales and bank deposits—delivery apps and merchant processors don’t always sync perfectly.

Pro tip: Put these financial check-ins on your calendar like any other appointment. Consistency is what prevents surprises.

 

2. Keep Receipts and Expenses Organized (Digitally!)

Gone are the days of shoeboxes stuffed with receipts (thank goodness). With today’s apps and accounting software, you can snap a picture of a receipt the moment you get it and file it digitally.

  • Attorneys: Record mileage when you travel to court or client meetings. Small, frequent deductions add up.
  • Franchise owners: Don’t forget receipts for equipment repairs, uniforms, and even employee training.

The key here is to track expenses in real time. Waiting until December to dig through a pile of papers means you’ll forget things—and forgotten deductions = more taxes owed.

 

3. Monitor Cash Flow Closely

Cash flow is king, especially in Q4 when business activity and expenses can swing dramatically.

Attorneys may see an influx of client retainers but delayed billing cycles. Franchise owners may experience higher seasonal demand but also increased payroll costs, holiday bonuses, and supply price fluctuations.

By reviewing your cash flow regularly, you can:
✅ Spot slow-paying clients or vendors quickly
✅ Plan for payroll and holiday expenses in advance
✅ Decide whether now is the right time for investments or if they should wait until next year

If you’ve ever had that pit-in-your-stomach moment of wondering, “Do I have enough to cover this payroll?”—consistent cash flow tracking will put those worries to rest.

 

4. Separate Business and Personal Finances (No Excuses!)

This is one of the most common mistakes we see, especially with busy solo attorneys and new franchise owners. Swiping the same card for business lunches, groceries, and gas blurs the financial lines and creates headaches later.

Benefits of separation:

  • Your books will be cleaner and easier to manage.
  • You’ll avoid IRS red flags during tax season.
  • You’ll know exactly how profitable your business really is.

If you haven’t already, set up dedicated business accounts and credit cards. And commit to using them only for business expenses.

 

5. Plan Ahead for Taxes (and Year-End)

Nobody wants a surprise tax bill in January. That’s why September and October are the perfect months to review your tax strategy before the year ends.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I on track with quarterly tax payments?
  • Are there deductions or credits I can take advantage of before December 31?
  • Should I invest in new equipment or contribute to retirement accounts this year?

Attorneys can reduce taxable income with retirement contributions or professional development investments. Franchise owners can look at equipment upgrades, employee retention credits, or marketing campaigns.

The bottom line: planning ahead now gives you options later. Waiting until January eliminates those options—and may cost you big.

 

Bonus Habit: Lean on Professionals When You Need To

Look, you’re busy. Attorneys are focused on serving clients and winning cases. Franchise owners are managing staff, inventory, and customer experience. You don’t have time to become a bookkeeping expert on top of everything else.

That’s where having a trusted bookkeeper and accountant makes all the difference. We help you:

  • Keep your books accurate and compliant
  • Identify tax-saving opportunities
  • Stay ahead of deadlines (no more last-minute panic!)
  • Free up your time so you can focus on running your practice or business

Think of it this way: your books are just as important to your business as case law or food safety standards. And you don’t have to manage them alone.

 

September is the season of getting back to business—and your finances should be no exception. By adopting these five bookkeeping habits, you’ll not only survive the holiday season but actually thrive through it.

✅ Weekly money check-ins
✅ Organized digital receipts
✅ Cash flow monitoring
✅ Business/personal separation
✅ Tax planning before year-end

It’s not about spending hours in front of spreadsheets. It’s about building simple, consistent habits that keep you profitable and stress-free.

Ready to get your books organized before the holiday rush? Contact us today, and let’s make sure your practice or franchise finishes the year strong.