New Year Planning & Budgeting 101
One Month Until 2026 — Let’s Set You Up for a Strong, Aligned Year
December 1st marks a powerful moment in the year.
We’re officially one month away from 2026… and you still have time to set strong intentions, goals, and a grounded financial framework for the year ahead.
The truth is: new year planning doesn’t need to be complicated.
You don’t need a 12-tab spreadsheet or a hyper-detailed 50-point plan. What you do need is clarity, direction, and a loose but thoughtful structure that helps guide your decisions throughout the year.
Here’s how to start your 2026 planning and budgeting with ease.
1. Start With the Vision — How Do You Want Your Year to Feel?
Before you run numbers, open a journal or note on your phone and think through:
How do I want my business to feel in 2026?
Where am I taking this business?
How many clients do I want to serve?
What offerings or services do I want to refine or add?
What growth feels aligned?
What would feel expansive, not overwhelming?
Make it realistic — but still a stretch.
You want goals you can reach if you push yourself, but not so far that you shut down before you even begin.
Think of this as the emotional blueprint for your financial plan.
2. Review This Past Year’s Numbers
Your historical numbers are your best teacher.
Look at your 2025 profit & loss month by month:
Where did your income dip?
What months were your strongest?
Where did expenses creep up unexpectedly?
Were there purchases or subscriptions you regret?
Were you pricing correctly or undercharging?
Patterns tell a story — and they help you build a better one for next year.
3. Build Your 2026 Budget (The Simple Way)
Your budget shouldn’t feel rigid or stressful.
Think of it as a guide, not a rulebook.
Here’s how to start:
Step 1 — Decide your net profit goal
What do you want to take home or retain in the business next year?
This number guides everything else.
Step 2 — Work backward
If you want to earn $XXk in profit, how much revenue do you need?
Then break it down:
By quarter
By month
Even by week, if helpful
This gives you a roadmap for client goals, sales goals, and service offerings.
Step 3 — Review expected expenses
Look at the past year and ask:
Where did I overspend?
What can I eliminate, outsource, or streamline?
What investments do I want to make (software, coaching, hiring, equipment)?
What are my fixed vs. variable expenses?
Step 4 — Check your margins
Is your revenue in line with industry averages?
Are you keeping enough?
Does your pricing support your goals?
This is where many wellness businesses fall short — and where budgeting brings everything into focus.
Step 5 — Start small if you need to
You can plan an entire year…
or you can start with just Q1, or Q1 + Q2.
There’s no wrong way to begin.
Momentum matters more than perfection.
4. Build a Plan You Can Follow
Your planning process shouldn’t overwhelm you.
Keep it simple. Keep it doable.
Review your numbers monthly
Adjust as you go
Give yourself space to pivot
Track your goals in one place
Celebrate your progress
Clarity = confidence.
Consistency = growth.
5. Need Support Building Your 2026 Vision? I’m Here.
Whether you want help:
Reviewing your numbers
Setting up a realistic budget
Creating a clear revenue plan
Understanding industry averages
Or simply understanding what’s possible for your wellness business next year…
I’d love to support you.
Let’s create a 2026 plan you feel grounded, confident, and excited about.
Reach out anytime if you’re ready to get started.
