As the year winds down and business owners everywhere prepare to wrap up projects, tie bows on budgets, and sip something festive, it’s the perfect time to look back at the financial habits that kept your business on Santa’s good side.
Yes, even the big guy has a “Nice List” for business owners. And no surprise… the ones who make it there consistently are usually the ones with great financial habits (and a Fractional CFO quietly helping behind the scenes).
So grab a mug of cocoa and check out the 10 financial habits that keep your business in the North Pole’s good graces and set you up for a strong start in 2026.
1. Reviewing Financials Every Month
Nothing lands a business on Santa’s naughty list faster than ignoring the numbers.
Great owners take time to look at revenue, expenses, cash positions, and trends.
Where a Fractional CFO helps: Turning raw numbers into insights, so you can make confident decisions without guessing.
2. Keeping Cash Flow Simple and Predictable
Holiday magic is great, but it’s not a cash-flow strategy.
Businesses on the “Nice List” forecast their highs, lows, and seasonal shifts.
Fractional CFO benefit: We create cash flow models that act like a GPS for your business finances.
3. Tidying Up Those Endless Subscriptions
You know the ones – the tool you tried in March, the software you forgot in July, and the free trial that’s been charging you since last Christmas.
Fractional CFO benefit: Identifying waste and trimming expenses without cutting muscle.
4. Tracking Profit by Service Line or Client
Not all revenue is good revenue.
The smartest business owners know exactly what’s profitable and what isn’t.
Fractional CFO benefit: Setting up reporting so you see what drives margins and what drains them (in case you wondered, when you work with SAGE, we provide @Jirav dashboards to keep you in the know).
5. Budgeting for Growth, Not Just Survival
The Nice List is filled with leaders who think ahead: new services, hires, investments, and expansion.
Fractional CFO benefit: Strategic budgeting that supports long-term goals (not just “keeping the lights on”).
6. Staying Compliant Without Stress
Santa doesn’t like tax surprises… and neither do business owners.
Fractional CFO benefit: Staying ahead on filings, prep, and planning so nothing catches you off guard.
7. Understanding KPI’s (Not Just Collecting Them)
The best KPI’s are the ones you actually use – not the ones sitting in a dashboard you haven’t opened since April.
Fractional CFO benefit: We help determine which metrics truly matter and what actions to take when they change.
8. Managing Debt and Credit Proactively
Good debt helps you grow; bad debt slows you down.
Nice List companies know the difference and plan appropriately.
Fractional CFO benefit: Structuring debt wisely and building a long-term financing strategy.
9. Preparing for “What If…” Moments
Economic shifts, client turnover, supply chain hiccups – Santa knows preparation makes all the difference.
Fractional CFO benefit: Scenario planning and stress-testing so your business is ready for whatever 2026 brings.
10. Asking for Help Before It’s Urgent
This one is Santa’s favorite.
Great business leaders don’t wait until December to think about financial clarity.
They bring in the right partners early, so they avoid crisis-mode later.
And that’s exactly where a Fractional CFO can change the game.
🎁 Wrapping Up 2026
As you close out the books and set intentions for a strong 2026, consider whether your business could benefit from a partner who sees around corners, steers growth, protects margins, and gives you peace of mind all year long.
A Fractional CFO isn’t just for big companies – they’re for businesses that want to grow smart.
If you’d like support with forecasting, budgeting, cash flow planning, or financial strategy heading into the new year, Sage CFO Group is here to help.
Let’s make 2026 your most financially confident year yet.