How to Protect Your Business Cash Flow During December and January
December and January can be tough for small businesses. Work slows down, clients take longer to pay, and pressure builds at the worst possible time. While everyone else seems to be winding down for the holidays, you are left refreshing your bank account and hoping invoices clear before the new year.
But you don’t have to sit and wait it out. There are simple, practical actions you can take today to keep cash flowing and give yourself a smoother start to 2026.
Let’s look at a few quick wins that actually work.
Chase Your Invoices
There is no easier way to improve cash flow than collecting money you are already owed.
A friendly reminder email or message can make all the difference, especially at this time of year. Most clients aren’t avoiding payment, they are distracted or working reduced hours.
You can also:
Send statements showing all outstanding invoices
Offer online payment options
Add due dates to your reminders
Follow up with a call if needed
Do not feel awkward about chasing. You delivered the work, you deserve to be paid.
Offer a Quick-Win Service
If your main services are long-term or high-ticket, consider offering a smaller, fast turnaround service during quieter months.
This could be something like:
A one-hour consultation
A mini audit or review
A done-for-you setup
A seasonal offer tied to year-end
These services are easier for clients to say yes to and can bring in cash quickly while keeping your pipeline warm.
Pre-Sell Work for January
Many businesses are already thinking about their goals for the new year. This makes December the perfect time to pre-sell work for January.
You can:
Offer early booking discounts
Bundle services that start in the new year
Set up retainers or monthly plans
Schedule strategy sessions for the first week of January
You get upfront cash, and your clients get clarity heading into the new year.
Upsell Existing Clients
The easiest sales to make are to people already working with you. They know your value, trust your work, and often need more help than they realise.
Think about what your clients already buy from you and what complementary services you could offer, such as:
Additional support
Higher-tier packages
Training
Add-ons that save them time
Even a small upsell can make a big difference to your cash flow.
Create Cash Flow, Don’t Wait For It
The biggest mistake business owners make in December and January is going quiet and hoping things pick up. Cash flow is something you can influence. These small actions can boost your bank balance, reduce stress, and help you enter the new year on a stronger footing.
If December feels slow or January starts off tight, the key is to stay proactive. Chase what you are owed, offer something new, and engage with clients. Small moves create big shifts.
Planning for a Smoother 2026
Seasonal slumps are normal, but with proper financial planning, you can avoid the year-end cash squeeze altogether.
At Rhombus Accounting, we help business owners build predictable, stable cash flow plans that work all year round. If you want support creating a smoother financial strategy for 2026, we are here to help.
Send us a message and we will walk you through your options.
Meet Lewis
Lewis is a professional accountant and founder of Rhombus Accounting. He regularly shares his knowledge and best advice here on his blog and on other channels such as LinkedIn.
Book a call today to learn more about what Lewis and Rhombus Accounting can do for you.
