Business By The Books with Danielle Hayden The Power of the Quarterly Financial Review: How 90 Mins Every 90 Days Changes Everything – Ep. 228
You're reviewing your numbers monthly (go you!), but what about taking a step back to see the big picture? In this episode, Danielle walks you through the power of a quarterly financial review, one of the most practical ways to make smarter decisions, spot real trends, and align your business goals with your personal ones.
She breaks down the difference between monthly and quarterly reviews (the micro vs. macro view each provides), what numbers to look at quarterly, and how to analyze those numbers. All you need is 90 minutes every 90 days to use your financials as a tool for success and lead your business with deeper clarity and confidence.
Key Takeaways:
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Monthly vs. Quarterly Reviews: Monthly reviews help you manage the day-to-day, while quarterly reviews are your roadmap, zooming out to see long-term trends and course correct if needed.
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Revenue Trends & Profitability: Don't just focus on sales. Understand where your income is coming from and if it's actually making you money.
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Operating Expenses: Your top five expenses tell the real story of your business priorities. Make sure your spending aligns with your vision.
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Personal + Business Alignment: Your personal and family goals should be part of your financial strategy. If they're out of sync, tension (and burnout) is bound to follow.
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Data > Emotion: Reviewing your numbers quarterly helps you strip away the emotional swings of entrepreneurship and make clear-headed decisions based on actual performance.
Topics Discussed:
(00:53 – 02:05) Monthly vs. Quarterly Reviews
(02:05 – 04:16) What to Include in a Quarterly Review
(04:16 – 05:48) Growth vs. Profit
(05:48 – 07:01) Aligning Business with Personal Goals
(07:01 – 08:50) Tracking & Analysis of Revenue Trends
(08:50 – 10:15) Reviewing Operating Expenses & Spending Trends
(10:15 – 12:19) Understanding Your Net Income & Cash Flow
(12:20 – 12:44) Reviewing How Much You're Paying Yourself & Your Team
(12:45 – 14:25) Comparing Budget vs. Actual
Kickstart's Quarterly Review Checklist:
Last quarter compared to year-to-date
Growth vs. profit & ROI
Personal vs. business financial alignment
Profit margin & revenue streams
Operating expenses + top 5 spending categories
Net income & monthly/quarterly patterns
Cash flow health + reserve analysis
Owner's pay & team compensation
Budget vs. actuals
Action Steps:
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Blockout 90 minutes of CEO time
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Gather your Snapshot and financial statements
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Use your quarterly checklist to walk through the process
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Set 1–3 priority shifts or goals for the next 90 days
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Schedule your next review (and that call if you're a Kickstart client!)
Resources:
Past Episode | Healthy Spending Habits: Business Budget Percentages That Fuel Sustainable Growth – Ep. 220
Kickstart Accounting's CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo
Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:
https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book
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