Summer Slowdown? Use It to Strengthen Your Books and Boost Profitability
Monday, July 28, 2025
It's August, which means summer is wrapping up, vacations are nearly over, and for most parents, it's also back to school. For many businesses, this is still the summer slowdown. It can be the perfect time to dive into the areas of your business that often get pushed aside, starting with your books.
Here’s how to make the most of your summer slowdown and position your business for a stronger, more profitable second half of the year.
1. Clean Up Your Financials
If your bookkeeping has taken a back seat to day-to-day operations, now is the time to catch up. Review income and expense reports, reconcile accounts, and ensure your records are accurate and up to date. Clean books not only help with tax planning, they also give you a clearer picture of where your money is going, and where it should be going.
Tip: Use this time to sort out any lingering errors or inconsistencies from earlier in the year. The better your financial data, the smarter your decisions will be.
2. Analyze Profit Margins and Cut Waste
Dig into your cost of goods sold (COGS), vendor pricing, and overhead. Are there expenses you can trim or renegotiate? Are your most popular products also your most profitable? Summer is ideal for a deep-dive analysis to uncover hidden costs or underperforming areas that are dragging down your bottom line.
3. Review and Adjust Your Budget
Mid-year is a smart time to re-forecast your financial plan. Are you on track to meet your revenue goals? Do you need to adjust spending to stay on target? A refreshed budget based on current data can help you end the year stronger and more aligned with your goals.
4. Invest in Financial Systems and Automation
When business is slower, you have more bandwidth to evaluate tools and processes. Consider implementing or upgrading your accounting software, automating invoicing, or streamlining your payroll process. Investing in financial tech now can save you hours (and headaches) in the busy season.
5. Schedule a Strategy Session
A mid-year financial check-in with your accountant or advisor can make a major impact. At J&S Accounting, we help small business owners identify opportunities, reduce tax liabilities, and plan for long-term growth. This quieter season is the ideal time to review your financial health and adjust course as needed.
Turn Downtime Into Your Competitive Edge
A seasonal slowdown doesn’t mean business stops, it means you can finally work on your business instead of just in it. By tightening your books, reassessing your goals, and improving financial systems, you’ll be better prepared to capitalize on the busy months ahead.
Let’s make this summer work for you.
Contact J&S Accounting today to schedule your mid-year strategy session and turn your downtime into growth time.
About J&S Accounting
At J&S Accounting, we provide expert bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. We recognize the challenges that come with maintaining accurate financial records and how vital this is for the smooth operation and growth of your business. As a woman and minority-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our expertise to businesses in Savannah, GA, and across the nation, helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve better financial management.
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Disclaimer:This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.
© 2023 J&S Accounting. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.