Being self-employed gives you a lot of flexibility, but summer can still bring its own set of challenges. Whether you’re juggling school holidays, facing a seasonal dip in income, or just trying to stay on top of your accounts when you’d rather be enjoying the sunshine, planning ahead can make a big difference.
Juggling Kids and Work? Plan Ahead
As schools break up for the summer, many self-employed business owners find themselves switching between business calls and snack time. It’s not always easy to balance both roles, but carving out focused work time, perhaps early mornings or quiet evenings, can help. Letting your clients know in advance what your availability looks like over the summer will manage expectations, and if you’re feeling stretched, consider delegating or outsourcing tasks like admin or bookkeeping. Most importantly, give yourself permission to slow down a little. The key is being in control of the pace, rather than reacting to it.
Seasonal Drop in Income? Budget Smart
If your business tends to slow down during the summer months, especially if you’re in a B2B or service-based industry, now is a great time to get ahead of your cash flow. Take stock of what’s coming in and what’s going out during August and September, and trim any unnecessary costs if needed. It’s also a good time to chase overdue invoices and make sure your billing is up to date. If you suspect that your upcoming tax payment might be a stretch, don’t leave it too late, reach out. We can help plan your payments or speak to HMRC on your behalf if needed.
Use the Quiet to Get Ahead on Bookkeeping
While things may be a little quieter on the client front, it’s an ideal opportunity to get organised with your books. Tidying up receipts, reconciling your bank accounts, and staying on top of expenses can all be done more efficiently with the right tools, like Dext or Xero’s mobile app. If you want a clearer picture of what your January tax bill might look like, sending your records over to us now means we can calculate it well in advance, giving you more time to plan.
Bonus Tip: Take Time Off Without Losing Momentum
Everyone needs a break, and your business will be just fine while you recharge. Set up auto-replies, plan and schedule content in advance, and communicate any out-of-office time to clients so they’re in the loop. With the right planning, you can unplug fully and enjoy your holiday without stress. And if you need help automating parts of your workflow before you switch off, we’re happy to help.
Need a Hand Staying on Track?
We support a wide range of self-employed clients throughout the year, and summer is no exception. Whether you need help forecasting, staying on top of your invoicing, or just want a bit more breathing room in your business, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us to find out more.
