Simplest 💲advice you’ve ever heard, inside.
And it still works like a charm.
As a financial coach for solopreneurs, it’s important for me to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
That means I wouldn’t tell my clients to do something I don’t do myself.
I’m constantly touting the benefits of a weekly review routine to create clarity and calm when it comes to finances…
And I know it works because I have a routine of my own!
I keep track of my weekly review process in a Google Doc checklist.
Even though I have been reviewing spreadsheets and bank accounts and accounting data for years, I still use checklists to remind myself what to review every week, month and quarter.
You might be thinking, Why? Isn’t it second nature by now? Is that really necessary?
My answer is YES! Not only is it necessary…
Living that checklist life is a total game changer.
Because, despite the fact that by multiplying:
The average hours I’ve worked in a year
X (times)
My 18 year career…
It turns out I’ve already spent the equivalent of 3 SOLID YEARS OF MY LIFE looking at numbers…
I consistently get my work done faster, use less brain power, and ensure I don’t miss anything when I use a checklist.
Already using a checklist?
Get even more efficient with one of my favorite time-saving tips: Add links in your checklists that take you directly to the documents or information you need to review.
For example, assume one of your steps is:
“Review QuickBooks P&L”
When the text link takes you directly to the exact Custom Report that has been pre-configured with the settings you need in the format you prefer…
Clicking that link = 1 step. No extra thinking is required after you do the one-time setup.
Now consider:
“Review QuickBooks P&L”
There’s no link… Hmm. Where do I find that again?
Oh yeah, I remember. I have to open my browser, type in the url, navigate to Reports, click on the Standard P&L, change the dates, run the report, and fiddle with the formatting…
All before I can even think about what I’m supposed to review in the first place.
That process = 7 steps (plus more with any accidental clicks). It requires lots of thinking and remembering, plus there’s potential to get distracted on the internet between every step.
Multiply that times every task on your list, and it’s no wonder the whole process of reviewing your numbers feels painful, confusing and slow.
So, if you’d rather save yourself some time, energy and brainpower, a simple solution is to use and optimize financial review checklists.
Try it out this week and let me know how you like it!
