Before you start setting numbers for 2026, you need a clear picture of what your business is doing today. Recently, I came across an article from Clear Path Solutions, shared by its owner, Eileen Carlson-Kelly, who supports small businesses with financial guidance. Her approach aligns closely with what I teach inside Your Business Made Easy, so I wanted to share my take on her core message — and how you can apply it in a practical, real-world way.

Because here’s the truth:
A budget is only as strong as the preparation behind it.

Step 1: Gather the Numbers That Tell the Real Story

You can’t plan for the future if you don’t understand your past and present.

Pull together the information that shows how your business is actually performing:

• Profit & Loss Statement

• Cash flow summary

• Bank statements

• Expenses and vendor updates

• Inventory or service-related costs

• Tax records

• Accounts receivable & payable

• Market and industry trends

• Your original business plan (if you have one)

If you’re using QuickBooks, these reports are easy to generate. If not, start with your bank statements and invoices. Work with what you have — the goal is accuracy, not perfection.

Step 2: Look Back Before You Look Ahead

This is where most business owners struggle, and where the biggest breakthroughs happen.

Take the last two years and review:

• Sales patterns: growth, slow seasons, or sudden dips

• Profit margins: especially by product or service

• Expense patterns: what increased and why

• Cash flow cycles: when things got tight or when money piled up

• Capacity: can your team and current systems support more business?

• External shifts: economy, competitors, regulation changes

This step isn’t busywork — it’s what gives your future budget shape and direction.

When you take time to study what actually happened, you’re no longer guessing.
You’re planning with clarity.

Step 3: Build Your 2026 Plan Based on Evidence, Not Hope

Once your data and notes are organized, you can create a realistic and intentional plan.

Ask yourself:

• Where do I want real growth next year?

• What needs to be improved or eliminated?

• What investments will move the business forward?

• What risks should I prepare for now?

• What goals make sense based on actual results?

This is how you move away from “hoping next year is better” and into actually planning for it.

One of the smartest reminders from Clear Path Solutions was this:
If you skip the prep work, your budget becomes nothing more than educated guessing.

And if there’s one thing I’ve seen over and over in coaching sessions, it’s this:
The owners who take time to review their data always outperform the ones who don’t.

2026 Can Be Your Best Year — If You Start with the Right Prep

Big thank you again to Clear Path Solutions for the solid foundational insights. What I’ve shared above is how I help business owners break things down in a simpler, more actionable way so they can make smarter calls all year long.

If you want help building a profit-focused plan, identifying opportunities, and creating a budget based on evidence — not guesswork:

👉 Schedule your free Profit Acceleration Call with David Visco

Let’s build a roadmap that supports your growth, protects your margins, and sets you up for a stronger 2026.

Let's Talk