Mid-Year, Full Clarity: 3 Questions to Ask Your Books

July is the halfway point in your year, a perfect time to pause and check in with your finances. This isn’t just about making sure the numbers look “right.” It’s about making sure your books are telling you the story you need to make smart decisions for the rest of the year.

Here are three key questions to ask:

1. Am I on track with my revenue goals?

Compare your year-to-date income against your annual goal. Are you on pace? If

not, this mid-year checkpoint gives you time to adjust pricing, increase enrollment, or launch a new program.

Pro Tip: Run a Profit & Loss by month to see if income patterns are steady or seasonal.

2. Are my expenses creeping up?

Small cost increases can go unnoticed month to month. A mid-year review lets you spot trends and cut back where needed.

Pro Tip: Go through your bigger expense categories in detail and look at exactly what and how much you've been spending. Are there any vendors that need shopped out for better pricing/quality? Do you need to cut back your ordering with some vendors and replace with cheaper options? For example, going to the grocery store (or placing your order online and picking up) would be a cheaper option than using Instacart.

3. Do I have enough cash flow for the next 6 months?

Look at your current balance, upcoming expenses, and any seasonal slowdowns to make sure you’re prepared.

Pro Tip: If you are on a bi-weekly payroll schedule, pull out the calendar to see when your next 3-payroll month will be.

Next Steps: Want help reviewing your mid-year financial health?

We work with early childhood programs to analyze results, spot risks, and plan for a strong second half of the year.