Finish the Year Strong: The 3 Numbers Every Woman Entrepreneur Should Know Before December 31

28.11.25 03:36 PM - By Lori Mercaldi, EA
Business Woman working at her desk

As women entrepreneurs, we carry a lot — clients, household responsibilities, community commitments, emotional labor, and the financial weight of our businesses. And as the year comes to a close, it’s easy to lose ourselves in deadlines, holiday activity, and the rush to “just get everything done.” But before we cross the finish line, there’s something incredibly empowering we can do:


💡 Get clear on where we stand financially


Not in a stressful way. Not with spreadsheets scattered across your desk. But with clarity that gives you confidence and control.

There are three essential financial numbers every woman entrepreneur should know before wrapping up the year — and understanding them can completely transform how you move into 2026.

Let’s break them down.


1️⃣ Total Revenue to Date

This is the total amount of money that has flowed into your business so far this year.

Revenue isn’t the same as profit — but it does reveal important things:

* Your capacity and workload

* Whether your pricing supports your goals

* Revenue patterns or seasonal rhythms

* Your overall financial traction

Knowing this number before year-end allows you to make empowered decisions about offers, pricing, and planning.


2️⃣ Owner’s Pay

This is how much you actually paid yourself this year. As women, we’re often conditioned to put ourselves last — especially financially. But Owner’s Pay is more than a number:

It’s a reflection of…

* How well your business supports your life

* Whether your pricing is sustainable

* Your long-term financial well-being

If your owner’s pay is irregular, unpredictable, or lower than you want — you’re not alone. Profit First gives you a simple framework to pay yourself consistently and confidently.


3️⃣ Profit Balance (After All Expenses)

Your profit balance shows — in real numbers — the true health of your business.

Profit is what remains after expenses, and with Profit First, it lives in its own dedicated bank account so you can see it clearly.

This money is not for bills. It’s not for taxes. It’s your reward for building a sustainable business.

Even if the balance is small right now, it represents progress, discipline, and growth.


Why These 3 Numbers Matter Before Year-End

When you understand these numbers, you gain:

✨ Clarity 

✨ Direction 

✨ Confidence 

✨ Relief


This clarity allows you to close out the year feeling grounded rather than overwhelmed — and it gives you the insight you need to step into 2026 with intention!


Lori Mercaldi, EA

Lori Mercaldi, EA

Profit Strategist & Certified Profit First Professional Financial Tally
http://www.financialtally.com/

Lori Mercaldi is a Certified Profit First Professional and Profit Strategist who helps service-based business owners gain clarity, confidence, and sustainable profit. She empowers entrepreneurs to understand their numbers, pay themselves consistently, and build financially healthy businesses.