Time for a Mid-Year Business Check-In
A smart mid-year business check-in uncovers cash flow trends, expense surprises, and revenue performance compared to industry benchmarks. Knowing what your books are saying now helps you plan wisely for the rest of the year.
June is the perfect halfway mark to stop and listen to your bookkeeping records. Think of your numbers as more than figures—they’re your business speaking to you about growth, risk, and opportunity.
Below is your quick guide to what a mid-year business review should reveal and how to turn insights into smart action.
📊 1. Cash Flow: The Story You Can’t Ignore
Your cash flow is the clearest signal of your business’s health. Compare your monthly cash inflows and outflows for the first six months:
| Month | Cash In | Cash Out | Surplus/Deficit |
| Jan | $20,000 | $18,500 | +$1,500 |
| Feb | $18,500 | $19,200 | -$700 |
| Mar | $22,000 | $20,000 | +$2,000 |
| Apr | $19,500 | $21,000 | -$1,500 |
| May | $23,000 | $20,500 | +$2,500 |
| June | $21,500 | $19,800 | +$1,700 |
Look For:
✅ Seasonal dips that repeat each year
✅ Sudden spikes in spending
✅ Consistent shortfalls that could signal cash management problems
Tip: Spotting cash flow patterns helps you plan for lean months and invest confidently during peak periods.
📌 2. Expense Categories: Find Hidden Drains
Break down your spending into clear categories—many business owners are surprised at where the money really goes. Focus on:
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Has this crept up faster than your revenue?
- Admin Costs: Growing admin costs might mean inefficiencies.
- Subscriptions & Software: Are you paying for tools you don’t use?
- Marketing: Is your marketing spend generating measurable ROI?
Look For:
Recurring “miscellaneous” expenses that add up over time. Small leaks sink big ships.
📈 3. Revenue Benchmarks: See the Big Picture
Are you hitting your revenue goals so far? Here’s a simple benchmark:
| Goal | Actual | % Achieved |
| Annual Revenue Target | $500,000 | — |
| Revenue by June | $250,000 | 50% |
Rule of Thumb: Being at or above 50% by June means you’re on track. Below that? It’s time to adjust sales strategies or explore new revenue streams.
Also Check:
- Which product or service brings in most of your revenue?
- Are you too reliant on a few key clients?
🔎 Look For… 5 Red Flags in Your Mid-Year Books
1️⃣ Revenue way below target
2️⃣ Cash flow gaps month after month
3️⃣ Growing debt with no repayment plan
4️⃣ High COGS but stagnant sales
5️⃣ Expenses rising faster than revenue
Spot any of these? It’s time to get proactive.
✅ Quick FAQ: Mid-Year Business Check-In
Q: What’s the biggest benefit of a mid-year review?
A clear roadmap to adjust spending, boost cash flow, and meet revenue goals before year-end.
Q: How often should I review cash flow?
Monthly is ideal—waiting six months is too long!
Q: Should I adjust my budget after this check-in?
Absolutely. Update your budget and forecasts based on what you see now.
📌 Next Steps: Turn Insight Into Action
Numbers alone won’t grow your business. Use what you learn to:
✔️ Renegotiate with vendors
✔️ Cut wasteful spending
✔️ Shift marketing dollars to top-performing channels
✔️ Adjust staffing or inventory for seasonal swings
Your books are a map—Ryder & Company is here to help you read it.
👉 Ready for a clearer, stronger second half? Contact Ryder & Company today for expert bookkeeping, payroll services, and strategic business support.
