As we head into the final stretch of the year, many small business owners start shifting their focus to wrapping up projects, preparing for the holidays, and setting goals for the new year. But before you close the books on 2025, there’s one key area you can’t afford to overlook — your accounts receivable.

Outstanding invoices can quietly choke your cash flow, leaving you stressed when it’s time to pay expenses, plan for taxes, or reinvest in your business. The good news? With a few intentional steps, you can take control of your receivables now — and go into the new year with more cash in hand and peace of mind.

Here’s how:

1. Review Your Outstanding Invoices Weekly

Instead of waiting until the end of the month, set aside time each week to review open invoices.
Ask yourself:

• Who still owes you money?

• How long have those invoices been outstanding?

• Are there clients who consistently pay late?

By keeping an eye on this regularly, you can address issues early instead of chasing payments when it’s too late.

2. Send Friendly Payment Reminders

Many times, clients simply forget. A short, polite reminder can make all the difference. Automate reminder emails in your invoicing software (like QuickBooks Online) or schedule a quick follow-up note a few days before or after the due date.

Tip: Keep your tone professional and friendly — you’re reminding them of a commitment, not nagging.

3. Make It Easy for Clients to Pay

The easier you make it to pay you, the faster you’ll get paid.
Consider offering:

• Online payment options (credit card, ACH, or payment link)

• Clear payment instructions directly on your invoice

• Multiple payment methods within your accounting software

Small tweaks like these can significantly speed up turnaround time.

4. Enforce Clear Payment Terms

If your invoice says “Due on receipt,” but clients pay in 30 days, it’s time to set firmer boundaries. Going into the new year, review your payment terms and update them if needed.

Examples:

• Require a deposit before starting new projects

• Set “Net 7” or “Net 14” terms instead of “Net 30”

• Add a small late fee policy for overdue invoices

Consistency builds trust — and helps clients take your policies seriously.

5. Revisit Your Client List

Take a look at which clients consistently delay payments. If they’re hurting your cash flow more than helping your growth, it might be time to rethink the relationship or require upfront payment for future work.

Healthy boundaries protect both your business and your peace of mind.

6. Forecast Your Cash Flow

Once you’ve reviewed your receivables, create a simple cash flow projection through the end of the year. Knowing what’s coming in (and when) helps you plan for year-end expenses like taxes, bonuses, or business investments.

If you’re not sure where to start, a bookkeeper can help you set up a simple forecast so you can see your financial picture clearly.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let unpaid invoices follow you into the new year. Staying proactive with your accounts receivable means more than getting paid — it means running your business with confidence and control.

So before you get caught up in year-end busyness, take some time to clean up your receivables. You’ll thank yourself when January comes and your cash flow is strong, steady, and stress-free.

Contact us today to learn how we can help your business thrive!