Business Financial Goals You Should Be Setting This Quarter
Ah, quarterly goals. The phrase that sparks equal parts excitement and panic for small business owners everywhere. If “quarterly financial goals for small business” sounds like something only Fortune 500 companies care about, think again.
Because whether you’re running a one-person Etsy shop or managing a growing team, setting financial goals each quarter is exactly how you stay ahead of the chaos - and make sure your business is thriving, not just surviving.
So grab a coffee (or something stronger, no judgment), and let’s break down how to crush your next quarter like the boss you are.
🧠 Why Bother with Quarterly Financial Goals Anyway?
Let’s be real: winging it is fun…until it’s tax season and you realize your books look like a toddler’s art project. Quarterly goals help you:
✅ Stay focused (hello, shiny object syndrome!)
✅ Track progress and pivot when needed
✅ Make informed decisions instead of guesses
✅ Build a stronger, more profitable business
Basically, they’re like mini checkpoints for your money, and your sanity.
💸 The Top 5 Financial Goals to Set This Quarter
1️⃣ Boost Your Cash Flow
If your bank account feels like a rollercoaster, it’s time to smooth out the ride. Set a goal to improve your cash flow by:
Following up on overdue invoices (you know the ones)
Offering discounts for early payments
Reviewing your pricing - are you charging what you’re worth, or are you still in “please like me” mode?
2️⃣ Cut Unnecessary Expenses (aka the “Do I Really Need That?” Check)
We all love a good subscription…until you’re paying $49.99 a month for an app you opened once in 2022. Set a goal to review all expenses and cut at least 10% of what’s not essential.
Bonus tip: Swap to annual billing where possible to save a few bucks.
3️⃣ Increase Revenue by a Set Percentage
Whether it’s 5%, 10%, or an ambitious 20%, pick a target and go for it. Get creative:
Upsell to existing clients
Launch a limited-time offer
Add a new service or product
Actually market your business (yes, we see you hiding behind “word of mouth”)
4️⃣ Save for Taxes (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
No one likes a surprise tax bill. Set a goal to stash a percentage of your income into a separate tax account each month. Your future self will thank you….and so will your accountant.
5️⃣ Review Your Profit Margins
This quarter, aim to increase your profit margins by trimming costs or raising prices. Remember, a business isn’t successful just because it’s busy - it’s successful when it’s profitable.
🏃♀️ How to Actually Stick to These Goals
Let’s be honest, setting goals is the easy part. Following through? That’s where most of us drop the ball.
Here’s how to stay on track:
✅ Block time in your calendar to review goals weekly
✅ Track progress in a spreadsheet, app, or even a sticky note - whatever works!
✅ Celebrate small wins (yes, even sending one late invoice reminder counts)
✅ Don’t beat yourself up if you fall behind, just adjust and keep going
🎯 The Bottom Line
Quarterly financial goals for small business owners aren’t just for the big players - they’re for you, right now, exactly where you are. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and laugh at the occasional disaster (because let’s be real, there will be a few).
So, what are your financial goals for this quarter? Drop them in the comments - or better yet, subscribe to Tea on the Ledger for more no-nonsense, slightly sassy advice to help you keep your books in order and your business growing strong.
Let’s make this quarter your most profitable one yet! 🌿
