December has a way of sneaking up on everyone. Between wrapping up work, end-of-year deadlines, school holidays, and Christmas plans, it’s easy to mentally “switch off” from the numbers until January rolls around. And that’s okay — a proper break matters.

Before you do, there are a few simple financial checks worth making. Not to forecast, not to overhaul anything — just to make sure there are no small issues waiting for you when you come back.

Think of this as a quiet pre-holiday tidy-up.

1. Check Your Cash Balance (Just for Awareness)

This applies whether you’re running a business or managing your household finances.

Take a moment to:

• Look at your main bank account balance
• Check that recent transactions look familiar
• Make sure there are no unexpected payments or missing income

For business owners, this might be your trading account.
For individuals, it might simply be your everyday or savings account.

You’re not analysing or forecasting, just building awareness so you can properly switch off knowing where things stand.

2. Review What’s Owing to You (and What You Owe)

Before Christmas, it helps to know what money is still in motion.

For business owners:

• Check outstanding invoices
• Confirm they’ve been sent and include correct payment details
• Consider sending a gentle reminder before the break

For individuals:

• Check for any unpaid reimbursements, bonuses, or expected payments
• Review upcoming bills or direct debits due over the holiday period

A quick review now can prevent awkward surprises in late December or early January.

3. Be Aware of January Obligations

January often feels quiet but financially, it can be busy.

For business owners, this may include:

• BAS lodgements
• Payroll reporting
• Contractor or employee payments

For individuals, this might be:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Upcoming school fees or registrations
• Insurance renewals or annual subscriptions

You don’t need to action anything early unless advised. Just knowing what’s coming makes January feel more manageable.

4. Check Superannuation or Retirement Contributions

Super doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas.

For employers:

• Check when your next super guarantee payment is due
• Confirm payments are scheduled correctly
• Allow for public holiday processing delays

For individuals:

• Check your super account balance and recent contributions
• Make sure employer contributions are appearing as expected
• Note any personal contribution plans for the year ahead (to review later)

This isn’t about strategy — just a quick sense-check before the year closes.

5. Make Sure You Can Access Key Records if Needed

Even if you plan to completely disconnect, it’s helpful to know access is there.

For business owners:

• Confirm you can log into Xero or your accounting software
• Check two-factor authentication is working
• Know where key reports or documents are stored

For individuals:

• Make sure you can access online banking and super accounts
• Know where important documents are saved (tax returns, insurance, loan details)

Peace of mind often comes from knowing you could check, even if you never do.

Before You Properly Switch Off

None of these checks should take long. Most can be done in under 15 minutes.

They’re not about being perfect or hyper-organised — they’re about reducing mental load and giving yourself a smoother start to the new year.

If you’d like help with a quick pre-Christmas check-in — whether that’s for your business or your personal finances — the HelloLedger team is here to help.

Otherwise, enjoy the break, recharge, and step into January feeling calm, clear, and ready.