As your business grows, it’s normal for things to start feeling more complex. You know your market, your customers, and your product. But the financial and operational side can start pulling more of your time and energy.
You are not alone. The good news is that you don’t need formal business training to stay on top of your financial health. You just need a clear, simple starting point.
The beginning of the year is the perfect moment to step back, regroup, and set yourself up for a strong year ahead. Here is a practical checkup written for owners, not accountants.
1.) Start With a Clear Picture of Last Year
Before planning forward, take a moment to see where things ended. This gives you confidence, not more work.
Review:
- Whether your bank accounts match your internal records
- Your Profit and Loss statement
- Your cash flow trends
- What changed compared to your last budget
- Any signs that your margins have tightened
- Customers who are taking longer than they should to pay
You don’t need to solve everything in one sitting. The goal is clarity, not perfection.
2.) Get Ahead of Cash Flow Surprises
Cash surprises create stress for owners. A simple forecast helps you stay in control.
Build:
- A 13‑week cash flow view
- A rolling 12‑month forecast
These tools help you spot issues early so you can make decisions with more confidence. And if you’re not sure where to start, Core Bank can help you put these together.
3.) Understand the Economic Landscape You’re Operating In
Rates eased late in 2025, but lenders still expect stronger financials even as small business lending grows. Planning for more than one interest rate scenario is smart.
Locally, Omaha continues to show low unemployment and rising wages. This helps with hiring but can tighten margins. It may be a good moment to explore productivity tools or training to strengthen your team.
4.) Review Your Tax Strategy Early in the Year
Several tax changes may benefit your business.
- One hundred percent bonus depreciation has been restored
- Section 179 limits increased
- Retirement and HSA contribution limits increased
- 401(k): $23,500 with a $7,500 catch‑up and enhanced $11,250 catch‑up for ages 60 to 63
- HSA: $4,300 individual and $8,550 family
A quick check‑in with your CPA early in the year can prevent surprises.
5.) Strengthen Your Fraud Protection
Fraud attempts have been rising across businesses of all sizes. Even well‑run and highly-secure companies are targeted.
Simple safeguards include:
- Dual approvals for ACH and wires
- Verifying new vendors before sending payments
- Positive Pay and ACH filters
These steps stop most fraud before it starts. Core Bank has a dedicated team that can help you set up fraud prevention tools, as well as tips and resources on their Cybersecurity & Fraud Prevention webpage.
6.) Improve Your Working Capital Flow
Working capital is the money you rely on every day. When it runs smoothly, everything else runs more smoothly too.
Focus on:
- Getting paid faster by invoicing promptly and offering online payments
- Negotiating longer payment terms with vendors
- Keeping inventory at a level that meets demand without tying up extra cash
Stronger working capital gives you more options and fewer financial surprises.
7.) Create a Simple Budget and Key Metrics for the New Year
You don’t need a complicated dashboard. You just need a handful of numbers that keep you grounded.
Set up:
- A base budget
- A stronger‑year version
- A softer‑year version
Then choose a few KPIs to review monthly, such as:
- gross margin
- cash on hand
- cash conversion cycle
- forecast accuracy
Keeping your eye on a few key metrics helps you stay proactive instead of reactive.
8.) Review Your People and Compensation Plan
At the start of the year, review:
- how your wages compare to local trends
- whether your benefits align with what employees value
- whether your retirement and HSA settings match updated IRS limits
If wages have risen, productivity tools or cross‑training can help your team operate more efficiently.
9.) Check Your Accounting and Compliance Requirements
Lease accounting under ASC 842 continues to challenge many growing businesses.
Make sure:
- all leases are recorded (including those hidden inside service contracts)
- discount rates are appropriate
- any sale leaseback activity is recorded correctly
- impairments are clearly presented
This helps prevent issues during audits or when renewing financing.
10.) Prepare for New Nacha ACH Rules Taking Effect in 2026
If you use ACH for payroll, vendor payments, or customer debits, new rules begin rolling out in 2026.
Key updates include:
- New fraud‑monitoring requirements
- Standard labels like PAYROLL and PURCHASE in ACH files
- Mandatory account verification for online debits
- Faster availability of ACH credits by 9:00 a.m. local time by September 2026
It’s smart to check whether your processes and systems are ready.
How Core Bank Helps You Stay in Control
You do not need to master every financial detail to run a strong business. As your business grows, our team can help you navigate the financial side with confidence.
- Positive Pay, ACH blocks and filters, and real‑time alerts to help protect your business.
Working Capital and Treasury Support
- Streamlined receivables, payables, liquidity tools, and reporting designed to support smooth operations.
- Guidance and tools to prepare for the 2026 Nacha rule changes and keep your payments secure.
- Easy access to your accounts, transfers, payments, and reporting anytime.
- Flexible borrowing solutions including working capital, equipment financing, and SBA options.
- A team that understands your market and helps you make confident financial decisions.
