30 Minutes a Month to Know Exactly Where You Stand

For most sole traders and micro-business owners, the biggest source of stress isn’t the work itself—it’s not knowing where you stand financially until it’s too late. Year-end accounts are useful, but they only show you the past. What you need is real-time control.

This article lays out an easy, repeatable monthly routine that takes just 30 minutes, gives you instant clarity, and helps you make smarter business decisions. You don’t need to be a numbers person—you just need a system. And if you want support, Zenith Book Keeping is here to help (with a special early-2026 offer for new clients).

Why a Monthly Money Routine Matters

• Removes anxiety: No more “I hope I’m OK” moments.
• Prevents surprises: You see issues before they become problems.
• Builds confidence: You make decisions based on facts, not gut feel.
• Saves time: 30 minutes a month beats hours of panic at tax time.

The 30-Minute Monthly Money Routine

Step 1: Gather your numbers (5 minutes)

• Download bank statements (business account only)
• Open your bookkeeping software or spreadsheet

Step 2: List your income and expenses (10 minutes)

• Log all income for the month (invoices paid, sales, etc.)
• Categorise all expenses (materials, subscriptions, travel, marketing, etc.)

Step 3: Calculate your profit for the month (5 minutes)

• Total income minus total expenses = monthly profit
• If you’re VAT registered, calculate profit before and after VAT

Step 4: Set aside money for tax (3 minutes)

• Move a percentage of your profit into a separate “tax buffer” account
• Review your tax rate (usually 20–30% for sole traders)

Step 5: Review and reflect (7 minutes)

Ask yourself:

• Which jobs or clients were most profitable?
• Did any costs surprise you?
• Are there any leaks (unused subscriptions, fees, etc.)?
• What’s one thing you’ll change next month?

Real-World Example: The “Surprise Subscription”

Sarah, a freelance web designer, started tracking her numbers monthly. She realised she was paying for three design tools she rarely used—costing her £60/month. After cancelling, she freed up £720 a year, with almost zero effort.

Tips to Make It Stick

• Block out the same 30 minutes each month in your calendar
• Use a checklist so you don’t miss steps
• Treat it like a meeting with your business—non-negotiable
• If you fall behind, just start fresh next month (don’t try to catch up all at once)

How Zenith Book-keeping Can Help

• Set up your tracking system so it’s easy to maintain
• Automate regular reports and reminders
• Spot patterns and highlight savings opportunities
• Give you peace of mind that your numbers are right

Key Takeaways

• 30 minutes a month is all it takes to stay in control
• Small leaks add up—reviewing regularly keeps you profitable
• Tax should never be a surprise
• Clarity builds confidence and reduces stress

Ready to take control in 2026?

If you want your business finances to feel simple and stress-free, now’s the time to get a system in place. Zenith Book Keeping is offering a special early-2026 discount for new clients—perfect if you want to start the year with clarity and confidence.

No matter what bookkeeping software you use, Zenith Book-keeping is happy to help you get the best from your package. And if you don’t use one yet, we’ll guide you through the best options to make your financial record keeping and planning as easy as 1-2-3.

Check out Zenith’s current offer and see how easy it can be to know exactly where you stand—every month.

Don’t miss our next article, which will help you to understand how to keep on top of cash flow.